Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. 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. This includes water, snacks, sun protection, extra layers, and more. Don't Threaten. Among the lakes stocked on Monday, the highest of them - Ptarmigan Lake in Gunnison County - sits at 12,306 feet. Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty, and elevation gain. Not many people venture to the mountain ranges down south, so expect lots of solitude. Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State Park. 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. Dispersed camping does take a little more planning, but the extra work will be well worth it. Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. Be Truthful. Parking early in the morning is free at the Bear Lake Trailhead. 2. Colorado will soon see moisture from what was Hurricane Nora and flash flood watches are already in effect for parts of the state. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Each of these alpine lake hikes brings you the best of the Rocky Mountains and picturesque mountain scenery of places like Leadville. The 8.9-mile out-and-back trail is blazed in beauty. On the way to Emerald Lake you will also pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. Did you know that Colorado is home to over 2,000 lakes? Alpine Loop - If you look closely you can see a 44 on the trail dwarfed by the mountains. Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes and three other unnamed lakes are all in the area. The Arkansas and local streams around my home base of Salida were blown out and muddy well into July. In the summer, the trail becomes a 44 road that you can still hike on, terminating at a parking lot. In the Fall, the Aspen grove comes alive with color, making for an especially memorable experience. The freshwater lake is the perfect spot for boating or fishing. Along the byway, you can travel through various scenery changes: start in a desert canyon and pass aspen foothills, lakes, alpine forests, lily ponds, and meadows bursting with wildflowers as you make your way to the top. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. Some hikes, like, Sedona is one of the most amazing places to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. Alpine lakes are defined by being any lake that sits above 10,000 feet above sea level. Starting at 10,390 elevation and reaching 12,000 this hike has it all. Opt to get there early or make it an overnight to get more time. Cottonwood Lake Alpine Loop. Your email address will not be published. Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! RELATED: Views are stunning and fish . The alpine wonder rests at an elevation of 10,630 feet located between Flattop Mountain (12,324 feet) and Notchtop Mountain (12,129 feet) ). Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado. The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. We strive to work together to protect public lands and fight for the well-being of our future generations so they, too, may be able to experience these landscapes. Chasm Lake makes for a beautiful summer adventure. The total hike round trip to Middle Blue Lake is 7.6 miles with 2,292 ft elevation gain. 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. This list comes from years of research and is a total labor of love. It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. The trail starts off steep, dropping into a valley before running flat, then climbing steeply up again. This water adventure features beautiful cascading waterfalls among steep rocky cliffs and lush green pine trees. Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Description. Breathtaking beauty awaits hikers at South Colony Lakes. With that being said, typically alpine lakes are frozen and mostly snow-free starting in July through around mid-October depending on the year. However, in the winter months, some of the roads to various trailheads arent maintained, and this may add a substantial amount of snowy hiking to your journey. Awesome views, wildlife, lakes and wild flowers await you on this lollipop loop ride. Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Pass by several waterfalls on your way to one of the most magnificent lakes in all of Colorado. Trout Lake is a short drive from the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village towards Lizard Head Pass. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. . Once you arrive, you wont want to leave which is why many people consider Gore Lake one of the best backpacking trips in Colorado. Photo: Abby VohaskaDistance: 8.81 miles Elevation: 2635 ftType: Out-and-back. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. 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 mountains of southern Colorado are littered with alpine lake hikes. Keep in mind that State Forest State Park requires a fee. Youll get glimpses of Longs Peak and Alberta Falls (in the summer). Twin Lakes are two beautiful lakes located at the base of Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado. Photo: Whitney JamesDistance: 3.15 milesElevation: 650 ftType: Out-and-back. Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. You can stop off at the lake and explore before driving to the summit of Mt. While the 7.9-mile out-and-back trail is relatively easy for day hikers used to the distance, there are several campgrounds located along the shore of the lowest lake. . Willow Lake offers a backpacking adventure into the Sangre de Cristo range. We searched for alpine lakes to hike to in the area and came across Crystal Lake in Saint Marie's, Idaho. 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. Jewel Lake is accessible by a three-mile hike and Clear Lake requires an eight-mile hike to get to. Distance: 11 milesElevation: 2,529 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. 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. The trail flattens out at the basin below Columbine Lake and once you arrive you're in for a real treat. You'd better allow 7 hours to fully enjoy the scenic beauty, however. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Youll likely want to stay overnight to prolong your time in this picturesque environment, but do note that permits are required for campers. The best time to visit is between June and October. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. The Outbound Collective Camp at Twin Lakes White Star Campground. 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. 2. Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. Distance: 2.8 milesElevation: 885 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and local tips: Dogs are allowed to use this trail. Located in the San Juan Mountains, the lake also attracts a variety of wildlife including elk and moose. all along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America's most . Mohawk Lakes offer plenty of picture-perfect backcountry camping or opportunities to summit nearby mountains, such as Father Dyer. Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. 11. Bear Lake is a popular lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you already made it to Middle Blue Lake it is a quick 0.2 mile walk to Upper Blue Lake. Temperatures are often utterly freezing, since most alpine lakes are fed by snowmelt. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. Wander the lake at sunrise for incredible views. Stargazing at night is amazing, so be sure to bring a camera if youre into night photography! Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. Nineteen of the 24 lakes shown in the video sit above 10,000 feet in elevation. 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. Access: Transit to Trails is a great option for these hikes! Harder To Reach: Lawn Lake. The backcountry hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes features abundant wildlife, glorious mountain backdrops, and beautiful wildflowers. The hike will start with views of sweeping meadows and will follow along the South Boulder Creek. The fee is $5 per person (16 years and older), children under 16 are free. There are three lakes in the basin. In reality, you can make your way to an alpine lake any time of the year. 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. The trail features colorful wildflower meadows, breathtaking views, and plenty of wildlife. This adventure leads you through the Holy Cross Wilderness where youll be surrounded by beautiful forests. the most part. 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. The United States Should Adopt The Allemannsretten, 5 Great Spots in Colorado for Fall Colors. This trail is well-used but has an interesting start as you make your way up next to and around a huge railway tunnel. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. Miles from Denver: 100 miles. Dog-friendly. Be sure to check the weather before beginning this adventure as summer thunderstorms in this area can be aggressive. 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. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. Remember to treat this natural wonderland with great care to preserve its vivid beauty and to keep it pristine for those who visit next! In layman's terms, they are the state's finest fisheries. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 42 min to complete. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. This is a do-able day hike, but there are spots for camping if you want to stay overnight. Check out our favorite alpine hikes in Colorado and neighboring states. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. . Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. Lowest Depth: 265 feet. Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. 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. For more information on how to do this lake loop, continue to our Rocky Mountain National Park Guide. Improve this listing. It connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, where it is generally considered to begin (and end). Be Nice. 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. Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. Throughout the years Ive hiked well over 1,000 miles of terrain here in Colorado. Pristine, beautiful waters often reflect dramatic mountain views. The middle and upper are said to have the best views. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. Blue lake sits at 11,355 feet and is frozen for much of the year. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. In terms of the best lake hikes, Colorado offers some incredibly unique lakes and the Hanging Lake hike takes the cake. 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. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. 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. Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. Whenever you hear someone talk about catching trout in the mountain lakes of the Rockies, the term that often comes up is "alpine". Share with Us. 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. If youre looking for a stunning place to stake out camp by a lake, look no more! 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. If you do this hike in the winter, youll experience different scenery, but surely just as stunning. . Distance: 9.22 milesElevation: 2270 ftType: Out-and-back. The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. Check out this adventure for impressive views of the Mount Evans Wilderness. 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. Sky Pond is one of the most jaw-dropping sights to see. Local Tip: This hike is also near some of the best free camping near Denver. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. This list of the 16 top destinations in the Southwest US will, Your email address will not be published. There are plenty of hiking opportunities, but taking it easy and simply sitting back or fishing in the lake is the perfect way to slow down, unwind, and just be. In the winter, there is no fee, but the road is closed. . The trail also features both forests and meadows budding with an abundance of wildflowers interspersed along the way. Heart Lake is another great option for backpackers. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. 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. Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. 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. This glacial lake is the largest natural lake in Colorado in terms of surface area, depth, and total water volume. Thats right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town!