Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. Please explore responsibly! This list of the 16 top destinations in the Southwest US will, Your email address will not be published. You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Error! Eloping in Colorado gives you access to epic views of 15 mountain ranges, 54 peaks over 10,000 feet, alpine lakes, meadows of wildflowers, and a vast variety of gorgeous backdrops. 6 Amazing Hidden Lakes in Colorado You Probably Never Knew Existed . If you do opt to swim, dont wear any sunscreen. In the spring and early summer you can enjoy wildflowers on the hikes, and in the fall you get to see the Aspens fall foliage. Keep in mind permits are required and parking fills up fast. The Lake Haiyaha hike is accessible year-round, Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local, Altitude Sickness Prevention for Your Mountain Hike, best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Things to do in Colorado this Winter Besides Ski, 13 Mega-Epic Hikes in Estes Park, Colorado. 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. Start on the Glacier Gorge Trail (like you would for Sky Pond) except veer left at the fork. 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). When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. Your email address will not be published. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Mary's Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Description. About. + Save to a List. Kevin BuggieBPL Member. 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. Youll begin the hike winding through dense forest before the scenery opens up to an incredible view of Longs Peak. Some hikes, like, Sedona is one of the most amazing places to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. As a consequence, by mid-June I The first couple miles of the hike are extremely steep and difficult. During the Ice Age of the geologically . The Top 10 Lakes Near Telluride To Visit Lodging In Telluride Accessing this alpine wonder is simple. Though close in proximity to Maroon Lake, Crater Lake is a less crowded destination, yet still unbelievably scenic. Youll find over 2,000 alpine lakes in Colorado. 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. Distance: 0.8 milesElevation: 32 feetDifficulty: Easy with accessibility rampsRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. 2. Here are the lessons I have learned! You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Before reaching Heart Lake, be sure to soak in the alpine views first at Rogers Lake. 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. Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning beauty. Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. You'll be surrounded by jagged peak, stunning summer wildflower displays, and crystal clear waters. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. Distance: 8.6 miles from the lower lot, the upper lot cuts about a mile or so off each way (see Crystal Lake)Elevation: 2,129 feet from the lower lot (see Cyrstal Lake)Difficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a dog-friendly area packed with awesome 13er hiking opportunities. The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. If you already made it to Middle Blue Lake it is a quick 0.2 mile walk to Upper Blue Lake. Alpine Loop drive takes 4-6 hours to cover the distance between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. 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. Best Day Hikes in Park City | Hiking & Outdoor Recreation Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. Start at Brainard Lake and make your way up the valley to Lake Isabelle where youll have views of the Isabelle Glacier a permanent snowfield. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Explore the fantastically beautiful cirque and enjoy views of Kit Carson, The Crestones, and Humboldt Peak. Green Mountain Reservoir. Among the lakes stocked on Monday, the highest of them - Ptarmigan Lake in Gunnison County - sits at 12,306 feet. Many of these lakes are nestled between some of the most incredible mountain scenery you'll ever lay eyes on, making them ideal for golden hour photoshoots. Technically you can swim at many alpine lakes in Colorado, but you probably dont want to. Seriouslyover 2,000! No dogs. This is a phenomenal spot for a picnic lunch and a SUP experience. The freshwater lake is the perfect spot for boating or fishing. The picturesque lakes are tucked away near the mountains of Breckenridge. On the way to Emerald Lake you will also pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. Its a total bonus if you hit this trail early and arrive for the sunrise! 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! Each of these alpine lake hikes brings you the best of the Rocky Mountains and picturesque mountain scenery of places like Leadville. Some of them thought all of us had hiked into the wilderness to hear their death metal on the boombox at the lake all day. 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! Wander the lake at sunrise for incredible views. Take the Glacier Gorge Trail up a steep, winding dramatic valley that terminates at the famed Sky Pond. Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Alpine Lake Fishing - Buena Vista & Salida, Colorado Vacation Print/PDF map. 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. Black lake is a stunning and dramatic lake nestled deep in Rocky Mountain National Park. It's a 1.8-mile trek (3.6 miles round trip). Aside from the deep blues waters, hikers are delighted with wildflower-filled meadows bordering the lakes in bright and beautiful colors. The main attraction while at the lake is the commanding Hallett Peak. The deep blue waters of the Ice Lakes will leave you in awe. By: . Youll get glimpses of Longs Peak and Alberta Falls (in the summer). In reality, you can make your way to an alpine lake any time of the year. 7 Popular Colorado ATV & Jeep Trails | Colorado.com Distance: 8.12 milesElevation: 2037 ftType: Out-and-back. racist or sexually-oriented language. The trail is about 6.8 miles round trip to Ice Lake with 2,457 ft elevation gain. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. 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. Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. the most part. 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. Nineteen of the 24 lakes shown in the video sit above 10,000 feet in elevation. And located in the saddle of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, Tyndall Glacier (one of five active glaciers in the park) offers breathtaking views. Almost countless. Use a private browsing window to sign in. 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. Please note, reservations are required to visit the lake. Sharp granite cliffs rise straight out of the water as you gaze upon views of Longs Peak in the distance. Surface Area: 507 acres. Everyone knows about Hanging Lake, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. Trail Use: Hiking Only. Thousands of fish dropped from plane into Colorado alpine lakes Simply hike to Loch Vale instead. Plan accordingly. Distance: 14.94 milesElevation: 2421 ftType: Out-and-back. This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. Located in the San Juan Mountains, the lake also attracts a variety of wildlife including elk and moose. Did your favorite make it to our list of most beautiful lakes near Denver? Its nine miles round trip, gaining about 1,780 feet of elevation. 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. Share your suggestions or stories in the comments! 11 Best Lakes Near Denver To Visit This Summer - OnlyInYourState This 2,125 acre man-made lake sits about 15 miles south of Kremmling, Colorado in Summit County. Photo by Kyle Jenkins. But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. You'd better allow 7 hours to fully enjoy the scenic beauty, however. 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. . To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. Fly Fishing Alpine Lakes - Evergreen Trout Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Talk about iconic Colorado views! Camping in dispersed camping areas gives you the opportunity for a little more privacy and peace and quiet. With that being said, typically alpine lakes are frozen and mostly snow-free starting in July through around mid-October depending on the year. There are a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. More Information 2. Long Lake is an alpine explorers paradise. Distance: 2.8 milesElevation: 885 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and local tips: Dogs are allowed to use this trail. 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.

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