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Andrews Lake Recreation Area

a snowy slice of paradise high enough perhaps to qualify as heaven

story and photos by Christina Nesset

Getting Started

Directions: Access to the Andrews Lake parking area is 40 miles north of Durango on Highway 550 or 6 miles south of Silverton on 550. If the parking area is full use the shoulder of the highway but stay clearly outside of the white line or risk a ticket.
Dogs: Dogs in owner control are welcome
Season: November to April
Road Conditions: Colorado Department of Transportation (303) 639-1111 or www.cotrip.org
Information: San Juan Public Lands Center, 15 Burnett Court, Durango, CO 81301; (970) 247-4874
Avalanche Information: (970) 247-8187

It's no secret to winter enthusiasts in southwest Colorado that the Andrews Lake Recreation Area near Molas Pass is a little piece of high alpine paradise. Even in lean snow years users will find dreamy powder for snowshoes, snowboards and skis. For its quiet scenery, it's heavenly.

In 2001, the 200-acre Andrews Lake Recreation Area, or "donut hole," was established by the San Juan National Forest and the BLM San Juan Field Office. The skier-friendly sanctuary within the 7,100-acre Molas Pass area was intended to minimize conflicts between motorized and non-motorized recreationalists while also protecting Canada Lynx habitat. But Andrews Lake has been in the throes of controversy ever since, with motor enthusiasts pushing to get back in and non-motor enthusiasts wanting to expand the area. Years of drought and an increase in recreational use of the area has increased competition from both animal and man for these pristine snowy high mountain areas. But the boundaries have not budged; Andrews Lake remains a heavenly place for skiers and snowshoers.

There are no groomed trails but year after year users create a network of trails to follow, some very creative. There is always an established route on the access road from the parking area to Andrews Lake. If you are feeling adventurous it is easy enough to take off and explore the area on untouched snow. On the weekends activity on both sides of the signed boundary can be robust.

The elevation at Andrews Lake is just above 10,800 feet - and the options for a do-it-yourself adventure are many by either follow existing tracks or making your own.

To the east Mt. Snowdon towers over the area and creates a formidable barrier but the terrain around Andrews Lake, between Highway 550 and the mountain, is vast. Touring around the lake and its neighboring hills is a great opportunity for beginners or families with young children to get a taste of high alpine backcountry adventure. The views are consistently incredible, with Snowdon to the east, the Needles Range to the southeast, the mountains Grand Turk and Sultan to the north, and Engineer Mountain to the southwest.

More advanced skiers can opt for the Weminuche Wilderness and head southeast on the Crater Lake Trail. The climb of over 500 feet to an expansive bench opens opportunities to a variety of route-making and -taking adventures. Rock outcroppings frame frozen snow-covered lakes, jagged peaks skewer the sky - the climb into the area is a winner. If you're game and able, link a series of telemark turns on the way back down.

Andrews Lake is easily accessible but also a gateway to a wild foray into backcountry where all proper precautions should be heeded. Proper clothing, extra food, water and a map are strongly encouraged. Conditions can change rapidly so be prepared. The area isn't known for major avalanching but if you are planning to push the boundaries, especially near Snowdon, all precautions should be taken. Always check the avalanche hotline before heading into any alpine backcountry.

No matter the skill level, Andrews Lake has the adventure. On a recent trip to the area with a close friend who is more movie buff than athlete, her first experience on cross-country skis was managed with a smile on her face.