colorado alpine lakes you can drive to

While the 7.9-mile out-and-back trail is relatively easy for day hikers used to the distance, there are several campgrounds located along the shore of the lowest lake. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. The hike will start with views of sweeping meadows and will follow along the South Boulder Creek. Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. 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. Colorado Summer of Alpine Lakes | Visit Telluride each comment to let us know of abusive posts. This 7.7 miles trail boasts a wow factor unlike any other. Whenever you hear someone talk about catching trout in the mountain lakes of the Rockies, the term that often comes up is "alpine". Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links for products and services I recommend. Throughout the post youll find: Absolutely. The breathtaking clear blue American Lake is located in Aspen, Colorado. Which lake near Denver has the bluest water? 15 Secret Colorado Lakes and Waterfalls to Discover this Summer 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). 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. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Cash fees may apply for accessing the area. Trail Use: Hiking Only. In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. Kevin BuggieBPL Member. This moderate hike is a great way to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in Colorado without the lung-busting elevation gain. Gray Wolf Reintroduction, What Does 2023 Look Like In Colorado? 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. 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. They are remote and wild, but also peaceful and pristine at the same time. The mountains of southern Colorado are littered with alpine lake hikes. About. No dogs are allowed in the yurt over winter. It lies at treeline in a spectacular alpine valley framed by Navajo, Apache and Shoshoni peaks. Located outside of the beautiful mountain town of Vail, the trail to the lake is about 12.5 miles out-and-back. Exploring The Alpine Loop - ATV Colorado - Wild ATV The cold water is characteristic of alpine lakes. Pikes Peak - America's Mountain | Colorado Springs Are there any waterfalls I can visit near Denver? Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. Distance: 2.8 milesElevation: 885 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and local tips: Dogs are allowed to use this trail. However, with that being said, its still worth a visit to gaze upon this magical fairytale lake. It's the state's highest peak. Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty, and elevation gain. Distance: 0.8 milesElevation: 32 feetDifficulty: Easy with accessibility rampsRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. 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). Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! Camping here is sure to be an awe-filled experience. Your email address will not be published. Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. 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. Driving time: 4 to 6 hours. Tucked under Mt Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak sits two pristine alpine lakes nestled beside the town of Twin Lakes. This list comes from years of research and is a total labor of love. Dog-friendly. 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. 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. The fee is $5 per person (16 years and older), children under 16 are free. Check out this adventure for impressive views of the Mount Evans Wilderness. Alpine Loop National Backcountry Byway, Colorado Articles by Heather Brinkman's Profile | Daily Camera, Longmont Times If you just cant get enough alpine lakes in Colorado, why not choose a hiking trail that hits four different Lakes? If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. Share with Us. Both alpine lakes sit at an elevation of about 11,000 feet. person will not be tolerated. Alpine Loop Colorado Department of Transportation 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. 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. Since it's a relatively short hike, this is a great one for a family nature outing. However, dont be fooled by the easy accessibility. This adventure features several waterfalls, streams, a creek, and meadows teeming with beautiful wildflowers a photographers dream! 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. Tell someone about your plans. Primarily characterized as an alpine tundra region, its total distance is approximately 65 miles and can be completed in about 7 hours (or more), typically under normal circumstances. UPPER & LOWER BUSHNELL LAKES. Aside from craggy peaks, youll also see wildflowers springing from the ground all along the banks of the lakes during summer. 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. Pristine, beautiful waters often reflect dramatic mountain views. Be Proactive. Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. You will definitely want to wear hiking boots and bring trekking poles for this part of the trail. 1. Another worthwhile alpine lake hike near Breckenridge is Crystal Lake, which gives the ultimate solitude and scenery double punch. Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Resting beautifully at an elevation of 9,003 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!). Grand Mesa Trails This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. We can easily drive 30 minutes into high elevation aspen forests & alpine lakes when desired. Maroon Lake brings you the best of the Bells, the Maroon Bells that is. The trail will take you through both wildflower-filled meadows and forest. 2. The byway provides many scenic overlooks to view each of these Colorado beauties. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. Dont forget to turn left at the graves or youll pass right by the final push to Gore Lake! The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. This popular alpine lake Colorado hike near Vail, Colorado will take you across Pitkin Creek and on an intense, narrow climb up the mountain. The Arkansas and local streams around my home base of Salida were blown out and muddy well into July. 20+ Best Colorado Lakes & Reservoirs | Largest Bodies of Water Not so much an alpine lake hike as it is a recreation hot spot, Wellington Lake is an awesome place to explore earlier in the season before the alpine lakes in Colorado are thawed. Parking early in the morning is free at the Bear Lake Trailhead. Many of the most amazing lakeside views in the state are easily accessible for beginner hikers. And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! 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. If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. In the Fall, the Aspen grove comes alive with color, making for an especially memorable experience. Walk another half mile and youll see a beautiful waterfall, followed by stellar views of Lily Lake. Unfortunately, in the summer it can get hot with temperatures, The American Southwest features incredible natural wonders and landscapes that cannot be missed. Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. There are a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. Snow Lake Trail. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. The hike is difficult but is worth the challenge to get to one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. 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. You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic. This water adventure features beautiful cascading waterfalls among steep rocky cliffs and lush green pine trees. The backcountry hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes features abundant wildlife, glorious mountain backdrops, and beautiful wildflowers. Huskies also thrive in Colorado - alpine lakes, cross . 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. Temperatures are often utterly freezing, since most alpine lakes are fed by snowmelt. Then, continue climbing to blue Lake at the base of Mt. In fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. Length: 63 miles. Be sure to check the weather before beginning this adventure as summer thunderstorms in this area can be aggressive. The picturesque lakes are tucked away near the mountains of Breckenridge. Alpine Lakes Wilderness - Wikipedia Rocky Mountain National Park is a hidden gem in the Colorado Rockies. Youll get glimpses of Longs Peak and Alberta Falls (in the summer). By: Elevation Gain: 465 feet. Take the Wheeler trail until it intersects with Crystal Creek Road. This is a do-able day hike, but there are spots for camping if you want to stay overnight. Starting at 10,390 elevation and reaching 12,000 this hike has it all. If you're looking for a secluded adventure, the Mohawk Lakes (upper and lower) are the perfect alpine escape for you. Those launching float tubes and canoes will appreciate being able to drive within spitting distance of the many lakes and small . Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. Resting at an elevation of 9,450 feet, it may come as a surprise that this scenic lake is located just 250 feet from the parking lot. Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. 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 . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. Black lake is a stunning and dramatic lake nestled deep in Rocky Mountain National Park. You could spend a lifetime trying to see all of the alpine lakes in Colorado and just barely scratch the surface. 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.' Located in the San Juan Mountains, the lake also attracts a variety of wildlife including elk and moose. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Scope out sweet views of Mont Massive and the mighty Sawatch Range (home to 14 of Colorados tallest peaks). There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. 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. (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.) Fly Fishing Alpine Lakes for Remote Monsters - Fly Fisherman from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. Distance: 11 milesElevation: 2,529 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Throughout the years Ive hiked well over 1,000 miles of terrain here in Colorado. This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. Be Truthful. The best lakes in Colorado often require hard hikes to get to but that also means that you can enjoy them with less people. Again, it depends. In winter the trail may be impossible without ice climbing gear. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that youve already checked with good old Google. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. Photo by Kyle Jenkins. Threats of harming another Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Improve this listing. Its still worth a visit, even if you arent climbing. Keep it Clean. Be cautious, however, as thunderstorms are quite common in the summertime. There's a reason Maroon Lake is arguably the most photographed lake in the state. 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. or anything. This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). Alpine Loop. Check that the ice is fully frozen on the lake before stepping on to cross in the colder months! BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN COLORADO - Vows And Peaks Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road. 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. All photos (263) Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. This alpine-lake hike should make every Coloradan's bucket list. Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Photo: Abby VohaskaDistance: 8.81 miles Elevation: 2635 ftType: Out-and-back. Once at the lakes, you can go for a swim (so bring a suit!) Continue for several more miles until reaching the base of The Spearhead, a famous mountaineering objective. Go early. Yep, us too. This is a great adventure for those looking to make a short trip outside of Denver. Distance: Depends. This truly-epic alpine lake hike is long, but worth the effort. For a brief time, in only the warmest months of the year, will you find the waters of the Green Mountain Reservoir tolerable for swimming. Related: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local. This adventure will bring you by wide open meadows and plenty of wildlife (look out for moose and elk!) 1. Did you know that Colorado is home to over 2,000 lakes? Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. 17. Camping in dispersed camping areas gives you the opportunity for a little more privacy and peace and quiet. Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. Ice Lake is a beautiful bright blue alpine lake located at 12,300 feet that requires a very strenuous hike to get to. 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. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. Pass by several waterfalls on your way to one of the most magnificent lakes in all of Colorado. Directions: From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west or, from Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado is an easy daytime hike that features expansive alpine landscapes and brilliant turquoise waters. 1. Plan accordingly. To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. Green Mountain Reservoir. Harder To Reach: Lawn Lake. Before reaching Heart Lake, be sure to soak in the alpine views first at Rogers Lake. On the way to Emerald Lake you will also pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. Expect to see wildlife like moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or elk along the trail, especially in the late spring and early summer. You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. Fish a high lake near Buena Vista & Salida, Colorado As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. The alpine wonder rests at an elevation of 10,630 feet located between Flattop Mountain (12,324 feet) and Notchtop Mountain (12,129 feet) ). 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. Among the lakes stocked on Monday, the highest of them - Ptarmigan Lake in Gunnison County - sits at 12,306 feet. This lake is known for the reflection you can see in the lake of 14,000 ft tall Maroon Peaks. Cherry Creek Reservoir in Aurora, Colorado offers a treasure trove of outdoor activities for the whole family. 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. This hike also has a waterfall. Breathtaking beauty awaits hikers at South Colony Lakes. Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake with clear teal water. 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. Our first date was a three-day camping trip on the backroads of Colorado. Seriouslyover 2,000! Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. Think you need to be a hiking pro to enjoy amazing alpine lake hikes in Colorado? For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. This is one of the most iconic adventures in Colorado and for good reason! This is the most beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be combined with Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. 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. Evans and Mt. Rollins Pass is in the FunTreks Northern Colorado Backroads 4 Wheel Drive . 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. The natural beauty of a waterfall is within easy reach of Denver. Think again! 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. Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by mind-blowing settings, these backcountry bodies of water are meant to be enjoyed. Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Colorado. The United States Should Adopt The Allemannsretten, 5 Great Spots in Colorado for Fall Colors. 25 Beautiful Alpine Lakes in Colorado - The Outbound Distance: 5.4 milesElevation: 1,072 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. Long Lake is an alpine explorers paradise. Expect to see some seriously stunning cascading waterfalls along the way. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern 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. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. You have permission to edit this collection. 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. . She'd rather be dirty than done up. Talk about iconic Colorado views! Here you'll find a campground, cabins, and dispersed camping. Suggest edits to improve what we show. 12 Most Beautiful Lakes in Colorado - Getaway Compass For the best wildflowers, do this hike in late July. Please note, reservations are required to visit the lake. Distance: 4.51 milesElevation: 1090 ftType: Out-and-back. This short 6.5-mile round-trip trail boasts picturesque alpine lakes and stunning views of Pfeifferhorn. Chasm Lake makes for a beautiful summer adventure. Trout Lake is a short drive from the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village towards Lizard Head Pass. For an added challenge and extra mileage, you can even summit Longs Peak for an elevated vantage point! This picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. 7 Popular Colorado ATV & Jeep Trails | Colorado.com We'd love to hear eyewitness The trail starts off steep, dropping into a valley before running flat, then climbing steeply up again. Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! Stargazing at night is amazing, so be sure to bring a camera if youre into night photography! If you are up for the challenge Island Lake is worth the visit! Description. Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. Accessing this alpine wonder is simple. RELATED: Views are stunning and fish . Travel over the off-road driving trail (either on foot or by 44) and reach the Alta Ghost Town. The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. Evans at 14,265', or you can take the trail less traveled and summit using one of the many official and unofficial routes to the top from the lake. 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. Arizona has many unique hiking opportunities with a wide range of elevation, climate, and views. Kebler Pass (Crested Butte) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Everyone knows about Hanging Lake, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. But on your way there, take moments of rest to appreciate the view of Longs Peak to the south and Tyndall Creek. Discover the alpine beauty of Mirror Lake. Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. In layman's terms, they are the state's finest fisheries. There is nothing better than waking up and enjoying a hot cup of coffee next to a cold alpine lake. It can be hard to narrow down which hikes, Colorado is a beautiful state with tall peaks, incredible lakes, and four unique national parks. Cottonwood Lake Keep in mind, the average hiker moves at about 2 miles an hour or covers 1,000 feet of elevation gain in an hour. Best Lakeside Elopement Locations in the US - Skyewater Photo PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. Get going on this adventure to the three beautiful Blue Lakes nestled among Colorados San Juan Range in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation: 846 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Lake Isabelle is one of the best winter hikes in Colorado (add about five miles round trip for the winter hike). The best time to do this hike is early in the morning for sunrise you wont be mad you did!

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