(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.) Washington's Best Lakes | Outdoor Project This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. Talk about iconic Colorado views! The mountains surrounding Mirror Lake defy gravity, and early in the morning, you can get a perfect reflection of the famous Lone Eagle Peak (named the most beautiful mountain in Colorado). Description. 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. Photo: Abby VohaskaDistance: 8.81 miles Elevation: 2635 ftType: Out-and-back. The Top 10 Lakes Near Telluride To Visit Lodging In Telluride Temperatures are often utterly freezing, since most alpine lakes are fed by snowmelt. 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 . After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. 11. Lake Helene is another great option for explorers of Rocky Mountain National Park. Kevin BuggieBPL Member. The backcountry hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes features abundant wildlife, glorious mountain backdrops, and beautiful wildflowers. Distance: 0.8 milesElevation: 32 feetDifficulty: Easy with accessibility rampsRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. 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. The video showcases the beauty of Colorado's high country. 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. Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Dont forget to turn left at the graves or youll pass right by the final push to Gore Lake! With that being said, typically alpine lakes are frozen and mostly snow-free starting in July through around mid-October depending on the year. This list of the 16 top destinations in the Southwest US will, Your email address will not be published. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. Many of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado are alpine lakes with clear blue water. Print/PDF map. The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. Share with Us. There is plenty of fishing, swimming, camping, and even small, easy hiking trails that provide plenty of family fun. 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. 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. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. 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. In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. Crested Butte Trails: Emerald Lake Eloping in Colorado gives you access to epic views of 15 mountain ranges, 54 peaks over 10,000 feet, alpine lakes, meadows of wildflowers, and a vast variety of gorgeous backdrops. Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. The best lakes in Colorado often require hard hikes to get to but that also means that you can enjoy them with less people. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. Bring a swimsuit! Photo: Nicola EasterbyDistance: 3.06 milesElevation: 1168 ftType: Out-and-back. Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. Alpine Loop National Backcountry Byway, Colorado Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. The Outbound Collective This is one of the most iconic adventures in Colorado and for good reason! The cold water is characteristic of alpine lakes. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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. 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. The lake is an additional 2-ish miles from the parking area. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Start at Brainard Lake and make your way up the valley to Lake Isabelle where youll have views of the Isabelle Glacier a permanent snowfield. Its best to check with AllTrails.com or even local hiking Facebook groups to get the most up-to-date information. Mount Evans is a 14er that boasts fantastic views of the lake, Mt. The total hike round trip to Middle Blue Lake is 7.6 miles with 2,292 ft elevation gain. Crystal Lake - Family of Free The trail starts off steep, dropping into a valley before running flat, then climbing steeply up again. Plan accordingly. Photo: Ryan DewaneDistance: 8.43 milesElevation: 1780 ftType: Out-and-back. With so many lake hikes, Colorado will have your hiking itinerary booked for years! Alpine Loop Byway - Lake City-Ouray-Silverton - Uncover Colorado . It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. The best time to visit is between June and October. Throughout the years Ive hiked well over 1,000 miles of terrain here in Colorado. Distance: 6.8 milesElevation: 1,548 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape: Many 14er-enthusiasts camp here overnight before their summit bids. Dispersed camping does take a little more planning, but the extra work will be well worth it. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. Rollins Pass is in the FunTreks Northern Colorado Backroads 4 Wheel Drive . Accessing this alpine wonder is simple. Another long-distance doozy, the Twin Crater Lakes hike is well-worth a backpack, unless you have hiking superpowers, in which case, it technically can be done in a day. Nestled at 7,323 feet, the trail leading to the lake is short but relatively steep, gaining more than a thousand feet in elevation. The hike to lower blue lake is 6 miles round trip with 1,610 ft elevation gain. Go early. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. accounts, the history behind an article. From hiking around the water to fishing, boating, picnicking, and swimming . Starting at 10,390 elevation and reaching 12,000 this hike has it all. 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 . To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. 10 Alpine Hikes To Tackle Before the Snow Flies - 303 Magazine This adventure features three impressive alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Loch, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond. Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). Photo: Whitney JamesDistance: 3.15 milesElevation: 650 ftType: Out-and-back. Discover the alpine beauty of Mirror Lake. (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 . 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. Something that absolutely should be on your list of things to do with kids in Colorado! There are plenty of wildlife viewing (moose, turkey, deer, ptarmigan) and fishing opportunities. 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. Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Toll. person will not be tolerated. Here are 11 of the best swimming holes in Colorado, from pristine lakes to reservoirs, waterfall pools, and everything in between. Enjoy spanning vistas of the Tenmile Range including Pacific Peak, Atlantic Peak, and Crystal Peak (all of which are excellent Colorado 13ers to try!). + Save to a List. Distance: 3.97 milesElevation: 1299 ftType: Out-and-back. Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no . Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. There are also many opportunities for overnight backcountry adventures at one of the mountain lakes near Denver in James Peak Wilderness. The trail is about 6.8 miles round trip to Ice Lake with 2,457 ft elevation gain. 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. With such a delicate ecosystem, your skin oils and sunscreen can kill the wildlife that lives in the lake. Youll cross a couple of creeks so be sure to have the appropriate footwear on. There are hiking trails near the lakes with great views of the lakes and surrounding mountains. Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Colorado. It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. In fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. Distance: Varies, hikes on the property are short, its three miles to loop the lakeElevation: nothing notable.Difficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a great family-friendly spot, however, there are day fees and other camping fees to use the area. Moderate 4.6 (8765) Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Take the Glacier Gorge Trail up a steep, winding dramatic valley that terminates at the famed Sky Pond. Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. 30 Alpine Lakes You Should Visit This Summer | Outdoor Project The hike is difficult but is worth the challenge to get to one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. Youll get glimpses of Longs Peak and Alberta Falls (in the summer). 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. Sky Pond is one of the most jaw-dropping sights to see. But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! The alpine wonder rests at an elevation of 10,630 feet located between Flattop Mountain (12,324 feet) and Notchtop Mountain (12,129 feet) ). Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. 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. Fly Fishing for Cutthroat Trout in Colorado - Vail Valley Anglers The water is gorgeous. Distance: 2.8 milesElevation: 885 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and local tips: Dogs are allowed to use this trail. 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. 5 hidden lakes in Colorado you probably never knew exsisted Alpine Lake. Distance: 3.77 milesElevation: 722 ftType: Out-and-back. Snow Lake Trail | Map, Guide - Washington | AllTrails 1. Dream Lake is a vision right out of a fairy tale in the early morning hours. In the Fall, the Aspen grove comes alive with color, making for an especially memorable experience. Local Tip: This hike is also near some of the best free camping near Denver. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Our other most popular lakeside elopement locations in Colorado are Blue Lakes near Breckenridge and Lake Isabelle near Boulder. Arrive early to get a spot and spend more of the day exploring! 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. Gore Lake. Suggest edits to improve what we show. This adventure features several waterfalls, streams, a creek, and meadows teeming with beautiful wildflowers a photographers dream! Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. 17 Gorgeous Lakes in Colorado That Are Perfect For Summer If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. RELATED: Views are stunning and fish . Colorado's Alpine Loop is affectionately called the " Switzerland of America" for a reason! This adventure leads you through the Holy Cross Wilderness where youll be surrounded by beautiful forests. Embark on an adventure at Pitkin Lake. 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. Distance: 9.22 milesElevation: 2270 ftType: Out-and-back. Theres no shortage of fantastic mountain and lake views. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. But once there, you can take in impressive panoramas of the valley below as well as hidden meadows, streams, and ponds. This water adventure features beautiful cascading waterfalls among steep rocky cliffs and lush green pine trees. This short 6.5-mile round-trip trail boasts picturesque alpine lakes and stunning views of Pfeifferhorn. 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. Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back The middle and upper are said to have the best views. Alpine lakes, old cabins, creek crossings, summer wildflowers, a stupendous waterfall, and unimaginable views. Blue Lakes Basin is a must for explorers of the Mount Sneffels Wilderness. Distance: 8.47 milesElevation: 1706 ftType: Loop. Youll begin the hike winding through dense forest before the scenery opens up to an incredible view of Longs Peak. or drop a line and try your luck with some fishing. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. Don't Threaten. Distance: 8.02 milesElevation: 2500 ftType: Out-and-back. If you love the wildflowers, don't miss the serene trek into Eagles Nest Wilderness to Gore Lake. Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. or anything. Be sure to check local road conditions during the winter months, the road is unmaintained and closed, which adds an extra 3 to 4 miles each way. The 15 Highest Elevation Lakes in the United States - AZ Animals 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. 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. Tell someone about your plans. The fee is $5 per person (16 years and older), children under 16 are free. Share your suggestions or stories in the comments! Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Distance: 5.4 milesElevation: 1,072 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. With 50 square miles of golden aspens. Dog-Friendly: Bloods Lake - No, Lake Lackawaxen - Yes. Above treeline, the weather can move in quickly and even on a sunny day, the air can feel quite cool. There are several camping spots by the second lake if youre looking to stay overnight. 10 Scenic Mountain Passes in Colorado - Uncover Colorado Then, continue climbing to blue Lake at the base of Mt. The United States Should Adopt The Allemannsretten, 5 Great Spots in Colorado for Fall Colors. Cash fees may apply for accessing the area. Get to know this 6.7-mile out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. 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. The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. Travel over the off-road driving trail (either on foot or by 44) and reach the Alta Ghost Town. Length: 63 miles. Willow Lake offers a backpacking adventure into the Sangre de Cristo range. You must typically access these lake by hiking a few miles or by horseback. Ive been hiking in Colorado for over 13 years. Its still worth a visit, even if you arent climbing. Mohawk Lakes Trail, Colorado's Best Hike - Crazy About Colorado No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Lake Blanche Trail : An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer . Alpine Loop Colorado Department of Transportation Alpine Loop. Green Mountain Reservoir. 20+ Best Colorado Lakes & Reservoirs | Largest Bodies of Water The total round trip hike to Island Lake with the loop is 8 miles with 2,700 ft elevation gain. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. . 1. Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. Definitely come prepared with a suit to take a dip. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Mary's Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. This adventure takes you through a well-marked trail with fantastic mountain views. Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. What is Lindsey's job? : r/LoveOffTheGrid No dogs. The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. 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. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. 15 Secret Colorado Lakes and Waterfalls to Discover this Summer Length 6.7 miElevation gain 1,699 ftRoute type Out & 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. Cherry Creek Reservoir in Aurora, Colorado offers a treasure trove of outdoor activities for the whole family. 1. The main attraction while at the lake is the commanding Hallett Peak. 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. 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. Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. Again, it depends. The Alpine Lakes is the largest wilderness area . The first couple miles of the hike are extremely steep and difficult. This is a do-able day hike, but there are spots for camping if you want to stay overnight. Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake with clear teal water.
