In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. What does 2023 look like for gray wolf reintroduction? Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible . At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. Lizard Head Pass Near Telluride above 10,000 feet in southwest Colorado, this pass provides staggering views of Colorado's jagged San Juan Mountains in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado. And find our listings for off-road outfitters and tour companies here. In layman's terms, they are the state's finest fisheries. Long Lake is an alpine explorers paradise. Want a bit more of a challenge? This trail is popular and can get very crowded, so try to hike it either really early or much later in the day. Expect to see some seriously stunning cascading waterfalls along the way. Photos (9,863) Directions. If youre looking for a moderate jaunt with big view payout, check out Silver Dollar Lake outside of Georgetown. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. Unfortunately, in the summer it can get hot with temperatures, The American Southwest features incredible natural wonders and landscapes that cannot be missed. 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. These high-altitude lakes are typically much clearer than their low elevation counterparts and are often fed directly by snowmelt. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Named for its stunning waters, Emerald Lake is overflowing with beauty. No dogs. or anything. that is degrading to another person. Here are the lessons I have learned! Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. Aside from craggy peaks, youll also see wildflowers springing from the ground all along the banks of the lakes during summer. Arizona has many unique hiking opportunities with a wide range of elevation, climate, and views. 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. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. 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 There are a lot of famous alpine lake hikes in Colorado to discover. There is no shortage of beautiful lakes near Denver, and there are several with magnificently blue water. Colorado will soon see moisture from what was Hurricane Nora and flash flood watches are already in effect for parts of the state. 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. There are several camping spots by the second lake if youre looking to stay overnight. This rather large lake is surrounded by pines with a dramatic mountain background. Distance: 4.51 milesElevation: 1090 ftType: Out-and-back. Doggies welcome. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Be on the lookout for the moose who call this beautiful mountain landscape home! Blue lake sits at 11,355 feet and is frozen for much of the year. Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. Distance: 2.8 milesElevation: 885 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and local tips: Dogs are allowed to use this trail. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Print/PDF map. The freshwater lake is the perfect spot for boating or fishing. Pass by several waterfalls on your way to one of the most magnificent lakes in all of Colorado. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Nestled at 7,323 feet, the trail leading to the lake is short but relatively steep, gaining more than a thousand feet in elevation. This adventure features several waterfalls, streams, a creek, and meadows teeming with beautiful wildflowers a photographers dream! Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. Sharp granite cliffs rise straight out of the water as you gaze upon views of Longs Peak in the distance. + Save to a List. Definitely come prepared with a suit to take a dip. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. 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. Description. Suggest edits to improve what we show. The trail flattens out at the basin below Columbine Lake and once you arrive you're in for a real treat. The United States Should Adopt The Allemannsretten, 5 Great Spots in Colorado for Fall Colors. You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. 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. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. There are other great trout reservoirs in the area, but only Spinney is a Gold Medal water. Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. 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. 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. The lake is an additional 2-ish miles from the parking area. Throughout the years Ive hiked well over 1,000 miles of terrain here in Colorado. Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. Rollins Pass is in the FunTreks Northern Colorado Backroads 4 Wheel Drive . For a real adventure, combine your lake hike in Colorado with an overnight at a yurt. 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. Travel over the off-road driving trail (either on foot or by 44) and reach the Alta Ghost Town. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 42 min to complete. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. We searched for alpine lakes to hike to in the area and came across Crystal Lake in Saint Marie's, Idaho. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail to access starts off at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. Both alpine lakes sit at an elevation of about 11,000 feet. Miles from Denver: 100 miles. An alternative to driving on your own is to. 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! Not your computer? Dog-friendly. And located in the saddle of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, Tyndall Glacier (one of five active glaciers in the park) offers breathtaking views. Banff Sunshine. Dont expect solitude here, even in the dead of winter. Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. Surrounding peaks of granite reflect off the lake's beautiful emerald green waters nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. From short day hikes close to the city to multi-day backpacking trips deep in Rocky Mountain National Park, these adventures will take you to some of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Colorado. However, with that being said, its still worth a visit to gaze upon this magical fairytale lake. If you are up for the challenge Island Lake is worth the visit! You must typically access these lake by hiking a few miles or by horseback. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Photo: Ryan MckinneyDistance: 4.09 milesElevation: 374 ftType: Out-and-back. The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road. You're going to want to bring your camera on these adventures. Bear Lake is a popular lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. Youll need high clearance to get to the upper lot. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. "With an ample forage base such as scuds, crayfish, terrestrials, aquatic insects these fish can live 10 plus years and grow to very . Loop or Out and Back: Out and Back or Loop. Expect to see wildlife like moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or elk along the trail, especially in the late spring and early summer. Thats right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town! 1. accounts, the history behind an article. The Outbound Collective 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. Did your favorite make it to our list of most beautiful lakes near Denver? To get there, follow Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes for 8.6 miles of out-and-back beauty. The Upper Piney River trailhead begins at Piney Lake and winds through aspen meadows bursting with columbines, before passing by the cascading Piney Falls and ultimately leading to Upper Piney Lake at the headwaters of the Piney River just above 11,000.' Forsythe Canyon Round-trip Distance: 2.2 miles Trailhead: Forsythe Canyon - Lincoln National Forest Difficulty: Easy This short hike starts just outside of Boulder. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. 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. 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. 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. 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. The byway provides many scenic overlooks to view each of these Colorado beauties. It can be hard to narrow down which hikes, Colorado is a beautiful state with tall peaks, incredible lakes, and four unique national parks. Plenty of camping up there and a dog-friendly area. Be Nice. If you are a fan of high alpine lakes without having to travel far . Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Distance: 8.02 milesElevation: 2500 ftType: Out-and-back. Emerald Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is reached by hiking from Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Aside from the deep blues waters, hikers are delighted with wildflower-filled meadows bordering the lakes in bright and beautiful colors. Moderate 4.6 (8765) Alpine Lakes Wilderness. 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. Does Sky Pond sound too intense? Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. Breathtaking beauty awaits hikers at South Colony Lakes. This trail is well-used but has an interesting start as you make your way up next to and around a huge railway tunnel. Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! Make sure to pay attention to trail signs and take a GPS, there are a lot of intersecting trails in the area. Jewel Lake is accessible by a three-mile hike and Clear Lake requires an eight-mile hike to get to. 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. 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. Many of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado are alpine lakes with clear blue water. Error! Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. (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 best lakes in Colorado often require hard hikes to get to but that also means that you can enjoy them with less people. Make sure you have the necessary permits before setting up camp. 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. 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. Catch dramatic views of the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak. Another worthwhile alpine lake hike near Breckenridge is Crystal Lake, which gives the ultimate solitude and scenery double punch. 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! Improve this listing. 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. Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. It even has a wheelchair-friendly trail, making it an ideal choice for those who may need a little extra encouragement to hit the trail. Distance: 2.8 miles round trip. Youll want to be prepared for cooler weather, even in the middle of summer. These gorgeous alpine lakes are set in a landscape that appears to be straight from a storybook, but is actually known as the James Peak wilderness. Although the entire hike is 2.4 miles long, you will arrive at the lake in half a. 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! Stay awhile and enjoy the views! Be Proactive. The total hike round trip to Middle Blue Lake is 7.6 miles with 2,292 ft elevation gain. 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. 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. Note that this hike does require permits, so be sure to reserve yours in advance to enjoy this fun summertime waterfall adventure! 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. 1. Lake Isabelle is one of the best winter hikes in Colorado (add about five miles round trip for the winter hike). Gore Lake. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). There was an error processing your request. This moderate hike is a great way to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in Colorado without the lung-busting elevation gain. Note that parking at the Brainard Lake Recreational Area lot costs $10 and fills up quickly. Toll. The Alpine Loop leaves pavement and people behind, crossing the remote, rugged, spectacular heart of the San Juan Mountains. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. This short 6.5-mile round-trip trail boasts picturesque alpine lakes and stunning views of Pfeifferhorn. You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic. More Information 2. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy spanning alpine lake views. Immarite? Wander the lake at sunrise for incredible views. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. To see the entire lake though, youll need to do a bit of climbing up the shore. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. 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. If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. Opt to get there early or make it an overnight to get more time. Green Mountain Reservoir. There are hiking trails near the lakes with great views of the lakes and surrounding mountains. The trail also features both forests and meadows budding with an abundance of wildflowers interspersed along the way. 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. Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty, and elevation gain. Keep in mind permits are required and parking fills up fast. In winter, you will have to take a walk-around to avoid avalanche terrain so be alert. 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. Walk another half mile and youll see a beautiful waterfall, followed by stellar views of Lily Lake. 2. Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! On the way youll pass three additional lakes, including the iconic Dream Lake. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Share your suggestions or stories in the comments! Colorado's Alpine Loop is affectionately called the " Switzerland of America" for a reason! Alpine Lakes in Colorado. Cherry Creek Reservoir in Aurora, Colorado offers a treasure trove of outdoor activities for the whole family. 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. Get going on this adventure to the three beautiful Blue Lakes nestled among Colorados San Juan Range in the Uncompahgre National Forest. The road will dead end at Moffat Tunnel where you'll find ample parking in a gravel lot with restrooms. The Arkansas and local streams around my home base of Salida were blown out and muddy well into July. It connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, where it is generally considered to begin (and end). 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. . 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. 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. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek located near Crestone. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. What I love about this Colorado lake hike is just how quiet it is. Its a total bonus if you hit this trail early and arrive for the sunrise! Camping is permitted and free around Alta Lakes in Telluride with campsites littered all around the three lakes. Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. Keep moving forward and the trail will switch back and then head up the mountain. Scope out sweet views of Mont Massive and the mighty Sawatch Range (home to 14 of Colorados tallest peaks). Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. You can hike to this lake from either Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Since it's a relatively short hike, this is a great one for a family nature outing. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. In reality, you can make your way to an alpine lake any time of the year. 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. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. Dogs are welcome, but due to the crowds, keep Fido leashed.