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. Spalding. 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. On July 21st, 2020, Skip, Bandit, Ezra, and I made our way from Colorado Springs, where we were visiting, up through Wyoming and Montana into Northern Idaho to visit family before heading back to Southern Idaho for work and school. Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Sundial Peak over Lake Blanche. Did your favorite make it to our list of most beautiful lakes near Denver? 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). It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. Distance: 2.8 milesElevation: 885 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and local tips: Dogs are allowed to use this trail. Trek beyond the lakes to reach the 14,065-foot summit of Humboldt Peak. After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) 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. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. Keep in mind permits are required and parking fills up fast. Kevin BuggieBPL Member. If youre looking for a moderate jaunt with big view payout, check out Silver Dollar Lake outside of Georgetown. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can Drive To!) Length: 63 miles. Our other most popular lakeside elopement locations in Colorado are Blue Lakes near Breckenridge and Lake Isabelle near Boulder. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism In fact, this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Banff Sunshine. Above treeline, the weather can move in quickly and even on a sunny day, the air can feel quite cool. This picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. Distance: 7.7 milesElevation: 2,522 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Those launching float tubes and canoes will appreciate being able to drive within spitting distance of the many lakes and small . 8 to 4 miles Round TripElevation: Depends. 5 hidden lakes in Colorado you probably never knew exsisted Alpine Lake. Blue lake sits at 11,355 feet and is frozen for much of the year. Keep it Clean. The 6.3-mile hike takes 2.5-3 hours, and the elevation gain is very gradual for. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Aside from craggy peaks, youll also see wildflowers springing from the ground all along the banks of the lakes during summer. This alpine-lake hike should make every Coloradan's bucket list. The byway provides many scenic overlooks to view each of these Colorado beauties. Mount Evans is a 14er that boasts fantastic views of the lake, Mt. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Simply hike to Loch Vale instead. Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. Threats of harming another Camping in dispersed camping areas gives you the opportunity for a little more privacy and peace and quiet. It lies at treeline in a spectacular alpine valley framed by Navajo, Apache and Shoshoni peaks. Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. However, in the winter months, some of the roads to various trailheads arent maintained, and this may add a substantial amount of snowy hiking to your journey. Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. The hike from Ice Lake to Island Lake is about half a mile with 100 foot elevation gain. 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. Driving time: 4 to 6 hours. It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. Ice Lake Trailhead is located 7 miles west of Silverton. The Alpine Loop starts with the historic high-altitude town of Ouray. This 2,125 acre man-made lake sits about 15 miles south of Kremmling, Colorado in Summit County. Evans and Mt. The main attraction while at the lake is the commanding Hallett Peak. Be Proactive. 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! 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. The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. 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. In order to avoid storms at high altitude, youll want to start your hike EARLY, sometimes before the sun rises, depending on the length of the hike. By: 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! 1. Youll likely want to stay overnight to prolong your time in this picturesque environment, but do note that permits are required for campers. The wildflower lined trail is short and beautiful, clocking in at 2.1 miles round trip. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. Definitely come prepared with a suit to take a dip. Its a total bonus if you hit this trail early and arrive for the sunrise! If youre lucky, youll get a perfect reflection of these towering peaks against the lake. Colorado's Alpine Loop is affectionately called the " Switzerland of America" for a reason! Something that absolutely should be on your list of things to do with kids in Colorado! The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. Photo: Nicola EasterbyDistance: 3.06 milesElevation: 1168 ftType: Out-and-back. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. Ice Lake is a beautiful bright blue alpine lake located at 12,300 feet that requires a very strenuous hike to get to. It is a long day hike (4.6 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 3,100ft. Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. Camp at Twin Lakes White Star Campground. Learn more The hike is difficult but is worth the challenge to get to one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. 1. 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. 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. Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. . Then recheck it the day before your hike. 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). Black lake is a stunning and dramatic lake nestled deep in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Length: 7.9 mi Est. Trek your way through stunning alpine country to one of the most picturesque lakes in the state Hanging Lake. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. There is no shortage of beautiful lakes near Denver, and there are several with magnificently blue water. 11. Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. However, with that being said, its still worth a visit to gaze upon this magical fairytale lake. Also, keep in mind there are restrictions on where you can walk, so be respectful of signs and regulations. Youll get glimpses of Longs Peak and Alberta Falls (in the summer). Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. Surrounding peaks of granite reflect off the lake's beautiful emerald green waters nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. 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.' 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. Among the lakes stocked on Monday, the highest of them - Ptarmigan Lake in Gunnison County - sits at 12,306 feet. Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Dogs welcome. It's about a 3-mile trek out-and-back. "In cold, productive alpine lakes, trout can live to be quite old," says Jeff Spohn, aquatic biologist for Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. The trail features colorful wildflower meadows, breathtaking views, and plenty of wildlife. Use the 'Report' link on If you're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. Distance: 3.77 milesElevation: 722 ftType: Out-and-back. Here are 11 of the best swimming holes in Colorado, from pristine lakes to reservoirs, waterfall pools, and everything in between. or anything. Distance: 5.53 milesElevation: 1056 ftType: Out-and-back. Come July and August, Lawn Lake is arguably the best lake for fishing in the park. Hurricane Nora is forecast to track near Baja California and along the Gulf of California through this weekend with moisture spreading into the Southwest U.S. by the middle of next week. The fee is $5 per person (16 years and older), children under 16 are free. High-clearance vehicles are best suited for getting to this scenic secluded spot. 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. This article will walk you through the best lakes in Colorado and how to get to these lakes. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. You'll find San Cristobal incredibly stunning. The Maroon Bells are world renowned for being some of the most breathtaking mountains in the US. You could also do a loop and combine this lake with Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. Although the entire hike is 2.4 miles long, you will arrive at the lake in half a. However, this is one gorgeous hike, especially during the wildflower season. Alpine Lakes in Colorado. Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Colorado. 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. Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. Stay awhile and enjoy the views! 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. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. 2,568 feet max, MUCH less if starting from the Wheeler Trail.Difficulty: Moderate to easy depending on your route.Red Tape and Local Tips: Unlike many of Colorados famed high clearance roads (where you can usually get away with a small SUV), the road to the top of Crystal Lake is an ACTUAL Jeep trail. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. This is the most beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be combined with Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. Lake Isabelle is one of the best winter hikes in Colorado (add about five miles round trip for the winter hike). Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning beauty. Check out our favorite alpine hikes in Colorado and neighboring states. Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. Water activities including fishing and kayaking are great ways to spend time exploring the area, especially if you plan to stay and camp. Again, it depends. There are a lot of famous alpine lake hikes in Colorado to discover. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation: 846 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. Dogs are welcome, but due to the crowds, keep Fido leashed. Description. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. Share your suggestions or stories in the comments! 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. The 9.5-mile out-and-back trail located near Vail climbs nearly 3,000 feet in elevation before reaching the awe-inspiring mountain lake. Get to know this 6.7-mile out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a large wilderness area spanning the Central Cascades of Washington state in the United States.The wilderness is located in parts of Wenatchee National Forest and Snoqualmie National Forest, and is approximately bounded by Interstate 90 and Snoqualmie Pass to the south and U.S. Route 2 and Stevens Pass to the north. We'd love to hear eyewitness However, dont be fooled by the easy accessibility. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Photo: Whitney JamesDistance: 3.15 milesElevation: 650 ftType: Out-and-back. These lakes are next to Independence Pass, a road that takes you to Aspen. Cutthroats were originally named by William Clark on the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition. For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. 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. Pass by several waterfalls on your way to one of the most magnificent lakes in all of Colorado. With such a delicate ecosystem, your skin oils and sunscreen can kill the wildlife that lives in the lake. My anticipation grows with each new day, as the sun burns hotter, longer, and stronger, thawing the lakes and tundra of the high country and promising a summer filled with days spent in the wilds. Green Mountain Reservoir. The trail also features both forests and meadows budding with an abundance of wildflowers interspersed along the way. Distance: 6.5 milesElevation: 1,804 feetDifficulty: moderate to difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail gets insanely busy in the summer, so start early. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. Cherry Creek Reservoir. Blue Lakes Basin is a must for explorers of the Mount Sneffels Wilderness. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. To see most of these incredible lakes in Colorado on one road trip, check out our Colorado Road Trip Itinerary. Related: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local. Forsythe Canyon Round-trip Distance: 2.2 miles Trailhead: Forsythe Canyon - Lincoln National Forest Difficulty: Easy This short hike starts just outside of Boulder. 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. The first couple miles of the hike are extremely steep and difficult. Doggies welcome. It's a 1.8-mile trek (3.6 miles round trip). Scope out sweet views of Mont Massive and the mighty Sawatch Range (home to 14 of Colorados tallest peaks). This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. Sky Pond is one of the most jaw-dropping sights to see. 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. You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. On the way to Emerald Lake you will also pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. 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! Youll cross a couple of creeks so be sure to have the appropriate footwear on. Lake of the Clouds brings you tranquil scenery and plenty of views. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. Remember to treat this natural wonderland with great care to preserve its vivid beauty and to keep it pristine for those who visit next! Arizona has many unique hiking opportunities with a wide range of elevation, climate, and views. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. At these lakes you can canoe, kayak, and paddle board. Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! Once you get to the lake, focus on the right shoreline, where there is a great drop off for fish to hang out around. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. UPPER & LOWER BUSHNELL LAKES. 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. As a consequence, by mid-June I Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Mary's Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Most of the Alpine lakes lie in valleys that were formed during the uplift of the mountain chain of the Alps. Backpack to three alpine lakes and an alpine lagoon in Roosevelt National Forest. This trail is popular and can get very crowded, so try to hike it either really early or much later in the day. There is plenty of fishing, swimming, camping, and even small, easy hiking trails that provide plenty of family fun. The Arkansas and local streams around my home base of Salida were blown out and muddy well into July. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. Grand Lake. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek located near Crestone. Be cautious, however, as thunderstorms are quite common in the summertime. Filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by mind-blowing settings, these backcountry bodies of water are meant to be enjoyed. Gray Wolf Reintroduction, What Does 2023 Look Like In Colorado? This adventure will bring you by wide open meadows and plenty of wildlife (look out for moose and elk!) Grand Mesa Trails The best lakes in Colorado often require hard hikes to get to but that also means that you can enjoy them with less people. Many of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado are alpine lakes with clear blue water. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. 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. Dream Lake is a vision right out of a fairy tale in the early morning hours. Distance: 8.02 milesElevation: 2500 ftType: Out-and-back. . Before you hit the trail, there are several important things to remember. Distance: 8.47 milesElevation: 1706 ftType: Loop. Yep, us too. Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. Its best to check with AllTrails.com or even local hiking Facebook groups to get the most up-to-date information. For an added challenge and extra mileage, you can even summit Longs Peak for an elevated vantage point! Are there any waterfalls I can visit near Denver? Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 1,765 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. Dont expect solitude here, even in the dead of winter. 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. Lake Isabelle. The hike will start with views of sweeping meadows and will follow along the South Boulder Creek. Miles from Denver: 100 miles. Use a private browsing window to sign in. Start from the Bear Lake parking lot and hike the gentle trail towards Lake Haiyaha, passing through the alluring Emerald Lake. And the fish well, they just float on down, once deployed from the airplane. (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 . Come and try out the great hiking and mountain biking trails too! 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. To see views of Lower Blue Lake from above you need to continue hiking up the steep Blue Lakes Trial towards Middle Blue Lake. We searched for alpine lakes to hike to in the area and came across Crystal Lake in Saint Marie's, Idaho. The freshwater lake is the perfect spot for boating or fishing. 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. To extend your adventure, you can continue on to Isabelle Glacier. 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. Camping is prohibited within a quarter of a mile to protect its fragile environment. As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. The best time to visit is between June and October. 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. 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. The hike to lower blue lake is 6 miles round trip with 1,610 ft elevation gain. There is no overnight parking without a backcountry permit (we learned this the hard way) and there is an entry fee to get to the trailhead. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no . 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. But once there, you can take in impressive panoramas of the valley below as well as hidden meadows, streams, and ponds. Enjoy magnificent views of aspens as you continue through sage and dense forest.