Technically you can swim at many alpine lakes in Colorado, but you probably dont want to. 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. The deep blue waters of the Ice Lakes will leave you in awe. The trail itself is moderately wooded. 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. Trail Use: Hiking Only. Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Colorado. Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. Distance: 10.5 milesElevation: 2,975 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Parking is limited so consider taking the free bus from the Vail Village parking structure to the trailhead. Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. Among the lakes stocked on Monday, the highest of them - Ptarmigan Lake in Gunnison County - sits at 12,306 feet. This moderate hike is a great way to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in Colorado without the lung-busting elevation gain. UPPER & LOWER BUSHNELL LAKES. There are three lakes in the basin. 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. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Eloping in Colorado gives you access to epic views of 15 mountain ranges, 54 peaks over 10,000 feet, alpine lakes, meadows of wildflowers, and a vast variety of gorgeous backdrops. The snowpack is different every year, so its tough to say when trails will be snow-free. Alpine lakes are defined by being any lake that sits above 10,000 feet above sea level. 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. Bushnell lakes sit under Bushnell Peak and SE of Stout Lakes drainage. 1. 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. If you do this hike in the winter, youll experience different scenery, but surely just as stunning. Distance: Depends. However, with that being said, its still worth a visit to gaze upon this magical fairytale lake. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Mohawk Lakes offer plenty of picture-perfect backcountry camping or opportunities to summit nearby mountains, such as Father Dyer. before arriving at the lake, where goof fishing has been reported. Temperatures are often utterly freezing, since most alpine lakes are fed by snowmelt. Grand Mesa Trails Then recheck it the day before your hike. It's demandingthe two 12,000-foot passes (Cinnamon and Engineer) require a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle but the well-prepared motorist reaps . With so many lake hikes, Colorado will have your hiking itinerary booked for years! You'd better allow 7 hours to fully enjoy the scenic beauty, however. Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. And find our listings for off-road outfitters and tour companies here. However, this is one gorgeous hike, especially during the wildflower season. 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. Most of these lakes are accessible by foot only, although you can also drive to quite a few of them. You could also do a loop and combine this lake with Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. Colorado has many picturesque lakes surrounded by high peaks. 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. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. An alternative to driving on your own is to. Lake Blanche Trail : An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer . Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. The trail is located near Glenwood Springs, offering the perfect post-adventure spot. Distance: 7.7 milesElevation: 2,522 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Distance: 6.8 milesElevation: 1,548 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape: Many 14er-enthusiasts camp here overnight before their summit bids. We'd love to hear eyewitness The trail will take you through both wildflower-filled meadows and forest. Twin Lakes are two beautiful lakes located at the base of Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado. Camping in dispersed camping areas gives you the opportunity for a little more privacy and peace and quiet. Distance: 6.92 milesElevation: 1804 ftType: Out-and-back. Plan accordingly. Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. Check that the ice is fully frozen on the lake before stepping on to cross in the colder months! Bloods Lake and Lackawaxen Trail. Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. You'll find San Cristobal incredibly stunning. 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. There are hiking trails near the lakes with great views of the lakes and surrounding mountains. Gore Lake. Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! Nineteen of the 24 lakes shown in the video sit above 10,000 feet in elevation. Cash fees may apply for accessing the area. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Long Lake is an alpine explorers paradise. You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic. Note that parking at the Brainard Lake Recreational Area lot costs $10 and fills up quickly. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. We searched for alpine lakes to hike to in the area and came across Crystal Lake in Saint Marie's, Idaho. For the best wildflowers, do this hike in late July. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. Distance: 8.12 milesElevation: 2037 ftType: Out-and-back. . Camping here is sure to be an awe-filled experience. 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. The hike is difficult but is worth the challenge to get to one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. 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. It is nestled between the towns of Ridgway and Telluride. By the way, the lake we hiked to was Lost Lake past Eldora.loaded with brookies but also unfortunately with groups of loud hikers and overnight campers, despite the steep uphill climb. However, if you are up for a little hike, you'll discover that Blue Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness is true to its name. Head to the far side of this open space and follow the trail through a stream and continue upwards until you reach a campsite at about the one-mile mark. Travel over the off-road driving trail (either on foot or by 44) and reach the Alta Ghost Town. Go early. Most of the Alpine lakes lie in valleys that were formed during the uplift of the mountain chain of the Alps. There are a lot of famous alpine lake hikes in Colorado to discover. 5h 16m. For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. Arrive early to get a spot and spend more of the day exploring! Many of the most amazing lakeside views in the state are easily accessible for beginner hikers. The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. 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. This 7.7 miles trail boasts a wow factor unlike any other. The 8.9-mile out-and-back trail is blazed in beauty. This Rocky Mountain National Park adventure provides an opportunity to catch an unforgettable sunrise. Youll begin the hike winding through dense forest before the scenery opens up to an incredible view of Longs Peak. Distance: 11 milesElevation: 2,529 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Rollins Pass is in the FunTreks Northern Colorado Backroads 4 Wheel Drive . Sundial Peak over Lake Blanche. Distance: 14.6 milesElevation: 2,373 feetDifficulty: A difficult day hike or a moderate overnight backpackRed Tape and Local Tips: Permits are required for backpacking from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The Alpine Loop leaves pavement and people behind, crossing the remote, rugged, spectacular heart of the San Juan Mountains. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. Here are 11 of the best swimming holes in Colorado, from pristine lakes to reservoirs, waterfall pools, and everything in between. Black lake is a stunning and dramatic lake nestled deep in Rocky Mountain National Park. Accessibility from North Cascades Highway makes it an excellent stop on a road trip through the area. 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. You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. Located in the San Juan Mountains, the lake also attracts a variety of wildlife including elk and moose. Yes. Please note, reservations may be required to visit the park. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. Continue for several more miles until reaching the base of The Spearhead, a famous mountaineering objective. Blue lake sits at 11,355 feet and is frozen for much of the year. Check the weather. 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. Extend your time at this magnificent spot and camp at one of the campsites found around both lakes. Granite spires surrounding the lake, one referred to as sharks tooth. There are also two 13,000-foot peaks nearby, Taylor and Powell. Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. Start from the Bear Lake parking lot and hike the gentle trail towards Lake Haiyaha, passing through the alluring Emerald Lake. Photo: Nicola EasterbyDistance: 3.06 milesElevation: 1168 ftType: Out-and-back. Blue Lakes Trail in Telluride, Colorado takes you to three of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning beauty. Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. Another long-distance doozy, the Twin Crater Lakes hike is well-worth a backpack, unless you have hiking superpowers, in which case, it technically can be done in a day. Dogs are welcome, but due to the crowds, keep Fido leashed. The Maroon Bells are world renowned for being some of the most breathtaking mountains in the US. Take a Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park 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. Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! Twin Lakes is located at the foot of the highest mountain in the entire Rocky Mountain Range along the continental divide and is also Colorados largest natural glacier lake. Trek beyond the lakes to reach the 14,065-foot summit of Humboldt Peak. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. Please note, reservations are required to visit the lake. Heart Lake is another great option for backpackers. The Outbound Collective 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. Jewel Lake is accessible by a three-mile hike and Clear Lake requires an eight-mile hike to get to. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. These high-altitude lakes are typically much clearer than their low elevation counterparts and are often fed directly by snowmelt. Threats of harming another Think again! Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. Sandbeach Lake has a wide sandy shore thats perfect for picnicking or simply sitting to take in the scenery. Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. Bear Lake is a popular lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Youll cross a couple of creeks so be sure to have the appropriate footwear on. Water activities including fishing and kayaking are great ways to spend time exploring the area, especially if you plan to stay and camp. Cottonwood Lake Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. This adventure leads you through the Holy Cross Wilderness where youll be surrounded by beautiful forests. To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. 1. Lake Isabelle is one of the best winter hikes in Colorado (add about five miles round trip for the winter hike). 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. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. Talk about iconic Colorado views! You can hike to this lake from either Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. With that being said, typically alpine lakes are frozen and mostly snow-free starting in July through around mid-October depending on the year. Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. Pass by several waterfalls on your way to one of the most magnificent lakes in all of Colorado. 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. 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. 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. 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. Snow Lake Trail. Another worthwhile alpine lake hike near Breckenridge is Crystal Lake, which gives the ultimate solitude and scenery double punch. This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. Hike to Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes, 25. This trail is well-used but has an interesting start as you make your way up next to and around a huge railway tunnel. The water is piercingly clear blue, which will entice you to jump right in! Unfortunately, in the summer it can get hot with temperatures, The American Southwest features incredible natural wonders and landscapes that cannot be missed. You'll be crossing a few small streams, so be careful after heavy rains. And located in the saddle of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, Tyndall Glacier (one of five active glaciers in the park) offers breathtaking views. 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 Bear Lake Trailhead it is about 4.2 miles roundtrip with 840 ft elevation gain. Youll need high clearance to get to the upper lot. 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. . You can stop off at the lake and explore before driving to the summit of Mt. Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado is an easy daytime hike that features expansive alpine landscapes and brilliant turquoise waters. The picturesque lakes are tucked away near the mountains of Breckenridge. Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. This scenic hike in Rocky Mountain National Park begins at the popular Glacier Gorge trailhead, but you can avoid the crowds by heading out later in the afternoon and be rewarded by an incredible sunset. There is plenty of fishing, swimming, camping, and even small, easy hiking trails that provide plenty of family fun. If you just cant get enough alpine lakes in Colorado, why not choose a hiking trail that hits four different Lakes? 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. accounts, the history behind an article. . Don't Threaten. 1. 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. Lake Helene is another great option for explorers of Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. Make sure to pay attention to trail signs and take a GPS, there are a lot of intersecting trails in the area. If you're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. Please explore responsibly! Opt to get there early or make it an overnight to get more time. Distance: 4.51 milesElevation: 1090 ftType: Out-and-back. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. Youll have the added bonus of passing two additional scenic alpine lakes along the way. The trail also features both forests and meadows budding with an abundance of wildflowers interspersed along the way. The video showcases the beauty of Colorado's high country. Before you hit the trail, there are several important things to remember. Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. 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.' Local Tip: This hike is also near some of the best free camping near Denver. The hike to lower blue lake is 6 miles round trip with 1,610 ft elevation gain. Dispersed camping does take a little more planning, but the extra work will be well worth it. 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. The trail flattens out at the basin below Columbine Lake and once you arrive you're in for a real treat. + Save to a List. If you already made it to Middle Blue Lake it is a quick 0.2 mile walk to Upper Blue Lake. This glacial lake is the largest natural lake in Colorado in terms of surface area, depth, and total water volume. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. Although Gore Lake looks reasonable on paper, this is a tough hike, with much of the elevation gained in the last couple of miles. 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. Resting beautifully at an elevation of 9,003 feet. Photo: Whitney JamesDistance: 3.15 milesElevation: 650 ftType: Out-and-back. High-clearance vehicles are best suited for getting to this scenic secluded spot. Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. Directions: From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west or, from Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. Also, dont be an ass, you are not allowed to swim or climb around on the logs here. Evans and Mt. 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. If youre looking for a moderate jaunt with big view payout, check out Silver Dollar Lake outside of Georgetown. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. Required fields are marked *. Catch dramatic views of the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak. Success! Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. 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. Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. Come July and August, Lawn Lake is arguably the best lake for fishing in the park. Wander the lake at sunrise for incredible views. 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. Local Tip: Check out Ouray, one of the most stunning Colorado mountain towns, post-hike! Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. 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.' Driving time: 4 to 6 hours. Miles from Denver: 100 miles. Walk another half mile and youll see a beautiful waterfall, followed by stellar views of Lily Lake. Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. Connecting the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake, Trail Ridge Road traverses Rocky Mountain National Park, making this one of the most scenic mountain passes in Colorado. For more information on how to do this lake loop, continue to our Rocky Mountain National Park Guide. 20 Gift Ideas for People Who Love to Travel, 10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary: From Hot Springs to Cloud Forests, Sedona Off the Beaten Path: Sedona Hidden Gems, Top Shaded Hikes in Sedona: Sedona Summer Hikes, 16 Top Destinations in the Southwest US You Must See. It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . In the spring and early summer you can enjoy wildflowers on the hikes, and in the fall you get to see the Aspens fall foliage. But once there, you can take in impressive panoramas of the valley below as well as hidden meadows, streams, and ponds. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Distance: 3.97 milesElevation: 1299 ftType: Out-and-back. Photo: Abby VohaskaDistance: 8.81 miles Elevation: 2635 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. Enjoy magnificent views of aspens as you continue through sage and dense forest. 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). 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. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Mary's Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Check out our favorite alpine hikes in Colorado and neighboring states. Those launching float tubes and canoes will appreciate being able to drive within spitting distance of the many lakes and small . Stargazing at night is amazing, so be sure to bring a camera if youre into night photography! 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. You could spend a lifetime trying to see all of the alpine lakes in Colorado and just barely scratch the surface.