Photo: Ryan MckinneyDistance: 4.09 milesElevation: 374 ftType: Out-and-back. Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. You can hike to this lake from either Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. . Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! 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.' In layman's terms, they are the state's finest fisheries. The alpine wonder rests at an elevation of 10,630 feet located between Flattop Mountain (12,324 feet) and Notchtop Mountain (12,129 feet) ). Overview. Make sure you have the necessary permits before setting up camp. Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. With such a delicate ecosystem, your skin oils and sunscreen can kill the wildlife that lives in the lake. 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. Mount Evans is a 14er that boasts fantastic views of the lake, Mt. Located in gorgeous Glenwood Canyon, the drive to the trailhead is reason . This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. For a real adventure, combine your lake hike in Colorado with an overnight at a yurt. Youll find over 2,000 alpine lakes in Colorado. No dogs. Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. The 8.9-mile out-and-back trail is blazed in beauty. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. But if climbing a fourteener is not your bag, there's also a trail that leads to the jaw-dropping and some of the. This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! Up for a challenge? You'll take the Mitchell Lake Trail, crossing Mitchell Creek and passing Mitchell Lake along the way. Rollins Pass is in the FunTreks Northern Colorado Backroads 4 Wheel Drive . Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no . This lake is known for the reflection you can see in the lake of 14,000 ft tall Maroon Peaks. Blue Lakes Basin is a must for explorers of the Mount Sneffels Wilderness. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. 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 picturesque lakes are tucked away near the mountains of Breckenridge. Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. Forsythe Canyon Round-trip Distance: 2.2 miles Trailhead: Forsythe Canyon - Lincoln National Forest Difficulty: Easy This short hike starts just outside of Boulder. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. These high-altitude lakes are typically much clearer than their low elevation counterparts and are often fed directly by snowmelt. Heart Lake is another great option for backpackers. The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. In the spring and early summer you can enjoy wildflowers on the hikes, and in the fall you get to see the Aspens fall foliage. If you're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. 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. Make it a day by going on one of Colorados most scenic drives! 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. As a consequence, by mid-June I Check out this adventure for impressive views of the Mount Evans Wilderness. Whenever you hear someone talk about catching trout in the mountain lakes of the Rockies, the term that often comes up is "alpine". Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. The wildflower lined trail is short and beautiful, clocking in at 2.1 miles round trip. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. The middle and upper are said to have the best views. The United States Should Adopt The Allemannsretten, 5 Great Spots in Colorado for Fall Colors. Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. Alpine Loop drive takes 4-6 hours to cover the distance between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. The road will dead end at Moffat Tunnel where you'll find ample parking in a gravel lot with restrooms. Take the dirt road up in elevation as it turns a bit rough closer to the lake. Miles from Denver: 100 miles. The Alpine Loop leaves pavement and people behind, crossing the remote, rugged, spectacular heart of the San Juan Mountains. Use a private browsing window to sign in. There's a one-way road that loops around the lake and parking for trailheads leading to Blue and Mitchell Lakes in the north valley and Isabelle and Long Lakes to the south. Take the Glacier Gorge Trail up a steep, winding dramatic valley that terminates at the famed Sky Pond. You could also do a loop and combine this lake with Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. Sky Pond is one of the most jaw-dropping sights to see. Embark on an adventure at Pitkin Lake. During the Ice Age of the geologically . Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. There are other great trout reservoirs in the area, but only Spinney is a Gold Medal water. Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. It's a 1.8-mile trek (3.6 miles round trip). The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. This alpine-lake hike should make every Coloradan's bucket list. Length 6.7 miElevation gain 1,699 ftRoute type Out & back. Since its such an iconic spot, you likely wont find yourself alone, unless you plan wisely and go early in the season, late in the evening, or during the winter. Throughout the years Ive hiked well over 1,000 miles of terrain here in Colorado. It connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, where it is generally considered to begin (and end). 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. Thats right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town! Kevin BuggieBPL Member. racist or sexually-oriented language. Dont forget to turn left at the graves or youll pass right by the final push to Gore Lake! This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. This 7.7 miles trail boasts a wow factor unlike any other. Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Marys Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. But on your way there, take moments of rest to appreciate the view of Longs Peak to the south and Tyndall Creek. the most part. What I love about this Colorado lake hike is just how quiet it is. Like the name suggests, youll be in awe of the color of the deep blue waters. The hike will start with views of sweeping meadows and will follow along the South Boulder Creek. Make your way up the two-mile trail to the base of St. Mary's Glacier (not really a glacier, but a permanent snowfield) where there is a picture-perfect alpine lake. This Rocky Mountain National Park adventure provides an opportunity to catch an unforgettable sunrise. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! There are a lot of famous alpine lake hikes in Colorado to discover. The Ute Indian tribe long inhabited this area before they were replaced by miners in the 1800s, who came in search of silver, gold, lead, and zinc. Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. 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. Both alpine lakes sit at an elevation of about 11,000 feet. 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! Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. 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. Arrive early to get a spot and spend more of the day exploring! Tucked under Mt Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak sits two pristine alpine lakes nestled beside the town of Twin Lakes. Those launching float tubes and canoes will appreciate being able to drive within spitting distance of the many lakes and small . 2. In the Fall, the Aspen grove comes alive with color, making for an especially memorable experience. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. Distance: 6.8 milesElevation: 1,548 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape: Many 14er-enthusiasts camp here overnight before their summit bids. Located near Gardener, Colorado, this amazing alpine lake Colorado hike starts with a downhill trek into a vast, meadow with stunning, panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Make sure to pay attention to trail signs and take a GPS, there are a lot of intersecting trails in the area. Improve this listing. Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail to access starts off at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. 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 . The hike gains more than 3,000 feet of elevation, so be prepared for a strenuous climb coached with incredible views to keep you distracted. But once there, you can take in impressive panoramas of the valley below as well as hidden meadows, streams, and ponds. Surround yourself in an amphitheater of dramatic rock and scope out of the best alpine lakes in Colorado. Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Bring your camera and pack some tasty snacks! 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. Youll need high clearance to get to the upper lot. You'd better allow 7 hours to fully enjoy the scenic beauty, however. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Come July and August, Lawn Lake is arguably the best lake for fishing in the park. It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . Also, keep in mind there are restrictions on where you can walk, so be respectful of signs and regulations. Please note, reservations may be required to visit the park. 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. 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. . Resting beautifully at an elevation of 9,003 feet. Located in the San Juan Mountains, the lake also attracts a variety of wildlife including elk and moose. Distance: 8.47 milesElevation: 1706 ftType: Loop. The best time to visit is between June and October. Everyone knows about Hanging Lake, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Success! In winter the trail may be impossible without ice climbing gear. 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. You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic. 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. The designation means Spinney is public fishing water that produces a minimum of 12 fish of 14in or more and 60lbs per acre. Start on the Glacier Gorge Trail (like you would for Sky Pond) except veer left at the fork. To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. 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. The water is gorgeous. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. The fee is $5 per person (16 years and older), children under 16 are free. Banff Sunshine. The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. Share with Us. . We can easily drive 30 minutes into high elevation aspen forests & alpine lakes when desired. If youre lucky, youll get a perfect reflection of these towering peaks against the lake. Note that parking at the Brainard Lake Recreational Area lot costs $10 and fills up quickly. The trail itself is moderately wooded. This adventure takes you through a well-marked trail with fantastic mountain views. The hike from Ice Lake to Island Lake is about half a mile with 100 foot elevation gain. Scope out sweet views of Mont Massive and the mighty Sawatch Range (home to 14 of Colorados tallest peaks). 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. Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. Cash fees may apply for accessing the area. Nestled in those mountains behind Trout Lake sits Hope Lake. Accessing this alpine wonder is simple. Immarite? You'll need four-wheel drive to access the campsites at Bill Moore Lake but getting there on the steep rocky roads is part of the fun! 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. Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. 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. Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. Distance: 2.8 milesElevation: 885 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and local tips: Dogs are allowed to use this trail. Harder To Reach: Lawn Lake. This trail is well-used but has an interesting start as you make your way up next to and around a huge railway tunnel. The water is piercingly clear blue, which will entice you to jump right in! Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. Some of them thought all of us had hiked into the wilderness to hear their death metal on the boombox at the lake all day. 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. The byway provides many scenic overlooks to view each of these Colorado beauties. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. Don't Threaten. 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. Be on the lookout for the moose who call this beautiful mountain landscape home! 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. The cold water is characteristic of alpine lakes. To get there, follow Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes for 8.6 miles of out-and-back beauty. Keep in mind permits are required and parking fills up fast. If you love the wildflowers, don't miss the serene trek into Eagles Nest Wilderness to Gore Lake. . 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. The lake has an elevation of 9,905 feet at the base of Hallett's Peak, which is accessible via the famed Bear Lake trailhead. Dispersed camping does take a little more planning, but the extra work will be well worth it. Get to know this 6.7-mile out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington.
