Alta Lakes Road is 6 miles south of Telluride on Hwy. 145. Take the left-hand turn, and stay on the main road for 4 miles to reach the ghost town of Alta. To get to the lakes, turn right at the town and follow the signs to Alta Lakes. High-clearance vehicles are recommended.    

Additionally, Boomerang Trail can be accessed from either Prospect Trail or Basin Trail, following a Forest Service road approximately two miles to scenic Alta Lakes and the historic mining town of Alta.

The Alta Lakes area is managed by the USFS.