After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. This moderate hike is a great way to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in Colorado without the lung-busting elevation gain. Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. 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. Please note, reservations are required to visit the lake. 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. Take the dirt road up in elevation as it turns a bit rough closer to the lake. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. Distance: 9.22 milesElevation: 2270 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. 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. 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. Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. . 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. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. You can stop off at the lake and explore before driving to the summit of Mt. To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. Though close in proximity to Maroon Lake, Crater Lake is a less crowded destination, yet still unbelievably scenic. And located in the saddle of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, Tyndall Glacier (one of five active glaciers in the park) offers breathtaking views. . Theres no shortage of fantastic mountain and lake views. Evans at 14,265', or you can take the trail less traveled and summit using one of the many official and unofficial routes to the top from the lake. What I love about this Colorado lake hike is just how quiet it is. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Related: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local. Filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by mind-blowing settings, these backcountry bodies of water are meant to be enjoyed. But once there, you can take in impressive panoramas of the valley below as well as hidden meadows, streams, and ponds. 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. Heart Lake is another great option for backpackers. (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 . Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. Lake Blanche Trail : An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer . 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. Youll want to be prepared for cooler weather, even in the middle of summer. 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. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. 1. Note that this hike does require permits, so be sure to reserve yours in advance to enjoy this fun summertime waterfall adventure! Alpine Loop drive takes 4-6 hours to cover the distance between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. 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. Another worthwhile alpine lake hike near Breckenridge is Crystal Lake, which gives the ultimate solitude and scenery double punch. In terms of the best lake hikes, Colorado offers some incredibly unique lakes and the Hanging Lake hike takes the cake. Colorado's Alpine Loop is affectionately called the " Switzerland of America" for a reason! If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. . The trail also features both forests and meadows budding with an abundance of wildflowers interspersed along the way. Once at the lakes, you can go for a swim (so bring a suit!) 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. Technically you can swim at many alpine lakes in Colorado, but you probably dont want to. You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic. Photo: Abby VohaskaDistance: 8.81 miles Elevation: 2635 ftType: Out-and-back. Want a bit more of a challenge? Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. Immarite? This is one of the easiest lakes on this list to get to, but is therefore also the most crowded. 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. For dramatic views of Longs Peak and the iconic Diamond headwall, head up to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. While "alpine" is used by many anglers to describe the high elevation fisheries they visit that are inaccessible for of the year and may require a difficult drive and/or hike to access, not all high elevation fisheries are truly "alpine". or anything. Twin Lakes are two beautiful lakes located at the base of Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado. The water is piercingly clear blue, which will entice you to jump right in! In winter, you will have to take a walk-around to avoid avalanche terrain so be alert. 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. Be on the lookout for the moose who call this beautiful mountain landscape home! This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. Travel over the off-road driving trail (either on foot or by 44) and reach the Alta Ghost Town. Photo: Whitney JamesDistance: 3.15 milesElevation: 650 ftType: Out-and-back. The trail flattens out at the basin below Columbine Lake and once you arrive you're in for a real treat. Think again! Trek your way through stunning alpine country to one of the most picturesque lakes in the state Hanging Lake. Spooky indeed! Aside from craggy peaks, youll also see wildflowers springing from the ground all along the banks of the lakes during summer. You'll take the Mitchell Lake Trail, crossing Mitchell Creek and passing Mitchell Lake along the way. 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. While the 7.9-mile out-and-back trail is relatively easy for day hikers used to the distance, there are several campgrounds located along the shore of the lowest lake. Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, Im not kidding about the moose! Photo: Ryan MckinneyDistance: 4.09 milesElevation: 374 ftType: Out-and-back. Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no . If you are a fan of high alpine lakes without having to travel far . Please note, reservations are required to visit the park. Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! The byway provides many scenic overlooks to view each of these Colorado beauties. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. Suggest edits to improve what we show. 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. Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! Breathtaking beauty awaits hikers at South Colony Lakes. Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. The first couple miles of the hike are extremely steep and difficult. And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! 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. Did your favorite make it to our list of most beautiful lakes near Denver? 2. Distance: 2.93 milesElevation: 675 ftType: Loop. Gray Wolf Reintroduction, What Does 2023 Look Like In Colorado? If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. Cutthroats were originally named by William Clark on the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition. Stargazing at night is amazing, so be sure to bring a camera if youre into night photography! This truly-epic alpine lake hike is long, but worth the effort. + Save to a List. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. 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.' "With an ample forage base such as scuds, crayfish, terrestrials, aquatic insects these fish can live 10 plus years and grow to very . No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. You will definitely want to wear hiking boots and bring trekking poles for this part of the trail. Those launching float tubes and canoes will appreciate being able to drive within spitting distance of the many lakes and small . 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. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. 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. 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. 5 hidden lakes in Colorado you probably never knew exsisted Alpine Lake. Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. This adventure will bring you by wide open meadows and plenty of wildlife (look out for moose and elk!) 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. In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. The total round trip hike to Island Lake with the loop is 8 miles with 2,700 ft elevation gain. There is no shortage of beautiful lakes near Denver, and there are several with magnificently blue water. Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. Distance: 9.1 milesElevation: 2,142 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Chicago Lakes can get pretty crowded, but there are plenty of prime backpacking sites to pitch a tent and enjoy the views! It's the state's highest peak. This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. Mohawk Lakes offer plenty of picture-perfect backcountry camping or opportunities to summit nearby mountains, such as Father Dyer. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Mary's Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. 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. 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. To get there, follow Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes for 8.6 miles of out-and-back beauty. But if climbing a fourteener is not your bag, there's also a trail that leads to the jaw-dropping and some of the. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek located near Crestone. Get to know this 6.7-mile out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. 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. This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. The breathtaking clear blue American Lake is located in Aspen, Colorado. Learn more Be Proactive. Threats of harming another If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. Not many people venture to the mountain ranges down south, so expect lots of solitude. An alternative to driving on your own is toreserve a spoton the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands Village to Maroon Bells. Share your suggestions or stories in the comments! Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. 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. Surround yourself in an amphitheater of dramatic rock and scope out of the best alpine lakes in Colorado. Lake Ann - Only accessible by way of a 1.75-mile well-maintained trail, this pristine lake is ruggedly scenic and extremely protected. Share with Us. Youll cross a couple of creeks so be sure to have the appropriate footwear on. Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes and three other unnamed lakes are all in the area. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. If you're looking for a secluded adventure, the Mohawk Lakes (upper and lower) are the perfect alpine escape for you. that is degrading to another person. 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. Emerald Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is reached by hiking from Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. You can take a dip at Sprouting Rock in a stunning turquoise oasis found just behind Hanging Lake. Loop or Out and Back: Out and Back or Loop. 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. Bear Lake is a popular lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. From meadows found in the montane life zone to glistening alpine lakes and up to the towering mountain peaks, there is something for everyone to discover. Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. Accessing this alpine wonder is simple. Check the weather. Colorado has many picturesque lakes surrounded by high peaks. There's a reason Maroon Lake is arguably the most photographed lake in the state. If you do opt to swim, dont wear any sunscreen. If you're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. There are plenty of wildlife viewing (moose, turkey, deer, ptarmigan) and fishing opportunities. Aside from the deep blues waters, hikers are delighted with wildflower-filled meadows bordering the lakes in bright and beautiful colors. Yep, us too. This route is delicate, so always practice Leave No Trace when visiting. the most part. Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. 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. This adventure features several waterfalls, streams, a creek, and meadows teeming with beautiful wildflowers a photographers dream! To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. Rocky Mountain National Park is a hidden gem in the Colorado Rockies. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. This is a great adventure for those looking to make a short trip outside of Denver. Bushnell lakes sit under Bushnell Peak and SE of Stout Lakes drainage. Wander the lake at sunrise for incredible views. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. Distance: 5.53 milesElevation: 1056 ftType: Out-and-back. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. The hike from Bear Lake Trailhead is 3.6 miles round trip with about 740 ft elevation gain. The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. This rather large lake is surrounded by pines with a dramatic mountain background. This adventure leads you through the Holy Cross Wilderness where youll be surrounded by beautiful forests. Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. And find our listings for off-road outfitters and tour companies here. Driving time: 4 to 6 hours. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Breathe in the fresh air and set up a hammock to enjoy the most incredible mountain and alpine lake backdrop. There are a lot of famous alpine lake hikes in Colorado to discover. It connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, where it is generally considered to begin (and end). 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. Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. If youre lucky, youll get a perfect reflection of these towering peaks against the lake. 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. Lake Isabelle is one of the best winter hikes in Colorado (add about five miles round trip for the winter hike). 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. Additionally, the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife may occasionally stock non-native fine-spotted Snake River Cutthroats, common in Wyoming and Idaho, into some fisheries. With so many lake hikes, Colorado will have your hiking itinerary booked for years! The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. Also, dont be an ass, you are not allowed to swim or climb around on the logs here. In layman's terms, they are the state's finest fisheries. Pristine, beautiful waters often reflect dramatic mountain views. . Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. 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. Come and try out the great hiking and mountain biking trails too! Distance: 23.8 milesElevation: 4,767 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are welcome to use this trail. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. Backpack to three alpine lakes and an alpine lagoon in Roosevelt National Forest. The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. Awesome views, wildlife, lakes and wild flowers await you on this lollipop loop ride. Opt to get there early or make it an overnight to get more time. The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. Something that absolutely should be on your list of things to do with kids in Colorado! We searched for alpine lakes to hike to in the area and came across Crystal Lake in Saint Marie's, Idaho. Unfortunately, in the summer it can get hot with temperatures, The American Southwest features incredible natural wonders and landscapes that cannot be missed. Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. You even get two lakes for the price of one hike. Its best to check with AllTrails.com or even local hiking Facebook groups to get the most up-to-date information. 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.
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