About Lake City

The Lunn Family has had a cabin in Lake City since the mid-1950s. Laura has enjoyed many summers hiking, biking, throwing horseshoes, seeing movies, and going to the San Juan Soda Company. Lake City started as a mining town in 1874 and retains its old west charm. Susan B. Anthony once spoke in Lake City and Alferd Packer had his most famous meal just outside of town. Today, Lake City is known for the Alpine Loop and the Hardrock 100.

NEED TO KNOW

Lake City sits at an elevation of 8,661 ft (higher than Machu Picchu)

  • Be cautious with alcohol consumption if you are not acclimated to high altitude

  • Drink lots of water (consider bringing a refillable water bottle), wear sunscreen and lip balm

  • Pack a sweater, fleece, or down jacket, as the nights will be cool

  • Lake City is bear country. Remove any food from your vehicle and lock it at night, as bear have been known to scavenge at night

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

Restaurants

  • Cannibal Grill (burgers, sandwiches, pizza, with bar)

  • Sportsman Station (BBQ)

  • Beny’s Mexican Restaurant (catering dinner on Friday night)

  • Tacos al Corazón (tacos and margaritas)

  • Euphoria (more elevated brunch and dinner)

  • Climb Elevated Eatery (fancier place offering lunch and dinner, catering the wedding reception)

Coffee

  • Breakfast Hangout (coffee and full breakfast menu)

  • Beny’s (coffee and full breakfast menu)

  • Blue Bird (breakfast burritos, pastries)

  • Chillin’ (breakfast burritos, pastries)

  • Lake City Bakery (drip coffee, pastries, calzones, breads, and cookies)

Ice Cream!

  • San Juan Soda Company (old fashioned ice cream parlor)

Bars

  • Lake City Brewing Company (craft beers and wine, snacks)

  • The Ol’ 53 (full bar)

  • Packer Saloon (full bar)

  • Bushwack Lodge Bar & Grill

Retail Food and Drink:

  • The Country Store (groceries)

  • Lake City Bakery (pastries, calzones, breads, and cookies)

  • Lake City Liquor Store (firewater of all kinds)

Parks:

  • City (playground, volleyball, tetherball)

  • Memorial (playgrounds, softball, beach, volleyball, boulles)

  • School (playground, tennis, basketball, pickleball)

Scenic Routes:

  • Windy Point/San Cristobal Overlook (by car)

  • Headwaters of the Rio Grande Overlook and South Clear Creek Falls (by car)

  • Alpine Loop (by Jeep/ATV)

  • American Basin (by Jeep/ATV)

  • Engineer’s Pass (by Jeep/ATV)

  • Capital City ghost town, Ute Ulay Mine, and Whitmore Falls (by Jeep or ATV)

Miscellaneous:

  • Lake City Historical Museum

  • Trivia (at the LCBC on Tuesday evenings)

  • Bingo (at the Armory on Wednesday evenings)

  • Yoga (at the Arts Center on Saturday mornings at 10:30)

  • Gun fights (Saturday morning downtown)

  • Michael Underwood’s photographic art gallery

  • Mountaineer Movie Theater (Friday, Saturday, Sunday evenings)

  • Lake City Library