Take the dirt road up in elevation as it turns a bit rough closer to the lake. High-clearance vehicles are best suited for getting to this scenic secluded spot. It's a 1.8-mile trek (3.6 miles round trip). 17. Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. Cherry Creek Reservoir in Aurora, Colorado offers a treasure trove of outdoor activities for the whole family. For the best wildflowers, do this hike in late July. Recommended Fly Assortment for Colorado Alpine Creeks and Lakes Aside from the deep blues waters, hikers are delighted with wildflower-filled meadows bordering the lakes in bright and beautiful colors. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. Once you arrive, you wont want to leave which is why many people consider Gore Lake one of the best backpacking trips in Colorado. 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. Distance: 6.5 milesElevation: 1,804 feetDifficulty: moderate to difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail gets insanely busy in the summer, so start early. Directions SUV recommended: From the Town of Crested Butte, take Gothic Road (Route 135) north a total of 12.6 miles. 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. 20+ Best Colorado Lakes & Reservoirs | Largest Bodies of Water Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. Distance: 9.22 milesElevation: 2270 ftType: Out-and-back. Forsythe Canyon Round-trip Distance: 2.2 miles Trailhead: Forsythe Canyon - Lincoln National Forest Difficulty: Easy This short hike starts just outside of Boulder. Breathtaking beauty awaits hikers at South Colony Lakes. Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. This hike also has a waterfall. But what if I told you we havent been given access to over half of whats really out there? Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. Not your computer? Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Use a private browsing window to sign in. San Juan National Forest. The 15 Highest Elevation Lakes in the United States - AZ Animals Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. Must Visit Stunning Lakes in Colorado | Insider Families If youre looking for a stunning place to stake out camp by a lake, look no more! The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. 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. 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. You'll be surrounded by jagged peak, stunning summer wildflower displays, and crystal clear waters. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. Mount Evans is a 14er that boasts fantastic views of the lake, Mt. Primarily characterized as an alpine tundra region, its total distance is approximately 65 miles and can be completed in about 7 hours (or more), typically under normal circumstances. Bring a swimsuit! On the way to Emerald Lake you will also pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. Also, keep in mind there are restrictions on where you can walk, so be respectful of signs and regulations. Be sure to check local road conditions during the winter months, the road is unmaintained and closed, which adds an extra 3 to 4 miles each way. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. This is a do-able day hike, but there are spots for camping if you want to stay overnight. The trail features colorful wildflower meadows, breathtaking views, and plenty of wildlife. You'd better allow 7 hours to fully enjoy the scenic beauty, however. Please note, reservations are required to visit the park. Keep moving forward and the trail will switch back and then head up the mountain. 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. Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. 2. However, this is one gorgeous hike, especially during the wildflower season. Trek your way through stunning alpine country to one of the most picturesque lakes in the state Hanging Lake. Spooky indeed! 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. Heart Lake is another great option for backpackers. Youll need high clearance to get to the upper lot. Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. . Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? These high-altitude lakes are typically much clearer than their low elevation counterparts and are often fed directly by snowmelt. Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. Overview. To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. Here you'll find a campground, cabins, and dispersed camping. Surprise Lake is also accessible from this set of trails, and all of the lakes offer the added bonus of being the perfect setting for a pristine, secluded backcountry campsite. Accessibility from North Cascades Highway makes it an excellent stop on a road trip through the area. Harder To Reach: Lawn Lake. Take a Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park Go early. You could also do a loop and combine this lake with Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. Think again! Definitely come prepared with a suit to take a dip. Enjoy spanning vistas of the Tenmile Range including Pacific Peak, Atlantic Peak, and Crystal Peak (all of which are excellent Colorado 13ers to try!). 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. 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. Alpine Lakes Wilderness - Wikipedia Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. You will definitely want to wear hiking boots and bring trekking poles for this part of the trail. Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. Discover this alpine wonder by taking Rogers Pass Trail, a 9.1-mile out-and-back trail located near Rollinsville. Note that parking at the Brainard Lake Recreational Area lot costs $10 and fills up quickly. 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. Photo: Ryan DewaneDistance: 8.43 milesElevation: 1780 ftType: Out-and-back. Youll cross a couple of creeks so be sure to have the appropriate footwear on. Colorado has many picturesque lakes surrounded by high peaks. This water adventure features beautiful cascading waterfalls among steep rocky cliffs and lush green pine trees. Distance: 6.8 milesElevation: 1,548 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape: Many 14er-enthusiasts camp here overnight before their summit bids. Winter Hikes to Alpine Lakes in Colorado | Westword However, dont be fooled by the easy accessibility. Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, Im not kidding about the moose! If you are up for the challenge Island Lake is worth the visit! Trout Lake is a short drive from the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village towards Lizard Head Pass. Accessing this alpine wonder is simple. If you just cant get enough alpine lakes in Colorado, why not choose a hiking trail that hits four different Lakes? Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. The hike from Ice Lake to Island Lake is about half a mile with 100 foot elevation gain. Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. VIDEO: Aerial Fish Stocking Operation Brings Trout to Colorado's Cottonwood Lake each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Immarite? To get there, follow Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes for 8.6 miles of out-and-back beauty. This alpine-lake hike should make every Coloradan's bucket list. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, The cold water is characteristic of alpine lakes. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. 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. Check the weather. The water is piercingly clear blue, which will entice you to jump right in! Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Top 12 Mountain Views in Colorado: Where to See Colorado's Best Scenery This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. Although Gore Lake looks reasonable on paper, this is a tough hike, with much of the elevation gained in the last couple of miles. It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. To see the entire lake though, youll need to do a bit of climbing up the shore. The wildflower lined trail is short and beautiful, clocking in at 2.1 miles round trip. There was an error processing your request. . Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. Yes. It can be hard to narrow down which hikes, Colorado is a beautiful state with tall peaks, incredible lakes, and four unique national parks. The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. Lake Isabelle. This 7.7 miles trail boasts a wow factor unlike any other. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Lake Ann - Only accessible by way of a 1.75-mile well-maintained trail, this pristine lake is ruggedly scenic and extremely protected. The round-trip distance from the lower trailhead is around 8 miles depending on your route, including some road walking, but the upper trail is actually an easy 4-ish mile round-trip jaunt. Snow Lake Trail | Map, Guide - Washington | AllTrails 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: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. Where you can catch golden trout in northern Colorado | 9news.com - KUSA 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. On Monday and . Youll want to be prepared for cooler weather, even in the middle of summer. In fact, this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. 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. 12 Most Beautiful Lakes in Colorado - Getaway Compass 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. Photos (9,863) Directions. Once you get to the lake, focus on the right shoreline, where there is a great drop off for fish to hang out around. They are remote and wild, but also peaceful and pristine at the same time. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. before arriving at the lake, where goof fishing has been reported. You can stop off at the lake and explore before driving to the summit of Mt. This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. Not many people venture to the mountain ranges down south, so expect lots of solitude. Ice Lake is a beautiful bright blue alpine lake located at 12,300 feet that requires a very strenuous hike to get to. Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. The hike to lower blue lake is 6 miles round trip with 1,610 ft elevation gain. Colorado's Alpine Loop is affectionately called the " Switzerland of America" for a reason! 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. No dogs. Its always a good idea, especially on longer, difficult hikes or solo excursions, to let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back. The park boasts a wide range of activities that include summiting 14,259-foot Longs Peak, camping in the expansive backcountry, hiking to waterfalls and alpine lakes and, of course, wildlife viewing. 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. Simply hike to Loch Vale instead. 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. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. racist or sexually-oriented language. Camping in dispersed camping areas gives you the opportunity for a little more privacy and peace and quiet. If you do opt to swim, dont wear any sunscreen. Get to know this 6.7-mile out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. 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. Camping is prohibited within a quarter of a mile to protect its fragile environment. We can easily drive 30 minutes into high elevation aspen forests & alpine lakes when desired. Hike your way up to the lakes for breath-taking views and lakeside goodness! Please note, reservations may be required to visit the park. Check out our favorite alpine hikes in Colorado and neighboring states. You can hike to this lake from either Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. 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. Photo: Ryan MckinneyDistance: 4.09 milesElevation: 374 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. 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. 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. Return To Sand Creek Lakes: Revenge Of The Skunked!