In fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. Up for a challenge? Improve this listing. Jewel Lake is accessible by a three-mile hike and Clear Lake requires an eight-mile hike to get to. Plenty of camping up there and a dog-friendly area. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. Its best to check with AllTrails.com or even local hiking Facebook groups to get the most up-to-date information. The Lake Haiyaha hike is accessible year-round and a great option for beginners or those looking for a gentle day and one of the best winter hikes in Colorado. . 8 to 4 miles Round TripElevation: Depends. 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. Insanely Beautiful Colorado Lakes to Dip Your Toes in This Summer 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. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. Be cautious, however, as thunderstorms are quite common in the summertime. For dramatic views of Longs Peak and the iconic Diamond headwall, head up to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Check the weather. With such a delicate ecosystem, your skin oils and sunscreen can kill the wildlife that lives in the lake. Check with the Castle Mountain Recreation Company for more up-to-date information. To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. Learn more . Located outside of the beautiful mountain town of Vail, the trail to the lake is about 12.5 miles out-and-back. Proposition 114 passed in Colorado and now the planning process begins. In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. Come July and August, Lawn Lake is arguably the best lake for fishing in the park. This Colorado Trail Has 3 Turquoise Lakes With The Bluest Water You've Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. Best Lakeside Elopement Locations in the US - Skyewater Photo In the summer, the trail becomes a 44 road that you can still hike on, terminating at a parking lot. Camping in dispersed camping areas gives you the opportunity for a little more privacy and peace and quiet. The first couple miles of the hike are extremely steep and difficult. Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. About. Best Day Hikes in Park City | Hiking & Outdoor Recreation Filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by mind-blowing settings, these backcountry bodies of water are meant to be enjoyed. 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. Its nine miles round trip, gaining about 1,780 feet of elevation. Lowest Depth: 265 feet. This includes water, snacks, sun protection, extra layers, and more. Distance: 8.6 miles from the lower lot, the upper lot cuts about a mile or so off each way (see Crystal Lake)Elevation: 2,129 feet from the lower lot (see Cyrstal Lake)Difficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a dog-friendly area packed with awesome 13er hiking opportunities. Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. 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. Traverse forests of aspen and lodgepole pine and enjoy views of surrounding peaks and valleys before arriving at some of the, This 160-acre tarn resides at 12,836' at Summit Lake Park beneath Mt. Be Truthful. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. 2. Description. The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. Distance: 2.8 milesElevation: 885 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and local tips: Dogs are allowed to use this trail. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park is a hidden gem in the Colorado Rockies. Length: 7.9 mi Est. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. 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. Be Proactive. . Dont expect solitude here, even in the dead of winter. (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 . The 2.3-mile out-and-back trail starts off in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area and then winds on to the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Directions SUV recommended: From the Town of Crested Butte, take Gothic Road (Route 135) north a total of 12.6 miles. Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning beauty. Not your computer? More Information 2. The main attraction while at the lake is the commanding Hallett Peak. + Save to a List. The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links for products and services I recommend. Some of them thought all of us had hiked into the wilderness to hear their death metal on the boombox at the lake all day. Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. Be Nice. Twin Lakes are two beautiful lakes located at the base of Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado. Fish a high lake near Buena Vista & Salida, Colorado Photo: Nicola EasterbyDistance: 3.06 milesElevation: 1168 ftType: Out-and-back. However, with that being said, its still worth a visit to gaze upon this magical fairytale lake. Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Colorado. Photo: Abby VohaskaDistance: 8.81 miles Elevation: 2635 ftType: Out-and-back. Whenever you hear someone talk about catching trout in the mountain lakes of the Rockies, the term that often comes up is "alpine". This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Yep, us too. In winter the trail may be impossible without ice climbing gear. 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 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. Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. 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. Named for its stunning waters, Emerald Lake is overflowing with beauty. This is the most beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be combined with Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. 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 trail itself is moderately wooded. 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.' Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. 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. 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. Kebler Pass (Crested Butte) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go the most part. The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. 20+ Best Colorado Lakes & Reservoirs | Largest Bodies of Water Check that the ice is fully frozen on the lake before stepping on to cross in the colder months! Harder To Reach: Lawn Lake. 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. 11. that is degrading to another person. This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. 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. In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. Photo by Kyle Jenkins. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. Distance: 11 milesElevation: 2,529 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. No dogs are allowed in the yurt over winter. 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.' Want a bit more of a challenge? 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. Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! After seeing Island Lake continue ahead and take a right to form a small loop. 15 Secret Colorado Lakes and Waterfalls to Discover this Summer The main mountain attraction is Lone Eagle Peak, which climbers can also ascend. However, the serenity of the lakes is well worth the butt-busting effort. This 2,125 acre man-made lake sits about 15 miles south of Kremmling, Colorado in Summit County. Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. If you are up for the challenge Island Lake is worth the visit! Threats of harming another Lake Isabelle is one of the best winter hikes in Colorado (add about five miles round trip for the winter hike). 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. Snow Lake Trail. 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. 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. There are several camping spots by the second lake if youre looking to stay overnight. accounts, the history behind an article. 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. 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 fastest way to get to this beautiful lake in the rocky mountains is to hike from Glacier Gorge Trailhead 5.4 miles round trip with 1,070 ft elevation gain. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. Heart Lake is another great option for backpackers. Photos (9,863) Directions. Alpine Loop. Crested Butte Trails: Emerald Lake This picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation: 807 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: There is a $5 parking fee at both parking lots for St Marys. Best time for Alpine Loop Scenic Byway in Colorado 2023 - Rove.me Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. 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. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. If you're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. Immarite? Dog-Friendly: Bloods Lake - No, Lake Lackawaxen - Yes. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. You'd better allow 7 hours to fully enjoy the scenic beauty, however. Many of the most amazing lakeside views in the state are easily accessible for beginner hikers. 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. When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. Blue lake sits at 11,355 feet and is frozen for much of the year. Access: Transit to Trails is a great option for these hikes! Upper & Lower Bushnell Lakes - Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort Your email address will not be published. Not many people venture to the mountain ranges down south, so expect lots of solitude. This lake is known for the reflection you can see in the lake of 14,000 ft tall Maroon Peaks. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. 7 Popular Colorado ATV & Jeep Trails | Colorado.com