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. Take a Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. This portion of the trail is very steep and scary so you have to be very careful and make sure to wear hiking boots and use trekking poles. . Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Youll begin the hike winding through dense forest before the scenery opens up to an incredible view of Longs Peak. Temperatures are often utterly freezing, since most alpine lakes are fed by snowmelt. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. Surround yourself in an amphitheater of dramatic rock and scope out of the best alpine lakes in Colorado. The total hike round trip to Upper Blue Lake is 8 miles with 2,404 ft elevation gain. Bring your camera and pack some tasty snacks! Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes 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. Walk another half mile and youll see a beautiful waterfall, followed by stellar views of Lily Lake. It's the state's highest peak. Twin Lakes is located at the foot of the highest mountain in the entire Rocky Mountain Range along the continental divide and is also Colorados largest natural glacier lake. This adventure leads you through the Holy Cross Wilderness where youll be surrounded by beautiful forests. Distance: 9.22 milesElevation: 2270 ftType: Out-and-back. Breathe in the fresh air and set up a hammock to enjoy the most incredible mountain and alpine lake backdrop. Make your way up the two-mile trail to the base of St. Marys Glacier (not really a glacier, but a permanent snowfield) where there is a picture-perfect alpine lake. If you just cant get enough alpine lakes in Colorado, why not choose a hiking trail that hits four different Lakes? You can stop off at the lake and explore before driving to the summit of Mt. Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . If youre lucky, youll get a perfect reflection of these towering peaks against the lake. Talk about iconic Colorado views! Colorado will soon see moisture from what was Hurricane Nora and flash flood watches are already in effect for parts of the state. 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. But if climbing a fourteener is not your bag, there's also a trail that leads to the jaw-dropping and some of the. 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. For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. Camp at Twin Lakes White Star Campground. This is a phenomenal spot for a picnic lunch and a SUP experience. In winter the trail may be impossible without ice climbing gear. Parking is $5 at the Summit Lake parking lot. Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. This route is delicate, so always practice Leave No Trace when visiting. They are remote and wild, but also peaceful and pristine at the same time. 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! Arrive early to get a spot and spend more of the day exploring! Alpine Lakes in Colorado. Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. The road will dead end at Moffat Tunnel where you'll find ample parking in a gravel lot with restrooms. Distance: 9.7 milesElevation: 1,643 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: If you plan on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, youll need to pay the $25 entrance fee. In layman's terms, they are the state's finest fisheries. Youll cross a couple of creeks so be sure to have the appropriate footwear on. all along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America's most . Spalding. 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. Everyone knows about Hanging Lake, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the 9.4-mile out-and-back trail features a rushing waterfall, granite mountain views, and colorful spring blooms. But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! Nestled in those mountains behind Trout Lake sits Hope Lake. Maroon Creek Road which leads to Maroon Bells is usually open between May and November and you are required to makereservations ahead of time to enter Maroon Bells area. Bring a swimsuit! It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! Discover the alpine beauty of Mirror Lake. From short day hikes close to the cityto multi-day backpacking tripsdeep in Rocky Mountain National Park, these adventures will take you to some of the most beautiful mountain lakes 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. Keep in mind that State Forest State Park requires a fee. Starting at 10,390 elevation and reaching 12,000 this hike has it all. Distance: 2.8 miles round trip. Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. Photo by Kyle Jenkins. Think you need to be a hiking pro to enjoy amazing alpine lake hikes in Colorado? 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. 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 Alpine Loop starts with the historic high-altitude town of Ouray. Granite spires surrounding the lake, one referred to as sharks tooth. There are also two 13,000-foot peaks nearby, Taylor and Powell. Distance: 8.47 milesElevation: 1706 ftType: Loop. Photo: Whitney JamesDistance: 3.15 milesElevation: 650 ftType: Out-and-back. At these lakes you can canoe, kayak, and paddle board. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. Spooky indeed! The deep blue waters of the Ice Lakes will leave you in awe. Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake with clear teal water. The middle and upper are said to have the best views. The ideal time to visit is. The wildflower lined trail is short and beautiful, clocking in at 2.1 miles round trip. No dogs. Local Tip: This hike is also near some of the best free camping near Denver. Loop or Out and Back: Out and Back or Loop. The winding hike leads you past dreamy fields of wildflowers before reaching the sparkling aqua the area is known for. Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado is an easy daytime hike that features expansive alpine landscapes and brilliant turquoise waters. Dog-Friendly: Bloods Lake - No, Lake Lackawaxen - Yes. It connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, where it is generally considered to begin (and end). Blue Lakes Basin is a must for explorers of the Mount Sneffels Wilderness. Aside from craggy peaks, youll also see wildflowers springing from the ground all along the banks of the lakes during summer. Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Doggies welcome. Forsythe Canyon Round-trip Distance: 2.2 miles Trailhead: Forsythe Canyon - Lincoln National Forest Difficulty: Easy This short hike starts just outside of Boulder. . To see the entire lake though, youll need to do a bit of climbing up the shore. Definitely come prepared with a suit to take a dip. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning beauty. Here are the lessons I have learned! Cherry Creek Reservoir. Learn more There is a road where you can drive down next to the lakes, and a different road that you can drive up for views of the lakes. Cutthroats were originally named by William Clark on the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition. "In cold, productive alpine lakes, trout can live to be quite old," says Jeff Spohn, aquatic biologist for Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. There is plenty of fishing, swimming, camping, and even small, easy hiking trails that provide plenty of family fun. This truly-epic alpine lake hike is long, but worth the effort. Driving time: 4 to 6 hours. + Save to a List. Surface Area: 507 acres. Distance: 8.02 milesElevation: 2500 ftType: Out-and-back. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. You will definitely want to wear hiking boots and bring trekking poles for this part of the trail. Early July 2020 My first trip to the beautiful remote Sand Creek Lakes high above the Wet Mountain Valley in Colorado was in 2017, a year of the big runoff. Chasm Lake makes for a beautiful summer adventure. 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. Distance: 2.93 milesElevation: 675 ftType: Loop. However, the serenity of the lakes is well worth the butt-busting effort. This trail is popular and can get very crowded, so try to hike it either really early or much later in the day. Cottonwood Lake In fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. Emerald Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is reached by hiking from Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. You'll find San Cristobal incredibly stunning. Photo: Nicola EasterbyDistance: 3.06 milesElevation: 1168 ftType: Out-and-back. Long Lake is an alpine explorers paradise. Each of these alpine lake hikes brings you the best of the Rocky Mountains and picturesque mountain scenery of places like Leadville. However, with that being said, its still worth a visit to gaze upon this magical fairytale lake. Sundial Peak over Lake Blanche. At this time, the 44 road to Blue Lakes requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to access when the gate is open during summer months (often late May through October), but there is talk . Blue lake sits at 11,355 feet and is frozen for much of the year. Check that the ice is fully frozen on the lake before stepping on to cross in the colder months! After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) Make sure you have the necessary permits before setting up camp. Did your favorite make it to our list of most beautiful lakes near Denver? Many of the most amazing lakeside views in the state are easily accessible for beginner hikers. . The breathtaking clear blue American Lake is located in Aspen, Colorado. Check out three different alpine lakes in the James Peak Wilderness with the Crater Lakes Trail. 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. Take the Wheeler trail until it intersects with Crystal Creek Road. Access: Transit to Trails is a great option for these hikes! Required fields are marked *. Share with Us. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. Keep in mind permits are required and parking fills up fast. Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. Not many people venture to the mountain ranges down south, so expect lots of solitude. If youre looking for a moderate jaunt with big view payout, check out Silver Dollar Lake outside of Georgetown. It can be hard to narrow down which hikes, Colorado is a beautiful state with tall peaks, incredible lakes, and four unique national parks. Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. The scenery is beautiful throughout and provides many opportunities for continued exploration while at the top! Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. You'd better allow 7 hours to fully enjoy the scenic beauty, however. The water is gorgeous. Camping in dispersed camping areas gives you the opportunity for a little more privacy and peace and quiet. 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. RELATED: Views are stunning and fish . 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.' You'll be surrounded by jagged peak, stunning summer wildflower displays, and crystal clear waters. Be Truthful. Trek your way through stunning alpine country to one of the most picturesque lakes in the state Hanging Lake. This article will walk you through the best lakes in Colorado and how to get to these lakes. 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. Although Gore Lake looks reasonable on paper, this is a tough hike, with much of the elevation gained in the last couple of miles. The picturesque lakes are tucked away near the mountains of Breckenridge. 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. Distance: 6.92 milesElevation: 1804 ftType: Out-and-back. Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. 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. This water adventure features beautiful cascading waterfalls among steep rocky cliffs and lush green pine trees. Banff Sunshine. Also, keep in mind there are restrictions on where you can walk, so be respectful of signs and regulations. With that being said, typically alpine lakes are frozen and mostly snow-free starting in July through around mid-October depending on the year. Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. Trout Lake is a short drive from the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village towards Lizard Head Pass. Plan accordingly. For an added challenge and extra mileage, you can even summit Longs Peak for an elevated vantage point! If you're looking for a secluded adventure, the Mohawk Lakes (upper and lower) are the perfect alpine escape for you. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 11. For more information on how to do this lake loop, continue to our Rocky Mountain National Park Guide. The best time to visit is between June and October. Throughout the post youll find: Absolutely. Photo: Ryan MckinneyDistance: 4.09 milesElevation: 374 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. You can take a dip at Sprouting Rock in a stunning turquoise oasis found just behind Hanging Lake. With 50 square miles of golden aspens. Does Sky Pond sound too intense? 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. Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. You'll take the Mitchell Lake Trail, crossing Mitchell Creek and passing Mitchell Lake along the way. This list of the 16 top destinations in the Southwest US will, Your email address will not be published. Since the trail to get to Ice Lake is steep and long you should make sure to wear hiking boots. Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. Be sure to check the weather before beginning this adventure as summer thunderstorms in this area can be aggressive. Sharp granite cliffs rise straight out of the water as you gaze upon views of Longs Peak in the distance. Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. If you already made it to Middle Blue Lake it is a quick 0.2 mile walk to Upper Blue Lake. 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. This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. 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. Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! 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. Awesome views, wildlife, lakes and wild flowers await you on this lollipop loop ride. Blue Lakes Trail in Telluride, Colorado takes you to three of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Although the entire hike is 2.4 miles long, you will arrive at the lake in half a. The hike from Bear Lake Trailhead is 3.6 miles round trip with about 740 ft elevation gain. 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. But what if I told you we havent been given access to over half of whats really out there? Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. Youll have the added bonus of passing two additional scenic alpine lakes along the way. 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. Catch dramatic views of the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak. Print/PDF map. The Arkansas and local streams around my home base of Salida were blown out and muddy well into July. 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. Please note, reservations are required to visit the lake. 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. 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. Above treeline, the weather can move in quickly and even on a sunny day, the air can feel quite cool. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. Like the name suggests, youll be in awe of the color of the deep blue waters. Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. 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. To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. You could spend a lifetime trying to see all of the alpine lakes in Colorado and just barely scratch the surface. Toll. Evans and Mt. Grand Lake. Trail Use: Hiking Only. When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Unfortunately, in the summer it can get hot with temperatures, The American Southwest features incredible natural wonders and landscapes that cannot be missed. This lake is known for the reflection you can see in the lake of 14,000 ft tall Maroon Peaks. By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. Seriouslyover 2,000! Distance: 4 miles in summer, 8 in winterElevation: 1,614 feet in summer, unknown to the lakeDifficulty: Easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Although there is a map on AllTrails, its not entirely accurate with distances. Yes. Though close in proximity to Maroon Lake, Crater Lake is a less crowded destination, yet still unbelievably scenic. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. Sky Pond is one of the most jaw-dropping sights to see. Pass by several waterfalls on your way to one of the most magnificent lakes in all of Colorado. 5 hidden lakes in Colorado you probably never knew exsisted Alpine Lake. 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. 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 . This Rocky Mountain National Park adventure provides an opportunity to catch an unforgettable sunrise. Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. Check out this adventure for impressive views of the Mount Evans Wilderness. Think again! Moderate 4.6 (8765) Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

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