Start from the Bear Lake parking lot and hike the gentle trail towards Lake Haiyaha, passing through the alluring Emerald Lake. Doggies welcome. Distance: 23.8 milesElevation: 4,767 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are welcome to use this trail. The parking lot at Bear Lake Trailhead typically gets full very early, so make sure to get there early so you dont have to take a shuttle. 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. The trail is located near Glenwood Springs, offering the perfect post-adventure spot. 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. Learn more Also, dont be an ass, you are not allowed to swim or climb around on the logs here. This picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. Once you get to the lake, focus on the right shoreline, where there is a great drop off for fish to hang out around. Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. However, this is one gorgeous hike, especially during the wildflower season. Lowest Depth: 265 feet. Bierstadt, and even Denver at times. In fact, this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Alpine lakes are defined by being any lake that sits above 10,000 feet above sea level. 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). There is nothing better than waking up and enjoying a hot cup of coffee next to a cold alpine lake. Trek your way through stunning alpine country to one of the most picturesque lakes in the state Hanging Lake. Ive been hiking in Colorado for over 13 years. Theres no shortage of fantastic mountain and lake views. The Outbound Collective The middle and upper are said to have the best views. 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. Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. At this time, the 44 road to Blue Lakes requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to access when the gate is open during summer months (often late May through October), but there is talk . Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. Snow Lake Trail. Dogs welcome. Youll need high clearance to get to the upper lot. Use a private browsing window to sign in. Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. Distance: 8.47 milesElevation: 1706 ftType: Loop. Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. Lake Blanche Trail : An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer . Lake Ann - Only accessible by way of a 1.75-mile well-maintained trail, this pristine lake is ruggedly scenic and extremely protected. Youll begin the hike winding through dense forest before the scenery opens up to an incredible view of Longs Peak. Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. Many of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado are alpine lakes with clear blue water. Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. Arrive early to get a spot and spend more of the day exploring! Kevin BuggieBPL Member. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. Cherry Creek Reservoir in Aurora, Colorado offers a treasure trove of outdoor activities for the whole family. While "alpine" is used by many anglers to describe the high elevation fisheries they visit that are inaccessible for of the year and may require a difficult drive and/or hike to access, not all high elevation fisheries are truly "alpine". Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. Distance: 6.8 milesElevation: 1,548 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape: Many 14er-enthusiasts camp here overnight before their summit bids. The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. Alpine Loop. 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. Before reaching Heart Lake, be sure to soak in the alpine views first at Rogers Lake. Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. Distance: 2.93 milesElevation: 675 ftType: Loop. Seriouslyover 2,000! 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. Photo: Ryan MckinneyDistance: 4.09 milesElevation: 374 ftType: Out-and-back. Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. Spalding. Be sure to check the weather before beginning this adventure as summer thunderstorms in this area can be aggressive. This short 6.5-mile round-trip trail boasts picturesque alpine lakes and stunning views of Pfeifferhorn. Hike to Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes, 25. 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. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. This list comes from years of research and is a total labor of love. Suggest edits to improve what we show. 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. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. The backcountry hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes features abundant wildlife, glorious mountain backdrops, and beautiful wildflowers. UPPER & LOWER BUSHNELL LAKES. 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. Its best to check with AllTrails.com or even local hiking Facebook groups to get the most up-to-date information. Miles from Denver: 100 miles. It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . Threats of harming another As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. person will not be tolerated. Located outside of the beautiful mountain town of Vail, the trail to the lake is about 12.5 miles out-and-back. Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links for products and services I recommend. Though close in proximity to Maroon Lake, Crater Lake is a less crowded destination, yet still unbelievably scenic. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. Its still worth a visit, even if you arent climbing. Black lake is a stunning and dramatic lake nestled deep in Rocky Mountain National Park. Trek beyond the lakes to reach the 14,065-foot summit of Humboldt Peak. There was an error processing your request. By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. Some hikes, like, Sedona is one of the most amazing places to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). Length: 63 miles. Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! Be Nice. 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. Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty, and elevation gain. Colorado has many picturesque lakes surrounded by high peaks. 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. Make sure you have the necessary permits before setting up camp. What I love about this Colorado lake hike is just how quiet it is. 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. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no . 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. Bear Lake Bear Lake located in Rocky Mountain National Park Located off of Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Lakes makes for a quick pit stop. Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. The hike will start with views of sweeping meadows and will follow along the South Boulder Creek. To see the entire lake though, youll need to do a bit of climbing up the shore. An alternative to driving on your own is to. Proposition 114 passed in Colorado and now the planning process begins. To extend your adventure, you can continue on to Isabelle Glacier. Please explore responsibly! There's a one-way road that loops around the lake and parking for trailheads leading to Blue and Mitchell Lakes in the north valley and Isabelle and Long Lakes to the south. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. Dont expect solitude here, even in the dead of winter. "With an ample forage base such as scuds, crayfish, terrestrials, aquatic insects these fish can live 10 plus years and grow to very . Surrounding peaks of granite reflect off the lake's beautiful emerald green waters nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park. racist or sexually-oriented language. She'd rather be dirty than done up. Yes. In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. 5 hidden lakes in Colorado you probably never knew exsisted Alpine Lake. Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! Awesome views, wildlife, lakes and wild flowers await you on this lollipop loop ride. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy spanning alpine lake views. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. The water is gorgeous. The winding hike leads you past dreamy fields of wildflowers before reaching the sparkling aqua the area is known for. There is plenty of fishing, swimming, camping, and even small, easy hiking trails that provide plenty of family fun. Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. Note that parking at the Brainard Lake Recreational Area lot costs $10 and fills up quickly. 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. 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. The best time to visit lakes in Colorado is between May and October when there is no snow so they are easier to get to. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. 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. The total round trip hike to Island Lake with the loop is 8 miles with 2,700 ft elevation gain. An alternative to driving on your own is toreserve a spoton the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands Village to Maroon Bells. "In cold, productive alpine lakes, trout can live to be quite old," says Jeff Spohn, aquatic biologist for Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. During the Ice Age of the geologically . To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. 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. It's about a 3-mile trek out-and-back. It is nestled between the towns of Ridgway and Telluride. This is a great adventure for those looking to make a short trip outside of Denver. After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. There are also many opportunities for overnight backcountry adventures at one of the mountain lakes near Denver in James Peak Wilderness. Plan accordingly. Youll want to be prepared for cooler weather, even in the middle of summer. Thats right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town! Dispersed camping does take a little more planning, but the extra work will be well worth it. You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. 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. 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. . Your email address will not be published. Make it a day by going on one of Colorados most scenic drives! The best time to visit is between June and October. Maroon Lake brings you the best of the Bells, the Maroon Bells that is. The total hike round trip to Upper Blue Lake is 8 miles with 2,404 ft elevation gain. Expect to see wildlife like moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or elk along the trail, especially in the late spring and early summer. As a consequence, by mid-June I This 7.7 miles trail boasts a wow factor unlike any other. Take a Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park Bring a swimsuit! The trail flattens out at the basin below Columbine Lake and once you arrive you're in for a real treat. Trail Use: Hiking Only. If you're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. 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. With so many lake hikes, Colorado will have your hiking itinerary booked for years! On the way to Emerald Lake you will also pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. The water is piercingly clear blue, which will entice you to jump right in! It connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, where it is generally considered to begin (and end). The first couple miles of the hike are extremely steep and difficult. You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic. Columbine Lake Trail #509 in San Juan National Forest is a difficult and steep trail with 16 discernible switchbacks but it's worth the effort. 8 to 4 miles Round TripElevation: Depends. The park boasts a wide range of activities that include summiting 14,259-foot Longs Peak, camping in the expansive backcountry, hiking to waterfalls and alpine lakes and, of course, wildlife viewing. 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. With that being said, typically alpine lakes are frozen and mostly snow-free starting in July through around mid-October depending on the year. Youll get glimpses of Longs Peak and Alberta Falls (in the summer). Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back Once at the lakes, you can go for a swim (so bring a suit!) Filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by mind-blowing settings, these backcountry bodies of water are meant to be enjoyed. Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that youve already checked with good old Google. Come July and August, Lawn Lake is arguably the best lake for fishing in the park. For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. All photos (263) Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. This is a busy area, but for good reason, the views are delicious! There are plenty of wildlife viewing (moose, turkey, deer, ptarmigan) and fishing opportunities. This glacial lake is the largest natural lake in Colorado in terms of surface area, depth, and total water volume. Distance: Depends. And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! The best time to do this hike is early in the morning for sunrise you wont be mad you did! In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. The main attraction while at the lake is the commanding Hallett Peak. Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado. You'll find San Cristobal incredibly stunning. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. The deep blue waters of the Ice Lakes will leave you in awe. Square Top Lakes, Guanella Pass Square Top Lakes via Shutterstock. The hike is difficult but is worth the challenge to get to one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Get to know this 6.7-mile out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. Alpine Lakes in Colorado. There are three lakes in the basin. 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! And located in the saddle of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, Tyndall Glacier (one of five active glaciers in the park) offers breathtaking views. This includes water, snacks, sun protection, extra layers, and more. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado is an easy daytime hike that features expansive alpine landscapes and brilliant turquoise waters. 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. Expect to see some seriously stunning cascading waterfalls along the way. Check out three different alpine lakes in the James Peak Wilderness with the Crater Lakes Trail. Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Colorado. After seeing Island Lake continue ahead and take a right to form a small loop. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Access: Transit to Trails is a great option for these hikes! Aside from craggy peaks, youll also see wildflowers springing from the ground all along the banks of the lakes during summer. 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. Sandbeach Lake has a wide sandy shore thats perfect for picnicking or simply sitting to take in the scenery. Distance: 3.97 milesElevation: 1299 ftType: Out-and-back. Youll have the added bonus of passing two additional scenic alpine lakes along the way. Grand Lake. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. Each of these alpine lake hikes brings you the best of the Rocky Mountains and picturesque mountain scenery of places like Leadville. 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. Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. 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. 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. + Save to a List. It's the state's highest peak. This moderate hike is a great way to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in Colorado without the lung-busting elevation gain. Distance: 7.7 milesElevation: 2,522 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. . If you are looking for something a little easier to get to, try James Peak Wilderness. Tell someone about your plans. Photo by Kyle Jenkins. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Banff Sunshine. 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! Accessibility from North Cascades Highway makes it an excellent stop on a road trip through the area. If you do this hike in the winter, youll experience different scenery, but surely just as stunning. Distance: 12.9 milesElevation: 2,919 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are allowed if on a leash and the best time to visit is between March and October. Like the name suggests, youll be in awe of the color of the deep blue waters. Everyone knows about Hanging Lake, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. Blue lake sits at 11,355 feet and is frozen for much of the year. Here are 11 of the best swimming holes in Colorado, from pristine lakes to reservoirs, waterfall pools, and everything in between. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. Bear Lake is a popular lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. 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. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. In terms of the best lake hikes, Colorado offers some incredibly unique lakes and the Hanging Lake hike takes the cake. Photos (9,863) Directions. You must typically access these lake by hiking a few miles or by horseback. Mount Evans is a 14er that boasts fantastic views of the lake, Mt. It is a long day hike (4.6 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 3,100ft. Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. Local Tip: Check out Ouray, one of the most stunning Colorado mountain towns, post-hike! Walk another half mile and youll see a beautiful waterfall, followed by stellar views of Lily Lake. This adventure features several waterfalls, streams, a creek, and meadows teeming with beautiful wildflowers a photographers dream! Youll likely want to stay overnight to prolong your time in this picturesque environment, but do note that permits are required for campers. Breathtaking beauty awaits hikers at South Colony Lakes. Take the dirt road up in elevation as it turns a bit rough closer to the lake. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Lake Isabelle. Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. This trail is popular and can get very crowded, so try to hike it either really early or much later in the day. 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. Give them instructions about who to call if they dont hear from you. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Cash fees may apply for accessing the area. Distance: 2.8 milesElevation: 885 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and local tips: Dogs are allowed to use this trail. Grand Mesa Trails 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.
March 11, 2023