To see the entire lake though, youll need to do a bit of climbing up the shore. This is a great adventure for those looking to make a short trip outside of Denver. Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links for products and services I recommend. Photo by Kyle Jenkins. Note that parking at the Brainard Lake Recreational Area lot costs $10 and fills up quickly. Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. Use a private browsing window to sign in. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. A Guide to Skiing Banff: An Inside Look at the SkiBig3 Resorts | GearJunkie Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. Though close in proximity to Maroon Lake, Crater Lake is a less crowded destination, yet still unbelievably scenic. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. 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.' Photo: Whitney JamesDistance: 3.15 milesElevation: 650 ftType: Out-and-back. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. You must typically access these lake by hiking a few miles or by horseback. 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. Alpine Loop National Backcountry Byway, Colorado 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. Check out this adventure for impressive views of the Mount Evans Wilderness. This adventure features three impressive alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Loch, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond. The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. Top 12 Mountain Views in Colorado: Where to See Colorado's Best Scenery Filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by mind-blowing settings, these backcountry bodies of water are meant to be enjoyed. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Give them instructions about who to call if they dont hear from you. There was an error processing your request. Long Lake is an alpine explorers paradise. Washington's Best Lakes | Outdoor Project Spooky indeed! This glacial lake is the largest natural lake in Colorado in terms of surface area, depth, and total water volume. In reality, you can make your way to an alpine lake any time of the year. 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. Trek beyond the lakes to reach the 14,065-foot summit of Humboldt Peak. Distance: 2.8 miles round trip. The designation means Spinney is public fishing water that produces a minimum of 12 fish of 14in or more and 60lbs per acre. Articles by Heather Brinkman's Profile | Daily Camera, Longmont Times Alpine Lakes Wilderness - Wikipedia Make sure you have the necessary permits before setting up camp. When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. Grand Mesa Scenic Byway Map | Colorado Vacation Directory Something that absolutely should be on your list of things to do with kids in Colorado! Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. 10 Alpine Hikes To Tackle Before the Snow Flies - 303 Magazine Did your favorite make it to our list of most beautiful lakes near Denver? Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no . 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. All photos (263) On the way youll pass three additional lakes, including the iconic Dream Lake. The trail is located near Glenwood Springs, offering the perfect post-adventure spot. However, this is one gorgeous hike, especially during the wildflower season. Enjoy magnificent views of aspens as you continue through sage and dense forest. The video showcases the beauty of Colorado's high country. Many of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado are alpine lakes with clear blue water. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. 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. Blue lake sits at 11,355 feet and is frozen for much of the year. 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 . Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. Located outside of the beautiful mountain town of Vail, the trail to the lake is about 12.5 miles out-and-back. Best time for Alpine Loop Scenic Byway in Colorado 2023 - Rove.me Crested Butte Trails: Emerald Lake . 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. Maroon Lake brings you the best of the Bells, the Maroon Bells that is. Take the Glacier Gorge Trail up a steep, winding dramatic valley that terminates at the famed Sky Pond. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that youve already checked with good old Google. Before reaching Heart Lake, be sure to soak in the alpine views first at Rogers Lake. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. But if climbing a fourteener is not your bag, there's also a trail that leads to the jaw-dropping and some of the. 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. Your email address will not be published. Definitely come prepared with a suit to take a dip. This adventure features several waterfalls, streams, a creek, and meadows teeming with beautiful wildflowers a photographers dream! 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. This adventure leads you through the Holy Cross Wilderness where youll be surrounded by beautiful forests. On Monday and . 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. Again, it depends. 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. If you just cant get enough alpine lakes in Colorado, why not choose a hiking trail that hits four different Lakes? Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. Camping here is sure to be an awe-filled experience. Ive been hiking in Colorado for over 13 years. that is degrading to another person. When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. The trail features colorful wildflower meadows, breathtaking views, and plenty of wildlife. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. Elevation Gain: 465 feet. It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. Nestled in those mountains behind Trout Lake sits Hope Lake. Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. 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. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can Drive To!) From Bear Lake Trailhead it is about 4.2 miles roundtrip with 840 ft elevation gain. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. Kebler Pass (Crested Butte) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Sandbeach Lake has a wide sandy shore thats perfect for picnicking or simply sitting to take in the scenery. Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning beauty. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Sundial Peak over Lake Blanche. Encounter some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world as you wind your way through an alpine wonderland, mountain reservoirs, beyond timberline, overtaking the clouds. 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. Loop or Out and Back: Out and Back or Loop. Youll likely want to stay overnight to prolong your time in this picturesque environment, but do note that permits are required for campers. Tucked under Mt Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak sits two pristine alpine lakes nestled beside the town of Twin Lakes. These high-altitude lakes are typically much clearer than their low elevation counterparts and are often fed directly by snowmelt. + Save to a List. Lake Isabelle. 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. The first couple miles of the hike are extremely steep and difficult. 11 Best Lakes Near Denver To Visit This Summer - OnlyInYourState This short 6.5-mile round-trip trail boasts picturesque alpine lakes and stunning views of Pfeifferhorn. The hike from Ice Lake to Island Lake is about half a mile with 100 foot elevation gain. 25 Beautiful Alpine Lakes in Colorado - The Outbound Starting at 10,390 elevation and reaching 12,000 this hike has it all. Take the dirt road up in elevation as it turns a bit rough closer to the lake. What I love about this Colorado lake hike is just how quiet it is. Come and try out the great hiking and mountain biking trails too! 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. You'll be surrounded by jagged peak, stunning summer wildflower displays, and crystal clear waters. Best Day Hikes in Park City | Hiking & Outdoor Recreation However, dont be fooled by the easy accessibility. Plan accordingly. 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. Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. Arizona has many unique hiking opportunities with a wide range of elevation, climate, and views. Bear Lake Bear Lake located in Rocky Mountain National Park Located off of Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Lakes makes for a quick pit stop.