colorado alpine lakes you can drive to

The snowpack is different every year, so its tough to say when trails will be snow-free. The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. On the way to Emerald Lake you will also pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. Be on the lookout for the moose who call this beautiful mountain landscape home! Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. Distance: 9.22 milesElevation: 2270 ftType: Out-and-back. Granite spires surrounding the lake, one referred to as sharks tooth. There are also two 13,000-foot peaks nearby, Taylor and Powell. Opt to get there early or make it an overnight to get more time. Green Mountain Reservoir. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. The trail will take you through both wildflower-filled meadows and forest. It's the state's highest peak. Top 12 Mountain Views in Colorado: Where to See Colorado's Best Scenery Distance: 23.8 milesElevation: 4,767 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are welcome to use this trail. Distance: 3.97 milesElevation: 1299 ftType: Out-and-back. You'll be crossing a few small streams, so be careful after heavy rains. Check that the ice is fully frozen on the lake before stepping on to cross in the colder months! Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado | Colorado.com Located outside of the beautiful mountain town of Vail, the trail to the lake is about 12.5 miles out-and-back. 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. The byway provides many scenic overlooks to view each of these Colorado beauties. These lakes are next to Independence Pass, a road that takes you to Aspen. When you get to the lake you can always take a swim if you are up for it, but expect the water to be really cold! Keep in mind, the average hiker moves at about 2 miles an hour or covers 1,000 feet of elevation gain in an hour. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Note that parking at the Brainard Lake Recreational Area lot costs $10 and fills up quickly. Moderate 4.6 (8765) Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Local Tip: This hike is also near some of the best free camping near Denver. From hiking around the water to fishing, boating, picnicking, and swimming . It lies at treeline in a spectacular alpine valley framed by Navajo, Apache and Shoshoni peaks. Although the entire hike is 2.4 miles long, you will arrive at the lake in half a. 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. all along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America's most . You can take a dip at Sprouting Rock in a stunning turquoise oasis found just behind Hanging Lake. Its best to check with AllTrails.com or even local hiking Facebook groups to get the most up-to-date information. 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. There are plenty of hiking opportunities, but taking it easy and simply sitting back or fishing in the lake is the perfect way to slow down, unwind, and just be. Breathe in the fresh air and set up a hammock to enjoy the most incredible mountain and alpine lake backdrop. The 8.9-mile out-and-back trail is blazed in beauty. Parking early in the morning is free at the Bear Lake Trailhead. There are several camping spots by the second lake if youre looking to stay overnight. What does 2023 look like for gray wolf reintroduction? Both alpine lakes sit at an elevation of about 11,000 feet. Enjoy spanning vistas of the Tenmile Range including Pacific Peak, Atlantic Peak, and Crystal Peak (all of which are excellent Colorado 13ers to try!). Stay awhile and enjoy the views! Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy spanning alpine lake views. There's a one-way road that loops around the lake and parking for trailheads leading to Blue and Mitchell Lakes in the north valley and Isabelle and Long Lakes to the south. Those launching float tubes and canoes will appreciate being able to drive within spitting distance of the many lakes and small . This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. If you already made it to Middle Blue Lake it is a quick 0.2 mile walk to Upper Blue Lake. Alpine lakes, old cabins, creek crossings, summer wildflowers, a stupendous waterfall, and unimaginable views. Bloods Lake and Lackawaxen Trail. Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. Fly Fishing Alpine Lakes for Remote Monsters - Fly Fisherman Seriouslyover 2,000! 5h 16m. 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. Distance: 14.94 milesElevation: 2421 ftType: Out-and-back. The Lake Haiyaha hike is accessible year-round and a great option for beginners or those looking for a gentle day and one of the best winter hikes in Colorado. Alpine Loop Byway - Lake City-Ouray-Silverton - Uncover Colorado There are other great trout reservoirs in the area, but only Spinney is a Gold Medal water. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. The total round trip hike to Island Lake with the loop is 8 miles with 2,700 ft elevation gain. If you do opt to swim, dont wear any sunscreen. Bierstadt, and even Denver at times. 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. Distance: 3 milesElevation: 1,135 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: If you want a fighting chance at a less-crowded experience, go for sunrise. 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. Come and try out the great hiking and mountain biking trails too! 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. 17 Gorgeous Lakes in Colorado That Are Perfect For Summer The breathtaking clear blue American Lake is located in Aspen, Colorado. Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. Distance: 5.53 milesElevation: 1056 ftType: Out-and-back. 1. For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. Accessing this alpine wonder is simple. 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.' Definitely come prepared with a suit to take a dip. Take the Glacier Gorge Trail up a steep, winding dramatic valley that terminates at the famed Sky Pond. 3 Crater Lakes via South Boulder Creek, Nederland, Colorado - The Outbound Distance: 4.4 miles in summer, 11 miles in winterElevation: 448 in summer, 1,030 in winterDifficulty: Easy (moderate in winter)Red Tape and Local Tips: The Brainard Lake Recreation Area requires a fee for day use. Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. Once you get to the lake, focus on the right shoreline, where there is a great drop off for fish to hang out around. Theres no shortage of fantastic mountain and lake views. 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. Rollins Pass is in the FunTreks Northern Colorado Backroads 4 Wheel Drive . By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. Spalding. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Use the 'Report' link on Arizona has many unique hiking opportunities with a wide range of elevation, climate, and views. Fly Fishing for Cutthroat Trout in Colorado - Vail Valley Anglers If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. the most part. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. The 2.3-mile out-and-back trail starts off in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area and then winds on to the Indian Peaks Wilderness. High-altitude Colorado lakes where you can stand-up paddleboard or kayak Distance: 6.92 milesElevation: 1804 ftType: Out-and-back. A Guide to Skiing Banff: An Inside Look at the SkiBig3 Resorts | GearJunkie You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. Google Drive In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. To see views of Lower Blue Lake from above you need to continue hiking up the steep Blue Lakes Trial towards Middle Blue Lake. 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. 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. Catch dramatic views of the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak. The hike from Ice Lake to Island Lake is about half a mile with 100 foot elevation gain. You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. This is a great adventure for those looking to make a short trip outside of Denver. Colorado will soon see moisture from what was Hurricane Nora and flash flood watches are already in effect for parts of the state. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. The trail is located near Glenwood Springs, offering the perfect post-adventure spot. (And be sure to take time to branch off and discover the wonder of Salmon Lake along the way, tucked deep in the forest amidst fields of impressive boulders and towering pines.) 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. If you're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. Beware of moose in this area, they are everywhere and not afraid to charge! This is one of the most iconic adventures in Colorado and for good reason! This picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. Boating Lakes in Colorado | Summer Things to Do in Colorado - Grizzly Rose Then recheck it the day before your hike. Once you arrive, you wont want to leave which is why many people consider Gore Lake one of the best backpacking trips in Colorado. 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. If youre looking for a stunning place to stake out camp by a lake, look no more! Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 1,765 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Square Top Lakes, Guanella Pass Square Top Lakes via Shutterstock. Don't knowingly lie about anyone 8 to 4 miles Round TripElevation: Depends. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. 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. Lake Helene is another great option for explorers of Rocky Mountain National Park. VIDEO: Aerial Fish Stocking Operation Brings Trout to Colorado's If you are actually interested in how my dogs are incredibly cared for (& my dog skijoring/ mushing ventures), you can see where they live via @mesamutts on IG - 5 acre fenced dog paradise. Distance: 12.5 milesElevation: 2,890 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This mountain range holds snow well into July, so be prepared for a few patches of snow, even in late summer. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. Heart Lake is another great option for backpackers. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. Doggies welcome. Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake with clear teal water. Unfortunately, in the summer it can get hot with temperatures, The American Southwest features incredible natural wonders and landscapes that cannot be missed. 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 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. The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado There's a reason Maroon Lake is arguably the most photographed lake in the state. The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. Directions: From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west or, from Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. Come July and August, Lawn Lake is arguably the best lake for fishing in the park. This list comes from years of research and is a total labor of love. Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes and three other unnamed lakes are all in the area. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. The best time to do this hike is early in the morning for sunrise you wont be mad you did! In fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. Alpine lake help, I know this is a long shot! : ) - FishExplorer 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 cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. This water adventure features beautiful cascading waterfalls among steep rocky cliffs and lush green pine trees. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. Since it's a relatively short hike, this is a great one for a family nature outing. This Rocky Mountain National Park adventure provides an opportunity to catch an unforgettable sunrise. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. Dogs welcome. This glacial lake is the largest natural lake in Colorado in terms of surface area, depth, and total water volume. 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. Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. Above treeline, the weather can move in quickly and even on a sunny day, the air can feel quite cool. Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back To get there, follow Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes for 8.6 miles of out-and-back beauty. The hike to this lake is an additional 0.7 miles from Lower Blue Lake but is very steep, with about 664 ft elevation gain. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. This popular alpine lake Colorado hike near Vail, Colorado will take you across Pitkin Creek and on an intense, narrow climb up the mountain. Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. 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. This adventure leads you through the Holy Cross Wilderness where youll be surrounded by beautiful forests. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. This 7.7 miles trail boasts a wow factor unlike any other. Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! 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. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! Articles by Heather Brinkman's Profile | Daily Camera, Longmont Times Its a total bonus if you hit this trail early and arrive for the sunrise! Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. But once there, you can take in impressive panoramas of the valley below as well as hidden meadows, streams, and ponds. Crested Butte Trails: Emerald Lake Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. Threats of harming another 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.' Your email address will not be published. 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. Eloping in Colorado gives you access to epic views of 15 mountain ranges, 54 peaks over 10,000 feet, alpine lakes, meadows of wildflowers, and a vast variety of gorgeous backdrops. Talk about iconic Colorado views! Welcome to Fish-Full Colorado: A Guide to Fly Fishing in Colorado - Curated Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. Distance: 14.6 milesElevation: 2,373 feetDifficulty: A difficult day hike or a moderate overnight backpackRed Tape and Local Tips: Permits are required for backpacking from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hike to Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes, 25. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. This adventure takes you through a well-marked trail with fantastic mountain views. Go early. You'll find San Cristobal incredibly stunning. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. Be Nice. Its still worth a visit, even if you arent climbing. 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. Youll need high clearance to get to the upper lot. 20+ Best Colorado Lakes & Reservoirs | Largest Bodies of Water Most of the Alpine lakes lie in valleys that were formed during the uplift of the mountain chain of the Alps. Keep moving forward and the trail will switch back and then head up the mountain. Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links for products and services I recommend. 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. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. 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: 8.02 milesElevation: 2500 ftType: Out-and-back. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. "With an ample forage base such as scuds, crayfish, terrestrials, aquatic insects these fish can live 10 plus years and grow to very . The Maroon Bells are world renowned for being some of the most breathtaking mountains in the US. (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 . Come prepared for changing weather conditions. Error! You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Kevin BuggieBPL Member. For a real adventure, combine your lake hike in Colorado with an overnight at a yurt. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. The deep blue waters of the Ice Lakes will leave you in awe. Aside from the deep blues waters, hikers are delighted with wildflower-filled meadows bordering the lakes in bright and beautiful colors. Improve this listing. The hike to lower blue lake is 6 miles round trip with 1,610 ft elevation gain. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation: 160 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Maroon Lake is worth a visit year-round, including in the (much quieter) winter months. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. Trek beyond the lakes to reach the 14,065-foot summit of Humboldt Peak. Awesome views, wildlife, lakes and wild flowers await you on this lollipop loop ride. Spooky indeed! Photo by Kyle Jenkins. 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. The wildflower lined trail is short and beautiful, clocking in at 2.1 miles round trip. Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. 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. Surrounding peaks of granite reflect off the lake's beautiful emerald green waters nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park. This includes water, snacks, sun protection, extra layers, and more. Hurricane Nora is forecast to track near Baja California and along the Gulf of California through this weekend with moisture spreading into the Southwest U.S. by the middle of next week. Think again! Driving to Alpine Lakes Some lakes, like Cottonwood Lake or O'Haver Lake, are accessible by car, and even more can be found with a little hiking effort. Accessibility from North Cascades Highway makes it an excellent stop on a road trip through the area. Check out this adventure for impressive views of the Mount Evans Wilderness. Photo: Ryan DewaneDistance: 8.43 milesElevation: 1780 ftType: Out-and-back. Most of these lakes are accessible by foot only, although you can also drive to quite a few of them. Plan accordingly. Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. 7 Popular Colorado ATV & Jeep Trails | Colorado.com You could spend a lifetime trying to see all of the alpine lakes in Colorado and just barely scratch the surface. It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. Up for a challenge? 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. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible . This rather large lake is surrounded by pines with a dramatic mountain background. There is nothing better than waking up and enjoying a hot cup of coffee next to a cold alpine lake. Distance: 7.7 milesElevation: 2,522 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Remember to treat this natural wonderland with great care to preserve its vivid beauty and to keep it pristine for those who visit next! Give them instructions about who to call if they dont hear from you. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. Backpack to three alpine lakes and an alpine lagoon in Roosevelt National Forest. 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. Description. This list of the 16 top destinations in the Southwest US will, Your email address will not be published. If you are a fan of high alpine lakes without having to travel far . 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.