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. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. 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. We searched for alpine lakes to hike to in the area and came across Crystal Lake in Saint Marie's, Idaho. Tell someone about your plans. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Continue for several more miles until reaching the base of The Spearhead, a famous mountaineering objective. Alpine Loop drive takes 4-6 hours to cover the distance between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. 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 ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. Recommended Fly Assortment for Colorado Alpine Creeks and Lakes You have permission to edit this collection. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. Our first date was a three-day camping trip on the backroads of Colorado. Overview. Success! Lake Ann - Only accessible by way of a 1.75-mile well-maintained trail, this pristine lake is ruggedly scenic and extremely protected. Blue lake sits at 11,355 feet and is frozen for much of the year. While the 7.9-mile out-and-back trail is relatively easy for day hikers used to the distance, there are several campgrounds located along the shore of the lowest lake. Named for its stunning waters, Emerald Lake is overflowing with beauty. Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes and three other unnamed lakes are all in the area. Bierstadt, and even Denver at times. Once you arrive, you wont want to leave which is why many people consider Gore Lake one of the best backpacking trips in Colorado. 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. 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. Before you hit the trail, there are several important things to remember. If you are a fan of high alpine lakes without having to travel far . Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. This adventure will bring you by wide open meadows and plenty of wildlife (look out for moose and elk!) Best Lakes for Fly Fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park Want a bit more of a challenge? 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. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. This moderate hike is a great way to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in Colorado without the lung-busting elevation gain. Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. or drop a line and try your luck with some fishing. Keep in mind permits are required and parking fills up fast. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. Trek your way through stunning alpine country to one of the most picturesque lakes in the state Hanging Lake. It's about a 3-mile trek out-and-back. Miles from Denver: 100 miles. Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that youve already checked with good old Google. Catch dramatic views of the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak. This water adventure features beautiful cascading waterfalls among steep rocky cliffs and lush green pine trees. 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. It lies at treeline in a spectacular alpine valley framed by Navajo, Apache and Shoshoni peaks. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 42 min to complete. If you already made it to Middle Blue Lake it is a quick 0.2 mile walk to Upper Blue Lake. Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. 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. 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. Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links for products and services I recommend. Forsythe Canyon Round-trip Distance: 2.2 miles Trailhead: Forsythe Canyon - Lincoln National Forest Difficulty: Easy This short hike starts just outside of Boulder. But what if I told you we havent been given access to over half of whats really out there? Its best to check with AllTrails.com or even local hiking Facebook groups to get the most up-to-date information. Dogs are welcome, but due to the crowds, keep Fido leashed. Harder To Reach: Lawn Lake. The trail will take you through both wildflower-filled meadows and forest. Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). Youll want to be prepared for cooler weather, even in the middle of summer. There is nothing better than waking up and enjoying a hot cup of coffee next to a cold alpine lake. Length: 7.9 mi Est. Chasm Lake makes for a beautiful summer adventure. VIDEO: Aerial Fish Stocking Operation Brings Trout to Colorado's This trail is well-used but has an interesting start as you make your way up next to and around a huge railway tunnel. In layman's terms, they are the state's finest fisheries. Blue Lakes Trail in Telluride, Colorado takes you to three of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. 10 Best ATV Trails In Colorado - Wild ATV Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. What I love about this Colorado lake hike is just how quiet it is. 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. Kebler Pass (Crested Butte) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Some of them thought all of us had hiked into the wilderness to hear their death metal on the boombox at the lake all day. Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. Camp at Twin Lakes White Star Campground. For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. Ice Lake Trailhead is located 7 miles west of Silverton. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can Distance: 8.47 milesElevation: 1706 ftType: Loop. 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. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. We strive to work together to protect public lands and fight for the well-being of our future generations so they, too, may be able to experience these landscapes. Green Mountain Reservoir. It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . It's the state's highest peak. Here you'll find a campground, cabins, and dispersed camping. By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. More Information 2. Where you can catch golden trout in northern Colorado | 9news.com - KUSA Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. This trail is popular and can get very crowded, so try to hike it either really early or much later in the day. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Willow Lake offers a backpacking adventure into the Sangre de Cristo range. This Rocky Mountain National Park adventure provides an opportunity to catch an unforgettable sunrise. If you love the wildflowers, don't miss the serene trek into Eagles Nest Wilderness to Gore Lake. Threats of harming another Check out our favorite alpine hikes in Colorado and neighboring states. You'll take the Mitchell Lake Trail, crossing Mitchell Creek and passing Mitchell Lake along the way. Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. Alpine Loop - If you look closely you can see a 44 on the trail dwarfed by the mountains. 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.' 7 Popular Colorado ATV & Jeep Trails | Colorado.com Grand Mesa Trails The hike to lower blue lake is 6 miles round trip with 1,610 ft elevation gain. Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado. 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. 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. Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty, and elevation gain. 17 Gorgeous Lakes in Colorado That Are Perfect For Summer High-altitude Colorado lakes where you can stand-up paddleboard or kayak Thousands of fish dropped from plane into Colorado alpine lakes Scope out sweet views of Mont Massive and the mighty Sawatch Range (home to 14 of Colorados tallest peaks). 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. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. Beware of moose in this area, they are everywhere and not afraid to charge! Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. North Slope Recreation Area | Colorado Springs Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail to access starts off at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. Expect to see wildlife like moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or elk along the trail, especially in the late spring and early summer. 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. Directions SUV recommended: From the Town of Crested Butte, take Gothic Road (Route 135) north a total of 12.6 miles. Distance: Depends. Jewel Lake is accessible by a three-mile hike and Clear Lake requires an eight-mile hike to get to. Not your computer? On the way to Emerald Lake you will also pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. The trail also features both forests and meadows budding with an abundance of wildflowers interspersed along the way. Distance: 8.02 milesElevation: 2500 ftType: Out-and-back. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Does Sky Pond sound too intense? You can stop off at the lake and explore before driving to the summit of Mt. Stay awhile and enjoy the views! 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. With 50 square miles of golden aspens. Note that this hike does require permits, so be sure to reserve yours in advance to enjoy this fun summertime waterfall adventure! The lake is an additional 2-ish miles from the parking area. This is one of the easiest lakes on this list to get to, but is therefore also the most crowded. Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake with clear teal water. But once there, you can take in impressive panoramas of the valley below as well as hidden meadows, streams, and ponds. Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. Lake Helene is another great option for explorers of Rocky Mountain National Park. Everyone knows about Hanging Lake, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. that is degrading to another person. 25 Beautiful Alpine Lakes in Colorado - The Outbound 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. Its nine miles round trip, gaining about 1,780 feet of elevation. 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. Backpack to three alpine lakes and an alpine lagoon in Roosevelt National Forest. To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Not many people venture to the mountain ranges down south, so expect lots of solitude. If you do opt to swim, dont wear any sunscreen. Get to know this 6.7-mile out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. . 1. You're going to want to bring your camera on these adventures. The wildflower lined trail is short and beautiful, clocking in at 2.1 miles round trip. 31 Amazing Alpine Lakes in Colorado to See in 2023 + Local Tips Make your way up the two-mile trail to the base of St. Marys Glacier (not really a glacier, but a permanent snowfield) where there is a picture-perfect alpine lake.
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