The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. 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. The video showcases the beauty of Colorado's high country. Filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by mind-blowing settings, these backcountry bodies of water are meant to be enjoyed. The Alpine Lakes is the largest wilderness area . Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. The best time to do this hike is early in the morning for sunrise you wont be mad you did! Lake Helene is another great option for explorers of Rocky Mountain National Park. Located in the San Juan Mountains, the lake also attracts a variety of wildlife including elk and moose. Directions SUV recommended: From the Town of Crested Butte, take Gothic Road (Route 135) north a total of 12.6 miles. The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. Distance: 0.8 milesElevation: 32 feetDifficulty: Easy with accessibility rampsRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. The Maroon Bells are world renowned for being some of the most breathtaking mountains in the US. Along the byway, you can travel through various scenery changes: start in a desert canyon and pass aspen foothills, lakes, alpine forests, lily ponds, and meadows bursting with wildflowers as you make your way to the top. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. before arriving at the lake, where goof fishing has been reported. Tell someone about your plans. 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 first couple miles of the hike are extremely steep and difficult. The winding hike leads you past dreamy fields of wildflowers before reaching the sparkling aqua the area is known for. To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. The trail will end with a gorgeous view of Pitkin Lake. Be Nice. 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. Local Tip: This hike is also near some of the best free camping near Denver. Though one of the shorter adventures on this list, the hike to Loch Vale in Rocky National Park is surely just as rewarding as the others. Start on the Glacier Gorge Trail (like you would for Sky Pond) except veer left at the fork. Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. or drop a line and try your luck with some fishing. Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! With 50 square miles of golden aspens. Camping here is sure to be an awe-filled experience. Like the name suggests, youll be in awe of the color of the deep blue waters. 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. Dogs welcome. This Rocky Mountain National Park adventure provides an opportunity to catch an unforgettable sunrise. The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. The Arkansas and local streams around my home base of Salida were blown out and muddy well into July. If you just cant get enough alpine lakes in Colorado, why not choose a hiking trail that hits four different Lakes? Cutthroats were originally named by William Clark on the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition. You're going to want to bring your camera on these adventures. 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.' Nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park lies Dream Lake. From hiking around the water to fishing, boating, picnicking, and swimming . Suggest edits to improve what we show. Our first date was a three-day camping trip on the backroads of Colorado. Cash fees may apply for accessing the area. 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 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. In fact, this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is one of the easiest lakes on this list to get to, but is therefore also the most crowded. Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The lake is an additional 2-ish miles from the parking area. And find our listings for off-road outfitters and tour companies here. At these lakes you can canoe, kayak, and paddle board. 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. Threats of harming another Learn more Alpine Loop drive takes 4-6 hours to cover the distance between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. The middle and upper are said to have the best views. Plan accordingly. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The main mountain attraction is Lone Eagle Peak, which climbers can also ascend. In the summer, the trail becomes a 44 road that you can still hike on, terminating at a parking lot. "With an ample forage base such as scuds, crayfish, terrestrials, aquatic insects these fish can live 10 plus years and grow to very . 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 is nestled between the towns of Ridgway and Telluride. This is the most beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be combined with Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. Youll begin the hike winding through dense forest before the scenery opens up to an incredible view of Longs Peak. all along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America's most . Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. Give them instructions about who to call if they dont hear from you. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. Lake Isabelle. Get to know this 6.7-mile out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Starting at 10,390 elevation and reaching 12,000 this hike has it all. With that being said, typically alpine lakes are frozen and mostly snow-free starting in July through around mid-October depending on the year. Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. There are three lakes in the basin. 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! It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . 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. Take the Glacier Gorge Trail up a steep, winding dramatic valley that terminates at the famed Sky Pond. Did you know that Colorado is home to over 2,000 lakes? Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. An alternative to driving on your own is to. For an added challenge and extra mileage, you can even summit Longs Peak for an elevated vantage point! Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Colorado. Photo: Ryan DewaneDistance: 8.43 milesElevation: 1780 ftType: Out-and-back. Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State Park. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. Photo: Ryan MckinneyDistance: 4.09 milesElevation: 374 ftType: Out-and-back. Check out this adventure for impressive views of the Mount Evans Wilderness. Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. This 2,125 acre man-made lake sits about 15 miles south of Kremmling, Colorado in Summit County. 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. Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Success! These high-altitude lakes are typically much clearer than their low elevation counterparts and are often fed directly by snowmelt. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. 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. If you are a fan of high alpine lakes without having to travel far . Camp at Twin Lakes White Star Campground. Length: 7.9 mi Est. Use a private browsing window to sign in. In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. . The deep blue waters of the Ice Lakes will leave you in awe. Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. Distance: 8.02 milesElevation: 2500 ftType: Out-and-back. If youre lucky, youll get a perfect reflection of these towering peaks against 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. Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! Make sure to pay attention to trail signs and take a GPS, there are a lot of intersecting trails in the area. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation: 846 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. Ice Lake Trailhead is located 7 miles west of Silverton. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. The backcountry hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes features abundant wildlife, glorious mountain backdrops, and beautiful wildflowers. Ice Lake is a beautiful bright blue alpine lake located at 12,300 feet that requires a very strenuous hike to get to. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. Alpine Loop - If you look closely you can see a 44 on the trail dwarfed by the mountains. This trail is popular and can get very crowded, so try to hike it either really early or much later in the day. Named for its stunning waters, Emerald Lake is overflowing with beauty. The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. Not your computer? The best lakes in Colorado often require hard hikes to get to but that also means that you can enjoy them with less people. You could spend a lifetime trying to see all of the alpine lakes in Colorado and just barely scratch the surface. In winter, you will have to take a walk-around to avoid avalanche terrain so be alert. Blue lake sits at 11,355 feet and is frozen for much of the year. Doggies welcome. Up for a challenge? 8 to 4 miles Round TripElevation: Depends. Continue for several more miles until reaching the base of The Spearhead, a famous mountaineering objective. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. The total round trip hike to Island Lake with the loop is 8 miles with 2,700 ft elevation gain. For more information on how to do this lake loop, continue to our Rocky Mountain National Park Guide. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek located near Crestone. The mountains of southern Colorado are littered with alpine lake hikes. Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. 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. Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 1,765 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. Check with the Castle Mountain Recreation Company for more up-to-date information. Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning beauty. Dont forget to turn left at the graves or youll pass right by the final push to Gore Lake! Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. Granite spires surrounding the lake, one referred to as sharks tooth. There are also two 13,000-foot peaks nearby, Taylor and Powell. But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. 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. Hike to Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes, 25. Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. Expect to see wildlife like moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or elk along the trail, especially in the late spring and early summer. After seeing Island Lake continue ahead and take a right to form a small loop. 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! Here are 11 of the best swimming holes in Colorado, from pristine lakes to reservoirs, waterfall pools, and everything in between. Make it a day by going on one of Colorados most scenic drives! The hike will start with views of sweeping meadows and will follow along the South Boulder Creek. 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. Since the trail to get to Ice Lake is steep and long you should make sure to wear hiking boots. In the Fall, the Aspen grove comes alive with color, making for an especially memorable experience. Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. 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. This adventure takes you through a well-marked trail with fantastic mountain views. Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. We searched for alpine lakes to hike to in the area and came across Crystal Lake in Saint Marie's, Idaho. In reality, you can make your way to an alpine lake any time of the year. Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. There are a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. 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. or anything. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. (And be sure to take time to branch off and discover the wonder of Salmon Lake along the way, tucked deep in the forest amidst fields of impressive boulders and towering pines.) 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. 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. Heart Lake is another great option for backpackers. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. The hike is difficult but is worth the challenge to get to one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Distance: 5.4 milesElevation: 1,072 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. On the way youll pass three additional lakes, including the iconic Dream Lake. 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. Its nine miles round trip, gaining about 1,780 feet of elevation. 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. Photo by Kyle Jenkins. No dogs. (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 . Evans and Mt. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation: 160 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Maroon Lake is worth a visit year-round, including in the (much quieter) winter months. Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that youve already checked with good old Google. Miles from Denver: 100 miles. Square Top Lakes, Guanella Pass Square Top Lakes via Shutterstock. The natural beauty of a waterfall is within easy reach of Denver. Distance: 8.12 milesElevation: 2037 ftType: Out-and-back. Lake of the Clouds brings you tranquil scenery and plenty of views. All photos (263) Also, keep in mind there are restrictions on where you can walk, so be respectful of signs and regulations. Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. Take a Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes and three other unnamed lakes are all in the area. If you do this hike in the winter, youll experience different scenery, but surely just as stunning. Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. Overview. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Jewel Lake is accessible by a three-mile hike and Clear Lake requires an eight-mile hike to get to. Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. You'll be crossing a few small streams, so be careful after heavy rains. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! Resting beautifully at an elevation of 9,003 feet. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. 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. Note that this hike does require permits, so be sure to reserve yours in advance to enjoy this fun summertime waterfall adventure! 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. Expect to see some seriously stunning cascading waterfalls along the way. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. This list comes from years of research and is a total labor of love. This is one of the most iconic adventures in Colorado and for good reason! Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. Parking is $5 at the Summit Lake parking lot. This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. 5 hidden lakes in Colorado you probably never knew exsisted Alpine Lake. 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. Distance: 3.97 milesElevation: 1299 ftType: Out-and-back. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. This hike also has a waterfall. Distance: 4.4 miles in summer, 11 miles in winterElevation: 448 in summer, 1,030 in winterDifficulty: Easy (moderate in winter)Red Tape and Local Tips: The Brainard Lake Recreation Area requires a fee for day use. The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. that is degrading to another person. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge.