Although Gore Lake looks reasonable on paper, this is a tough hike, with much of the elevation gained in the last couple of miles. Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. Explore the fantastically beautiful cirque and enjoy views of Kit Carson, The Crestones, and Humboldt Peak. Get going on this adventure to the three beautiful Blue Lakes nestled among Colorados San Juan Range in the Uncompahgre National Forest. What does 2023 look like for gray wolf reintroduction? Nineteen of the 24 lakes shown in the video sit above 10,000 feet in elevation. 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. Dogs are welcome, but due to the crowds, keep Fido leashed. Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). Did your favorite make it to our list of most beautiful lakes near Denver? If you're looking for a secluded adventure, the Mohawk Lakes (upper and lower) are the perfect alpine escape for you. Threats of harming another Dont forget to turn left at the graves or youll pass right by the final push to Gore Lake! Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. The trail will take you through both wildflower-filled meadows and forest. 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. 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. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. The best time to do this hike is early in the morning for sunrise you wont be mad you did! Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! You'll be surrounded by jagged peak, stunning summer wildflower displays, and crystal clear waters. It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Among the lakes stocked on Monday, the highest of them - Ptarmigan Lake in Gunnison County - sits at 12,306 feet. With that being said, typically alpine lakes are frozen and mostly snow-free starting in July through around mid-October depending on the year. Ive been hiking in Colorado for over 13 years. Surrounding peaks of granite reflect off the lake's beautiful emerald green waters nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park. Kevin BuggieBPL Member. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. This adventure takes you through a well-marked trail with fantastic mountain views. On the way youll pass three additional lakes, including the iconic Dream Lake. Opt to get there early or make it an overnight to get more time. Starting at 10,390 elevation and reaching 12,000 this hike has it all. Youll want to be prepared for cooler weather, even in the middle of summer. 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. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 1,765 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. You'll find San Cristobal incredibly stunning. (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 . Lake of the Clouds brings you tranquil scenery and plenty of views. This article will walk you through the best lakes in Colorado and how to get to these lakes. The trail itself is moderately wooded. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. About. Hike to Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes, 25. Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. Give them instructions about who to call if they dont hear from you. In winter the trail may be impossible without ice climbing gear. Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can Drive To!) Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail to access starts off at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. This is a great adventure for those looking to make a short trip outside of Denver. all along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America's most . Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. 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. Not your computer? There are three lakes in the basin. Colorado will soon see moisture from what was Hurricane Nora and flash flood watches are already in effect for parts of the state. 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. 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. Colorado's Alpine Loop is affectionately called the " Switzerland of America" for a reason! Chasm Lake makes for a beautiful summer adventure. The total hike round trip to Middle Blue Lake is 7.6 miles with 2,292 ft elevation gain. Check the weather. before arriving at the lake, where goof fishing has been reported. Mohawk Lakes offer plenty of picture-perfect backcountry camping or opportunities to summit nearby mountains, such as Father Dyer. Here are the lessons I have learned! And find our listings for off-road outfitters and tour companies here. All photos (263) No dogs are allowed in the yurt over winter. Breathtaking beauty awaits hikers at South Colony Lakes. Come July and August, Lawn Lake is arguably the best lake for fishing in the park. Expect to see wildlife like moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or elk along the trail, especially in the late spring and early summer. During the Ice Age of the geologically . 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. Dream Lake is a vision right out of a fairy tale in the early morning hours. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. 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. Sky Pond is one of the most jaw-dropping sights to see. Its a total bonus if you hit this trail early and arrive for the sunrise! the most part. This route is delicate, so always practice Leave No Trace when visiting. 2. 1. Distance: 5.53 milesElevation: 1056 ftType: Out-and-back. This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! She'd rather be dirty than done up. There are several camping spots by the second lake if youre looking to stay overnight. It's a 1.8-mile trek (3.6 miles round trip). Youll be gasping for air from the steep inclines and incredible scenes. Distance: 3.97 milesElevation: 1299 ftType: Out-and-back. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. The cold water is characteristic of alpine lakes. Be Nice. Youll find over 2,000 alpine lakes in Colorado. 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. If you are actually interested in how my dogs are incredibly cared for (& my dog skijoring/ mushing ventures), you can see where they live via @mesamutts on IG - 5 acre fenced dog paradise. Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. or drop a line and try your luck with some fishing. Start from the Bear Lake parking lot and hike the gentle trail towards Lake Haiyaha, passing through the alluring Emerald Lake. 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. Jewel Lake is accessible by a three-mile hike and Clear Lake requires an eight-mile hike to get to. Photo: Whitney JamesDistance: 3.15 milesElevation: 650 ftType: Out-and-back. Toll. 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. 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. Blue lake sits at 11,355 feet and is frozen for much of the year. Camp at Twin Lakes White Star Campground. To see views of Lower Blue Lake from above you need to continue hiking up the steep Blue Lakes Trial towards Middle Blue Lake. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Maroon Lake brings you the best of the Bells, the Maroon Bells that is. 5 hidden lakes in Colorado you probably never knew exsisted Alpine 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. The best time to visit is between June and October. Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. 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. There are also many opportunities for overnight backcountry adventures at one of the mountain lakes near Denver in James Peak Wilderness. 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 main attraction while at the lake is the commanding Hallett Peak. 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. Set a check-in time and have that person try to check in with you first, before calling authorities (just in case you forget to circle back). Since it's a relatively short hike, this is a great one for a family nature outing. Emerald Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is reached by hiking from Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. 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. Bring a swimsuit! Make it a day by going on one of Colorados most scenic drives! There are plenty of wildlife viewing (moose, turkey, deer, ptarmigan) and fishing opportunities. The United States Should Adopt The Allemannsretten, 5 Great Spots in Colorado for Fall Colors. Local Tip: This hike is also near some of the best free camping near Denver. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Bushnell lakes sit under Bushnell Peak and SE of Stout Lakes drainage. (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.) . 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. On the way to Emerald Lake you will also pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. In reality, you can make your way to an alpine lake any time of the year. Parking is $5 at the Summit Lake parking lot. Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back 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. To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. Breathe in the fresh air and set up a hammock to enjoy the most incredible mountain and alpine lake backdrop. High-clearance vehicles are best suited for getting to this scenic secluded spot. Photo: Abby VohaskaDistance: 8.81 miles Elevation: 2635 ftType: Out-and-back. The 6.3-mile hike takes 2.5-3 hours, and the elevation gain is very gradual for. person will not be tolerated. Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. Talk about iconic Colorado views! Share with Us. Nestled in Roosevelt National Forest, you can set foot on this adventure to three alpine lakes and a lagoon with the opportunity to pass by splendid waterfalls and wildflowers. Be cautious, however, as thunderstorms are quite common in the summertime. Directions: From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west or, from Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. On Monday and . If youre looking for a moderate jaunt with big view payout, check out Silver Dollar Lake outside of Georgetown. There is a road where you can drive down next to the lakes, and a different road that you can drive up for views of the lakes. The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. This rather large lake is surrounded by pines with a dramatic mountain background. The hike from Bear Lake Trailhead is 3.6 miles round trip with about 740 ft elevation gain. You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. Expect to see some seriously stunning cascading waterfalls along the way. Start at Brainard Lake and make your way up the valley to Lake Isabelle where youll have views of the Isabelle Glacier a permanent snowfield. You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic. Cherry Creek Reservoir in Aurora, Colorado offers a treasure trove of outdoor activities for the whole family. If you just cant get enough alpine lakes in Colorado, why not choose a hiking trail that hits four different Lakes? Bloods Lake and Lackawaxen Trail. Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. Here are 11 of the best swimming holes in Colorado, from pristine lakes to reservoirs, waterfall pools, and everything in between. Elevation Gain: 465 feet. An alternative to driving on your own is toreserve a spoton the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands Village to Maroon Bells. "With an ample forage base such as scuds, crayfish, terrestrials, aquatic insects these fish can live 10 plus years and grow to very . But what if I told you we havent been given access to over half of whats really out there? 11. 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. Throughout the post youll find: Absolutely. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. 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! Pass by the popular Alberta Falls, but keep trekking to leave the crowds behind and find yourself in complete solitude in this vast and unbelievably beautiful wilderness. Trek your way through stunning alpine country to one of the most picturesque lakes in the state Hanging Lake. Think again! 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 lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. The hike is difficult but is worth the challenge to get to one of the most beautiful lakes 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. 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. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. There is plenty of fishing, swimming, camping, and even small, easy hiking trails that provide plenty of family fun. 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. Heart Lake is another great option for backpackers. Most of the Alpine lakes lie in valleys that were formed during the uplift of the mountain chain of the Alps. The snowpack is different every year, so its tough to say when trails will be snow-free. In Colorado's lakes and streams most Cutthroats average 9 to . Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. It connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, where it is generally considered to begin (and end). And the fish well, they just float on down, once deployed from the airplane. Distance: 2.93 milesElevation: 675 ftType: Loop. You will definitely want to wear hiking boots and bring trekking poles for this part of the trail. Distance: Varies, hikes on the property are short, its three miles to loop the lakeElevation: nothing notable.Difficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a great family-friendly spot, however, there are day fees and other camping fees to use the area. Huskies also thrive in Colorado - alpine lakes, cross . 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. Then recheck it the day before your hike. Discover the alpine beauty of Mirror Lake. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. It is a long day hike (4.6 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 3,100ft. Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. Discover this alpine wonder by taking Rogers Pass Trail, a 9.1-mile out-and-back trail located near Rollinsville. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. Distance: 4.51 milesElevation: 1090 ftType: Out-and-back. To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. Moderate 4.6 (8765) Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Remember to treat this natural wonderland with great care to preserve its vivid beauty and to keep it pristine for those who visit next! Then, continue climbing to blue Lake at the base of Mt. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy spanning alpine lake views. Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! 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. To see the entire lake though, youll need to do a bit of climbing up the shore. Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Colorado. Whenever you hear someone talk about catching trout in the mountain lakes of the Rockies, the term that often comes up is "alpine". Description. Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. The designation means Spinney is public fishing water that produces a minimum of 12 fish of 14in or more and 60lbs per acre. The video showcases the beauty of Colorado's high country. 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. Does Sky Pond sound too intense? Surround yourself in an amphitheater of dramatic rock and scope out of the best alpine lakes in Colorado. As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. Dont expect solitude here, even in the dead of winter. If youre looking for a stunning place to stake out camp by a lake, look no more! It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. Embark on an adventure at Pitkin Lake. Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. There are a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. Please note, reservations may be required to visit the park. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. 20 Gift Ideas for People Who Love to Travel, 10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary: From Hot Springs to Cloud Forests, Sedona Off the Beaten Path: Sedona Hidden Gems, Top Shaded Hikes in Sedona: Sedona Summer Hikes, 16 Top Destinations in the Southwest US You Must See. 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 Loop or Out and Back: Out and Back or Loop. Distance: 7.7 milesElevation: 2,522 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Theres nothing more grounding and invigorating than a rousing climb to a crystal clear alpine lake, followed by a little exploration, relaxation, (and certainly a picnic), at a pristine mountain paradise at around 11,000. These serene alpine lakes near Denver are something everyone should experience this summerbut please remember our earth is fragile so LEAVE NO TRACE!