Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. Success! Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation: 846 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Many of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado are alpine lakes with clear blue water. You will definitely want to wear hiking boots and bring trekking poles for this part of the trail. Distance: 8.47 milesElevation: 1706 ftType: Loop. . . Gore Lake. 11. Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. Expect to see some seriously stunning cascading waterfalls along the way. Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. before arriving at the lake, where goof fishing has been reported. Dog-friendly. The scenery is beautiful throughout and provides many opportunities for continued exploration while at the top! The main mountain attraction is Lone Eagle Peak, which climbers can also ascend. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. The Alpine Loop starts with the historic high-altitude town of Ouray. 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. Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). 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. The hike gains more than 3,000 feet of elevation, so be prepared for a strenuous climb coached with incredible views to keep you distracted. As a consequence, by mid-June I Camping in dispersed camping areas gives you the opportunity for a little more privacy and peace and quiet. Once you get to the lake, focus on the right shoreline, where there is a great drop off for fish to hang out around. Keep in mind that State Forest State Park requires a fee. Photo by Kyle Jenkins. High-clearance vehicles are best suited for getting to this scenic secluded spot. Spalding. Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that youve already checked with good old Google. 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. If you are looking for something a little easier to get to, try James Peak Wilderness. 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. Ive been hiking in Colorado for over 13 years. Explore the fantastically beautiful cirque and enjoy views of Kit Carson, The Crestones, and Humboldt Peak. Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. Distance: 4.51 milesElevation: 1090 ftType: Out-and-back. If you do this hike in the winter, youll experience different scenery, but surely just as stunning. 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. To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. Among the lakes stocked on Monday, the highest of them - Ptarmigan Lake in Gunnison County - sits at 12,306 feet. Snow Lake Trail. 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. 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. In the winter, there is no fee, but the road is closed. Both alpine lakes sit at an elevation of about 11,000 feet. . 1. There are a lot of famous alpine lake hikes in Colorado to discover. Early July 2020 My first trip to the beautiful remote Sand Creek Lakes high above the Wet Mountain Valley in Colorado was in 2017, a year of the big runoff. Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. This alpine-lake hike should make every Coloradan's bucket list. The trail also features both forests and meadows budding with an abundance of wildflowers interspersed along the way. Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links for products and services I recommend. 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. 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. 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. Youll need high clearance to get to the upper lot. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in 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. This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). Accessibility from North Cascades Highway makes it an excellent stop on a road trip through the area. 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. Which lake near Denver has the bluest water? When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Water activities including fishing and kayaking are great ways to spend time exploring the area, especially if you plan to stay and camp. 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. The hike will start with views of sweeping meadows and will follow along the South Boulder Creek. If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. No dogs. Awesome views, wildlife, lakes and wild flowers await you on this lollipop loop ride. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. Another worthwhile alpine lake hike near Breckenridge is Crystal Lake, which gives the ultimate solitude and scenery double punch. 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. This is one of the most iconic adventures in Colorado and for good reason! As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. This area is also an awesome place to practice mountaineering skills or go for a mid-summer ski session. #16 Yellow Stimulator (covers your basic attractors, caddis, hoppers, and strike indicator for the nymph) #16 Parachute Adams (Covers mayflys, and everything else small and floating) 6 of each should fit in a tiny container and keep you fishing for a week. Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. Plenty of camping up there and a dog-friendly area. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. There are a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. To get there, follow Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes for 8.6 miles of out-and-back beauty. 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. Here you'll find a campground, cabins, and dispersed camping. For the best wildflowers, do this hike in late July. 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. Throughout the years Ive hiked well over 1,000 miles of terrain here in Colorado. The main attraction while at the lake is the commanding Hallett Peak. 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. Colorado will soon see moisture from what was Hurricane Nora and flash flood watches are already in effect for parts of the state. 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. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. Its nine miles round trip, gaining about 1,780 feet of elevation. Seriouslyover 2,000! Sky Pond is one of the most jaw-dropping sights to see. Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. Elevation Gain: 465 feet. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) Photo: Abby VohaskaDistance: 8.81 miles Elevation: 2635 ftType: Out-and-back. Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. And find our listings for off-road outfitters and tour companies here. The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. 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. Check out our favorite alpine hikes in Colorado and neighboring states. The byway provides many scenic overlooks to view each of these Colorado beauties. An alternative to driving on your own is to. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. Bierstadt, and even Denver at times. Temperatures are often utterly freezing, since most alpine lakes are fed by snowmelt. Encounter some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world as you wind your way through an alpine wonderland, mountain reservoirs, beyond timberline, overtaking the clouds. Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. 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. But once there, you can take in impressive panoramas of the valley below as well as hidden meadows, streams, and ponds. 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. The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road. If you are up for the challenge Island Lake is worth the visit! Cherry Creek Reservoir in Aurora, Colorado offers a treasure trove of outdoor activities for the whole family. Parking is $5 at the Summit Lake parking lot. Please note, reservations may be required to visit the park. Accessing this alpine wonder is simple. Arizona has many unique hiking opportunities with a wide range of elevation, climate, and views. You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic. Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty, and elevation gain. . If you do opt to swim, dont wear any sunscreen. Huskies also thrive in Colorado - alpine lakes, cross . 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. Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Blue lake sits at 11,355 feet and is frozen for much of the year. Alpine Loop. Alpine Loop - If you look closely you can see a 44 on the trail dwarfed by the mountains. The deep blue waters of the Ice Lakes will leave you in awe. Loop or Out and Back: Out and Back or Loop. Throughout the post youll find: Absolutely. 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. Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Colorado. Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! Blue Lakes Trail in Telluride, Colorado takes you to three of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. The backcountry hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes features abundant wildlife, glorious mountain backdrops, and beautiful wildflowers. Distance: 11 milesElevation: 2,529 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. If youre looking for a stunning place to stake out camp by a lake, look no more! Proposition 114 passed in Colorado and now the planning process begins. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. About. 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. This includes water, snacks, sun protection, extra layers, and more. Starting at 10,390 elevation and reaching 12,000 this hike has it all. This truly-epic alpine lake hike is long, but worth the effort. Youll get glimpses of Longs Peak and Alberta Falls (in the summer). 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. Distance: 6.5 milesElevation: 2,362 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and local tips: Pssst, there are a lot of nearby small lakes and areas to explore here. 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. The middle and upper are said to have the best views. The breathtaking clear blue American Lake is located in Aspen, Colorado. 2. Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. 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. More Information 2. This Rocky Mountain National Park adventure provides an opportunity to catch an unforgettable sunrise. Discover this alpine wonder by taking Rogers Pass Trail, a 9.1-mile out-and-back trail located near Rollinsville. Camp at Twin Lakes White Star Campground. The cold water is characteristic of alpine lakes. 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. Its best to check with AllTrails.com or even local hiking Facebook groups to get the most up-to-date information. Miles from Denver: 100 miles. This picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. 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. Keep moving forward and the trail will switch back and then head up the mountain. Lake Isabelle is one of the best winter hikes in Colorado (add about five miles round trip for the winter hike). Come and try out the great hiking and mountain biking trails too! In fact, this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Before reaching Heart Lake, be sure to soak in the alpine views first at Rogers Lake. 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. Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. If you're looking for a secluded adventure, the Mohawk Lakes (upper and lower) are the perfect alpine escape for you. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Talk about iconic Colorado views! Heart Lake is another great option for backpackers. Most of these lakes are accessible by foot only, although you can also drive to quite a few of them. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. This lake is known for the reflection you can see in the lake of 14,000 ft tall Maroon Peaks. Continue for several more miles until reaching the base of The Spearhead, a famous mountaineering objective. 1. Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. The United States Should Adopt The Allemannsretten, 5 Great Spots in Colorado for Fall Colors. Take the dirt road up in elevation as it turns a bit rough closer to the lake. The best lakes in Colorado often require hard hikes to get to but that also means that you can enjoy them with less people. Stay awhile and enjoy the views! (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 . Thats right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town! In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. 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 . This hike also has a waterfall. 17. The designation means Spinney is public fishing water that produces a minimum of 12 fish of 14in or more and 60lbs per acre. The trail itself is moderately wooded. Make your way up the two-mile trail to the base of St. Mary's Glacier (not really a glacier, but a permanent snowfield) where there is a picture-perfect alpine lake. Our other most popular lakeside elopement locations in Colorado are Blue Lakes near Breckenridge and Lake Isabelle near Boulder. You'll be surrounded by jagged peak, stunning summer wildflower displays, and crystal clear waters. Embark on an adventure at Pitkin Lake. The trail is located near Glenwood Springs, offering the perfect post-adventure spot. 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. Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Lake of the Clouds brings you tranquil scenery and plenty of views. Pristine, beautiful waters often reflect dramatic mountain views. You'll take the Mitchell Lake Trail, crossing Mitchell Creek and passing Mitchell Lake along the way. Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State Park. Pass by several waterfalls on your way to one of the most magnificent lakes in all of Colorado. Distance: 2.93 milesElevation: 675 ftType: Loop. 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. The hike from Bear Lake Trailhead is 3.6 miles round trip with about 740 ft elevation gain. Distance From Telluride: 10 miles | 22 minutes Accessibility: Rugged, off-road vehicle recommended Activities: Fishing, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding Located just 20 minutes outside of Telluride, Alta Lakes is a popular destination for couples and families seeking a convenient water retreat. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy spanning alpine lake views. There are three lakes in the basin. Distance: 6.92 milesElevation: 1804 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. Immarite? Start from the Bear Lake parking lot and hike the gentle trail towards Lake Haiyaha, passing through the alluring Emerald Lake. 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. It's a 1.8-mile trek (3.6 miles round trip). Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. 1. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. 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. In layman's terms, they are the state's finest fisheries. Ice Lake is a beautiful bright blue alpine lake located at 12,300 feet that requires a very strenuous hike to get to. Aside from the deep blues waters, hikers are delighted with wildflower-filled meadows bordering the lakes in bright and beautiful colors. Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Cottonwood Lake Be Truthful. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. It's the state's highest peak. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible . Camping is prohibited within a quarter of a mile to protect its fragile environment. Stargazing at night is amazing, so be sure to bring a camera if youre into night photography! 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. Make it a day by going on one of Colorados most scenic drives! The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. Everyone knows about Hanging Lake, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. The fee is $5 per person (16 years and older), children under 16 are free. The wildflower lined trail is short and beautiful, clocking in at 2.1 miles round trip. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. In winter, you will have to take a walk-around to avoid avalanche terrain so be alert. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. Walk another half mile and youll see a beautiful waterfall, followed by stellar views of Lily Lake. It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. There is no shortage of beautiful lakes near Denver, and there are several with magnificently blue water. The best time to do this hike is early in the morning for sunrise you wont be mad you did! Simply hike to Loch Vale instead. 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. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Distance: 1.9 milesElevation: 807 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: There is a $5 parking fee at both parking lots for St Marys. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Distance: 7.7 milesElevation: 2,522 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs.
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