Learn more This 2,125 acre man-made lake sits about 15 miles south of Kremmling, Colorado in Summit County. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. If youre looking for a moderate jaunt with big view payout, check out Silver Dollar Lake outside of Georgetown. 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. If you do this hike in the winter, youll experience different scenery, but surely just as stunning. Dream Lake is a vision right out of a fairy tale in the early morning hours. If you are looking for something a little easier to get to, try James Peak Wilderness. We can easily drive 30 minutes into high elevation aspen forests & alpine lakes when desired. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Youll get glimpses of Longs Peak and Alberta Falls (in the summer). Photo: Nicola EasterbyDistance: 3.06 milesElevation: 1168 ftType: Out-and-back. Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. 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. Trek beyond the lakes to reach the 14,065-foot summit of Humboldt Peak. Check with the Castle Mountain Recreation Company for more up-to-date information. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. Theres no shortage of fantastic mountain and lake views. Surround yourself in an amphitheater of dramatic rock and scope out of the best alpine lakes in Colorado. However, with that being said, its still worth a visit to gaze upon this magical fairytale lake. San Juan National Forest. 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 Photo: Ryan MckinneyDistance: 4.09 milesElevation: 374 ftType: Out-and-back. Check that the ice is fully frozen on the lake before stepping on to cross in the colder months! Water activities including fishing and kayaking are great ways to spend time exploring the area, especially if you plan to stay and camp. But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! Camping is permitted and free around Alta Lakes in Telluride with campsites littered all around the three lakes. With that being said, typically alpine lakes are frozen and mostly snow-free starting in July through around mid-October depending on the year. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Enjoy magnificent views of aspens as you continue through sage and dense forest. Miles from Denver: 100 miles. Camp at Twin Lakes White Star Campground. Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. The trail itself is moderately wooded. Your email address will not be published. This list comes from years of research and is a total labor of love. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Check the weather. Distance: 3.97 milesElevation: 1299 ftType: Out-and-back. "With an ample forage base such as scuds, crayfish, terrestrials, aquatic insects these fish can live 10 plus years and grow to very . 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. From hiking around the water to fishing, boating, picnicking, and swimming . This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. Blue Lakes Trail in Telluride, Colorado takes you to three of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. In the Fall, the Aspen grove comes alive with color, making for an especially memorable experience. The backcountry hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes features abundant wildlife, glorious mountain backdrops, and beautiful wildflowers. Make sure you have the necessary permits before setting up camp. Suggest edits to improve what we show. 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. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. The 8.9-mile out-and-back trail is blazed in beauty. 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. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. This route is delicate, so always practice Leave No Trace when visiting. As a consequence, by mid-June I Another worthwhile alpine lake hike near Breckenridge is Crystal Lake, which gives the ultimate solitude and scenery double punch. Banff Sunshine. Related: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local. Description. Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! Not so much an alpine lake hike as it is a recreation hot spot, Wellington Lake is an awesome place to explore earlier in the season before the alpine lakes in Colorado are thawed. This alpine-lake hike should make every Coloradan's bucket list. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! Check out this adventure for impressive views of the Mount Evans Wilderness. 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.' 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. 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. Lush alpine scenery unfolds as you ascend the 8.1-mile out-and-back trail nestled in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton. To see most of these incredible lakes in Colorado on one road trip, check out our Colorado Road Trip Itinerary. Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State Park. Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. 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. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. The hike from Bear Lake Trailhead is 3.6 miles round trip with about 740 ft elevation gain. The Alpine Loop starts with the historic high-altitude town of Ouray. Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. . Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. Opt to get there early or make it an overnight to get more time. This adventure will bring you by wide open meadows and plenty of wildlife (look out for moose and elk!) Ive been hiking in Colorado for over 13 years. What I love about this Colorado lake hike is just how quiet it is. Lake of the Clouds brings you tranquil scenery and plenty of views. Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. 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. Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. Lake Ann - Only accessible by way of a 1.75-mile well-maintained trail, this pristine lake is ruggedly scenic and extremely protected. Distance: 12.9 milesElevation: 2,919 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are allowed if on a leash and the best time to visit is between March and October. Again, it depends. The Outbound Collective There are a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. Discover this alpine wonder by taking Rogers Pass Trail, a 9.1-mile out-and-back trail located near Rollinsville. To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. If you already made it to Middle Blue Lake it is a quick 0.2 mile walk to Upper Blue Lake. 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. Square Top Lakes, Guanella Pass Square Top Lakes via Shutterstock. This list of the 16 top destinations in the Southwest US will, Your email address will not be published. The trail also features both forests and meadows budding with an abundance of wildflowers interspersed along the way. Its nine miles round trip, gaining about 1,780 feet of elevation. 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. If youre looking for a stunning place to stake out camp by a lake, look no more! 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. 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. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. Gray Wolf Reintroduction, What Does 2023 Look Like In Colorado? Surrounding peaks of granite reflect off the lake's beautiful emerald green waters nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park. Sandbeach Lake has a wide sandy shore thats perfect for picnicking or simply sitting to take in the scenery. Photos (9,863) Directions. 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. Both alpine lakes sit at an elevation of about 11,000 feet. Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. An alternative to driving on your own is toreserve a spoton the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands Village to Maroon Bells. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. However, this is one gorgeous hike, especially during the wildflower season. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no . 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. There are other great trout reservoirs in the area, but only Spinney is a Gold Medal water. Think again! Cutthroats were originally named by William Clark on the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition. Here you'll find a campground, cabins, and dispersed camping. Throughout the years Ive hiked well over 1,000 miles of terrain here in Colorado. August 25, 2021 at 6:00 a.m. Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocked dozens of alpine lakes with more than 95,000 trout by airplane last week. Each of these alpine lake hikes brings you the best of the Rocky Mountains and picturesque mountain scenery of places like Leadville. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Alpine Lakes in Colorado. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. Parking is $5 at the Summit Lake parking lot. In the winter, there is no fee, but the road is closed. Distance: 14.94 milesElevation: 2421 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. You could also do a loop and combine this lake with Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. Lake Blanche Trail : An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer . Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. This adventure features three impressive alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Loch, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond. 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. . Before you hit the trail, there are several important things to remember. Cherry Creek Reservoir in Aurora, Colorado offers a treasure trove of outdoor activities for the whole family. There was an error processing your request. The winding hike leads you past dreamy fields of wildflowers before reaching the sparkling aqua the area is known for. To extend your adventure, you can continue on to Isabelle Glacier. or anything. They are remote and wild, but also peaceful and pristine at the same time. Please note, reservations are required to visit the park. Alpine Loop drive takes 4-6 hours to cover the distance between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. that is degrading to another person. 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. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. During the Ice Age of the geologically . Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. Improve this listing. Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. The Maroon Bells are world renowned for being some of the most breathtaking mountains in the US. Are there any waterfalls I can visit near Denver? Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. The Alpine Lakes is the largest wilderness area . Did your favorite make it to our list of most beautiful lakes near Denver? Plan accordingly. 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. Bushnell lakes sit under Bushnell Peak and SE of Stout Lakes drainage. This moderate hike is a great way to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in Colorado without the lung-busting elevation gain. Check out our favorite alpine hikes in Colorado and neighboring states. Bierstadt, and even Denver at times. Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. 5 hidden lakes in Colorado you probably never knew exsisted Alpine Lake. Chasm Lake makes for a beautiful summer adventure. Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. 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. The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. This area is also an awesome place to practice mountaineering skills or go for a mid-summer ski session. Access: Transit to Trails is a great option for these hikes! Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back Since it's a relatively short hike, this is a great one for a family nature outing. Length 6.7 miElevation gain 1,699 ftRoute type Out & back. For an added challenge and extra mileage, you can even summit Longs Peak for an elevated vantage point! Start from the Bear Lake parking lot and hike the gentle trail towards Lake Haiyaha, passing through the alluring Emerald Lake. This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. Please explore responsibly! Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. Distance: 2.93 milesElevation: 675 ftType: Loop. Photo: Whitney JamesDistance: 3.15 milesElevation: 650 ftType: Out-and-back. The hike will start with views of sweeping meadows and will follow along the South Boulder Creek. Pristine, beautiful waters often reflect dramatic mountain views. Distance: 5.53 milesElevation: 1056 ftType: Out-and-back. This picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Mary's Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. The mountains surrounding Mirror Lake defy gravity, and early in the morning, you can get a perfect reflection of the famous Lone Eagle Peak (named the most beautiful mountain in Colorado). Above treeline, the weather can move in quickly and even on a sunny day, the air can feel quite cool. 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. In reality, you can make your way to an alpine lake any time of the year. Backpack to three alpine lakes and an alpine lagoon in Roosevelt National Forest. The trail is located near Glenwood Springs, offering the perfect post-adventure spot. Though one of the shorter adventures on this list, the hike to Loch Vale in Rocky National Park is surely just as rewarding as the others. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. 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. There are a lot of famous alpine lake hikes in Colorado to discover. It can be hard to narrow down which hikes, Colorado is a beautiful state with tall peaks, incredible lakes, and four unique national parks. Distance: 3.77 milesElevation: 722 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Get to know this 6.7-mile out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. 1. If you're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. But what if I told you we havent been given access to over half of whats really out there? Distance: 11 milesElevation: 2,529 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Arizona has many unique hiking opportunities with a wide range of elevation, climate, and views. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Its a total bonus if you hit this trail early and arrive for the sunrise! or drop a line and try your luck with some fishing. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Throughout the post youll find: Absolutely. While "alpine" is used by many anglers to describe the high elevation fisheries they visit that are inaccessible for of the year and may require a difficult drive and/or hike to access, not all high elevation fisheries are truly "alpine". It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. Error! Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. Its still worth a visit, even if you arent climbing. Columbine Lake Trail #509 in San Juan National Forest is a difficult and steep trail with 16 discernible switchbacks but it's worth the effort. Alpine Loop - If you look closely you can see a 44 on the trail dwarfed by the mountains. If you just cant get enough alpine lakes in Colorado, why not choose a hiking trail that hits four different Lakes? This adventure features several waterfalls, streams, a creek, and meadows teeming with beautiful wildflowers a photographers dream! Directions: From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west or, from Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. "In cold, productive alpine lakes, trout can live to be quite old," says Jeff Spohn, aquatic biologist for Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, Im not kidding about the moose! It's the state's highest peak. Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. Immarite? The trail will take you through both wildflower-filled meadows and forest. Threats of harming another Kevin BuggieBPL Member. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can Drive To!) This is the most beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be combined with Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. Remember to treat this natural wonderland with great care to preserve its vivid beauty and to keep it pristine for those who visit next! The ideal time to visit is. Sharp granite cliffs rise straight out of the water as you gaze upon views of Longs Peak in the distance. Want a bit more of a challenge? Note that this hike does require permits, so be sure to reserve yours in advance to enjoy this fun summertime waterfall adventure! These incredible, Climb a 3.5-mile trail along an open ridge in the Eagles Nest Wilderness to reach one of the, One option is this challenging all-day hike that involves a bounty of supreme alpine splendor.
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