Carson Lake Dam Upgrade

Carson Lake has been drained for dam upgrades and construction is set to be completed in late 2022.

Getting to Carson Lake

There are two ways to find Carson Lake, both accessible via two-wheel sedan (although the 1.4-mile drop down into Carson Lake is a little tough): Take I-70 east into DeBeque Canyon, turn off at the Powderhorn/Grand Mesa exit, drive to the top of the mesa, turn right on the Lands End road and go until you see the Carson Lake sign. Or, go up Lands End Road.

Driving up Lands End is one of the most spectacular drives in the area. Take Highway 50 south past Whitewater to the Lands End/Kannah Creek Road (a half-mile past mile marker 45 on Highway 50). Turn left (east) and travel 2.9 miles to where the road splits with Kannah Creek/Purdy Mesa. Veer to the left and stay on the Lands End Road all the way to the top. 

The road has a few washboards and there are several switchbacks, but the family sedan can make it. From the top of Lands End Road near the Lands End Observatory, it’s 9.6 miles to the Carson Lake turnoff, then another 1.4 miles to the lake.