colorado alpine lakes you can drive to colorado alpine lakes you can drive to

Resting beautifully at an elevation of 9,003 feet. Camp at Twin Lakes White Star Campground. This is one of the most iconic adventures in Colorado and for good reason! Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. This is a do-able day hike, but there are spots for camping if you want to stay overnight. Be sure to check the weather before beginning this adventure as summer thunderstorms in this area can be aggressive. Distance: 2.8 milesElevation: 885 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and local tips: Dogs are allowed to use this trail. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation: 846 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. This is a great adventure for those looking to make a short trip outside of Denver. We'd love to hear eyewitness It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. Pristine, beautiful waters often reflect dramatic mountain views. 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. Green Mountain Reservoir. Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Think again! You can stop off at the lake and explore before driving to the summit of Mt. Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. Almost countless. Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. Again, it depends. Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. The total hike round trip to Upper Blue Lake is 8 miles with 2,404 ft elevation gain. There was an error processing your request. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. The ideal time to visit is. Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. The hike to lower blue lake is 6 miles round trip with 1,610 ft elevation gain. Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning beauty. You'll be crossing a few small streams, so be careful after heavy rains. Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. This rather large lake is surrounded by pines with a dramatic mountain background. 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. Lake Blanche Trail : An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer . Discover the alpine beauty of Mirror Lake. For dramatic views of Longs Peak and the iconic Diamond headwall, head up to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Length: 63 miles. Everyone knows about Hanging Lake, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. This includes water, snacks, sun protection, extra layers, and more. 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. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! Up for a challenge? Be Proactive. If you are looking for something a little easier to get to, try James Peak Wilderness. With such a delicate ecosystem, your skin oils and sunscreen can kill the wildlife that lives in the lake. 2. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. Youll want to be prepared for cooler weather, even in the middle of summer. Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road. 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. 5h 16m. In terms of the best lake hikes, Colorado offers some incredibly unique lakes and the Hanging Lake hike takes the cake. 1. Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Get going on this adventure to the three beautiful Blue Lakes nestled among Colorados San Juan Range in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Snow Lake Trail. In the winter, there is no fee, but the road is closed. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Make sure to pay attention to trail signs and take a GPS, there are a lot of intersecting trails in the area. Doggies welcome. The cold water is characteristic of alpine lakes. This short 6.5-mile round-trip trail boasts picturesque alpine lakes and stunning views of Pfeifferhorn. The trail features colorful wildflower meadows, breathtaking views, and plenty of wildlife. You will definitely want to wear hiking boots and bring trekking poles for this part of the trail. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. Keep in mind permits are required and parking fills up fast. Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Does Sky Pond sound too intense? 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. Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. Once you arrive, you wont want to leave which is why many people consider Gore Lake one of the best backpacking trips in Colorado. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. Please explore responsibly! Come and try out the great hiking and mountain biking trails too! There are also many opportunities for overnight backcountry adventures at one of the mountain lakes near Denver in James Peak Wilderness. Learn more Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. Before reaching Heart Lake, be sure to soak in the alpine views first at Rogers Lake. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. Distance: 23.8 milesElevation: 4,767 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are welcome to use this trail. Print/PDF map. Take the Wheeler trail until it intersects with Crystal Creek Road. There is nothing better than waking up and enjoying a hot cup of coffee next to a cold alpine lake. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. . 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. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. Enjoy magnificent views of aspens as you continue through sage and dense forest. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation: 807 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: There is a $5 parking fee at both parking lots for St Marys. If youre lucky, youll get a perfect reflection of these towering peaks against the lake. the most part. Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. The Outbound Collective 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. Sharp granite cliffs rise straight out of the water as you gaze upon views of Longs Peak in the distance. 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. Also, keep in mind there are restrictions on where you can walk, so be respectful of signs and regulations. This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. There are a lot of famous alpine lake hikes in Colorado to discover. Distance: 5.4 milesElevation: 1,072 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. 1. Photo by Kyle Jenkins. Emerald Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is reached by hiking from Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Go early. Aside from craggy peaks, youll also see wildflowers springing from the ground all along the banks of the lakes during summer. Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. The trail is located near Glenwood Springs, offering the perfect post-adventure spot. With that being said, typically alpine lakes are frozen and mostly snow-free starting in July through around mid-October depending on the year. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. Hike to Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes, 25. Most of the Alpine lakes lie in valleys that were formed during the uplift of the mountain chain of the Alps. Its nine miles round trip, gaining about 1,780 feet of elevation. Theres nothing more grounding and invigorating than a rousing climb to a crystal clear alpine lake, followed by a little exploration, relaxation, (and certainly a picnic), at a pristine mountain paradise at around 11,000. These serene alpine lakes near Denver are something everyone should experience this summerbut please remember our earth is fragile so LEAVE NO TRACE! Take a Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. Our first date was a three-day camping trip on the backroads of Colorado. . There's a reason Maroon Lake is arguably the most photographed lake in the state. To see views of Lower Blue Lake from above you need to continue hiking up the steep Blue Lakes Trial towards Middle Blue Lake. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. But if climbing a fourteener is not your bag, there's also a trail that leads to the jaw-dropping and some of the. Local Tip: Check out Ouray, one of the most stunning Colorado mountain towns, post-hike! Youll have the added bonus of passing two additional scenic alpine lakes along the way. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Located in gorgeous Glenwood Canyon, the drive to the trailhead is reason . There are plenty of wildlife viewing (moose, turkey, deer, ptarmigan) and fishing opportunities. Embark on an adventure at Pitkin Lake. Use the 'Report' link on Cherry Creek Reservoir in Aurora, Colorado offers a treasure trove of outdoor activities for the whole family. Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. Breathtaking beauty awaits hikers at South Colony Lakes. You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. Photo: Ryan DewaneDistance: 8.43 milesElevation: 1780 ftType: Out-and-back. The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. Plan accordingly. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State Park. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Talk about iconic Colorado views! Distance: 11 milesElevation: 2,529 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Think you need to be a hiking pro to enjoy amazing alpine lake hikes in Colorado? Don't Threaten. There are three lakes in the basin. Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes and three other unnamed lakes are all in the area. Catch dramatic views of the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak. It even has a wheelchair-friendly trail, making it an ideal choice for those who may need a little extra encouragement to hit the trail. Extend your time at this magnificent spot and camp at one of the campsites found around both lakes. Evans and Mt. Distance: 2.8 miles round trip. Awesome views, wildlife, lakes and wild flowers await you on this lollipop loop ride. Lake Isabelle is one of the best winter hikes in Colorado (add about five miles round trip for the winter hike). It can be hard to narrow down which hikes, Colorado is a beautiful state with tall peaks, incredible lakes, and four unique national parks. Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado. 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. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 1,765 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. When you get to the lake you can always take a swim if you are up for it, but expect the water to be really cold! Make it a day by going on one of Colorados most scenic drives! If you're looking for a secluded adventure, the Mohawk Lakes (upper and lower) are the perfect alpine escape for you. Grand Lake. The trail itself is moderately wooded. Rollins Pass is in the FunTreks Northern Colorado Backroads 4 Wheel Drive . If you love the wildflowers, don't miss the serene trek into Eagles Nest Wilderness to Gore Lake. 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.' Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. Bushnell lakes sit under Bushnell Peak and SE of Stout Lakes drainage. The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no . 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. With over 110 hiking trails, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and rugged ridgelines, it's no wonder this national park made its way onto our list! Black lake is a stunning and dramatic lake nestled deep in Rocky Mountain National Park. Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. Definitely come prepared with a suit to take a dip. Parking is $5 at the Summit Lake parking lot. Harder To Reach: Lawn Lake. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. There is plenty of fishing, swimming, camping, and even small, easy hiking trails that provide plenty of family fun. It is a long day hike (4.6 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 3,100ft. What I love about this Colorado lake hike is just how quiet it is. You're going to want to bring your camera on these adventures. 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. 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.' It is nestled between the towns of Ridgway and Telluride. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Many of the most amazing lakeside views in the state are easily accessible for beginner hikers. 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. all along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America's most . The snowpack is different every year, so its tough to say when trails will be snow-free. This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. 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. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. Youll find over 2,000 alpine lakes in Colorado. If you are up for the challenge Island Lake is worth the visit! This glacial lake is the largest natural lake in Colorado in terms of surface area, depth, and total water volume. Scope out sweet views of Mont Massive and the mighty Sawatch Range (home to 14 of Colorados tallest peaks). 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 Keep in mind, the average hiker moves at about 2 miles an hour or covers 1,000 feet of elevation gain in an hour.