Kite Lake Trailhead

Mosquito Range

Road Difficulty

2 2WD, rough dirt, good clearance

Location12,000 feet
39.32758, -106.12928

Driving Directions

Take Colorado 9 to Alma. In the middle of town and on the west side of the road, look for a small sign for the road to Kite Lake. It's across the road from the "Caniglia Real Estate" building. Turn here and drive a bit through a residential area. Continue 6 miles to Kite Lake. The last mile of this road can be a bit more rough, but a good-clearance 2WD should still be able to make it to within a couple hundred yards of the TH lot, when the road is dry. There are restrooms and some camping spots at the trailhead and an $8 fee is required.

Trailhead Status Updates

Most Recent Update 9/7/2026:

Left Denver at 4:15AM, arrived at the permit gate area around 6. There were no more permits/envelopes available, causing some confusion and traffic around the permitting area. Elected to continue up to the TH, and left $8 on the windshield as a gesture of good faith. Road is in good condition, albeit covered in washboards, indicative of a season of heavy use. 2WD vehicles aplenty at the trailhead ...

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Winter Access

Closed at the Paris Mill site which is about 3 miles up from Alma but 3 miles below Kite Lake.

Trailhead Facilities & Fees

Parking: 50+ spots at the trailhead, with overflow parking along the road.
Camping: Some established camp spots at Kite Lake. More dispersed spots along the road, just below the trailhead.
Restrooms: Yes, at the trailhead parking area
Fees: Yes, $8 in summer

More Photos

The trailhead

2008-10-07

By: BillMiddlebrook

Looking north past Kite Lake - Mt. Cameron is righ...

2006-05-15

By: BillMiddlebrook

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Trailhead added by BillMiddlebrook

Kite Lake Trailhead

Mosquito Range

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