Long Lake (Meridian Lake) - Image 1
1 / 3

Long Lake Meridian Lake

4.7
·19 reviews·Crested Butte, United States

A short, steep hike leads to the breathtaking Meridian Lake, offering pristine waters, mountain vistas, and family-friendly fun.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Wildflowers in bloom, cooler temps

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Long Lake (Meridian Lake) - Image 1

Long Lake Meridian Lake

Best Time

Summer mornings

Wildflowers in bloom, cooler temps

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A short, steep hike leads to the breathtaking Meridian Lake, offering pristine waters, mountain vistas, and family-friendly fun.

4.7
(19 reviews)

"Absolutely beautiful trail with lots of variety... a very short but very steep hike up."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Steep Trail Alert!

The hike is short (0.3 miles) but very steep. Wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for an uphill climb.

🚗 Parking is Limited

Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking spots fill up quickly.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 19 reviews

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Meridian Lake's Pristine Waters

Meridian Lake's Pristine Waters

Crested Butte, CO

A stunning mountain lake offering crystal-clear waters perfect for a refreshing dip or water activities.

Instagram
Wildflower Wonderland

Wildflower Wonderland

Trail to Meridian Lake

The trail leading to the lake is often adorned with vibrant wildflowers, adding to the scenic beauty.

Instagram
Brown Duck's Welcome

Brown Duck's Welcome

Lake Meridian shoreline

Meet Brown Duck, the beloved resident mallard who often greets visitors, adding a unique charm to the lake.

Instagram
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Steep Hike, Stunning Reward

Prepare for a short but steep 0.3-mile climb to reach Meridian Lake (also known as Long Lake). The effort is well worth it for the breathtaking views and pristine waters. Parking can be limited, so arriving early is recommended. Reddit

Family-Friendly Fun

This beautiful spot is a hit with families, offering opportunities for swimming, paddleboarding, and picnicking. Dogs are welcome and can enjoy the water without a leash law, making it a great outing for furry friends too. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Wildflowers in bloom, cooler temps
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light on the lake
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Meridian Lake (also known as Long Lake) Crested Butte, CO Steep half mile hike in, but beautiful and kids loved it! #roamingwildhideaways #adventure #explore #getoutside #colorado #hiking
roaming_wild_hideaways
11 likes • 119 views

🎯 Steep Trail Alert!

The hike is short (0.3 miles) but very steep. Wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for an uphill climb. Reddit+1

🚗 Parking is Limited

Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking spots fill up quickly. Reddit

Did you know Long Lake, aka Meridian Lake, has revamped signage and a trail loop that takes you along part of the lake and up through the wildflowers? Thanks @cblandtrust! It takes some effort to get to, but it is a beautiful place to cool down. ☀️ Tips: 🌿Be sure to stay on the trails and off private property. Note that Long Lake is private open space bordering private property. 🚘 Park appropri...
gunnisoncrestedbutte
268 likes • 5.7K views
Crested Butte you were stunning 😍 🍕at Secret Stash 🍦& 🍩 at Sugar Sugar Hike to Meridian Lake Hike to Judd Falls Long afternoon playing at Emerald Lake 🏔Drive along Kebler Pass I usually work holiday weekends and it was so nice to enjoy a long one with the fam🤍 #crestedbutte #hiking #travel #keblerpass #mountainviews #mountains #juddfalls #coloradorealtor #coloradorealestate #coloradohikes #co...
blairdinkinsrealtor
23 likes • 584 views

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Leash laws are relaxed for voice-command dogs, making it a great spot for your canine companions to swim. Reddit

⚠️ Water Watch

Be aware of potential leeches if wading in the water; check yourself afterward. Reddit

🦆 Brown Duck Appreciation Post!🦆 If you’ve spent any time around Lake Meridian, chances are you’ve crossed paths with a very special member of our unofficial staff… Brown Duck!This resident mallard has been swimming laps and supervising the shoreline for so long, he's practically family. Whether he’s greeting guests by the boat ramp or snoozing in the shade, Brown Duck is a familiar and beloved fa...
meridianstatepark
14 likes • 120 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Steep Trail Alert!

The hike is short (0.3 miles) but very steep. Wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for an uphill climb. Reddit+1

🚗 Parking is Limited

Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking spots fill up quickly. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Leash laws are relaxed for voice-command dogs, making it a great spot for your canine companions to swim. Reddit

⚠️ Water Watch

Be aware of potential leeches if wading in the water; check yourself afterward. Reddit

🥾 Stay on Trails

Respect private property and stay on marked trails to protect the natural environment. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(19 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning beauty of Meridian Lake, calling the hike steep but incredibly rewarding. The pristine waters, mountain views, and opportunities for swimming and paddleboarding are major highlights. While parking can be a challenge and the trail is steep, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, especially for families and dog owners.

"Absolutely beautiful trail with lots of variety… there’s a little creek, lots of wildflowers, mountain views, and the lake. It’s a very short but very steep hike up. Parking was somewhat limited but I was able to snag a spot."

Katie Mae Williams

"Great family hike! 70 year old granddad, 65 and 58 year old grandmothers, young couple and two grandchildren. The one year old was backpacked in. A steady uphill climb opens up to a beautiful pristine mountain lake. Plenty of access for swimming, paddle boarding and picnicking. Walk back to the trailhead is mostly downhill and easy."

Jimmy Lauderdale

"the signage now refers to this as Long Lake, which is aptly named. perfect for paddle boarding, i imagine. steep climb up, but only 0.3 mi, so short. steep access into the water. our dog enjoyed dipping her toes in. although, i am 99% sure i had a leech on my foot after wading in the water, so just check yourself if you do swim!"

skylar walter

What People Like

Beautiful lake and views
Great for swimming
Dog-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Steep trail
Limited parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Meridian Lake, also known as Long Lake, is located near Crested Butte, Colorado. The trailhead is accessible by car, but parking is limited. The hike itself is a short but steep 0.3 miles to reach the lake. InstagramReddit

Currently, there is no direct public transportation to Meridian Lake. Driving is the primary method of access. Instagram

Parking at the trailhead for Long Lake Meridian Lake is limited. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season or on weekends, to secure a spot. Reddit

Access to Meridian Lake may be limited or impossible during winter months due to snow. It's best to check local conditions before planning a winter visit. Instagram

Road conditions can vary, especially outside of summer. It's recommended to check local road reports for any closures or advisories before your trip. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no explicit entrance fee mentioned for Meridian Lake itself. However, access is often part of a natural area or private open space, so it's good to be aware of any local regulations. Instagram

Meridian Lake is generally accessible during daylight hours. As it's a natural area, there are no set operating hours like a traditional park. Instagram

No, tickets are not required for Meridian Lake. It's a natural attraction, and access is typically on a first-come, first-served basis. Reddit

Generally, no special permits are required for day visitors to Meridian Lake. However, if you plan on specific activities like fishing, you may need a fishing license. Instagram

Visiting natural areas like Meridian Lake at night is generally discouraged due to safety concerns and potential regulations against after-hours access. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, picnicking, and wading in the lake. The surrounding area is also great for enjoying mountain views and photography. InstagramReddit+1

The hike is described as short (0.3 miles) but very steep. It's manageable for most, but requires a bit of effort. Reddit+1

Information on restrooms is not consistently available, so it's advisable to come prepared or check local resources before your visit. Instagram

Yes, swimming is permitted in Meridian Lake. The water is pristine and offers a refreshing experience. Reddit

Meridian Lake offers fishing opportunities, with some properties even boasting exclusive fishing rights. A fishing license may be required. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Meridian Lake is a natural attraction, and dining options are not directly available at the lake. You'll find restaurants in the nearby town of Crested Butte. Instagram

Absolutely! Meridian Lake is a perfect spot for a picnic. Remember to pack out all your trash to keep the area clean. Reddit

No, there are no food vendors or concessions at Meridian Lake. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks. Instagram

While there aren't many flat areas directly by the water, you can find suitable spots along the trail or near the lake's edge for a picnic. Reddit

Typically, natural trailheads like this do not have nearby cafes or snack bars. Plan to bring all your refreshments with you. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the pristine lake, surrounding mountain vistas, and vibrant wildflowers. The 'Brown Duck' also makes for a unique photo subject. Instagram+1

Yes, Meridian Lake offers excellent opportunities for landscape photography with its dramatic mountain backdrop and serene water. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a beautiful glow on the water and mountains. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local rules and regulations regarding drone operation in natural areas before flying. Instagram

The entire area around the lake offers beautiful views. The trail itself provides evolving perspectives as you ascend. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2
Long Lake Meridian Lake (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide