colorado alpine lakes you can drive to

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. Here are 11 of the best swimming holes in Colorado, from pristine lakes to reservoirs, waterfall pools, and everything in between. Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. 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. 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. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. 1. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Lake Isabelle is one of the best winter hikes in Colorado (add about five miles round trip for the winter hike). Did you know that Colorado is home to over 2,000 lakes? This Rocky Mountain National Park adventure provides an opportunity to catch an unforgettable sunrise. The trail starts off steep, dropping into a valley before running flat, then climbing steeply up again. Aside from craggy peaks, youll also see wildflowers springing from the ground all along the banks of the lakes during summer. The freshwater lake is the perfect spot for boating or fishing. Dog-Friendly: Bloods Lake - No, Lake Lackawaxen - Yes. In reality, you can make your way to an alpine lake any time of the year. In terms of the best lake hikes, Colorado offers some incredibly unique lakes and the Hanging Lake hike takes the cake. The trail will take you through both wildflower-filled meadows and forest. 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. Camping here is sure to be an awe-filled experience. This list of the 16 top destinations in the Southwest US will, Your email address will not be published. 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. Dont forget to turn left at the graves or youll pass right by the final push to Gore Lake! Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. Alpine lakes, old cabins, creek crossings, summer wildflowers, a stupendous waterfall, and unimaginable views. (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.) There are plenty of wildlife viewing (moose, turkey, deer, ptarmigan) and fishing opportunities. Also, dont be an ass, you are not allowed to swim or climb around on the logs here. You must typically access these lake by hiking a few miles or by horseback. Spalding. Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. 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. Check out three different alpine lakes in the James Peak Wilderness with the Crater Lakes Trail. Tell someone about your plans. 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. Please note, reservations are required to visit the park. 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. Aside from the deep blues waters, hikers are delighted with wildflower-filled meadows bordering the lakes in bright and beautiful colors. This adventure will bring you by wide open meadows and plenty of wildlife (look out for moose and elk!) Tucked under Mt Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak sits two pristine alpine lakes nestled beside the town of Twin Lakes. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. Overview. Distance: 3.77 milesElevation: 722 ftType: Out-and-back. Be Truthful. The hike will start with views of sweeping meadows and will follow along the South Boulder Creek. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. To see the entire lake though, youll need to do a bit of climbing up the shore. In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. Since it's a relatively short hike, this is a great one for a family nature outing. This picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes and three other unnamed lakes are all in the area. Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. The cold water is characteristic of alpine lakes. Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty, and elevation gain. Evans and Mt. Note that this hike does require permits, so be sure to reserve yours in advance to enjoy this fun summertime waterfall adventure! Something that absolutely should be on your list of things to do with kids in Colorado! Camp at Twin Lakes White Star Campground. Discover the alpine beauty of Mirror Lake. Blue Lakes Trail in Telluride, Colorado takes you to three of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. My anticipation grows with each new day, as the sun burns hotter, longer, and stronger, thawing the lakes and tundra of the high country and promising a summer filled with days spent in the wilds. Cottonwood Lake This is a do-able day hike, but there are spots for camping if you want to stay overnight. To extend your adventure, you can continue on to Isabelle Glacier. No dogs. + Save to a List. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible . Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. 2. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. 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. 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. Lake Isabelle. Threats of harming another This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). The backcountry hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes features abundant wildlife, glorious mountain backdrops, and beautiful wildflowers. Enjoy spanning vistas of the Tenmile Range including Pacific Peak, Atlantic Peak, and Crystal Peak (all of which are excellent Colorado 13ers to try!). 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. 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. It is a long day hike (4.6 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 3,100ft. Surface Area: 507 acres. Be sure to check the weather before beginning this adventure as summer thunderstorms in this area can be aggressive. These lakes are next to Independence Pass, a road that takes you to Aspen. Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. Grand Lake. Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. Embark on an adventure at Pitkin Lake. Simply hike to Loch Vale instead. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Enjoy magnificent views of aspens as you continue through sage and dense forest. For an added challenge and extra mileage, you can even summit Longs Peak for an elevated vantage point! It's the state's highest peak. 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 . There is plenty of fishing, swimming, camping, and even small, easy hiking trails that provide plenty of family fun. If you are looking for something a little easier to get to, try James Peak Wilderness. 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. Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. If youre looking for a moderate jaunt with big view payout, check out Silver Dollar Lake outside of Georgetown. The trail flattens out at the basin below Columbine Lake and once you arrive you're in for a real treat. 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 a total bonus if you hit this trail early and arrive for the sunrise! Trek your way through stunning alpine country to one of the most picturesque lakes in the state Hanging Lake. The best time to do this hike is early in the morning for sunrise you wont be mad you did! Pass by the popular Alberta Falls, but keep trekking to leave the crowds behind and find yourself in complete solitude in this vast and unbelievably beautiful wilderness. Definitely come prepared with a suit to take a dip. Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. Driving time: 4 to 6 hours. Chicago Lakes is a popular hiking trail in the Mount Evans Wilderness that has two magnificent lakes with stellar views of the foothills and of Mount Evans. It's a 1.8-mile trek (3.6 miles round trip). Keep in mind permits are required and parking fills up fast. Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. The 6.3-mile hike takes 2.5-3 hours, and the elevation gain is very gradual for. 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 The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. This is the most beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be combined with Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. If you already made it to Middle Blue Lake it is a quick 0.2 mile walk to Upper Blue Lake. Dogs are welcome, but due to the crowds, keep Fido leashed. It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . 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. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek located near Crestone. 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). Learn more For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. 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. Start from the Bear Lake parking lot and hike the gentle trail towards Lake Haiyaha, passing through the alluring Emerald Lake. Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. Camping is permitted and free around Alta Lakes in Telluride with campsites littered all around the three lakes. Sharp granite cliffs rise straight out of the water as you gaze upon views of Longs Peak in the distance. As a consequence, by mid-June I Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. 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. From hiking around the water to fishing, boating, picnicking, and swimming . Improve this listing. Arrive early to get a spot and spend more of the day exploring! Sundial Peak over Lake Blanche. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. 17. 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. Located in gorgeous Glenwood Canyon, the drive to the trailhead is reason . Use a private browsing window to sign in. Alpine Lakes in Colorado. With such a delicate ecosystem, your skin oils and sunscreen can kill the wildlife that lives in the lake. 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. Located near Gardener, Colorado, this amazing alpine lake Colorado hike starts with a downhill trek into a vast, meadow with stunning, panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Youll begin the hike winding through dense forest before the scenery opens up to an incredible view of Longs Peak. Then, continue climbing to blue Lake at the base of Mt. 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. Ice Lake is a beautiful bright blue alpine lake located at 12,300 feet that requires a very strenuous hike to get to. The middle and upper are said to have the best views. 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. After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) There are several camping spots by the second lake if youre looking to stay overnight. Pristine, beautiful waters often reflect dramatic mountain views. Bierstadt, and even Denver at times. This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. The total hike round trip to Upper Blue Lake is 8 miles with 2,404 ft elevation gain. Lake of the Clouds brings you tranquil scenery and plenty of views. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Please explore responsibly! Since the trail to get to Ice Lake is steep and long you should make sure to wear hiking boots. 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! 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. 11. This area is also an awesome place to practice mountaineering skills or go for a mid-summer ski session. These high-altitude lakes are typically much clearer than their low elevation counterparts and are often fed directly by snowmelt. Youll cross a couple of creeks so be sure to have the appropriate footwear on. Ive been hiking in Colorado for over 13 years. Don't Threaten. 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. Plenty of camping up there and a dog-friendly area. the most part. RELATED: Views are stunning and fish . Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. From short day hikes close to the city to multi-day backpacking trips deep in Rocky Mountain National Park, these adventures will take you to some of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Colorado. You can hike to this lake from either Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. Make it a day by going on one of Colorados most scenic drives! No dogs. Another worthwhile alpine lake hike near Breckenridge is Crystal Lake, which gives the ultimate solitude and scenery double punch. Above treeline, the weather can move in quickly and even on a sunny day, the air can feel quite cool. The mountains of southern Colorado are littered with alpine lake hikes.

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