Long Lake Recreation Area

How to recreate on, care for, and enjoy our lands

Long Lake is an easily accessible resource that boasts a myriad of recreational opportunities just north of the Town of Crested Butte. These activities include hiking, fishing, stand-up paddle boarding, and other water-based fun for the whole family. The Crested Butte Land Trust is proud to help manage access to Long Lake for all to enjoy. As you enjoy this community treasure, please keep in mind that it is still private open space bordering private property, and the northern half of the lake remains entirely on private property. Please respect your neighbors, fellow recreationalists, and the area surrounding the lake to ensure it will remain available for all to enjoy for generations to come.

Responsible Trail Use

We ask that you help reduce your impacts on this valuable community resource as much as possible by remembering to follow proper etiquette and responsible recreation practices:

Plan your trip at less popular times to avoid overcrowded trailheads and trailsTo minimize parking traffic, walk or bike to the trailhead whenever possible, and if the parking areas look full, consider going somewhere else that day.
Be respectful of neighborhoods near the trailheadsOnly park in designated areas without blocking right-of-ways or driveways
Plan aheadThere are no restroom facilities, and camping and fires are not allowed
Be mindful and respectful of other users on the trail and at the lakeKnow who has the right-of-way, and do not cut switchbacks; when allowing others to pass, step off to the side and wait (do not walk along the side) and watch where you step to avoid trampling wildflowers and other plants
Use designated trails onlyObey signage and don't trespass
Leave no trace, pack it in, pack it outPick up after yourself and leave the trails, trailheads, and lake better than you found them

All recreation must occur on the near shoreThere is no loop trail around Long Lake
Recreate safely and responsibly around and in the lakeThe water is cold, and swimmers can quickly become exhausted if attempting to swim across the lake
Share the love - educate others who aren't following best practices

Stewarding Long Lake for Generations to Come

Long Lake has a long history as one of Crested Butte’s most popular recreational areas. In 2020, the Crested Butte Land Trust completed a land exchange that ensured the community’s favorite swimming hole would be protected forever. In 2022, the Land Trust partnered with Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association and Adaptive Sports Center to build the Lilli Trail, a hand-cycle friendly loop trail along the north shore of the lake. Caring for this local treasure is an on-going process that includes a long-term management plan for the lake. The Land Trust is fortunate to have the collaboration of neighboring landowners to help us provide public access to this unique haven, but we also need support from the community to be good stewards of the land and help amplify our message.

Read the Full Story of Saving Long Lake

Thank You for Recreating Responsibly!

Click below to learn special rules and best practices on each Land Trust owned and managed propery

Slate River Floating

Lower Loop Recreation Area

More Information

If you have questions, comments or concerns about Long Lake planning & management, please contact Stewardship Director Jon Mugglestone at jon@cblandtrust.org or 970-349-1206.

Contact Jon