Please note, reservations are required to visit the park. The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. Aside from craggy peaks, youll also see wildflowers springing from the ground all along the banks of the lakes during summer. The trail itself is moderately wooded. Youll have the added bonus of passing two additional scenic alpine lakes along the way. Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. Filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by mind-blowing settings, these backcountry bodies of water are meant to be enjoyed. or anything. Thats right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town! If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. that is degrading to another person. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. 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. On the way youll pass three additional lakes, including the iconic Dream Lake. RELATED: Views are stunning and fish . This short 6.5-mile round-trip trail boasts picturesque alpine lakes and stunning views of Pfeifferhorn. Moderate 4.6 (8765) Alpine Lakes Wilderness. 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. Please note, reservations are required to visit the lake. Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. Travel over the off-road driving trail (either on foot or by 44) and reach the Alta Ghost Town. Many of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado are alpine lakes with clear blue water. With such a delicate ecosystem, your skin oils and sunscreen can kill the wildlife that lives in the lake. 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. Once at the lakes, you can go for a swim (so bring a suit!) 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. 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. Walk another half mile and youll see a beautiful waterfall, followed by stellar views of Lily Lake. 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. Lake Helene is another great option for explorers of Rocky Mountain National Park. . Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Local Tip: The Bear Lake parking area fills up quickly throughout the year, even on weekdays, so plan on arriving early or be prepared to take a shuttle. Once you get to the lake, focus on the right shoreline, where there is a great drop off for fish to hang out around. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. This trail is well-used but has an interesting start as you make your way up next to and around a huge railway tunnel. As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. Alpine Lakes in Colorado. Which lake near Denver has the bluest water? Bierstadt, and even Denver at times. Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. And located in the saddle of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, Tyndall Glacier (one of five active glaciers in the park) offers breathtaking views. Beware of moose in this area, they are everywhere and not afraid to charge! Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). Additionally, the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife may occasionally stock non-native fine-spotted Snake River Cutthroats, common in Wyoming and Idaho, into some fisheries. 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. Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. 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. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. Green Mountain Reservoir. 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.' She'd rather be dirty than done up. 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. Sandbeach Lake has a wide sandy shore thats perfect for picnicking or simply sitting to take in the scenery. Throughout the years Ive hiked well over 1,000 miles of terrain here in Colorado. 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! Distance: 11 milesElevation: 2,529 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. The water is piercingly clear blue, which will entice you to jump right in! This is one of the most iconic adventures in Colorado and for good reason! from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Alpine Loop - If you look closely you can see a 44 on the trail dwarfed by the mountains. Photo: Ryan MckinneyDistance: 4.09 milesElevation: 374 ftType: Out-and-back. The Outbound Collective Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no . Lake Blanche Trail : An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer . Arrive early to get a spot and spend more of the day exploring! Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. Resting at an elevation of 9,450 feet, it may come as a surprise that this scenic lake is located just 250 feet from the parking lot. There are other great trout reservoirs in the area, but only Spinney is a Gold Medal water. Dogs welcome. 2,568 feet max, MUCH less if starting from the Wheeler Trail.Difficulty: Moderate to easy depending on your route.Red Tape and Local Tips: Unlike many of Colorados famed high clearance roads (where you can usually get away with a small SUV), the road to the top of Crystal Lake is an ACTUAL Jeep trail. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Since the trail to get to Ice Lake is steep and long you should make sure to wear hiking boots. Backpack to three alpine lakes and an alpine lagoon in Roosevelt National Forest. Located in the San Juan Mountains, the lake also attracts a variety of wildlife including elk and moose. Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that youve already checked with good old Google. Error! Continue for several more miles until reaching the base of The Spearhead, a famous mountaineering objective. There's a reason Maroon Lake is arguably the most photographed lake in the state. My anticipation grows with each new day, as the sun burns hotter, longer, and stronger, thawing the lakes and tundra of the high country and promising a summer filled with days spent in the wilds. Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. This adventure features several waterfalls, streams, a creek, and meadows teeming with beautiful wildflowers a photographers dream! Overview. The trail flattens out at the basin below Columbine Lake and once you arrive you're in for a real treat. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. From short day hikes close to the cityto multi-day backpacking tripsdeep in Rocky Mountain National Park, these adventures will take you to some of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Colorado. Bring a swimsuit! Jewel Lake is accessible by a three-mile hike and Clear Lake requires an eight-mile hike to get to. Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. If you do opt to swim, dont wear any sunscreen. Driving time: 4 to 6 hours. Keep in mind, the average hiker moves at about 2 miles an hour or covers 1,000 feet of elevation gain in an hour. The best lakes in Colorado often require hard hikes to get to but that also means that you can enjoy them with less people. After seeing Island Lake continue ahead and take a right to form a small loop. What does 2023 look like for gray wolf reintroduction? Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! Length 6.7 miElevation gain 1,699 ftRoute type Out & back. This 2,125 acre man-made lake sits about 15 miles south of Kremmling, Colorado in Summit County. You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. 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. Evans and Mt. Bear Lake is a popular lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic. Bloods Lake and Lackawaxen Trail. Since it's a relatively short hike, this is a great one for a family nature outing. Its still worth a visit, even if you arent climbing. Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. However, dont be fooled by the easy accessibility. The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. Distance: 9.22 milesElevation: 2270 ftType: Out-and-back. You have permission to edit this collection. Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! In layman's terms, they are the state's finest fisheries. This adventure leads you through the Holy Cross Wilderness where youll be surrounded by beautiful forests. 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. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. 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. Photo: Abby VohaskaDistance: 8.81 miles Elevation: 2635 ftType: Out-and-back. Youll be gasping for air from the steep inclines and incredible scenes. However, with that being said, its still worth a visit to gaze upon this magical fairytale lake. Want a bit more of a challenge? This is one of the easiest lakes on this list to get to, but is therefore also the most crowded. The best time to visit is between June and October. To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. Simply hike to Loch Vale instead. For dramatic views of Longs Peak and the iconic Diamond headwall, head up to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. 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. 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. Cutthroats were originally named by William Clark on the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition. 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. Alpine lakes are defined by being any lake that sits above 10,000 feet above sea level. The ideal time to visit is. Up for a challenge? To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek located near Crestone. However, the serenity of the lakes is well worth the butt-busting effort. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. This picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. We'd love to hear eyewitness You must typically access these lake by hiking a few miles or by horseback. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. Its a total bonus if you hit this trail early and arrive for the sunrise! each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Although Gore Lake looks reasonable on paper, this is a tough hike, with much of the elevation gained in the last couple of miles. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. Sundial Peak over Lake Blanche. You will definitely want to wear hiking boots and bring trekking poles for this part of the trail. But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! 1. You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. 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. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. . Snow and ice are melting, wildflowers are emerging, and the most beautiful lakes near Denver will soon glisten with an unrivaled beauty that beckons you to bask on their shimmering shores and recharge the natural way. With so many lake hikes, Colorado will have your hiking itinerary booked for years! Photos (9,863) Directions. Forsythe Canyon Round-trip Distance: 2.2 miles Trailhead: Forsythe Canyon - Lincoln National Forest Difficulty: Easy This short hike starts just outside of Boulder. Temperatures are often utterly freezing, since most alpine lakes are fed by snowmelt. 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. 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. Youll get glimpses of Longs Peak and Alberta Falls (in the summer). This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. The hike from Ice Lake to Island Lake is about half a mile with 100 foot elevation gain. 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. 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. 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. 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. At these lakes you can canoe, kayak, and paddle board. Embark on an adventure at Pitkin Lake. Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. Learn more 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. On the way to Emerald Lake you will also pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. 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 fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. Aside from the deep blues waters, hikers are delighted with wildflower-filled meadows bordering the lakes in bright and beautiful colors. Distance: 4.51 milesElevation: 1090 ftType: Out-and-back. Resting beautifully at an elevation of 9,003 feet. Youll begin the hike winding through dense forest before the scenery opens up to an incredible view of Longs Peak. And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! The Lake Haiyaha hike is accessible year-round, Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local, Altitude Sickness Prevention for Your Mountain Hike, best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Things to do in Colorado this Winter Besides Ski, 13 Mega-Epic Hikes in Estes Park, Colorado. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. Dream Lake is a vision right out of a fairy tale in the early morning hours. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. 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. Traverse forests of aspen and lodgepole pine and enjoy views of surrounding peaks and valleys before arriving at some of the, This 160-acre tarn resides at 12,836' at Summit Lake Park beneath Mt. Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. The Alpine Loop leaves pavement and people behind, crossing the remote, rugged, spectacular heart of the San Juan Mountains. It lies at treeline in a spectacular alpine valley framed by Navajo, Apache and Shoshoni peaks. 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. Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. The total round trip hike to Island Lake with the loop is 8 miles with 2,700 ft elevation gain. It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. 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. (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 . 11. All photos (263) Arizona has many unique hiking opportunities with a wide range of elevation, climate, and views. Lake Isabelle is one of the best winter hikes in Colorado (add about five miles round trip for the winter hike). Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. Cash fees may apply for accessing the area. Opt to get there early or make it an overnight to get more time. Whether you make a day hike or weekend of it, these hidden, Tucked away at the intersection of two valleys in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, is the popular Brainard Lake Recreation Area, with its namesake lake resting at 10,500.' To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. It's the state's highest peak. Dont forget to turn left at the graves or youll pass right by the final push to Gore Lake! 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. 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. Our first date was a three-day camping trip on the backroads of Colorado. 5 hidden lakes in Colorado you probably never knew exsisted Alpine Lake. Distance: 2.93 milesElevation: 675 ftType: Loop. Required fields are marked *. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Spooky indeed! Ice Lake Trailhead is located 7 miles west of Silverton. Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Colorado. To extend your adventure, you can continue on to Isabelle Glacier. Here you'll find a campground, cabins, and dispersed camping. Dogs are welcome, but due to the crowds, keep Fido leashed. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation: 846 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Distance: 3.9 milesElevation: 1,062 feetDifficulty: Easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Sometimes the road in is closed, which adds about a mile each way. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail to access starts off at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. Check that the ice is fully frozen on the lake before stepping on to cross in the colder months! Surface Area: 507 acres. Check out our favorite alpine hikes in Colorado and neighboring states. In winter the trail may be impossible without ice climbing gear. Also, keep in mind there are restrictions on where you can walk, so be respectful of signs and regulations. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Something that absolutely should be on your list of things to do with kids in Colorado! Think again! 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. These high-altitude lakes are typically much clearer than their low elevation counterparts and are often fed directly by snowmelt. Enjoy magnificent views of aspens as you continue through sage and dense forest. Evans at 14,265', or you can take the trail less traveled and summit using one of the many official and unofficial routes to the top from the lake. Please note, reservations may be required to visit the park. Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning beauty. Wander the lake at sunrise for incredible views. This rather large lake is surrounded by pines with a dramatic mountain background. The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! 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. Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. For more information on how to do this lake loop, continue to our Rocky Mountain National Park Guide. Then recheck it the day before your hike. Trek beyond the lakes to reach the 14,065-foot summit of Humboldt Peak. It's a 1.8-mile trek (3.6 miles round trip). Hike your way up to the lakes for breath-taking views and lakeside goodness! 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. Access: Transit to Trails is a great option for these hikes! 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. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. 1. Named for its stunning waters, Emerald Lake is overflowing with beauty. The best time to do this hike is early in the morning for sunrise you wont be mad you did! Like the name suggests, youll be in awe of the color of the deep blue waters. Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. Did you know that Colorado is home to over 2,000 lakes? Tucked under Mt Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak sits two pristine alpine lakes nestled beside the town of Twin Lakes. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. The United States Should Adopt The Allemannsretten, 5 Great Spots in Colorado for Fall Colors. Distance: 8.12 milesElevation: 2037 ftType: Out-and-back.