Chalk Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chalk Lake |
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Chalk Lake with Mount Princeton in the background
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Location | Chaffee County, Colorado |
Coordinates | 38°42′40″N 106°14′03″W / 38.7110262°N 106.2341113°W |
Basin countries | United States |
Max. length | 0.15 mi (0.24 km) |
Max. width | 0.05 mi (0.080 km) |
Surface elevation | 8,700 ft (2,700 m) |
Chalk Lake is a small, beautiful lake located in the mountains of Colorado, United States. It's a popular spot for families and young adventurers to visit and enjoy nature. The lake is found in Chaffee County, right next to a stream called Chalk Creek. It's also part of the huge San Isabel National Forest, which is a protected area of forests and mountains.
Discovering Chalk Lake
Chalk Lake is a small, pretty lake nestled high in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. It's a great place to spend a day outdoors. The lake is known for its clear waters and the amazing mountain views all around it. You can see tall peaks like Mount Antero to the south and Mount Princeton to the north. These mountains make the scenery around Chalk Lake truly special.
Where is Chalk Lake?
Chalk Lake is located in Chaffee County, in the central part of Colorado. It sits right next to Chalk Creek, a natural stream. The lake is inside the San Isabel National Forest, which is a large area managed by the U.S. Forest Service. This forest is home to many different plants and animals.
Visiting the Lake
Chalk Lake is set up as a "day-use area." This means visitors can come for the day to enjoy the lake and its surroundings. It's a perfect spot for a picnic or just relaxing by the water. The area is located along a road called 162, directly across Chalk Creek from the Chalk Creek Campground. There is a small fee to use the lake area, which helps maintain the facilities and keep the area clean for everyone.
A Bit of History
Long ago, a train track used to run above the south side of Chalk Lake. This was part of the Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad. Even though the trains no longer run there, you can still see parts of the old railroad path. It's a reminder of the area's past and how people traveled through these mountains many years ago.