Trout Lake is a short drive from the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village towards Lizard Head Pass. It's a 1.8-mile trek (3.6 miles round trip). Harder To Reach: Lawn Lake. Willow Lake offers a backpacking adventure into the Sangre de Cristo range. Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. Mohawk Lakes offer plenty of picture-perfect backcountry camping or opportunities to summit nearby mountains, such as Father Dyer. If youre looking for a stunning place to stake out camp by a lake, look no more! We'd love to hear eyewitness If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. Trek beyond the lakes to reach the 14,065-foot summit of Humboldt Peak. Enjoy spanning vistas of the Tenmile Range including Pacific Peak, Atlantic Peak, and Crystal Peak (all of which are excellent Colorado 13ers to try!). Simply hike to Loch Vale instead. This is a busy area, but for good reason, the views are delicious! During the Ice Age of the geologically . The best time to do this hike is early in the morning for sunrise you wont be mad you did! They are remote and wild, but also peaceful and pristine at the same time. Make it a day by going on one of Colorados most scenic drives! (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 . Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. Its nine miles round trip, gaining about 1,780 feet of elevation. The Alpine Lakes is the largest wilderness area . Come prepared for changing weather conditions. Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. Youll begin the hike winding through dense forest before the scenery opens up to an incredible view of Longs Peak. Description. ATV The Alpine Loop Length: 65 mile loop Drive Time: 5-7 hours Fees: 3-day Pass: $6.00 7-day Pass: $12.00 Annual Pass: $45.00 Or America the Beautiful Pass (National Park Pass) Difficulty: 75% Easy / 25% Difficult (rock outcroppings, drop offs) Access: Easy ATV Friendly Town: Lake City Ideal Riding Season: Mid Summer - September 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.' If you do opt to swim, dont wear any sunscreen. Mount Evans is a 14er that boasts fantastic views of the lake, Mt. Thats right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town! 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. 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.' Breathtaking beauty awaits hikers at South Colony Lakes. Throughout the years Ive hiked well over 1,000 miles of terrain here in Colorado. Related: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Resting beautifully at an elevation of 9,003 feet. Continue for several more miles until reaching the base of The Spearhead, a famous mountaineering objective. 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 Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). The video showcases the beauty of Colorado's high country. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. . Forsythe Canyon Round-trip Distance: 2.2 miles Trailhead: Forsythe Canyon - Lincoln National Forest Difficulty: Easy This short hike starts just outside of Boulder. 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. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. So many, Nestled in a glorious alpine valley at 10,868' and framed by the stunning Indian Peaks is one of the, Piney Lake is a prime spot for a day of hiking and canoeing in the Eagles Nest Wilderness in the Gore Range near Vail. Trek your way through stunning alpine country to one of the most picturesque lakes in the state Hanging Lake. For a real adventure, combine your lake hike in Colorado with an overnight at a yurt. The Arkansas and local streams around my home base of Salida were blown out and muddy well into July. 1. Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. Dream Lake is a vision right out of a fairy tale in the early morning hours. At these lakes you can canoe, kayak, and paddle board. Lush alpine scenery unfolds as you ascend the 8.1-mile out-and-back trail nestled in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton. Beware of moose in this area, they are everywhere and not afraid to charge! Grand Lake. The snowpack is different every year, so its tough to say when trails will be snow-free. 8 to 4 miles Round TripElevation: Depends. Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! 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. Trail Use: Hiking Only. Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! 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. Distance: 3 milesElevation: 1,135 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: If you want a fighting chance at a less-crowded experience, go for sunrise. Distance: 10.5 milesElevation: 2,975 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Parking is limited so consider taking the free bus from the Vail Village parking structure to the trailhead. Threats of harming another Dont expect solitude here, even in the dead of winter. We can easily drive 30 minutes into high elevation aspen forests & alpine lakes when desired. However, if you are up for a little hike, you'll discover that Blue Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness is true to its name. Everyone knows about Hanging Lake, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. Accessing this alpine wonder is simple. 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 can take a dip at Sprouting Rock in a stunning turquoise oasis found just behind Hanging Lake. 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. Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. 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 choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. Use a private browsing window to sign in. You have permission to edit this collection. Which lake near Denver has the bluest water? The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. However, the serenity of the lakes is well worth the butt-busting effort. Take the Wheeler trail until it intersects with Crystal Creek Road. Talk about iconic Colorado views! The hike is difficult but is worth the challenge to get to one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. If you are looking for something a little easier to get to, try James Peak Wilderness. Get to know this 6.7-mile out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. 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. Be Proactive. To see the entire lake though, youll need to do a bit of climbing up the shore. From hiking around the water to fishing, boating, picnicking, and swimming . This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). Be sure to check local road conditions during the winter months, the road is unmaintained and closed, which adds an extra 3 to 4 miles each way. This adventure features three impressive alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Loch, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond. To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. The scenery is beautiful throughout and provides many opportunities for continued exploration while at the top! The hike will start with views of sweeping meadows and will follow along the South Boulder Creek. You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic. But what if I told you we havent been given access to over half of whats really out there? It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. 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. It connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, where it is generally considered to begin (and end). Since the trail to get to Ice Lake is steep and long you should make sure to wear hiking boots. Make sure you have the necessary permits before setting up camp. Then, continue climbing to blue Lake at the base of Mt. 2. Starting at 10,390 elevation and reaching 12,000 this hike has it all. Tell someone about your plans. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can Drive To!) Distance: 5.53 milesElevation: 1056 ftType: Out-and-back. There are three lakes in the basin. In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. Be Truthful. Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! Distance: 14.94 milesElevation: 2421 ftType: Out-and-back. Expect to see wildlife like moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or elk along the trail, especially in the late spring and early summer. Alpine lakes are defined by being any lake that sits above 10,000 feet above sea level. Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning beauty. Ice Lake is a beautiful bright blue alpine lake located at 12,300 feet that requires a very strenuous hike to get to. Its best to check with AllTrails.com or even local hiking Facebook groups to get the most up-to-date information. In the spring and early summer you can enjoy wildflowers on the hikes, and in the fall you get to see the Aspens fall foliage. Note that this hike does require permits, so be sure to reserve yours in advance to enjoy this fun summertime waterfall adventure! You'll take the Mitchell Lake Trail, crossing Mitchell Creek and passing Mitchell Lake along the way. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are other great trout reservoirs in the area, but only Spinney is a Gold Medal water. Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty, and elevation gain. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. To see views of Lower Blue Lake from above you need to continue hiking up the steep Blue Lakes Trial towards Middle Blue Lake. The alpine wonder rests at an elevation of 10,630 feet located between Flattop Mountain (12,324 feet) and Notchtop Mountain (12,129 feet) ). Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. Distance: 6.8 milesElevation: 1,548 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape: Many 14er-enthusiasts camp here overnight before their summit bids. Be cautious, however, as thunderstorms are quite common in the summertime. 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. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. Check out our favorite alpine hikes in Colorado and neighboring states. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. Head to the far side of this open space and follow the trail through a stream and continue upwards until you reach a campsite at about the one-mile mark. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy spanning alpine lake views. Throughout the post youll find: Absolutely. Distance: 8.47 milesElevation: 1706 ftType: Loop. Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, Im not kidding about the moose! Theres no shortage of fantastic mountain and lake views. Check the weather. Keep in mind that State Forest State Park requires a fee. Its a total bonus if you hit this trail early and arrive for the sunrise! 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. Twin Lakes are two beautiful lakes located at the base of Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado. Aside from craggy peaks, youll also see wildflowers springing from the ground all along the banks of the lakes during summer. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. The total hike round trip to Upper Blue Lake is 8 miles with 2,404 ft elevation gain. Distance: 12.5 milesElevation: 2,890 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This mountain range holds snow well into July, so be prepared for a few patches of snow, even in late summer. 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. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. Doggies welcome. Youll cross a couple of creeks so be sure to have the appropriate footwear on. Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). The natural beauty of a waterfall is within easy reach of Denver. This is one of the easiest lakes on this list to get to, but is therefore also the most crowded. Arrive early to get a spot and spend more of the day exploring! Miles from Denver: 100 miles. Dog-Friendly: Bloods Lake - No, Lake Lackawaxen - Yes. You could also do a loop and combine this lake with Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. all along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America's most . 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. Blue Lakes Trail in Telluride, Colorado takes you to three of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. 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. accounts, the history behind an article. The trail will end with a gorgeous view of Pitkin Lake. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. The best lakes in Colorado often require hard hikes to get to but that also means that you can enjoy them with less people. Lake Blanche Trail : An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer . Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. When you get to the lake you can always take a swim if you are up for it, but expect the water to be really cold! After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) Discover the alpine beauty of Mirror Lake. Distance From Telluride: 10 miles | 22 minutes Accessibility: Rugged, off-road vehicle recommended Activities: Fishing, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding Located just 20 minutes outside of Telluride, Alta Lakes is a popular destination for couples and families seeking a convenient water retreat. This lake is known for the reflection you can see in the lake of 14,000 ft tall Maroon Peaks. Lake Isabelle is one of the best winter hikes in Colorado (add about five miles round trip for the winter hike). Required fields are marked *. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. Come and try out the great hiking and mountain biking trails too! 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).
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