Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). There are a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. 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. Toll. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. Youll need high clearance to get to the upper lot. Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. There is nothing better than waking up and enjoying a hot cup of coffee next to a cold alpine lake. Fly Fishing Alpine Lakes - Evergreen Trout Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. or anything. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. In winter, you will have to take a walk-around to avoid avalanche terrain so be alert. Bloods Lake and Lackawaxen Trail. 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 . Distance: 0.8 milesElevation: 32 feetDifficulty: Easy with accessibility rampsRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. 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. 11 Best Lakes Near Denver To Visit This Summer - OnlyInYourState Colorado has many picturesque lakes surrounded by high peaks. However, the serenity of the lakes is well worth the butt-busting effort. Distance: 3.77 milesElevation: 722 ftType: Out-and-back. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. 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. Distance: 23.8 milesElevation: 4,767 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are welcome to use this trail. In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. For dramatic views of Longs Peak and the iconic Diamond headwall, head up to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 10.2 milesElevation: 2,014 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail is primarily used for driving (an easy off-road trial) but if you dont mind the walk, you can hike it just give way to vehicles and take care. 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. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. This lake is located in the alpine layer at 11,746 ft and as you get closer to the lake it will get significantly colder and more windy. 3 Crater Lakes via South Boulder Creek, Nederland, Colorado - The Outbound This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. However, this is one gorgeous hike, especially during the wildflower season. The Outbound Collective Does Sky Pond sound too intense? Dont forget to turn left at the graves or youll pass right by the final push to Gore Lake! Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty, and elevation gain. (Photo/David Young) Banff Sunshine is about a 15-minute drive from Banff and is serviced by a nearly 3-mile, eight-person gondola that transports skiers and snowboarders to the . 5 hidden lakes in Colorado you probably never knew exsisted Alpine Lake. Take the Wheeler trail until it intersects with Crystal Creek Road. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Proposition 114 passed in Colorado and now the planning process begins. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. 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. Bring a swimsuit! Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. To get there, follow Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes for 8.6 miles of out-and-back beauty. If you're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. Photos (9,863) Directions. Lake Isabelle is one of the best winter hikes in Colorado (add about five miles round trip for the winter hike). Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. 2023 Best 10 Trails and Hikes in Silverton | AllTrails Best Lakes for Fly Fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. 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. 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! Bear Lake is a popular lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation: 807 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: There is a $5 parking fee at both parking lots for St Marys. 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. Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. This is a phenomenal spot for a picnic lunch and a SUP experience. Yep, us too. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Green Mountain Reservoir. 10 Scenic Mountain Passes in Colorado - Uncover Colorado The winding hike leads you past dreamy fields of wildflowers before reaching the sparkling aqua the area is known for. Think again! The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. 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. 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. The fee is $5 per person (16 years and older), children under 16 are free. It's a 1.8-mile trek (3.6 miles round trip). As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. San Juan National Forest. Keep it Clean. Here you'll find a campground, cabins, and dispersed camping. The water is gorgeous. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. Length: 7.9 mi Est. The Alpine Loop starts with the historic high-altitude town of Ouray. Alpine lakes, old cabins, creek crossings, summer wildflowers, a stupendous waterfall, and unimaginable views. Take the Glacier Gorge Trail up a steep, winding dramatic valley that terminates at the famed Sky Pond. Distance: 9.1 milesElevation: 2,142 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Chicago Lakes can get pretty crowded, but there are plenty of prime backpacking sites to pitch a tent and enjoy the views! The United States Should Adopt The Allemannsretten, 5 Great Spots in Colorado for Fall Colors. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. For more information on how to do this lake loop, continue to our Rocky Mountain National Park Guide. Yes. Lowest Depth: 265 feet. Almost countless. 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. There are plenty of wildlife viewing (moose, turkey, deer, ptarmigan) and fishing opportunities. Chasm Lake makes for a beautiful summer adventure. Alpine Lakes Wilderness - Wikipedia BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN COLORADO - Vows And Peaks You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. 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 the Fall, the Aspen grove comes alive with color, making for an especially memorable experience. Its best to check with AllTrails.com or even local hiking Facebook groups to get the most up-to-date information. On Monday and . If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. You'd better allow 7 hours to fully enjoy the scenic beauty, however. Again, it depends. Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. This adventure features three impressive alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Loch, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond. Catch dramatic views of the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak. 1. 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. Evans and Mt. Simply hike to Loch Vale instead. Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. Please note, reservations may be required to visit the park. The 8.9-mile out-and-back trail is blazed in beauty. 10 Alpine Hikes To Tackle Before the Snow Flies - 303 Magazine Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Trek beyond the lakes to reach the 14,065-foot summit of Humboldt Peak. What is Lindsey's job? : r/LoveOffTheGrid Alpine Lakes in Colorado. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. 11. Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no . 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. Grand Lake. Resting beautifully at an elevation of 9,003 feet. 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. Travel over the off-road driving trail (either on foot or by 44) and reach the Alta Ghost Town. Distance: 8.12 milesElevation: 2037 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. Bierstadt, and even Denver at times. Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. Photo by Kyle Jenkins. Wander the lake at sunrise for incredible views. Lake Ann - Only accessible by way of a 1.75-mile well-maintained trail, this pristine lake is ruggedly scenic and extremely protected. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy spanning alpine lake views. Crested Butte Trails: Emerald Lake Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 1,765 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. The road will dead end at Moffat Tunnel where you'll find ample parking in a gravel lot with restrooms. If you are looking for something a little easier to get to, try James Peak Wilderness. These lakes are next to Independence Pass, a road that takes you to Aspen. Starting at 10,390 elevation and reaching 12,000 this hike has it all. Not your computer? 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. Don't Threaten. Blue Lakes Trail in Telluride, Colorado takes you to three of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Distance: 2.8 milesElevation: 885 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and local tips: Dogs are allowed to use this trail. Embark on an adventure at Pitkin Lake. If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. The breathtaking clear blue American Lake is located in Aspen, Colorado. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Improve this listing. 17 Gorgeous Lakes in Colorado That Are Perfect For Summer The hike from Bear Lake Trailhead is 3.6 miles round trip with about 740 ft elevation gain. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Mary's Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Be Nice. We searched for alpine lakes to hike to in the area and came across Crystal Lake in Saint Marie's, Idaho. Youll have the added bonus of passing two additional scenic alpine lakes along the way. In layman's terms, they are the state's finest fisheries. 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. Make sure to pay attention to trail signs and take a GPS, there are a lot of intersecting trails in the area. Which lake near Denver has the bluest water? 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. Camping here is sure to be an awe-filled experience. There are a lot of famous alpine lake hikes in Colorado to discover. 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. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. Granite spires surrounding the lake, one referred to as sharks tooth. There are also two 13,000-foot peaks nearby, Taylor and Powell. Sky Pond is one of the most jaw-dropping sights to see. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail to access starts off at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. 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. Since the trail to get to Ice Lake is steep and long you should make sure to wear hiking boots. Here are the lessons I have learned! Come prepared for changing weather conditions. The middle and upper are said to have the best views. Most of these lakes are accessible by foot only, although you can also drive to quite a few of them. Though close in proximity to Maroon Lake, Crater Lake is a less crowded destination, yet still unbelievably scenic. 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. However, dont be fooled by the easy accessibility. You even get two lakes for the price of one hike. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism 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. Camping is prohibited within a quarter of a mile to protect its fragile environment. 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. Those launching float tubes and canoes will appreciate being able to drive within spitting distance of the many lakes and small . Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning beauty. Your email address will not be published. Get going on this adventure to the three beautiful Blue Lakes nestled among Colorados San Juan Range in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Lush alpine scenery unfolds as you ascend the 8.1-mile out-and-back trail nestled in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton. 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. Exploring The Alpine Loop - ATV Colorado - Wild ATV Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. In the summer, the trail becomes a 44 road that you can still hike on, terminating at a parking lot. The hike is difficult but is worth the challenge to get to one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Make sure you have the necessary permits before setting up camp. 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. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can Drive To!) The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. You can stop off at the lake and explore before driving to the summit of Mt. 1. Explore the fantastically beautiful cirque and enjoy views of Kit Carson, The Crestones, and Humboldt Peak. Although Gore Lake looks reasonable on paper, this is a tough hike, with much of the elevation gained in the last couple of miles. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 42 min to complete. If you already made it to Middle Blue Lake it is a quick 0.2 mile walk to Upper Blue Lake. Be on the lookout for the moose who call this beautiful mountain landscape home! Emerald Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is reached by hiking from Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. Distance: 14.6 milesElevation: 2,373 feetDifficulty: A difficult day hike or a moderate overnight backpackRed Tape and Local Tips: Permits are required for backpacking from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Many of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado are alpine lakes with clear blue water. To see the entire lake though, youll need to do a bit of climbing up the shore. Also, dont be an ass, you are not allowed to swim or climb around on the logs here. Accessibility from North Cascades Highway makes it an excellent stop on a road trip through the area. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Both alpine lakes sit at an elevation of about 11,000 feet. High-clearance vehicles are best suited for getting to this scenic secluded spot. Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. 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. 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. . Cash fees may apply for accessing the area. 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 be gasping for air from the steep inclines and incredible scenes. Insanely Beautiful Colorado Lakes to Dip Your Toes in This Summer Dream Lake is a vision right out of a fairy tale in the early morning hours. 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. Please note, reservations are required to visit the park. This is one of the most iconic adventures in Colorado and for good reason! The total round trip hike to Island Lake with the loop is 8 miles with 2,700 ft elevation gain. Nineteen of the 24 lakes shown in the video sit above 10,000 feet in elevation. Access: Transit to Trails is a great option for these hikes!