Grand Mesa Trails Ice Lake Trailhead is located 7 miles west of Silverton. The lake is an additional 2-ish miles from the parking area. Dog-friendly. An alternative to driving on your own is to. Go early. This moderate hike is a great way to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in Colorado without the lung-busting elevation gain. There are also many opportunities for overnight backcountry adventures at one of the mountain lakes near Denver in James Peak Wilderness. This trail is popular and can get very crowded, so try to hike it either really early or much later in the day. before arriving at the lake, where goof fishing has been reported. The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles 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. Distance: 11 milesElevation: 2,529 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Cherry Creek Reservoir in Aurora, Colorado offers a treasure trove of outdoor activities for the whole family. Opt to get there early or make it an overnight to get more time. There's a reason Maroon Lake is arguably the most photographed lake in the state. Chasm Lake makes for a beautiful summer adventure. Dispersed camping does take a little more planning, but the extra work will be well worth it. Bloods Lake and Lackawaxen Trail. But on your way there, take moments of rest to appreciate the view of Longs Peak to the south and Tyndall Creek. Blue Lakes Trail in Telluride, Colorado takes you to three of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Cherry Creek Reservoir. Tell someone about your plans. It's a roughly 12-mile trek that leads to Upper Cataract Lake below the famed Eagles Nest Mountain looming at an impressive 13,432,' then continues on to Cat Lake and ultimately to Mirror Lake, which lies at 11,020.' It can be hard to narrow down which hikes, Colorado is a beautiful state with tall peaks, incredible lakes, and four unique national parks. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. Among the lakes stocked on Monday, the highest of them - Ptarmigan Lake in Gunnison County - sits at 12,306 feet. The main mountain attraction is Lone Eagle Peak, which climbers can also ascend. More Information 2. And find our listings for off-road outfitters and tour companies here. 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. 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. Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. Learn more If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. In fact, this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Youll cross a couple of creeks so be sure to have the appropriate footwear on. Lake of the Clouds brings you tranquil scenery and plenty of views. Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. 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. You can stop off at the lake and explore before driving to the summit of Mt. The best time to do this hike is early in the morning for sunrise you wont be mad you did! You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. The cold water is characteristic of alpine lakes. And the fish well, they just float on down, once deployed from the airplane. Water activities including fishing and kayaking are great ways to spend time exploring the area, especially if you plan to stay and camp. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. Error! 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. It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. On Monday and . 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. Take the Wheeler trail until it intersects with Crystal Creek Road. Success! You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. Description. 2. This 7.7 miles trail boasts a wow factor unlike any other. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. Plenty of camping up there and a dog-friendly area. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Start on the Glacier Gorge Trail (like you would for Sky Pond) except veer left at the fork. The road will dead end at Moffat Tunnel where you'll find ample parking in a gravel lot with restrooms. Alpine Loop. 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. Improve this listing. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. You'll take the Mitchell Lake Trail, crossing Mitchell Creek and passing Mitchell Lake along the way. Parking early in the morning is free at the Bear Lake Trailhead. The trail will take you through both wildflower-filled meadows and forest. 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. Scope out sweet views of Mont Massive and the mighty Sawatch Range (home to 14 of Colorados tallest peaks). If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. 2. Once at the lakes, you can go for a swim (so bring a suit!) Be cautious, however, as thunderstorms are quite common in the summertime. Photo: Abby VohaskaDistance: 8.81 miles Elevation: 2635 ftType: Out-and-back. Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. Distance: 3.77 milesElevation: 722 ftType: Out-and-back. Surrounding peaks of granite reflect off the lake's beautiful emerald green waters nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park. This robust trail near Copper travels through sculpted canyons, pine forests, and open meadows as it ascends 3 vigorous miles to a pair of pristine, Don't let this demanding 10 mile hike intimidate you, because this glistening chain of alpine lakes nestled beneath Red Peak on North Willow Creek, is an unforgettable experience everyone should enjoy. There is no shortage of beautiful lakes near Denver, and there are several with magnificently blue water. Enjoy magnificent views of aspens as you continue through sage and dense forest. 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 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. 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. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 1,765 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. Not your computer? Maroon Lake brings you the best of the Bells, the Maroon Bells that is. 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. 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 . Traverse forests of aspen and lodgepole pine and enjoy views of surrounding peaks and valleys before arriving at some of the, This 160-acre tarn resides at 12,836' at Summit Lake Park beneath Mt. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. This hike also has a waterfall. Since the trail to get to Ice Lake is steep and long you should make sure to wear hiking boots. Its nine miles round trip, gaining about 1,780 feet of elevation. Surface Area: 507 acres. Ive been hiking in Colorado for over 13 years. Unfortunately, in the summer it can get hot with temperatures, The American Southwest features incredible natural wonders and landscapes that cannot be missed. Those launching float tubes and canoes will appreciate being able to drive within spitting distance of the many lakes and small . Located in gorgeous Glenwood Canyon, the drive to the trailhead is reason . Youll find over 2,000 alpine lakes in Colorado. Most of the Alpine lakes lie in valleys that were formed during the uplift of the mountain chain of the Alps. Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, Im not kidding about the moose! This route is delicate, so always practice Leave No Trace when visiting. The snowpack is different every year, so its tough to say when trails will be snow-free. This list comes from years of research and is a total labor of love. Connecting the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake, Trail Ridge Road traverses Rocky Mountain National Park, making this one of the most scenic mountain passes in Colorado. With so many lake hikes, Colorado will have your hiking itinerary booked for years! Distance: 8.47 milesElevation: 1706 ftType: Loop. Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. The first lake on this trail is Lower Blue Lake, a clear bright blue lake within the Mount Sneffels Wilderness Area at 10,952 ft elevation. This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. Give them instructions about who to call if they dont hear from you. The 8.9-mile out-and-back trail is blazed in beauty. The fee is $5 per person (16 years and older), children under 16 are free. 11. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Marys Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Are there any waterfalls I can visit near Denver? Youll have the added bonus of passing two additional scenic alpine lakes along the way. Evans and Mt. Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. Use the 'Report' link on 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. 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. 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. 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. Spalding. 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. This adventure takes you through a well-marked trail with fantastic mountain views. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Throughout the post youll find: Absolutely. Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. Filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by mind-blowing settings, these backcountry bodies of water are meant to be enjoyed. . You're going to want to bring your camera on these adventures. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Photo by Kyle Jenkins. Since it's a relatively short hike, this is a great one for a family nature outing. About. Then, continue climbing to blue Lake at the base of Mt. All photos (263) Although the entire hike is 2.4 miles long, you will arrive at the lake in half a. Bear Lake Bear Lake located in Rocky Mountain National Park Located off of Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Lakes makes for a quick pit stop. Lake Helene is another great option for explorers of Rocky Mountain National Park. The breathtaking clear blue American Lake is located in Aspen, Colorado. Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that youve already checked with good old Google. This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. 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. The hike from Ice Lake to Island Lake is about half a mile with 100 foot elevation gain. 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. Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! The best lakes in Colorado often require hard hikes to get to but that also means that you can enjoy them with less people. Starting at 10,390 elevation and reaching 12,000 this hike has it all. Surround yourself in an amphitheater of dramatic rock and scope out of the best alpine lakes in Colorado. When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. The Alpine Loop starts with the historic high-altitude town of Ouray. Directions: From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west or, from Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. The Maroon Bells are world renowned for being some of the most breathtaking mountains in the US. You could spend a lifetime trying to see all of the alpine lakes in Colorado and just barely scratch the surface. The ideal time to visit is. 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.' Distance: 0.8 milesElevation: 32 feetDifficulty: Easy with accessibility rampsRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. If you just cant get enough alpine lakes in Colorado, why not choose a hiking trail that hits four different Lakes? Youll likely want to stay overnight to prolong your time in this picturesque environment, but do note that permits are required for campers. An alternative to driving on your own is toreserve a spoton the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands Village to Maroon Bells. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. Square Top Lakes, Guanella Pass Square Top Lakes via Shutterstock. Accessibility from North Cascades Highway makes it an excellent stop on a road trip through the area. Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. It's demandingthe two 12,000-foot passes (Cinnamon and Engineer) require a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle but the well-prepared motorist reaps . The freshwater lake is the perfect spot for boating or fishing. Head to the far side of this open space and follow the trail through a stream and continue upwards until you reach a campsite at about the one-mile mark. If you do this hike in the winter, youll experience different scenery, but surely just as stunning. The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. Rollins Pass is in the FunTreks Northern Colorado Backroads 4 Wheel Drive . Distance: 7.7 milesElevation: 2,522 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. 8 to 4 miles Round TripElevation: Depends. Again, it depends. Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. The Outbound Collective This is a busy area, but for good reason, the views are delicious! You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. Aside from craggy peaks, youll also see wildflowers springing from the ground all along the banks of the lakes during summer. 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. 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. The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road.