colorado alpine lakes you can drive to

Theres nothing more grounding and invigorating than a rousing climb to a crystal clear alpine lake, followed by a little exploration, relaxation, (and certainly a picnic), at a pristine mountain paradise at around 11,000. These serene alpine lakes near Denver are something everyone should experience this summerbut please remember our earth is fragile so LEAVE NO TRACE! Distance: 8.47 milesElevation: 1706 ftType: Loop. Travel over the off-road driving trail (either on foot or by 44) and reach the Alta Ghost Town. Distance: 5.53 milesElevation: 1056 ftType: Out-and-back. This is a do-able day hike, but there are spots for camping if you want to stay overnight. Square Top Lakes, Guanella Pass Square Top Lakes via Shutterstock. 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. This adventure features several waterfalls, streams, a creek, and meadows teeming with beautiful wildflowers a photographers dream! The United States Should Adopt The Allemannsretten, 5 Great Spots in Colorado for Fall Colors. Ive been hiking in Colorado for over 13 years. Photo by Kyle Jenkins. 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. Colorado will soon see moisture from what was Hurricane Nora and flash flood watches are already in effect for parts of the state. Distance: 6.8 milesElevation: 1,548 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape: Many 14er-enthusiasts camp here overnight before their summit bids. 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. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Cherry Creek Reservoir in Aurora, Colorado offers a treasure trove of outdoor activities for the whole family. before arriving at the lake, where goof fishing has been reported. If you just cant get enough alpine lakes in Colorado, why not choose a hiking trail that hits four different Lakes? . 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). Pass by the popular Alberta Falls, but keep trekking to leave the crowds behind and find yourself in complete solitude in this vast and unbelievably beautiful wilderness. You must typically access these lake by hiking a few miles or by horseback. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Come July and August, Lawn Lake is arguably the best lake for fishing in the park. To see most of these incredible lakes in Colorado on one road trip, check out our Colorado Road Trip Itinerary. Thats right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town! These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty, and elevation gain. At these lakes you can canoe, kayak, and paddle board. Explore the fantastically beautiful cirque and enjoy views of Kit Carson, The Crestones, and Humboldt Peak. Some hikes, like, Sedona is one of the most amazing places to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. Grand Lake. The trail itself is moderately wooded. Dispersed camping does take a little more planning, but the extra work will be well worth it. Harder To Reach: Lawn Lake. Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back 11. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. It's about a 3-mile trek out-and-back. But what if I told you we havent been given access to over half of whats really out there? Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Colorado. Pristine, beautiful waters often reflect dramatic mountain views. Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning beauty. The alpine wonder rests at an elevation of 10,630 feet located between Flattop Mountain (12,324 feet) and Notchtop Mountain (12,129 feet) ). Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. Our other most popular lakeside elopement locations in Colorado are Blue Lakes near Breckenridge and Lake Isabelle near Boulder. But if climbing a fourteener is not your bag, there's also a trail that leads to the jaw-dropping and some of the. Dont expect solitude here, even in the dead of winter. 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. 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. Lake Ann - Only accessible by way of a 1.75-mile well-maintained trail, this pristine lake is ruggedly scenic and extremely protected. The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. Surround yourself in an amphitheater of dramatic rock and scope out of the best alpine lakes in Colorado. Stargazing at night is amazing, so be sure to bring a camera if youre into night photography! 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 the Fall, the Aspen grove comes alive with color, making for an especially memorable experience. Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. 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. This water adventure features beautiful cascading waterfalls among steep rocky cliffs and lush green pine trees. Lake of the Clouds brings you tranquil scenery and plenty of views. . Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. Long Lake is an alpine explorers paradise. The water is piercingly clear blue, which will entice you to jump right in! . Cherry Creek Reservoir. The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. Distance: 6.5 milesElevation: 2,362 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and local tips: Pssst, there are a lot of nearby small lakes and areas to explore here. 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. Today, this area is thought of as a near ideal spot for relaxation and water recreation, but it used to be a vital transportation destination after gold was discovered in nearby Aspen in 1879. This 7.7 miles trail boasts a wow factor unlike any other. Distance: 14.94 milesElevation: 2421 ftType: Out-and-back. The main mountain attraction is Lone Eagle Peak, which climbers can also ascend. Yes. Primarily characterized as an alpine tundra region, its total distance is approximately 65 miles and can be completed in about 7 hours (or more), typically under normal circumstances. + Save to a List. Driving to Alpine Lakes Some lakes, like Cottonwood Lake or O'Haver Lake, are accessible by car, and even more can be found with a little hiking effort. Cottonwood Lake By the way, the lake we hiked to was Lost Lake past Eldora.loaded with brookies but also unfortunately with groups of loud hikers and overnight campers, despite the steep uphill climb. If you already made it to Middle Blue Lake it is a quick 0.2 mile walk to Upper Blue Lake. 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. Starting at 10,390 elevation and reaching 12,000 this hike has it all. Distance: 9.22 milesElevation: 2270 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. Its still worth a visit, even if you arent climbing. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Wander the lake at sunrise for incredible views. We'd love to hear eyewitness Loop or Out and Back: Out and Back or Loop. Colorado's Alpine Loop is affectionately called the " Switzerland of America" for a reason! Youll find over 2,000 alpine lakes in Colorado. Take the dirt road up in elevation as it turns a bit rough closer to the lake. There are a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. Water activities including fishing and kayaking are great ways to spend time exploring the area, especially if you plan to stay and camp. 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. And find our listings for off-road outfitters and tour companies here. 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. Sundial Peak over Lake Blanche. 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. This is a great adventure for those looking to make a short trip outside of Denver. The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. Dogs are welcome, but due to the crowds, keep Fido leashed. Trail Use: Hiking Only. It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Jewel Lake is accessible by a three-mile hike and Clear Lake requires an eight-mile hike to get to. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. Talk about iconic Colorado views! Once you get to the lake, focus on the right shoreline, where there is a great drop off for fish to hang out around. Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. 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. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. Parking is $5 at the Summit Lake parking lot. Hike your way up to the lakes for breath-taking views and lakeside goodness! Toll. Bierstadt, and even Denver at times. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. Required fields are marked *. Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. Its nine miles round trip, gaining about 1,780 feet of elevation. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. 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. Although Gore Lake looks reasonable on paper, this is a tough hike, with much of the elevation gained in the last couple of miles. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Bushnell lakes sit under Bushnell Peak and SE of Stout Lakes drainage. Dont forget to turn left at the graves or youll pass right by the final push to Gore Lake! There are also many opportunities for overnight backcountry adventures at one of the mountain lakes near Denver in James Peak Wilderness. Photo: Abby VohaskaDistance: 8.81 miles Elevation: 2635 ftType: Out-and-back. Access: Transit to Trails is a great option for these hikes! 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. Make sure to pay attention to trail signs and take a GPS, there are a lot of intersecting trails in the area. This trail is well-used but has an interesting start as you make your way up next to and around a huge railway tunnel. Distance: 7.7 milesElevation: 2,522 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. 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. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. There is plenty of fishing, swimming, camping, and even small, easy hiking trails that provide plenty of family fun. You even get two lakes for the price of one hike. Though close in proximity to Maroon Lake, Crater Lake is a less crowded destination, yet still unbelievably scenic. More Information 2. Length: 7.9 mi Est. Photo: Whitney JamesDistance: 3.15 milesElevation: 650 ftType: Out-and-back. "In cold, productive alpine lakes, trout can live to be quite old," says Jeff Spohn, aquatic biologist for Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. Simply hike to Loch Vale instead. 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. 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. Directions SUV recommended: From the Town of Crested Butte, take Gothic Road (Route 135) north a total of 12.6 miles. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). Reservations are no longer required until summer 2023. ppmicrosoftteams-image_24.png Enjoy Pikes Peak at your leisure on the safe, scenic Pikes Peak Highway. Most of these lakes are accessible by foot only, although you can also drive to quite a few of them. Come and try out the great hiking and mountain biking trails too! Throughout the post youll find: Absolutely. There's a one-way road that loops around the lake and parking for trailheads leading to Blue and Mitchell Lakes in the north valley and Isabelle and Long Lakes to the south. Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. Its best to check with AllTrails.com or even local hiking Facebook groups to get the most up-to-date information. #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's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. . You can stop off at the lake and explore before driving to the summit of Mt. 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. 1. Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. Chasm Lake makes for a beautiful summer adventure. Distance: Varies, hikes on the property are short, its three miles to loop the lakeElevation: nothing notable.Difficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a great family-friendly spot, however, there are day fees and other camping fees to use the area. 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. Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. 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: 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. Threats of harming another Camping is permitted and free around Alta Lakes in Telluride with campsites littered all around the three lakes. Then recheck it the day before your hike. After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. Did you know that Colorado is home to over 2,000 lakes? Take the Glacier Gorge Trail up a steep, winding dramatic valley that terminates at the famed Sky Pond. 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 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 helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. The trail also features both forests and meadows budding with an abundance of wildflowers interspersed along the way. In layman's terms, they are the state's finest fisheries. Trout Lake is a short drive from the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village towards Lizard Head Pass. The Upper Piney River trailhead begins at Piney Lake and winds through aspen meadows bursting with columbines, before passing by the cascading Piney Falls and ultimately leading to Upper Piney Lake at the headwaters of the Piney River just above 11,000.' Expect to see some seriously stunning cascading waterfalls along the way. Bring a swimsuit! The fastest way to get to this beautiful lake in the rocky mountains is to hike from Glacier Gorge Trailhead 5.4 miles round trip with 1,070 ft elevation gain. Many of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado are alpine lakes with clear blue water. Distance: 2.8 miles round trip. On Monday and . Length 6.7 miElevation gain 1,699 ftRoute type Out & back. This truly-epic alpine lake hike is long, but worth the effort. After seeing Island Lake continue ahead and take a right to form a small loop. Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State Park. The natural beauty of a waterfall is within easy reach of Denver. Tell someone about your plans. Twin Lakes are two beautiful lakes located at the base of Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. Above treeline, the weather can move in quickly and even on a sunny day, the air can feel quite cool. Surface Area: 507 acres. Which lake near Denver has the bluest water? Note that this hike does require permits, so be sure to reserve yours in advance to enjoy this fun summertime waterfall adventure! Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. Distance: 4 miles in summer, 8 in winterElevation: 1,614 feet in summer, unknown to the lakeDifficulty: Easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Although there is a map on AllTrails, its not entirely accurate with distances. Be on the lookout for the moose who call this beautiful mountain landscape home! Distance: 12.9 milesElevation: 2,919 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are allowed if on a leash and the best time to visit is between March and October. Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. In the summer, the trail becomes a 44 road that you can still hike on, terminating at a parking lot. Breathtaking beauty awaits hikers at South Colony Lakes. With such a delicate ecosystem, your skin oils and sunscreen can kill the wildlife that lives in the lake. Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). But once there, you can take in impressive panoramas of the valley below as well as hidden meadows, streams, and ponds. 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. (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 . Awesome views, wildlife, lakes and wild flowers await you on this lollipop loop ride. This article will walk you through the best lakes in Colorado and how to get to these lakes. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek located near Crestone. Check out our favorite alpine hikes in Colorado and neighboring states. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail to access starts off at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. To get there, follow Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes for 8.6 miles of out-and-back beauty. These gorgeous alpine lakes are set in a landscape that appears to be straight from a storybook, but is actually known as the James Peak wilderness. Miles from Denver: 100 miles. This Rocky Mountain National Park adventure provides an opportunity to catch an unforgettable sunrise. Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado. 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. 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). The best time to visit is between June and October. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a large wilderness area spanning the Central Cascades of Washington state in the United States.The wilderness is located in parts of Wenatchee National Forest and Snoqualmie National Forest, and is approximately bounded by Interstate 90 and Snoqualmie Pass to the south and U.S. Route 2 and Stevens Pass to the north. And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! And located in the saddle of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, Tyndall Glacier (one of five active glaciers in the park) offers breathtaking views. Evans at 14,265', or you can take the trail less traveled and summit using one of the many official and unofficial routes to the top from the lake. If you are a fan of high alpine lakes without having to travel far . The total hike round trip to Upper Blue Lake is 8 miles with 2,404 ft elevation gain. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. Bear Lake is a popular lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Immarite? 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. Please note, reservations are required to visit the park. Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. Once you arrive, you wont want to leave which is why many people consider Gore Lake one of the best backpacking trips in Colorado. Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. The picturesque lakes are tucked away near the mountains of Breckenridge. Rollins Pass is in the FunTreks Northern Colorado Backroads 4 Wheel Drive . To see the entire lake though, youll need to do a bit of climbing up the shore. 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. Before reaching Heart Lake, be sure to soak in the alpine views first at Rogers Lake. Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, Im not kidding about the moose! Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Again, it depends. Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no . You're going to want to bring your camera on these adventures. 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. Be Proactive. Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. At this time, the 44 road to Blue Lakes requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to access when the gate is open during summer months (often late May through October), but there is talk . Think you need to be a hiking pro to enjoy amazing alpine lake hikes in Colorado? Surrounding peaks of granite reflect off the lake's beautiful emerald green waters nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. that is degrading to another person. In winter, you will have to take a walk-around to avoid avalanche terrain so be alert. You can hike to this lake from either Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic.

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