Up for a challenge? Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. Stay awhile and enjoy the views! On Monday and . But on your way there, take moments of rest to appreciate the view of Longs Peak to the south and Tyndall Creek. Distance: 6.92 milesElevation: 1804 ftType: Out-and-back. Simply hike to Loch Vale instead. The scenery is beautiful throughout and provides many opportunities for continued exploration while at the top! Lake Blanche Trail : An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer . Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. Take the dirt road up in elevation as it turns a bit rough closer to the lake. If you're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. Lizard Head Pass Near Telluride above 10,000 feet in southwest Colorado, this pass provides staggering views of Colorado's jagged San Juan Mountains in the Uncompahgre National Forest. It connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, where it is generally considered to begin (and end). 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. . The natural beauty of a waterfall is within easy reach of Denver. Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. An alternative to driving on your own is toreserve a spoton the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands Village to Maroon Bells. Our first date was a three-day camping trip on the backroads of Colorado. Keep in mind permits are required and parking fills up fast. 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. In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. Don't Threaten. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Distance: 3.77 milesElevation: 722 ftType: Out-and-back. Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. The hike from Bear Lake Trailhead is 3.6 miles round trip with about 740 ft elevation gain. Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. Forsythe Canyon Round-trip Distance: 2.2 miles Trailhead: Forsythe Canyon - Lincoln National Forest Difficulty: Easy This short hike starts just outside of Boulder. This adventure takes you through a well-marked trail with fantastic mountain views. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. 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. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back the most part. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. Surprise Lake is also accessible from this set of trails, and all of the lakes offer the added bonus of being the perfect setting for a pristine, secluded backcountry campsite. Be Proactive. Keep in mind that State Forest State Park requires a fee. You could spend a lifetime trying to see all of the alpine lakes in Colorado and just barely scratch the surface. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail to access starts off at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. Dispersed camping does take a little more planning, but the extra work will be well worth it. It's a roughly 12-mile trek that leads to Upper Cataract Lake below the famed Eagles Nest Mountain looming at an impressive 13,432,' then continues on to Cat Lake and ultimately to Mirror Lake, which lies at 11,020.' Directions SUV recommended: From the Town of Crested Butte, take Gothic Road (Route 135) north a total of 12.6 miles. This robust trail near Copper travels through sculpted canyons, pine forests, and open meadows as it ascends 3 vigorous miles to a pair of pristine, Don't let this demanding 10 mile hike intimidate you, because this glistening chain of alpine lakes nestled beneath Red Peak on North Willow Creek, is an unforgettable experience everyone should enjoy. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Harder To Reach: Lawn Lake. The snowpack is different every year, so its tough to say when trails will be snow-free. But if climbing a fourteener is not your bag, there's also a trail that leads to the jaw-dropping and some of the. There is no overnight parking without a backcountry permit (we learned this the hard way) and there is an entry fee to get to the trailhead. Bring a swimsuit! 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. Gore Lake. Those launching float tubes and canoes will appreciate being able to drive within spitting distance of the many lakes and small . You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Almost countless. Distance: 6.8 milesElevation: 1,548 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape: Many 14er-enthusiasts camp here overnight before their summit bids. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. Twin Lakes are two beautiful lakes located at the base of Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado. Again, it depends. racist or sexually-oriented language. Remember to treat this natural wonderland with great care to preserve its vivid beauty and to keep it pristine for those who visit next! Yes. The best lakes in Colorado often require hard hikes to get to but that also means that you can enjoy them with less people. This alpine-lake hike should make every Coloradan's bucket list. 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! Grand Mesa Trails Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. Gray Wolf Reintroduction, What Does 2023 Look Like In Colorado? Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Expect to see wildlife like moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or elk along the trail, especially in the late spring and early summer. They are remote and wild, but also peaceful and pristine at the same time. 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. Lowest Depth: 265 feet. 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. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. Table of Contents hide 1 Shadow Mountain Lake 2 Green Mountain Reservoir 3 Dream Lake 4 Two Rivers Lake 5 Crater Lake 6 Grand Lake 7 Lake Granby 8 Piney Lake 9 Sylvan Lake State Park 10 Twin Lakes 11 Lake Dillon 12 Blue Mesa Reservoir 13 Chatfield State Park Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. You'll be crossing a few small streams, so be careful after heavy rains. Photo: Nicola EasterbyDistance: 3.06 milesElevation: 1168 ftType: Out-and-back. It's about a 3-mile trek out-and-back. By: 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. For more information on how to do this lake loop, continue to our Rocky Mountain National Park Guide. It is nestled between the towns of Ridgway and Telluride. No dogs are allowed in the yurt over winter. If you're looking for a secluded adventure, the Mohawk Lakes (upper and lower) are the perfect alpine escape for you. There is plenty of fishing, swimming, camping, and even small, easy hiking trails that provide plenty of family fun. This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. Distance: 8.12 milesElevation: 2037 ftType: Out-and-back. Spalding. 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! Make it a day by going on one of Colorados most scenic drives! Sundial Peak over Lake Blanche. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. 8 to 4 miles Round TripElevation: Depends. But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! As a consequence, by mid-June I The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. 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. The main mountain attraction is Lone Eagle Peak, which climbers can also ascend. The deep blue waters of the Ice Lakes will leave you in awe. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. Alpine Lakes in Colorado. To extend your adventure, you can continue on to Isabelle Glacier. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake with clear teal water. Youll need high clearance to get to the upper lot. These high-altitude lakes are typically much clearer than their low elevation counterparts and are often fed directly by snowmelt. Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. There was an error processing your request. 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. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning beauty. The 6.3-mile hike takes 2.5-3 hours, and the elevation gain is very gradual for. Green Mountain Reservoir. 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. From Bear Lake Trailhead it is about 4.2 miles roundtrip with 840 ft elevation gain. Also, keep in mind there are restrictions on where you can walk, so be respectful of signs and regulations. Opt to get there early or make it an overnight to get more time. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 1. You must typically access these lake by hiking a few miles or by horseback. If you are up for the challenge Island Lake is worth the visit! However, the serenity of the lakes is well worth the butt-busting effort. (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 . Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). Youll find over 2,000 alpine lakes in Colorado. Bring your camera and pack some tasty snacks! Enjoy magnificent views of aspens as you continue through sage and dense forest. Distance: 9.22 milesElevation: 2270 ftType: Out-and-back. Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. 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. Though one of the shorter adventures on this list, the hike to Loch Vale in Rocky National Park is surely just as rewarding as the others. Parking is $5 at the Summit Lake parking lot. Throughout the post youll find: Absolutely. Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. But what if I told you we havent been given access to over half of whats really out there? Backpack to three alpine lakes and an alpine lagoon in Roosevelt National Forest. When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. Grand Lake. However, this is one gorgeous hike, especially during the wildflower season. 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. 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. Everyone knows about Hanging Lake, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. Our other most popular lakeside elopement locations in Colorado are Blue Lakes near Breckenridge and Lake Isabelle near Boulder. Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. Sky Pond is one of the most jaw-dropping sights to see. Rocky Mountain National Park is a hidden gem in the Colorado Rockies. Distance: 14.94 milesElevation: 2421 ftType: Out-and-back. Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. Check that the ice is fully frozen on the lake before stepping on to cross in the colder months! In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. This is a phenomenal spot for a picnic lunch and a SUP experience. This article will walk you through the best lakes in Colorado and how to get to these lakes. Alpine Loop drive takes 4-6 hours to cover the distance between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park.
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