How Do I Get to Lake City, Colorado, and How Far Is It From Everything?

Lake City is about 55 miles south of Gunnison and 74 miles north of South Fork on State Highway 149. Lake City's visitor site says the highway, also called the Silver Thread Byway, is open year-round.

What about winter driving?

Lake City's visitor site says Highway 149 is plowed daily in winter from 5 AM to 7 PM. Check CoTrip.org for current road conditions before you go.

What is Slumgullion Pass?

Highway 149 crosses Slumgullion Pass, which Wikipedia lists at 11,361 feet. Lake City's visitor site advises not to rush going over it and to use lower gears to avoid overheating brakes.

What are the nearest airports?

Per Lake City's visitor site, Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC) is about a one-hour drive away and Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) about two hours, both with car rentals.

Is there anything to check right now?

When I checked, Lake City's site posted a safety closure of a bridge on US Highway 50 west of Gunnison, affecting travel between Lake City and Montrose, with a bypass route listed at lakecity.com/us50. Conditions change, so check before you travel.

What is the bottom line?

Lake City is a drive of about an hour from the nearest airport and 55 miles from Gunnison. Plan for mountain driving and check road conditions first.

How far is Lake City from Gunnison?

About 55 miles on Highway 149.

Is the road open in winter?

Yes, per Lake City's visitor site, and it is plowed daily from 5 AM to 7 PM.

What airport is closest?

Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional, about an hour away.

How high is Slumgullion Pass?

11,361 feet, per Wikipedia.

Connect with a great real estate agent in Lake City, Kelsey Loftis with Crystal Peak Properties. Phone: (970) 784-6768 · Email: kelseyloftis@gmail.com · Website: crystalpeakproperties.com

Sources: lakecity.com, Getting Here (reviewed Nov. 1, 2026); Wikipedia, Colorado State Highway 149.