Cliff Lake

Alamosa River, CO

The Tide SW Foundation is proud to partner again with Western Rivers Conservancy. Cliff Lake is a large inholding high in the mountains of Colorado. WRC hopes to secure this valuable habitat for the variety of species that rely on intact high-elevation ecosystems and to expand recreation opportunities for all to enjoy.

In January 2025, Western Rivers Conservancy purchased this special property. The privately owned property sits above 11,000 feet in elevation. Cliff Lake is a rare opportunity to protect a true high mountain headwaters ecosystem.

Tide SW Foundation is excited to have provided the funding for Western Rivers Conservancy to purchase this property, with the long-term goal of it being acquired by the United States Forest Service - Rio Grande National Forest.

  • Specifics

    High in the South San Juan Mountains in Colorado, Cliff Lake reflects the talus face of the Cornwall Mountain before its waters tumble 2,500 feet down Castleman Gulch and into the Alamosa River canyon below.

    The Cliff Lake property remains undeveloped outside of a network of old logging roads that traverse up to the basin. Half of Cliff Lake’s bank is nestled against Cornwall Mountain and half is lined with mature evergreen trees, shading the outflow as it tumbles towards the Alamosa River. Uplands on site consist of about 208 acres of old-growth forest interspersed with alpine meadow.

    Map

  • Public Access

    Until recently, the public was able to recreate on the Cliff Lake tract and surrounding national forest land through a previous landowners’ permission. Now, however, the property is locked and gated leading to public pressure upon local, state, and federal agencies for renewed access. To reduce the chance of trespass conflicts, RGNF has gated the easiest access road over ten miles from the property, which has dramatically limited access to the whole Cornwall Mountain plateau. By acquiring this property, the public will permanently regain the opportunity to hunt for a variety game, cast a line in the emerald waters of Cliff Lake, hike through rugged terrain, or otherwise enjoy expanded forestland access.

  • Wildlife

    Cliff Lake holds a naturally reproducing population of Rio Grande cutthroat trout, a colorful native species that was petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act and is a Tier 1 species of state special concern.

    The subalpine forests and meadows surrounding Cliff Lake provide tremendous high-elevation habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, most notably the federally endangered Canada lynx.

    In addition, the property is mapped as a “production area” for both elk and bighorn sheep. Other wildlife found here include mule deer, bear, mountain lion, bald eagle, and peregrine falcon to name a few.

  • Long Term Goals

    With funding provided by the Tide SW Foundation in January 2025, Western Rivers Conservancy was able to purchase the Cliff Lake property. WRC will hold and manage the property until it can be conveyed to the United States Forest Service - Rio Grande National Forest.

    This will ensure that Cliff Lake is always protected and open to the public.

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Photos and text courtesy of WRC