To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. It is nestled between the towns of Ridgway and Telluride. From hiking around the water to fishing, boating, picnicking, and swimming . Get to know this 6.7-mile out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. From Bear Lake Trailhead it is about 4.2 miles roundtrip with 840 ft elevation gain. . Located near Gardener, Colorado, this amazing alpine lake Colorado hike starts with a downhill trek into a vast, meadow with stunning, panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. Snow and ice are melting, wildflowers are emerging, and the most beautiful lakes near Denver will soon glisten with an unrivaled beauty that beckons you to bask on their shimmering shores and recharge the natural way. Length 6.7 miElevation gain 1,699 ftRoute type Out & back. 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). Not your computer? For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. 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. The scenery is beautiful throughout and provides many opportunities for continued exploration while at the top! This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. 1. It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . Arrive early to get a spot and spend more of the day exploring! Alpine Loop. Dream Lake is a vision right out of a fairy tale in the early morning hours. 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. The Alpine Lakes is the largest wilderness area . To see views of Lower Blue Lake from above you need to continue hiking up the steep Blue Lakes Trial towards Middle Blue Lake. Our other most popular lakeside elopement locations in Colorado are Blue Lakes near Breckenridge and Lake Isabelle near Boulder. There are other great trout reservoirs in the area, but only Spinney is a Gold Medal water. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. Go early. Blue Lakes Trail in Telluride, Colorado takes you to three of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. You must typically access these lake by hiking a few miles or by horseback. Want a bit more of a challenge? 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. Distance: 6.8 milesElevation: 1,548 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape: Many 14er-enthusiasts camp here overnight before their summit bids. What does 2023 look like for gray wolf reintroduction? Youll begin the hike winding through dense forest before the scenery opens up to an incredible view of Longs Peak. 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. In the winter, there is no fee, but the road is closed. Distance: 6.5 milesElevation: 1,804 feetDifficulty: moderate to difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail gets insanely busy in the summer, so start early. There is no shortage of beautiful lakes near Denver, and there are several with magnificently blue water. On Monday and . Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. It's a 1.8-mile trek (3.6 miles round trip). Please explore responsibly! Rocky Mountain National Park is a hidden gem in the Colorado Rockies. Dog-friendly. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. And located in the saddle of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, Tyndall Glacier (one of five active glaciers in the park) offers breathtaking views. Discover the alpine beauty of Mirror Lake. With 50 square miles of golden aspens. Green Mountain Reservoir. 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. Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. Nestled at 7,323 feet, the trail leading to the lake is short but relatively steep, gaining more than a thousand feet in elevation. Simply hike to Loch Vale instead. 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. Once at the lakes, you can go for a swim (so bring a suit!) Photos (9,863) Directions. Take a Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park On the way youll pass three additional lakes, including the iconic Dream Lake. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. The Ute Indian tribe long inhabited this area before they were replaced by miners in the 1800s, who came in search of silver, gold, lead, and zinc. The best time to do this hike is early in the morning for sunrise you wont be mad you did! Its my favorite backpacking route in Colorado and well-worth an overnight. 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. There are a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. Though close in proximity to Maroon Lake, Crater Lake is a less crowded destination, yet still unbelievably scenic. Temperatures are often utterly freezing, since most alpine lakes are fed by snowmelt. We'd love to hear eyewitness Camping in dispersed camping areas gives you the opportunity for a little more privacy and peace and quiet. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. For an added challenge and extra mileage, you can even summit Longs Peak for an elevated vantage point! Bierstadt, and even Denver at times. 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. This is a great adventure for those looking to make a short trip outside of Denver. Here are 11 of the best swimming holes in Colorado, from pristine lakes to reservoirs, waterfall pools, and everything in between. These incredible, Climb a 3.5-mile trail along an open ridge in the Eagles Nest Wilderness to reach one of the, One option is this challenging all-day hike that involves a bounty of supreme alpine splendor. On the way to Emerald Lake you will also pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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 . Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. 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 includes water, snacks, sun protection, extra layers, and more. At these lakes you can canoe, kayak, and paddle board. Theres no shortage of fantastic mountain and lake views. 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. This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. And the fish well, they just float on down, once deployed from the airplane. Located in gorgeous Glenwood Canyon, the drive to the trailhead is reason . Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible . 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. This area is also an awesome place to practice mountaineering skills or go for a mid-summer ski session. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. 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. You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic. Sharp granite cliffs rise straight out of the water as you gaze upon views of Longs Peak in the distance. Colorado's Alpine Loop is affectionately called the " Switzerland of America" for a reason! Sundial Peak over Lake Blanche. Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. Keep it Clean. Gray Wolf Reintroduction, What Does 2023 Look Like In Colorado? person will not be tolerated. Something that absolutely should be on your list of things to do with kids in Colorado! Distance: 2.8 milesElevation: 885 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and local tips: Dogs are allowed to use this trail. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can Drive To!) Photo: Ryan MckinneyDistance: 4.09 milesElevation: 374 ftType: Out-and-back. Cottonwood Lake 11. Think you need to be a hiking pro to enjoy amazing alpine lake hikes in Colorado? Whenever you hear someone talk about catching trout in the mountain lakes of the Rockies, the term that often comes up is "alpine". This Rocky Mountain National Park adventure provides an opportunity to catch an unforgettable sunrise. Aside from craggy peaks, youll also see wildflowers springing from the ground all along the banks of the lakes during summer. Yep, us too. 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. Since the trail to get to Ice Lake is steep and long you should make sure to wear hiking boots. (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.) Remember to treat this natural wonderland with great care to preserve its vivid beauty and to keep it pristine for those who visit next! Spooky indeed! Take the Wheeler trail until it intersects with Crystal Creek Road. Arizona has many unique hiking opportunities with a wide range of elevation, climate, and views. The cold water is characteristic of alpine lakes. 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. This moderate hike is a great way to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in Colorado without the lung-busting elevation gain. Travel over the off-road driving trail (either on foot or by 44) and reach the Alta Ghost Town. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. Distance: 3.77 milesElevation: 722 ftType: Out-and-back. The trail flattens out at the basin below Columbine Lake and once you arrive you're in for a real treat. 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! 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. Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. 1. Get going on this adventure to the three beautiful Blue Lakes nestled among Colorados San Juan Range in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. This adventure features three impressive alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Loch, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond. The Alpine Loop starts with the historic high-altitude town of Ouray. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. 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. Keep in mind that State Forest State Park requires a fee. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. Emerald Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is reached by hiking from Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Its always a good idea, especially on longer, difficult hikes or solo excursions, to let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back. There's a reason Maroon Lake is arguably the most photographed lake in the state. You could spend a lifetime trying to see all of the alpine lakes in Colorado and just barely scratch the surface. More Information 2. Early July 2020 My first trip to the beautiful remote Sand Creek Lakes high above the Wet Mountain Valley in Colorado was in 2017, a year of the big runoff. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The Arkansas and local streams around my home base of Salida were blown out and muddy well into July. San Juan National Forest. The total hike round trip to Upper Blue Lake is 8 miles with 2,404 ft elevation gain. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. The middle and upper are said to have the best views. Catch dramatic views of the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak. Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. The hike will start with views of sweeping meadows and will follow along the South Boulder Creek. Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 1,765 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. Dont expect solitude here, even in the dead of winter. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. 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. Sky Pond is one of the most jaw-dropping sights to see. In winter, you will have to take a walk-around to avoid avalanche terrain so be alert. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. Please note, reservations are required to visit the park. With so many lake hikes, Colorado will have your hiking itinerary booked for years! Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. About. Both alpine lakes sit at an elevation of about 11,000 feet. 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. Distance: 3.9 milesElevation: 1,062 feetDifficulty: Easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Sometimes the road in is closed, which adds about a mile each way. You can hike to this lake from either Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Length: 7.9 mi Est. 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. Continue for several more miles until reaching the base of The Spearhead, a famous mountaineering objective. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. You'll take the Mitchell Lake Trail, crossing Mitchell Creek and passing Mitchell Lake along the way. Be on the lookout for the moose who call this beautiful mountain landscape home! But if climbing a fourteener is not your bag, there's also a trail that leads to the jaw-dropping and some of the. Kevin BuggieBPL Member. It's the state's highest peak. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Distance: 8.02 milesElevation: 2500 ftType: Out-and-back. Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. Square Top Lakes, Guanella Pass Square Top Lakes via Shutterstock. Twin Lakes are two beautiful lakes located at the base of Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. The trail is about 6.8 miles round trip to Ice Lake with 2,457 ft elevation gain. Talk about iconic Colorado views! Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes.
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