The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. The snowpack is different every year, so its tough to say when trails will be snow-free. Give them instructions about who to call if they dont hear from you. Discover this alpine wonder by taking Rogers Pass Trail, a 9.1-mile out-and-back trail located near Rollinsville. This adventure takes you through a well-marked trail with fantastic mountain views. Black lake is a stunning and dramatic lake nestled deep in Rocky Mountain National Park. 8 to 4 miles Round TripElevation: Depends. Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. Please note, reservations may be required to visit the park. Tell someone about your plans. Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. Not so much an alpine lake hike as it is a recreation hot spot, Wellington Lake is an awesome place to explore earlier in the season before the alpine lakes in Colorado are thawed. Rollins Pass is in the FunTreks Northern Colorado Backroads 4 Wheel Drive . + Save to a List. For dramatic views of Longs Peak and the iconic Diamond headwall, head up to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Alpine lakes, old cabins, creek crossings, summer wildflowers, a stupendous waterfall, and unimaginable views. 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. 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. Its my favorite backpacking route in Colorado and well-worth an overnight. Get to know this 6.7-mile out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. all along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America's most . When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. Chasm Lake makes for a beautiful summer adventure. You're going to want to bring your camera on these adventures. This adventure will bring you by wide open meadows and plenty of wildlife (look out for moose and elk!) And find our listings for off-road outfitters and tour companies here. Banff Sunshine. What does 2023 look like for gray wolf reintroduction? Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. (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 picturesque lakes are tucked away near the mountains of Breckenridge. 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. The 6.3-mile hike takes 2.5-3 hours, and the elevation gain is very gradual for. 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.' 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. The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. The alpine wonder rests at an elevation of 10,630 feet located between Flattop Mountain (12,324 feet) and Notchtop Mountain (12,129 feet) ). Trout Lake is a short drive from the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village towards Lizard Head Pass. Distance: 8.12 milesElevation: 2037 ftType: Out-and-back. Use the 'Report' link on Dispersed camping does take a little more planning, but the extra work will be well worth it. As a consequence, by mid-June I Make it a day by going on one of Colorados most scenic drives! If you love the wildflowers, don't miss the serene trek into Eagles Nest Wilderness to Gore Lake. By: Lake of the Clouds brings you tranquil scenery and plenty of views. the most part. The trail features colorful wildflower meadows, breathtaking views, and plenty of wildlife. No dogs are allowed in the yurt over winter. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. Error! Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! From hiking around the water to fishing, boating, picnicking, and swimming . Located in gorgeous Glenwood Canyon, the drive to the trailhead is reason . The hike is difficult but is worth the challenge to get to one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. If you do opt to swim, dont wear any sunscreen. Be cautious, however, as thunderstorms are quite common in the summertime. Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. Discover the alpine beauty of Mirror Lake. Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. Lake Isabelle is one of the best winter hikes in Colorado (add about five miles round trip for the winter hike). Youll need high clearance to get to the upper lot. Many of these lakes are nestled between some of the most incredible mountain scenery you'll ever lay eyes on, making them ideal for golden hour photoshoots. There are other great trout reservoirs in the area, but only Spinney is a Gold Medal water. Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can Drive To!) 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. Distance: 2.93 milesElevation: 675 ftType: Loop. This hike can be done in a near-15-mile day over moderate terrain, or you can obtain a permit to backpack and camp right near the lake. 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. Lush alpine scenery unfolds as you ascend the 8.1-mile out-and-back trail nestled in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton. With so many lake hikes, Colorado will have your hiking itinerary booked for years! Distance: 3.9 milesElevation: 1,062 feetDifficulty: Easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Sometimes the road in is closed, which adds about a mile each way. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. 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). Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. The best lakes in Colorado often require hard hikes to get to but that also means that you can enjoy them with less people. Don't knowingly lie about anyone You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. Youll likely want to stay overnight to prolong your time in this picturesque environment, but do note that permits are required for campers. 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. Please note, reservations are required to visit the lake. Camping here is sure to be an awe-filled experience. Start on the Glacier Gorge Trail (like you would for Sky Pond) except veer left at the fork. But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! Proposition 114 passed in Colorado and now the planning process begins. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. Dogs welcome. Elevation Gain: 465 feet. Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. 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! It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. 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. Hike to Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes, 25. Once you arrive, you wont want to leave which is why many people consider Gore Lake one of the best backpacking trips in Colorado. You'll find San Cristobal incredibly stunning. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. 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. Directions: From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west or, from Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. Travel over the off-road driving trail (either on foot or by 44) and reach the Alta Ghost Town. If you're looking for a secluded adventure, the Mohawk Lakes (upper and lower) are the perfect alpine escape for you. Be Nice. Distance: 23.8 milesElevation: 4,767 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are welcome to use this trail. Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back You'd better allow 7 hours to fully enjoy the scenic beauty, however. Bear Lake is a popular lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Cottonwood Lake It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links for products and services I recommend. Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. The best time to visit is between June and October. Water activities including fishing and kayaking are great ways to spend time exploring the area, especially if you plan to stay and camp. Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Check out our favorite alpine hikes in Colorado and neighboring states. These lakes are next to Independence Pass, a road that takes you to Aspen. Pristine, beautiful waters often reflect dramatic mountain views. There is no overnight parking without a backcountry permit (we learned this the hard way) and there is an entry fee to get to the trailhead. Ive been hiking in Colorado for over 13 years. To get there, follow Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes for 8.6 miles of out-and-back beauty. Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. Driving to Alpine Lakes Some lakes, like Cottonwood Lake or O'Haver Lake, are accessible by car, and even more can be found with a little hiking effort. You can stop off at the lake and explore before driving to the summit of Mt. Expect to see some seriously stunning cascading waterfalls along the way. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a large wilderness area spanning the Central Cascades of Washington state in the United States.The wilderness is located in parts of Wenatchee National Forest and Snoqualmie National Forest, and is approximately bounded by Interstate 90 and Snoqualmie Pass to the south and U.S. Route 2 and Stevens Pass to the north. Mount Evans is a 14er that boasts fantastic views of the lake, Mt. Get going on this adventure to the three beautiful Blue Lakes nestled among Colorados San Juan Range in the Uncompahgre National Forest. 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. The wildflower lined trail is short and beautiful, clocking in at 2.1 miles round trip. This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). You'll be crossing a few small streams, so be careful after heavy rains. or drop a line and try your luck with some fishing. 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. Cherry Creek Reservoir. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. If you just cant get enough alpine lakes in Colorado, why not choose a hiking trail that hits four different Lakes? Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. Located near Gardener, Colorado, this amazing alpine lake Colorado hike starts with a downhill trek into a vast, meadow with stunning, panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. This truly-epic alpine lake hike is long, but worth the effort. 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. Distance: 2.8 miles round trip. To see views of Lower Blue Lake from above you need to continue hiking up the steep Blue Lakes Trial towards Middle Blue Lake. 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. Distance: 6.8 milesElevation: 1,548 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape: Many 14er-enthusiasts camp here overnight before their summit bids. This route is delicate, so always practice Leave No Trace when visiting. Distance: 3 milesElevation: 1,135 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: If you want a fighting chance at a less-crowded experience, go for sunrise. The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road. The video showcases the beauty of Colorado's high country. . Camp at Twin Lakes White Star Campground. Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Colorado. 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. There was an error processing your request. Parking early in the morning is free at the Bear Lake Trailhead. Like the name suggests, youll be in awe of the color of the deep blue waters. 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. Make sure to pay attention to trail signs and take a GPS, there are a lot of intersecting trails in the area. Talk about iconic Colorado views! It's about a 3-mile trek out-and-back. Again, it depends. person will not be tolerated. For an added challenge and extra mileage, you can even summit Longs Peak for an elevated vantage point! Youll find over 2,000 alpine lakes in Colorado. The Maroon Bells are world renowned for being some of the most breathtaking mountains in the US. Technically you can swim at many alpine lakes in Colorado, but you probably dont want to. There are also many opportunities for overnight backcountry adventures at one of the mountain lakes near Denver in James Peak Wilderness. Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. 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. We'd love to hear eyewitness Parking is $5 at the Summit Lake parking lot. Everyone knows about Hanging Lake, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. Breathe in the fresh air and set up a hammock to enjoy the most incredible mountain and alpine lake backdrop. 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. And located in the saddle of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, Tyndall Glacier (one of five active glaciers in the park) offers breathtaking views. Once at the lakes, you can go for a swim (so bring a suit!) Take the Glacier Gorge Trail up a steep, winding dramatic valley that terminates at the famed Sky Pond. It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. 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. Trek your way through stunning alpine country to one of the most picturesque lakes in the state Hanging Lake. Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, Im not kidding about the moose! This trail is popular and can get very crowded, so try to hike it either really early or much later in the day. Also, keep in mind there are restrictions on where you can walk, so be respectful of signs and regulations. Continue for several more miles until reaching the base of The Spearhead, a famous mountaineering objective. There are three lakes in the basin. If you are a fan of high alpine lakes without having to travel far . Which lake near Denver has the bluest water? Blue lake sits at 11,355 feet and is frozen for much of the year. Blue Lakes Basin is a must for explorers of the Mount Sneffels Wilderness. It's the state's highest peak. 1. Take the Wheeler trail until it intersects with Crystal Creek Road. The trail itself is moderately wooded. 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! There are plenty of wildlife viewing (moose, turkey, deer, ptarmigan) and fishing opportunities. This lake is known for the reflection you can see in the lake of 14,000 ft tall Maroon Peaks. There are hiking trails near the lakes with great views of the lakes and surrounding mountains. 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. Sky Pond is one of the most jaw-dropping sights to see. You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. Its still worth a visit, even if you arent climbing. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . The main attraction while at the lake is the commanding Hallett Peak. It is a long day hike (4.6 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 3,100ft. Colorado has many picturesque lakes surrounded by high peaks. This 2,125 acre man-made lake sits about 15 miles south of Kremmling, Colorado in Summit County. Named for its stunning waters, Emerald Lake is overflowing with beauty. 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. Once you get to the lake, focus on the right shoreline, where there is a great drop off for fish to hang out around. Located outside of the beautiful mountain town of Vail, the trail to the lake is about 12.5 miles out-and-back. or anything. Before you hit the trail, there are several important things to remember. Distance: Depends. Thats right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town! This list of the 16 top destinations in the Southwest US will, Your email address will not be published. Keep in mind, the average hiker moves at about 2 miles an hour or covers 1,000 feet of elevation gain in an hour. Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! If youre lucky, youll get a perfect reflection of these towering peaks against the lake. 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. Want a bit more of a challenge? "With an ample forage base such as scuds, crayfish, terrestrials, aquatic insects these fish can live 10 plus years and grow to very . The trail also features both forests and meadows budding with an abundance of wildflowers interspersed along the way. Distance: 8.6 miles from the lower lot, the upper lot cuts about a mile or so off each way (see Crystal Lake)Elevation: 2,129 feet from the lower lot (see Cyrstal Lake)Difficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a dog-friendly area packed with awesome 13er hiking opportunities. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. 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. Granite spires surrounding the lake, one referred to as sharks tooth. There are also two 13,000-foot peaks nearby, Taylor and Powell. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 42 min to complete. But if climbing a fourteener is not your bag, there's also a trail that leads to the jaw-dropping and some of the. This article will walk you through the best lakes in Colorado and how to get to these lakes. This short 6.5-mile round-trip trail boasts picturesque alpine lakes and stunning views of Pfeifferhorn. The total round trip hike to Island Lake with the loop is 8 miles with 2,700 ft elevation gain. Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. Loop or Out and Back: Out and Back or Loop. 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. #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. Harder To Reach: Lawn Lake. Our other most popular lakeside elopement locations in Colorado are Blue Lakes near Breckenridge and Lake Isabelle near Boulder. Are there any waterfalls I can visit near Denver? Maroon Lake brings you the best of the Bells, the Maroon Bells that is. Spalding. This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. Another long-distance doozy, the Twin Crater Lakes hike is well-worth a backpack, unless you have hiking superpowers, in which case, it technically can be done in a day. 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. You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. Distance: 4.51 milesElevation: 1090 ftType: Out-and-back.
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