2013 Map of Emerald Lake

About this map

Emerald Lake and Little Emerald Lake sit deep within the high-elevation backcountry of the San Juan National Forest, where the borders of La Plata and Hinsdale counties meet. This area is characterized by dramatic topographic relief, dominated by the drainage systems of Lake Fork and the Los Pinos River. High-altitude landmarks such as Mount Oso, Buffalo Peak, and Peters Peak ring the northern horizon, while the western portion of the map is defined by the broad plateau of Cave Basin and the sheer descent into Hell Canyon. Access to these remote waters is indicated by a network of established paths, including the Lake Fork Trail 528 and the Pine River Trail 523, which follow the natural contours of the river valleys and mountain passes like Cañon Paso.