Juniper Lake Day Use Area sits on the north shore of Juniper Lake in the southeast corner of the park, reached by a 13-mile road from Chester. It serves the park's largest lake.
Details
- Type
- Lake
- Accessibility
- Limited accessibility
Overview
The day use area occupies the north shore of Juniper Lake, in the remote southeast corner of the park. It includes a parking lot, vault toilet, an undeveloped beach of fine gravel or coarse sand, and an information kiosk. This is a high-elevation lake, and the water stays cool year-round.
On the Water and Trails
The beach is suitable for swimming and for launching kayaks, paddleboards, and other small non-motorized vessels. Four trailheads start here: Horseshoe Lake, Snag Lake, Inspiration Point, and Juniper Lake Loop. A free permit is required for backpacking.
Know Before You Go
The area is reached by a 13-mile road out of Chester; the final six miles are rough dirt and call for a high-clearance vehicle. There is no drinking water, no services beyond restrooms, and no cell service. The road is open roughly June through October and closed in winter and spring. A self-pay entrance station is at the Juniper Lake Ranger Station.