Temperatures are often utterly freezing, since most alpine lakes are fed by snowmelt. Take the Wheeler trail until it intersects with Crystal Creek Road. 2. person will not be tolerated. . Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links for products and services I recommend. But once there, you can take in impressive panoramas of the valley below as well as hidden meadows, streams, and ponds. Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty, and elevation gain. This route is delicate, so always practice Leave No Trace when visiting. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. This lake is known for the reflection you can see in the lake of 14,000 ft tall Maroon Peaks. To get there, follow Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes for 8.6 miles of out-and-back beauty. 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. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Make sure you have the necessary permits before setting up camp. Want a bit more of a challenge? High-clearance vehicles are best suited for getting to this scenic secluded spot. What does 2023 look like for gray wolf reintroduction? Awesome views, wildlife, lakes and wild flowers await you on this lollipop loop ride. Sky Pond is one of the most jaw-dropping sights to see. Most of these lakes are accessible by foot only, although you can also drive to quite a few of them. Here are 11 of the best swimming holes in Colorado, from pristine lakes to reservoirs, waterfall pools, and everything in between. Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. 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. This is the most beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be combined with Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. Distance: 4 miles in summer, 8 in winterElevation: 1,614 feet in summer, unknown to the lakeDifficulty: Easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Although there is a map on AllTrails, its not entirely accurate with distances. Local Tip: The Bear Lake parking area fills up quickly throughout the year, even on weekdays, so plan on arriving early or be prepared to take a shuttle. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. 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. Trek beyond the lakes to reach the 14,065-foot summit of Humboldt Peak. In winter the trail may be impossible without ice climbing gear. 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. In terms of the best lake hikes, Colorado offers some incredibly unique lakes and the Hanging Lake hike takes the cake. Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? The best time to visit lakes in Colorado is between May and October when there is no snow so they are easier to get to. The Alpine Loop leaves pavement and people behind, crossing the remote, rugged, spectacular heart of the San Juan Mountains. Discover the alpine beauty of Mirror Lake. Most of the Alpine lakes lie in valleys that were formed during the uplift of the mountain chain of the Alps. Please note, reservations are required to visit the park. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. Photos (9,863) Directions. The fastest way to get to this beautiful lake in the rocky mountains is to hike from Glacier Gorge Trailhead 5.4 miles round trip with 1,070 ft elevation gain. You'll find San Cristobal incredibly stunning. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Take the Glacier Gorge Trail up a steep, winding dramatic valley that terminates at the famed Sky Pond. 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. Its my favorite backpacking route in Colorado and well-worth an overnight. The total hike round trip to Upper Blue Lake is 8 miles with 2,404 ft elevation gain. 1. Dont forget to turn left at the graves or youll pass right by the final push to Gore Lake! Suggest edits to improve what we show. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. In the winter, there is no fee, but the road is closed. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. You'll take the Mitchell Lake Trail, crossing Mitchell Creek and passing Mitchell Lake along the way. Be Nice. Come July and August, Lawn Lake is arguably the best lake for fishing in the park. Located in gorgeous Glenwood Canyon, the drive to the trailhead is reason . The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. You'll be crossing a few small streams, so be careful after heavy rains. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Located in the San Juan Mountains, the lake also attracts a variety of wildlife including elk and moose. Its always a good idea, especially on longer, difficult hikes or solo excursions, to let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back. Forsythe Canyon Round-trip Distance: 2.2 miles Trailhead: Forsythe Canyon - Lincoln National Forest Difficulty: Easy This short hike starts just outside of Boulder. The main attraction while at the lake is the commanding Hallett Peak. This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. Check the weather. If you love the wildflowers, don't miss the serene trek into Eagles Nest Wilderness to Gore Lake. In the spring and early summer you can enjoy wildflowers on the hikes, and in the fall you get to see the Aspens fall foliage. Not your computer? Take a Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park There are plenty of wildlife viewing (moose, turkey, deer, ptarmigan) and fishing opportunities. On the way to Emerald Lake you will also pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. There are other great trout reservoirs in the area, but only Spinney is a Gold Medal water. The lakes are also great fishing destinations, so be sure to pack a rod and some tackle along with your tent for a surreal nature getaway. Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. 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. Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. Dont expect solitude here, even in the dead of winter. Enjoy magnificent views of aspens as you continue through sage and dense forest. When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. Dog-Friendly: Bloods Lake - No, Lake Lackawaxen - Yes. Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. 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. Water activities including fishing and kayaking are great ways to spend time exploring the area, especially if you plan to stay and camp. 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. + Save to a List. Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no . The middle and upper are said to have the best views. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Since the trail to get to Ice Lake is steep and long you should make sure to wear hiking boots. Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. Also, dont be an ass, you are not allowed to swim or climb around on the logs here. This moderate hike is a great way to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in Colorado without the lung-busting elevation gain. 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. Distance: 2.8 milesElevation: 885 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and local tips: Dogs are allowed to use this trail. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. Tucked under Mt Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak sits two pristine alpine lakes nestled beside the town of Twin Lakes. (And be sure to take time to branch off and discover the wonder of Salmon Lake along the way, tucked deep in the forest amidst fields of impressive boulders and towering pines.) The first couple miles of the hike are extremely steep and difficult. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Youll likely want to stay overnight to prolong your time in this picturesque environment, but do note that permits are required for campers. What I love about this Colorado lake hike is just how quiet it is. Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. Check out our favorite alpine hikes in Colorado and neighboring states. 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. Distance: 4.51 milesElevation: 1090 ftType: Out-and-back. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. 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. Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). You're going to want to bring your camera on these adventures. Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Arizona has many unique hiking opportunities with a wide range of elevation, climate, and views. Check out three different alpine lakes in the James Peak Wilderness with the Crater Lakes Trail. Our other most popular lakeside elopement locations in Colorado are Blue Lakes near Breckenridge and Lake Isabelle near Boulder. But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! In layman's terms, they are the state's finest fisheries. Nestled in those mountains behind Trout Lake sits Hope Lake. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. Not many people venture to the mountain ranges down south, so expect lots of solitude. It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. Distance: 8.12 milesElevation: 2037 ftType: Out-and-back. The parking lot at Bear Lake Trailhead typically gets full very early, so make sure to get there early so you dont have to take a shuttle. Are there any waterfalls I can visit near Denver? Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 42 min to complete. Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. (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 . Alpine Loop drive takes 4-6 hours to cover the distance between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. Keep in mind permits are required and parking fills up fast. Some hikes, like, Sedona is one of the most amazing places to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. Nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park lies Dream Lake. Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. Everyone knows about Hanging Lake, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. The road will dead end at Moffat Tunnel where you'll find ample parking in a gravel lot with restrooms. Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. 1. The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. However, with that being said, its still worth a visit to gaze upon this magical fairytale lake. Snow Lake Trail. It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. Catch dramatic views of the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak. To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. You even get two lakes for the price of one hike. This is a great adventure for those looking to make a short trip outside of Denver. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Theres no shortage of fantastic mountain and lake views. But if climbing a fourteener is not your bag, there's also a trail that leads to the jaw-dropping and some of the. Immarite? Youll want to be prepared for cooler weather, even in the middle of summer. There are several camping spots by the second lake if youre looking to stay overnight. Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes and three other unnamed lakes are all in the area. The hike from Ice Lake to Island Lake is about half a mile with 100 foot elevation gain. Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. Twin Lakes are two beautiful lakes located at the base of Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado. Youll get glimpses of Longs Peak and Alberta Falls (in the summer). 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. There's a one-way road that loops around the lake and parking for trailheads leading to Blue and Mitchell Lakes in the north valley and Isabelle and Long Lakes to the south. Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, Im not kidding about the moose! If you are a fan of high alpine lakes without having to travel far . Emerald Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is reached by hiking from Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Distance: 10.2 milesElevation: 2,014 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail is primarily used for driving (an easy off-road trial) but if you dont mind the walk, you can hike it just give way to vehicles and take care. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. Print/PDF map. You must typically access these lake by hiking a few miles or by horseback. 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 hike gains more than 3,000 feet of elevation, so be prepared for a strenuous climb coached with incredible views to keep you distracted. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. 11. Extend your time at this magnificent spot and camp at one of the campsites found around both lakes. The trail starts off steep, dropping into a valley before running flat, then climbing steeply up again. After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) This rather large lake is surrounded by pines with a dramatic mountain background. Both alpine lakes sit at an elevation of about 11,000 feet. The Upper Piney River trailhead begins at Piney Lake and winds through aspen meadows bursting with columbines, before passing by the cascading Piney Falls and ultimately leading to Upper Piney Lake at the headwaters of the Piney River just above 11,000.' No dogs. It's demandingthe two 12,000-foot passes (Cinnamon and Engineer) require a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle but the well-prepared motorist reaps . Toll. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. Arrive early to get a spot and spend more of the day exploring! The main mountain attraction is Lone Eagle Peak, which climbers can also ascend. Keep in mind, the average hiker moves at about 2 miles an hour or covers 1,000 feet of elevation gain in an hour. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. The hike from Bear Lake Trailhead is 3.6 miles round trip with about 740 ft elevation gain. As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. Youll have the added bonus of passing two additional scenic alpine lakes along the way. 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. Kevin BuggieBPL Member. Think you need to be a hiking pro to enjoy amazing alpine lake hikes in Colorado? 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. 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. Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. Whenever you hear someone talk about catching trout in the mountain lakes of the Rockies, the term that often comes up is "alpine". Mohawk Lakes offer plenty of picture-perfect backcountry camping or opportunities to summit nearby mountains, such as Father Dyer. You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic. Check with the Castle Mountain Recreation Company for more up-to-date information. 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. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. Breathtaking beauty awaits hikers at South Colony Lakes. The Maroon Bells are world renowned for being some of the most breathtaking mountains in the US. The deep blue waters of the Ice Lakes will leave you in awe. This article will walk you through the best lakes in Colorado and how to get to these lakes. Talk about iconic Colorado views! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. There are three lakes in the basin. Plenty of camping up there and a dog-friendly area. Distance: Varies, hikes on the property are short, its three miles to loop the lakeElevation: nothing notable.Difficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a great family-friendly spot, however, there are day fees and other camping fees to use the area. The Arkansas and local streams around my home base of Salida were blown out and muddy well into July. Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake with clear teal water. To see views of Lower Blue Lake from above you need to continue hiking up the steep Blue Lakes Trial towards Middle Blue Lake. Grand Mesa Trails Its still worth a visit, even if you arent climbing. This 7.7 miles trail boasts a wow factor unlike any other. 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. This alpine-lake hike should make every Coloradan's bucket list. The trail will end with a gorgeous view of Pitkin Lake. Youll find over 2,000 alpine lakes in Colorado. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. Definitely come prepared with a suit to take a dip. 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. Our first date was a three-day camping trip on the backroads of Colorado. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. No dogs. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Marys Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Enjoy spanning vistas of the Tenmile Range including Pacific Peak, Atlantic Peak, and Crystal Peak (all of which are excellent Colorado 13ers to try!). San Juan National Forest. The trail is about 6.8 miles round trip to Ice Lake with 2,457 ft elevation gain. Ive been hiking in Colorado for over 13 years. Be Truthful. This is one of the most iconic adventures in Colorado and for good reason! In winter, you will have to take a walk-around to avoid avalanche terrain so be alert. Ice Lake is a beautiful bright blue alpine lake located at 12,300 feet that requires a very strenuous hike to get to. 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. Distance: 3.97 milesElevation: 1299 ftType: Out-and-back. In fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. #16 Yellow Stimulator (covers your basic attractors, caddis, hoppers, and strike indicator for the nymph) #16 Parachute Adams (Covers mayflys, and everything else small and floating) 6 of each should fit in a tiny container and keep you fishing for a week. However, the serenity of the lakes is well worth the butt-busting effort. Start at Brainard Lake and make your way up the valley to Lake Isabelle where youll have views of the Isabelle Glacier a permanent snowfield. 2. Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. The backcountry hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes features abundant wildlife, glorious mountain backdrops, and beautiful wildflowers. You could spend a lifetime trying to see all of the alpine lakes in Colorado and just barely scratch the surface. 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. Distance: 9.22 milesElevation: 2270 ftType: Out-and-back. Although the entire hike is 2.4 miles long, you will arrive at the lake in half a. Photo: Abby VohaskaDistance: 8.81 miles Elevation: 2635 ftType: Out-and-back. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. Also, keep in mind there are restrictions on where you can walk, so be respectful of signs and regulations. Located outside of the beautiful mountain town of Vail, the trail to the lake is about 12.5 miles out-and-back. Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. The fee is $5 per person (16 years and older), children under 16 are free. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Mary's Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado.
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