Does Sky Pond sound too intense? Colorado will soon see moisture from what was Hurricane Nora and flash flood watches are already in effect for parts of the state. However, the serenity of the lakes is well worth the butt-busting effort. High-clearance vehicles are best suited for getting to this scenic secluded spot. The Lake Haiyaha hike is accessible year-round and a great option for beginners or those looking for a gentle day and one of the best winter hikes in Colorado. Many of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado are alpine lakes with clear blue water. The main mountain attraction is Lone Eagle Peak, which climbers can also ascend. 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. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. Again, it depends. Another worthwhile alpine lake hike near Breckenridge is Crystal Lake, which gives the ultimate solitude and scenery double punch. This route is delicate, so always practice Leave No Trace when visiting. 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. Make sure you have the necessary permits before setting up camp. During the Ice Age of the geologically . 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. 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. Throughout the years Ive hiked well over 1,000 miles of terrain here in Colorado. The total round trip hike to Island Lake with the loop is 8 miles with 2,700 ft elevation gain. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Marys Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. In fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? Trek beyond the lakes to reach the 14,065-foot summit of Humboldt Peak. If youre looking for a moderate jaunt with big view payout, check out Silver Dollar Lake outside of Georgetown. Pass by the popular Alberta Falls, but keep trekking to leave the crowds behind and find yourself in complete solitude in this vast and unbelievably beautiful wilderness. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. She'd rather be dirty than done up. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Almost countless. Take the Wheeler trail until it intersects with Crystal Creek Road. The best time to visit lakes in Colorado is between May and October when there is no snow so they are easier to get to. It's the state's highest peak. Directions: From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west or, from Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. 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. The hike to lower blue lake is 6 miles round trip with 1,610 ft elevation gain. But if climbing a fourteener is not your bag, there's also a trail that leads to the jaw-dropping and some of the. If you are looking for something a little easier to get to, try James Peak Wilderness. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. Distance: 10.5 milesElevation: 2,975 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Parking is limited so consider taking the free bus from the Vail Village parking structure to the trailhead. To extend your adventure, you can continue on to Isabelle Glacier. Beware of moose in this area, they are everywhere and not afraid to charge! Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. We can easily drive 30 minutes into high elevation aspen forests & alpine lakes when desired. Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. 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. In the summer, the trail becomes a 44 road that you can still hike on, terminating at a parking lot. 1. Before you hit the trail, there are several important things to remember. Gray Wolf Reintroduction, What Does 2023 Look Like In Colorado? The trail will take you through both wildflower-filled meadows and forest. 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. In winter, you will have to take a walk-around to avoid avalanche terrain so be alert. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. Dont forget to turn left at the graves or youll pass right by the final push to Gore Lake! Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. If youre lucky, youll get a perfect reflection of these towering peaks against the lake. Distance: 11 milesElevation: 2,529 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. This is the most beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be combined with Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. Make your way up the two-mile trail to the base of St. Marys Glacier (not really a glacier, but a permanent snowfield) where there is a picture-perfect alpine lake. Tell someone about your plans. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. Bring your camera and pack some tasty snacks! 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. Keep it Clean. Those launching float tubes and canoes will appreciate being able to drive within spitting distance of the many lakes and small . Distance: 2.8 miles round trip. Check with the Castle Mountain Recreation Company for more up-to-date information. It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . There is no shortage of beautiful lakes near Denver, and there are several with magnificently blue water. Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). Stay awhile and enjoy the views! Ice Lake Trailhead is located 7 miles west of Silverton. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Mary's Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Toll. 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. Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, Im not kidding about the moose! Your email address will not be published. The parking lot at Bear Lake Trailhead typically gets full very early, so make sure to get there early so you dont have to take a shuttle. Elevation Gain: 465 feet. 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. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Just one valley over from Cyrstal Lake is Mohawk Lakes, another set of stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. Filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by mind-blowing settings, these backcountry bodies of water are meant to be enjoyed. Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Lake Helene is another great option for explorers of Rocky Mountain National Park. This is one of the most iconic adventures in Colorado and for good reason! Plan accordingly. Discover this alpine wonder by taking Rogers Pass Trail, a 9.1-mile out-and-back trail located near Rollinsville. Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. The lake is an additional 2-ish miles from the parking area. Chasm Lake makes for a beautiful summer adventure. 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. Here are the lessons I have learned! Overview. 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. Maroon Creek Road which leads to Maroon Bells is usually open between May and November and you are required to makereservations ahead of time to enter Maroon Bells area. Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Alpine Loop drive takes 4-6 hours to cover the distance between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. Youll want to be prepared for cooler weather, even in the middle of summer. Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. 5h 16m. Photo: Ryan DewaneDistance: 8.43 milesElevation: 1780 ftType: Out-and-back. The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy spanning alpine lake views. Nestled at 7,323 feet, the trail leading to the lake is short but relatively steep, gaining more than a thousand feet in elevation. No dogs are allowed in the yurt over winter. 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. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. Resting beautifully at an elevation of 9,003 feet. Whether you make a day hike or weekend of it, these hidden, Tucked away at the intersection of two valleys in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, is the popular Brainard Lake Recreation Area, with its namesake lake resting at 10,500.' 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. Cherry Creek Reservoir. Thats right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town! If you do this hike in the winter, youll experience different scenery, but surely just as stunning. 10 Remarkable Trails Near Denver To Add To Your Summer Bucket List, 10 Destinations Everyone In Denver Needs to Visit This Summer, Everyone In Denver Must Visit This Epic Hot Spring As Soon As Possible, This Swimming Spot Has The Clearest, Most Pristine Water Near Denver, 16 Unforgettable Things You Must Add To Your Denver Summer Bucket List, 10 Gorgeous Lakes To Visit Around Denver This Summer, 7 Of The Best Beaches Around Denver To Visit This Summer, These 11 Epic Wildflower Hikes Around Denver Are Completely Out Of This World. Bring a swimsuit! This is one of the easiest lakes on this list to get to, but is therefore also the most crowded. . Photo: Abby VohaskaDistance: 8.81 miles Elevation: 2635 ftType: Out-and-back. Camping is permitted and free around Alta Lakes in Telluride with campsites littered all around the three lakes. Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. The Outbound Collective The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. 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. We'd love to hear eyewitness Alpine Loop. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. You can stop off at the lake and explore before driving to the summit of Mt. Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. The total hike round trip to Middle Blue Lake is 7.6 miles with 2,292 ft elevation gain. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. Nestled in those mountains behind Trout Lake sits Hope Lake. If you just cant get enough alpine lakes in Colorado, why not choose a hiking trail that hits four different Lakes? Photo: Nicola EasterbyDistance: 3.06 milesElevation: 1168 ftType: Out-and-back. Connecting the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake, Trail Ridge Road traverses Rocky Mountain National Park, making this one of the most scenic mountain passes in Colorado. Be Truthful. The hike will start with views of sweeping meadows and will follow along the South Boulder Creek. The best lakes in Colorado often require hard hikes to get to but that also means that you can enjoy them with less people. 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. Aside from the deep blues waters, hikers are delighted with wildflower-filled meadows bordering the lakes in bright and beautiful colors.