Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. Thats right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town! Alpine Lakes Wilderness - Wikipedia Discover this alpine wonder by taking Rogers Pass Trail, a 9.1-mile out-and-back trail located near Rollinsville. Parking early in the morning is free at the Bear Lake Trailhead. Once you get to the lake, focus on the right shoreline, where there is a great drop off for fish to hang out around. Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Sandbeach Lake has a wide sandy shore thats perfect for picnicking or simply sitting to take in the scenery. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. Tucked under Mt Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak sits two pristine alpine lakes nestled beside the town of Twin Lakes. Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. 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. This article will walk you through the best lakes in Colorado and how to get to these lakes. Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. Rollins Pass is in the FunTreks Northern Colorado Backroads 4 Wheel Drive . Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! Local Tip: Check out Ouray, one of the most stunning Colorado mountain towns, post-hike! Dispersed camping does take a little more planning, but the extra work will be well worth it. The Alpine Lakes is the largest wilderness area . Most of these lakes are accessible by foot only, although you can also drive to quite a few of them. Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. The total hike round trip to Upper Blue Lake is 8 miles with 2,404 ft elevation gain. Trek your way through stunning alpine country to one of the most picturesque lakes in the state Hanging Lake. Keep moving forward and the trail will switch back and then head up the mountain. This Rocky Mountain National Park adventure provides an opportunity to catch an unforgettable sunrise. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. If you're looking for a secluded adventure, the Mohawk Lakes (upper and lower) are the perfect alpine escape for you. Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. Related: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local. To get there, follow Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes for 8.6 miles of out-and-back beauty. Maroon Lake brings you the best of the Bells, the Maroon Bells that is. 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. To extend your adventure, you can continue on to Isabelle Glacier. 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. 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. Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. 17. It's about a 3-mile trek out-and-back. This 7.7 miles trail boasts a wow factor unlike any other. However, the serenity of the lakes is well worth the butt-busting effort. The deep blue waters of the Ice Lakes will leave you in awe. Mohawk Lakes Trail, Colorado's Best Hike - Crazy About Colorado Cherry Creek Reservoir in Aurora, Colorado offers a treasure trove of outdoor activities for the whole family. Scope out sweet views of Mont Massive and the mighty Sawatch Range (home to 14 of Colorados tallest peaks). Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. that is degrading to another person. Tell someone about your plans. This Colorado Trail Has 3 Turquoise Lakes With The Bluest Water You've It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. The winding hike leads you past dreamy fields of wildflowers before reaching the sparkling aqua the area is known for. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. Moderate 4.6 (8765) Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Keep in mind permits are required and parking fills up fast. But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. This is the most beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be combined with Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. It's a roughly 12-mile trek that leads to Upper Cataract Lake below the famed Eagles Nest Mountain looming at an impressive 13,432,' then continues on to Cat Lake and ultimately to Mirror Lake, which lies at 11,020.' Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible . This trail is well-used but has an interesting start as you make your way up next to and around a huge railway tunnel. While "alpine" is used by many anglers to describe the high elevation fisheries they visit that are inaccessible for of the year and may require a difficult drive and/or hike to access, not all high elevation fisheries are truly "alpine". You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. Best Lakeside Elopement Locations in the US - Skyewater Photo Here are the lessons I have learned! 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. Photo: Whitney JamesDistance: 3.15 milesElevation: 650 ftType: Out-and-back. For a real adventure, combine your lake hike in Colorado with an overnight at a yurt. In order to avoid storms at high altitude, youll want to start your hike EARLY, sometimes before the sun rises, depending on the length of the hike. Yes. If youre looking for a stunning place to stake out camp by a lake, look no more! Alpine Loop Byway - Lake City-Ouray-Silverton - Uncover Colorado From short day hikes close to the city to multi-day backpacking trips deep in Rocky Mountain National Park, these adventures will take you to some of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Colorado. The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. The backcountry hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes features abundant wildlife, glorious mountain backdrops, and beautiful wildflowers. Green Mountain Reservoir. It is a long day hike (4.6 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 3,100ft. Nestled at 7,323 feet, the trail leading to the lake is short but relatively steep, gaining more than a thousand feet in elevation. Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. Crested Butte Trails: Emerald Lake These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. If youre looking for a moderate jaunt with big view payout, check out Silver Dollar Lake outside of Georgetown. Camp at Twin Lakes White Star Campground. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. Distance: 5.4 milesElevation: 1,072 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. . Length: 63 miles. Seriouslyover 2,000! Immarite? Although Gore Lake looks reasonable on paper, this is a tough hike, with much of the elevation gained in the last couple of miles. Pikes Peak - America's Mountain | Colorado Springs Additionally, the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife may occasionally stock non-native fine-spotted Snake River Cutthroats, common in Wyoming and Idaho, into some fisheries. It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. The Outbound Collective Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). 10 Alpine Hikes To Tackle Before the Snow Flies - 303 Magazine 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. Expect to see wildlife like moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or elk along the trail, especially in the late spring and early summer. Surrounding peaks of granite reflect off the lake's beautiful emerald green waters nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park. Please note, reservations are required to visit the park. Get to know this 6.7-mile out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. Sky Pond is one of the most jaw-dropping sights to see. Start on the Glacier Gorge Trail (like you would for Sky Pond) except veer left at the fork. Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. Our first date was a three-day camping trip on the backroads of Colorado. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. The trail is located near Glenwood Springs, offering the perfect post-adventure spot. This alpine-lake hike should make every Coloradan's bucket list. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation: 160 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Maroon Lake is worth a visit year-round, including in the (much quieter) winter months. 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). Located outside of the beautiful mountain town of Vail, the trail to the lake is about 12.5 miles out-and-back. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. 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. This hike also has a waterfall. This water adventure features beautiful cascading waterfalls among steep rocky cliffs and lush green pine trees. The first couple miles of the hike are extremely steep and difficult. Trail Use: Hiking Only. Plenty of camping up there and a dog-friendly area. Think you need to be a hiking pro to enjoy amazing alpine lake hikes in Colorado? 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. This includes water, snacks, sun protection, extra layers, and more. Table of Contents hide 1 Shadow Mountain Lake 2 Green Mountain Reservoir 3 Dream Lake 4 Two Rivers Lake 5 Crater Lake 6 Grand Lake 7 Lake Granby 8 Piney Lake 9 Sylvan Lake State Park 10 Twin Lakes 11 Lake Dillon 12 Blue Mesa Reservoir 13 Chatfield State Park Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. There is no shortage of beautiful lakes near Denver, and there are several with magnificently blue water. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. This is a phenomenal spot for a picnic lunch and a SUP experience. The total hike round trip to Middle Blue Lake is 7.6 miles with 2,292 ft elevation gain. the most part. The freshwater lake is the perfect spot for boating or fishing. Winter enthusiasts can snowshoe the two to three miles up to the yurt and then onwards 2.5 miles to the lake where they can enjoy one of the most unique weekend trips from Denver. You even get two lakes for the price of one hike. Once at the lakes, you can go for a swim (so bring a suit!) Trout Lake is a short drive from the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village towards Lizard Head Pass. Beware of moose in this area, they are everywhere and not afraid to charge! (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.) In fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. Distance: 8.12 milesElevation: 2037 ftType: Out-and-back. From Bear Lake Trailhead it is about 4.2 miles roundtrip with 840 ft elevation gain. The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado person will not be tolerated. Plan accordingly. Must Visit Stunning Lakes in Colorado | Insider Families Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado. In the south you can find Saguaro National Park and, Colorado is full of incredible hiking trails that take you to breathtaking views, waterfalls, and lakes. 12 Most Beautiful Lakes in Colorado - Getaway Compass 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. Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, Im not kidding about the moose! Some hikes, like, Sedona is one of the most amazing places to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. Explore the fantastically beautiful cirque and enjoy views of Kit Carson, The Crestones, and Humboldt Peak. Lake Isabelle is one of the best winter hikes in Colorado (add about five miles round trip for the winter hike). Boating Lakes in Colorado | Summer Things to Do in Colorado - Grizzly Rose Don't knowingly lie about anyone Long Lake is an alpine explorers paradise. This lake is located in the alpine layer at 11,746 ft and as you get closer to the lake it will get significantly colder and more windy. And the fish well, they just float on down, once deployed from the airplane. Bring a swimsuit! There are a lot of famous alpine lake hikes in Colorado to discover. You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic. Cherry Creek Reservoir. It's the state's highest peak. While opting for the alpine wonder is suitable for a wider range hiking skill levels, bagging both peaks is only recommend for the most experienced hikers. Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. Opt to get there early or make it an overnight to get more time. Lush alpine scenery unfolds as you ascend the 8.1-mile out-and-back trail nestled in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton. Did your favorite make it to our list of most beautiful lakes near Denver? 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! Lake Ann - Only accessible by way of a 1.75-mile well-maintained trail, this pristine lake is ruggedly scenic and extremely protected. Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. You'll find San Cristobal incredibly stunning. Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. Pass by several waterfalls on your way to one of the most magnificent lakes in all of Colorado. This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. This truly-epic alpine lake hike is long, but worth the effort. Among the lakes stocked on Monday, the highest of them - Ptarmigan Lake in Gunnison County - sits at 12,306 feet. To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. Distance: 6.92 milesElevation: 1804 ftType: Out-and-back. 2023 Best 10 Trails and Hikes in Silverton | AllTrails Start at the main trailhead and wander up either Crystal Creek Road (the uphill ramp on your right if youre looking at the end of the lot) or continue straight past the lot to the upper lot (about a 5-car pull out) where the road intersects the Wheeler Trail. And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! The byway provides many scenic overlooks to view each of these Colorado beauties. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Does Sky Pond sound too intense? 25 Beautiful Alpine Lakes in Colorado - The Outbound 11 Best Lakes Near Denver To Visit This Summer - OnlyInYourState There are several camping spots by the second lake if youre looking to stay overnight. Since it's a relatively short hike, this is a great one for a family nature outing. Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Colorado has many picturesque lakes surrounded by high peaks. There was an error processing your request. VIDEO: Aerial Fish Stocking Operation Brings Trout to Colorado's A Guide to Skiing Banff: An Inside Look at the SkiBig3 Resorts | GearJunkie Come and try out the great hiking and mountain biking trails too! Alpine lakes | Britannica Want a bit more of a challenge? Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back Many of the most amazing lakeside views in the state are easily accessible for beginner hikers. Which lake near Denver has the bluest water? Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 42 min to complete. Are there any waterfalls I can visit near Denver? Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. Access: Transit to Trails is a great option for these hikes! 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. Crystal Lake - Family of Free Lake Helene is another great option for explorers of Rocky Mountain National Park. Camping in dispersed camping areas gives you the opportunity for a little more privacy and peace and quiet. 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. Walk another half mile and youll see a beautiful waterfall, followed by stellar views of Lily Lake. Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty, and elevation gain. Alpine Loop drive takes 4-6 hours to cover the distance between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. It's a 1.8-mile trek (3.6 miles round trip). This lake is known for the reflection you can see in the lake of 14,000 ft tall Maroon Peaks. But once there, you can take in impressive panoramas of the valley below as well as hidden meadows, streams, and ponds. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. On Monday and . Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. Distance: 11 milesElevation: 2,529 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Think again! 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.' Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. Trek beyond the lakes to reach the 14,065-foot summit of Humboldt Peak. The designation means Spinney is public fishing water that produces a minimum of 12 fish of 14in or more and 60lbs per acre. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. With 50 square miles of golden aspens. Bear Lake is a short walk from Bear Lake Trailhead and you can add a 0.6 mile loop around the lake to enjoy it more. Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! The lake has an elevation of 9,905 feet at the base of Hallett's Peak, which is accessible via the famed Bear Lake trailhead. Youll be gasping for air from the steep inclines and incredible scenes. In winter the trail may be impossible without ice climbing gear. Travel over the off-road driving trail (either on foot or by 44) and reach the Alta Ghost Town. Starting at 10,390 elevation and reaching 12,000 this hike has it all. 10 "Drive-to" Lakes and Reservoirs in Colorado Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. 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 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. As a consequence, by mid-June I 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. This list comes from years of research and is a total labor of love. Distance: 3.97 milesElevation: 1299 ftType: Out-and-back. Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State Park. racist or sexually-oriented language. Please note, reservations may be required to visit the park. Nineteen of the 24 lakes shown in the video sit above 10,000 feet in elevation. 7 Popular Colorado ATV & Jeep Trails | Colorado.com Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. Whenever you hear someone talk about catching trout in the mountain lakes of the Rockies, the term that often comes up is "alpine". On July 21st, 2020, Skip, Bandit, Ezra, and I made our way from Colorado Springs, where we were visiting, up through Wyoming and Montana into Northern Idaho to visit family before heading back to Southern Idaho for work and school. + Save to a List. This picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. An alternative to driving on your own is to. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . These lakes are next to Independence Pass, a road that takes you to Aspen. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado | Colorado.com Check out three different alpine lakes in the James Peak Wilderness with the Crater Lakes Trail. Although the entire hike is 2.4 miles long, you will arrive at the lake in half a. Theres no shortage of fantastic mountain and lake views. Distance: 0.8 milesElevation: 32 feetDifficulty: Easy with accessibility rampsRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. 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. In the Fall, the Aspen grove comes alive with color, making for an especially memorable experience. Arguably one of the most scenic backpacking routes in Colorado, Gore Lake delivers alpine beauty unlike anything else.Make your way up the challenging trail to an alpine scene that literally looks like a painting. Something that absolutely should be on your list of things to do with kids in Colorado! Chasm Lake makes for a beautiful summer adventure. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Alpine Loop - If you look closely you can see a 44 on the trail dwarfed by the mountains. 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. 5h 16m. 10 Best ATV Trails In Colorado - Wild ATV Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado is an easy daytime hike that features expansive alpine landscapes and brilliant turquoise waters. Evans and Mt. Grand Lake. Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. This adventure will bring you by wide open meadows and plenty of wildlife (look out for moose and elk!) In Colorado's lakes and streams most Cutthroats average 9 to . The best time to visit is between June and October. Elevation Gain: 465 feet. Dont expect solitude here, even in the dead of winter. Use a private browsing window to sign in. If youre lucky, youll get a perfect reflection of these towering peaks against the lake. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. Extend your time at this magnificent spot and camp at one of the campsites found around both lakes. Be Truthful. 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. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. 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. What does 2023 look like for gray wolf reintroduction? Banff Sunshine. Today, this area is thought of as a near ideal spot for relaxation and water recreation, but it used to be a vital transportation destination after gold was discovered in nearby Aspen in 1879. 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. Water activities including fishing and kayaking are great ways to spend time exploring the area, especially if you plan to stay and camp. The fee is $5 per person (16 years and older), children under 16 are free. Colorado's Alpine Loop is affectionately called the " Switzerland of America" for a reason! This is a do-able day hike, but there are spots for camping if you want to stay overnight. . BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN COLORADO - Vows And Peaks Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. 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. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road. We can easily drive 30 minutes into high elevation aspen forests & alpine lakes when desired. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. Miles from Denver: 100 miles. The water is piercingly clear blue, which will entice you to jump right in! Camping is permitted and free around Alta Lakes in Telluride with campsites littered all around the three lakes. In the summer, the trail becomes a 44 road that you can still hike on, terminating at a parking lot. Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service)