Alpine Loop - If you look closely you can see a 44 on the trail dwarfed by the mountains. Enjoy spanning vistas of the Tenmile Range including Pacific Peak, Atlantic Peak, and Crystal Peak (all of which are excellent Colorado 13ers to try!). Local Tip: This hike is also near some of the best free camping near Denver. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Exploring The Alpine Loop - ATV Colorado - Wild ATV Ice Lake Trailhead is located 7 miles west of Silverton. 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 . Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! For dramatic views of Longs Peak and the iconic Diamond headwall, head up to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a phenomenal spot for a picnic lunch and a SUP experience. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. Required fields are marked *. Beware of moose in this area, they are everywhere and not afraid to charge! There are plenty of wildlife viewing (moose, turkey, deer, ptarmigan) and fishing opportunities. When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. Harder To Reach: Lawn Lake. You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. It connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, where it is generally considered to begin (and end). The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. Lowest Depth: 265 feet. Did you know that Colorado is home to over 2,000 lakes? "In cold, productive alpine lakes, trout can live to be quite old," says Jeff Spohn, aquatic biologist for Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. Catch dramatic views of the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak. A Guide to Skiing Banff: An Inside Look at the SkiBig3 Resorts | GearJunkie Share with Us. Directions: From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west or, from Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. If you're looking for a secluded adventure, the Mohawk Lakes (upper and lower) are the perfect alpine escape for you. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. Alpine Loop National Backcountry Byway, Colorado Be Nice. 5h 16m. Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. This robust trail near Copper travels through sculpted canyons, pine forests, and open meadows as it ascends 3 vigorous miles to a pair of pristine, Don't let this demanding 10 mile hike intimidate you, because this glistening chain of alpine lakes nestled beneath Red Peak on North Willow Creek, is an unforgettable experience everyone should enjoy. By: This portion of the trail is very steep and scary so you have to be very careful and make sure to wear hiking boots and use trekking poles. Discover the alpine beauty of Mirror Lake. Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes and three other unnamed lakes are all in the area. On the way youll pass three additional lakes, including the iconic Dream Lake. Scope out sweet views of Mont Massive and the mighty Sawatch Range (home to 14 of Colorados tallest peaks). There are a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. Distance: 23.8 milesElevation: 4,767 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are welcome to use this trail. Accessing this alpine wonder is simple. We searched for alpine lakes to hike to in the area and came across Crystal Lake in Saint Marie's, Idaho. Trek beyond the lakes to reach the 14,065-foot summit of Humboldt Peak. In the Fall, the Aspen grove comes alive with color, making for an especially memorable experience. Nestled in those mountains behind Trout Lake sits Hope Lake. Also, dont be an ass, you are not allowed to swim or climb around on the logs here. Jewel Lake is accessible by a three-mile hike and Clear Lake requires an eight-mile hike to get to. And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! 10 Alpine Hikes To Tackle Before the Snow Flies - 303 Magazine Arguably one of the most scenic backpacking routes in Colorado, Gore Lake delivers alpine beauty unlike anything else.Make your way up the challenging trail to an alpine scene that literally looks like a painting. Photos (9,863) Directions. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Distance: 5.53 milesElevation: 1056 ftType: Out-and-back. Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. Dog-Friendly: Bloods Lake - No, Lake Lackawaxen - Yes. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. 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. 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. Most of Colorado's 2,000 high lakes lie on public lands between 9,000 and 12,000 feet and are accessible by a few miles of Forest Service trail. 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. The Alpine Loop starts with the historic high-altitude town of Ouray. Bring your camera and pack some tasty snacks! Keep in mind, the average hiker moves at about 2 miles an hour or covers 1,000 feet of elevation gain in an hour. This 7.7 miles trail boasts a wow factor unlike any other. Think you need to be a hiking pro to enjoy amazing alpine lake hikes in Colorado? High-clearance vehicles are best suited for getting to this scenic secluded spot. But once there, you can take in impressive panoramas of the valley below as well as hidden meadows, streams, and ponds. Lake Ann - Only accessible by way of a 1.75-mile well-maintained trail, this pristine lake is ruggedly scenic and extremely protected. 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: 6.5 milesElevation: 1,804 feetDifficulty: moderate to difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail gets insanely busy in the summer, so start early. Cash fees may apply for accessing the area. Distance: 2.8 miles round trip. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. Youll find over 2,000 alpine lakes in Colorado. There are several camping spots by the second lake if youre looking to stay overnight. Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. Before you hit the trail, there are several important things to remember. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. The wildflower lined trail is short and beautiful, clocking in at 2.1 miles round trip. An alternative to driving on your own is toreserve a spoton the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands Village to Maroon Bells. Alpine Lakes Wilderness - Wikipedia Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. 1. 12 Most Beautiful Lakes in Colorado - Getaway Compass Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. It is nestled between the towns of Ridgway and Telluride. Simply hike to Loch Vale instead. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can 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). This glacial lake is the largest natural lake in Colorado in terms of surface area, depth, and total water volume. You can stop off at the lake and explore before driving to the summit of Mt. Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. The first couple miles of the hike are extremely steep and difficult. This trail is well-used but has an interesting start as you make your way up next to and around a huge railway tunnel. The 11 Best Swimming Holes In Colorado To Visit This Summer 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. Awesome views, wildlife, lakes and wild flowers await you on this lollipop loop ride. Youll likely want to stay overnight to prolong your time in this picturesque environment, but do note that permits are required for campers. the most part. Plan accordingly. Distance: 9.7 milesElevation: 1,643 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: If you plan on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, youll need to pay the $25 entrance fee. This lake is known for the reflection you can see in the lake of 14,000 ft tall Maroon Peaks. Enjoy magnificent views of aspens as you continue through sage and dense forest. Snow and ice are melting, wildflowers are emerging, and the most beautiful lakes near Denver will soon glisten with an unrivaled beauty that beckons you to bask on their shimmering shores and recharge the natural way. Starting at 10,390 elevation and reaching 12,000 this hike has it all. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek located near Crestone. There is nothing better than waking up and enjoying a hot cup of coffee next to a cold alpine lake. Are there any waterfalls I can visit near Denver? Best time for Alpine Loop Scenic Byway in Colorado 2023 - Rove.me 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. Cottonwood Lake With 50 square miles of golden aspens. The trail starts off steep, dropping into a valley before running flat, then climbing steeply up again. With that being said, typically alpine lakes are frozen and mostly snow-free starting in July through around mid-October depending on the year. or anything. Fish a high lake near Buena Vista & Salida, Colorado 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. 6 Amazing Hidden Lakes in Colorado You Probably Never Knew Existed Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. The cold water is characteristic of alpine lakes. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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. Directions SUV recommended: From the Town of Crested Butte, take Gothic Road (Route 135) north a total of 12.6 miles. Although the entire hike is 2.4 miles long, you will arrive at the lake in half a. Theres no shortage of fantastic mountain and lake views. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. Alpine Loop. The hike from Ice Lake to Island Lake is about half a mile with 100 foot elevation gain. The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road. 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. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. When you get to the lake you can always take a swim if you are up for it, but expect the water to be really cold! Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. 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 Youll need high clearance to get to the upper lot. In winter, you will have to take a walk-around to avoid avalanche terrain so be alert. In Colorado's lakes and streams most Cutthroats average 9 to . The designation means Spinney is public fishing water that produces a minimum of 12 fish of 14in or more and 60lbs per acre. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. Alpine Lakes in Colorado. Dont forget to turn left at the graves or youll pass right by the final push to Gore Lake! Its always a good idea, especially on longer, difficult hikes or solo excursions, to let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back. Twin Lakes are two beautiful lakes located at the base of Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado. However, this is one gorgeous hike, especially during the wildflower season. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. Recommended Fly Assortment for Colorado Alpine Creeks and Lakes 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can Drive To!) The total round trip hike to Island Lake with the loop is 8 miles with 2,700 ft elevation gain. Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. Pristine, beautiful waters often reflect dramatic mountain views. Temperatures are often utterly freezing, since most alpine lakes are fed by snowmelt. Dont expect solitude here, even in the dead of winter. 1. (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 . 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. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Improve this listing. Take the Glacier Gorge Trail up a steep, winding dramatic valley that terminates at the famed Sky Pond. Get to know this 6.7-mile out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. There are a lot of famous alpine lake hikes in Colorado to discover. This is a great adventure for those looking to make a short trip outside of Denver. 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. Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. 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. There are other great trout reservoirs in the area, but only Spinney is a Gold Medal water. Talk about iconic Colorado views! 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. 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. Green Mountain Reservoir. She'd rather be dirty than done up. 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. Distance: 4.51 milesElevation: 1090 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. Colorado High Country Custom Fly Selection | Anglers All Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. The byway provides many scenic overlooks to view each of these Colorado beauties. Take a Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park If you are up for the challenge Island Lake is worth the visit! Trek your way through stunning alpine country to one of the most picturesque lakes in the state Hanging Lake. 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.' Then, continue climbing to blue Lake at the base of Mt. Check out this adventure for impressive views of the Mount Evans Wilderness. Be Proactive. The best way to see the highlights of Colorado is, Sedona is a town surrounded by red rocks that offers incredible hikes, but its beauty and social media popularity has attracted crowds. . Rocky Mountain National Park is a hidden gem in the Colorado Rockies. If you do opt to swim, dont wear any sunscreen. Lake Blanche Trail : An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer . Here are the lessons I have learned! This picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. Check with the Castle Mountain Recreation Company for more up-to-date information. Gore Lake. Evans and Mt. Crested Butte Trails: Emerald Lake Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado | Colorado.com For an added challenge and extra mileage, you can even summit Longs Peak for an elevated vantage point! Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Spalding. UPPER & LOWER BUSHNELL LAKES. Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Colorado.