colorado alpine lakes you can drive to

Surrounding peaks of granite reflect off the lake's beautiful emerald green waters nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park. Bloods Lake and Lackawaxen Trail. Its my favorite backpacking route in Colorado and well-worth an overnight. Fly Fishing Alpine Lakes - Evergreen Trout 1. Immarite? Walk another half mile and youll see a beautiful waterfall, followed by stellar views of Lily Lake. Seriouslyover 2,000! Google Drive Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. Surface Area: 507 acres. Camping in dispersed camping areas gives you the opportunity for a little more privacy and peace and quiet. 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. Spalding. Directions: From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west or, from Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. Along the byway, you can travel through various scenery changes: start in a desert canyon and pass aspen foothills, lakes, alpine forests, lily ponds, and meadows bursting with wildflowers as you make your way to the top. Winter Hikes to Alpine Lakes in Colorado | Westword The total hike round trip to Upper Blue Lake is 8 miles with 2,404 ft elevation gain. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. To get there, follow Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes for 8.6 miles of out-and-back beauty. 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. 1. 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. Dog-friendly. Black lake is a stunning and dramatic lake nestled deep in Rocky Mountain National Park. Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. If you do opt to swim, dont wear any sunscreen. 1. Sandbeach Lake has a wide sandy shore thats perfect for picnicking or simply sitting to take in the scenery. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. "With an ample forage base such as scuds, crayfish, terrestrials, aquatic insects these fish can live 10 plus years and grow to very . In reality, you can make your way to an alpine lake any time of the year. Use a private browsing window to sign in. 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.' Distance: 8.6 miles from the lower lot, the upper lot cuts about a mile or so off each way (see Crystal Lake)Elevation: 2,129 feet from the lower lot (see Cyrstal Lake)Difficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a dog-friendly area packed with awesome 13er hiking opportunities. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail to access starts off at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. Boating Lakes in Colorado | Summer Things to Do in Colorado - Grizzly Rose 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). Ice Lake is a beautiful bright blue alpine lake located at 12,300 feet that requires a very strenuous hike to get to. + Save to a List. You're going to want to bring your camera on these adventures. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. Beware of moose in this area, they are everywhere and not afraid to charge! Most of the Alpine lakes lie in valleys that were formed during the uplift of the mountain chain of the Alps. Must Visit Stunning Lakes in Colorado | Insider Families You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. The scenery is beautiful throughout and provides many opportunities for continued exploration while at the top! 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. In winter, you will have to take a walk-around to avoid avalanche terrain so be alert. . Be cautious, however, as thunderstorms are quite common in the summertime. Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. 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. Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. 31 Amazing Alpine Lakes in Colorado to See in 2023 + Local Tips Camping is permitted and free around Alta Lakes in Telluride with campsites littered all around the three lakes. By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. 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. 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. Photos (9,863) Directions. This includes water, snacks, sun protection, extra layers, and more. Since its such an iconic spot, you likely wont find yourself alone, unless you plan wisely and go early in the season, late in the evening, or during the winter. 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. Recommended Fly Assortment for Colorado Alpine Creeks and Lakes Distance: 9.1 milesElevation: 2,142 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Chicago Lakes can get pretty crowded, but there are plenty of prime backpacking sites to pitch a tent and enjoy the 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. This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. The 6.3-mile hike takes 2.5-3 hours, and the elevation gain is very gradual for. Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. But if climbing a fourteener is not your bag, there's also a trail that leads to the jaw-dropping and some of the. Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no . Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. The total round trip hike to Island Lake with the loop is 8 miles with 2,700 ft elevation gain. VIDEO: Aerial Fish Stocking Operation Brings Trout to Colorado's All photos (263) The wildflower lined trail is short and beautiful, clocking in at 2.1 miles round trip. Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! You can take a dip at Sprouting Rock in a stunning turquoise oasis found just behind Hanging Lake. 10 Best ATV Trails In Colorado - Wild ATV 2,568 feet max, MUCH less if starting from the Wheeler Trail.Difficulty: Moderate to easy depending on your route.Red Tape and Local Tips: Unlike many of Colorados famed high clearance roads (where you can usually get away with a small SUV), the road to the top of Crystal Lake is an ACTUAL Jeep trail. Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 1,765 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. The main attraction while at the lake is the commanding Hallett Peak. the most part. Cherry Creek Reservoir in Aurora, Colorado offers a treasure trove of outdoor activities for the whole family. The trail will take you through both wildflower-filled meadows and forest. In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. Check out this adventure for impressive views of the Mount Evans Wilderness. Youll get glimpses of Longs Peak and Alberta Falls (in the summer). UPPER & LOWER BUSHNELL LAKES. 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. Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. 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. This trail is well-used but has an interesting start as you make your way up next to and around a huge railway tunnel. Yes. RELATED: Views are stunning and fish . The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. before arriving at the lake, where goof fishing has been reported. Colorado has many picturesque lakes surrounded by high peaks. Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. In layman's terms, they are the state's finest fisheries. Dogs are welcome, but due to the crowds, keep Fido leashed. Colorado Summer of Alpine Lakes | Visit Telluride 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. Your email address will not be published. Plenty of camping up there and a dog-friendly area. This trail is popular and can get very crowded, so try to hike it either really early or much later in the day. Travel over the off-road driving trail (either on foot or by 44) and reach the Alta Ghost Town. Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. Unfortunately, in the summer it can get hot with temperatures, The American Southwest features incredible natural wonders and landscapes that cannot be missed. Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. Distance: 7.7 milesElevation: 2,522 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. At these lakes you can canoe, kayak, and paddle board. all along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America's most . About. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. 7 Popular Colorado ATV & Jeep Trails | Colorado.com Youll find over 2,000 alpine lakes in Colorado. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. 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. 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. If you're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. You'll find San Cristobal incredibly stunning. Access: Transit to Trails is a great option for these hikes! This adventure will bring you by wide open meadows and plenty of wildlife (look out for moose and elk!) Wander the lake at sunrise for incredible views. In fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. Grand Mesa Trails Think again! Set a check-in time and have that person try to check in with you first, before calling authorities (just in case you forget to circle back). 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. Lake of the Clouds brings you tranquil scenery and plenty of views. Local Tip: Check out Ouray, one of the most stunning Colorado mountain towns, post-hike! The Maroon Bells are world renowned for being some of the most breathtaking mountains in the US. However, with that being said, its still worth a visit to gaze upon this magical fairytale lake. Its nine miles round trip, gaining about 1,780 feet of elevation. Alpine lakes | Britannica Aside from craggy peaks, youll also see wildflowers springing from the ground all along the banks of the lakes during summer. . 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. And the fish well, they just float on down, once deployed from the airplane. In Colorado's lakes and streams most Cutthroats average 9 to . Go early. Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. Be Truthful. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. Colorado's Alpine Loop is affectionately called the " Switzerland of America" for a reason! Up for a challenge? Alpine lakes, old cabins, creek crossings, summer wildflowers, a stupendous waterfall, and unimaginable views. This is one of the easiest lakes on this list to get to, but is therefore also the most crowded. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. This list comes from years of research and is a total labor of love. Give them instructions about who to call if they dont hear from you. Explore the fantastically beautiful cirque and enjoy views of Kit Carson, The Crestones, and Humboldt Peak. (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 . If you just cant get enough alpine lakes in Colorado, why not choose a hiking trail that hits four different Lakes? Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Twin Lakes are two beautiful lakes located at the base of Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado. Distance: 4.51 milesElevation: 1090 ftType: Out-and-back. Crested Butte Trails: Emerald Lake What does 2023 look like for gray wolf reintroduction? Expect to see some seriously stunning cascading waterfalls along the way. Technically you can swim at many alpine lakes in Colorado, but you probably dont want to. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation: 807 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: There is a $5 parking fee at both parking lots for St Marys. An alternative to driving on your own is toreserve a spoton the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands Village to Maroon Bells. Whenever you hear someone talk about catching trout in the mountain lakes of the Rockies, the term that often comes up is "alpine". The hike from Bear Lake Trailhead is 3.6 miles round trip with about 740 ft elevation gain. It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty, and elevation gain. Before reaching Heart Lake, be sure to soak in the alpine views first at Rogers Lake. 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. It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. There's a reason Maroon Lake is arguably the most photographed lake in the state. Emerald Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is reached by hiking from Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. It's a 1.8-mile trek (3.6 miles round trip). Length 6.7 miElevation gain 1,699 ftRoute type Out & back. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. 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. Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning beauty. But on your way there, take moments of rest to appreciate the view of Longs Peak to the south and Tyndall Creek. There are a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. The best time to visit is between June and October. Distance: Depends. Most of these lakes are accessible by foot only, although you can also drive to quite a few of them. When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado | Colorado.com It can be hard to narrow down which hikes, Colorado is a beautiful state with tall peaks, incredible lakes, and four unique national parks. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The water is gorgeous. Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that youve already checked with good old Google. Distance: 2.93 milesElevation: 675 ftType: Loop. 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. Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. 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 . Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. The deep blue waters of the Ice Lakes will leave you in awe. Keep in mind, the average hiker moves at about 2 miles an hour or covers 1,000 feet of elevation gain in an hour. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. This Colorado Trail Has 3 Turquoise Lakes With The Bluest Water You've Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can Drive To!) The designation means Spinney is public fishing water that produces a minimum of 12 fish of 14in or more and 60lbs per acre. Camping here is sure to be an awe-filled experience. Don't knowingly lie about anyone If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. Improve this listing. In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. Chasm Lake makes for a beautiful summer adventure. Ive been hiking in Colorado for over 13 years. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. Make sure to pay attention to trail signs and take a GPS, there are a lot of intersecting trails in the area. Miles from Denver: 100 miles. Learn more Start from the Bear Lake parking lot and hike the gentle trail towards Lake Haiyaha, passing through the alluring Emerald Lake. This alpine-lake hike should make every Coloradan's bucket list. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. Talk about iconic Colorado views! 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. If you love the wildflowers, don't miss the serene trek into Eagles Nest Wilderness to Gore Lake. 5h 16m. Don't Threaten. Use the 'Report' link on Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. 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. Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. Distance: 3.77 milesElevation: 722 ftType: Out-and-back. In winter the trail may be impossible without ice climbing gear. 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.' You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. Distance: 6.5 milesElevation: 2,362 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and local tips: Pssst, there are a lot of nearby small lakes and areas to explore here. Spooky indeed! Distance: 11 milesElevation: 2,529 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. On Monday and . Grand Mesa Scenic Byway Map | Colorado Vacation Directory The Top 10 Lakes Near Telluride To Visit Lodging In Telluride In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! Bring your camera and pack some tasty snacks! Maroon Lake brings you the best of the Bells, the Maroon Bells that is. 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.

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