Snow Lake Trail. Something that absolutely should be on your list of things to do with kids in Colorado! To get there, follow Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes for 8.6 miles of out-and-back beauty. (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 . About. This trail is well-used but has an interesting start as you make your way up next to and around a huge railway tunnel. 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. 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. The hike from Bear Lake Trailhead is 3.6 miles round trip with about 740 ft elevation gain. Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. This is the most beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be combined with Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. 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. In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. This glacial lake is the largest natural lake in Colorado in terms of surface area, depth, and total water volume. It's the state's highest peak. To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. Note that parking at the Brainard Lake Recreational Area lot costs $10 and fills up quickly. 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. Miles from Denver: 100 miles. You'll need four-wheel drive to access the campsites at Bill Moore Lake but getting there on the steep rocky roads is part of the fun! There's a reason Maroon Lake is arguably the most photographed lake in the state. Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty, and elevation gain. 11. The 6.3-mile hike takes 2.5-3 hours, and the elevation gain is very gradual for. 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. 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. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. The backcountry hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes features abundant wildlife, glorious mountain backdrops, and beautiful wildflowers. Whenever you hear someone talk about catching trout in the mountain lakes of the Rockies, the term that often comes up is "alpine". Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado | Colorado.com Surround yourself in an amphitheater of dramatic rock and scope out of the best alpine lakes in Colorado. Twin Lakes are two beautiful lakes located at the base of Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado. This includes water, snacks, sun protection, extra layers, and more. the most part. Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 42 min to complete. Arizona has many unique hiking opportunities with a wide range of elevation, climate, and views. Dream Lake is a vision right out of a fairy tale in the early morning hours. If you just cant get enough alpine lakes in Colorado, why not choose a hiking trail that hits four different Lakes? Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. Just one valley over from Cyrstal Lake is Mohawk Lakes, another set of stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. Some hikes, like, Sedona is one of the most amazing places to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. 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. Not your computer? Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links for products and services I recommend. If youre looking for a stunning place to stake out camp by a lake, look no more! This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. Twin Lakes is located at the foot of the highest mountain in the entire Rocky Mountain Range along the continental divide and is also Colorados largest natural glacier lake. Though close in proximity to Maroon Lake, Crater Lake is a less crowded destination, yet still unbelievably scenic. There are a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. An alternative to driving on your own is toreserve a spoton the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands Village to Maroon Bells. Colorado Summer of Alpine Lakes | Visit Telluride Evans and Mt. The fee is $5 per person (16 years and older), children under 16 are free. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. Share with Us. Located outside of the beautiful mountain town of Vail, the trail to the lake is about 12.5 miles out-and-back. With such a delicate ecosystem, your skin oils and sunscreen can kill the wildlife that lives in the lake. This is one of the easiest lakes on this list to get to, but is therefore also the most crowded. This portion of the trail is very steep and scary so you have to be very careful and make sure to wear hiking boots and use trekking poles. Distance: 23.8 milesElevation: 4,767 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are welcome to use this trail. 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. Embark on an adventure at Pitkin Lake. It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. Encounter some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world as you wind your way through an alpine wonderland, mountain reservoirs, beyond timberline, overtaking the clouds. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. There are a lot of famous alpine lake hikes in Colorado to discover. Elevation Gain: 465 feet. Colorado will soon see moisture from what was Hurricane Nora and flash flood watches are already in effect for parts of the state. When you get to the lake you can always take a swim if you are up for it, but expect the water to be really cold! Photo: Whitney JamesDistance: 3.15 milesElevation: 650 ftType: Out-and-back. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park lies Dream Lake. Explore the fantastically beautiful cirque and enjoy views of Kit Carson, The Crestones, and Humboldt Peak. Parking is $5 at the Summit Lake parking lot. before arriving at the lake, where goof fishing has been reported. This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. + Save to a List. The Alpine Lakes is the largest wilderness area . The first couple miles of the hike are extremely steep and difficult. The 11 Best Swimming Holes In Colorado To Visit This Summer 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. In the summer, the trail becomes a 44 road that you can still hike on, terminating at a parking lot. 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. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Discover this alpine wonder by taking Rogers Pass Trail, a 9.1-mile out-and-back trail located near Rollinsville. 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. Catch dramatic views of the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak. Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. 10 "Drive-to" Lakes and Reservoirs in Colorado There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. Parking early in the morning is free at the Bear Lake Trailhead. Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that youve already checked with good old Google. The road will dead end at Moffat Tunnel where you'll find ample parking in a gravel lot with restrooms. In fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. Check out our favorite alpine hikes in Colorado and neighboring states. Unfortunately, in the summer it can get hot with temperatures, The American Southwest features incredible natural wonders and landscapes that cannot be missed. 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. Success! Bring your camera and pack some tasty snacks! Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. Chicago Lakes is a popular hiking trail in the Mount Evans Wilderness that has two magnificent lakes with stellar views of the foothills and of Mount Evans. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. The main mountain attraction is Lone Eagle Peak, which climbers can also ascend. 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. 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. Improve this listing. Upper & Lower Bushnell Lakes - Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort Don't knowingly lie about anyone Seriouslyover 2,000! Be Truthful. Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. This list of the 16 top destinations in the Southwest US will, Your email address will not be published. Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. You'll be surrounded by jagged peak, stunning summer wildflower displays, and crystal clear waters. 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. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek located near Crestone. It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . Get to know this 6.7-mile out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. Before you hit the trail, there are several important things to remember. Beware of moose in this area, they are everywhere and not afraid to charge! We can easily drive 30 minutes into high elevation aspen forests & alpine lakes when desired. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Dogs welcome. 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. 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. You'll find San Cristobal incredibly stunning. Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State Park. 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. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. It lies at treeline in a spectacular alpine valley framed by Navajo, Apache and Shoshoni peaks. 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. 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). Trek beyond the lakes to reach the 14,065-foot summit of Humboldt Peak. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. You'd better allow 7 hours to fully enjoy the scenic beauty, however. Best Lakes for Fly Fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park Breathe in the fresh air and set up a hammock to enjoy the most incredible mountain and alpine lake backdrop. 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. Youll want to be prepared for cooler weather, even in the middle of summer. It is nestled between the towns of Ridgway and Telluride. Start from the Bear Lake parking lot and hike the gentle trail towards Lake Haiyaha, passing through the alluring Emerald Lake. The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road. Alpine lakes are defined by being any lake that sits above 10,000 feet above sea level. It connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, where it is generally considered to begin (and end). OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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. No dogs are allowed in the yurt over winter. When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. Learn more that is degrading to another person. Theres no shortage of fantastic mountain and lake views. 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! 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.' We searched for alpine lakes to hike to in the area and came across Crystal Lake in Saint Marie's, Idaho. Boating Lakes in Colorado | Summer Things to Do in Colorado - Grizzly Rose At these lakes you can canoe, kayak, and paddle board. This rather large lake is surrounded by pines with a dramatic mountain background. And find our listings for off-road outfitters and tour companies here. The cold water is characteristic of alpine lakes. Alpine Lake Fishing - Buena Vista & Salida, Colorado Vacation You could also do a loop and combine this lake with Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. 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. 1. Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure.