colorado alpine lakes you can drive to

Evans and Mt. The best time to visit is between June and October. 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. Both alpine lakes sit at an elevation of about 11,000 feet. 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. Colorado's Alpine Loop is affectionately called the " Switzerland of America" for a reason! Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Lush alpine scenery unfolds as you ascend the 8.1-mile out-and-back trail nestled in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton. Huskies also thrive in Colorado - alpine lakes, cross . Parking early in the morning is free at the Bear Lake Trailhead. Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. If you do opt to swim, dont wear any sunscreen. Blue lake sits at 11,355 feet and is frozen for much of the year. 10 Alpine Hikes To Tackle Before the Snow Flies - 303 Magazine The best way to see the highlights of Colorado is, Sedona is a town surrounded by red rocks that offers incredible hikes, but its beauty and social media popularity has attracted crowds. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. 1. The Alpine Loop starts with the historic high-altitude town of Ouray. It lies at treeline in a spectacular alpine valley framed by Navajo, Apache and Shoshoni peaks. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. You'll be crossing a few small streams, so be careful after heavy rains. This is a phenomenal spot for a picnic lunch and a SUP experience. The round-trip distance from the lower trailhead is around 8 miles depending on your route, including some road walking, but the upper trail is actually an easy 4-ish mile round-trip jaunt. Though one of the shorter adventures on this list, the hike to Loch Vale in Rocky National Park is surely just as rewarding as the others. By: Related: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local. Expect to see wildlife like moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or elk along the trail, especially in the late spring and early summer. Lake Ann - Only accessible by way of a 1.75-mile well-maintained trail, this pristine lake is ruggedly scenic and extremely protected. When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. (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 . 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. Although Gore Lake looks reasonable on paper, this is a tough hike, with much of the elevation gained in the last couple of miles. Alpine Lakes in Colorado. Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. Distance: 2.8 miles round trip. Something that absolutely should be on your list of things to do with kids in Colorado! Be sure to check the weather before beginning this adventure as summer thunderstorms in this area can be aggressive. High-altitude Colorado lakes where you can stand-up paddleboard or kayak Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. The lake is an additional 2-ish miles from the parking area. Hike your way up to the lakes for breath-taking views and lakeside goodness! The video showcases the beauty of Colorado's high country. The designation means Spinney is public fishing water that produces a minimum of 12 fish of 14in or more and 60lbs per acre. Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no . 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. Though close in proximity to Maroon Lake, Crater Lake is a less crowded destination, yet still unbelievably scenic. Dream Lake is a vision right out of a fairy tale in the early morning hours. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Lake Blanche Trail : An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer . Youll likely want to stay overnight to prolong your time in this picturesque environment, but do note that permits are required for campers. A Guide to Skiing Banff: An Inside Look at the SkiBig3 Resorts | GearJunkie 10 Best ATV Trails In Colorado - Wild ATV Grand Lake. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. For a real adventure, combine your lake hike in Colorado with an overnight at a yurt. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN COLORADO - Vows And Peaks However, the serenity of the lakes is well worth the butt-busting effort. The United States Should Adopt The Allemannsretten, 5 Great Spots in Colorado for Fall Colors. In the Fall, the Aspen grove comes alive with color, making for an especially memorable experience. Sharp granite cliffs rise straight out of the water as you gaze upon views of Longs Peak in the distance. As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. Most of Colorado's 2,000 high lakes lie on public lands between 9,000 and 12,000 feet and are accessible by a few miles of Forest Service trail. However, dont be fooled by the easy accessibility. Distance: 14.94 milesElevation: 2421 ftType: Out-and-back. Above treeline, the weather can move in quickly and even on a sunny day, the air can feel quite cool. Please note, reservations are required to visit the lake. 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 . And located in the saddle of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, Tyndall Glacier (one of five active glaciers in the park) offers breathtaking views. This 7.7 miles trail boasts a wow factor unlike any other. 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! 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. Here are 11 of the best swimming holes in Colorado, from pristine lakes to reservoirs, waterfall pools, and everything in between. The winding hike leads you past dreamy fields of wildflowers before reaching the sparkling aqua the area is known for. Please note, reservations may be required to visit the park. 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). Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. 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. Then, continue climbing to blue Lake at the base of Mt. To see most of these incredible lakes in Colorado on one road trip, check out our Colorado Road Trip Itinerary. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links for products and services I recommend. During the Ice Age of the geologically . The byway provides many scenic overlooks to view each of these Colorado beauties. Pristine, beautiful waters often reflect dramatic mountain views. Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. Photos (9,863) Directions. To extend your adventure, you can continue on to Isabelle Glacier. Length 6.7 miElevation gain 1,699 ftRoute type Out & back. Alpine lakes are defined by being any lake that sits above 10,000 feet above sea level. Beware of moose in this area, they are everywhere and not afraid to charge! Dog-friendly. Keep in mind that State Forest State Park requires a fee. Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. 17 Gorgeous Lakes in Colorado That Are Perfect For Summer Distance: 3.77 milesElevation: 722 ftType: Out-and-back. There are other great trout reservoirs in the area, but only Spinney is a Gold Medal water. For the best wildflowers, do this hike in late July. Distance: 5.53 milesElevation: 1056 ftType: Out-and-back. Distance: Depends. Among the lakes stocked on Monday, the highest of them - Ptarmigan Lake in Gunnison County - sits at 12,306 feet. Youll begin the hike winding through dense forest before the scenery opens up to an incredible view of Longs Peak. The middle and upper are said to have the best views. Theres no shortage of fantastic mountain and lake views. Some hikes, like, Sedona is one of the most amazing places to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. Seriouslyover 2,000! Discover the alpine beauty of Mirror Lake. There is no shortage of beautiful lakes near Denver, and there are several with magnificently blue water. Photo: Abby VohaskaDistance: 8.81 miles Elevation: 2635 ftType: Out-and-back. Another long-distance doozy, the Twin Crater Lakes hike is well-worth a backpack, unless you have hiking superpowers, in which case, it technically can be done in a day. . Local Tip: The Bear Lake parking area fills up quickly throughout the year, even on weekdays, so plan on arriving early or be prepared to take a shuttle. Print/PDF map. The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. Driving time: 4 to 6 hours. Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. If you love the wildflowers, don't miss the serene trek into Eagles Nest Wilderness to Gore Lake. In reality, you can make your way to an alpine lake any time of the year. Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. In fact, this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Want a bit more of a challenge? Here you'll find a campground, cabins, and dispersed camping. In the winter, there is no fee, but the road is closed. Blue Lakes Trail in Telluride, Colorado takes you to three of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. This alpine-lake hike should make every Coloradan's bucket list. Alpine Loop. This includes water, snacks, sun protection, extra layers, and more. No dogs. Distance: 7.7 milesElevation: 2,522 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Ice Lake Trailhead is located 7 miles west of Silverton. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. Cash fees may apply for accessing the area. This trail is popular and can get very crowded, so try to hike it either really early or much later in the day. To get there, follow Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes for 8.6 miles of out-and-back beauty. This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. The first couple miles of the hike are extremely steep and difficult. Its best to check with AllTrails.com or even local hiking Facebook groups to get the most up-to-date information. Throughout the years Ive hiked well over 1,000 miles of terrain here in Colorado. Mount Evans is a 14er that boasts fantastic views of the lake, Mt. Error! Then recheck it the day before your hike. Rollins Pass is in the FunTreks Northern Colorado Backroads 4 Wheel Drive . This adventure takes you through a well-marked trail with fantastic mountain views. Alpine Lake Fishing - Buena Vista & Salida, Colorado Vacation Think again! 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. This list of the 16 top destinations in the Southwest US will, Your email address will not be published. Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. 5 hidden lakes in Colorado you probably never knew exsisted Alpine Lake. The ideal time to visit is. Distance: 2.8 milesElevation: 885 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and local tips: Dogs are allowed to use this trail. Photo: Nicola EasterbyDistance: 3.06 milesElevation: 1168 ftType: Out-and-back. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. All photos (263) The hike from Ice Lake to Island Lake is about half a mile with 100 foot elevation gain. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible . 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. Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. Photo: Ryan MckinneyDistance: 4.09 milesElevation: 374 ftType: Out-and-back. Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. 2023 Best 10 Trails and Hikes in Silverton | AllTrails Banff Sunshine. Extend your time at this magnificent spot and camp at one of the campsites found around both lakes. This route is delicate, so always practice Leave No Trace when visiting. 1. Yes. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. Photo: Whitney JamesDistance: 3.15 milesElevation: 650 ftType: Out-and-back. Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado is an easy daytime hike that features expansive alpine landscapes and brilliant turquoise waters. Distance: 8.02 milesElevation: 2500 ftType: Out-and-back. Parking is $5 at the Summit Lake parking lot. Each of these alpine lake hikes brings you the best of the Rocky Mountains and picturesque mountain scenery of places like Leadville. Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. Share your suggestions or stories in the comments! Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. On the way youll pass three additional lakes, including the iconic Dream Lake. Forsythe Canyon Round-trip Distance: 2.2 miles Trailhead: Forsythe Canyon - Lincoln National Forest Difficulty: Easy This short hike starts just outside of Boulder. Bring a swimsuit! The hike is difficult but is worth the challenge to get to one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. 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. An alternative to driving on your own is toreserve a spoton the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands Village to Maroon Bells. Start on the Glacier Gorge Trail (like you would for Sky Pond) except veer left at the fork. Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. Best Lakes for Fly Fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park 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. From Bear Lake Trailhead it is about 4.2 miles roundtrip with 840 ft elevation gain. UPPER & LOWER BUSHNELL LAKES. Note that this hike does require permits, so be sure to reserve yours in advance to enjoy this fun summertime waterfall adventure! 11. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. What I love about this Colorado lake hike is just how quiet it is. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park is a hidden gem in the Colorado Rockies. If you are a fan of high alpine lakes without having to travel far . Another worthwhile alpine lake hike near Breckenridge is Crystal Lake, which gives the ultimate solitude and scenery double punch. Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. #16 Yellow Stimulator (covers your basic attractors, caddis, hoppers, and strike indicator for the nymph) #16 Parachute Adams (Covers mayflys, and everything else small and floating) 6 of each should fit in a tiny container and keep you fishing for a week. Camping is permitted and free around Alta Lakes in Telluride with campsites littered all around the three lakes. racist or sexually-oriented language. 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! Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. Where you can catch golden trout in northern Colorado | 9news.com - KUSA Not so much an alpine lake hike as it is a recreation hot spot, Wellington Lake is an awesome place to explore earlier in the season before the alpine lakes in Colorado are thawed. Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. Wander the lake at sunrise for incredible views. Cherry Creek Reservoir. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. + Save to a List. It even has a wheelchair-friendly trail, making it an ideal choice for those who may need a little extra encouragement to hit the trail. Alpine Lakes Wilderness - Wikipedia Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! Nestled in those mountains behind Trout Lake sits Hope Lake. To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. Wildflowers are at their peak in July and early August, by late August, the high alpine environment begins to brown, and temperatures drop substantially overnight. In winter, you will have to take a walk-around to avoid avalanche terrain so be alert. Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. Be Nice. Fly Fishing Alpine Lakes for Remote Monsters - Fly Fisherman 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. Access: Transit to Trails is a great option for these hikes! 5h 16m. The trail also features both forests and meadows budding with an abundance of wildflowers interspersed along the way. Breathe in the fresh air and set up a hammock to enjoy the most incredible mountain and alpine lake backdrop. Since its such an iconic spot, you likely wont find yourself alone, unless you plan wisely and go early in the season, late in the evening, or during the winter. Granite spires surrounding the lake, one referred to as sharks tooth. There are also two 13,000-foot peaks nearby, Taylor and Powell. Getting caught in a lightning storm at altitude is dangerous, it kills people every year, so be sure to check the weather and plan appropriately. 31 Amazing Alpine Lakes in Colorado to See in 2023 + Local Tips Dog-Friendly: Bloods Lake - No, Lake Lackawaxen - Yes. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Snow Lake Trail | Map, Guide - Washington | AllTrails Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! Nestled in Roosevelt National Forest, you can set foot on this adventure to three alpine lakes and a lagoon with the opportunity to pass by splendid waterfalls and wildflowers. Local Tip: This hike is also near some of the best free camping near Denver. Did you know that Colorado is home to over 2,000 lakes? PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! For more information on how to do this lake loop, continue to our Rocky Mountain National Park Guide. Length: 63 miles. Most of the Alpine lakes lie in valleys that were formed during the uplift of the mountain chain of the Alps. The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. Gore Lake. Top 12 Mountain Views in Colorado: Where to See Colorado's Best Scenery Square Top Lakes, Guanella Pass Square Top Lakes via Shutterstock. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! Please explore responsibly! Hurricane Nora is forecast to track near Baja California and along the Gulf of California through this weekend with moisture spreading into the Southwest U.S. by the middle of next week. 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. The breathtaking clear blue American Lake is located in Aspen, Colorado. Immarite? Colorado has many picturesque lakes surrounded by high peaks. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. 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. 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. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. Named for its stunning waters, Emerald Lake is overflowing with beauty. Everyone knows about Hanging Lake, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. Distance: 12.5 milesElevation: 2,890 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This mountain range holds snow well into July, so be prepared for a few patches of snow, even in late summer. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. Enjoy spanning vistas of the Tenmile Range including Pacific Peak, Atlantic Peak, and Crystal Peak (all of which are excellent Colorado 13ers to try!). Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Dogs welcome. Located in the San Juan Mountains, the lake also attracts a variety of wildlife including elk and moose. 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. No dogs are allowed in the yurt over winter. Think you need to be a hiking pro to enjoy amazing alpine lake hikes in Colorado? Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. 7 Popular Colorado ATV & Jeep Trails | Colorado.com It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. Awesome views, wildlife, lakes and wild flowers await you on this lollipop loop ride. The Maroon Bells are world renowned for being some of the most breathtaking mountains in the US. . 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. 2. Breathtaking beauty awaits hikers at South Colony Lakes. 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. There are a lot of famous alpine lake hikes in Colorado to discover. Cottonwood Lake From short day hikes close to the city to multi-day backpacking trips deep in Rocky Mountain National Park, these adventures will take you to some of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Colorado. Before reaching Heart Lake, be sure to soak in the alpine views first at Rogers Lake. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail to access starts off at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. Alpine Loop Byway - Lake City-Ouray-Silverton - Uncover Colorado