Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. You can stop off at the lake and explore before driving to the summit of Mt. The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. Lake Helene is another great option for explorers of Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 3 milesElevation: 1,135 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: If you want a fighting chance at a less-crowded experience, go for sunrise. The picturesque lakes are tucked away near the mountains of Breckenridge. Ive been hiking in Colorado for over 13 years. Grand Lake. Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. What I love about this Colorado lake hike is just how quiet it is. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. Distance: 9.22 milesElevation: 2270 ftType: Out-and-back. They are remote and wild, but also peaceful and pristine at the same time. We'd love to hear eyewitness . Suggest edits to improve what we show. The water is piercingly clear blue, which will entice you to jump right in! This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. Youll find over 2,000 alpine lakes in Colorado. This lake is known for the reflection you can see in the lake of 14,000 ft tall Maroon Peaks. Youll likely want to stay overnight to prolong your time in this picturesque environment, but do note that permits are required for campers. 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. Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. 17. It can be hard to narrow down which hikes, Colorado is a beautiful state with tall peaks, incredible lakes, and four unique national parks. Colorado will soon see moisture from what was Hurricane Nora and flash flood watches are already in effect for parts of the state. 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. before arriving at the lake, where goof fishing has been reported. By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Mary's Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Colorado's Alpine Loop is affectionately called the " Switzerland of America" for a reason! Gray Wolf Reintroduction, What Does 2023 Look Like In Colorado? Cash fees may apply for accessing the area. Check that the ice is fully frozen on the lake before stepping on to cross in the colder months! Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. 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. Cherry Creek Reservoir in Aurora, Colorado offers a treasure trove of outdoor activities for the whole family. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. Take the Glacier Gorge Trail up a steep, winding dramatic valley that terminates at the famed Sky Pond. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. Located in gorgeous Glenwood Canyon, the drive to the trailhead is reason . Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! 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. Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! 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. The snowpack is different every year, so its tough to say when trails will be snow-free. Dog-friendly. Distance: 4.4 miles in summer, 11 miles in winterElevation: 448 in summer, 1,030 in winterDifficulty: Easy (moderate in winter)Red Tape and Local Tips: The Brainard Lake Recreation Area requires a fee for day use. If you are actually interested in how my dogs are incredibly cared for (& my dog skijoring/ mushing ventures), you can see where they live via @mesamutts on IG - 5 acre fenced dog paradise. Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. Grand Mesa Trails The trail features colorful wildflower meadows, breathtaking views, and plenty of wildlife. Distance: 2.8 milesElevation: 885 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and local tips: Dogs are allowed to use this trail. There are a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. Improve this listing. Almost countless. If you're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. There are hiking trails near the lakes with great views of the lakes and surrounding mountains. It is nestled between the towns of Ridgway and Telluride. Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. Start on the Glacier Gorge Trail (like you would for Sky Pond) except veer left at the fork. 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. Opt to get there early or make it an overnight to get more time. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. Sandbeach Lake has a wide sandy shore thats perfect for picnicking or simply sitting to take in the scenery. Distance: Depends. There are three lakes in the basin. 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. "With an ample forage base such as scuds, crayfish, terrestrials, aquatic insects these fish can live 10 plus years and grow to very . Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Spalding. 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 . There's a reason Maroon Lake is arguably the most photographed lake in the state. This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. Trail Use: Hiking Only. With so many lake hikes, Colorado will have your hiking itinerary booked for years! The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. Yep, us too. Ice Lake is a beautiful bright blue alpine lake located at 12,300 feet that requires a very strenuous hike to get to. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State 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). Moderate 4.6 (8765) Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Its best to check with AllTrails.com or even local hiking Facebook groups to get the most up-to-date information. Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. In terms of the best lake hikes, Colorado offers some incredibly unique lakes and the Hanging Lake hike takes the cake. If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. The Alpine Loop starts with the historic high-altitude town of Ouray. Not your computer? Camping is prohibited within a quarter of a mile to protect its fragile environment. . Alpine lakes are defined by being any lake that sits above 10,000 feet above sea level. Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park lies Dream Lake. Expect to see wildlife like moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or elk along the trail, especially in the late spring and early summer. Keep moving forward and the trail will switch back and then head up the mountain. These lakes are next to Independence Pass, a road that takes you to Aspen. This article will walk you through the best lakes in Colorado and how to get to these lakes. You even get two lakes for the price of one hike. Distance: 2.93 milesElevation: 675 ftType: Loop. Make sure you have the necessary permits before setting up camp. 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. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Here are the lessons I have learned! It connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, where it is generally considered to begin (and end). Elevation Gain: 465 feet. The hike is difficult but is worth the challenge to get to one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. If you are looking for something a little easier to get to, try James Peak Wilderness. The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. Trek your way through stunning alpine country to one of the most picturesque lakes in the state Hanging Lake. The lake has an elevation of 9,905 feet at the base of Hallett's Peak, which is accessible via the famed Bear Lake trailhead. 2. Come July and August, Lawn Lake is arguably the best lake for fishing in the park. For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. Distance: 7.7 milesElevation: 2,522 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic. Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. 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. Technically you can swim at many alpine lakes in Colorado, but you probably dont want to. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Surrounding peaks of granite reflect off the lake's beautiful emerald green waters nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park. Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado is an easy daytime hike that features expansive alpine landscapes and brilliant turquoise waters. In fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. From hiking around the water to fishing, boating, picnicking, and swimming . Mohawk Lakes offer plenty of picture-perfect backcountry camping or opportunities to summit nearby mountains, such as Father Dyer. Dispersed camping does take a little more planning, but the extra work will be well worth it. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. Which lake near Denver has the bluest water? Nestled in those mountains behind Trout Lake sits Hope Lake. Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. Throughout the post youll find: Absolutely. The road will dead end at Moffat Tunnel where you'll find ample parking in a gravel lot with restrooms. Most of the Alpine lakes lie in valleys that were formed during the uplift of the mountain chain of the Alps. Please note, reservations may be required to visit the park. 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. Camping here is sure to be an awe-filled experience. 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. No dogs. This is a do-able day hike, but there are spots for camping if you want to stay overnight. 1. Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! 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! Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) 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. Check the weather. Travel over the off-road driving trail (either on foot or by 44) and reach the Alta Ghost Town. The best time to visit is between June and October. Print/PDF map. Water activities including fishing and kayaking are great ways to spend time exploring the area, especially if you plan to stay and camp. Dont expect solitude here, even in the dead of winter. From short day hikes close to the cityto multi-day backpacking tripsdeep in Rocky Mountain National Park, these adventures will take you to some of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Colorado. Take the dirt road up in elevation as it turns a bit rough closer to the lake. Lake Ann - Only accessible by way of a 1.75-mile well-maintained trail, this pristine lake is ruggedly scenic and extremely protected. Yes. Distance: 5.4 milesElevation: 1,072 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. The Maroon Bells are world renowned for being some of the most breathtaking mountains in the US. 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. Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. Tucked under Mt Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak sits two pristine alpine lakes nestled beside the town of Twin Lakes. Length: 7.9 mi Est. The alpine wonder rests at an elevation of 10,630 feet located between Flattop Mountain (12,324 feet) and Notchtop Mountain (12,129 feet) ). At these lakes you can canoe, kayak, and paddle board. The wildflower lined trail is short and beautiful, clocking in at 2.1 miles round trip. Youll cross a couple of creeks so be sure to have the appropriate footwear on.