The fee is $5 per person (16 years and older), children under 16 are free. Be on the lookout for the moose who call this beautiful mountain landscape home! In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. Our other most popular lakeside elopement locations in Colorado are Blue Lakes near Breckenridge and Lake Isabelle near Boulder. But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! Hike your way up to the lakes for breath-taking views and lakeside goodness! Photo: Nicola EasterbyDistance: 3.06 milesElevation: 1168 ftType: Out-and-back. Sky Pond is one of the most jaw-dropping sights to see. Breathtaking beauty awaits hikers at South Colony Lakes. Alpine Lakes in Colorado. She'd rather be dirty than done up. Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, Im not kidding about the moose! Dogs are welcome, but due to the crowds, keep Fido leashed. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. The trail itself is moderately wooded. Beware of moose in this area, they are everywhere and not afraid to charge! 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. Please note, reservations may be required to visit the park. 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. This picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. You're going to want to bring your camera on these adventures. Here you'll find a campground, cabins, and dispersed camping. Are there any waterfalls I can visit near Denver? Youll want to be prepared for cooler weather, even in the middle of summer. Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. The 8.9-mile out-and-back trail is blazed in beauty. Harder To Reach: Lawn Lake. The 9.5-mile out-and-back trail located near Vail climbs nearly 3,000 feet in elevation before reaching the awe-inspiring mountain lake. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. 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. However, in the winter months, some of the roads to various trailheads arent maintained, and this may add a substantial amount of snowy hiking to your journey. But if climbing a fourteener is not your bag, there's also a trail that leads to the jaw-dropping and some of the. 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. If you do this hike in the winter, youll experience different scenery, but surely just as stunning. 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. . Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Breathe in the fresh air and set up a hammock to enjoy the most incredible mountain and alpine lake backdrop. Discover the alpine beauty of Mirror Lake. 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. 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. Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. The first couple miles of the hike are extremely steep and difficult. Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. Most of the Alpine lakes lie in valleys that were formed during the uplift of the mountain chain of the Alps. Alpine Loop drive takes 4-6 hours to cover the distance between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. Elevation Gain: 465 feet. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail to access starts off at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. Hike to Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes, 25. In order to avoid storms at high altitude, youll want to start your hike EARLY, sometimes before the sun rises, depending on the length of the hike. that is degrading to another person. It's a 1.8-mile trek (3.6 miles round trip). Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. 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.' These high-altitude lakes are typically much clearer than their low elevation counterparts and are often fed directly by snowmelt. "With an ample forage base such as scuds, crayfish, terrestrials, aquatic insects these fish can live 10 plus years and grow to very . Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. Distance: Depends. Walk another half mile and youll see a beautiful waterfall, followed by stellar views of Lily Lake. You'd better allow 7 hours to fully enjoy the scenic beauty, however. Aside from craggy peaks, youll also see wildflowers springing from the ground all along the banks of the lakes during summer. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. In the spring and early summer you can enjoy wildflowers on the hikes, and in the fall you get to see the Aspens fall foliage. On the way youll pass three additional lakes, including the iconic Dream Lake. This includes water, snacks, sun protection, extra layers, and more. Jewel Lake is accessible by a three-mile hike and Clear Lake requires an eight-mile hike to get to. Distance: 3.77 milesElevation: 722 ftType: Out-and-back. Proposition 114 passed in Colorado and now the planning process begins. Parking early in the morning is free at the Bear Lake Trailhead. Tell someone about your plans. In winter, you will have to take a walk-around to avoid avalanche terrain so be alert. Make sure to pay attention to trail signs and take a GPS, there are a lot of intersecting trails in the area. 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. They are remote and wild, but also peaceful and pristine at the same time. To get there, follow Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes for 8.6 miles of out-and-back beauty. Parking is $5 at the Summit Lake parking lot. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. 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. Among the lakes stocked on Monday, the highest of them - Ptarmigan Lake in Gunnison County - sits at 12,306 feet. 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. The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. 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. Trail Use: Hiking Only. Maroon Lake brings you the best of the Bells, the Maroon Bells that is. Snow Lake Trail. 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. 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. 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. Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. Tucked under Mt Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak sits two pristine alpine lakes nestled beside the town of Twin Lakes. The trail is located near Glenwood Springs, offering the perfect post-adventure spot. In fact, this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo: Whitney JamesDistance: 3.15 milesElevation: 650 ftType: Out-and-back. Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! About. After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . Alpine lakes, old cabins, creek crossings, summer wildflowers, a stupendous waterfall, and unimaginable views. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation: 807 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: There is a $5 parking fee at both parking lots for St Marys. Spooky indeed! Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. If you already made it to Middle Blue Lake it is a quick 0.2 mile walk to Upper Blue Lake. Distance: 2.93 milesElevation: 675 ftType: Loop. Make sure you have the necessary permits before setting up camp. Stargazing at night is amazing, so be sure to bring a camera if youre into night photography! Distance: 9.22 milesElevation: 2270 ftType: Out-and-back. There was an error processing your request. Related: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local. Dogs welcome. With 50 square miles of golden aspens. The mountains of southern Colorado are littered with alpine lake hikes. Bierstadt, and even Denver at times. 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. So many, Nestled in a glorious alpine valley at 10,868' and framed by the stunning Indian Peaks is one of the, Piney Lake is a prime spot for a day of hiking and canoeing in the Eagles Nest Wilderness in the Gore Range near Vail. You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. Youll need high clearance to get to the upper lot. 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. Pristine, beautiful waters often reflect dramatic mountain views. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. Please note, reservations are required to visit the park. There is nothing better than waking up and enjoying a hot cup of coffee next to a cold alpine lake. Make your way up the two-mile trail to the base of St. Mary's Glacier (not really a glacier, but a permanent snowfield) where there is a picture-perfect alpine lake. In reality, you can make your way to an alpine lake any time of the year. 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). It lies at treeline in a spectacular alpine valley framed by Navajo, Apache and Shoshoni peaks. Rollins Pass is in the FunTreks Northern Colorado Backroads 4 Wheel Drive . Print/PDF map. Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. Photos (9,863) Directions. This short 6.5-mile round-trip trail boasts picturesque alpine lakes and stunning views of Pfeifferhorn. 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. Many of the most amazing lakeside views in the state are easily accessible for beginner hikers. 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. The main attraction while at the lake is the commanding Hallett Peak. The snowpack is different every year, so its tough to say when trails will be snow-free. Arrive early to get a spot and spend more of the day exploring! 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. Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. The alpine wonder rests at an elevation of 10,630 feet located between Flattop Mountain (12,324 feet) and Notchtop Mountain (12,129 feet) ). 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. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible . Expect to see some seriously stunning cascading waterfalls along the way. Distance: 8.12 milesElevation: 2037 ftType: Out-and-back. The hike will start with views of sweeping meadows and will follow along the South Boulder Creek. But on your way there, take moments of rest to appreciate the view of Longs Peak to the south and Tyndall Creek. The scenery is beautiful throughout and provides many opportunities for continued exploration while at the top! Also, dont be an ass, you are not allowed to swim or climb around on the logs here. Immarite? Keep in mind that State Forest State Park requires a fee. 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. Lake of the Clouds brings you tranquil scenery and plenty of views. Local Tip: This hike is also near some of the best free camping near Denver. Colorado has many picturesque lakes surrounded by high peaks. It connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, where it is generally considered to begin (and end). As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. Camp at Twin Lakes White Star Campground. You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic. Pass by several waterfalls on your way to one of the most magnificent lakes in all of Colorado. Yep, us too. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. Willow Lake offers a backpacking adventure into the Sangre de Cristo range. Thats right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town! In terms of the best lake hikes, Colorado offers some incredibly unique lakes and the Hanging Lake hike takes the cake. 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 . Lowest Depth: 265 feet. At these lakes you can canoe, kayak, and paddle board. Distance: 5.53 milesElevation: 1056 ftType: Out-and-back. Toll. Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes and three other unnamed lakes are all in the area. Be Truthful. Named for its stunning waters, Emerald Lake is overflowing with beauty. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. Cottonwood Lake Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! Most of Colorado's 2,000 high lakes lie on public lands between 9,000 and 12,000 feet and are accessible by a few miles of Forest Service trail. 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. Grand Mesa Trails An alternative to driving on your own is to. Mohawk Lakes offer plenty of picture-perfect backcountry camping or opportunities to summit nearby mountains, such as Father Dyer. This 7.7 miles trail boasts a wow factor unlike any other. Required fields are marked *. There are hiking trails near the lakes with great views of the lakes and surrounding mountains. What I love about this Colorado lake hike is just how quiet it is. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. Square Top Lakes, Guanella Pass Square Top Lakes via Shutterstock. This lake is located in the alpine layer at 11,746 ft and as you get closer to the lake it will get significantly colder and more windy. The water is piercingly clear blue, which will entice you to jump right in! Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy spanning alpine lake views. This article will walk you through the best lakes in Colorado and how to get to these lakes. This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. No dogs are allowed in the yurt over winter. Definitely come prepared with a suit to take a dip. Here are 11 of the best swimming holes in Colorado, from pristine lakes to reservoirs, waterfall pools, and everything in between. Lake Blanche Trail : An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer . Make it a day by going on one of Colorados most scenic drives! Many of these lakes are nestled between some of the most incredible mountain scenery you'll ever lay eyes on, making them ideal for golden hour photoshoots. Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake with clear teal water. While "alpine" is used by many anglers to describe the high elevation fisheries they visit that are inaccessible for of the year and may require a difficult drive and/or hike to access, not all high elevation fisheries are truly "alpine". Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Another worthwhile alpine lake hike near Breckenridge is Crystal Lake, which gives the ultimate solitude and scenery double punch. Winter enthusiasts can snowshoe the two to three miles up to the yurt and then onwards 2.5 miles to the lake where they can enjoy one of the most unique weekend trips from Denver. all along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America's most . Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. 5 hidden lakes in Colorado you probably never knew exsisted Alpine Lake. If you do opt to swim, dont wear any sunscreen. Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that youve already checked with good old Google. Technically you can swim at many alpine lakes in Colorado, but you probably dont want to. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. Nineteen of the 24 lakes shown in the video sit above 10,000 feet in elevation. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. You can take a dip at Sprouting Rock in a stunning turquoise oasis found just behind Hanging Lake. Bear Lake is a popular lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back This adventure features several waterfalls, streams, a creek, and meadows teeming with beautiful wildflowers a photographers dream! This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. The byway provides many scenic overlooks to view each of these Colorado beauties. The picturesque lakes are tucked away near the mountains of Breckenridge. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, You can hike to this lake from either Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake.