Opal Lake Hike
May 17, 2026
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Marvel in the glow of Opal Lake, so named for the milky sheen due to mineral deposits at its inlet.
Glory in the scenery of Colorado’s least visited wilderness area, the South San Juan Wilderness.
Enjoy a walk through old-growth aspen groves on your way to magical Opal Lake.
Meet new friends and enjoy the natural beauty of Opal Lake on this 2.5 mile hike, just 45 minutes from Pagosa Springs!
Registration Is Free
Instead of charging a fee, we ask your help raising funds for mental health research and trail maintenance.
It’s fast and easy! When you register, you will be able to personalize a sponsorship page and share it through email and your favorite social media such as Facebook or Instagram.
Every little bit helps, and there is no minimum to raise – we just ask that you help us spread the word, then come join us on the trail.
Get a Free Hiking Shirt
Our quick-dry shirts look and feel great, on or off the trail.
Every registered hiker who raises at least $250 will receive a HIKE for Mental Health shirt as a token of our appreciation.
Available in men’s or women’s sizes from Small – XXL.
When you register, we will ask your size preference. Once you reach $250 in donations to your fundraising page, we will get your shirt to you.
If you hit the $250 mark at least ten days before the hike, your hike leader will have your shirt for you on hike day. Otherwise, we will mail it to you after the hike.
So help us raise money and awareness for this great cause.
For a Good Cause
HIKE for Mental Health is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
All contributions are tax deductible, and 100% of the hike donations support our mission.
Eighty cents of every dollar funds mental health programs, including break-through scientific research into PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar spectrum disorders, depression and other major mental illnesses. Through research we can find better ways to alleviate the suffering that affects 1 in 4 American families.
The remaining twenty cents maintains wilderness trails across the U.S. By supporting non-profit, volunteer groups that care for our trails, we help preserve wilderness experiences for generations to come.
Hike Details
| Location: | Pagosa Springs, Colorado |
| Date: | May 17, 2026. |
| Time: | Approximately 1-4pm. Exact times and locations with directions provided to registered hikers only. |
| Distance: | 2.5 miles |
| Difficulty level: | Moderate, with a very steep section before leveling out on the final approach to the lake. |
| Suitable for beginners? | Absolutely, as long as you are in good physical condition and can climb 10 flights of stairs without stopping! |
| Registration fee: | Registration is free. |
| Pet friendly? | Well behaved dogs well on a 6 ft. lead. |
| Sponsorship amount: | The hike goal is $1,000. There is no minimum required to join the hike, but if every hiker strives $250 we will easily exceed our goal. |
| Free shirt: | Hikers who raise $250 or more will receive a free HIKE for Mental Health quick-dry hiking shirt. |
| Hike director: |  Hi, I’m a Levi, a thru hiker wanting to hike for a cause and raise awareness about Mental Health. Just starting a conversation if nothing else. I have a huge passion for Wilderness areas and trying to be a part of nature. “Mental health care is essential for overall well-being, yet stigma—fueled by fear and misconceptions—remains a major barrier, causing individuals to delay treatment, experience social isolation, and suffer worsening symptoms. Let’s help stomp the stigma!” |
Trail Map
Every HIKE for Mental Health is an opportunity to:
- get away from the hustle and bustle of work-a-day life and enjoy the beauty of Nature
- renew old friendships and make new ones
- have a great time hiking with a good group of people
- stand up against the stigma of mental illness
- discover your new favorite get-away
- raise money for a great cause
Come on out and join us!
Goal is $1,000
$0 donated
Questions
If you have any questions or ideas, please contact us.
We are glad to talk with you about your hike and how you can help HIKE for Mental Health.
We hope you will make HIKE for Mental Health a part of your hike.
