colorado alpine lakes you can drive to colorado alpine lakes you can drive to

Cherry Creek Reservoir in Aurora, Colorado offers a treasure trove of outdoor activities for the whole family. The hike is difficult but is worth the challenge to get to one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Description. Bear Lake is a popular lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. 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. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Dog-friendly. 1. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. In the Fall, the Aspen grove comes alive with color, making for an especially memorable experience. 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! Improve this listing. Chasm Lake makes for a beautiful summer adventure. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The mountains surrounding Mirror Lake defy gravity, and early in the morning, you can get a perfect reflection of the famous Lone Eagle Peak (named the most beautiful mountain in Colorado). This 2,125 acre man-made lake sits about 15 miles south of Kremmling, Colorado in Summit County. Photo by Kyle Jenkins. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. From Bear Lake Trailhead it is about 4.2 miles roundtrip with 840 ft elevation gain. Not many people venture to the mountain ranges down south, so expect lots of solitude. Toll. This is a great adventure for those looking to make a short trip outside of Denver. The trail itself is moderately wooded. 2. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. This water adventure features beautiful cascading waterfalls among steep rocky cliffs and lush green pine trees. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. The scenery is beautiful throughout and provides many opportunities for continued exploration while at the top! The trail features colorful wildflower meadows, breathtaking views, and plenty of wildlife. The best time to do this hike is early in the morning for sunrise you wont be mad you did! To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. Lush alpine scenery unfolds as you ascend the 8.1-mile out-and-back trail nestled in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton. Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. (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 . Camping in dispersed camping areas gives you the opportunity for a little more privacy and peace and quiet. Make it a day by going on one of Colorados most scenic drives! You can stop off at the lake and explore before driving to the summit of Mt. 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. In fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. This adventure leads you through the Holy Cross Wilderness where youll be surrounded by beautiful forests. Travel over the off-road driving trail (either on foot or by 44) and reach the Alta Ghost Town. Sharp granite cliffs rise straight out of the water as you gaze upon views of Longs Peak in the distance. 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. Did your favorite make it to our list of most beautiful lakes near Denver? Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. Camping here is sure to be an awe-filled experience. We'd love to hear eyewitness All photos (263) However, the serenity of the lakes is well worth the butt-busting effort. In the summer, the trail becomes a 44 road that you can still hike on, terminating at a parking lot. Loop or Out and Back: Out and Back or Loop. Spalding. This lake is known for the reflection you can see in the lake of 14,000 ft tall Maroon Peaks. Alpine Loop drive takes 4-6 hours to cover the distance between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. The main attraction while at the lake is the commanding Hallett Peak. The cold water is characteristic of alpine lakes. Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. Explore the fantastically beautiful cirque and enjoy views of Kit Carson, The Crestones, and Humboldt Peak. 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. . Come July and August, Lawn Lake is arguably the best lake for fishing in the park. Distance: 5.53 milesElevation: 1056 ftType: Out-and-back. As a consequence, by mid-June I The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. Located in the San Juan Mountains, the lake also attracts a variety of wildlife including elk and moose. August 25, 2021 at 6:00 a.m. Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocked dozens of alpine lakes with more than 95,000 trout by airplane last week. Ive been hiking in Colorado for over 13 years. the most part. In winter the trail may be impossible without ice climbing gear. During the Ice Age of the geologically . Distance: 6.92 milesElevation: 1804 ftType: Out-and-back. 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 Before reaching Heart Lake, be sure to soak in the alpine views first at Rogers Lake. Most of these lakes are accessible by foot only, although you can also drive to quite a few of them. The fee is $5 per person (16 years and older), children under 16 are free. Arrive early to get a spot and spend more of the day exploring! Dogs welcome. Then, continue climbing to blue Lake at the base of Mt. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. Sandbeach Lake has a wide sandy shore thats perfect for picnicking or simply sitting to take in the scenery. And find our listings for off-road outfitters and tour companies here. You will definitely want to wear hiking boots and bring trekking poles for this part of the trail. However, with that being said, its still worth a visit to gaze upon this magical fairytale lake. Driving time: 4 to 6 hours. 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. On July 21st, 2020, Skip, Bandit, Ezra, and I made our way from Colorado Springs, where we were visiting, up through Wyoming and Montana into Northern Idaho to visit family before heading back to Southern Idaho for work and school. 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. Use a private browsing window to sign in. Though close in proximity to Maroon Lake, Crater Lake is a less crowded destination, yet still unbelievably scenic. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. In reality, you can make your way to an alpine lake any time of the year. The hike from Ice Lake to Island Lake is about half a mile with 100 foot elevation gain. 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. Share with Us. To see the entire lake though, youll need to do a bit of climbing up the shore. 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. There is nothing better than waking up and enjoying a hot cup of coffee next to a cold alpine lake. Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty, and elevation gain. To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. Distance: 2.93 milesElevation: 675 ftType: Loop. For an added challenge and extra mileage, you can even summit Longs Peak for an elevated vantage point! 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. Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. 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. Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. Distance: 23.8 milesElevation: 4,767 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are welcome to use this trail. And the fish well, they just float on down, once deployed from the airplane. Yes. Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. . Surface Area: 507 acres. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Willow Lake offers a backpacking adventure into the Sangre de Cristo range. You must typically access these lake by hiking a few miles or by horseback. In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. Since the trail to get to Ice Lake is steep and long you should make sure to wear hiking boots. Jewel Lake is accessible by a three-mile hike and Clear Lake requires an eight-mile hike to get to. Grand Mesa Trails Once you arrive, you wont want to leave which is why many people consider Gore Lake one of the best backpacking trips in Colorado. Moderate 4.6 (8765) Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Expect to see some seriously stunning cascading waterfalls along the way. 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. 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 . Opt to get there early or make it an overnight to get more time. There is no shortage of beautiful lakes near Denver, and there are several with magnificently blue water. 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. The main mountain attraction is Lone Eagle Peak, which climbers can also ascend. About. 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. Nineteen of the 24 lakes shown in the video sit above 10,000 feet in elevation. Cash fees may apply for accessing the area. Please note, reservations are required to visit the lake. The road will dead end at Moffat Tunnel where you'll find ample parking in a gravel lot with restrooms. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. In winter, you will have to take a walk-around to avoid avalanche terrain so be alert. 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. 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. 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. Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. By: In fact, this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Think again! The hike to lower blue lake is 6 miles round trip with 1,610 ft elevation gain. 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.' The first couple miles of the hike are extremely steep and difficult. 1. 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. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. 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. Each of these alpine lake hikes brings you the best of the Rocky Mountains and picturesque mountain scenery of places like Leadville. Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. Water activities including fishing and kayaking are great ways to spend time exploring the area, especially if you plan to stay and camp. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. In Colorado's lakes and streams most Cutthroats average 9 to . In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. Our first date was a three-day camping trip on the backroads of Colorado. These high-altitude lakes are typically much clearer than their low elevation counterparts and are often fed directly by snowmelt. For the best wildflowers, do this hike in late July. 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. Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, Im not kidding about the moose! 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. Hike to Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes, 25. Up for a challenge? Distance: 5.4 milesElevation: 1,072 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. Like the name suggests, youll be in awe of the color of the deep blue waters. 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 42 min to complete. 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: 3.6 milesElevation: 846 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. 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. 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. Blue Lakes Trail in Telluride, Colorado takes you to three of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Spooky indeed! Required fields are marked *. It's the state's highest peak. Surrounding peaks of granite reflect off the lake's beautiful emerald green waters nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. These lakes are next to Independence Pass, a road that takes you to Aspen. Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. Doggies welcome. This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. Plan accordingly. Get going on this adventure to the three beautiful Blue Lakes nestled among Colorados San Juan Range in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Some hikes, like, Sedona is one of the most amazing places to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. Huskies also thrive in Colorado - alpine lakes, cross . Distance: 14.94 milesElevation: 2421 ftType: Out-and-back. Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. Keep it Clean. Heart Lake is another great option for backpackers. Please note, reservations may be required to visit the park. The 8.9-mile out-and-back trail is blazed in beauty. Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. 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. You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. Lake Blanche Trail : An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer . 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. Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. 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. Whenever you hear someone talk about catching trout in the mountain lakes of the Rockies, the term that often comes up is "alpine". And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! You're going to want to bring your camera on these adventures. The deep blue waters of the Ice Lakes will leave you in awe. Note that this hike does require permits, so be sure to reserve yours in advance to enjoy this fun summertime waterfall adventure! This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Bring a swimsuit! This trail is well-used but has an interesting start as you make your way up next to and around a huge railway tunnel. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. There are three lakes in the basin. Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. before arriving at the lake, where goof fishing has been reported. 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. 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. This 7.7 miles trail boasts a wow factor unlike any other. Harder To Reach: Lawn Lake. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. The breathtaking clear blue American Lake is located in Aspen, Colorado. Nestled at 7,323 feet, the trail leading to the lake is short but relatively steep, gaining more than a thousand feet in elevation. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Mary's Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Rocky Mountain National Park is a hidden gem in the Colorado Rockies. Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. 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. Plenty of camping up there and a dog-friendly area. Bring your camera and pack some tasty snacks! This is a busy area, but for good reason, the views are delicious! or anything. Photos (9,863) Directions. Blue Lakes Basin is a must for explorers of the Mount Sneffels Wilderness. The lakes are also great fishing destinations, so be sure to pack a rod and some tackle along with your tent for a surreal nature getaway. Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. This hike also has a waterfall. Its nine miles round trip, gaining about 1,780 feet of elevation. If you do this hike in the winter, youll experience different scenery, but surely just as stunning. 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. You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. Surround yourself in an amphitheater of dramatic rock and scope out of the best alpine lakes in Colorado. Enjoy magnificent views of aspens as you continue through sage and dense forest. 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.' Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? 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. For more information on how to do this lake loop, continue to our Rocky Mountain National Park Guide. Threats of harming another This popular alpine lake Colorado hike near Vail, Colorado will take you across Pitkin Creek and on an intense, narrow climb up the mountain. Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek located near Crestone. Distance: 8.6 miles from the lower lot, the upper lot cuts about a mile or so off each way (see Crystal Lake)Elevation: 2,129 feet from the lower lot (see Cyrstal Lake)Difficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a dog-friendly area packed with awesome 13er hiking opportunities. 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. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. Extend your time at this magnificent spot and camp at one of the campsites found around both lakes. No dogs. Distance: 6.5 milesElevation: 2,362 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and local tips: Pssst, there are a lot of nearby small lakes and areas to explore here. Dont expect solitude here, even in the dead of winter. #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. Print/PDF map. Colorado's Alpine Loop is affectionately called the " Switzerland of America" for a reason! Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State Park. The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! Distance: 0.8 milesElevation: 32 feetDifficulty: Easy with accessibility rampsRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. For a real adventure, combine your lake hike in Colorado with an overnight at a yurt. Almost countless. It lies at treeline in a spectacular alpine valley framed by Navajo, Apache and Shoshoni peaks. The natural beauty of a waterfall is within easy reach of Denver. The trail starts off steep, dropping into a valley before running flat, then climbing steeply up again. This adventure will bring you by wide open meadows and plenty of wildlife (look out for moose and elk!) Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. 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. If youre lucky, youll get a perfect reflection of these towering peaks against the lake. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Once you get to the lake, focus on the right shoreline, where there is a great drop off for fish to hang out around. Hike your way up to the lakes for breath-taking views and lakeside goodness! The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. There are hiking trails near the lakes with great views of the lakes and surrounding mountains. The lake is an additional 2-ish miles from the parking area. Wander the lake at sunrise for incredible views. This moderate hike is a great way to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in Colorado without the lung-busting elevation gain. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. 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. 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. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. Distance: 9.22 milesElevation: 2270 ftType: Out-and-back. This is one of the easiest lakes on this list to get to, but is therefore also the most crowded.