You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. 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. 2. 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. Encounter some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world as you wind your way through an alpine wonderland, mountain reservoirs, beyond timberline, overtaking the clouds. You can hike to this lake from either Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. 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. Emerald Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is reached by hiking from Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Distance: 0.8 milesElevation: 32 feetDifficulty: Easy with accessibility rampsRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Most of the Alpine lakes lie in valleys that were formed during the uplift of the mountain chain of the Alps. Dream Lake is a vision right out of a fairy tale in the early morning hours. Distance: Depends. The best time to visit is between June and October. The alpine wonder rests at an elevation of 10,630 feet located between Flattop Mountain (12,324 feet) and Notchtop Mountain (12,129 feet) ). Sky Pond is one of the most jaw-dropping sights to see. This article will walk you through the best lakes in Colorado and how to get to these lakes. Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. It can be hard to narrow down which hikes, Colorado is a beautiful state with tall peaks, incredible lakes, and four unique national parks. Parking is $5 at the Summit Lake parking lot. Immarite? Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. If you love the wildflowers, don't miss the serene trek into Eagles Nest Wilderness to Gore Lake. Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State Park. These high-altitude lakes are typically much clearer than their low elevation counterparts and are often fed directly by snowmelt. The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. 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. Pristine, beautiful waters often reflect dramatic mountain views. You'll take the Mitchell Lake Trail, crossing Mitchell Creek and passing Mitchell Lake along the way. All photos (263) Wander the lake at sunrise for incredible views. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. Walk another half mile and youll see a beautiful waterfall, followed by stellar views of Lily Lake. San Juan National Forest. Youll begin the hike winding through dense forest before the scenery opens up to an incredible view of Longs Peak. Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. Here are the lessons I have learned! Start on the Glacier Gorge Trail (like you would for Sky Pond) except veer left at the fork. Lush alpine scenery unfolds as you ascend the 8.1-mile out-and-back trail nestled in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton. The total hike round trip to Upper Blue Lake is 8 miles with 2,404 ft elevation gain. This 2,125 acre man-made lake sits about 15 miles south of Kremmling, Colorado in Summit County. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail to access starts off at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. Whenever you hear someone talk about catching trout in the mountain lakes of the Rockies, the term that often comes up is "alpine". Dogs welcome. This short 6.5-mile round-trip trail boasts picturesque alpine lakes and stunning views of Pfeifferhorn. 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. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. 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. Extend your time at this magnificent spot and camp at one of the campsites found around both lakes. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. 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! Please explore responsibly! What does 2023 look like for gray wolf reintroduction? To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. The trail starts off steep, dropping into a valley before running flat, then climbing steeply up again. Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! 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. Distance: 14.6 milesElevation: 2,373 feetDifficulty: A difficult day hike or a moderate overnight backpackRed Tape and Local Tips: Permits are required for backpacking from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Youll get glimpses of Longs Peak and Alberta Falls (in the summer). If you do opt to swim, dont wear any sunscreen. With 50 square miles of golden aspens. Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Does Sky Pond sound too intense? Catch dramatic views of the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. Distance: 6.5 milesElevation: 2,362 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and local tips: Pssst, there are a lot of nearby small lakes and areas to explore here. Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back Check with the Castle Mountain Recreation Company for more up-to-date information. Pass by several waterfalls on your way to one of the most magnificent lakes in all of Colorado. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Expect to see some seriously stunning cascading waterfalls along the way. Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? 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. 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. It's the state's highest peak. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek located near Crestone. On the way youll pass three additional lakes, including the iconic Dream Lake. No dogs. The trail is about 6.8 miles round trip to Ice Lake with 2,457 ft elevation gain. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. Pass by the popular Alberta Falls, but keep trekking to leave the crowds behind and find yourself in complete solitude in this vast and unbelievably beautiful wilderness. Among the lakes stocked on Monday, the highest of them - Ptarmigan Lake in Gunnison County - sits at 12,306 feet. You'll find San Cristobal incredibly stunning. The trail will end with a gorgeous view of Pitkin Lake. Nineteen of the 24 lakes shown in the video sit above 10,000 feet in elevation. This Rocky Mountain National Park adventure provides an opportunity to catch an unforgettable sunrise. This is one of the most iconic adventures in Colorado and for good reason! Colorado's Alpine Loop is affectionately called the " Switzerland of America" for a reason! Make sure you have the necessary permits before setting up camp. Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes and three other unnamed lakes are all in the area. Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. You're going to want to bring your camera on these adventures. Lowest Depth: 265 feet. Grand Lake. Discover this alpine wonder by taking Rogers Pass Trail, a 9.1-mile out-and-back trail located near Rollinsville. When you get to the lake you can always take a swim if you are up for it, but expect the water to be really cold! Distance: 2.8 milesElevation: 885 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and local tips: Dogs are allowed to use this trail. Alpine Loop drive takes 4-6 hours to cover the distance between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. Since the trail to get to Ice Lake is steep and long you should make sure to wear hiking boots. Located outside of the beautiful mountain town of Vail, the trail to the lake is about 12.5 miles out-and-back. Located in gorgeous Glenwood Canyon, the drive to the trailhead is reason . 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. The lake is an additional 2-ish miles from the parking area. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Bring your camera and pack some tasty snacks! 20 Gift Ideas for People Who Love to Travel, 10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary: From Hot Springs to Cloud Forests, Sedona Off the Beaten Path: Sedona Hidden Gems, Top Shaded Hikes in Sedona: Sedona Summer Hikes, 16 Top Destinations in the Southwest US You Must See. 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! You'd better allow 7 hours to fully enjoy the scenic beauty, however. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. 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.' Enjoy spanning vistas of the Tenmile Range including Pacific Peak, Atlantic Peak, and Crystal Peak (all of which are excellent Colorado 13ers to try!). 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. 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. You'll need four-wheel drive to access the campsites at Bill Moore Lake but getting there on the steep rocky roads is part of the fun! The total hike round trip to Middle Blue Lake is 7.6 miles with 2,292 ft elevation gain. Accessing this alpine wonder is simple. Thats right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town! Before you hit the trail, there are several important things to remember. Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. Early July 2020 My first trip to the beautiful remote Sand Creek Lakes high above the Wet Mountain Valley in Colorado was in 2017, a year of the big runoff. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism From meadows found in the montane life zone to glistening alpine lakes and up to the towering mountain peaks, there is something for everyone to discover. The designation means Spinney is public fishing water that produces a minimum of 12 fish of 14in or more and 60lbs per acre. Description. Don't Threaten. 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. Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. You could spend a lifetime trying to see all of the alpine lakes in Colorado and just barely scratch the surface. There is no shortage of beautiful lakes near Denver, and there are several with magnificently blue water. The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. The trail itself is moderately wooded. The Alpine Lakes is the largest wilderness area . before arriving at the lake, where goof fishing has been reported. Its my favorite backpacking route in Colorado and well-worth an overnight. Directions: From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west or, from Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. 1. No dogs. 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 winter the trail may be impossible without ice climbing gear. Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Our other most popular lakeside elopement locations in Colorado are Blue Lakes near Breckenridge and Lake Isabelle near Boulder. 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. This robust trail near Copper travels through sculpted canyons, pine forests, and open meadows as it ascends 3 vigorous miles to a pair of pristine, Don't let this demanding 10 mile hike intimidate you, because this glistening chain of alpine lakes nestled beneath Red Peak on North Willow Creek, is an unforgettable experience everyone should enjoy. This route is delicate, so always practice Leave No Trace when visiting. The 8.9-mile out-and-back trail is blazed in beauty. 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. Accessibility from North Cascades Highway makes it an excellent stop on a road trip through the area. Please note, reservations are required to visit the lake. The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. You will definitely want to wear hiking boots and bring trekking poles for this part of the trail. The byway provides many scenic overlooks to view each of these Colorado beauties. If you are actually interested in how my dogs are incredibly cared for (& my dog skijoring/ mushing ventures), you can see where they live via @mesamutts on IG - 5 acre fenced dog paradise. And the fish well, they just float on down, once deployed from the airplane. Ive been hiking in Colorado for over 13 years. Did you know that Colorado is home to over 2,000 lakes? Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. This moderate hike is a great way to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in Colorado without the lung-busting elevation gain. Talk about iconic Colorado views! Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Bushnell lakes sit under Bushnell Peak and SE of Stout Lakes drainage. But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! Share with Us. Water activities including fishing and kayaking are great ways to spend time exploring the area, especially if you plan to stay and camp. Youll cross a couple of creeks so be sure to have the appropriate footwear on. Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. Be on the lookout for the moose who call this beautiful mountain landscape home! Located in the San Juan Mountains, the lake also attracts a variety of wildlife including elk and moose. Cash fees may apply for accessing the area. Surface Area: 507 acres. The trail also features both forests and meadows budding with an abundance of wildflowers interspersed along the way. Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Columbine Lake Trail #509 in San Juan National Forest is a difficult and steep trail with 16 discernible switchbacks but it's worth the effort. Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Distance: 10.5 milesElevation: 2,975 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Parking is limited so consider taking the free bus from the Vail Village parking structure to the trailhead. 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. Hike to Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes, 25. 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. Proposition 114 passed in Colorado and now the planning process begins. 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. Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty, and elevation gain. Distance: 8.12 milesElevation: 2037 ftType: Out-and-back. Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. Camp at Twin Lakes White Star Campground. 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. that is degrading to another person. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. The ideal time to visit is. RELATED: Views are stunning and fish . Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. Your email address will not be published. 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. However, the serenity of the lakes is well worth the butt-busting effort. Kevin BuggieBPL Member. This picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. 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. Surrounding peaks of granite reflect off the lake's beautiful emerald green waters nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park. The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. However, this is one gorgeous hike, especially during the wildflower season. Distance: 4.4 miles in summer, 11 miles in winterElevation: 448 in summer, 1,030 in winterDifficulty: Easy (moderate in winter)Red Tape and Local Tips: The Brainard Lake Recreation Area requires a fee for day use. If youre looking for a stunning place to stake out camp by a lake, look no more! This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). Connecting the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake, Trail Ridge Road traverses Rocky Mountain National Park, making this one of the most scenic mountain passes in Colorado. But on your way there, take moments of rest to appreciate the view of Longs Peak to the south and Tyndall Creek. Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. More Information 2. Think you need to be a hiking pro to enjoy amazing alpine lake hikes in Colorado? Stargazing at night is amazing, so be sure to bring a camera if youre into night photography! We'd love to hear eyewitness There are three lakes in the basin. This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver.

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