Beautiful valley close to Silverton offers great hiking, biking and fishing. Spectacular climb to high mountain lake with beautiful seasonal wildflowers. Several large campgrounds along South Mineral Creek suitable for motorhomes and large campers. This area is very popular for fishing and camping. Minimal structures remain at Bandora Mine, but the drive is fun.
8.1 to lake 3.3 end of F.S. 585
(970) 387-5530San Juan Mountains Center in Silverton
Check the Weather06/17/2022
Submitted by Steve
Clear Lake Trail is closed due to repairs. Stream crossings on Bandora Mine Trail were fun.
7/14/2019
Submitted by Adam
Snowpack on switchbacks one mile before the top from Clear Lake, as of July 14th, 2019, kept us from driving all the way to the top in a slightly upgraded Jeep Sahara.
08/08/2011
Submitted by Lynne Braden
Clear Lake has a large boulder on the switchback above the waterfall this forces you to use a very steep portion that will be difficult for vehicles without high clearance. There is also trail erosion around mile 7.9 on the ledge section that force a pretty good tilt that will be very intimidating for novice drivers. I would now rate the trail above the waterfall as Moderate rather than Easy.