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Seriouslyover 2,000! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 42 min to complete. Its nine miles round trip, gaining about 1,780 feet of elevation. 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. Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning beauty. Named for its stunning waters, Emerald Lake is overflowing with beauty. The hike will start with views of sweeping meadows and will follow along the South Boulder Creek. Cash fees may apply for accessing the area. Did your favorite make it to our list of most beautiful lakes near Denver? The water is piercingly clear blue, which will entice you to jump right in! Cherry Creek Reservoir in Aurora, Colorado offers a treasure trove of outdoor activities for the whole family. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Throughout the post youll find: Absolutely. 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. 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. Stargazing at night is amazing, so be sure to bring a camera if youre into night photography! Breathtaking beauty awaits hikers at South Colony Lakes. You can hike to this lake from either Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. There are a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. Youll have the added bonus of passing two additional scenic alpine lakes along the way. Walk another half mile and youll see a beautiful waterfall, followed by stellar views of Lily Lake. 5 hidden lakes in Colorado you probably never knew exsisted Alpine Lake. In reality, you can make your way to an alpine lake any time of the year. Improve this listing. Keep it Clean. Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) 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 picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. 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. Distance: 3.77 milesElevation: 722 ftType: Out-and-back. In fact, this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. that is degrading to another person. all along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America's most . The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. Snow Lake Trail. Alpine lakes, old cabins, creek crossings, summer wildflowers, a stupendous waterfall, and unimaginable views. This route is delicate, so always practice Leave No Trace when visiting. Square Top Lakes, Guanella Pass Square Top Lakes via Shutterstock. The park boasts a wide range of activities that include summiting 14,259-foot Longs Peak, camping in the expansive backcountry, hiking to waterfalls and alpine lakes and, of course, wildlife viewing. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. Willow Lake offers a backpacking adventure into the Sangre de Cristo range. The trail starts off steep, dropping into a valley before running flat, then climbing steeply up again. Dog-Friendly: Bloods Lake - No, Lake Lackawaxen - Yes. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. For dramatic views of Longs Peak and the iconic Diamond headwall, head up to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Error! 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. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek located near Crestone. You could also do a loop and combine this lake with Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. Print/PDF map. Miles from Denver: 100 miles. This adventure takes you through a well-marked trail with fantastic mountain views. To extend your adventure, you can continue on to Isabelle Glacier. If you're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. 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. 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. The trail features colorful wildflower meadows, breathtaking views, and plenty of wildlife. These lakes are next to Independence Pass, a road that takes you to Aspen. It is a long day hike (4.6 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 3,100ft. Parking early in the morning is free at the Bear Lake Trailhead. Unfortunately, in the summer it can get hot with temperatures, The American Southwest features incredible natural wonders and landscapes that cannot be missed. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. Take the dirt road up in elevation as it turns a bit rough closer to the lake. 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. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. Most of these lakes are accessible by foot only, although you can also drive to quite a few of them. Aside from craggy peaks, youll also see wildflowers springing from the ground all along the banks of the lakes during summer. Camping is permitted and free around Alta Lakes in Telluride with campsites littered all around the three lakes. This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. Loop or Out and Back: Out and Back or Loop. 2. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. After seeing Island Lake continue ahead and take a right to form a small loop. The trail also features both forests and meadows budding with an abundance of wildflowers interspersed along the way. Above treeline, the weather can move in quickly and even on a sunny day, the air can feel quite cool. Youll find over 2,000 alpine lakes in Colorado. You'd better allow 7 hours to fully enjoy the scenic beauty, however. Come July and August, Lawn Lake is arguably the best lake for fishing in the park. Theres no shortage of fantastic mountain and lake views. This lake is known for the reflection you can see in the lake of 14,000 ft tall Maroon Peaks. The freshwater lake is the perfect spot for boating or fishing. 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. Please explore responsibly! Photo: Whitney JamesDistance: 3.15 milesElevation: 650 ftType: Out-and-back. Talk about iconic Colorado views! This area is also an awesome place to practice mountaineering skills or go for a mid-summer ski session. This trail is well-used but has an interesting start as you make your way up next to and around a huge railway tunnel. 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. Think again! Chasm Lake makes for a beautiful summer adventure. 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.' Photo: Nicola EasterbyDistance: 3.06 milesElevation: 1168 ftType: Out-and-back. These high-altitude lakes are typically much clearer than their low elevation counterparts and are often fed directly by snowmelt. Expect to see some seriously stunning cascading waterfalls along the way. Maroon Lake brings you the best of the Bells, the Maroon Bells that is. August 25, 2021 at 6:00 a.m. Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocked dozens of alpine lakes with more than 95,000 trout by airplane last week. Distance: 2.93 milesElevation: 675 ftType: Loop. Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. Distance: 23.8 milesElevation: 4,767 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are welcome to use this trail. Suggest edits to improve what we show. However, dont be fooled by the easy accessibility. . Toll. 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! This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. Be cautious, however, as thunderstorms are quite common in the summertime. Its a total bonus if you hit this trail early and arrive for the sunrise! You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. The trail flattens out at the basin below Columbine Lake and once you arrive you're in for a real treat. This adventure leads you through the Holy Cross Wilderness where youll be surrounded by beautiful forests. Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Take the Wheeler trail until it intersects with Crystal Creek Road. Make sure you have the necessary permits before setting up camp. There are other great trout reservoirs in the area, but only Spinney is a Gold Medal water. Be Truthful. Simply hike to Loch Vale instead. Photo: Ryan MckinneyDistance: 4.09 milesElevation: 374 ftType: Out-and-back. Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! 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. Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. Resting at an elevation of 9,450 feet, it may come as a surprise that this scenic lake is located just 250 feet from the parking lot. Keep in mind, the average hiker moves at about 2 miles an hour or covers 1,000 feet of elevation gain in an hour. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. This popular alpine lake Colorado hike near Vail, Colorado will take you across Pitkin Creek and on an intense, narrow climb up the mountain. We searched for alpine lakes to hike to in the area and came across Crystal Lake in Saint Marie's, Idaho. 1. About. 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. Arrive early to get a spot and spend more of the day exploring! 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. It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. To see the entire lake though, youll need to do a bit of climbing up the shore. Distance: 2.8 miles round trip. However, if you are up for a little hike, you'll discover that Blue Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness is true to its name. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. Did you know that Colorado is home to over 2,000 lakes? Which lake near Denver has the bluest water? Share with Us. Plenty of camping up there and a dog-friendly area. This hike also has a waterfall. In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. Discover the alpine beauty of Mirror Lake. Photo: Ryan DewaneDistance: 8.43 milesElevation: 1780 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. What I love about this Colorado lake hike is just how quiet it is. This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. This includes water, snacks, sun protection, extra layers, and more. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. This glacial lake is the largest natural lake in Colorado in terms of surface area, depth, and total water volume. Discover this alpine wonder by taking Rogers Pass Trail, a 9.1-mile out-and-back trail located near Rollinsville. In layman's terms, they are the state's finest fisheries. As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. 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. Please note, reservations are required to visit the lake. The hike to lower blue lake is 6 miles round trip with 1,610 ft elevation gain. Twin Lakes are two beautiful lakes located at the base of Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado. The best time to visit is between June and October. Are there any waterfalls I can visit near Denver? From hiking around the water to fishing, boating, picnicking, and swimming . Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that youve already checked with good old Google. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. 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 best time to do this hike is early in the morning for sunrise you wont be mad you did! Gray Wolf Reintroduction, What Does 2023 Look Like In Colorado? Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. Camping is prohibited within a quarter of a mile to protect its fragile environment. Starting at 10,390 elevation and reaching 12,000 this hike has it all. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. Travel over the off-road driving trail (either on foot or by 44) and reach the Alta Ghost Town. accounts, the history behind an article. Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. Grand Mesa Trails Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This is one of the easiest lakes on this list to get to, but is therefore also the most crowded. And the fish well, they just float on down, once deployed from the airplane. The backcountry hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes features abundant wildlife, glorious mountain backdrops, and beautiful wildflowers. 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. 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 fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. Yes. It connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, where it is generally considered to begin (and end). racist or sexually-oriented language. Catch dramatic views of the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak. The 2.3-mile out-and-back trail starts off in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area and then winds on to the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Doggies welcome. You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. 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. The trail will end with a gorgeous view of Pitkin Lake. This trail is popular and can get very crowded, so try to hike it either really early or much later in the day. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. It's a 1.8-mile trek (3.6 miles round trip).