Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. 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. Check out three different alpine lakes in the James Peak Wilderness with the Crater Lakes Trail. You can hike to this lake from either Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Since it's a relatively short hike, this is a great one for a family nature outing. Mount Evans is a 14er that boasts fantastic views of the lake, Mt. In the winter, there is no fee, but the road is closed. In terms of the best lake hikes, Colorado offers some incredibly unique lakes and the Hanging Lake hike takes the cake. When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. 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 . Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Colorado. or anything. The water is piercingly clear blue, which will entice you to jump right in! This adventure features three impressive alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Loch, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond. To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. Those launching float tubes and canoes will appreciate being able to drive within spitting distance of the many lakes and small . Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy spanning alpine lake views. "In cold, productive alpine lakes, trout can live to be quite old," says Jeff Spohn, aquatic biologist for Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. 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. Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. Some hikes, like, Sedona is one of the most amazing places to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. The best time to do this hike is early in the morning for sunrise you wont be mad you did! 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. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. Banff Sunshine. The snowpack is different every year, so its tough to say when trails will be snow-free. Almost countless. You could also do a loop and combine this lake with Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. The Alpine Loop leaves pavement and people behind, crossing the remote, rugged, spectacular heart of the San Juan Mountains. Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: 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! For a real adventure, combine your lake hike in Colorado with an overnight at a yurt. Lake Blanche Trail : An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer . Distance: 6.92 milesElevation: 1804 ftType: Out-and-back. On the way youll pass three additional lakes, including the iconic Dream Lake. Photo by Kyle Jenkins. 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. San Juan National Forest. Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. 2. The Outbound Collective Distance: 2.8 milesElevation: 885 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and local tips: Dogs are allowed to use this trail. Accessing this alpine wonder is simple. This is a busy area, but for good reason, the views are delicious! This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. Youll cross a couple of creeks so be sure to have the appropriate footwear on. Share your suggestions or stories in the comments! 5 hidden lakes in Colorado you probably never knew exsisted Alpine Lake. Doggies welcome. 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.' About. Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. This is the most beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be combined with Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. Arizona has many unique hiking opportunities with a wide range of elevation, climate, and views. If youre lucky, youll get a perfect reflection of these towering peaks against the lake. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. Emerald Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is reached by hiking from Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. For the best wildflowers, do this hike in late July. There are a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. 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. It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. This trail is well-used but has an interesting start as you make your way up next to and around a huge railway tunnel. You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. 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. Something that absolutely should be on your list of things to do with kids in Colorado! 1. Camping here is sure to be an awe-filled experience. It lies at treeline in a spectacular alpine valley framed by Navajo, Apache and Shoshoni peaks. There are three lakes in the basin. Not your computer? 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. 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. Nestled at 7,323 feet, the trail leading to the lake is short but relatively steep, gaining more than a thousand feet in elevation. Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. There was an error processing your request. Its nine miles round trip, gaining about 1,780 feet of elevation. Surprise Lake is also accessible from this set of trails, and all of the lakes offer the added bonus of being the perfect setting for a pristine, secluded backcountry campsite. The trail flattens out at the basin below Columbine Lake and once you arrive you're in for a real treat. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Trail Use: Hiking Only. Bloods Lake and Lackawaxen Trail. Arguably one of the most scenic backpacking routes in Colorado, Gore Lake delivers alpine beauty unlike anything else.Make your way up the challenging trail to an alpine scene that literally looks like a painting. Lush alpine scenery unfolds as you ascend the 8.1-mile out-and-back trail nestled in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton. Throughout the years Ive hiked well over 1,000 miles of terrain here in Colorado. You have permission to edit this collection. Camping is prohibited within a quarter of a mile to protect its fragile environment. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Cutthroats were originally named by William Clark on the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition. Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. The breathtaking clear blue American Lake is located in Aspen, Colorado. 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. 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. But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! The first couple miles of the hike are extremely steep and difficult. person will not be tolerated. Take the dirt road up in elevation as it turns a bit rough closer to the lake. The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. You can take a dip at Sprouting Rock in a stunning turquoise oasis found just behind Hanging Lake. Be Truthful. There are also many opportunities for overnight backcountry adventures at one of the mountain lakes near Denver in James Peak Wilderness. Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that youve already checked with good old Google. This hike also has a waterfall. This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. 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. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. After seeing Island Lake continue ahead and take a right to form a small loop. 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. Directions: From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west or, from Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. Discover this alpine wonder by taking Rogers Pass Trail, a 9.1-mile out-and-back trail located near Rollinsville. Length: 7.9 mi Est. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. And find our listings for off-road outfitters and tour companies here. Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, Im not kidding about the moose! Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. 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. In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. To see views of Lower Blue Lake from above you need to continue hiking up the steep Blue Lakes Trial towards Middle Blue Lake. Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. The alpine wonder rests at an elevation of 10,630 feet located between Flattop Mountain (12,324 feet) and Notchtop Mountain (12,129 feet) ). ATV The Alpine Loop Length: 65 mile loop Drive Time: 5-7 hours Fees: 3-day Pass: $6.00 7-day Pass: $12.00 Annual Pass: $45.00 Or America the Beautiful Pass (National Park Pass) Difficulty: 75% Easy / 25% Difficult (rock outcroppings, drop offs) Access: Easy ATV Friendly Town: Lake City Ideal Riding Season: Mid Summer - September This adventure will bring you by wide open meadows and plenty of wildlife (look out for moose and elk!) (And be sure to take time to branch off and discover the wonder of Salmon Lake along the way, tucked deep in the forest amidst fields of impressive boulders and towering pines.)

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