Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Mary's Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. 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 hike to lower blue lake is 6 miles round trip with 1,610 ft elevation gain. The video showcases the beauty of Colorado's high country. If you are a fan of high alpine lakes without having to travel far . If youre looking for a stunning place to stake out camp by a lake, look no more! This is a phenomenal spot for a picnic lunch and a SUP experience. All photos (263) From Bear Lake Trailhead it is about 4.2 miles roundtrip with 840 ft elevation gain. Check out our favorite alpine hikes in Colorado and neighboring states. Hike your way up to the lakes for breath-taking views and lakeside goodness! When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. Something that absolutely should be on your list of things to do with kids in Colorado! Also, keep in mind there are restrictions on where you can walk, so be respectful of signs and regulations. Evans and Mt. 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. Distance: 9.7 milesElevation: 1,643 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: If you plan on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, youll need to pay the $25 entrance fee. This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! The hike will start with views of sweeping meadows and will follow along the South Boulder Creek. This water adventure features beautiful cascading waterfalls among steep rocky cliffs and lush green pine trees. Youll need high clearance to get to the upper lot. + Save to a List. Each of these alpine lake hikes brings you the best of the Rocky Mountains and picturesque mountain scenery of places like Leadville. Distance: 8.12 milesElevation: 2037 ftType: Out-and-back. Doggies welcome. Here are the lessons I have learned! from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. Take the Wheeler trail until it intersects with Crystal Creek Road. Youll want to be prepared for cooler weather, even in the middle of summer. It's the state's highest peak. Print/PDF map. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. Stay awhile and enjoy the views! Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State Park. Lake Helene is another great option for explorers of Rocky Mountain National Park. Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. No dogs are allowed in the yurt over winter. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. 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. Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. Whenever you hear someone talk about catching trout in the mountain lakes of the Rockies, the term that often comes up is "alpine". Blue Lakes Basin is a must for explorers of the Mount Sneffels Wilderness. The hike gains more than 3,000 feet of elevation, so be prepared for a strenuous climb coached with incredible views to keep you distracted. However, this is one gorgeous hike, especially during the wildflower season. Keep in mind that State Forest State Park requires a fee. Sky Pond is one of the most jaw-dropping sights to see. This trail is popular and can get very crowded, so try to hike it either really early or much later in the day. 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 . Required fields are marked *. It's demandingthe two 12,000-foot passes (Cinnamon and Engineer) require a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle but the well-prepared motorist reaps . Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Marys Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by mind-blowing settings, these backcountry bodies of water are meant to be enjoyed. Dogs are welcome, but due to the crowds, keep Fido leashed. Blue Lakes Trail in Telluride, Colorado takes you to three of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. 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. The breathtaking clear blue American Lake is located in Aspen, Colorado. Nineteen of the 24 lakes shown in the video sit above 10,000 feet in elevation. Local Tip: Check out Ouray, one of the most stunning Colorado mountain towns, post-hike! Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. Spalding. Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! With that being said, typically alpine lakes are frozen and mostly snow-free starting in July through around mid-October depending on the year. 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. Ice Lake Trailhead is located 7 miles west of Silverton. Length 6.7 miElevation gain 1,699 ftRoute type Out & back. 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. Remember to treat this natural wonderland with great care to preserve its vivid beauty and to keep it pristine for those who visit next! 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. To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. Distance: 9.22 milesElevation: 2270 ftType: Out-and-back. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. 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. Before reaching Heart Lake, be sure to soak in the alpine views first at Rogers Lake. that is degrading to another person. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. Alpine Loop. Talk about iconic Colorado views! The Outbound Collective 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. Alpine Loop drive takes 4-6 hours to cover the distance between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. Camping in dispersed camping areas gives you the opportunity for a little more privacy and peace and quiet. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. Although the entire hike is 2.4 miles long, you will arrive at the lake in half a. Located in gorgeous Glenwood Canyon, the drive to the trailhead is reason . It lies at treeline in a spectacular alpine valley framed by Navajo, Apache and Shoshoni peaks. Distance: 2.8 miles round trip. Make sure to pay attention to trail signs and take a GPS, there are a lot of intersecting trails in the area. Expect to see wildlife like moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or elk along the trail, especially in the late spring and early summer. We'd love to hear eyewitness 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.' Aside from craggy peaks, youll also see wildflowers springing from the ground all along the banks of the lakes during summer. You can hike to this lake from either Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. 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. 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. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. Dont forget to turn left at the graves or youll pass right by the final push to Gore Lake! Make sure you have the necessary permits before setting up camp. Youll find over 2,000 alpine lakes in Colorado. After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) An alternative to driving on your own is toreserve a spoton the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands Village to Maroon Bells. Throughout the years Ive hiked well over 1,000 miles of terrain here in Colorado. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation: 807 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: There is a $5 parking fee at both parking lots for St Marys. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. Bear Lake is a popular lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. There's a reason Maroon Lake is arguably the most photographed lake in the state. The Maroon Bells are world renowned for being some of the most breathtaking mountains in the US. Grand Mesa Trails 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. 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. No dogs. Camping is permitted and free around Alta Lakes in Telluride with campsites littered all around the three lakes. Stargazing at night is amazing, so be sure to bring a camera if youre into night photography! 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. Get going on this adventure to the three beautiful Blue Lakes nestled among Colorados San Juan Range in the Uncompahgre National Forest. 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. Distance: 6.92 milesElevation: 1804 ftType: Out-and-back. Youll begin the hike winding through dense forest before the scenery opens up to an incredible view of Longs Peak. Parking early in the morning is free at the Bear Lake Trailhead. Get to know this 6.7-mile out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. It can be hard to narrow down which hikes, Colorado is a beautiful state with tall peaks, incredible lakes, and four unique national parks. 1. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you already made it to Middle Blue Lake it is a quick 0.2 mile walk to Upper Blue Lake. Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. 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. Overview. The winding hike leads you past dreamy fields of wildflowers before reaching the sparkling aqua the area is known for. If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. There are hiking trails near the lakes with great views of the lakes and surrounding mountains. Tucked under Mt Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak sits two pristine alpine lakes nestled beside the town of Twin Lakes. 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! Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. The trail features colorful wildflower meadows, breathtaking views, and plenty of wildlife. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. Keep moving forward and the trail will switch back and then head up the mountain. The first lake on this trail is Lower Blue Lake, a clear bright blue lake within the Mount Sneffels Wilderness Area at 10,952 ft elevation. before arriving at the lake, where goof fishing has been reported. Rocky Mountain National Park is a hidden gem in the Colorado Rockies. 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. This 2,125 acre man-made lake sits about 15 miles south of Kremmling, Colorado in Summit County. Reservations are no longer required until summer 2023. ppmicrosoftteams-image_24.png Enjoy Pikes Peak at your leisure on the safe, scenic Pikes Peak Highway. Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. Distance From Telluride: 10 miles | 22 minutes Accessibility: Rugged, off-road vehicle recommended Activities: Fishing, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding Located just 20 minutes outside of Telluride, Alta Lakes is a popular destination for couples and families seeking a convenient water retreat. Cherry Creek Reservoir. The deep blue waters of the Ice Lakes will leave you in awe. With 50 square miles of golden aspens. Pristine, beautiful waters often reflect dramatic mountain views. And find our listings for off-road outfitters and tour companies here. Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. Camping here is sure to be an awe-filled experience. Distance: 23.8 milesElevation: 4,767 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are welcome to use this trail. By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. Accessing this alpine wonder is simple. . Surprise Lake is also accessible from this set of trails, and all of the lakes offer the added bonus of being the perfect setting for a pristine, secluded backcountry campsite. The Alpine Loop leaves pavement and people behind, crossing the remote, rugged, spectacular heart of the San Juan Mountains. 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. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. The hike from Ice Lake to Island Lake is about half a mile with 100 foot elevation gain. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. There is plenty of fishing, swimming, camping, and even small, easy hiking trails that provide plenty of family fun. Traverse forests of aspen and lodgepole pine and enjoy views of surrounding peaks and valleys before arriving at some of the, This 160-acre tarn resides at 12,836' at Summit Lake Park beneath Mt. Catch dramatic views of the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak. The hike is difficult but is worth the challenge to get to one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. 1. Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no . or drop a line and try your luck with some fishing. Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. Another worthwhile alpine lake hike near Breckenridge is Crystal Lake, which gives the ultimate solitude and scenery double punch. 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. Length: 7.9 mi Est. 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. 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! Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning 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. 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. Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? Nestled at 7,323 feet, the trail leading to the lake is short but relatively steep, gaining more than a thousand feet in elevation. Ive been hiking in Colorado for over 13 years. Green Mountain Reservoir. Plan accordingly. The middle and upper are said to have the best views. San Juan National Forest. 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. The natural beauty of a waterfall is within easy reach of Denver. Many of these lakes are nestled between some of the most incredible mountain scenery you'll ever lay eyes on, making them ideal for golden hour photoshoots. There are three lakes in the basin. 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. Distance: 11 milesElevation: 2,529 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Does Sky Pond sound too intense? Not many people venture to the mountain ranges down south, so expect lots of solitude. 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. Elevation Gain: 465 feet. The total hike round trip to Middle Blue Lake is 7.6 miles with 2,292 ft elevation gain. 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. 1. You'll be surrounded by jagged peak, stunning summer wildflower displays, and crystal clear waters. But once there, you can take in impressive panoramas of the valley below as well as hidden meadows, streams, and ponds. Almost countless. Lake of the Clouds brings you tranquil scenery and plenty of views. Start from the Bear Lake parking lot and hike the gentle trail towards Lake Haiyaha, passing through the alluring Emerald Lake. The best time to visit is between June and October. 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. This area is also an awesome place to practice mountaineering skills or go for a mid-summer ski session. Note that parking at the Brainard Lake Recreational Area lot costs $10 and fills up quickly. Distance: 6.8 milesElevation: 1,548 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape: Many 14er-enthusiasts camp here overnight before their summit bids. accounts, the history behind an article. However, dont be fooled by the easy accessibility. The backcountry hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes features abundant wildlife, glorious mountain backdrops, and beautiful wildflowers. This hike also has a waterfall. 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. Be Proactive. The trail itself is moderately wooded. The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes and three other unnamed lakes are all in the area. There are other great trout reservoirs in the area, but only Spinney is a Gold Medal water. Kevin BuggieBPL Member. For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. Success! The United States Should Adopt The Allemannsretten, 5 Great Spots in Colorado for Fall Colors. Simply hike to Loch Vale instead. Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. 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. Not your computer? The wildflower lined trail is short and beautiful, clocking in at 2.1 miles round trip. 17. Twin Lakes are two beautiful lakes located at the base of Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. Cutthroats were originally named by William Clark on the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition.
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