Lake San Cristobal is a deep-blue mountain lake cradled by the San Juan Mountains just two miles south of Lake City. Colorado’s second-largest natural lake, it was created by one of the most famous landslides in North America, and today it is a peaceful spot for fishing, paddling, camping and wildlife watching.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, about 700 years ago the Slumgullion earthflow slid down from the rim of an ancient volcanic caldera and dammed the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, forming the lake. Today Lake San Cristobal is about 2 miles long and up to 89 feet deep, sitting at roughly 9,000 feet. A younger part of the Slumgullion slide is still creeping downhill, and you can see its raw yellow-gray scar from Colorado Highway 149 above the lake.

Fish from public shoreline areas near the outlet or along County Road 33 at Wupperman Campground, or launch from the public boat ramp, dock and parking area on the west side of the lake; canoes, kayaks and fishing boats can be rented in town. Wupperman Campground has 31 sites with lake views ($15 per night, no electricity), and the Red Mountain Gulch Day Use Area at the south end has picnic tables, grills and a pavilion near marshes where you may spot ducks, geese, beavers and sometimes moose or elk. Lake City is also a gateway to the Alpine Loop, which links over Engineer and Cinnamon passes to Animas Forks Ghost Town and the Million Dollar Highway.

Lake City’s visitor center (800 Gunnison Ave.) is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. from October through mid-June, and Monday through Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in summer. Boat slips can be reserved through Hinsdale County. Check current conditions at lakecity.com before you go.