"With an ample forage base such as scuds, crayfish, terrestrials, aquatic insects these fish can live 10 plus years and grow to very . There are hiking trails near the lakes with great views of the lakes and surrounding mountains. Located in gorgeous Glenwood Canyon, the drive to the trailhead is reason . Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. Spooky indeed! If youre looking for a moderate jaunt with big view payout, check out Silver Dollar Lake outside of Georgetown. It is a long day hike (4.6 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 3,100ft. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Use a private browsing window to sign in. Its my favorite backpacking route in Colorado and well-worth an overnight. 5h 16m. Threats of harming another Accessing this alpine wonder is simple. This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. If you are up for the challenge Island Lake is worth the visit! Youll have the added bonus of passing two additional scenic alpine lakes along the way. 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. Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. Error! Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. 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. Distance: Depends. Distance: 2.8 miles round trip. The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. Throughout the years Ive hiked well over 1,000 miles of terrain here in Colorado. Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. person will not be tolerated. Black lake is a stunning and dramatic lake nestled deep in Rocky Mountain National Park. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Located in the San Juan Mountains, the lake also attracts a variety of wildlife including elk and moose. Whenever you hear someone talk about catching trout in the mountain lakes of the Rockies, the term that often comes up is "alpine". The byway provides many scenic overlooks to view each of these Colorado beauties. Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). We'd love to hear eyewitness 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. Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. Dog-friendly. You can hike to this lake from either Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Arrive early to get a spot and spend more of the day exploring! 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. 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. Dream Lake is a vision right out of a fairy tale in the early morning hours. 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. The hike is difficult but is worth the challenge to get to one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. For a real adventure, combine your lake hike in Colorado with an overnight at a yurt. With so many lake hikes, Colorado will have your hiking itinerary booked for years! It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. You will definitely want to wear hiking boots and bring trekking poles for this part of 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! Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! These high-altitude lakes are typically much clearer than their low elevation counterparts and are often fed directly by snowmelt. Youll be gasping for air from the steep inclines and incredible scenes. Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. Before you hit the trail, there are several important things to remember. Local Tip: Check out Ouray, one of the most stunning Colorado mountain towns, post-hike! Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. More Information 2. Cash fees may apply for accessing the area. Arizona has many unique hiking opportunities with a wide range of elevation, climate, and views. The main mountain attraction is Lone Eagle Peak, which climbers can also ascend. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. The freshwater lake is the perfect spot for boating or fishing. Please note, reservations are required to visit the park. The Alpine Loop starts with the historic high-altitude town of Ouray. 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. The natural beauty of a waterfall is within easy reach of Denver. The 8.9-mile out-and-back trail is blazed in beauty. 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. 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. The video showcases the beauty of Colorado's high country. Trek your way through stunning alpine country to one of the most picturesque lakes in the state Hanging Lake. Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. From short day hikes close to the city to multi-day backpacking trips deep in Rocky Mountain National Park, these adventures will take you to some of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Colorado. Distance: 3.9 milesElevation: 1,062 feetDifficulty: Easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Sometimes the road in is closed, which adds about a mile each way. Think again! The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. While the 7.9-mile out-and-back trail is relatively easy for day hikers used to the distance, there are several campgrounds located along the shore of the lowest lake. This adventure features three impressive alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Loch, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. It's the state's highest peak. Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. the most part. You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. To get there, follow Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes for 8.6 miles of out-and-back beauty. Here are the lessons I have learned! Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. Green Mountain Reservoir. Bear Lake is a popular lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. The scenery is beautiful throughout and provides many opportunities for continued exploration while at the top! Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. Nestled in those mountains behind Trout Lake sits Hope Lake. Parking early in the morning is free at the Bear Lake Trailhead. Reservations are no longer required until summer 2023. ppmicrosoftteams-image_24.png Enjoy Pikes Peak at your leisure on the safe, scenic Pikes Peak Highway. Youll begin the hike winding through dense forest before the scenery opens up to an incredible view of Longs Peak. The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. In fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. Get going on this adventure to the three beautiful Blue Lakes nestled among Colorados San Juan Range in the Uncompahgre National Forest. In winter, you will have to take a walk-around to avoid avalanche terrain so be alert. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible . 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. Lake Isabelle. Long Lake is an alpine explorers paradise. 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. Simply hike to Loch Vale instead. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy spanning alpine lake views. Mohawk Lakes offer plenty of picture-perfect backcountry camping or opportunities to summit nearby mountains, such as Father Dyer. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. Miles from Denver: 100 miles. The lake is an additional 2-ish miles from the parking area. Learn more Check the weather. Some hikes, like, Sedona is one of the most amazing places to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. On the way to Emerald Lake you will also pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. Here you'll find a campground, cabins, and dispersed camping. Opt to get there early or make it an overnight to get more time. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. Sharp granite cliffs rise straight out of the water as you gaze upon views of Longs Peak in the distance. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. Keep in mind that State Forest State Park requires a fee. 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 . Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. Most of the Alpine lakes lie in valleys that were formed during the uplift of the mountain chain of the Alps. The trail is located near Glenwood Springs, offering the perfect post-adventure spot. Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. You're going to want to bring your camera on these adventures. But if climbing a fourteener is not your bag, there's also a trail that leads to the jaw-dropping and some of the. Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. High-clearance vehicles are best suited for getting to this scenic secluded spot. Scope out sweet views of Mont Massive and the mighty Sawatch Range (home to 14 of Colorados tallest peaks). 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. This adventure will bring you by wide open meadows and plenty of wildlife (look out for moose and elk!) Discover this alpine wonder by taking Rogers Pass Trail, a 9.1-mile out-and-back trail located near Rollinsville. These lakes are next to Independence Pass, a road that takes you to Aspen. Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Something that absolutely should be on your list of things to do with kids in Colorado! Kevin BuggieBPL Member. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation: 846 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. You'll be surrounded by jagged peak, stunning summer wildflower displays, and crystal clear waters. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation: 807 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: There is a $5 parking fee at both parking lots for St Marys. Distance: Varies, hikes on the property are short, its three miles to loop the lakeElevation: nothing notable.Difficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a great family-friendly spot, however, there are day fees and other camping fees to use the area. Tucked under Mt Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak sits two pristine alpine lakes nestled beside the town of Twin Lakes. Come July and August, Lawn Lake is arguably the best lake for fishing in the park. 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. Moderate 4.6 (8765) Alpine Lakes Wilderness. 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". Success! Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Colorado. Dog-Friendly: Bloods Lake - No, Lake Lackawaxen - Yes. To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. Overview. Again, it depends. The trail is about 6.8 miles round trip to Ice Lake with 2,457 ft elevation gain. Distance: 8.12 milesElevation: 2037 ftType: Out-and-back. Be Proactive. Breathtaking beauty awaits hikers at South Colony Lakes. An alternative to driving on your own is to. This adventure features several waterfalls, streams, a creek, and meadows teeming with beautiful wildflowers a photographers dream! Distance: 4.51 milesElevation: 1090 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. Youll find over 2,000 alpine lakes in Colorado. The Alpine Lakes is the largest wilderness area . Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. There are other great trout reservoirs in the area, but only Spinney is a Gold Medal water. Please explore responsibly! Enjoy spanning vistas of the Tenmile Range including Pacific Peak, Atlantic Peak, and Crystal Peak (all of which are excellent Colorado 13ers to try!). Dispersed camping does take a little more planning, but the extra work will be well worth it. Lush alpine scenery unfolds as you ascend the 8.1-mile out-and-back trail nestled in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton. Up for a challenge? Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. During the Ice Age of the geologically . Photos (9,863) Directions. This is one of the most iconic adventures in Colorado and for good reason! Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. What does 2023 look like for gray wolf reintroduction? All photos (263) Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. Ive been hiking in Colorado for over 13 years. In terms of the best lake hikes, Colorado offers some incredibly unique lakes and the Hanging Lake hike takes the cake. To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. Although the entire hike is 2.4 miles long, you will arrive at the lake in half a. Surround yourself in an amphitheater of dramatic rock and scope out of the best alpine lakes in Colorado. Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. If you just cant get enough alpine lakes in Colorado, why not choose a hiking trail that hits four different Lakes? Don't Threaten. This hike also has a waterfall. Then recheck it the day before your hike. 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: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Banff Sunshine. Forsythe Canyon Round-trip Distance: 2.2 miles Trailhead: Forsythe Canyon - Lincoln National Forest Difficulty: Easy This short hike starts just outside of Boulder. Photo: Ryan MckinneyDistance: 4.09 milesElevation: 374 ftType: Out-and-back. Though close in proximity to Maroon Lake, Crater Lake is a less crowded destination, yet still unbelievably scenic. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. As a consequence, by mid-June I Then, continue climbing to blue Lake at the base of Mt. 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. 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. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. Distance: 3.97 milesElevation: 1299 ftType: Out-and-back. Connecting the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake, Trail Ridge Road traverses Rocky Mountain National Park, making this one of the most scenic mountain passes in Colorado. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. 1. This picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. Want a bit more of a challenge? Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. Its best to check with AllTrails.com or even local hiking Facebook groups to get the most up-to-date information. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. Thats right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town! Rocky Mountain National Park is a hidden gem in the Colorado Rockies. Start on the Glacier Gorge Trail (like you would for Sky Pond) except veer left at the fork. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. In layman's terms, they are the state's finest fisheries. Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State Park. Immarite? Start from the Bear Lake parking lot and hike the gentle trail towards Lake Haiyaha, passing through the alluring Emerald Lake. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. 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. 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. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. However, if you are up for a little hike, you'll discover that Blue Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness is true to its name. 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 Many of the most amazing lakeside views in the state are easily accessible for beginner hikers. Most of these lakes are accessible by foot only, although you can also drive to quite a few of them. Eloping in Colorado gives you access to epic views of 15 mountain ranges, 54 peaks over 10,000 feet, alpine lakes, meadows of wildflowers, and a vast variety of gorgeous backdrops. No dogs. The total round trip hike to Island Lake with the loop is 8 miles with 2,700 ft elevation gain. 8 to 4 miles Round TripElevation: Depends. You'll take the Mitchell Lake Trail, crossing Mitchell Creek and passing Mitchell Lake along the way. And the fish well, they just float on down, once deployed from the airplane. Youll get glimpses of Longs Peak and Alberta Falls (in the summer). Enjoy magnificent views of aspens as you continue through sage and dense forest. 11. Snow Lake Trail. Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. The trail itself is moderately wooded. Resting beautifully at an elevation of 9,003 feet. It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. There are plenty of wildlife viewing (moose, turkey, deer, ptarmigan) and fishing opportunities. 5 hidden lakes in Colorado you probably never knew exsisted Alpine Lake. Lowest Depth: 265 feet. Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake with clear teal water. Surrounding peaks of granite reflect off the lake's beautiful emerald green waters nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park. Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. 17. Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek located near Crestone. Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. Continue for several more miles until reaching the base of The Spearhead, a famous mountaineering objective. Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. In the winter, there is no fee, but the road is closed. 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. Colorado has many picturesque lakes surrounded by high peaks. Photo: Nicola EasterbyDistance: 3.06 milesElevation: 1168 ftType: Out-and-back. Dogs are welcome, but due to the crowds, keep Fido leashed. Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Bushnell lakes sit under Bushnell Peak and SE of Stout Lakes drainage. Bierstadt, and even Denver at times. Almost countless. Photo by Kyle Jenkins. This glacial lake is the largest natural lake in Colorado in terms of surface area, depth, and total water volume. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. 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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