. Another worthwhile alpine lake hike near Breckenridge is Crystal Lake, which gives the ultimate solitude and scenery double punch. Dogs welcome. If youre looking for a stunning place to stake out camp by a lake, look no more! The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. Though close in proximity to Maroon Lake, Crater Lake is a less crowded destination, yet still unbelievably scenic. There are three lakes in the basin. The breathtaking clear blue American Lake is located in Aspen, Colorado. For a real adventure, combine your lake hike in Colorado with an overnight at a yurt. You can hike to this lake from either Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Doggies welcome. Bushnell lakes sit under Bushnell Peak and SE of Stout Lakes drainage. Aside from the deep blues waters, hikers are delighted with wildflower-filled meadows bordering the lakes in bright and beautiful colors. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. Youll be gasping for air from the steep inclines and incredible scenes. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. . Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado. This hike also has a waterfall. Does Sky Pond sound too intense? Our first date was a three-day camping trip on the backroads of Colorado. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. These lakes are next to Independence Pass, a road that takes you to Aspen. This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). Keep in mind that State Forest State Park requires a fee. There are several camping spots by the second lake if youre looking to stay overnight. Trout Lake is a short drive from the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village towards Lizard Head Pass. This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. The best time to do this hike is early in the morning for sunrise you wont be mad you did! What does 2023 look like for gray wolf reintroduction? Nestled at 7,323 feet, the trail leading to the lake is short but relatively steep, gaining more than a thousand feet in elevation. Whenever you hear someone talk about catching trout in the mountain lakes of the Rockies, the term that often comes up is "alpine". Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. By the way, the lake we hiked to was Lost Lake past Eldora.loaded with brookies but also unfortunately with groups of loud hikers and overnight campers, despite the steep uphill climb. Its my favorite backpacking route in Colorado and well-worth an overnight. To see views of Lower Blue Lake from above you need to continue hiking up the steep Blue Lakes Trial towards Middle Blue Lake. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. Talk about iconic Colorado views! Chasm Lake makes for a beautiful summer adventure. With so many lake hikes, Colorado will have your hiking itinerary booked for years! 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 popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. The designation means Spinney is public fishing water that produces a minimum of 12 fish of 14in or more and 60lbs per acre. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Alpine Loop. Loop or Out and Back: Out and Back or Loop. Willow Lake offers a backpacking adventure into the Sangre de Cristo range. Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. Forsythe Canyon Round-trip Distance: 2.2 miles Trailhead: Forsythe Canyon - Lincoln National Forest Difficulty: Easy This short hike starts just outside of Boulder. Sandbeach Lake has a wide sandy shore thats perfect for picnicking or simply sitting to take in the scenery. The alpine wonder rests at an elevation of 10,630 feet located between Flattop Mountain (12,324 feet) and Notchtop Mountain (12,129 feet) ). Also, keep in mind there are restrictions on where you can walk, so be respectful of signs and regulations. Those launching float tubes and canoes will appreciate being able to drive within spitting distance of the many lakes and small . You can take a dip at Sprouting Rock in a stunning turquoise oasis found just behind Hanging Lake. Emerald Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is reached by hiking from Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. Dog-friendly. Some hikes, like, Sedona is one of the most amazing places to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. Nineteen of the 24 lakes shown in the video sit above 10,000 feet in elevation. The water is gorgeous. Alpine lakes are defined by being any lake that sits above 10,000 feet above sea level. The hike is difficult but is worth the challenge to get to one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Once at the lakes, you can go for a swim (so bring a suit!) The best time to visit is between June and October. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Note that parking at the Brainard Lake Recreational Area lot costs $10 and fills up quickly. Check the weather. 2,568 feet max, MUCH less if starting from the Wheeler Trail.Difficulty: Moderate to easy depending on your route.Red Tape and Local Tips: Unlike many of Colorados famed high clearance roads (where you can usually get away with a small SUV), the road to the top of Crystal Lake is an ACTUAL Jeep trail. When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. Blue lake sits at 11,355 feet and is frozen for much of the year. Photo: Whitney JamesDistance: 3.15 milesElevation: 650 ftType: Out-and-back. Related: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local. Photo: Ryan MckinneyDistance: 4.09 milesElevation: 374 ftType: Out-and-back. Dog-Friendly: Bloods Lake - No, Lake Lackawaxen - Yes. 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. Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake with clear teal water. Distance: 8.47 milesElevation: 1706 ftType: Loop. It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. The trail is located near Glenwood Springs, offering the perfect post-adventure spot. In winter the trail may be impossible without ice climbing gear. Explore the fantastically beautiful cirque and enjoy views of Kit Carson, The Crestones, and Humboldt Peak. Hike to Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes, 25. On the way to Emerald Lake you will also pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. Bring a swimsuit! It lies at treeline in a spectacular alpine valley framed by Navajo, Apache and Shoshoni peaks. accounts, the history behind an article. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. The total hike round trip to Middle Blue Lake is 7.6 miles with 2,292 ft elevation gain. Seriouslyover 2,000! You'll find San Cristobal incredibly stunning. Unfortunately, in the summer it can get hot with temperatures, The American Southwest features incredible natural wonders and landscapes that cannot be missed. August 25, 2021 at 6:00 a.m. Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocked dozens of alpine lakes with more than 95,000 trout by airplane last week. 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. Granite spires surrounding the lake, one referred to as sharks tooth. There are also two 13,000-foot peaks nearby, Taylor and Powell. The trail features colorful wildflower meadows, breathtaking views, and plenty of wildlife. Overview. Pristine, beautiful waters often reflect dramatic mountain views. Here are 11 of the best swimming holes in Colorado, from pristine lakes to reservoirs, waterfall pools, and everything in between. Are there any waterfalls I can visit near Denver? There are hiking trails near the lakes with great views of the lakes and surrounding mountains. Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. Filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by mind-blowing settings, these backcountry bodies of water are meant to be enjoyed. Access: Transit to Trails is a great option for these hikes! In the summer, the trail becomes a 44 road that you can still hike on, terminating at a parking lot. 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. The total round trip hike to Island Lake with the loop is 8 miles with 2,700 ft elevation gain. 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. 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. Camping is permitted and free around Alta Lakes in Telluride with campsites littered all around the three lakes. This lake is known for the reflection you can see in the lake of 14,000 ft tall Maroon Peaks. Up for a challenge? Spooky indeed! Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! The trail also features both forests and meadows budding with an abundance of wildflowers interspersed along the way. Since it's a relatively short hike, this is a great one for a family nature outing. Directions: From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west or, from Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. And located in the saddle of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, Tyndall Glacier (one of five active glaciers in the park) offers breathtaking views. . Alpine Lakes in Colorado. Check with the Castle Mountain Recreation Company for more up-to-date information. Give them instructions about who to call if they dont hear from you. Both alpine lakes sit at an elevation of about 11,000 feet. This moderate hike is a great way to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in Colorado without the lung-busting elevation gain. 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. Bloods Lake and Lackawaxen Trail. 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. Local Tip: Check out Ouray, one of the most stunning Colorado mountain towns, post-hike! Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes and three other unnamed lakes are all in the area. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. All photos (263) However, dont be fooled by the easy accessibility. To see the entire lake though, youll need to do a bit of climbing up the shore. The best lakes in Colorado often require hard hikes to get to but that also means that you can enjoy them with less people. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy spanning alpine lake views. Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. This is the most beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be combined with Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. Backpack to three alpine lakes and an alpine lagoon in Roosevelt National Forest. If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. 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. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning beauty. Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. 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! This is a great adventure for those looking to make a short trip outside of Denver. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. Hurricane Nora is forecast to track near Baja California and along the Gulf of California through this weekend with moisture spreading into the Southwest U.S. by the middle of next week. Most of the Alpine lakes lie in valleys that were formed during the uplift of the mountain chain of the Alps. You could also do a loop and combine this lake with Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. Be sure to check the weather before beginning this adventure as summer thunderstorms in this area can be aggressive. Long Lake is an alpine explorers paradise. Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. Here you'll find a campground, cabins, and dispersed camping. 1. It connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, where it is generally considered to begin (and end). You can stop off at the lake and explore before driving to the summit of Mt. It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. RELATED: Views are stunning and fish . Pass by several waterfalls on your way to one of the most magnificent lakes in all of Colorado. Youll likely want to stay overnight to prolong your time in this picturesque environment, but do note that permits are required for campers. Extend your time at this magnificent spot and camp at one of the campsites found around both lakes. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. Please note, reservations are required to visit the lake. 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. Use a private browsing window to sign in. During the Ice Age of the geologically . These high-altitude lakes are typically much clearer than their low elevation counterparts and are often fed directly by snowmelt. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. This is a phenomenal spot for a picnic lunch and a SUP experience. 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. Like the name suggests, youll be in awe of the color of the deep blue waters. Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado is an easy daytime hike that features expansive alpine landscapes and brilliant turquoise waters. Distance: 2.93 milesElevation: 675 ftType: Loop. Grand Mesa Trails 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! Distance: 3.6 milesElevation: 846 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Colorado has many picturesque lakes surrounded by high peaks. The Alpine Loop leaves pavement and people behind, crossing the remote, rugged, spectacular heart of the San Juan Mountains. In terms of the best lake hikes, Colorado offers some incredibly unique lakes and the Hanging Lake hike takes the cake. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. 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. Evans and Mt. 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. Stargazing at night is amazing, so be sure to bring a camera if youre into night photography! For the best wildflowers, do this hike in late July. At this time, the 44 road to Blue Lakes requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to access when the gate is open during summer months (often late May through October), but there is talk . She'd rather be dirty than done up. 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. Although Gore Lake looks reasonable on paper, this is a tough hike, with much of the elevation gained in the last couple of miles. In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. Also, dont be an ass, you are not allowed to swim or climb around on the logs here. Trail Use: Hiking Only. The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road. Again, it depends. But once there, you can take in impressive panoramas of the valley below as well as hidden meadows, streams, and ponds. Embark on an adventure at Pitkin Lake. And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! This glacial lake is the largest natural lake in Colorado in terms of surface area, depth, and total water volume. The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. Kevin BuggieBPL Member. However, with that being said, its still worth a visit to gaze upon this magical fairytale lake. This list comes from years of research and is a total labor of love. Dogs are welcome, but due to the crowds, keep Fido leashed. No dogs are allowed in the yurt over winter. To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. The trail will take you through both wildflower-filled meadows and forest. . No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Share with Us. 1. 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 The lakes are also great fishing destinations, so be sure to pack a rod and some tackle along with your tent for a surreal nature getaway. Breathe in the fresh air and set up a hammock to enjoy the most incredible mountain and alpine lake backdrop. Length: 7.9 mi Est. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. Youll begin the hike winding through dense forest before the scenery opens up to an incredible view of Longs Peak. This water adventure features beautiful cascading waterfalls among steep rocky cliffs and lush green pine trees. An alternative to driving on your own is to. Discover the alpine beauty of Mirror Lake. If youre looking for a moderate jaunt with big view payout, check out Silver Dollar Lake outside of Georgetown. Banff Sunshine. The main mountain attraction is Lone Eagle Peak, which climbers can also ascend. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Lake of the Clouds brings you tranquil scenery and plenty of views. By: To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Blue Lakes Basin is a must for explorers of the Mount Sneffels Wilderness. the most part. Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. This area is also an awesome place to practice mountaineering skills or go for a mid-summer ski session. This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. Distance: 14.94 milesElevation: 2421 ftType: Out-and-back. 10 Remarkable Trails Near Denver To Add To Your Summer Bucket List, 10 Destinations Everyone In Denver Needs to Visit This Summer, Everyone In Denver Must Visit This Epic Hot Spring As Soon As Possible, This Swimming Spot Has The Clearest, Most Pristine Water Near Denver, 16 Unforgettable Things You Must Add To Your Denver Summer Bucket List, 10 Gorgeous Lakes To Visit Around Denver This Summer, 7 Of The Best Beaches Around Denver To Visit This Summer, These 11 Epic Wildflower Hikes Around Denver Are Completely Out Of This World. Almost countless. . Sharp granite cliffs rise straight out of the water as you gaze upon views of Longs Peak in the distance. Starting at 10,390 elevation and reaching 12,000 this hike has it all. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. Check that the ice is fully frozen on the lake before stepping on to cross in the colder months! This article will walk you through the best lakes in Colorado and how to get to these lakes. Make it a day by going on one of Colorados most scenic drives! Your email address will not be published. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Square Top Lakes, Guanella Pass Square Top Lakes via Shutterstock. The 6.3-mile hike takes 2.5-3 hours, and the elevation gain is very gradual for. 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. Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. The trail is about 6.8 miles round trip to Ice Lake with 2,457 ft elevation gain. The hike will start with views of sweeping meadows and will follow along the South Boulder Creek. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Take the Wheeler trail until it intersects with Crystal Creek Road. The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. Bear Lake Bear Lake located in Rocky Mountain National Park Located off of Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Lakes makes for a quick pit stop. If you are up for the challenge Island Lake is worth the visit! Parking is $5 at the Summit Lake parking lot. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Grand Lake. If you are looking for something a little easier to get to, try James Peak Wilderness. Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. Take a Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. Youll get glimpses of Longs Peak and Alberta Falls (in the summer). And find our listings for off-road outfitters and tour companies here. There are a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. The picturesque lakes are tucked away near the mountains of Breckenridge. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. 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. It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . Huskies also thrive in Colorado - alpine lakes, cross . Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. 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.