Tell someone about your plans. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. 7 Popular Colorado ATV & Jeep Trails | Colorado.com Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. Blue Lakes Trail in Telluride, Colorado takes you to three of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. There are plenty of hiking opportunities, but taking it easy and simply sitting back or fishing in the lake is the perfect way to slow down, unwind, and just be. Loop or Out and Back: Out and Back or Loop. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. 10 Remarkable Trails Near Denver To Add To Your Summer Bucket List, 10 Destinations Everyone In Denver Needs to Visit This Summer, Everyone In Denver Must Visit This Epic Hot Spring As Soon As Possible, This Swimming Spot Has The Clearest, Most Pristine Water Near Denver, 16 Unforgettable Things You Must Add To Your Denver Summer Bucket List, 10 Gorgeous Lakes To Visit Around Denver This Summer, 7 Of The Best Beaches Around Denver To Visit This Summer, These 11 Epic Wildflower Hikes Around Denver Are Completely Out Of This World. Distance: 7.7 milesElevation: 2,522 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Colorado has many picturesque lakes surrounded by high peaks. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. Think you need to be a hiking pro to enjoy amazing alpine lake hikes in Colorado? Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. Distance: 4.51 milesElevation: 1090 ftType: Out-and-back. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. This Rocky Mountain National Park adventure provides an opportunity to catch an unforgettable sunrise. Photo: Whitney JamesDistance: 3.15 milesElevation: 650 ftType: Out-and-back. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 42 min to complete. Jewel Lake is accessible by a three-mile hike and Clear Lake requires an eight-mile hike to get to. It's about a 3-mile trek out-and-back. And the fish well, they just float on down, once deployed from the airplane. Make your way up the two-mile trail to the base of St. Mary's Glacier (not really a glacier, but a permanent snowfield) where there is a picture-perfect alpine lake. . Early July 2020 My first trip to the beautiful remote Sand Creek Lakes high above the Wet Mountain Valley in Colorado was in 2017, a year of the big runoff. The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. Temperatures are often utterly freezing, since most alpine lakes are fed by snowmelt. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. This adventure takes you through a well-marked trail with fantastic mountain views. This includes water, snacks, sun protection, extra layers, and more. Please note, reservations are required to visit the park. Keep in mind that State Forest State Park requires a fee. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. High-altitude Colorado lakes where you can stand-up paddleboard or kayak These lakes are next to Independence Pass, a road that takes you to Aspen. 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. Ive been hiking in Colorado for over 13 years. Travel over the off-road driving trail (either on foot or by 44) and reach the Alta Ghost Town. Again, it depends. In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. Theres no shortage of fantastic mountain and lake views. Be sure to check local road conditions during the winter months, the road is unmaintained and closed, which adds an extra 3 to 4 miles each way. You could spend a lifetime trying to see all of the alpine lakes in Colorado and just barely scratch the surface. Come and try out the great hiking and mountain biking trails too! Hurricane Nora is forecast to track near Baja California and along the Gulf of California through this weekend with moisture spreading into the Southwest U.S. by the middle of next week. Google Drive ATV The Alpine Loop Length: 65 mile loop Drive Time: 5-7 hours Fees: 3-day Pass: $6.00 7-day Pass: $12.00 Annual Pass: $45.00 Or America the Beautiful Pass (National Park Pass) Difficulty: 75% Easy / 25% Difficult (rock outcroppings, drop offs) Access: Easy ATV Friendly Town: Lake City Ideal Riding Season: Mid Summer - September If you love the wildflowers, don't miss the serene trek into Eagles Nest Wilderness to Gore Lake. This picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. Chicago Lakes is a popular hiking trail in the Mount Evans Wilderness that has two magnificent lakes with stellar views of the foothills and of Mount Evans. "In cold, productive alpine lakes, trout can live to be quite old," says Jeff Spohn, aquatic biologist for Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. 17 Gorgeous Lakes in Colorado That Are Perfect For Summer Distance: 8.47 milesElevation: 1706 ftType: Loop. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Since the trail to get to Ice Lake is steep and long you should make sure to wear hiking boots. Beware of moose in this area, they are everywhere and not afraid to charge! Gore Lake. Lake Isabelle is one of the best winter hikes in Colorado (add about five miles round trip for the winter hike). Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. This route is delicate, so always practice Leave No Trace when visiting. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Parking early in the morning is free at the Bear Lake Trailhead. Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning beauty. Check out our favorite alpine hikes in Colorado and neighboring states. Make sure to pay attention to trail signs and take a GPS, there are a lot of intersecting trails in the area. The main mountain attraction is Lone Eagle Peak, which climbers can also ascend. Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. The trail starts off steep, dropping into a valley before running flat, then climbing steeply up again. In the Fall, the Aspen grove comes alive with color, making for an especially memorable experience. Be on the lookout for the moose who call this beautiful mountain landscape home! You'd better allow 7 hours to fully enjoy the scenic beauty, however. You'll be surrounded by jagged peak, stunning summer wildflower displays, and crystal clear waters. As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. The Alpine Loop leaves pavement and people behind, crossing the remote, rugged, spectacular heart of the San Juan Mountains. 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. Crystal Lake - Family of Free Pass by several waterfalls on your way to one of the most magnificent lakes in all of Colorado. Get to know this 6.7-mile out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. She'd rather be dirty than done up. Each of these alpine lake hikes brings you the best of the Rocky Mountains and picturesque mountain scenery of places like Leadville. before arriving at the lake, where goof fishing has been reported. 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. If you're looking for a secluded adventure, the Mohawk Lakes (upper and lower) are the perfect alpine escape for you. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. RELATED: Views are stunning and fish . Top 12 Mountain Views in Colorado: Where to See Colorado's Best Scenery This is a busy area, but for good reason, the views are delicious! That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. 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! Located outside of the beautiful mountain town of Vail, the trail to the lake is about 12.5 miles out-and-back. Miles from Denver: 100 miles. The best time to visit is between June and October. Distance: 12.5 milesElevation: 2,890 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This mountain range holds snow well into July, so be prepared for a few patches of snow, even in late summer. This 2,125 acre man-made lake sits about 15 miles south of Kremmling, Colorado in Summit County. Spooky indeed! Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? 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. Fly Fishing Alpine Lakes - Evergreen Trout Surround yourself in an amphitheater of dramatic rock and scope out of the best alpine lakes in Colorado. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. Trout Lake is a short drive from the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village towards Lizard Head Pass. Pikes Peak - America's Mountain | Colorado Springs If you are looking for something a little easier to get to, try James Peak Wilderness. Stargazing at night is amazing, so be sure to bring a camera if youre into night photography! Keep it Clean. What does 2023 look like for gray wolf reintroduction? Distance: 4.4 miles in summer, 11 miles in winterElevation: 448 in summer, 1,030 in winterDifficulty: Easy (moderate in winter)Red Tape and Local Tips: The Brainard Lake Recreation Area requires a fee for day use. Parking is $5 at the Summit Lake parking lot. 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. There was an error processing your request. Lake Helene is another great option for explorers of 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. There is nothing better than waking up and enjoying a hot cup of coffee next to a cold alpine lake. 2023 Best 10 Trails and Hikes in Silverton | AllTrails Be sure to check the weather before beginning this adventure as summer thunderstorms in this area can be aggressive. This is a great adventure for those looking to make a short trip outside of Denver. Youll get glimpses of Longs Peak and Alberta Falls (in the summer). Colorado will soon see moisture from what was Hurricane Nora and flash flood watches are already in effect for parts of the state. Did your favorite make it to our list of most beautiful lakes near Denver? Trek beyond the lakes to reach the 14,065-foot summit of Humboldt Peak. Want a bit more of a challenge? This lake is known for the reflection you can see in the lake of 14,000 ft tall Maroon Peaks. 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. With over 110 hiking trails, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and rugged ridgelines, it's no wonder this national park made its way onto our list! Nestled in those mountains behind Trout Lake sits Hope Lake. It's the state's highest peak. Exploring The Alpine Loop - ATV Colorado - Wild ATV This glacial lake is the largest natural lake in Colorado in terms of surface area, depth, and total water volume. Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake with clear teal water. Colorado Summer of Alpine Lakes | Visit Telluride Sharp granite cliffs rise straight out of the water as you gaze upon views of Longs Peak in the distance. However, the serenity of the lakes is well worth the butt-busting effort. Tucked under Mt Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak sits two pristine alpine lakes nestled beside the town of Twin Lakes. Wildflowers are at their peak in July and early August, by late August, the high alpine environment begins to brown, and temperatures drop substantially overnight. racist or sexually-oriented language. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. You're going to want to bring your camera on these adventures. "With an ample forage base such as scuds, crayfish, terrestrials, aquatic insects these fish can live 10 plus years and grow to very . Photo by Kyle Jenkins. The scenery is beautiful throughout and provides many opportunities for continued exploration while at the top! As a consequence, by mid-June I Resting beautifully at an elevation of 9,003 feet. Gray Wolf Reintroduction, What Does 2023 Look Like In Colorado? And find our listings for off-road outfitters and tour companies here. In fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. This hike also has a waterfall. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. Camping here is sure to be an awe-filled experience. Camping is prohibited within a quarter of a mile to protect its fragile environment. Throughout the post youll find: Absolutely. Many of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado are alpine lakes with clear blue water. However, with that being said, its still worth a visit to gaze upon this magical fairytale lake. Best Lakeside Elopement Locations in the US - Skyewater Photo Dogs are welcome, but due to the crowds, keep Fido leashed. In the winter, there is no fee, but the road is closed. 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! Please explore responsibly! Distance: 14.94 milesElevation: 2421 ftType: Out-and-back. Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Explore the fantastically beautiful cirque and enjoy views of Kit Carson, The Crestones, and Humboldt Peak. Hike to Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes, 25. If you do this hike in the winter, youll experience different scenery, but surely just as stunning. Return To Sand Creek Lakes: Revenge Of The Skunked! Go early. There are other great trout reservoirs in the area, but only Spinney is a Gold Medal water. 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. Lizard Head Pass Near Telluride above 10,000 feet in southwest Colorado, this pass provides staggering views of Colorado's jagged San Juan Mountains in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Its my favorite backpacking route in Colorado and well-worth an overnight. The winding hike leads you past dreamy fields of wildflowers before reaching the sparkling aqua the area is known for. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. Blue lake sits at 11,355 feet and is frozen for much of the year. The first lake on this trail is Lower Blue Lake, a clear bright blue lake within the Mount Sneffels Wilderness Area at 10,952 ft elevation. With such a delicate ecosystem, your skin oils and sunscreen can kill the wildlife that lives in the lake. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. Along the byway, you can travel through various scenery changes: start in a desert canyon and pass aspen foothills, lakes, alpine forests, lily ponds, and meadows bursting with wildflowers as you make your way to the top. Banff Sunshine. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. 2. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. Are there any waterfalls I can visit near Denver? Its a total bonus if you hit this trail early and arrive for the sunrise! Distance: 9.22 milesElevation: 2270 ftType: Out-and-back. Photo: Nicola EasterbyDistance: 3.06 milesElevation: 1168 ftType: Out-and-back. This list comes from years of research and is a total labor of love. On the way to Emerald Lake you will also pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. This alpine-lake hike should make every Coloradan's bucket list. 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.' The trail also features both forests and meadows budding with an abundance of wildflowers interspersed along the way. that is degrading to another person. Here are the lessons I have learned! You can hike to this lake from either Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado is an easy daytime hike that features expansive alpine landscapes and brilliant turquoise waters. Camping in dispersed camping areas gives you the opportunity for a little more privacy and peace and quiet. Cutthroats were originally named by William Clark on the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. Youll find over 2,000 alpine lakes in Colorado. This is a do-able day hike, but there are spots for camping if you want to stay overnight. Aside from craggy peaks, youll also see wildflowers springing from the ground all along the banks of the lakes during summer. By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. We searched for alpine lakes to hike to in the area and came across Crystal Lake in Saint Marie's, Idaho. For more information on how to do this lake loop, continue to our Rocky Mountain National Park Guide. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism 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. Kevin BuggieBPL Member. Alpine Loop National Backcountry Byway, Colorado During the Ice Age of the geologically . Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. Distance: 3.97 milesElevation: 1299 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. However, if you are up for a little hike, you'll discover that Blue Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness is true to its name. It even has a wheelchair-friendly trail, making it an ideal choice for those who may need a little extra encouragement to hit the trail. The breathtaking clear blue American Lake is located in Aspen, Colorado. Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! Camp at Twin Lakes White Star Campground. Distance: 3.77 milesElevation: 722 ftType: Out-and-back. The road will dead end at Moffat Tunnel where you'll find ample parking in a gravel lot with restrooms. Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. If you are a fan of high alpine lakes without having to travel far . 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. Distance: 5.4 milesElevation: 1,072 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. 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. Surprise Lake is also accessible from this set of trails, and all of the lakes offer the added bonus of being the perfect setting for a pristine, secluded backcountry campsite. This water adventure features beautiful cascading waterfalls among steep rocky cliffs and lush green pine trees. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation: 807 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: There is a $5 parking fee at both parking lots for St Marys. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. There are plenty of wildlife viewing (moose, turkey, deer, ptarmigan) and fishing opportunities. Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy spanning alpine lake views. Youll need high clearance to get to the upper lot. For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. Bring a swimsuit! This robust trail near Copper travels through sculpted canyons, pine forests, and open meadows as it ascends 3 vigorous miles to a pair of pristine, Don't let this demanding 10 mile hike intimidate you, because this glistening chain of alpine lakes nestled beneath Red Peak on North Willow Creek, is an unforgettable experience everyone should enjoy. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The water is gorgeous. Rocky Mountain National Park is a hidden gem in the Colorado Rockies. This article will walk you through the best lakes in Colorado and how to get to these lakes. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. 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. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. So many, Nestled in a glorious alpine valley at 10,868' and framed by the stunning Indian Peaks is one of the, Piney Lake is a prime spot for a day of hiking and canoeing in the Eagles Nest Wilderness in the Gore Range near Vail. The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road. Located in gorgeous Glenwood Canyon, the drive to the trailhead is reason . Resting at an elevation of 9,450 feet, it may come as a surprise that this scenic lake is located just 250 feet from the parking lot. The park boasts a wide range of activities that include summiting 14,259-foot Longs Peak, camping in the expansive backcountry, hiking to waterfalls and alpine lakes and, of course, wildlife viewing.