Tucked under Mt Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak sits two pristine alpine lakes nestled beside the town of Twin Lakes. Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. Most of these lakes are accessible by foot only, although you can also drive to quite a few of them. There are a lot of famous alpine lake hikes in Colorado to discover. Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. Colorado's Alpine Loop is affectionately called the " Switzerland of America" for a reason! Take the Wheeler trail until it intersects with Crystal Creek Road. The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. Aside from the deep blues waters, hikers are delighted with wildflower-filled meadows bordering the lakes in bright and beautiful colors. The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. The total hike round trip to Middle Blue Lake is 7.6 miles with 2,292 ft elevation gain. Parking early in the morning is free at the Bear Lake Trailhead. This picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. Photo by Kyle Jenkins. Distance: 11 milesElevation: 2,529 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Distance: 8.47 milesElevation: 1706 ftType: Loop. Also, keep in mind there are restrictions on where you can walk, so be respectful of signs and regulations. The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. 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. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. Nestled in those mountains behind Trout Lake sits Hope Lake. Camping in dispersed camping areas gives you the opportunity for a little more privacy and peace and quiet. Elevation Gain: 465 feet. Distance: 6.5 milesElevation: 1,804 feetDifficulty: moderate to difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail gets insanely busy in the summer, so start early. Like the name suggests, youll be in awe of the color of the deep blue waters. The trail is located near Glenwood Springs, offering the perfect post-adventure spot. Plan accordingly. 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. In Colorado's lakes and streams most Cutthroats average 9 to . 1. Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. Youll have the added bonus of passing two additional scenic alpine lakes along the way. 1. You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. Square Top Lakes, Guanella Pass Square Top Lakes via Shutterstock. 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. This adventure features three impressive alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Loch, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond. Dog-friendly. Scope out sweet views of Mont Massive and the mighty Sawatch Range (home to 14 of Colorados tallest peaks). However, this is one gorgeous hike, especially during the wildflower season. This lake is known for the reflection you can see in the lake of 14,000 ft tall Maroon Peaks. If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. Its still worth a visit, even if you arent climbing. Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. The trail is about 6.8 miles round trip to Ice Lake with 2,457 ft elevation gain. Toll. Youll likely want to stay overnight to prolong your time in this picturesque environment, but do note that permits are required for campers. Explore the fantastically beautiful cirque and enjoy views of Kit Carson, The Crestones, and Humboldt Peak. In reality, you can make your way to an alpine lake any time of the year. Bushnell lakes sit under Bushnell Peak and SE of Stout Lakes drainage. If you're looking for a secluded adventure, the Mohawk Lakes (upper and lower) are the perfect alpine escape for you. The Lake Haiyaha hike is accessible year-round, Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local, Altitude Sickness Prevention for Your Mountain Hike, best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Things to do in Colorado this Winter Besides Ski, 13 Mega-Epic Hikes in Estes Park, Colorado. Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. The designation means Spinney is public fishing water that produces a minimum of 12 fish of 14in or more and 60lbs per acre. . An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. Not many people venture to the mountain ranges down south, so expect lots of solitude. Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Marys Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. "In cold, productive alpine lakes, trout can live to be quite old," says Jeff Spohn, aquatic biologist for Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake with clear teal water. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. Breathtaking beauty awaits hikers at South Colony Lakes. If youre looking for a moderate jaunt with big view payout, check out Silver Dollar Lake outside of Georgetown. 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! Use a private browsing window to sign in. My anticipation grows with each new day, as the sun burns hotter, longer, and stronger, thawing the lakes and tundra of the high country and promising a summer filled with days spent in the wilds. Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. About. Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. Spalding. The breathtaking clear blue American Lake is located in Aspen, Colorado. 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. The best time to visit is between June and October. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. The 2.3-mile out-and-back trail starts off in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area and then winds on to the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The water is gorgeous. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. The trail itself is moderately wooded. You'll be surrounded by jagged peak, stunning summer wildflower displays, and crystal clear waters. Another worthwhile alpine lake hike near Breckenridge is Crystal Lake, which gives the ultimate solitude and scenery double punch. Its a total bonus if you hit this trail early and arrive for the sunrise! . It's the state's highest peak. But what if I told you we havent been given access to over half of whats really out there? Youll want to be prepared for cooler weather, even in the middle of summer. In terms of the best lake hikes, Colorado offers some incredibly unique lakes and the Hanging Lake hike takes the cake. You could also do a loop and combine this lake with Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. Did you know that Colorado is home to over 2,000 lakes? Immarite? 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. Although Gore Lake looks reasonable on paper, this is a tough hike, with much of the elevation gained in the last couple of miles. Lake Blanche Trail : An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer . Ice Lake is a beautiful bright blue alpine lake located at 12,300 feet that requires a very strenuous hike to get to. Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! But once there, you can take in impressive panoramas of the valley below as well as hidden meadows, streams, and ponds. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. Mohawk Lakes offer plenty of picture-perfect backcountry camping or opportunities to summit nearby mountains, such as Father Dyer. For an invigorating day of outdoor fun, head over to these amazing, Hidden deep in the Rawah Wilderness near Fort Collins, is a secluded picturesque paradise with pristine alpine lakes and the spectacular Medicine Bow Mountains as their backdrop. Nestled at 7,323 feet, the trail leading to the lake is short but relatively steep, gaining more than a thousand feet in elevation. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. Traverse forests of aspen and lodgepole pine and enjoy views of surrounding peaks and valleys before arriving at some of the, This 160-acre tarn resides at 12,836' at Summit Lake Park beneath Mt. Distance: 2.8 miles round trip. 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. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. (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 . Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. 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. You can stop off at the lake and explore before driving to the summit of Mt. In the Fall, the Aspen grove comes alive with color, making for an especially memorable experience. This trail is well-used but has an interesting start as you make your way up next to and around a huge railway tunnel. Emerald Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is reached by hiking from Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. You can take a dip at Sprouting Rock in a stunning turquoise oasis found just behind Hanging Lake. Twin Lakes are two beautiful lakes located at the base of Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado. 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. Dogs welcome. If you are up for the challenge Island Lake is worth the visit! This is a do-able day hike, but there are spots for camping if you want to stay overnight. Dream Lake is a vision right out of a fairy tale in the early morning hours. Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. Colorado will soon see moisture from what was Hurricane Nora and flash flood watches are already in effect for parts of the state. Your email address will not be published. Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. Long Lake is an alpine explorers paradise. The ideal time to visit is. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. In layman's terms, they are the state's finest fisheries. Aside from craggy peaks, youll also see wildflowers springing from the ground all along the banks of the lakes during summer. Distance: 8.02 milesElevation: 2500 ftType: Out-and-back. Length: 63 miles. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. Start from the Bear Lake parking lot and hike the gentle trail towards Lake Haiyaha, passing through the alluring Emerald Lake. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. There are plenty of wildlife viewing (moose, turkey, deer, ptarmigan) and fishing opportunities. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. And the fish well, they just float on down, once deployed from the airplane. Named for its stunning waters, Emerald Lake is overflowing with beauty. Alpine Lakes in Colorado. Youll cross a couple of creeks so be sure to have the appropriate footwear on. Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. The trail will end with a gorgeous view of Pitkin Lake. Keep it Clean. Go early. As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. Enjoy spanning vistas of the Tenmile Range including Pacific Peak, Atlantic Peak, and Crystal Peak (all of which are excellent Colorado 13ers to try!). + Save to a List. The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. Heart Lake is another great option for backpackers. By: There is a road where you can drive down next to the lakes, and a different road that you can drive up for views of the lakes. There is nothing better than waking up and enjoying a hot cup of coffee next to a cold alpine lake. 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. This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. The best lakes in Colorado often require hard hikes to get to but that also means that you can enjoy them with less people. This truly-epic alpine lake hike is long, but worth the effort. Are there any waterfalls I can visit near Denver? 8 to 4 miles Round TripElevation: Depends. With so many lake hikes, Colorado will have your hiking itinerary booked for years! More Information 2. Then recheck it the day before your hike. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Distance From Telluride: 10 miles | 22 minutes Accessibility: Rugged, off-road vehicle recommended Activities: Fishing, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding Located just 20 minutes outside of Telluride, Alta Lakes is a popular destination for couples and families seeking a convenient water retreat. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. If you are a fan of high alpine lakes without having to travel far . Local Tip: This hike is also near some of the best free camping near Denver. Take the dirt road up in elevation as it turns a bit rough closer to the lake. And find our listings for off-road outfitters and tour companies here. Bierstadt, and even Denver at times. 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. To see most of these incredible lakes in Colorado on one road trip, check out our Colorado Road Trip Itinerary. These lakes are next to Independence Pass, a road that takes you to Aspen. 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. 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. Sundial Peak over Lake Blanche. When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. For a brief time, in only the warmest months of the year, will you find the waters of the Green Mountain Reservoir tolerable for swimming. The backcountry hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes features abundant wildlife, glorious mountain backdrops, and beautiful wildflowers. 2. Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). Does Sky Pond sound too intense? Mount Evans is a 14er that boasts fantastic views of the lake, Mt. Pristine, beautiful waters often reflect dramatic mountain views. 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. In the winter, there is no fee, but the road is closed. Distance: 6.92 milesElevation: 1804 ftType: Out-and-back. Plenty of camping up there and a dog-friendly area. 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. 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. Hike your way up to the lakes for breath-taking views and lakeside goodness! In winter, you will have to take a walk-around to avoid avalanche terrain so be alert. Willow Lake offers a backpacking adventure into the Sangre de Cristo range. Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Colorado. Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! 1. From short day hikes close to the cityto multi-day backpacking tripsdeep in Rocky Mountain National Park, these adventures will take you to some of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Colorado. Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. Alpine lakes are defined by being any lake that sits above 10,000 feet above sea level. Threats of harming another Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. This list of the 16 top destinations in the Southwest US will, Your email address will not be published. 1. Come July and August, Lawn Lake is arguably the best lake for fishing in the park. This includes water, snacks, sun protection, extra layers, and more. The winding hike leads you past dreamy fields of wildflowers before reaching the sparkling aqua the area is known 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.' This is a great adventure for those looking to make a short trip outside of Denver. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek located near Crestone. Continue for several more miles until reaching the base of The Spearhead, a famous mountaineering objective. The water is piercingly clear blue, which will entice you to jump right in! UPPER & LOWER BUSHNELL LAKES.
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