Where to Stay in Lake City, CO
Lake City is a small mountain town with a short list of places to stay. The North Face Lodge, consistently rated as the best place to stay, is on the north end of Lake City at 1223 North Highway 149.
We have 14 themed rooms, all on the first floor, and a back deck with the only view in Lake City that looks out over the whole town and the peaks of Hinsdale County’s five fourteeners.
Guests rate us 4.7 out of 5 on Tripadvisor, where we're ranked #1 of 23 specialty lodgings in Lake City.
Lake City doesn't have many rooms, and summer weeks book up early. Book directly with us for our lowest rate, or call 970-944-5200 with questions.
Check Dates and Book Now.
Why guests stay with us
The deck. Most rooms open onto a shared back deck with fire pits, grills, and a view of town and the Lake Fork of the Gunnison. Guests gather there in the evening, and now and then the first drink is on us.
First-floor rooms. No stairs to climb with luggage, coolers, or tired legs after a hike.
A short walk to breakfast and groceries. The Lake City Bakery is next door, and the grocery store is a short walk. Downtown is a little under a mile.
Dogs welcome. Dogs of any size can stay for $25 a night, up to $150 per stay. See our pet policy.
Owners on site. Robin and Ed Charlesworth own the lodge with their longtime friends Barbara and Hugh Conway. Robin runs it day to day and is happy to point you toward a trail or a good dinner. Read more about us.
Which room should I book?
Every room is named and decorated for something around Lake City, from Black Bear to Slumgullion. All of them have a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, and free WiFi. See all 14 rooms.
Bringing a dog: Antlers or Ski Hill. Both have walk-in showers for rinsing off a muddy dog.
Traveling with kids: Fourteeners has two queen beds. Mountain Biking has bunk beds.
Traveling as a couple: Cowhands has a king bed. Aspen has a four-poster bed.
Planning to cook: Some rooms have kitchenettes. Ask for one when you book.
Bringing a group: Book the whole lodge. Our 14 rooms sleep up to 52, and you can reserve the deck for a reunion or wedding. See group events.
What's near the lodge
Fourteeners: Handies, Sunshine, Redcloud, Uncompahgre, and Wetterhorn are all a short drive from town.
The Alpine Loop: Ride your OHV straight from the lodge. At check-in we'll show you the side route to the approved route on Ocean Wave Drive.
Lake San Cristobal: Colorado's second-largest natural lake is two miles south of town.
Winter: The Lake City Ice Park is free and open November to March, weather permitting. Read our ice climbing guide.
Find more ideas on our things to do page.
When to book
July and early August are Lake City's busiest weeks, and the town's visitor center suggests booking up to a year ahead. Many of our guests reserve next summer's room before they check out.
Holiday weekends, including the Fourth of July, fill up fast.
June and September are quieter. In September the aspens turn yellow, and evenings on the deck call for a jacket.
Winter dates are available. Please check the booking section of our site for your selected dates.
If we're full for your dates, call us anyway at 970-944-5200. We'll help you find a room in town.
Getting here
From Gunnison: 55 miles south on Highway 149, about an hour. Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC) has rental cars.
From South Fork and Creede: 74 miles north on Highway 149, over Slumgullion Summit (11,530 feet). The road down into town is steep, so take it slow if you're towing.
From Montrose: About two hours. Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) also has rental cars. Check LakeCity.com/us50 for US 50 road updates.
Check road conditions at COtrip.org before you leave.
Good to know
Check-in is 3:00 p.m. Check-out is 11:00 a.m.
We don't serve breakfast, but the bakery next door is open in summer.
This is black bear country. Don't leave food, coolers, or trash in your vehicle overnight.
What guests say
"The owners are so nice and the deck is phenomenal!"
T.L., Tripadvisor
"Grocery store and town all within walking distance."
S., Tripadvisor
"Antlers room perfect for folks with a dog."
J.S., Tripadvisor
"We used this as a comfy place to stay before hiking Handies."
Tripadvisor guest
Check Dates and Book Now.