Kettle Lakes
Status
Established
Year Established
2000
Location
Station
State
Colorado
National Forest Regions
Rocky Mountain Region (R2)
40.876389, -106.5875
Kettle Lakes Research Natural Area
Ecological and Physical Description
Size
6,350ac (2,570ha)
Elevation Range
8,680' (2,646m) - 10,654' (3,247m)
Primary Features
The Kettle Lakes RNA includes the largest area of kettle lakes in Colorado. These lakes were created as closed depressions from massive ice stagnation when Pleistocene glaciers retreated. The kettle lakes are surrounded by willow carrs, sedge fens, and other wetland communities. The surrounding forest is primarily lodgepole pine. Fen wetlands occupying glacial kettles and beaver ponds support significant populations of eight plant species and three wildlife species of special concern in Colorado.
Last updated January 31, 2023