Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. This adventure takes you through a well-marked trail with fantastic mountain views. Go early. Alpine lakes, old cabins, creek crossings, summer wildflowers, a stupendous waterfall, and unimaginable views. Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! 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. Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. There is plenty of fishing, swimming, camping, and even small, easy hiking trails that provide plenty of family fun. 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! that is degrading to another person. If youre looking for a stunning place to stake out camp by a lake, look no more! before arriving at the lake, where goof fishing has been reported. Directions: From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west or, from Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. The parking lot at Bear Lake Trailhead typically gets full very early, so make sure to get there early so you dont have to take a shuttle. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. The 6.3-mile hike takes 2.5-3 hours, and the elevation gain is very gradual for. Get to know this 6.7-mile out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. Check out three different alpine lakes in the James Peak Wilderness with the Crater Lakes Trail. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. You even get two lakes for the price of one hike. Chasm Lake makes for a beautiful summer adventure. 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. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. In winter the trail may be impossible without ice climbing gear. Parking early in the morning is free at the Bear Lake Trailhead. In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. Stay awhile and enjoy the views! 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. Photos (9,863) Directions. Your email address will not be published. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. It's the state's highest peak. Keep in mind permits are required and parking fills up fast. There are other great trout reservoirs in the area, but only Spinney is a Gold Medal water. If youre looking for a moderate jaunt with big view payout, check out Silver Dollar Lake outside of Georgetown. Surface Area: 507 acres. Square Top Lakes, Guanella Pass Square Top Lakes via Shutterstock. 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. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. Be sure to check the weather before beginning this adventure as summer thunderstorms in this area can be aggressive. But once there, you can take in impressive panoramas of the valley below as well as hidden meadows, streams, and ponds. This trail is popular and can get very crowded, so try to hike it either really early or much later in the day. Our other most popular lakeside elopement locations in Colorado are Blue Lakes near Breckenridge and Lake Isabelle near Boulder. Thats right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town! 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. The hike from Ice Lake to Island Lake is about half a mile with 100 foot elevation gain. Sharp granite cliffs rise straight out of the water as you gaze upon views of Longs Peak in the distance. Length: 7.9 mi Est. Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. Take the Glacier Gorge Trail up a steep, winding dramatic valley that terminates at the famed Sky Pond. Whenever you hear someone talk about catching trout in the mountain lakes of the Rockies, the term that often comes up is "alpine". Be Nice. When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. 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. 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. Trek beyond the lakes to reach the 14,065-foot summit of Humboldt Peak. 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 best lakes in Colorado often require hard hikes to get to but that also means that you can enjoy them with less people. If you do this hike in the winter, youll experience different scenery, but surely just as stunning. The trail will take you through both wildflower-filled meadows and forest. Up for a challenge? Doggies welcome. 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. 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. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. 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. Alpine Loop. Length: 63 miles. This picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. Here you'll find a campground, cabins, and dispersed camping. 2. 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. Grand Lake. Snow Lake Trail. Sandbeach Lake has a wide sandy shore thats perfect for picnicking or simply sitting to take in the scenery. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. Temperatures are often utterly freezing, since most alpine lakes are fed by snowmelt. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. No dogs. After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) There is nothing better than waking up and enjoying a hot cup of coffee next to a cold alpine lake. Aside from craggy peaks, youll also see wildflowers springing from the ground all along the banks of the lakes during summer. There's a one-way road that loops around the lake and parking for trailheads leading to Blue and Mitchell Lakes in the north valley and Isabelle and Long Lakes to the south. Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. Bear Lake is a popular lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. 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. (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 . 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. Snow and ice are melting, wildflowers are emerging, and the most beautiful lakes near Denver will soon glisten with an unrivaled beauty that beckons you to bask on their shimmering shores and recharge the natural way. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Dont expect solitude here, even in the dead of winter. 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! Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. You could also do a loop and combine this lake with Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Mary's Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Make it a day by going on one of Colorados most scenic drives! It is a long day hike (4.6 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 3,100ft. all along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America's most . Simply hike to Loch Vale instead. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation: 846 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by mind-blowing settings, these backcountry bodies of water are meant to be enjoyed. 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. Once at the lakes, you can go for a swim (so bring a suit!) 1. Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Colorado. 2. Continue for several more miles until reaching the base of The Spearhead, a famous mountaineering objective. or anything. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. Distance: 11 milesElevation: 2,529 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. This portion of the trail is very steep and scary so you have to be very careful and make sure to wear hiking boots and use trekking poles. Located in gorgeous Glenwood Canyon, the drive to the trailhead is reason . Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. Our first date was a three-day camping trip on the backroads of Colorado. This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. 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. Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. 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. the most part. Did you know that Colorado is home to over 2,000 lakes? This popular alpine lake Colorado hike near Vail, Colorado will take you across Pitkin Creek and on an intense, narrow climb up the mountain. Sky Pond is one of the most jaw-dropping sights to see. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible . Think again! 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. The Alpine Lakes is the largest wilderness area . Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. 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 . Photo: Ryan DewaneDistance: 8.43 milesElevation: 1780 ftType: Out-and-back. Make sure to pay attention to trail signs and take a GPS, there are a lot of intersecting trails in the area. Required fields are marked *. 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. In winter, you will have to take a walk-around to avoid avalanche terrain so be alert. The fastest way to get to this beautiful lake in the rocky mountains is to hike from Glacier Gorge Trailhead 5.4 miles round trip with 1,070 ft elevation gain. This area is also an awesome place to practice mountaineering skills or go for a mid-summer ski session. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Gray Wolf Reintroduction, What Does 2023 Look Like In Colorado? Lowest Depth: 265 feet. 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. You have permission to edit this collection. Please note, reservations are required to visit the park. As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. Seriouslyover 2,000! Error! Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). San Juan National Forest. 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. The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road. This route is delicate, so always practice Leave No Trace when visiting. Cottonwood Lake Enjoy spanning vistas of the Tenmile Range including Pacific Peak, Atlantic Peak, and Crystal Peak (all of which are excellent Colorado 13ers to try!). 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. 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. The total hike round trip to Middle Blue Lake is 7.6 miles with 2,292 ft elevation gain. There are plenty of wildlife viewing (moose, turkey, deer, ptarmigan) and fishing opportunities. Cherry Creek Reservoir in Aurora, Colorado offers a treasure trove of outdoor activities for the whole family. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Its my favorite backpacking route in Colorado and well-worth an overnight. This list comes from years of research and is a total labor of love. Distance: 8.47 milesElevation: 1706 ftType: Loop. However, with that being said, its still worth a visit to gaze upon this magical fairytale lake. Youll be gasping for air from the steep inclines and incredible scenes. 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. Tell someone about your plans. Head to the far side of this open space and follow the trail through a stream and continue upwards until you reach a campsite at about the one-mile mark. "With an ample forage base such as scuds, crayfish, terrestrials, aquatic insects these fish can live 10 plus years and grow to very . To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. 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. The 8.9-mile out-and-back trail is blazed in beauty. Take the dirt road up in elevation as it turns a bit rough closer to the lake. The trail is located near Glenwood Springs, offering the perfect post-adventure spot. Length 6.7 miElevation gain 1,699 ftRoute type Out & back. Nestled in Roosevelt National Forest, you can set foot on this adventure to three alpine lakes and a lagoon with the opportunity to pass by splendid waterfalls and wildflowers. The hike to lower blue lake is 6 miles round trip with 1,610 ft elevation gain. 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're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. Tucked under Mt Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak sits two pristine alpine lakes nestled beside the town of Twin Lakes. Distance: 14.94 milesElevation: 2421 ftType: Out-and-back. Related: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local. 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". Throughout the post youll find: Absolutely. Technically you can swim at many alpine lakes in Colorado, but you probably dont want to. 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. 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. Rollins Pass is in the FunTreks Northern Colorado Backroads 4 Wheel Drive . News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. The Lake Haiyaha hike is accessible year-round and a great option for beginners or those looking for a gentle day and one of the best winter hikes in Colorado. Make your way up the two-mile trail to the base of St. Mary's Glacier (not really a glacier, but a permanent snowfield) where there is a picture-perfect alpine lake. 8 to 4 miles Round TripElevation: Depends. Alpine Loop drive takes 4-6 hours to cover the distance between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. High-clearance vehicles are best suited for getting to this scenic secluded spot. An alternative to driving on your own is toreserve a spoton the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands Village to Maroon Bells. 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. Ice Lake Trailhead is located 7 miles west of Silverton. Please note, reservations are required to visit the lake. 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. By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. 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. Elevation Gain: 465 feet. While the 7.9-mile out-and-back trail is relatively easy for day hikers used to the distance, there are several campgrounds located along the shore of the lowest lake. Spalding. Many of the most amazing lakeside views in the state are easily accessible for beginner hikers. Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. Surround yourself in an amphitheater of dramatic rock and scope out of the best alpine lakes in Colorado. Talk about iconic Colorado views! 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! This alpine-lake hike should make every Coloradan's bucket list. Check out this adventure for impressive views of the Mount Evans Wilderness. This is one of the most iconic adventures in Colorado and for good reason! Its nine miles round trip, gaining about 1,780 feet of elevation. Be cautious, however, as thunderstorms are quite common in the summertime. 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. Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. Start at Brainard Lake and make your way up the valley to Lake Isabelle where youll have views of the Isabelle Glacier a permanent snowfield. 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. The scenery is beautiful throughout and provides many opportunities for continued exploration while at the top! Lake of the Clouds brings you tranquil scenery and plenty of views. Distance: 4.51 milesElevation: 1090 ftType: Out-and-back. There are three lakes in the basin. Both alpine lakes sit at an elevation of about 11,000 feet. Lake Blanche Trail : An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer . Local Tip: This hike is also near some of the best free camping near Denver. 1. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. At these lakes you can canoe, kayak, and paddle board. There was an error processing your request. It can be hard to narrow down which hikes, Colorado is a beautiful state with tall peaks, incredible lakes, and four unique national parks. 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. Camping is permitted and free around Alta Lakes in Telluride with campsites littered all around the three lakes. Accessibility from North Cascades Highway makes it an excellent stop on a road trip through the area. ATV The Alpine Loop Length: 65 mile loop Drive Time: 5-7 hours Fees: 3-day Pass: $6.00 7-day Pass: $12.00 Annual Pass: $45.00 Or America the Beautiful Pass (National Park Pass) Difficulty: 75% Easy / 25% Difficult (rock outcroppings, drop offs) Access: Easy ATV Friendly Town: Lake City Ideal Riding Season: Mid Summer - September each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Camping is prohibited within a quarter of a mile to protect its fragile environment. The trail itself is moderately wooded. Come and try out the great hiking and mountain biking trails too! As a consequence, by mid-June I Success! Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. Trek your way through stunning alpine country to one of the most picturesque lakes in the state Hanging Lake. Explore the fantastically beautiful cirque and enjoy views of Kit Carson, The Crestones, and Humboldt Peak. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. Description. No dogs are allowed in the yurt over winter. Here are the lessons I have learned!