From meadows found in the montane life zone to glistening alpine lakes and up to the towering mountain peaks, there is something for everyone to discover. the most part. These lakes are next to Independence Pass, a road that takes you to Aspen. There is a road where you can drive down next to the lakes, and a different road that you can drive up for views of the lakes. Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. What I love about this Colorado lake hike is just how quiet it is. Start on the Glacier Gorge Trail (like you would for Sky Pond) except veer left at the fork. If you're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. If you are up for the challenge Island Lake is worth the visit! Twin Lakes is located at the foot of the highest mountain in the entire Rocky Mountain Range along the continental divide and is also Colorados largest natural glacier lake. With such a delicate ecosystem, your skin oils and sunscreen can kill the wildlife that lives in the lake. Don't Threaten. If you do this hike in the winter, youll experience different scenery, but surely just as stunning. Dogs welcome. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 42 min to complete. The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. Check out this adventure for impressive views of the Mount Evans Wilderness. Bring your camera and pack some tasty snacks! In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. This adventure will bring you by wide open meadows and plenty of wildlife (look out for moose and elk!) The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Colorado has many picturesque lakes surrounded by high peaks. Though one of the shorter adventures on this list, the hike to Loch Vale in Rocky National Park is surely just as rewarding as the others. There are several camping spots by the second lake if youre looking to stay overnight. Long Lake is an alpine explorers paradise. Backpack to three alpine lakes and an alpine lagoon in Roosevelt National Forest. Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado. Set a check-in time and have that person try to check in with you first, before calling authorities (just in case you forget to circle back). Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. Distance From Telluride: 10 miles | 22 minutes Accessibility: Rugged, off-road vehicle recommended Activities: Fishing, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding Located just 20 minutes outside of Telluride, Alta Lakes is a popular destination for couples and families seeking a convenient water retreat. Although the entire hike is 2.4 miles long, you will arrive at the lake in half a. Be on the lookout for the moose who call this beautiful mountain landscape home! This water adventure features beautiful cascading waterfalls among steep rocky cliffs and lush green pine trees. Up for a challenge? On Monday and . Description. These gorgeous alpine lakes are set in a landscape that appears to be straight from a storybook, but is actually known as the James Peak wilderness. She'd rather be dirty than done up. Spooky indeed! Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. Before reaching Heart Lake, be sure to soak in the alpine views first at Rogers Lake. Alpine Lakes in Colorado. Filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by mind-blowing settings, these backcountry bodies of water are meant to be enjoyed. These incredible, Climb a 3.5-mile trail along an open ridge in the Eagles Nest Wilderness to reach one of the, One option is this challenging all-day hike that involves a bounty of supreme alpine splendor. The best time to visit is between June and October. And the fish well, they just float on down, once deployed from the airplane. Harder To Reach: Lawn Lake. 8 to 4 miles Round TripElevation: Depends. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. By the way, the lake we hiked to was Lost Lake past Eldora.loaded with brookies but also unfortunately with groups of loud hikers and overnight campers, despite the steep uphill climb. Distance: 11 milesElevation: 2,529 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Start from the Bear Lake parking lot and hike the gentle trail towards Lake Haiyaha, passing through the alluring Emerald Lake. Walk another half mile and youll see a beautiful waterfall, followed by stellar views of Lily Lake. To get there, follow Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes for 8.6 miles of out-and-back beauty. Nestled at 7,323 feet, the trail leading to the lake is short but relatively steep, gaining more than a thousand feet in elevation. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. Note that parking at the Brainard Lake Recreational Area lot costs $10 and fills up quickly. Extend your time at this magnificent spot and camp at one of the campsites found around both lakes. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. Many of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado are alpine lakes with clear blue water. Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. Pass by the popular Alberta Falls, but keep trekking to leave the crowds behind and find yourself in complete solitude in this vast and unbelievably beautiful wilderness. 2. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. This glacial lake is the largest natural lake in Colorado in terms of surface area, depth, and total water volume. Mohawk Lakes offer plenty of picture-perfect backcountry camping or opportunities to summit nearby mountains, such as Father Dyer. Distance: 12.9 milesElevation: 2,919 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are allowed if on a leash and the best time to visit is between March and October. Make sure you have the necessary permits before setting up camp. "With an ample forage base such as scuds, crayfish, terrestrials, aquatic insects these fish can live 10 plus years and grow to very . Its my favorite backpacking route in Colorado and well-worth an overnight. 2,568 feet max, MUCH less if starting from the Wheeler Trail.Difficulty: Moderate to easy depending on your route.Red Tape and Local Tips: Unlike many of Colorados famed high clearance roads (where you can usually get away with a small SUV), the road to the top of Crystal Lake is an ACTUAL Jeep trail. Since its such an iconic spot, you likely wont find yourself alone, unless you plan wisely and go early in the season, late in the evening, or during the winter. This scenic hike in Rocky Mountain National Park begins at the popular Glacier Gorge trailhead, but you can avoid the crowds by heading out later in the afternoon and be rewarded by an incredible sunset. No dogs. The 9.5-mile out-and-back trail located near Vail climbs nearly 3,000 feet in elevation before reaching the awe-inspiring mountain lake. Located in gorgeous Glenwood Canyon, the drive to the trailhead is reason . The hike to lower blue lake is 6 miles round trip with 1,610 ft elevation gain. Catch dramatic views of the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak. This portion of the trail is very steep and scary so you have to be very careful and make sure to wear hiking boots and use trekking poles. Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. Parking is $5 at the Summit Lake parking lot. The hike from Ice Lake to Island Lake is about half a mile with 100 foot elevation gain. This adventure takes you through a well-marked trail with fantastic mountain views. If you are actually interested in how my dogs are incredibly cared for (& my dog skijoring/ mushing ventures), you can see where they live via @mesamutts on IG - 5 acre fenced dog paradise. To get to Island Lake, hike on Ice Lake Trail and after visiting Ice Lake, take a left on the trail to continue up to Island Lake. This moderate hike is a great way to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in Colorado without the lung-busting elevation gain. Bear Lake Bear Lake located in Rocky Mountain National Park Located off of Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Lakes makes for a quick pit stop. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. Opt to get there early or make it an overnight to get more time. The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road. However, dont be fooled by the easy accessibility. Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. This article will walk you through the best lakes in Colorado and how to get to these lakes. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. Make it a day by going on one of Colorados most scenic drives! 11. Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. Camping is permitted and free around Alta Lakes in Telluride with campsites littered all around the three lakes. Keep in mind that State Forest State Park requires a fee. Blue Lakes Basin is a must for explorers of the Mount Sneffels Wilderness. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the 9.4-mile out-and-back trail features a rushing waterfall, granite mountain views, and colorful spring blooms. You could spend a lifetime trying to see all of the alpine lakes in Colorado and just barely scratch the surface. By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. (Photo/David Young) Banff Sunshine is about a 15-minute drive from Banff and is serviced by a nearly 3-mile, eight-person gondola that transports skiers and snowboarders to the . Maroon Lake brings you the best of the Bells, the Maroon Bells that is. Distance: Depends. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. Be Nice. Print/PDF map. But once there, you can take in impressive panoramas of the valley below as well as hidden meadows, streams, and ponds. 1. Ice Lake is a beautiful bright blue alpine lake located at 12,300 feet that requires a very strenuous hike to get to. For more information on how to do this lake loop, continue to our Rocky Mountain National Park Guide. Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). Maroon Creek Road which leads to Maroon Bells is usually open between May and November and you are required to makereservations ahead of time to enter Maroon Bells area. Explore the fantastically beautiful cirque and enjoy views of Kit Carson, The Crestones, and Humboldt Peak. Parking early in the morning is free at the Bear Lake Trailhead. Kevin BuggieBPL Member. There are other great trout reservoirs in the area, but only Spinney is a Gold Medal water. Get to know this 6.7-mile out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. If you do opt to swim, dont wear any sunscreen. Youll get glimpses of Longs Peak and Alberta Falls (in the summer). The total round trip hike to Island Lake with the loop is 8 miles with 2,700 ft elevation gain. Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, Im not kidding about the moose! This 2,125 acre man-made lake sits about 15 miles south of Kremmling, Colorado in Summit County. Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. In the Fall, the Aspen grove comes alive with color, making for an especially memorable experience. Camping is prohibited within a quarter of a mile to protect its fragile environment. Theres nothing more grounding and invigorating than a rousing climb to a crystal clear alpine lake, followed by a little exploration, relaxation, (and certainly a picnic), at a pristine mountain paradise at around 11,000. These serene alpine lakes near Denver are something everyone should experience this summerbut please remember our earth is fragile so LEAVE NO TRACE! Plenty of camping up there and a dog-friendly area. Photo: Ryan DewaneDistance: 8.43 milesElevation: 1780 ftType: Out-and-back. In winter, you will have to take a walk-around to avoid avalanche terrain so be alert. After seeing Island Lake continue ahead and take a right to form a small loop. Then, continue climbing to blue Lake at the base of Mt. Reservations are no longer required until summer 2023. ppmicrosoftteams-image_24.png Enjoy Pikes Peak at your leisure on the safe, scenic Pikes Peak Highway. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. And located in the saddle of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, Tyndall Glacier (one of five active glaciers in the park) offers breathtaking views. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Overview. When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. You can hike to this lake from either Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. . To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State Park. It's about a 3-mile trek out-and-back. To extend your adventure, you can continue on to Isabelle Glacier. More Information 2. The hike to this lake is an additional 0.7 miles from Lower Blue Lake but is very steep, with about 664 ft elevation gain. Miles from Denver: 100 miles. Most of these lakes are accessible by foot only, although you can also drive to quite a few of them. Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. Evans at 14,265', or you can take the trail less traveled and summit using one of the many official and unofficial routes to the top from the lake. Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. Distance: 2.8 miles round trip. You could also do a loop and combine this lake with Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. Distance: 9.7 milesElevation: 1,643 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: If you plan on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, youll need to pay the $25 entrance fee. If you just cant get enough alpine lakes in Colorado, why not choose a hiking trail that hits four different Lakes? This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). Most of Colorado's 2,000 high lakes lie on public lands between 9,000 and 12,000 feet and are accessible by a few miles of Forest Service trail. The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! 1. As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. You must typically access these lake by hiking a few miles or by horseback. Surrounding peaks of granite reflect off the lake's beautiful emerald green waters nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park. Located in the San Juan Mountains, the lake also attracts a variety of wildlife including elk and moose. Check with the Castle Mountain Recreation Company for more up-to-date information. This hike also has a waterfall. Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. The trail is located near Glenwood Springs, offering the perfect post-adventure spot. This is a phenomenal spot for a picnic lunch and a SUP experience. The trail is about 6.8 miles round trip to Ice Lake with 2,457 ft elevation gain. Head to the far side of this open space and follow the trail through a stream and continue upwards until you reach a campsite at about the one-mile mark. Length: 63 miles. On the way youll pass three additional lakes, including the iconic Dream Lake. Sandbeach Lake has a wide sandy shore thats perfect for picnicking or simply sitting to take in the scenery. Since the trail to get to Ice Lake is steep and long you should make sure to wear hiking boots. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. However, in the winter months, some of the roads to various trailheads arent maintained, and this may add a substantial amount of snowy hiking to your journey. The trail also features both forests and meadows budding with an abundance of wildflowers interspersed along the way. Lake Ann - Only accessible by way of a 1.75-mile well-maintained trail, this pristine lake is ruggedly scenic and extremely protected. Learn more The best way to see the highlights of Colorado is, Sedona is a town surrounded by red rocks that offers incredible hikes, but its beauty and social media popularity has attracted crowds. Distance: 0.8 milesElevation: 32 feetDifficulty: Easy with accessibility rampsRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Blue Lakes Trail in Telluride, Colorado takes you to three of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. For an invigorating day of outdoor fun, head over to these amazing, Hidden deep in the Rawah Wilderness near Fort Collins, is a secluded picturesque paradise with pristine alpine lakes and the spectacular Medicine Bow Mountains as their backdrop. Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no . We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. 20 Gift Ideas for People Who Love to Travel, 10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary: From Hot Springs to Cloud Forests, Sedona Off the Beaten Path: Sedona Hidden Gems, Top Shaded Hikes in Sedona: Sedona Summer Hikes, 16 Top Destinations in the Southwest US You Must See. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. With 50 square miles of golden aspens. Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. The lake is an additional 2-ish miles from the parking area. Lake Isabelle. Getting caught in a lightning storm at altitude is dangerous, it kills people every year, so be sure to check the weather and plan appropriately. Think again! From hiking around the water to fishing, boating, picnicking, and swimming . The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. High-clearance vehicles are best suited for getting to this scenic secluded spot. Trek your way through stunning alpine country to one of the most picturesque lakes in the state Hanging Lake. Suggest edits to improve what we show. The fee is $5 per person (16 years and older), children under 16 are free. Get going on this adventure to the three beautiful Blue Lakes nestled among Colorados San Juan Range in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Take the Glacier Gorge Trail up a steep, winding dramatic valley that terminates at the famed Sky Pond. You'll find San Cristobal incredibly stunning. We searched for alpine lakes to hike to in the area and came across Crystal Lake in Saint Marie's, Idaho. Technically you can swim at many alpine lakes in Colorado, but you probably dont want to. Heart Lake is another great option for backpackers. Square Top Lakes, Guanella Pass Square Top Lakes via Shutterstock. Alpine lakes are defined by being any lake that sits above 10,000 feet above sea level. To get to Island Lake, hike on Ice Lake Trail and after visiting Ice Lake, take a left on the trail to continue up to Island Lake. Embark on an adventure at Pitkin Lake. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. This is a great adventure for those looking to make a short trip outside of Denver. Tucked under Mt Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak sits two pristine alpine lakes nestled beside the town of Twin Lakes. Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. The round-trip distance from the lower trailhead is around 8 miles depending on your route, including some road walking, but the upper trail is actually an easy 4-ish mile round-trip jaunt. Arizona has many unique hiking opportunities with a wide range of elevation, climate, and views. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Water activities including fishing and kayaking are great ways to spend time exploring the area, especially if you plan to stay and camp. Jewel Lake is accessible by a three-mile hike and Clear Lake requires an eight-mile hike to get to. Located outside of the beautiful mountain town of Vail, the trail to the lake is about 12.5 miles out-and-back. In Colorado's lakes and streams most Cutthroats average 9 to . An alternative to driving on your own is toreserve a spoton the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands Village to Maroon Bells. Whether you make a day hike or weekend of it, these hidden, Tucked away at the intersection of two valleys in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, is the popular Brainard Lake Recreation Area, with its namesake lake resting at 10,500.' For a brief time, in only the warmest months of the year, will you find the waters of the Green Mountain Reservoir tolerable for swimming. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. Bear Lake is a popular lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Forsythe Canyon Round-trip Distance: 2.2 miles Trailhead: Forsythe Canyon - Lincoln National Forest Difficulty: Easy This short hike starts just outside of Boulder. Driving time: 4 to 6 hours. This lake is known for the reflection you can see in the lake of 14,000 ft tall Maroon Peaks. Some of them thought all of us had hiked into the wilderness to hear their death metal on the boombox at the lake all day. Granite spires surrounding the lake, one referred to as sharks tooth. There are also two 13,000-foot peaks nearby, Taylor and Powell. The Ute Indian tribe long inhabited this area before they were replaced by miners in the 1800s, who came in search of silver, gold, lead, and zinc. Plan accordingly. Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). The Lake Haiyaha hike is accessible year-round, Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local, Altitude Sickness Prevention for Your Mountain Hike, best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Things to do in Colorado this Winter Besides Ski, 13 Mega-Epic Hikes in Estes Park, Colorado. The mountains surrounding Mirror Lake defy gravity, and early in the morning, you can get a perfect reflection of the famous Lone Eagle Peak (named the most beautiful mountain in Colorado). . Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. Snow and ice are melting, wildflowers are emerging, and the most beautiful lakes near Denver will soon glisten with an unrivaled beauty that beckons you to bask on their shimmering shores and recharge the natural way. San Juan National Forest. Eloping in Colorado gives you access to epic views of 15 mountain ranges, 54 peaks over 10,000 feet, alpine lakes, meadows of wildflowers, and a vast variety of gorgeous backdrops. that is degrading to another person. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation: 846 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Youll be gasping for air from the steep inclines and incredible scenes. Immarite? 5h 16m. Doggies welcome. Make your way up the two-mile trail to the base of St. Marys Glacier (not really a glacier, but a permanent snowfield) where there is a picture-perfect alpine lake. Distance: 9.1 milesElevation: 2,142 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Chicago Lakes can get pretty crowded, but there are plenty of prime backpacking sites to pitch a tent and enjoy the views! No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Chasm Lake makes for a beautiful summer adventure. Connecting the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake, Trail Ridge Road traverses Rocky Mountain National Park, making this one of the most scenic mountain passes in Colorado. This is one of the easiest lakes on this list to get to, but is therefore also the most crowded. Distance: 7.7 milesElevation: 2,522 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Then recheck it the day before your hike. You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. It connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, where it is generally considered to begin (and end). Does Sky Pond sound too intense? Youll need high clearance to get to the upper lot. You will definitely want to wear hiking boots and bring trekking poles for this part of the trail. From short day hikes close to the cityto multi-day backpacking tripsdeep in Rocky Mountain National Park, these adventures will take you to some of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Colorado.
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