A 12-mile (19 km) scenic highway, State Route 231, climbs from Interstate 80's exit 351 in Wells to the eastern shore of the lake.

Located at the base of a steep cirque, the lake is surrounded by high cliffs.

Greys Peak (10,674 ft; 3,253 m) rises high to the west, and to the south is a group of pinnacles known as Chimney Rock.

Down the access road can be found a trailhead for Winchell Lake, and the Angel Creek Campground.

The lake was named after Warren M. Angel, an early rancher in nearby Clover Valley.