Forsythe Canyon Round-trip Distance: 2.2 miles Trailhead: Forsythe Canyon - Lincoln National Forest Difficulty: Easy This short hike starts just outside of Boulder. Photos (9,863) Directions. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! If you love the wildflowers, don't miss the serene trek into Eagles Nest Wilderness to Gore Lake. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, 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. all along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America's most . 1. Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. This adventure will bring you by wide open meadows and plenty of wildlife (look out for moose and elk!) Youll need high clearance to get to the upper lot. An alternative to driving on your own is toreserve a spoton the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands Village to Maroon Bells. From hiking around the water to fishing, boating, picnicking, and swimming . Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, Im not kidding about the moose! After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) Camping is permitted and free around Alta Lakes in Telluride with campsites littered all around the three lakes. 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. Distance: 14.94 milesElevation: 2421 ftType: Out-and-back. San Juan National Forest. 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. Share your suggestions or stories in the comments! Then, continue climbing to blue Lake at the base of Mt. Enjoy spanning vistas of the Tenmile Range including Pacific Peak, Atlantic Peak, and Crystal Peak (all of which are excellent Colorado 13ers to try!). In fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. You could spend a lifetime trying to see all of the alpine lakes in Colorado and just barely scratch the surface. Keep moving forward and the trail will switch back and then head up the mountain. This 2,125 acre man-made lake sits about 15 miles south of Kremmling, Colorado in Summit County. Thats right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town! Youll likely want to stay overnight to prolong your time in this picturesque environment, but do note that permits are required for campers. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado. The ideal time to visit is. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Think again! This water adventure features beautiful cascading waterfalls among steep rocky cliffs and lush green pine trees. 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 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. Distance: 5.53 milesElevation: 1056 ftType: Out-and-back. Parking is $5 at the Summit Lake parking lot. Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. It is a long day hike (4.6 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 3,100ft. Access: Transit to Trails is a great option for these hikes! The lakes are also great fishing destinations, so be sure to pack a rod and some tackle along with your tent for a surreal nature getaway. There are a lot of famous alpine lake hikes in Colorado to discover. . You even get two lakes for the price of one hike. Something that absolutely should be on your list of things to do with kids in Colorado! Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. The Maroon Bells are world renowned for being some of the most breathtaking mountains in the US. Learn more 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 This trail is popular and can get very crowded, so try to hike it either really early or much later in the day. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. This article will walk you through the best lakes in Colorado and how to get to these lakes. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. This is a phenomenal spot for a picnic lunch and a SUP experience. Our other most popular lakeside elopement locations in Colorado are Blue Lakes near Breckenridge and Lake Isabelle near Boulder. Your email address will not be published. Parking early in the morning is free at the Bear Lake Trailhead. She'd rather be dirty than done up. Lake Blanche Trail : An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer . Maroon Creek Road which leads to Maroon Bells is usually open between May and November and you are required to makereservations ahead of time to enter Maroon Bells area. However, with that being said, its still worth a visit to gaze upon this magical fairytale lake. Granite spires surrounding the lake, one referred to as sharks tooth. There are also two 13,000-foot peaks nearby, Taylor and Powell. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. Many of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado are alpine lakes with clear blue water. Evans at 14,265', or you can take the trail less traveled and summit using one of the many official and unofficial routes to the top from the lake. Youll get glimpses of Longs Peak and Alberta Falls (in the summer). Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. There are a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. racist or sexually-oriented language. The Alpine Lakes is the largest wilderness area . Also, keep in mind there are restrictions on where you can walk, so be respectful of signs and regulations. The backcountry hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes features abundant wildlife, glorious mountain backdrops, and beautiful wildflowers. Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. With 50 square miles of golden aspens. To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. Everyone knows about Hanging Lake, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. 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. Jewel Lake is accessible by a three-mile hike and Clear Lake requires an eight-mile hike to get to. Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. Before you hit the trail, there are several important things to remember. Ive been hiking in Colorado for over 13 years. And the fish well, they just float on down, once deployed from the airplane. You're going to want to bring your camera on these adventures. 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. Alpine lakes, old cabins, creek crossings, summer wildflowers, a stupendous waterfall, and unimaginable views. Alpine Loop. To see views of Lower Blue Lake from above you need to continue hiking up the steep Blue Lakes Trial towards Middle Blue Lake. 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. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Mary's Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Hike to Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes, 25. Gore Lake. Grand Mesa Trails Camping is prohibited within a quarter of a mile to protect its fragile environment. It's the state's highest peak. You'd better allow 7 hours to fully enjoy the scenic beauty, however. Use a private browsing window to sign in. Throughout the post youll find: Absolutely. Accessibility from North Cascades Highway makes it an excellent stop on a road trip through the area. Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). 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! By: Definitely come prepared with a suit to take a dip. Dog-friendly. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. 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. To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. Trek beyond the lakes to reach the 14,065-foot summit of Humboldt Peak. The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. At these lakes you can canoe, kayak, and paddle board. "In cold, productive alpine lakes, trout can live to be quite old," says Jeff Spohn, aquatic biologist for Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. Many of the most amazing lakeside views in the state are easily accessible for beginner hikers. We strive to work together to protect public lands and fight for the well-being of our future generations so they, too, may be able to experience these landscapes. These high-altitude lakes are typically much clearer than their low elevation counterparts and are often fed directly by snowmelt. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can Drive To!) Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. Maroon Lake brings you the best of the Bells, the Maroon Bells that is. Miles from Denver: 100 miles. This truly-epic alpine lake hike is long, but worth the effort. Be on the lookout for the moose who call this beautiful mountain landscape home! Long Lake is an alpine explorers paradise. 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 . Spooky indeed! Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. Lake Helene is another great option for explorers of Rocky Mountain National Park. The United States Should Adopt The Allemannsretten, 5 Great Spots in Colorado for Fall Colors. Breathe in the fresh air and set up a hammock to enjoy the most incredible mountain and alpine lake backdrop. Water activities including fishing and kayaking are great ways to spend time exploring the area, especially if you plan to stay and camp. More Information 2. This moderate hike is a great way to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in Colorado without the lung-busting elevation gain. Length: 63 miles. Heart Lake is another great option for backpackers. Remember to treat this natural wonderland with great care to preserve its vivid beauty and to keep it pristine for those who visit next! 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. Since its such an iconic spot, you likely wont find yourself alone, unless you plan wisely and go early in the season, late in the evening, or during the winter. Be cautious, however, as thunderstorms are quite common in the summertime. Check out our favorite alpine hikes in Colorado and neighboring states. Just one valley over from Cyrstal Lake is Mohawk Lakes, another set of stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. Local Tip: Check out Ouray, one of the most stunning Colorado mountain towns, post-hike! Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. . 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. In reality, you can make your way to an alpine lake any time of the year. Snow Lake Trail. Gray Wolf Reintroduction, What Does 2023 Look Like In Colorado? 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. Nestled in those mountains behind Trout Lake sits Hope Lake. This lake is located in the alpine layer at 11,746 ft and as you get closer to the lake it will get significantly colder and more windy. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. Blue Lakes Trail in Telluride, Colorado takes you to three of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. It's a 1.8-mile trek (3.6 miles round trip). Since the trail to get to Ice Lake is steep and long you should make sure to wear hiking boots. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. But once there, you can take in impressive panoramas of the valley below as well as hidden meadows, streams, and ponds. To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. 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 This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. Starting at 10,390 elevation and reaching 12,000 this hike has it all. Backpack to three alpine lakes and an alpine lagoon in Roosevelt National Forest. Lowest Depth: 265 feet. Related: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local. 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. On the way to Emerald Lake you will also pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. Loop or Out and Back: Out and Back or Loop. Temperatures are often utterly freezing, since most alpine lakes are fed by snowmelt. To see most of these incredible lakes in Colorado on one road trip, check out our Colorado Road Trip Itinerary. Youll cross a couple of creeks so be sure to have the appropriate footwear on. Also, dont be an ass, you are not allowed to swim or climb around on the logs here. Those launching float tubes and canoes will appreciate being able to drive within spitting distance of the many lakes and small . With such a delicate ecosystem, your skin oils and sunscreen can kill the wildlife that lives in the lake. There are three lakes in the basin. 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 views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. Did your favorite make it to our list of most beautiful lakes 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. Success! Overview. 1. Distance: 2.93 milesElevation: 675 ftType: Loop. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. The fee is $5 per person (16 years and older), children under 16 are free. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. 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. Emerald Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is reached by hiking from Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. 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. However, dont be fooled by the easy accessibility. Youll want to be prepared for cooler weather, even in the middle of summer. There are hiking trails near the lakes with great views of the lakes and surrounding mountains. The trail is located near Glenwood Springs, offering the perfect post-adventure spot. The hike from Bear Lake Trailhead is 3.6 miles round trip with about 740 ft elevation gain. Green Mountain Reservoir. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Make sure you have the necessary permits before setting up camp. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. 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. For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. The winding hike leads you past dreamy fields of wildflowers before reaching the sparkling aqua the area is known for. Unfortunately, in the summer it can get hot with temperatures, The American Southwest features incredible natural wonders and landscapes that cannot be missed. For an added challenge and extra mileage, you can even summit Longs Peak for an elevated vantage point! Distance: 2.8 miles round trip. Once you get to the lake, focus on the right shoreline, where there is a great drop off for fish to hang out around. Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. This trail is well-used but has an interesting start as you make your way up next to and around a huge railway tunnel. From Bear Lake Trailhead it is about 4.2 miles roundtrip with 840 ft elevation gain. 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). Located near Gardener, Colorado, this amazing alpine lake Colorado hike starts with a downhill trek into a vast, meadow with stunning, panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. No dogs. 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). This hike also has a waterfall. Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. 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. Keep in mind that State Forest State Park requires a fee. Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail to access starts off at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. 2. Yes. Lush alpine scenery unfolds as you ascend the 8.1-mile out-and-back trail nestled in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton. Which lake near Denver has the bluest water? Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. The hike is difficult but is worth the challenge to get to one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Mount Evans is a 14er that boasts fantastic views of the lake, Mt. Lake Isabelle. Be Nice. You have permission to edit this collection. The cold water is characteristic of alpine lakes. Doggies welcome. 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. Camp at Twin Lakes White Star Campground. You'll be surrounded by jagged peak, stunning summer wildflower displays, and crystal clear waters. Nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park lies Dream Lake. In fact, this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. If you are looking for something a little easier to get to, try James Peak Wilderness. Share with Us. Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. Willow Lake offers a backpacking adventure into the Sangre de Cristo range. Lake Isabelle is one of the best winter hikes in Colorado (add about five miles round trip for the winter hike). Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. 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. Surface Area: 507 acres. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. Plan accordingly. 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. If you are a fan of high alpine lakes without having to travel far . each comment to let us know of abusive posts. The trail starts off steep, dropping into a valley before running flat, then climbing steeply up again. 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. Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. Keep in mind, the average hiker moves at about 2 miles an hour or covers 1,000 feet of elevation gain in an hour. Distance: 6.8 milesElevation: 1,548 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape: Many 14er-enthusiasts camp here overnight before their summit bids. Take the dirt road up in elevation as it turns a bit rough closer to the lake. We can easily drive 30 minutes into high elevation aspen forests & alpine lakes when desired. Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links for products and services I recommend. Are there any waterfalls I can visit near Denver? This 7.7 miles trail boasts a wow factor unlike any other. The first lake on this trail is Lower Blue Lake, a clear bright blue lake within the Mount Sneffels Wilderness Area at 10,952 ft elevation. Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. 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! We searched for alpine lakes to hike to in the area and came across Crystal Lake in Saint Marie's, Idaho. Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that youve already checked with good old Google. Cottonwood Lake The middle and upper are said to have the best views. person will not be tolerated. Almost countless. Talk about iconic Colorado views! Take the Wheeler trail until it intersects with Crystal Creek Road. Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back Pass by several waterfalls on your way to one of the most magnificent lakes in all of Colorado. . This is one of the easiest lakes on this list to get to, but is therefore also the most crowded. Please note, reservations are required to visit the lake. Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. Improve this listing. 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.' Required fields are marked *. While the 7.9-mile out-and-back trail is relatively easy for day hikers used to the distance, there are several campgrounds located along the shore of the lowest lake. . In winter the trail may be impossible without ice climbing gear. 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. Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. An alternative to driving on your own is to. If you do this hike in the winter, youll experience different scenery, but surely just as stunning. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Cherry Creek Reservoir. Scope out sweet views of Mont Massive and the mighty Sawatch Range (home to 14 of Colorados tallest peaks). 17. The hike will start with views of sweeping meadows and will follow along the South Boulder Creek. Square Top Lakes, Guanella Pass Square Top Lakes via Shutterstock. Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. The breathtaking clear blue American Lake is located in Aspen, Colorado. Driving to Alpine Lakes Some lakes, like Cottonwood Lake or O'Haver Lake, are accessible by car, and even more can be found with a little hiking effort. Seriouslyover 2,000! That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. 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. By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. 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. 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. Located outside of the beautiful mountain town of Vail, the trail to the lake is about 12.5 miles out-and-back. The trail itself is moderately wooded. Throughout the years Ive hiked well over 1,000 miles of terrain here in Colorado. You'll be crossing a few small streams, so be careful after heavy rains. Distance: 3.9 milesElevation: 1,062 feetDifficulty: Easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Sometimes the road in is closed, which adds about a mile each way. Although the entire hike is 2.4 miles long, you will arrive at the lake in half a. Cash fees may apply for accessing the area. Another worthwhile alpine lake hike near Breckenridge is Crystal Lake, which gives the ultimate solitude and scenery double punch. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek located near Crestone. Grand Lake. Trout Lake is a short drive from the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village towards Lizard Head Pass. Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake with clear teal water. Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. Bushnell lakes sit under Bushnell Peak and SE of Stout Lakes drainage. Nestled at 7,323 feet, the trail leading to the lake is short but relatively steep, gaining more than a thousand feet in elevation. 2. Make sure to pay attention to trail signs and take a GPS, there are a lot of intersecting trails in the area.