This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. 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. Improve this listing. Cherry Creek Reservoir. The mountains of southern Colorado are littered with alpine lake hikes. 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. Heart Lake is another great option for backpackers. person will not be tolerated. Miles from Denver: 100 miles. This list comes from years of research and is a total labor of love. The natural beauty of a waterfall is within easy reach of Denver. And find our listings for off-road outfitters and tour companies here. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. There are other great trout reservoirs in the area, but only Spinney is a Gold Medal water. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation: 160 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Maroon Lake is worth a visit year-round, including in the (much quieter) winter months. 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. Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty, and elevation gain. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. #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. Here you'll find a campground, cabins, and dispersed camping. After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) Since it's a relatively short hike, this is a great one for a family nature outing. More Information 2. Did your favorite make it to our list of most beautiful lakes near Denver? There is nothing better than waking up and enjoying a hot cup of coffee next to a cold alpine lake. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. 1. Sundial Peak over Lake Blanche. If you are up for the challenge Island Lake is worth the visit! 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. Take a Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park The total hike round trip to Upper Blue Lake is 8 miles with 2,404 ft elevation gain. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. In terms of the best lake hikes, Colorado offers some incredibly unique lakes and the Hanging Lake hike takes the cake. 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. Youll begin the hike winding through dense forest before the scenery opens up to an incredible view of Longs Peak. . Start at the main trailhead and wander up either Crystal Creek Road (the uphill ramp on your right if youre looking at the end of the lot) or continue straight past the lot to the upper lot (about a 5-car pull out) where the road intersects the Wheeler Trail. Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. Filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by mind-blowing settings, these backcountry bodies of water are meant to be enjoyed. Make your way up the two-mile trail to the base of St. Mary's Glacier (not really a glacier, but a permanent snowfield) where there is a picture-perfect alpine lake. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. Get going on this adventure to the three beautiful Blue Lakes nestled among Colorados San Juan Range in the Uncompahgre National Forest. 2. 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. 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. Expect to see wildlife like moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or elk along the trail, especially in the late spring and early summer. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. Catch dramatic views of the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak. 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. The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. Be Proactive. 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. This truly-epic alpine lake hike is long, but worth the effort. Jewel Lake is accessible by a three-mile hike and Clear Lake requires an eight-mile hike to get to. . Bear Lake is a short walk from Bear Lake Trailhead and you can add a 0.6 mile loop around the lake to enjoy it more. Distance: 8.12 milesElevation: 2037 ftType: Out-and-back. Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. Be Nice. Distance: 5.53 milesElevation: 1056 ftType: Out-and-back. The deep blue waters of the Ice Lakes will leave you in awe. 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. If you're looking for a secluded adventure, the Mohawk Lakes (upper and lower) are the perfect alpine escape for you. This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. From Bear Lake Trailhead it is about 4.2 miles roundtrip with 840 ft elevation gain. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. Dog-Friendly: Bloods Lake - No, Lake Lackawaxen - Yes. Arguably one of the most scenic backpacking routes in Colorado, Gore Lake delivers alpine beauty unlike anything else.Make your way up the challenging trail to an alpine scene that literally looks like a painting. 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. Almost countless. 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 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. This adventure features three impressive alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Loch, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond. The backcountry hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes features abundant wildlife, glorious mountain backdrops, and beautiful wildflowers. Print/PDF map. Ive been hiking in Colorado for over 13 years. Its still worth a visit, even if you arent climbing. 1. Then recheck it the day before your hike. 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. The road will dead end at Moffat Tunnel where you'll find ample parking in a gravel lot with restrooms. This list of the 16 top destinations in the Southwest US will, Your email address will not be published. This is one of the most iconic adventures in Colorado and for good reason! Many of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado are alpine lakes with clear blue water. Photo: Nicola EasterbyDistance: 3.06 milesElevation: 1168 ftType: Out-and-back. The 6.3-mile hike takes 2.5-3 hours, and the elevation gain is very gradual for. But if climbing a fourteener is not your bag, there's also a trail that leads to the jaw-dropping and some of the. The byway provides many scenic overlooks to view each of these Colorado beauties. If you're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. If you just cant get enough alpine lakes in Colorado, why not choose a hiking trail that hits four different Lakes? Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. It's about a 3-mile trek out-and-back. The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. Overview. Plenty of camping up there and a dog-friendly area. 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. It connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, where it is generally considered to begin (and end). Distance: 6.92 milesElevation: 1804 ftType: Out-and-back. Camping in dispersed camping areas gives you the opportunity for a little more privacy and peace and quiet. You'll be surrounded by jagged peak, stunning summer wildflower displays, and crystal clear waters. With such a delicate ecosystem, your skin oils and sunscreen can kill the wildlife that lives in the lake. Distance: 8.47 milesElevation: 1706 ftType: Loop. To see views of Lower Blue Lake from above you need to continue hiking up the steep Blue Lakes Trial towards Middle Blue Lake. The Maroon Bells are world renowned for being some of the most breathtaking mountains in the US. 1. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. Bring your camera and pack some tasty snacks! 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. or drop a line and try your luck with some fishing. Nineteen of the 24 lakes shown in the video sit above 10,000 feet in elevation. In the winter, there is no fee, but the road is closed. Alpine Loop drive takes 4-6 hours to cover the distance between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. The total hike round trip to Middle Blue Lake is 7.6 miles with 2,292 ft elevation gain. Blue Lakes Basin is a must for explorers of the Mount Sneffels Wilderness. You have permission to edit this collection. This is the most beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be combined with Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. 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. Most of these lakes are accessible by foot only, although you can also drive to quite a few of them. Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. Sky Pond is one of the most jaw-dropping sights to see. Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. Trail Use: Hiking Only. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. Seriouslyover 2,000! 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. Mohawk Lakes offer plenty of picture-perfect backcountry camping or opportunities to summit nearby mountains, such as Father Dyer. 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. 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. Think you need to be a hiking pro to enjoy amazing alpine lake hikes in Colorado? Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. 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. The trail itself is moderately wooded. Dogs welcome. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. 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. The lake is an additional 2-ish miles from the parking area. Dont expect solitude here, even in the dead of winter. Elevation Gain: 465 feet. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. Banff Sunshine. To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. Start on the Glacier Gorge Trail (like you would for Sky Pond) except veer left at the fork. Unfortunately, in the summer it can get hot with temperatures, The American Southwest features incredible natural wonders and landscapes that cannot be missed. This article will walk you through the best lakes in Colorado and how to get to these lakes. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. There are several camping spots by the second lake if youre looking to stay overnight. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. It's a 1.8-mile trek (3.6 miles round trip). Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. 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. This adventure takes you through a well-marked trail with fantastic mountain views. 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. Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). Another worthwhile alpine lake hike near Breckenridge is Crystal Lake, which gives the ultimate solitude and scenery double punch. Snow Lake Trail. Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. Use the 'Report' link on 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. The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. Although Gore Lake looks reasonable on paper, this is a tough hike, with much of the elevation gained in the last couple of miles. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. 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. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Youll get glimpses of Longs Peak and Alberta Falls (in the summer). The United States Should Adopt The Allemannsretten, 5 Great Spots in Colorado for Fall Colors.
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