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

Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that youve already checked with good old Google. Doggies welcome. Access: Transit to Trails is a great option for these hikes! Give them instructions about who to call if they dont hear from you. Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. The hike will start with views of sweeping meadows and will follow along the South Boulder Creek. Distance: 6.92 milesElevation: 1804 ftType: Out-and-back. Continue for several more miles until reaching the base of The Spearhead, a famous mountaineering objective. In fact, this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Be Truthful. In the winter, there is no fee, but the road is closed. When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. Tucked under Mt Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak sits two pristine alpine lakes nestled beside the town of Twin Lakes. "In cold, productive alpine lakes, trout can live to be quite old," says Jeff Spohn, aquatic biologist for Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. Another worthwhile alpine lake hike near Breckenridge is Crystal Lake, which gives the ultimate solitude and scenery double punch. Its best to check with AllTrails.com or even local hiking Facebook groups to get the most up-to-date information. If you already made it to Middle Blue Lake it is a quick 0.2 mile walk to Upper Blue Lake. 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. To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. 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. Sharp granite cliffs rise straight out of the water as you gaze upon views of Longs Peak in the distance. Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning beauty. The hike to lower blue lake is 6 miles round trip with 1,610 ft elevation gain. 5 hidden lakes in Colorado you probably never knew exsisted Alpine Lake. The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. An alternative to driving on your own is toreserve a spoton the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands Village to Maroon Bells. Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. 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. Something that absolutely should be on your list of things to do with kids in Colorado! Granite spires surrounding the lake, one referred to as sharks tooth. There are also two 13,000-foot peaks nearby, Taylor and Powell. Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. Trout Lake is a short drive from the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village towards Lizard Head Pass. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. The breathtaking clear blue American Lake is located in Aspen, 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. Its a total bonus if you hit this trail early and arrive for the sunrise! Travel over the off-road driving trail (either on foot or by 44) and reach the Alta Ghost Town. 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 features colorful wildflower meadows, breathtaking views, and plenty of wildlife. The scenery is beautiful throughout and provides many opportunities for continued exploration while at the top! . All photos (263) Accessibility from North Cascades Highway makes it an excellent stop on a road trip through the area. This short 6.5-mile round-trip trail boasts picturesque alpine lakes and stunning views of Pfeifferhorn. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. This is the most beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be combined with Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. Arizona has many unique hiking opportunities with a wide range of elevation, climate, and views. But if climbing a fourteener is not your bag, there's also a trail that leads to the jaw-dropping and some of the. The first couple miles of the hike are extremely steep and difficult. This is a do-able day hike, but there are spots for camping if you want to stay overnight. In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. Camping is prohibited within a quarter of a mile to protect its fragile environment. Want a bit more of a challenge? Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. And located in the saddle of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, Tyndall Glacier (one of five active glaciers in the park) offers breathtaking views. Starting at 10,390 elevation and reaching 12,000 this hike has it all. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible . Among the lakes stocked on Monday, the highest of them - Ptarmigan Lake in Gunnison County - sits at 12,306 feet. Camping is permitted and free around Alta Lakes in Telluride with campsites littered all around the three lakes. 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. Go early. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Marys Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Local Tip: This hike is also near some of the best free camping near Denver. To see views of Lower Blue Lake from above you need to continue hiking up the steep Blue Lakes Trial towards Middle Blue Lake. Note that parking at the Brainard Lake Recreational Area lot costs $10 and fills up quickly. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Distance: 2.93 milesElevation: 675 ftType: Loop. These lakes are next to Independence Pass, a road that takes you to Aspen. However, the serenity of the lakes is well worth the butt-busting effort. Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, Im not kidding about the moose! Dog-friendly. 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. There are a lot of famous alpine lake hikes in Colorado to discover. Did your favorite make it to our list of most beautiful lakes near Denver? Before you hit the trail, there are several important things to remember. With so many lake hikes, Colorado will have your hiking itinerary booked for years! Photo by Kyle Jenkins. Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. Alpine Loop - If you look closely you can see a 44 on the trail dwarfed by the mountains. Walk another half mile and youll see a beautiful waterfall, followed by stellar views of Lily Lake. Evans and Mt. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 42 min to complete. the most part. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. 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. The trail starts off steep, dropping into a valley before running flat, then climbing steeply up again. 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. ATV The Alpine Loop Length: 65 mile loop Drive Time: 5-7 hours Fees: 3-day Pass: $6.00 7-day Pass: $12.00 Annual Pass: $45.00 Or America the Beautiful Pass (National Park Pass) Difficulty: 75% Easy / 25% Difficult (rock outcroppings, drop offs) Access: Easy ATV Friendly Town: Lake City Ideal Riding Season: Mid Summer - September Then recheck it the day before your hike. Technically you can swim at many alpine lakes in Colorado, but you probably dont want 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. Almost countless. Dogs are welcome, but due to the crowds, keep Fido leashed. 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. Take the Wheeler trail until it intersects with Crystal Creek Road. To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. 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. Which lake near Denver has the bluest water? Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? Ice Lake Trailhead is located 7 miles west of Silverton. 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. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Located outside of the beautiful mountain town of Vail, the trail to the lake is about 12.5 miles out-and-back. It's the state's highest peak. Distance: 8.12 milesElevation: 2037 ftType: Out-and-back. Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. Grand Lake. The trail will take you through both wildflower-filled meadows and forest. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. You could also do a loop and combine this lake with Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. Water activities including fishing and kayaking are great ways to spend time exploring the area, especially if you plan to stay and camp. Filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by mind-blowing settings, these backcountry bodies of water are meant to be enjoyed. Be sure to check the weather before beginning this adventure as summer thunderstorms in this area can be aggressive. It lies at treeline in a spectacular alpine valley framed by Navajo, Apache and Shoshoni peaks. However, this is one gorgeous hike, especially during the wildflower season. Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. 20 Gift Ideas for People Who Love to Travel, 10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary: From Hot Springs to Cloud Forests, Sedona Off the Beaten Path: Sedona Hidden Gems, Top Shaded Hikes in Sedona: Sedona Summer Hikes, 16 Top Destinations in the Southwest US You Must See. Moderate 4.6 (8765) Alpine Lakes Wilderness. You have permission to edit this collection. There are hiking trails near the lakes with great views of the lakes and surrounding mountains. Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. Distance: Depends. The total hike round trip to Upper Blue Lake is 8 miles with 2,404 ft elevation gain. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado is an easy daytime hike that features expansive alpine landscapes and brilliant turquoise waters. Though close in proximity to Maroon Lake, Crater Lake is a less crowded destination, yet still unbelievably scenic. However, with that being said, its still worth a visit to gaze upon this magical fairytale lake. Loop or Out and Back: Out and Back or Loop. Dispersed camping does take a little more planning, but the extra work will be well worth it. The trail itself is moderately wooded. Hike to Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes, 25. Driving time: 4 to 6 hours. This is one of the most iconic adventures in Colorado and for good reason! Come prepared for changing weather conditions. Each of these alpine lake hikes brings you the best of the Rocky Mountains and picturesque mountain scenery of places like Leadville. Please explore responsibly! Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). Before reaching Heart Lake, be sure to soak in the alpine views first at Rogers Lake. Explore the fantastically beautiful cirque and enjoy views of Kit Carson, The Crestones, and Humboldt Peak. Nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park lies Dream Lake. Error! It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. 11. Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. Youll cross a couple of creeks so be sure to have the appropriate footwear on. Here are 11 of the best swimming holes in Colorado, from pristine lakes to reservoirs, waterfall pools, and everything in between. . The lake has an elevation of 9,905 feet at the base of Hallett's Peak, which is accessible via the famed Bear Lake trailhead. Distance: 3.97 milesElevation: 1299 ftType: Out-and-back. Catch dramatic views of the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak. Not many people venture to the mountain ranges down south, so expect lots of solitude. Discover this alpine wonder by taking Rogers Pass Trail, a 9.1-mile out-and-back trail located near Rollinsville. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. This route is delicate, so always practice Leave No Trace when visiting. Maroon Lake brings you the best of the Bells, the Maroon Bells that is. Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. Toll. Backpack to three alpine lakes and an alpine lagoon in Roosevelt National Forest. 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 . 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. Be Proactive. You'll find San Cristobal incredibly stunning. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. Banff Sunshine. Named for its stunning waters, Emerald Lake is overflowing with beauty. In fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. Thats right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town! 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. More Information 2. The trail flattens out at the basin below Columbine Lake and once you arrive you're in for a real treat. This is a phenomenal spot for a picnic lunch and a SUP experience. 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. There are several camping spots by the second lake if youre looking to stay overnight. We can easily drive 30 minutes into high elevation aspen forests & alpine lakes when desired. Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. What I love about this Colorado lake hike is just how quiet it is. If you just cant get enough alpine lakes in Colorado, why not choose a hiking trail that hits four different Lakes? Share with Us. No dogs. Come July and August, Lawn Lake is arguably the best lake for fishing in the park. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. 1. 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. Sandbeach Lake has a wide sandy shore thats perfect for picnicking or simply sitting to take in the scenery. Directions: From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west or, from Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. 2,568 feet max, MUCH less if starting from the Wheeler Trail.Difficulty: Moderate to easy depending on your route.Red Tape and Local Tips: Unlike many of Colorados famed high clearance roads (where you can usually get away with a small SUV), the road to the top of Crystal Lake is an ACTUAL Jeep trail. + Save to a List. The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. This lake is known for the reflection you can see in the lake of 14,000 ft tall Maroon Peaks. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. Huskies also thrive in Colorado - alpine lakes, cross . Lizard Head Pass Near Telluride above 10,000 feet in southwest Colorado, this pass provides staggering views of Colorado's jagged San Juan Mountains in the Uncompahgre National Forest. 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. Did you know that Colorado is home to over 2,000 lakes? 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. Many of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado are alpine lakes with clear blue water. Keep it Clean. For a real adventure, combine your lake hike in Colorado with an overnight at a yurt. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation: 846 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Ive been hiking in Colorado for over 13 years. Beware of moose in this area, they are everywhere and not afraid to charge! This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). The hike from Ice Lake to Island Lake is about half a mile with 100 foot elevation gain. The water is gorgeous. Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). On the way to Emerald Lake you will also pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. If you are a fan of high alpine lakes without having to travel far . Use a private browsing window to sign in. . You'll be surrounded by jagged peak, stunning summer wildflower displays, and crystal clear waters. Also, keep in mind there are restrictions on where you can walk, so be respectful of signs and regulations. The best lakes in Colorado often require hard hikes to get to but that also means that you can enjoy them with less people. This Rocky Mountain National Park adventure provides an opportunity to catch an unforgettable sunrise. Youll likely want to stay overnight to prolong your time in this picturesque environment, but do note that permits are required for campers. Be cautious, however, as thunderstorms are quite common in the summertime. Dont expect solitude here, even in the dead of winter. Arrive early to get a spot and spend more of the day exploring! 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. Improve this listing. The Maroon Bells are world renowned for being some of the most breathtaking mountains in the US. person will not be tolerated. The byway provides many scenic overlooks to view each of these Colorado beauties. 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! This list of the 16 top destinations in the Southwest US will, Your email address will not be published. Print/PDF map. Maroon Creek Road which leads to Maroon Bells is usually open between May and November and you are required to makereservations ahead of time to enter Maroon Bells area.