12 Most Beautiful Lakes in Colorado - Getaway Compass They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. Chasm Lake makes for a beautiful summer adventure. 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. Not many people venture to the mountain ranges down south, so expect lots of solitude. Come July and August, Lawn Lake is arguably the best lake for fishing in the park. You'll take the Mitchell Lake Trail, crossing Mitchell Creek and passing Mitchell Lake along the way. Resting beautifully at an elevation of 9,003 feet. Parking early in the morning is free at the Bear Lake Trailhead. Dog-friendly. Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? "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 most part. or anything. Photos (9,863) Directions. Pass by several waterfalls on your way to one of the most magnificent lakes in all of Colorado. Accessing this alpine wonder is simple. Many of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado are alpine lakes with clear blue water. Articles by Heather Brinkman's Profile | Daily Camera, Longmont Times Directions SUV recommended: From the Town of Crested Butte, take Gothic Road (Route 135) north a total of 12.6 miles. As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. Not your computer? Here you'll find a campground, cabins, and dispersed camping. Keep in mind that State Forest State Park requires a fee. Then, continue climbing to blue Lake at the base of Mt. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! Dont expect solitude here, even in the dead of winter. 11. The breathtaking clear blue American Lake is located in Aspen, Colorado. Named for its stunning waters, Emerald Lake is overflowing with beauty. The road will dead end at Moffat Tunnel where you'll find ample parking in a gravel lot with restrooms. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). For more information on how to do this lake loop, continue to our Rocky Mountain National Park Guide. 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. The water is piercingly clear blue, which will entice you to jump right in! Theres no shortage of fantastic mountain and lake views. Distance: 2.8 miles round trip. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. 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. 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. Distance: 7.7 milesElevation: 2,522 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. But once there, you can take in impressive panoramas of the valley below as well as hidden meadows, streams, and ponds. Rollins Pass is in the FunTreks Northern Colorado Backroads 4 Wheel Drive . 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. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Fly Fishing Alpine Lakes - Evergreen Trout It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. Moderate 4.6 (8765) Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. If you just cant get enough alpine lakes in Colorado, why not choose a hiking trail that hits four different Lakes? A Guide to Skiing Banff: An Inside Look at the SkiBig3 Resorts | GearJunkie If you are actually interested in how my dogs are incredibly cared for (& my dog skijoring/ mushing ventures), you can see where they live via @mesamutts on IG - 5 acre fenced dog paradise. 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. Note that this hike does require permits, so be sure to reserve yours in advance to enjoy this fun summertime waterfall adventure! Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. 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. This article will walk you through the best lakes in Colorado and how to get to these lakes. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. Again, it depends. The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. Most of these lakes are accessible by foot only, although you can also drive to quite a few of them. Mount Evans is a 14er that boasts fantastic views of the lake, Mt. Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Colorado. that is degrading to another person. 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. Distance: 4.51 milesElevation: 1090 ftType: Out-and-back. Are there any waterfalls I can visit near Denver? The video showcases the beauty of Colorado's high country. Best time for Alpine Loop Scenic Byway in Colorado 2023 - Rove.me Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. No dogs. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. Cottonwood Lake Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. Thousands of fish dropped from plane into Colorado alpine lakes The picturesque lakes are tucked away near the mountains of Breckenridge. . An alternative to driving on your own is to. Lush alpine scenery unfolds as you ascend the 8.1-mile out-and-back trail nestled in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton. Each of these alpine lake hikes brings you the best of the Rocky Mountains and picturesque mountain scenery of places like Leadville. 1. Though close in proximity to Maroon Lake, Crater Lake is a less crowded destination, yet still unbelievably scenic. You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. Alpine Loop. Definitely come prepared with a suit to take a dip. Unfortunately, in the summer it can get hot with temperatures, The American Southwest features incredible natural wonders and landscapes that cannot be missed. Local Tip: The Bear Lake parking area fills up quickly throughout the year, even on weekdays, so plan on arriving early or be prepared to take a shuttle. 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. Photo: Ryan DewaneDistance: 8.43 milesElevation: 1780 ftType: Out-and-back. Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. 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 Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado | Colorado.com If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. Forsythe Canyon Round-trip Distance: 2.2 miles Trailhead: Forsythe Canyon - Lincoln National Forest Difficulty: Easy This short hike starts just outside of Boulder. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. Be Truthful. 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. Elevation Gain: 465 feet. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 1,765 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. This picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. Alpine lakes | Britannica OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Yep, us too. Pikes Peak - America's Mountain | Colorado Springs Learn more All photos (263) For a real adventure, combine your lake hike in Colorado with an overnight at a yurt. 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. Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links for products and services I recommend. Camping is prohibited within a quarter of a mile to protect its fragile environment. If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. This adventure leads you through the Holy Cross Wilderness where youll be surrounded by beautiful forests. Alpine Loop National Backcountry Byway, Colorado Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. 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. Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. Washington's Best Lakes | Outdoor Project Once you get to the lake, focus on the right shoreline, where there is a great drop off for fish to hang out around. VIDEO: Aerial Fish Stocking Operation Brings Trout to Colorado's Since it's a relatively short hike, this is a great one for a family nature outing. With 50 square miles of golden aspens. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. You can stop off at the lake and explore before driving to the summit of Mt. Make your way up the two-mile trail to the base of St. Marys Glacier (not really a glacier, but a permanent snowfield) where there is a picture-perfect alpine lake. Welcome to Fish-Full Colorado: A Guide to Fly Fishing in Colorado - Curated . Arrive early to get a spot and spend more of the day exploring! . Alpine Loop Colorado Department of Transportation Print/PDF map. Distance: 6.8 milesElevation: 1,548 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape: Many 14er-enthusiasts camp here overnight before their summit bids. This is a busy area, but for good reason, the views are delicious! 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. These lakes are next to Independence Pass, a road that takes you to Aspen. 5 hidden lakes in Colorado you probably never knew exsisted Alpine Lake. Top 12 Mountain Views in Colorado: Where to See Colorado's Best Scenery Access: Transit to Trails is a great option for these hikes! Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. The Alpine Loop leaves pavement and people behind, crossing the remote, rugged, spectacular heart of the San Juan Mountains. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. The freshwater lake is the perfect spot for boating or fishing. This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. 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. The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road. You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic. The Outbound Collective This is the most beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be combined with Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. If you are a fan of high alpine lakes without having to travel far . Here are 11 of the best swimming holes in Colorado, from pristine lakes to reservoirs, waterfall pools, and everything in between. This route is delicate, so always practice Leave No Trace when visiting. Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. You can take a dip at Sprouting Rock in a stunning turquoise oasis found just behind Hanging Lake. The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. Keep moving forward and the trail will switch back and then head up the mountain. There's a reason Maroon Lake is arguably the most photographed lake in the state. Cutthroats were originally named by William Clark on the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition. Youll find over 2,000 alpine lakes in Colorado. 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. Sky Pond is one of the most jaw-dropping sights to see. Length: 7.9 mi Est. Take the Wheeler trail until it intersects with Crystal Creek Road. Distance: 6.92 milesElevation: 1804 ftType: Out-and-back. Bushnell lakes sit under Bushnell Peak and SE of Stout Lakes drainage. This 2,125 acre man-made lake sits about 15 miles south of Kremmling, Colorado in Summit County. Spooky indeed! Pass by the popular Alberta Falls, but keep trekking to leave the crowds behind and find yourself in complete solitude in this vast and unbelievably beautiful wilderness. Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. 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. Description. Recommended Fly Assortment for Colorado Alpine Creeks and Lakes Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, Im not kidding about the moose! The trail also features both forests and meadows budding with an abundance of wildflowers interspersed along the way. Youll be gasping for air from the steep inclines and incredible scenes. 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. Both alpine lakes sit at an elevation of about 11,000 feet. If you do this hike in the winter, youll experience different scenery, but surely just as stunning. Talk about iconic Colorado views! Nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park lies Dream Lake. Explore the fantastically beautiful cirque and enjoy views of Kit Carson, The Crestones, and Humboldt Peak. Youll need high clearance to get to the upper lot. Once at the lakes, you can go for a swim (so bring a suit!) 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. The total hike round trip to Upper Blue Lake is 8 miles with 2,404 ft elevation gain. Its nine miles round trip, gaining about 1,780 feet of elevation. Blue lake sits at 11,355 feet and is frozen for much of the year. What is Lindsey's job? : r/LoveOffTheGrid Threats of harming another In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. 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. Alpine lake help, I know this is a long shot! : ) - FishExplorer Required fields are marked *. It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . In terms of the best lake hikes, Colorado offers some incredibly unique lakes and the Hanging Lake hike takes the cake. Nineteen of the 24 lakes shown in the video sit above 10,000 feet in elevation. Getting caught in a lightning storm at altitude is dangerous, it kills people every year, so be sure to check the weather and plan appropriately. The 8.9-mile out-and-back trail is blazed in beauty. If you are looking for something a little easier to get to, try James Peak Wilderness. You'll find San Cristobal incredibly stunning. Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake with clear teal water. To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. Dream Lake is a vision right out of a fairy tale in the early morning hours. For an added challenge and extra mileage, you can even summit Longs Peak for an elevated vantage point! After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) It's a 1.8-mile trek (3.6 miles round trip). Before reaching Heart Lake, be sure to soak in the alpine views first at Rogers Lake. 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. Fish a high lake near Buena Vista & Salida, Colorado The natural beauty of a waterfall is within easy reach of Denver. Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. Here are the lessons I have learned! It's the state's highest peak. Many of the most amazing lakeside views in the state are easily accessible for beginner hikers. This popular alpine lake Colorado hike near Vail, Colorado will take you across Pitkin Creek and on an intense, narrow climb up the mountain. Before you hit the trail, there are several important things to remember. The trail is about 6.8 miles round trip to Ice Lake with 2,457 ft elevation gain. For dramatic views of Longs Peak and the iconic Diamond headwall, head up to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. 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. Length 6.7 miElevation gain 1,699 ftRoute type Out & back. Come and try out the great hiking and mountain biking trails too! This adventure features three impressive alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Loch, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond. Be Proactive. Snow Lake Trail. 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. Related: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local. This alpine-lake hike should make every Coloradan's bucket list. Gore Lake. This trail is popular and can get very crowded, so try to hike it either really early or much later in the day. Lowest Depth: 265 feet. Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Cherry Creek Reservoir. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek located near Crestone. 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. The middle and upper are said to have the best views. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado Surface Area: 507 acres. Improve this listing. Dispersed camping does take a little more planning, but the extra work will be well worth it. 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. In winter, you will have to take a walk-around to avoid avalanche terrain so be alert. Check the weather. Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. 2023 Best 10 Trails and Hikes in Silverton | AllTrails San Juan National Forest. The Alpine Lakes is the largest wilderness area . In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service) This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Whenever you hear someone talk about catching trout in the mountain lakes of the Rockies, the term that often comes up is "alpine". Expect to see wildlife like moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or elk along the trail, especially in the late spring and early summer. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. You even get two lakes for the price of one hike. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. But if climbing a fourteener is not your bag, there's also a trail that leads to the jaw-dropping and some of the. Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. The main mountain attraction is Lone Eagle Peak, which climbers can also ascend. Once you arrive, you wont want to leave which is why many people consider Gore Lake one of the best backpacking trips in Colorado. Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! 6 Amazing Hidden Lakes in Colorado You Probably Never Knew Existed Distance: 8.12 milesElevation: 2037 ftType: Out-and-back. Also, dont be an ass, you are not allowed to swim or climb around on the logs here. Start at the main trailhead and wander up either Crystal Creek Road (the uphill ramp on your right if youre looking at the end of the lot) or continue straight past the lot to the upper lot (about a 5-car pull out) where the road intersects the Wheeler Trail. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. 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. With such a delicate ecosystem, your skin oils and sunscreen can kill the wildlife that lives in the lake. Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. Bear Lake is a popular lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. During the Ice Age of the geologically . Your email address will not be published. Exploring The Alpine Loop - ATV Colorado - Wild ATV Colorado High Country Custom Fly Selection | Anglers All Colorado has many picturesque lakes surrounded by high peaks. 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. Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that youve already checked with good old Google. 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. 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.