High-clearance vehicles are best suited for getting to this scenic secluded spot. The snowpack is different every year, so its tough to say when trails will be snow-free. Here are the lessons I have learned! The designation means Spinney is public fishing water that produces a minimum of 12 fish of 14in or more and 60lbs per acre. Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Colorado. 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. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. 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. Above treeline, the weather can move in quickly and even on a sunny day, the air can feel quite cool. The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. The trail flattens out at the basin below Columbine Lake and once you arrive you're in for a real treat. And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. In winter the trail may be impossible without ice climbing gear. Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). You will definitely want to wear hiking boots and bring trekking poles for this part of the trail. The trail itself is moderately wooded. Bring your camera and pack some tasty snacks! The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. 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. 8 to 4 miles Round TripElevation: Depends. Local Tip: This hike is also near some of the best free camping near Denver. The hike to lower blue lake is 6 miles round trip with 1,610 ft elevation gain. Cherry Creek Reservoir in Aurora, Colorado offers a treasure trove of outdoor activities for the whole family. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible . Evans and Mt. Photo: Nicola EasterbyDistance: 3.06 milesElevation: 1168 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. Square Top Lakes, Guanella Pass Square Top Lakes via Shutterstock. This list comes from years of research and is a total labor of love. Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links for products and services I recommend. Alpine Loop - If you look closely you can see a 44 on the trail dwarfed by the mountains. The winding hike leads you past dreamy fields of wildflowers before reaching the sparkling aqua the area is known for. 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. About. Along the byway, you can travel through various scenery changes: start in a desert canyon and pass aspen foothills, lakes, alpine forests, lily ponds, and meadows bursting with wildflowers as you make your way to the top. The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road. 5h 16m. It can be hard to narrow down which hikes, Colorado is a beautiful state with tall peaks, incredible lakes, and four unique national parks. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek located near Crestone. 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. This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. San Juan National Forest. Come and try out the great hiking and mountain biking trails too! Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Set a check-in time and have that person try to check in with you first, before calling authorities (just in case you forget to circle back). Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. Filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by mind-blowing settings, these backcountry bodies of water are meant to be enjoyed. Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. Our other most popular lakeside elopement locations in Colorado are Blue Lakes near Breckenridge and Lake Isabelle near Boulder. The trail starts off steep, dropping into a valley before running flat, then climbing steeply up again. Colorado's Alpine Loop is affectionately called the " Switzerland of America" for a reason! Length: 63 miles. Moderate 4.6 (8765) Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Go early. Distance: 3.97 milesElevation: 1299 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. You'll take the Mitchell Lake Trail, crossing Mitchell Creek and passing Mitchell Lake along the way. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. 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. If youre lucky, youll get a perfect reflection of these towering peaks against the lake. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Maroon Lake brings you the best of the Bells, the Maroon Bells that is. Stargazing at night is amazing, so be sure to bring a camera if youre into night photography! That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. Forsythe Canyon Round-trip Distance: 2.2 miles Trailhead: Forsythe Canyon - Lincoln National Forest Difficulty: Easy This short hike starts just outside of Boulder. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Temperatures are often utterly freezing, since most alpine lakes are fed by snowmelt. 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. You're going to want to bring your camera on these adventures. Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. Distance: 14.6 milesElevation: 2,373 feetDifficulty: A difficult day hike or a moderate overnight backpackRed Tape and Local Tips: Permits are required for backpacking from Memorial Day through Labor Day. 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. Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. The ideal time to visit is. However, the serenity of the lakes is well worth the butt-busting effort. Camping here is sure to be an awe-filled experience. Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. Talk about iconic Colorado views! You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. Keep it Clean. 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. To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. Pass by several waterfalls on your way to one of the most magnificent lakes in all of Colorado. Start from the Bear Lake parking lot and hike the gentle trail towards Lake Haiyaha, passing through the alluring Emerald Lake. The wildflower lined trail is short and beautiful, clocking in at 2.1 miles round trip. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. You'd better allow 7 hours to fully enjoy the scenic beauty, however. accounts, the history behind an article. It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. This includes water, snacks, sun protection, extra layers, and more. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). Elevation Gain: 465 feet. Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. Harder To Reach: Lawn Lake. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. It is a long day hike (4.6 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 3,100ft. Distance: 2.8 miles round trip. The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. Simply hike to Loch Vale instead. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. This list of the 16 top destinations in the Southwest US will, Your email address will not be published. Walk another half mile and youll see a beautiful waterfall, followed by stellar views of Lily Lake. 17. Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. This article will walk you through the best lakes in Colorado and how to get to these lakes. Did you know that Colorado is home to over 2,000 lakes? Colorado has many picturesque lakes surrounded by high peaks. Continue for several more miles until reaching the base of The Spearhead, a famous mountaineering objective. To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. Also, dont be an ass, you are not allowed to swim or climb around on the logs here. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. Be Truthful. Then recheck it the day before your hike. Awesome views, wildlife, lakes and wild flowers await you on this lollipop loop ride. Nestled in those mountains behind Trout Lake sits Hope 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 breathtaking clear blue American Lake is located in Aspen, Colorado. Distance: 6.92 milesElevation: 1804 ftType: Out-and-back. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. To get there, follow Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes for 8.6 miles of out-and-back beauty. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. Driving time: 4 to 6 hours. Throughout the post youll find: Absolutely. Youll have the added bonus of passing two additional scenic alpine lakes along the way. Immarite? Once at the lakes, you can go for a swim (so bring a suit!) At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. Print/PDF map. Toll. Blue lake sits at 11,355 feet and is frozen for much of the year. Before you hit the trail, there are several important things to remember. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation: 846 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Keep in mind, the average hiker moves at about 2 miles an hour or covers 1,000 feet of elevation gain in an hour. The hike from Ice Lake to Island Lake is about half a mile with 100 foot elevation gain. 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. 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. Cherry Creek Reservoir. 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. This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. What does 2023 look like for gray wolf reintroduction? Distance: 6.5 milesElevation: 2,362 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and local tips: Pssst, there are a lot of nearby small lakes and areas to explore here. Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. The trail is located near Glenwood Springs, offering the perfect post-adventure spot. Be cautious, however, as thunderstorms are quite common in the summertime. Sandbeach Lake has a wide sandy shore thats perfect for picnicking or simply sitting to take in the scenery. There are a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. The first lake on this trail is Lower Blue Lake, a clear bright blue lake within the Mount Sneffels Wilderness Area at 10,952 ft elevation. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. 1. 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. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. 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. If you're looking for a secluded adventure, the Mohawk Lakes (upper and lower) are the perfect alpine escape for you. "With an ample forage base such as scuds, crayfish, terrestrials, aquatic insects these fish can live 10 plus years and grow to very . 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. Mohawk Lakes offer plenty of picture-perfect backcountry camping or opportunities to summit nearby mountains, such as Father Dyer. 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. Once you get to the lake, focus on the right shoreline, where there is a great drop off for fish to hang out around. Lake Blanche Trail : An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer . Yep, us too. Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. Many of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado are alpine lakes with clear blue water. 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. Cutthroats were originally named by William Clark on the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition. This adventure features three impressive alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Loch, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond. In fact, this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is one of the easiest lakes on this list to get to, but is therefore also the most crowded. As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. 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. August 25, 2021 at 6:00 a.m. Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocked dozens of alpine lakes with more than 95,000 trout by airplane last week. Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. Plan accordingly. Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. Take the dirt road up in elevation as it turns a bit rough closer to the lake. The total hike round trip to Middle Blue Lake is 7.6 miles with 2,292 ft elevation gain. . Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Distance: 5.53 milesElevation: 1056 ftType: Out-and-back. Youll be gasping for air from the steep inclines and incredible scenes. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail to access starts off at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. The Arkansas and local streams around my home base of Salida were blown out and muddy well into July. For more information on how to do this lake loop, continue to our Rocky Mountain National Park Guide. 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 Both alpine lakes sit at an elevation of about 11,000 feet. This lake is known for the reflection you can see in the lake of 14,000 ft tall Maroon Peaks. Bloods Lake and Lackawaxen Trail. For a brief time, in only the warmest months of the year, will you find the waters of the Green Mountain Reservoir tolerable for swimming. Distance: Depends. Trek beyond the lakes to reach the 14,065-foot summit of Humboldt Peak. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. 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. You can take a dip at Sprouting Rock in a stunning turquoise oasis found just behind Hanging Lake. Its still worth a visit, even if you arent climbing. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Give them instructions about who to call if they dont hear from you. Another worthwhile alpine lake hike near Breckenridge is Crystal Lake, which gives the ultimate solitude and scenery double punch. Discover this alpine wonder by taking Rogers Pass Trail, a 9.1-mile out-and-back trail located near Rollinsville. 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). The road will dead end at Moffat Tunnel where you'll find ample parking in a gravel lot with restrooms. 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. Use the 'Report' link on Like the name suggests, youll be in awe of the color of the deep blue waters. In layman's terms, they are the state's finest fisheries. It lies at treeline in a spectacular alpine valley framed by Navajo, Apache and Shoshoni peaks. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. 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. Some hikes, like, Sedona is one of the most amazing places to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. 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. 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. Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning beauty. For dramatic views of Longs Peak and the iconic Diamond headwall, head up to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 11 milesElevation: 2,529 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes and three other unnamed lakes are all in the area. 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. Arizona has many unique hiking opportunities with a wide range of elevation, climate, and views. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. Its my favorite backpacking route in Colorado and well-worth an overnight. Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado. Seriouslyover 2,000! Overview. Also, keep in mind there are restrictions on where you can walk, so be respectful of signs and regulations. 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. Does Sky Pond sound too intense? The trail also features both forests and meadows budding with an abundance of wildflowers interspersed along the way. This trail is popular and can get very crowded, so try to hike it either really early or much later in the day. Named for its stunning waters, Emerald Lake is overflowing with beauty. You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic. Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Youll want to be prepared for cooler weather, even in the middle of summer. This trail is well-used but has an interesting start as you make your way up next to and around a huge railway tunnel. Surrounding peaks of granite reflect off the lake's beautiful emerald green waters nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are a fan of high alpine lakes without having to travel far . Emerald Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is reached by hiking from Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. You'll be crossing a few small streams, so be careful after heavy rains. Directions: From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west or, from Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. Breathtaking beauty awaits hikers at South Colony Lakes. Distance: 3.77 milesElevation: 722 ftType: Out-and-back. The main attraction while at the lake is the commanding Hallett Peak. The backcountry hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes features abundant wildlife, glorious mountain backdrops, and beautiful wildflowers. 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". Located outside of the beautiful mountain town of Vail, the trail to the lake is about 12.5 miles out-and-back. It's about a 3-mile trek out-and-back. Located in the San Juan Mountains, the lake also attracts a variety of wildlife including elk and moose. Mount Evans is a 14er that boasts fantastic views of the lake, Mt. To see the entire lake though, youll need to do a bit of climbing up the shore. Share your suggestions or stories in the comments! 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. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. In reality, you can make your way to an alpine lake any time of the year. The 2.3-mile out-and-back trail starts off in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area and then winds on to the Indian Peaks Wilderness. 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.