Opal Lake is is an easy hike and a wonderful way to spend a few hours. 

This year, the wildflowers were really showing off!

To get to Opal Lake, Drive south on HWY. 84 from Pagosa to Blanco Basin Road #326. After driving 10 miles, turn right and go across the Blanco River Bridge. Follow Castle Creek Road #660 until you reach a junction for Opal Lake Trailhead.

The hike is about a mile and a half and takes abut 45 minutes. 

There are some steep spots on the trail and then you will reach an open meadow and the Lake.

Mineral deposits give the lake an opal color.