To get to the South Colony Lakes trailhead, take CO 69 south from Westcliffe. Drive 4.5 miles, curve to the east and turn right on Colfax Lane. Drive 5.5 miles to the end of Colfax. Turn right onto South Colony Lakes Rd. About a mile up the road is the lower parking area if you have a low clearence vehicle you should park here.  It is about 5.5 miles to the upper parking areas.  The road gets progressively rougher as you get higher in elevation.  There are several pull offs along the way if the road gets to rough.  A small parking area after the 2nd creek crossing is the main parking area. An overflow lot is located just before the crossing which most people park here not knowing there is another parking area until they are geared up. From the trailhead it is about 1.5 miles to the lower lake.  The hike is a popular hike among hikers looking to bag 14ers and you will find few anglers in the area.  There is no camping within 300' of the lakes and campsites can go fast, the area is being threatened to be closed by the forest service for the over use of the area so please use already established sites.  I hiked the trail in mid July and there were still several sections under 2 to 5 ft of snow.  

This trail is do able in a stock 2wd with a high ground clearance the road is very rocky so it will take a lot of time to cover ground.  It is usually ice free and accessible around mid to late June.  The Lower South Colony Lake is at N37°57.842' Latitude and W105°33.749' Longitude with an elevation of 11,804 ft. The Upper South Colony Lake is at N37°58.092' Latitude and W105°34.173' Longitude with an elevation of 12,100 ft. 

South Colony Lakes contain cutthroat trout.  Flies I have had success with at this lake include, mosquito patterns, griffen gnats, copper johns, and parachute tricos.  

This list is intended as a guide only and no responsibility is taken for any incident arising from mis-information. The ultimate responsibility as to whether the trail is safe to travel, within the capabilities of yourself and your vehicle, or indeed open at all, is taken by YOU.

To view more pictures of the trails, mines, and lakes check out our South Colony Lakes Gallery.