Dream Lake is a vision right out of a fairy tale in the early morning hours. Lake Isabelle is one of the best winter hikes in Colorado (add about five miles round trip for the winter hike). This truly-epic alpine lake hike is long, but worth the effort. 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. Some hikes, like, Sedona is one of the most amazing places to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. Throughout the years Ive hiked well over 1,000 miles of terrain here in Colorado. The Outbound Collective Be on the lookout for the moose who call this beautiful mountain landscape home! 1. It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. And the fish well, they just float on down, once deployed from the airplane. Get to know this 6.7-mile out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. After seeing Island Lake continue ahead and take a right to form a small loop. 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. 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. Keep in mind permits are required and parking fills up fast. Wander the lake at sunrise for incredible views. Tucked under Mt Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak sits two pristine alpine lakes nestled beside the town of Twin Lakes. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. The wildflower lined trail is short and beautiful, clocking in at 2.1 miles round trip. In layman's terms, they are the state's finest fisheries. Many of the most amazing lakeside views in the state are easily accessible for beginner hikers. 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. UPPER & LOWER BUSHNELL LAKES. Length 6.7 miElevation gain 1,699 ftRoute type Out & back. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. Alpine Loop drive takes 4-6 hours to cover the distance between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. Bloods Lake and Lackawaxen Trail. Then recheck it the day before your hike. Nineteen of the 24 lakes shown in the video sit above 10,000 feet in elevation. Photo: Abby VohaskaDistance: 8.81 miles Elevation: 2635 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. With that being said, typically alpine lakes are frozen and mostly snow-free starting in July through around mid-October depending on the year. Not your computer? Banff Sunshine. Unfortunately, in the summer it can get hot with temperatures, The American Southwest features incredible natural wonders and landscapes that cannot be missed. The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. Opt to get there early or make it an overnight to get more time. Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. Camp at Twin Lakes White Star Campground. The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. It's about a 3-mile trek 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. Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. Check out this adventure for impressive views of the Mount Evans Wilderness. Dont expect solitude here, even in the dead of winter. Distance: 2.8 milesElevation: 885 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and local tips: Dogs are allowed to use this trail. 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.' 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 trail itself is moderately wooded. Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning beauty. Overview. Start from the Bear Lake parking lot and hike the gentle trail towards Lake Haiyaha, passing through the alluring Emerald Lake. 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. The trail features colorful wildflower meadows, breathtaking views, and plenty of wildlife. This adventure leads you through the Holy Cross Wilderness where youll be surrounded by beautiful forests. This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. There is no shortage of beautiful lakes near Denver, and there are several with magnificently blue water. This area is also an awesome place to practice mountaineering skills or go for a mid-summer ski session. 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. Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back Lake Isabelle. Take the Wheeler trail until it intersects with Crystal Creek Road. 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. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. Our first date was a three-day camping trip on the backroads of Colorado. The Alpine Loop leaves pavement and people behind, crossing the remote, rugged, spectacular heart of the San Juan Mountains. Sandbeach Lake has a wide sandy shore thats perfect for picnicking or simply sitting to take in the scenery. 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. You will definitely want to wear hiking boots and bring trekking poles for this part of the trail. Keep in mind, the average hiker moves at about 2 miles an hour or covers 1,000 feet of elevation gain in an hour. 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. Lake Blanche Trail : An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer . Hike to Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes, 25. 5 hidden lakes in Colorado you probably never knew exsisted Alpine Lake. Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. Thats right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town! Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. The scenery is beautiful throughout and provides many opportunities for continued exploration while at the top! The alpine wonder rests at an elevation of 10,630 feet located between Flattop Mountain (12,324 feet) and Notchtop Mountain (12,129 feet) ). 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. Chasm Lake makes for a beautiful summer adventure. The water is piercingly clear blue, which will entice you to jump right in! 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. Distance: 8.47 milesElevation: 1706 ftType: Loop. 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. The United States Should Adopt The Allemannsretten, 5 Great Spots in Colorado for Fall Colors. This adventure features several waterfalls, streams, a creek, and meadows teeming with beautiful wildflowers a photographers dream! Its my favorite backpacking route in Colorado and well-worth an overnight. Blue Lakes Trail in Telluride, Colorado takes you to three of the most beautiful lakes 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. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. 2,568 feet max, MUCH less if starting from the Wheeler Trail.Difficulty: Moderate to easy depending on your route.Red Tape and Local Tips: Unlike many of Colorados famed high clearance roads (where you can usually get away with a small SUV), the road to the top of Crystal Lake is an ACTUAL Jeep trail. If youre looking for a stunning place to stake out camp by a lake, look no more! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. + Save to a List. You'll be surrounded by jagged peak, stunning summer wildflower displays, and crystal clear waters. Enjoy magnificent views of aspens as you continue through sage and dense forest. Related: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local. Nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park lies Dream Lake. 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. You're going to want to bring your camera on these adventures. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. An alternative to driving on your own is to. Make sure you have the necessary permits before setting up camp. You must typically access these lake by hiking a few miles or by horseback. There is plenty of fishing, swimming, camping, and even small, easy hiking trails that provide plenty of family fun. While opting for the alpine wonder is suitable for a wider range hiking skill levels, bagging both peaks is only recommend for the most experienced hikers. Breathe in the fresh air and set up a hammock to enjoy the most incredible mountain and alpine lake backdrop. The video showcases the beauty of Colorado's high country. Green Mountain Reservoir. 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.' Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Marys Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. 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. When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. On Monday and . Explore the fantastically beautiful cirque and enjoy views of Kit Carson, The Crestones, and Humboldt Peak. . Discover this alpine wonder by taking Rogers Pass Trail, a 9.1-mile out-and-back trail located near Rollinsville. 1. 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 you hit the trail, there are several important things to remember. We can easily drive 30 minutes into high elevation aspen forests & alpine lakes when desired. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. To see views of Lower Blue Lake from above you need to continue hiking up the steep Blue Lakes Trial towards Middle Blue Lake. 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. Think you need to be a hiking pro to enjoy amazing alpine lake hikes in Colorado? Gray Wolf Reintroduction, What Does 2023 Look Like In Colorado? Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. This adventure will bring you by wide open meadows and plenty of wildlife (look out for moose and elk!) Definitely come prepared with a suit to take a dip. Huskies also thrive in Colorado - alpine lakes, cross . In winter, you will have to take a walk-around to avoid avalanche terrain so be alert. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. The total hike round trip to Upper Blue Lake is 8 miles with 2,404 ft elevation gain. In the summer, the trail becomes a 44 road that you can still hike on, terminating at a parking lot. Just one valley over from Cyrstal Lake is Mohawk Lakes, another set of stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. In the winter, there is no fee, but the road is closed. 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. 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. Maroon Lake brings you the best of the Bells, the Maroon Bells that is. Get going on this adventure to the three beautiful Blue Lakes nestled among Colorados San Juan Range in the Uncompahgre National Forest. This picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. The snowpack is different every year, so its tough to say when trails will be snow-free. The trail flattens out at the basin below Columbine Lake and once you arrive you're in for a real treat. Starting at 10,390 elevation and reaching 12,000 this hike has it all. Seriouslyover 2,000! Go early. Forsythe Canyon Round-trip Distance: 2.2 miles Trailhead: Forsythe Canyon - Lincoln National Forest Difficulty: Easy This short hike starts just outside of Boulder. Check out three different alpine lakes in the James Peak Wilderness with the Crater Lakes Trail. There is nothing better than waking up and enjoying a hot cup of coffee next to a cold alpine lake. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. Camping is prohibited within a quarter of a mile to protect its fragile environment. Willow Lake offers a backpacking adventure into the Sangre de Cristo range. #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. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) This 7.7 miles trail boasts a wow factor unlike any other. Granite spires surrounding the lake, one referred to as sharks tooth. There are also two 13,000-foot peaks nearby, Taylor and Powell. Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Sky Pond is one of the most jaw-dropping sights to see. Its still worth a visit, even if you arent climbing. The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes and three other unnamed lakes are all in the area. The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. Distance: 10.5 milesElevation: 2,975 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Parking is limited so consider taking the free bus from the Vail Village parking structure to the trailhead. Located in gorgeous Glenwood Canyon, the drive to the trailhead is reason . 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 trail is popular and can get very crowded, so try to hike it either really early or much later in the day. Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. Want a bit more of a challenge? Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. This is a do-able day hike, but there are spots for camping if you want to stay overnight. Threats of harming another Youll get glimpses of Longs Peak and Alberta Falls (in the summer). The trail also features both forests and meadows budding with an abundance of wildflowers interspersed along the way. 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. If you're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. Everyone knows about Hanging Lake, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. Long Lake is an alpine explorers paradise. You could spend a lifetime trying to see all of the alpine lakes in Colorado and just barely scratch the surface. Chicago Lakes is a popular hiking trail in the Mount Evans Wilderness that has two magnificent lakes with stellar views of the foothills and of Mount Evans. This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. The total hike round trip to Middle Blue Lake is 7.6 miles with 2,292 ft elevation gain. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. To see most of these incredible lakes in Colorado on one road trip, check out our Colorado Road Trip Itinerary. Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. However, dont be fooled by the easy accessibility. Those launching float tubes and canoes will appreciate being able to drive within spitting distance of the many lakes and small . Aside from the deep blues waters, hikers are delighted with wildflower-filled meadows bordering the lakes in bright and beautiful colors. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park is a hidden gem in the Colorado Rockies. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Although the entire hike is 2.4 miles long, you will arrive at the lake in half a. If you already made it to Middle Blue Lake it is a quick 0.2 mile walk to Upper Blue Lake. Continue for several more miles until reaching the base of The Spearhead, a famous mountaineering objective. Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. before arriving at the lake, where goof fishing has been reported. Be sure to check the weather before beginning this adventure as summer thunderstorms in this area can be aggressive. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. 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. Mount Evans is a 14er that boasts fantastic views of the lake, Mt. 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. Check that the ice is fully frozen on the lake before stepping on to cross in the colder months! Lake Ann - Only accessible by way of a 1.75-mile well-maintained trail, this pristine lake is ruggedly scenic and extremely protected. It connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, where it is generally considered to begin (and end). There's a reason Maroon Lake is arguably the most photographed lake in the state. Distance: 8.02 milesElevation: 2500 ftType: Out-and-back. Directions: From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west or, from Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. And find our listings for off-road outfitters and tour companies here. But what if I told you we havent been given access to over half of whats really out there? Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. Arizona has many unique hiking opportunities with a wide range of elevation, climate, and views. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. Moderate 4.6 (8765) Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. 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. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. the most part. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation: 846 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Photo: Ryan MckinneyDistance: 4.09 milesElevation: 374 ftType: 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. 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 trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. Plan accordingly. that is degrading to another person. 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. Stay awhile and enjoy the views! Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that youve already checked with good old Google. So many, Nestled in a glorious alpine valley at 10,868' and framed by the stunning Indian Peaks is one of the, Piney Lake is a prime spot for a day of hiking and canoeing in the Eagles Nest Wilderness in the Gore Range near Vail. By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. On the way to Emerald Lake you will also pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. Toll. Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. 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. Here are the lessons I have learned! This article will walk you through the best lakes in Colorado and how to get to these lakes. 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. This adventure features three impressive alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Loch, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond. If you just cant get enough alpine lakes in Colorado, why not choose a hiking trail that hits four different Lakes? . 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!