colorado alpine lakes you can drive to colorado alpine lakes you can drive to

San Juan National Forest. 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. Success! Distance: 4.51 milesElevation: 1090 ftType: Out-and-back. Nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park lies Dream Lake. To extend your adventure, you can continue on to Isabelle Glacier. Technically you can swim at many alpine lakes in Colorado, but you probably dont want to. 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. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). Related: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local. Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. Breathe in the fresh air and set up a hammock to enjoy the most incredible mountain and alpine lake backdrop. Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Photo: Ryan MckinneyDistance: 4.09 milesElevation: 374 ftType: Out-and-back. Toll. that is degrading to another person. 1. Mohawk Lakes offer plenty of picture-perfect backcountry camping or opportunities to summit nearby mountains, such as Father Dyer. This lake is known for the reflection you can see in the lake of 14,000 ft tall Maroon Peaks. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. Resting beautifully at an elevation of 9,003 feet. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Then recheck it the day before your hike. Dont forget to turn left at the graves or youll pass right by the final push to Gore Lake! When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. Distance: 7.7 milesElevation: 2,522 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, Im not kidding about the moose! 8 to 4 miles Round TripElevation: Depends. Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. Miles from Denver: 100 miles. Moderate 4.6 (8765) Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Its nine miles round trip, gaining about 1,780 feet of elevation. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. Water activities including fishing and kayaking are great ways to spend time exploring the area, especially if you plan to stay and camp. Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! Pristine, beautiful waters often reflect dramatic mountain views. Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. Distance: 5.4 milesElevation: 1,072 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. For the best wildflowers, do this hike in late July. Check that the ice is fully frozen on the lake before stepping on to cross in the colder months! 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. Definitely come prepared with a suit to take a dip. Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. This route is delicate, so always practice Leave No Trace when visiting. Distance: 23.8 milesElevation: 4,767 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are welcome to use this trail. 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. Evans and Mt. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 42 min to complete. Keep it Clean. Pass by several waterfalls on your way to one of the most magnificent lakes in all of Colorado. Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. If you love the wildflowers, don't miss the serene trek into Eagles Nest Wilderness to Gore Lake. Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that youve already checked with good old Google. You can hike to this lake from either Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Distance: 4 miles in summer, 8 in winterElevation: 1,614 feet in summer, unknown to the lakeDifficulty: Easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Although there is a map on AllTrails, its not entirely accurate with distances. 5 hidden lakes in Colorado you probably never knew exsisted Alpine Lake. 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. Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake with clear teal water. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. This is a great adventure for those looking to make a short trip outside of Denver. Youll get glimpses of Longs Peak and Alberta Falls (in the summer). Kevin BuggieBPL Member. Yep, us too. 11. The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. However, this is one gorgeous hike, especially during the wildflower season. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. The Alpine Loop leaves pavement and people behind, crossing the remote, rugged, spectacular heart of the San Juan Mountains. This picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. Travel over the off-road driving trail (either on foot or by 44) and reach the Alta Ghost Town. Spooky indeed! The trail itself is moderately wooded. Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). This scenic hike in Rocky Mountain National Park begins at the popular Glacier Gorge trailhead, but you can avoid the crowds by heading out later in the afternoon and be rewarded by an incredible sunset. Please note, reservations may be required to visit the park. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. It is nestled between the towns of Ridgway and Telluride. Not many people venture to the mountain ranges down south, so expect lots of solitude. Most of these lakes are accessible by foot only, although you can also drive to quite a few of them. Length: 7.9 mi Est. Banff Sunshine. Distance: 6.8 milesElevation: 1,548 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape: Many 14er-enthusiasts camp here overnight before their summit bids. The wildflower lined trail is short and beautiful, clocking in at 2.1 miles round trip. There are also many opportunities for overnight backcountry adventures at one of the mountain lakes near Denver in James Peak Wilderness. It is a long day hike (4.6 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 3,100ft. Be on the lookout for the moose who call this beautiful mountain landscape home! The total hike round trip to Upper Blue Lake is 8 miles with 2,404 ft elevation gain. This trail is popular and can get very crowded, so try to hike it either really early or much later in the day. Scope out sweet views of Mont Massive and the mighty Sawatch Range (home to 14 of Colorados tallest peaks). 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. Theres nothing more grounding and invigorating than a rousing climb to a crystal clear alpine lake, followed by a little exploration, relaxation, (and certainly a picnic), at a pristine mountain paradise at around 11,000. These serene alpine lakes near Denver are something everyone should experience this summerbut please remember our earth is fragile so LEAVE NO TRACE! Lush alpine scenery unfolds as you ascend the 8.1-mile out-and-back trail nestled in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton. These high-altitude lakes are typically much clearer than their low elevation counterparts and are often fed directly by snowmelt. 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. Sky Pond is one of the most jaw-dropping sights to see. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. You'll find San Cristobal incredibly stunning. The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. 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. At these lakes you can canoe, kayak, and paddle board. Distance: 2.8 milesElevation: 885 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and local tips: Dogs are allowed to use this trail. It's a 1.8-mile trek (3.6 miles round trip). 17. Share your suggestions or stories in the comments! Keep in mind permits are required and parking fills up fast. Those launching float tubes and canoes will appreciate being able to drive within spitting distance of the many lakes and small . This popular alpine lake Colorado hike near Vail, Colorado will take you across Pitkin Creek and on an intense, narrow climb up the mountain. Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning beauty. Enjoy spanning vistas of the Tenmile Range including Pacific Peak, Atlantic Peak, and Crystal Peak (all of which are excellent Colorado 13ers to try!). This is a busy area, but for good reason, the views are delicious! 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 . Rollins Pass is in the FunTreks Northern Colorado Backroads 4 Wheel Drive . Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. 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. Are there any waterfalls I can visit near Denver? Nineteen of the 24 lakes shown in the video sit above 10,000 feet in elevation. While opting for the alpine wonder is suitable for a wider range hiking skill levels, bagging both peaks is only recommend for the most experienced hikers. In fact, this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Alpine lakes are defined by being any lake that sits above 10,000 feet above sea level. Gore Lake. Give them instructions about who to call if they dont hear from you. 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. Our other most popular lakeside elopement locations in Colorado are Blue Lakes near Breckenridge and Lake Isabelle near Boulder. The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. 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. Plenty of camping up there and a dog-friendly area. The picturesque lakes are tucked away near the mountains of Breckenridge. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can Drive To!) Alpine Loop - If you look closely you can see a 44 on the trail dwarfed by the mountains. This area is also an awesome place to practice mountaineering skills or go for a mid-summer ski session. Dream Lake is a vision right out of a fairy tale in the early morning hours. The trail will end with a gorgeous view of Pitkin Lake. Also, dont be an ass, you are not allowed to swim or climb around on the logs here. Tell someone about your plans. + Save to a List. Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty, and elevation gain. Then, continue climbing to blue Lake at the base of Mt. The video showcases the beauty of Colorado's high country. 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 This hike also has a waterfall. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. Local Tip: Check out Ouray, one of the most stunning Colorado mountain towns, post-hike! Youll be gasping for air from the steep inclines and incredible scenes. The hike will start with views of sweeping meadows and will follow along the South Boulder Creek. Bring your camera and pack some tasty snacks! Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you do opt to swim, dont wear any sunscreen. However, the serenity of the lakes is well worth the butt-busting effort. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail to access starts off at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. It lies at treeline in a spectacular alpine valley framed by Navajo, Apache and Shoshoni peaks. Cherry Creek Reservoir. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. After seeing Island Lake continue ahead and take a right to form a small loop. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. Distance: 10.2 milesElevation: 2,014 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail is primarily used for driving (an easy off-road trial) but if you dont mind the walk, you can hike it just give way to vehicles and take care. Distance: 8.02 milesElevation: 2500 ftType: Out-and-back. This glacial lake is the largest natural lake in Colorado in terms of surface area, depth, and total water volume. While "alpine" is used by many anglers to describe the high elevation fisheries they visit that are inaccessible for of the year and may require a difficult drive and/or hike to access, not all high elevation fisheries are truly "alpine". Does Sky Pond sound too intense? 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: 6.92 milesElevation: 1804 ftType: Out-and-back. Take the Glacier Gorge Trail up a steep, winding dramatic valley that terminates at the famed Sky Pond. Hike to Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes, 25. 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. 1. Cash fees may apply for accessing the area. Almost countless. Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. It's the state's highest peak. Nestled in Roosevelt National Forest, you can set foot on this adventure to three alpine lakes and a lagoon with the opportunity to pass by splendid waterfalls and wildflowers. Distance: 14.94 milesElevation: 2421 ftType: Out-and-back. The 6.3-mile hike takes 2.5-3 hours, and the elevation gain is very gradual for. This adventure takes you through a well-marked trail with fantastic mountain views. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. 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. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. Youll likely want to stay overnight to prolong your time in this picturesque environment, but do note that permits are required for campers. You'll be surrounded by jagged peak, stunning summer wildflower displays, and crystal clear waters. Discover this alpine wonder by taking Rogers Pass Trail, a 9.1-mile out-and-back trail located near Rollinsville. There is nothing better than waking up and enjoying a hot cup of coffee next to a cold alpine lake. 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. (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.) But what if I told you we havent been given access to over half of whats really out there? Temperatures are often utterly freezing, since most alpine lakes are fed by snowmelt. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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. Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes and three other unnamed lakes are all in the area. Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. Did your favorite make it to our list of most beautiful lakes near Denver? Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. Many of the most amazing lakeside views in the state are easily accessible for beginner hikers. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. You could spend a lifetime trying to see all of the alpine lakes in Colorado and just barely scratch the surface. 1. This short 6.5-mile round-trip trail boasts picturesque alpine lakes and stunning views of Pfeifferhorn. Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. Trout Lake is a short drive from the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village towards Lizard Head Pass. This rather large lake is surrounded by pines with a dramatic mountain background. To get to Island Lake, hike on Ice Lake Trail and after visiting Ice Lake, take a left on the trail to continue up to Island Lake. You'd better allow 7 hours to fully enjoy the scenic beauty, however. 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. Get going on this adventure to the three beautiful Blue Lakes nestled among Colorados San Juan Range in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. 10 Remarkable Trails Near Denver To Add To Your Summer Bucket List, 10 Destinations Everyone In Denver Needs to Visit This Summer, Everyone In Denver Must Visit This Epic Hot Spring As Soon As Possible, This Swimming Spot Has The Clearest, Most Pristine Water Near Denver, 16 Unforgettable Things You Must Add To Your Denver Summer Bucket List, 10 Gorgeous Lakes To Visit Around Denver This Summer, 7 Of The Best Beaches Around Denver To Visit This Summer, These 11 Epic Wildflower Hikes Around Denver Are Completely Out Of This World. This Rocky Mountain National Park adventure provides an opportunity to catch an unforgettable sunrise. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Located in the San Juan Mountains, the lake also attracts a variety of wildlife including elk and moose. Enjoy magnificent views of aspens as you continue through sage and dense forest. Use the 'Report' link on The deep blue waters of the Ice Lakes will leave you in awe. Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. This adventure leads you through the Holy Cross Wilderness where youll be surrounded by beautiful forests. Your email address will not be published. Stargazing at night is amazing, so be sure to bring a camera if youre into night photography! This trail is well-used but has an interesting start as you make your way up next to and around a huge railway tunnel. 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. You're going to want to bring your camera on these adventures. Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado is an easy daytime hike that features expansive alpine landscapes and brilliant turquoise waters. 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. No dogs. In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. Threats of harming another 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. Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). Directions: From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west or, from Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. The best time to do this hike is early in the morning for sunrise you wont be mad you did! If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. There was an error processing your request. The Maroon Bells are world renowned for being some of the most breathtaking mountains in the US. Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic. Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Colorado. Catch dramatic views of the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak. 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. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. Located in gorgeous Glenwood Canyon, the drive to the trailhead is reason . And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! Photos (9,863) Directions. This list of the 16 top destinations in the Southwest US will, Your email address will not be published. Twin Lakes is located at the foot of the highest mountain in the entire Rocky Mountain Range along the continental divide and is also Colorados largest natural glacier lake. Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Mary's Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Distance: Depends. Driving time: 4 to 6 hours. 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.