When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism 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. racist or sexually-oriented language. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. Be cautious, however, as thunderstorms are quite common in the summertime. 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. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. The wildflower lined trail is short and beautiful, clocking in at 2.1 miles round trip. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. 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 cold water is characteristic of alpine lakes. Cherry Creek Reservoir. If youre lucky, youll get a perfect reflection of these towering peaks against the lake. Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. 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. It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . Elevation Gain: 465 feet. 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. 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. 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. You even get two lakes for the price of one hike. Take the Wheeler trail until it intersects with Crystal Creek Road. Take a Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park Keep in mind that State Forest State Park requires a fee. 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. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. Loop or Out and Back: Out and Back or Loop. To see views of Lower Blue Lake from above you need to continue hiking up the steep Blue Lakes Trial towards Middle Blue Lake. There is nothing better than waking up and enjoying a hot cup of coffee next to a cold alpine lake. 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. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. Improve this listing. Distance: 7.7 milesElevation: 2,522 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. 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. Did your favorite make it to our list of most beautiful lakes near Denver? More Information 2. Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. 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 . In the winter, there is no fee, but the road is closed. It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. This is one of the easiest lakes on this list to get to, but is therefore also the most crowded. 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. Length: 7.9 mi Est. However, dont be fooled by the easy accessibility. 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. Nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park lies Dream Lake. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. Granite spires surrounding the lake, one referred to as sharks tooth. There are also two 13,000-foot peaks nearby, Taylor and Powell. Learn more 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. Huskies also thrive in Colorado - alpine lakes, cross . You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. Toll. If you're looking for a secluded adventure, the Mohawk Lakes (upper and lower) are the perfect alpine escape for you. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Cutthroats were originally named by William Clark on the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. Dispersed camping does take a little more planning, but the extra work will be well worth it. Blue Lakes Basin is a must for explorers of the Mount Sneffels Wilderness. 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. 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. Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! They are remote and wild, but also peaceful and pristine at the same time. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. The trail will end with a gorgeous view of Pitkin Lake. Note that parking at the Brainard Lake Recreational Area lot costs $10 and fills up quickly. Its best to check with AllTrails.com or even local hiking Facebook groups to get the most up-to-date information. Distance: 2.8 miles round trip. Emerald Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is reached by hiking from Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Error! Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no . Green Mountain Reservoir. Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Above treeline, the weather can move in quickly and even on a sunny day, the air can feel quite cool. Walk another half mile and youll see a beautiful waterfall, followed by stellar views of Lily Lake. This is a busy area, but for good reason, the views are delicious! If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. What I love about this Colorado lake hike is just how quiet it is. Distance: 8.02 milesElevation: 2500 ftType: Out-and-back. Although the entire hike is 2.4 miles long, you will arrive at the lake in half a. The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. To see most of these incredible lakes in Colorado on one road trip, check out our Colorado Road Trip Itinerary. Our first date was a three-day camping trip on the backroads of Colorado. Here are the lessons I have learned! But on your way there, take moments of rest to appreciate the view of Longs Peak to the south and Tyndall Creek. The natural beauty of a waterfall is within easy reach of Denver. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible . 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. The Outbound Collective You'll be crossing a few small streams, so be careful after heavy rains. Enjoy magnificent views of aspens as you continue through sage and dense forest. The trail features colorful wildflower meadows, breathtaking views, and plenty of wildlife. Each of these alpine lake hikes brings you the best of the Rocky Mountains and picturesque mountain scenery of places like Leadville. Trek beyond the lakes to reach the 14,065-foot summit of Humboldt Peak. Take the Glacier Gorge Trail up a steep, winding dramatic valley that terminates at the famed Sky Pond. Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. The total round trip hike to Island Lake with the loop is 8 miles with 2,700 ft elevation gain. Starting at 10,390 elevation and reaching 12,000 this hike has it all. Plenty of camping up there and a dog-friendly area. Accessibility from North Cascades Highway makes it an excellent stop on a road trip through the area. Distance: 5.53 milesElevation: 1056 ftType: Out-and-back. Explore the fantastically beautiful cirque and enjoy views of Kit Carson, The Crestones, and Humboldt Peak. Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. This adventure features several waterfalls, streams, a creek, and meadows teeming with beautiful wildflowers a photographers dream! Lake Blanche Trail : An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer . Please note, reservations are required to visit the lake. Keep it Clean. 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. Camping in dispersed camping areas gives you the opportunity for a little more privacy and peace and quiet. Distance: 14.94 milesElevation: 2421 ftType: Out-and-back. Catch dramatic views of the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak. Check out our favorite alpine hikes in Colorado and neighboring states. Parking is $5 at the Summit Lake parking lot. "In cold, productive alpine lakes, trout can live to be quite old," says Jeff Spohn, aquatic biologist for Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. Continue for several more miles until reaching the base of The Spearhead, a famous mountaineering objective. Photo: Ryan MckinneyDistance: 4.09 milesElevation: 374 ftType: Out-and-back. Awesome views, wildlife, lakes and wild flowers await you on this lollipop loop ride. 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 water is piercingly clear blue, which will entice you to jump right in! Cherry Creek Reservoir in Aurora, Colorado offers a treasure trove of outdoor activities for the whole family. Be on the lookout for the moose who call this beautiful mountain landscape home! The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. You can stop off at the lake and explore before driving to the summit of Mt. Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. Something that absolutely should be on your list of things to do with kids in Colorado! This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. 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. This moderate hike is a great way to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in Colorado without the lung-busting elevation gain. Hike to Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes, 25. 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 Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. Photos (9,863) Directions. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. You must typically access these lake by hiking a few miles or by horseback. Breathtaking beauty awaits hikers at South Colony Lakes. Access: Transit to Trails is a great option for these hikes! Jewel Lake is accessible by a three-mile hike and Clear Lake requires an eight-mile hike to get to. 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. The best lakes in Colorado often require hard hikes to get to but that also means that you can enjoy them with less people. Stargazing at night is amazing, so be sure to bring a camera if youre into night photography! By: These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. 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. Twin Lakes are two beautiful lakes located at the base of Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado. 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. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. Plan accordingly. Distance: 8.47 milesElevation: 1706 ftType: Loop. 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. Bear Lake Bear Lake located in Rocky Mountain National Park Located off of Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Lakes makes for a quick pit stop. Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. This truly-epic alpine lake hike is long, but worth the effort. Harder To Reach: Lawn Lake. Colorado will soon see moisture from what was Hurricane Nora and flash flood watches are already in effect for parts of the state. Local Tip: Check out Ouray, one of the most stunning Colorado mountain towns, post-hike! The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. Please note, reservations may be required to visit the park. The 6.3-mile hike takes 2.5-3 hours, and the elevation gain is very gradual for. Its nine miles round trip, gaining about 1,780 feet of elevation. Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. Yes. The best time to do this hike is early in the morning for sunrise you wont be mad you did! Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) Willow Lake offers a backpacking adventure into the Sangre de Cristo range. 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. 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. The lake is an additional 2-ish miles from the parking area. Lush alpine scenery unfolds as you ascend the 8.1-mile out-and-back trail nestled in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton. No dogs. Expect to see wildlife like moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or elk along the trail, especially in the late spring and early summer. Since the trail to get to Ice Lake is steep and long you should make sure to wear hiking boots. In the south you can find Saguaro National Park and, Colorado is full of incredible hiking trails that take you to breathtaking views, waterfalls, and lakes. Youll cross a couple of creeks so be sure to have the appropriate footwear on. On the way youll pass three additional lakes, including the iconic Dream Lake. Length: 63 miles. Camp at Twin Lakes White Star Campground. 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. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. Its a total bonus if you hit this trail early and arrive for the sunrise! Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, . 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. You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. Its still worth a visit, even if you arent climbing. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 42 min to complete. Don't Threaten. 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. Our other most popular lakeside elopement locations in Colorado are Blue Lakes near Breckenridge and Lake Isabelle near Boulder. 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. This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. Discover this alpine wonder by taking Rogers Pass Trail, a 9.1-mile out-and-back trail located near Rollinsville. The trail will take you through both wildflower-filled meadows and forest. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Bloods Lake and Lackawaxen Trail. The trail is about 6.8 miles round trip to Ice Lake with 2,457 ft elevation gain. 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. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. Photo: Nicola EasterbyDistance: 3.06 milesElevation: 1168 ftType: Out-and-back. Its my favorite backpacking route in Colorado and well-worth an overnight. . Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. 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. Before you hit the trail, there are several important things to remember. In fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. This short 6.5-mile round-trip trail boasts picturesque alpine lakes and stunning views of Pfeifferhorn. Dog-friendly. Moderate 4.6 (8765) Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Blue lake sits at 11,355 feet and is frozen for much of the year. Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Colorado. The trail starts off steep, dropping into a valley before running flat, then climbing steeply up again. This area is also an awesome place to practice mountaineering skills or go for a mid-summer ski session. that is degrading to another person. Required fields are marked *. RELATED: Views are stunning and fish . It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. Then recheck it the day before your hike. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. This water adventure features beautiful cascading waterfalls among steep rocky cliffs and lush green pine trees. Most of the Alpine lakes lie in valleys that were formed during the uplift of the mountain chain of the Alps. Ice Lake is a beautiful bright blue alpine lake located at 12,300 feet that requires a very strenuous hike to get to. 5h 16m. Scope out sweet views of Mont Massive and the mighty Sawatch Range (home to 14 of Colorados tallest peaks). Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. 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. Tell someone about your plans. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. Think again! Before reaching Heart Lake, be sure to soak in the alpine views first at Rogers Lake. Those launching float tubes and canoes will appreciate being able to drive within spitting distance of the many lakes and small . #16 Yellow Stimulator (covers your basic attractors, caddis, hoppers, and strike indicator for the nymph) #16 Parachute Adams (Covers mayflys, and everything else small and floating) 6 of each should fit in a tiny container and keep you fishing for a week. Simply hike to Loch Vale instead. The alpine wonder rests at an elevation of 10,630 feet located between Flattop Mountain (12,324 feet) and Notchtop Mountain (12,129 feet) ). The byway provides many scenic overlooks to view each of these Colorado beauties. There is no shortage of beautiful lakes near Denver, and there are several with magnificently blue water. 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. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. 1. Lake Helene is another great option for explorers of Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 4.51 milesElevation: 1090 ftType: Out-and-back. or drop a line and try your luck with some fishing. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are a lot of famous alpine lake hikes in Colorado to discover. 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. 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. Not your computer? 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. Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State Park. Ice Lake Trailhead is located 7 miles west of Silverton. The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road. But what if I told you we havent been given access to over half of whats really out there? Come and try out the great hiking and mountain biking trails too! Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. Sandbeach Lake has a wide sandy shore thats perfect for picnicking or simply sitting to take in the scenery. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. Unfortunately, in the summer it can get hot with temperatures, The American Southwest features incredible natural wonders and landscapes that cannot be missed. Winter enthusiasts can snowshoe the two to three miles up to the yurt and then onwards 2.5 miles to the lake where they can enjoy one of the most unique weekend trips from Denver. . Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Bierstadt, and even Denver at times. The first couple miles of the hike are extremely steep and difficult. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. Please note, reservations are required to visit the park. In layman's terms, they are the state's finest fisheries. 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. 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. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. The water is gorgeous. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. 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. Go early. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek located near Crestone. Nestled at 7,323 feet, the trail leading to the lake is short but relatively steep, gaining more than a thousand feet in elevation. The hike to lower blue lake is 6 miles round trip with 1,610 ft elevation gain. Bushnell lakes sit under Bushnell Peak and SE of Stout Lakes drainage. Photo: Ryan DewaneDistance: 8.43 milesElevation: 1780 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. 17. Table of Contents hide 1 Shadow Mountain Lake 2 Green Mountain Reservoir 3 Dream Lake 4 Two Rivers Lake 5 Crater Lake 6 Grand Lake 7 Lake Granby 8 Piney Lake 9 Sylvan Lake State Park 10 Twin Lakes 11 Lake Dillon 12 Blue Mesa Reservoir 13 Chatfield State Park With 50 square miles of golden aspens. all along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America's most . 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. For dramatic views of Longs Peak and the iconic Diamond headwall, head up to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. 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. Distance: 6.92 milesElevation: 1804 ftType: Out-and-back.