Youll find over 2,000 alpine lakes in Colorado. The Maroon Bells are world renowned for being some of the most breathtaking mountains in the US. Note that this hike does require permits, so be sure to reserve yours in advance to enjoy this fun summertime waterfall adventure! Distance: 2.93 milesElevation: 675 ftType: Loop. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. You'll find San Cristobal incredibly stunning. She'd rather be dirty than done up. Above treeline, the weather can move in quickly and even on a sunny day, the air can feel quite cool. This robust trail near Copper travels through sculpted canyons, pine forests, and open meadows as it ascends 3 vigorous miles to a pair of pristine, Don't let this demanding 10 mile hike intimidate you, because this glistening chain of alpine lakes nestled beneath Red Peak on North Willow Creek, is an unforgettable experience everyone should enjoy. 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. The designation means Spinney is public fishing water that produces a minimum of 12 fish of 14in or more and 60lbs per acre. Spalding. Mount Evans is a 14er that boasts fantastic views of the lake, Mt. Fish a high lake near Buena Vista & Salida, Colorado It's a 1.8-mile trek (3.6 miles round trip). Give them instructions about who to call if they dont hear from you. Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. 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. 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. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. 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. Want a bit more of a challenge? Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. Simply hike to Loch Vale instead. Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. Scope out sweet views of Mont Massive and the mighty Sawatch Range (home to 14 of Colorados tallest peaks). Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. 7 Popular Colorado ATV & Jeep Trails | Colorado.com Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). 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. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. An alternative to driving on your own is to. Local Tip: This hike is also near some of the best free camping near Denver. Success! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Before reaching Heart Lake, be sure to soak in the alpine views first at Rogers Lake. The ideal time to visit is. When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back Evans and Mt. Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado. 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. Access: Transit to Trails is a great option for these hikes! Distance: Depends. However, this is one gorgeous hike, especially during the wildflower season. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism 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. Doggies welcome. 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. Local Tip: Check out Ouray, one of the most stunning Colorado mountain towns, post-hike! Go early. Thousands of fish dropped from plane into Colorado alpine lakes 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! If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. Immarite? Here you'll find a campground, cabins, and dispersed camping. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 42 min to complete. 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. Take a Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park Hike your way up to the lakes for breath-taking views and lakeside goodness! Sandbeach Lake has a wide sandy shore thats perfect for picnicking or simply sitting to take in the scenery. Among the lakes stocked on Monday, the highest of them - Ptarmigan Lake in Gunnison County - sits at 12,306 feet. 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. You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. 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 already made it to Middle Blue Lake it is a quick 0.2 mile walk to Upper Blue Lake. This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). Distance: 1.9 milesElevation: 807 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: There is a $5 parking fee at both parking lots for St Marys. Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Whenever you hear someone talk about catching trout in the mountain lakes of the Rockies, the term that often comes up is "alpine". Keep in mind, the average hiker moves at about 2 miles an hour or covers 1,000 feet of elevation gain in an hour. Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Aside from the deep blues waters, hikers are delighted with wildflower-filled meadows bordering the lakes in bright and beautiful colors. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. There are three lakes in the basin. Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, Im not kidding about the moose! This is a great adventure for those looking to make a short trip outside of Denver. Colorado's Alpine Loop is affectionately called the " Switzerland of America" for a reason! You can stop off at the lake and explore before driving to the summit of Mt. Many of the most amazing lakeside views in the state are easily accessible for beginner hikers. Moderate 4.6 (8765) Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Take the dirt road up in elevation as it turns a bit rough closer to the lake. Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. We strive to work together to protect public lands and fight for the well-being of our future generations so they, too, may be able to experience these landscapes. Come July and August, Lawn Lake is arguably the best lake for fishing in the park. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. Be Proactive. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. This scenic hike in Rocky Mountain National Park begins at the popular Glacier Gorge trailhead, but you can avoid the crowds by heading out later in the afternoon and be rewarded by an incredible sunset. There are also many opportunities for overnight backcountry adventures at one of the mountain lakes near Denver in James Peak Wilderness. 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. Does Sky Pond sound too intense? Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado is an easy daytime hike that features expansive alpine landscapes and brilliant turquoise waters. The trail starts off steep, dropping into a valley before running flat, then climbing steeply up again. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. For dramatic views of Longs Peak and the iconic Diamond headwall, head up to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Stargazing at night is amazing, so be sure to bring a camera if youre into night photography! Chasm Lake makes for a beautiful summer adventure. Use a private browsing window to sign in. Make it a day by going on one of Colorados most scenic drives! Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! 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. "In cold, productive alpine lakes, trout can live to be quite old," says Jeff Spohn, aquatic biologist for Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. There are several camping spots by the second lake if youre looking to stay overnight. Blue lake sits at 11,355 feet and is frozen for much of the year. For a real adventure, combine your lake hike in Colorado with an overnight at a yurt. The best time to do this hike is early in the morning for sunrise you wont be mad you did! The Top 10 Lakes Near Telluride To Visit Lodging In Telluride Use the 'Report' link on This is one of the easiest lakes on this list to get to, but is therefore also the most crowded. 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. Alpine lakes | Britannica No dogs. The hike is difficult but is worth the challenge to get to one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Temperatures are often utterly freezing, since most alpine lakes are fed by snowmelt. Distance: 4.51 milesElevation: 1090 ftType: Out-and-back. You could also do a loop and combine this lake with Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. Distance: 0.8 milesElevation: 32 feetDifficulty: Easy with accessibility rampsRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. 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. 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. If you are looking for something a little easier to get to, try James Peak Wilderness. An alternative to driving on your own is toreserve a spoton the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands Village to Maroon Bells. Cherry Creek Reservoir in Aurora, Colorado offers a treasure trove of outdoor activities for the whole family. There are plenty of wildlife viewing (moose, turkey, deer, ptarmigan) and fishing opportunities. BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN COLORADO - Vows And Peaks Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes and three other unnamed lakes are all in the area. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek located near Crestone. 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 Catch dramatic views of the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak. Lake Helene is another great option for explorers of Rocky Mountain National Park. Alpine Loop. It can be hard to narrow down which hikes, Colorado is a beautiful state with tall peaks, incredible lakes, and four unique national parks. Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. 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 you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. 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. Alpine lakes are defined by being any lake that sits above 10,000 feet above sea level. Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. The water is gorgeous. Recommended Fly Assortment for Colorado Alpine Creeks and Lakes All photos (263) This 2,125 acre man-made lake sits about 15 miles south of Kremmling, Colorado in Summit County. The alpine wonder rests at an elevation of 10,630 feet located between Flattop Mountain (12,324 feet) and Notchtop Mountain (12,129 feet) ). each comment to let us know of abusive posts. . Your email address will not be published. The main attraction while at the lake is the commanding Hallett Peak. There are a lot of famous alpine lake hikes in Colorado to discover. For more information on how to do this lake loop, continue to our Rocky Mountain National Park Guide. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. You'll take the Mitchell Lake Trail, crossing Mitchell Creek and passing Mitchell Lake along the way. It's the state's highest peak. Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State Park. For an added challenge and extra mileage, you can even summit Longs Peak for an elevated vantage point! Pikes Peak - America's Mountain | Colorado Springs Note that parking at the Brainard Lake Recreational Area lot costs $10 and fills up quickly. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail to access starts off at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. Here are the lessons I have learned! Arizona has many unique hiking opportunities with a wide range of elevation, climate, and views. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. 1. 1. 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. 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! Not your computer? 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. Grand Mesa Scenic Byway Map | Colorado Vacation Directory Its a total bonus if you hit this trail early and arrive for the sunrise! Google Drive Its best to check with AllTrails.com or even local hiking Facebook groups to get the most up-to-date information. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation: 846 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. Sundial Peak over Lake Blanche. Description. 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. 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. This 7.7 miles trail boasts a wow factor unlike any other. To see most of these incredible lakes in Colorado on one road trip, check out our Colorado Road Trip Itinerary. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. Forsythe Canyon Round-trip Distance: 2.2 miles Trailhead: Forsythe Canyon - Lincoln National Forest Difficulty: Easy This short hike starts just outside of Boulder. 20+ Best Colorado Lakes & Reservoirs | Largest Bodies of Water The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. The lake is an additional 2-ish miles from the parking area. This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. These high-altitude lakes are typically much clearer than their low elevation counterparts and are often fed directly by snowmelt. Driving time: 4 to 6 hours. Emerald Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is reached by hiking from Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links for products and services I recommend. It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. Come and try out the great hiking and mountain biking trails too! Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. Upper & Lower Bushnell Lakes - Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort To extend your adventure, you can continue on to Isabelle Glacier. Located in the San Juan Mountains, the lake also attracts a variety of wildlife including elk and moose. 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.' For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. 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. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. Distance: 23.8 milesElevation: 4,767 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are welcome to use this trail. Nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park lies Dream Lake. The road will dead end at Moffat Tunnel where you'll find ample parking in a gravel lot with restrooms. 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. 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.' In the Fall, the Aspen grove comes alive with color, making for an especially memorable experience. 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.