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. Immarite? Alpine Loop Colorado Department of Transportation each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Use the 'Report' link on Distance: 4.4 miles in summer, 11 miles in winterElevation: 448 in summer, 1,030 in winterDifficulty: Easy (moderate in winter)Red Tape and Local Tips: The Brainard Lake Recreation Area requires a fee for day use. 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. Bring a swimsuit! This adventure features several waterfalls, streams, a creek, and meadows teeming with beautiful wildflowers a photographers dream! And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! This portion of the trail is very steep and scary so you have to be very careful and make sure to wear hiking boots and use trekking poles. The 15 Highest Elevation Lakes in the United States - AZ Animals You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 1,765 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. 1. Expect to see some seriously stunning cascading waterfalls along the way. 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. The trail itself is moderately wooded. 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. Water activities including fishing and kayaking are great ways to spend time exploring the area, especially if you plan to stay and camp. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. The mountains of southern Colorado are littered with alpine lake hikes. Youll have the added bonus of passing two additional scenic alpine lakes along the way. 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. For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. 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. The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road. #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. To see the entire lake though, youll need to do a bit of climbing up the shore. To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. Its still worth a visit, even if you arent climbing. 5h 16m. From Bear Lake Trailhead it is about 4.2 miles roundtrip with 840 ft elevation gain. Alpine lakes | Britannica Distance: 6.8 milesElevation: 1,548 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape: Many 14er-enthusiasts camp here overnight before their summit bids. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. This trail is popular and can get very crowded, so try to hike it either really early or much later in the day. The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. the most part. The picturesque lakes are tucked away near the mountains of Breckenridge. We'd love to hear eyewitness This is one of the most iconic adventures in Colorado and for good reason! 1. Up for a challenge? Distance: Depends. 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. Many of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado are alpine lakes with clear blue water. Before you hit the trail, there are several important things to remember. Breathe in the fresh air and set up a hammock to enjoy the most incredible mountain and alpine lake backdrop. Once you arrive, you wont want to leave which is why many people consider Gore Lake one of the best backpacking trips in Colorado. Maroon Lake brings you the best of the Bells, the Maroon Bells that is. If you're looking for a secluded adventure, the Mohawk Lakes (upper and lower) are the perfect alpine escape for you. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. before arriving at the lake, where goof fishing has been reported. Distance: 8.47 milesElevation: 1706 ftType: Loop. With so many lake hikes, Colorado will have your hiking itinerary booked for years! 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. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! 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. Backpack to three alpine lakes and an alpine lagoon in Roosevelt National Forest. It is a long day hike (4.6 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 3,100ft. This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. These lakes are next to Independence Pass, a road that takes you to Aspen. Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. Photo: Ryan DewaneDistance: 8.43 milesElevation: 1780 ftType: Out-and-back. Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) Green Mountain Reservoir. To extend your adventure, you can continue on to Isabelle Glacier. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. Some hikes, like, Sedona is one of the most amazing places to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. The deep blue waters of the Ice Lakes will leave you in awe. The 8.9-mile out-and-back trail is blazed in beauty. 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. Our first date was a three-day camping trip on the backroads of Colorado. 2023 Best 10 Trails and Hikes in Silverton | AllTrails Distance: 10.2 milesElevation: 2,014 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail is primarily used for driving (an easy off-road trial) but if you dont mind the walk, you can hike it just give way to vehicles and take care. The trail flattens out at the basin below Columbine Lake and once you arrive you're in for a real treat. Dream Lake is a vision right out of a fairy tale in the early morning hours. 31 Amazing Alpine Lakes in Colorado to See in 2023 + Local Tips Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. (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.) 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can Located in gorgeous Glenwood Canyon, the drive to the trailhead is reason . Its always a good idea, especially on longer, difficult hikes or solo excursions, to let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back. 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. racist or sexually-oriented language. Grand Mesa Scenic Byway Map | Colorado Vacation Directory Plenty of camping up there and a dog-friendly area. Since it's a relatively short hike, this is a great one for a family nature outing. Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. Lake Isabelle is one of the best winter hikes in Colorado (add about five miles round trip for the winter hike). 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. Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes and three other unnamed lakes are all in the area. By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. Then, continue climbing to blue Lake at the base of Mt. Best Lakeside Elopement Locations in the US - Skyewater PhotoSnow Lake Trail | Map, Guide - Washington | AllTrails Keep in mind, the average hiker moves at about 2 miles an hour or covers 1,000 feet of elevation gain in an hour. 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. You'll take the Mitchell Lake Trail, crossing Mitchell Creek and passing Mitchell Lake along the way. 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. Many of the most amazing lakeside views in the state are easily accessible for beginner hikers. 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. If youre looking for a moderate jaunt with big view payout, check out Silver Dollar Lake outside of Georgetown. Distance: 2.8 miles round trip. Dogs welcome. Please note, reservations are required to visit the park. RELATED: Views are stunning and fish . Bear Lake is a popular lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Grand Lake. 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. person will not be tolerated. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. Seriouslyover 2,000! Colorado High Country Custom Fly Selection | Anglers All You could also do a loop and combine this lake with Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. Best Day Hikes in Park City | Hiking & Outdoor Recreation If you're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. The 6.3-mile hike takes 2.5-3 hours, and the elevation gain is very gradual for. The total hike round trip to Upper Blue Lake is 8 miles with 2,404 ft elevation gain. 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. Something that absolutely should be on your list of things to do with kids in Colorado! Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. Length: 63 miles. Expect to see wildlife like moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or elk along the trail, especially in the late spring and early summer. Jewel Lake is accessible by a three-mile hike and Clear Lake requires an eight-mile hike to get to. This list of the 16 top destinations in the Southwest US will, Your email address will not be published. Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. Check out our favorite alpine hikes in Colorado and neighboring states. Suggest edits to improve what we show. 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. 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. Miles from Denver: 100 miles. accounts, the history behind an article. Definitely come prepared with a suit to take a dip. The trail will end with a gorgeous view of Pitkin Lake. 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. Did your favorite make it to our list of most beautiful lakes near Denver? This truly-epic alpine lake hike is long, but worth the effort. Related: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Use a private browsing window to sign in. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. In the winter, there is no fee, but the road is closed. Kevin BuggieBPL Member. 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. Technically you can swim at many alpine lakes in Colorado, but you probably dont want to. Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. Description. Extend your time at this magnificent spot and camp at one of the campsites found around both lakes. This water adventure features beautiful cascading waterfalls among steep rocky cliffs and lush green pine trees. There are plenty of hiking opportunities, but taking it easy and simply sitting back or fishing in the lake is the perfect way to slow down, unwind, and just be. Here you'll find a campground, cabins, and dispersed camping. To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. The hike from Bear Lake Trailhead is 3.6 miles round trip with about 740 ft elevation gain. Toll. Sharp granite cliffs rise straight out of the water as you gaze upon views of Longs Peak in the distance. 11. Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. "In cold, productive alpine lakes, trout can live to be quite old," says Jeff Spohn, aquatic biologist for Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. Surface Area: 507 acres. . 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. Trout Lake is a short drive from the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village towards Lizard Head Pass. Lake Blanche Trail : An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer . It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. Also, keep in mind there are restrictions on where you can walk, so be respectful of signs and regulations. 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. Stargazing at night is amazing, so be sure to bring a camera if youre into night photography! Cottonwood Lake Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. Opt to get there early or make it an overnight to get more time. Traverse forests of aspen and lodgepole pine and enjoy views of surrounding peaks and valleys before arriving at some of the, This 160-acre tarn resides at 12,836' at Summit Lake Park beneath Mt. The Alpine Loop leaves pavement and people behind, crossing the remote, rugged, spectacular heart of the San Juan Mountains. 1. Remember to treat this natural wonderland with great care to preserve its vivid beauty and to keep it pristine for those who visit next! 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 . The hike from Ice Lake to Island Lake is about half a mile with 100 foot elevation gain. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. Tucked under Mt Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak sits two pristine alpine lakes nestled beside the town of Twin Lakes. Alpine Loop - If you look closely you can see a 44 on the trail dwarfed by the mountains. Long Lake is an alpine explorers paradise. You can stop off at the lake and explore before driving to the summit of Mt. What does 2023 look like for gray wolf reintroduction? For dramatic views of Longs Peak and the iconic Diamond headwall, head up to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Dogs are welcome, but due to the crowds, keep Fido leashed. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. 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. Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? For an added challenge and extra mileage, you can even summit Longs Peak for an elevated vantage point! There was an error processing your request. 30 Alpine Lakes You Should Visit This Summer | Outdoor Project Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. 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. Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. Check out three different alpine lakes in the James Peak Wilderness with the Crater Lakes Trail. Scope out sweet views of Mont Massive and the mighty Sawatch Range (home to 14 of Colorados tallest peaks). Length: 7.9 mi Est. Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. Distance: 3 milesElevation: 1,135 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: If you want a fighting chance at a less-crowded experience, go for sunrise. This is a busy area, but for good reason, the views are delicious! You'll need four-wheel drive to access the campsites at Bill Moore Lake but getting there on the steep rocky roads is part of the fun! Not your computer? 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. that is degrading to another person. No dogs. Camping is prohibited within a quarter of a mile to protect its fragile environment. 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. Distance: 4 miles in summer, 8 in winterElevation: 1,614 feet in summer, unknown to the lakeDifficulty: Easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Although there is a map on AllTrails, its not entirely accurate with distances. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. Youll be gasping for air from the steep inclines and incredible scenes. Aside from craggy peaks, youll also see wildflowers springing from the ground all along the banks of the lakes during summer. The lake is an additional 2-ish miles from the parking area. Keep it Clean. all along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America's most . In winter the trail may be impossible without ice climbing gear. Walk another half mile and youll see a beautiful waterfall, followed by stellar views of Lily Lake. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation: 846 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Colorado will soon see moisture from what was Hurricane Nora and flash flood watches are already in effect for parts of the state. Required fields are marked *. 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.' You'll be surrounded by jagged peak, stunning summer wildflower displays, and crystal clear waters. 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. Come and try out the great hiking and mountain biking trails too! 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. This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek located near Crestone.