Trail Update: July 26, 2024 – Trail is cleared of down trees.
Please share any trail updates in the Comment section below.
Length: 1.6-miles (one-way)
Elevation Stats: Elevation gain 148’, descent 320’. Starting elevation 9685’.
Trailhead facilities: Vault toilet
Trail summary: This hike description is to Harris Lake.
This is a short hike that is good for kids and best in the early season as both lakes are drained for water rights in a nearby ranch community.
Easy hike with a few small ups and down and plenty of opportunity to play in the mud and water to investigate little critters that are most enjoyed by tiny hands. Lots of open meadow features as well as shady respite.
July 9th – great Flowers, lakes are full. 3 large aspen down on trail. 2 about 1/2 miles dons from TH and the 3 just before Harris.
St Patrick’s hiking group had a great hike to the NW corner of Harris lake, just past the old causeway. The trail was in good condition. Harris Lake was almost dry … Buckles seemed at a reasonable level
You may encounter livestock in and around the Buckles/Harris Lakes area.
Brandon, we so much appreciate your support of the website.
This gorgeous trail will delight wildflower photographers, bird watchers, and anyone that desires to enjoy the beauty and serenity of God’s creation away from the crowds.
The Columbines are profuse in the aspen groves along the trail between Buckles and Harris Lakes right now (mid June 2020). It’s worth your time to hike to Harris Lake to see the Columbines. (The only two other places I’ve seen Columbines as beautful and abundant are Yankee Boy Basin, outside of Ouray, and in American Basin below Handies peak.)
Several different birds reside in the aspen groves. Their beautiful calls make for a peaceful and uplifting hike. Take time to stop and listen to them sing!
Wild geese swim in Buckles and Harris Lakes.
Bug spray is recommend as most of the hike is through wooded areas.
Packing extra water is also recommeded as there is not a stream on this trail to filter and refill water bottles. Still water is available at Buckles Lake. Be sure to filter. Harris Lake is almost dry.
The restroom at the trailhead is currently closed. Plan to bring your own BIFF kit. Please pack out your TP in a disposable bag.
A camera with back up battery and a fully charged cellphone are a must. We ran out of battery for both devices taking pictures. The scenery and flowers are that good!
I have hiked and backpacked in parts of the San Juan Mountain Region through the years. This short, easy trail ranks up there in my opinion as one of the prettiest and most serene. I will definitely hike it again!
Thanks for your wonderful commentary; I will tag it on the top of the trail description. Rob Lambert, Pagosa Area Trails Council
5 or so newly downed Aspen trees from recent storm. You can hike completely around Harris lake to lengthen hike by a mile.
Thanks for the info, Kris
Trail was opened to Buckles Lake by San Juan Back Country Horsemen (Mike Pluth and Rena Gallant) on May 10,2020.