colorado alpine lakes you can drive to colorado alpine lakes you can drive to

For dramatic views of Longs Peak and the iconic Diamond headwall, head up to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. 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. that is degrading to another person. Keep in mind, the average hiker moves at about 2 miles an hour or covers 1,000 feet of elevation gain in an hour. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism However, dont be fooled by the easy accessibility. Be sure to check the weather before beginning this adventure as summer thunderstorms in this area can be aggressive. . Travel over the off-road driving trail (either on foot or by 44) and reach the Alta Ghost Town. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. The trail features colorful wildflower meadows, breathtaking views, and plenty of wildlife. Those launching float tubes and canoes will appreciate being able to drive within spitting distance of the many lakes and small . 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. Our first date was a three-day camping trip on the backroads of Colorado. What does 2023 look like for gray wolf reintroduction? 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 route is delicate, so always practice Leave No Trace when visiting. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Youll want to be prepared for cooler weather, even in the middle of summer. 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. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. Each of these alpine lake hikes brings you the best of the Rocky Mountains and picturesque mountain scenery of places like Leadville. Camping is prohibited within a quarter of a mile to protect its fragile environment. Alpine Lakes in Colorado. You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. or drop a line and try your luck with some fishing. 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. Cherry Creek Reservoir. Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. Everyone knows about Hanging Lake, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. Immarite? 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. Simply hike to Loch Vale instead. Its my favorite backpacking route in Colorado and well-worth an overnight. Bloods Lake and Lackawaxen Trail. Arrive early to get a spot and spend more of the day exploring! Share your suggestions or stories in the comments! Like the name suggests, youll be in awe of the color of the deep blue waters. However, this is one gorgeous hike, especially during the wildflower season. Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. Please note, reservations may be required to visit the park. Make sure to pay attention to trail signs and take a GPS, there are a lot of intersecting trails in 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. Bushnell lakes sit under Bushnell Peak and SE of Stout Lakes drainage. 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. The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. The 6.3-mile hike takes 2.5-3 hours, and the elevation gain is very gradual for. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. 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. These incredible, Climb a 3.5-mile trail along an open ridge in the Eagles Nest Wilderness to reach one of the, One option is this challenging all-day hike that involves a bounty of supreme alpine splendor. Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! This includes water, snacks, sun protection, extra layers, and more. It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. Distance: 6.5 milesElevation: 1,804 feetDifficulty: moderate to difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail gets insanely busy in the summer, so start early. In fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. This is a great adventure for those looking to make a short trip outside of Denver. Dogs welcome. Expect to see some seriously stunning cascading waterfalls along the way. You'll be crossing a few small streams, so be careful after heavy rains. With over 110 hiking trails, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and rugged ridgelines, it's no wonder this national park made its way onto our list! Lush alpine scenery unfolds as you ascend the 8.1-mile out-and-back trail nestled in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton. At these lakes you can canoe, kayak, and paddle board. 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. The trail flattens out at the basin below Columbine Lake and once you arrive you're in for a real treat. Youll have the added bonus of passing two additional scenic alpine lakes along the way. Colorado will soon see moisture from what was Hurricane Nora and flash flood watches are already in effect for parts of the state. 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. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. Aside from craggy peaks, youll also see wildflowers springing from the ground all along the banks of the lakes during summer. Long Lake is an alpine explorers paradise. The natural beauty of a waterfall is within easy reach of Denver. In the Fall, the Aspen grove comes alive with color, making for an especially memorable experience. 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. San Juan National Forest. Take a Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park (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 . Threats of harming another To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. Alpine lakes, old cabins, creek crossings, summer wildflowers, a stupendous waterfall, and unimaginable views. In fact, this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. There's a reason Maroon Lake is arguably the most photographed lake in the state. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. Distance: 10.2 milesElevation: 2,014 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail is primarily used for driving (an easy off-road trial) but if you dont mind the walk, you can hike it just give way to vehicles and take care. For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. About. Willow Lake offers a backpacking adventure into the Sangre de Cristo range. Driving time: 4 to 6 hours. This truly-epic alpine lake hike is long, but worth the effort. Related: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local. Its still worth a visit, even if you arent climbing. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. . Did your favorite make it to our list of most beautiful lakes near Denver? It's a 1.8-mile trek (3.6 miles round trip). Accessibility from North Cascades Highway makes it an excellent stop on a road trip through the area. Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Mary's Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Your email address will not be published. Plan accordingly. Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado. Improve this listing. Banff Sunshine. Access: Transit to Trails is a great option for these hikes! 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. No dogs. Table of Contents hide 1 Shadow Mountain Lake 2 Green Mountain Reservoir 3 Dream Lake 4 Two Rivers Lake 5 Crater Lake 6 Grand Lake 7 Lake Granby 8 Piney Lake 9 Sylvan Lake State Park 10 Twin Lakes 11 Lake Dillon 12 Blue Mesa Reservoir 13 Chatfield State Park What I love about this Colorado lake hike is just how quiet it is. 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. Thats right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town! Sandbeach Lake has a wide sandy shore thats perfect for picnicking or simply sitting to take in the scenery. If you love the wildflowers, don't miss the serene trek into Eagles Nest Wilderness to Gore Lake. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. Discover this alpine wonder by taking Rogers Pass Trail, a 9.1-mile out-and-back trail located near Rollinsville. Please note, reservations are required to visit the park. Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes and three other unnamed lakes are all in the area. The snowpack is different every year, so its tough to say when trails will be snow-free. The Arkansas and local streams around my home base of Salida were blown out and muddy well into July. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Distance: 23.8 milesElevation: 4,767 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are welcome to use this trail. The middle and upper are said to have the best views. Photo: Nicola EasterbyDistance: 3.06 milesElevation: 1168 ftType: Out-and-back. Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. Dont forget to turn left at the graves or youll pass right by the final push to Gore Lake! Surface Area: 507 acres. Rocky Mountain National Park is a hidden gem in the Colorado Rockies. Description. This list of the 16 top destinations in the Southwest US will, Your email address will not be published. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. 1. This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic. Dispersed camping does take a little more planning, but the extra work will be well worth it. Overview. This popular alpine lake Colorado hike near Vail, Colorado will take you across Pitkin Creek and on an intense, narrow climb up the mountain. The trail will end with a gorgeous view of Pitkin Lake. Colorado has many picturesque lakes surrounded by high peaks. You'll need four-wheel drive to access the campsites at Bill Moore Lake but getting there on the steep rocky roads is part of the fun! 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. Filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by mind-blowing settings, these backcountry bodies of water are meant to be enjoyed. High-clearance vehicles are best suited for getting to this scenic secluded spot. To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. But what if I told you we havent been given access to over half of whats really out there? With 50 square miles of golden aspens. Bear Lake is a popular lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. Opt to get there early or make it an overnight to get more time. Distance: 8.02 milesElevation: 2500 ftType: Out-and-back. Think you need to be a hiking pro to enjoy amazing alpine lake hikes in Colorado? Rollins Pass is in the FunTreks Northern Colorado Backroads 4 Wheel Drive . And located in the saddle of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, Tyndall Glacier (one of five active glaciers in the park) offers breathtaking views. Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. Don't knowingly lie about anyone 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. 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. And the fish well, they just float on down, once deployed from the airplane. 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. Something that absolutely should be on your list of things to do with kids in Colorado! Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. 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. This alpine-lake hike should make every Coloradan's bucket list. Make it a day by going on one of Colorados most scenic drives! before arriving at the lake, where goof fishing has been reported. From short day hikes close to the cityto multi-day backpacking tripsdeep in Rocky Mountain National Park, these adventures will take you to some of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Colorado. Awesome views, wildlife, lakes and wild flowers await you on this lollipop loop ride. Here you'll find a campground, cabins, and dispersed camping. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. Distance: 9.1 milesElevation: 2,142 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Chicago Lakes can get pretty crowded, but there are plenty of prime backpacking sites to pitch a tent and enjoy the views! The main attraction while at the lake is the commanding Hallett Peak. Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. 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.' It even has a wheelchair-friendly trail, making it an ideal choice for those who may need a little extra encouragement to hit the trail. 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. But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. Up for a challenge? Surround yourself in an amphitheater of dramatic rock and scope out of the best alpine lakes in Colorado. Before reaching Heart Lake, be sure to soak in the alpine views first at Rogers Lake. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. Be Truthful. Emerald Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is reached by hiking from Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. To see views of Lower Blue Lake from above you need to continue hiking up the steep Blue Lakes Trial towards Middle Blue Lake. Nestled in those mountains behind Trout Lake sits Hope Lake. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy spanning alpine lake views. Print/PDF map. You'd better allow 7 hours to fully enjoy the scenic beauty, however. 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. With that being said, typically alpine lakes are frozen and mostly snow-free starting in July through around mid-October depending on the year. 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. 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. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. If you are up for the challenge Island Lake is worth the visit! If you do this hike in the winter, youll experience different scenery, but surely just as stunning. Most of the Alpine lakes lie in valleys that were formed during the uplift of the mountain chain of the Alps. More Information 2. By: 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. Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Moderate 4.6 (8765) Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! Does Sky Pond sound too intense? 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 an added challenge and extra mileage, you can even summit Longs Peak for an elevated vantage point! Stargazing at night is amazing, so be sure to bring a camera if youre into night photography! We can easily drive 30 minutes into high elevation aspen forests & alpine lakes when desired. 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. This scenic hike in Rocky Mountain National Park begins at the popular Glacier Gorge trailhead, but you can avoid the crowds by heading out later in the afternoon and be rewarded by an incredible sunset. This Rocky Mountain National Park adventure provides an opportunity to catch an unforgettable sunrise. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Keep in mind permits are required and parking fills up fast. Hike to Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes, 25. Give them instructions about who to call if they dont hear from you. Named for its stunning waters, Emerald Lake is overflowing with beauty. 2. Since its such an iconic spot, you likely wont find yourself alone, unless you plan wisely and go early in the season, late in the evening, or during the winter. There are other great trout reservoirs in the area, but only Spinney is a Gold Medal water. Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. The best time to do this hike is early in the morning for sunrise you wont be mad you did! Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State Park. the most part. And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! Here are 11 of the best swimming holes in Colorado, from pristine lakes to reservoirs, waterfall pools, and everything in between. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. 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. 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. Plenty of camping up there and a dog-friendly area. Expect to see wildlife like moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or elk along the trail, especially in the late spring and early summer. When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. You can hike to this lake from either Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Distance From Telluride: 10 miles | 22 minutes Accessibility: Rugged, off-road vehicle recommended Activities: Fishing, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding Located just 20 minutes outside of Telluride, Alta Lakes is a popular destination for couples and families seeking a convenient water retreat. You could also do a loop and combine this lake with Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. In layman's terms, they are the state's finest fisheries. Once at the lakes, you can go for a swim (so bring a suit!) Distance: 14.94 milesElevation: 2421 ftType: Out-and-back. Beware of moose in this area, they are everywhere and not afraid to charge! On the way to Emerald Lake you will also pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. The hike from Ice Lake to Island Lake is about half a mile with 100 foot elevation gain. Sharp granite cliffs rise straight out of the water as you gaze upon views of Longs Peak in the distance. Keep in mind that State Forest State Park requires a fee. Start on the Glacier Gorge Trail (like you would for Sky Pond) except veer left at the fork. Technically you can swim at many alpine lakes in Colorado, but you probably dont want to.