Enjoy magnificent views of aspens as you continue through sage and dense forest. Throughout the years Ive hiked well over 1,000 miles of terrain here in Colorado. 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. Error! 1. Located near Gardener, Colorado, this amazing alpine lake Colorado hike starts with a downhill trek into a vast, meadow with stunning, panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no . Since it's a relatively short hike, this is a great one for a family nature outing. Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. The backcountry hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes features abundant wildlife, glorious mountain backdrops, and beautiful wildflowers. They are remote and wild, but also peaceful and pristine at the same time. Want a bit more of a challenge? Maroon Creek Road which leads to Maroon Bells is usually open between May and November and you are required to makereservations ahead of time to enter Maroon Bells area. Not many people venture to the mountain ranges down south, so expect lots of solitude. Awesome views, wildlife, lakes and wild flowers await you on this lollipop loop ride. Black lake is a stunning and dramatic lake nestled deep in Rocky Mountain National Park. Set a check-in time and have that person try to check in with you first, before calling authorities (just in case you forget to circle back). Blue Lakes Trail in Telluride, Colorado takes you to three of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Youll need high clearance to get to the upper lot. Dogs welcome. Harder To Reach: Lawn Lake. Cottonwood Lake When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Check out this adventure for impressive views of the Mount Evans Wilderness. Suggest edits to improve what we show. You'll find San Cristobal incredibly stunning. Be Nice. Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! Photos (9,863) Directions. The trail features colorful wildflower meadows, breathtaking views, and plenty of wildlife. Heart Lake is another great option for backpackers. High-clearance vehicles are best suited for getting to this scenic secluded spot. Nineteen of the 24 lakes shown in the video sit above 10,000 feet in elevation. These lakes are next to Independence Pass, a road that takes you to Aspen. Winter enthusiasts can snowshoe the two to three miles up to the yurt and then onwards 2.5 miles to the lake where they can enjoy one of the most unique weekend trips from Denver. Our other most popular lakeside elopement locations in Colorado are Blue Lakes near Breckenridge and Lake Isabelle near Boulder. 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. Distance: 14.94 milesElevation: 2421 ftType: Out-and-back. Toll. Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. or drop a line and try your luck with some fishing. 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. Also, keep in mind there are restrictions on where you can walk, so be respectful of signs and regulations. 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.' 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 Again, it depends. Length: 63 miles. Length: 7.9 mi Est. Although Gore Lake looks reasonable on paper, this is a tough hike, with much of the elevation gained in the last couple of miles. After seeing Island Lake continue ahead and take a right to form a small loop. Don't Threaten. And the fish well, they just float on down, once deployed from the airplane. Photo: Ryan MckinneyDistance: 4.09 milesElevation: 374 ftType: Out-and-back. 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 . Lake of the Clouds brings you tranquil scenery and plenty of views. Tucked under Mt Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak sits two pristine alpine lakes nestled beside the town of Twin Lakes. Just one valley over from Cyrstal Lake is Mohawk Lakes, another set of stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. This area is also an awesome place to practice mountaineering skills or go for a mid-summer ski session. Bring a swimsuit! Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. Green Mountain Reservoir. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Stay awhile and enjoy the views! Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. Here are the lessons I have learned! Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. Youll likely want to stay overnight to prolong your time in this picturesque environment, but do note that permits are required for campers. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Definitely come prepared with a suit to take a dip. 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. This list comes from years of research and is a total labor of love. Accessing this alpine wonder is simple. Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. The water is gorgeous. There are three lakes in the basin. Those launching float tubes and canoes will appreciate being able to drive within spitting distance of the many lakes and small . Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back The designation means Spinney is public fishing water that produces a minimum of 12 fish of 14in or more and 60lbs per acre. Share your suggestions or stories in the comments! 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: 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 electric, mineral-rich water beckons. Take the dirt road up in elevation as it turns a bit rough closer to the lake. Temperatures are often utterly freezing, since most alpine lakes are fed by snowmelt. It is nestled between the towns of Ridgway and Telluride. To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. This truly-epic alpine lake hike is long, but worth the effort. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. 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. As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. Success! Make sure you have the necessary permits before setting up camp. Whether you make a day hike or weekend of it, these hidden, Tucked away at the intersection of two valleys in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, is the popular Brainard Lake Recreation Area, with its namesake lake resting at 10,500.' 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. The 9.5-mile out-and-back trail located near Vail climbs nearly 3,000 feet in elevation before reaching the awe-inspiring mountain lake. accounts, the history behind an article. Spooky indeed! 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. This adventure features three impressive alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Loch, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. 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. It's about a 3-mile trek out-and-back. Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). 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. For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. 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. Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. If youre looking for a moderate jaunt with big view payout, check out Silver Dollar Lake outside of Georgetown. This is a busy area, but for good reason, the views are delicious! 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. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State Park. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Yes. Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. person will not be tolerated. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. Square Top Lakes, Guanella Pass Square Top Lakes via Shutterstock. + Save to a List. Aside from the deep blues waters, hikers are delighted with wildflower-filled meadows bordering the lakes in bright and beautiful colors. 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 . Alpine lakes are defined by being any lake that sits above 10,000 feet above sea level. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. 11. 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. Colorado has many picturesque lakes surrounded by high peaks. There are a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. Distance: 10.2 milesElevation: 2,014 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail is primarily used for driving (an easy off-road trial) but if you dont mind the walk, you can hike it just give way to vehicles and take care. 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. Starting at 10,390 elevation and reaching 12,000 this hike has it all. Dont expect solitude here, even in the dead of winter. Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado. Cash fees may apply for accessing the area. 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. The Outbound Collective 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. Banff Sunshine. This short 6.5-mile round-trip trail boasts picturesque alpine lakes and stunning views of Pfeifferhorn. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. Breathtaking beauty awaits hikers at South Colony Lakes. 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. Alpine lakes, old cabins, creek crossings, summer wildflowers, a stupendous waterfall, and unimaginable views. Make sure to pay attention to trail signs and take a GPS, there are a lot of intersecting trails in the area. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. This is a great adventure for those looking to make a short trip outside of Denver. Maroon Lake brings you the best of the Bells, the Maroon Bells that is. The freshwater lake is the perfect spot for boating or fishing. The total hike round trip to Upper Blue Lake is 8 miles with 2,404 ft elevation gain. It's the state's highest peak. 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. Beware of moose in this area, they are everywhere and not afraid to charge! Accessibility from North Cascades Highway makes it an excellent stop on a road trip through the area. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. In winter the trail may be impossible without ice climbing gear. Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. Directions: From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west or, from Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. Throughout the post youll find: Absolutely. Lake Ann - Only accessible by way of a 1.75-mile well-maintained trail, this pristine lake is ruggedly scenic and extremely protected. all along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America's most . Lake Blanche Trail : An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer . Get going on this adventure to the three beautiful Blue Lakes nestled among Colorados San Juan Range in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Colorado. And located in the saddle of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, Tyndall Glacier (one of five active glaciers in the park) offers breathtaking views. 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. If you're looking for a secluded adventure, the Mohawk Lakes (upper and lower) are the perfect alpine escape for you. Simply hike to Loch Vale instead. 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. Use a private browsing window to sign in. Are there any waterfalls I can visit near Denver? There are other great trout reservoirs in the area, but only Spinney is a Gold Medal water. The total hike round trip to Middle Blue Lake is 7.6 miles with 2,292 ft elevation gain. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Youll cross a couple of creeks so be sure to have the appropriate footwear on. Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. Snow Lake Trail. This adventure features several waterfalls, streams, a creek, and meadows teeming with beautiful wildflowers a photographers dream! There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. Be on the lookout for the moose who call this beautiful mountain landscape home! 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. Distance: 3.77 milesElevation: 722 ftType: Out-and-back. You will definitely want to wear hiking boots and bring trekking poles for this part of the trail. This picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. Pass by several waterfalls on your way to one of the most magnificent lakes in all of Colorado. 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! The main mountain attraction is Lone Eagle Peak, which climbers can also ascend. This is a do-able day hike, but there are spots for camping if you want to stay overnight. Distance: 4.51 milesElevation: 1090 ftType: Out-and-back. Gray Wolf Reintroduction, What Does 2023 Look Like In Colorado? Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. . Its a total bonus if you hit this trail early and arrive for the sunrise! Photo by Kyle Jenkins. Dog-Friendly: Bloods Lake - No, Lake Lackawaxen - Yes. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail to access starts off at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. Getting caught in a lightning storm at altitude is dangerous, it kills people every year, so be sure to check the weather and plan appropriately. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. 8 to 4 miles Round TripElevation: Depends. You'd better allow 7 hours to fully enjoy the scenic beauty, however. Plenty of camping up there and a dog-friendly area. Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, Im not kidding about the moose! Explore the fantastically beautiful cirque and enjoy views of Kit Carson, The Crestones, and Humboldt Peak. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. The natural beauty of a waterfall is within easy reach of Denver. Wander the lake at sunrise for incredible views. In order to avoid storms at high altitude, youll want to start your hike EARLY, sometimes before the sun rises, depending on the length of the hike. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. The Lake Haiyaha hike is accessible year-round, Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local, Altitude Sickness Prevention for Your Mountain Hike, best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Things to do in Colorado this Winter Besides Ski, 13 Mega-Epic Hikes in Estes Park, Colorado. 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. Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty, and elevation gain. Length 6.7 miElevation gain 1,699 ftRoute type Out & back. Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. . Plan accordingly. Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. #16 Yellow Stimulator (covers your basic attractors, caddis, hoppers, and strike indicator for the nymph) #16 Parachute Adams (Covers mayflys, and everything else small and floating) 6 of each should fit in a tiny container and keep you fishing for a week. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. 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. Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. Print/PDF map. Colorado will soon see moisture from what was Hurricane Nora and flash flood watches are already in effect for parts of the state. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation: 807 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: There is a $5 parking fee at both parking lots for St Marys. Threats of harming another This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. Technically you can swim at many alpine lakes in Colorado, but you probably dont want to. 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. The hike is difficult but is worth the challenge to get to one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. The 6.3-mile hike takes 2.5-3 hours, and the elevation gain is very gradual for. Enjoy spanning vistas of the Tenmile Range including Pacific Peak, Atlantic Peak, and Crystal Peak (all of which are excellent Colorado 13ers to try!). Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. The lake is an additional 2-ish miles from the parking area. Be Proactive. On Monday and . To extend your adventure, you can continue on to Isabelle Glacier. Continue for several more miles until reaching the base of The Spearhead, a famous mountaineering objective. 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. Our first date was a three-day camping trip on the backroads of Colorado. If you're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. Make it a day by going on one of Colorados most scenic drives! The hike from Bear Lake Trailhead is 3.6 miles round trip with about 740 ft elevation gain. Seriouslyover 2,000! Up for a challenge? Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. Sundial Peak over Lake Blanche. Note that this hike does require permits, so be sure to reserve yours in advance to enjoy this fun summertime waterfall adventure! Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! that is degrading to another person. 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. Lake Helene is another great option for explorers of Rocky Mountain National Park. Does Sky Pond sound too intense? Opt to get there early or make it an overnight to get more time. Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. The total round trip hike to Island Lake with the loop is 8 miles with 2,700 ft elevation gain. Go early. Distance: 2.8 milesElevation: 885 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and local tips: Dogs are allowed to use this trail. Distance: 12.5 milesElevation: 2,890 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This mountain range holds snow well into July, so be prepared for a few patches of snow, even in late summer. Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! From hiking around the water to fishing, boating, picnicking, and swimming . Photo: Ryan DewaneDistance: 8.43 milesElevation: 1780 ftType: Out-and-back. Camping in dispersed camping areas gives you the opportunity for a little more privacy and peace and quiet. Dog-friendly. 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. But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! This article will walk you through the best lakes in Colorado and how to get to these lakes. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. Although the entire hike is 2.4 miles long, you will arrive at the lake in half a. Before you hit the trail, there are several important things to remember. Dogs are welcome, but due to the crowds, keep Fido leashed. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Note that parking at the Brainard Lake Recreational Area lot costs $10 and fills up quickly. Sandbeach Lake has a wide sandy shore thats perfect for picnicking or simply sitting to take in the scenery. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, More Information 2. This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. Arizona has many unique hiking opportunities with a wide range of elevation, climate, and views. Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. Huskies also thrive in Colorado - alpine lakes, cross . Be sure to check the weather before beginning this adventure as summer thunderstorms in this area can be aggressive. 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 moderate hike is a great way to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in Colorado without the lung-busting elevation gain. This is a phenomenal spot for a picnic lunch and a SUP experience. If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. Willow Lake offers a backpacking adventure into the Sangre de Cristo range. 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. It lies at treeline in a spectacular alpine valley framed by Navajo, Apache and Shoshoni peaks.
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colorado alpine lakes you can drive to