This moderate hike is a great way to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in Colorado without the lung-busting elevation gain. The main attraction while at the lake is the commanding Hallett Peak. Lowest Depth: 265 feet. Get to know this 6.7-mile out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. The total hike round trip to Upper Blue Lake is 8 miles with 2,404 ft elevation gain. The main mountain attraction is Lone Eagle Peak, which climbers can also ascend. Fly Fishing for Cutthroat Trout in Colorado - Vail Valley Anglers Black lake is a stunning and dramatic lake nestled deep in Rocky Mountain National Park. You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. Most of these lakes are accessible by foot only, although you can also drive to quite a few of them. Note that this hike does require permits, so be sure to reserve yours in advance to enjoy this fun summertime waterfall adventure! Moderate 4.6 (8765) Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The United States Should Adopt The Allemannsretten, 5 Great Spots in Colorado for Fall Colors. It's about a 3-mile trek out-and-back. It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. Spalding. Length 6.7 miElevation gain 1,699 ftRoute type Out & back. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. Did you know that Colorado is home to over 2,000 lakes? Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Marys Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Which lake near Denver has the bluest water? The total round trip hike to Island Lake with the loop is 8 miles with 2,700 ft elevation gain. There are a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. Best Lakes for Fly Fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park Parking early in the morning is free at the Bear Lake Trailhead. 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. Youll begin the hike winding through dense forest before the scenery opens up to an incredible view of Longs Peak. Photo: Nicola EasterbyDistance: 3.06 milesElevation: 1168 ftType: Out-and-back. And find our listings for off-road outfitters and tour companies here. 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. After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 1,765 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. Mohawk Lakes offer plenty of picture-perfect backcountry camping or opportunities to summit nearby mountains, such as Father Dyer. 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. 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. Tucked under Mt Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak sits two pristine alpine lakes nestled beside the town of Twin Lakes. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. 7 Popular Colorado ATV & Jeep Trails | Colorado.com Explore the fantastically beautiful cirque and enjoy views of Kit Carson, The Crestones, and Humboldt Peak. Hike to Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes, 25. 20+ Best Colorado Lakes & Reservoirs | Largest Bodies of Water Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible . The road will dead end at Moffat Tunnel where you'll find ample parking in a gravel lot with restrooms. 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. Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. Everyone knows about Hanging Lake, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. The first couple miles of the hike are extremely steep and difficult. Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. Bear Lake is a popular lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. The designation means Spinney is public fishing water that produces a minimum of 12 fish of 14in or more and 60lbs per acre. Get going on this adventure to the three beautiful Blue Lakes nestled among Colorados San Juan Range in the Uncompahgre National Forest. The best time to visit is between June and October. Mount Evans is a 14er that boasts fantastic views of the lake, Mt. Related: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Threats of harming another This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. Nineteen of the 24 lakes shown in the video sit above 10,000 feet in elevation. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. The Top 10 Lakes Near Telluride To Visit Lodging In Telluride Check that the ice is fully frozen on the lake before stepping on to cross in the colder months! Keep moving forward and the trail will switch back and then head up the mountain. There was an error processing your request. 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. Be sure to check the weather before beginning this adventure as summer thunderstorms in this area can be aggressive. Granite spires surrounding the lake, one referred to as sharks tooth. There are also two 13,000-foot peaks nearby, Taylor and Powell. 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. Water activities including fishing and kayaking are great ways to spend time exploring the area, especially if you plan to stay and camp. This water adventure features beautiful cascading waterfalls among steep rocky cliffs and lush green pine trees. 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. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. Colorado Summer of Alpine Lakes | Visit Telluride Youll need high clearance to get to the upper lot. The Arkansas and local streams around my home base of Salida were blown out and muddy well into July. The Alpine Lakes is the largest wilderness area . 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.' 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! (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 . To see most of these incredible lakes in Colorado on one road trip, check out our Colorado Road Trip Itinerary. Check out our favorite alpine hikes in Colorado and neighboring states. 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. The trail will end with a gorgeous view of Pitkin Lake. Although Gore Lake looks reasonable on paper, this is a tough hike, with much of the elevation gained in the last couple of miles. There are also many opportunities for overnight backcountry adventures at one of the mountain lakes near Denver in James Peak Wilderness. 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. Nestled at 7,323 feet, the trail leading to the lake is short but relatively steep, gaining more than a thousand feet in elevation. Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! Since the trail to get to Ice Lake is steep and long you should make sure to wear hiking boots. Directions: From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west or, from Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. It connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, where it is generally considered to begin (and end). In reality, you can make your way to an alpine lake any time of the year. Take the dirt road up in elevation as it turns a bit rough closer to the lake. Backpack to three alpine lakes and an alpine lagoon in Roosevelt National Forest. In fact, this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. Continue for several more miles until reaching the base of The Spearhead, a famous mountaineering objective. This robust trail near Copper travels through sculpted canyons, pine forests, and open meadows as it ascends 3 vigorous miles to a pair of pristine, Don't let this demanding 10 mile hike intimidate you, because this glistening chain of alpine lakes nestled beneath Red Peak on North Willow Creek, is an unforgettable experience everyone should enjoy. 1. The wildflower lined trail is short and beautiful, clocking in at 2.1 miles round trip. Share with Us. They are remote and wild, but also peaceful and pristine at the same time. This adventure takes you through a well-marked trail with fantastic mountain views. In terms of the best lake hikes, Colorado offers some incredibly unique lakes and the Hanging Lake hike takes the cake. Note that parking at the Brainard Lake Recreational Area lot costs $10 and fills up quickly. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. The freshwater lake is the perfect spot for boating or fishing. The picturesque lakes are tucked away near the mountains of Breckenridge. Throughout the post youll find: Absolutely. 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. Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? 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. The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road. 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. 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. Give them instructions about who to call if they dont hear from you. As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. Start from the Bear Lake parking lot and hike the gentle trail towards Lake Haiyaha, passing through the alluring Emerald Lake. If you are a fan of high alpine lakes without having to travel far . Definitely come prepared with a suit to take a dip. Heart Lake is another great option for backpackers. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. Where you can catch golden trout in northern Colorado | 9news.com - KUSA 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 choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. 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. Most of Colorado's 2,000 high lakes lie on public lands between 9,000 and 12,000 feet and are accessible by a few miles of Forest Service trail. This adventure features three impressive alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Loch, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond. BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN COLORADO - Vows And Peaks Check out this adventure for impressive views of the Mount Evans Wilderness. Articles by Heather Brinkman's Profile | Daily Camera, Longmont Times There is nothing better than waking up and enjoying a hot cup of coffee next to a cold alpine lake. Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! The 15 Highest Elevation Lakes in the United States - AZ Animals Grand Lake. Toll. Camping is prohibited within a quarter of a mile to protect its fragile environment. 17. Camping here is sure to be an awe-filled experience. Driving time: 4 to 6 hours. Keep in mind permits are required and parking fills up fast. If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. Be cautious, however, as thunderstorms are quite common in the summertime. Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake with clear teal water. The Maroon Bells are world renowned for being some of the most breathtaking mountains in the US. Photos (9,863) Directions. Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. Return To Sand Creek Lakes: Revenge Of The Skunked! Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. Lake Isabelle. Local Tip: Check out Ouray, one of the most stunning Colorado mountain towns, post-hike! Before reaching Heart Lake, be sure to soak in the alpine views first at Rogers Lake. The trail itself is moderately wooded. Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. Once you arrive, you wont want to leave which is why many people consider Gore Lake one of the best backpacking trips in Colorado. All photos (263) 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). Named for its stunning waters, Emerald Lake is overflowing with beauty. In the Fall, the Aspen grove comes alive with color, making for an especially memorable experience. Again, it depends. Check out three different alpine lakes in the James Peak Wilderness with the Crater Lakes Trail. If you're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. Photo: Ryan DewaneDistance: 8.43 milesElevation: 1780 ftType: Out-and-back. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. However, with that being said, its still worth a visit to gaze upon this magical fairytale lake. 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 hike will start with views of sweeping meadows and will follow along the South Boulder Creek. Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! Colorado will soon see moisture from what was Hurricane Nora and flash flood watches are already in effect for parts of the state. Some hikes, like, Sedona is one of the most amazing places to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. Thats right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town! The backcountry hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes features abundant wildlife, glorious mountain backdrops, and beautiful wildflowers. 10 Remarkable Trails Near Denver To Add To Your Summer Bucket List, 10 Destinations Everyone In Denver Needs to Visit This Summer, Everyone In Denver Must Visit This Epic Hot Spring As Soon As Possible, This Swimming Spot Has The Clearest, Most Pristine Water Near Denver, 16 Unforgettable Things You Must Add To Your Denver Summer Bucket List, 10 Gorgeous Lakes To Visit Around Denver This Summer, 7 Of The Best Beaches Around Denver To Visit This Summer, These 11 Epic Wildflower Hikes Around Denver Are Completely Out Of This World. In winter, you will have to take a walk-around to avoid avalanche terrain so be alert. Distance: 9.22 milesElevation: 2270 ftType: Out-and-back. 3 Crater Lakes via South Boulder Creek, Nederland, Colorado - The Outbound 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. Trout Lake is a short drive from the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village towards Lizard Head Pass. Come and try out the great hiking and mountain biking trails too! For more information on how to do this lake loop, continue to our Rocky Mountain National Park Guide. This is the most beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be combined with Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. From Bear Lake Trailhead it is about 4.2 miles roundtrip with 840 ft elevation gain. You'll find San Cristobal incredibly stunning. If youre lucky, youll get a perfect reflection of these towering peaks against the lake. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. 1. person will not be tolerated. 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. There are three lakes in the basin. The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. Did your favorite make it to our list of most beautiful lakes near Denver? You're going to want to bring your camera on these adventures. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. 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.