colorado alpine lakes you can drive to

This moderate hike is a great way to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in Colorado without the lung-busting elevation gain. Improve this listing. Bring your camera and pack some tasty snacks! Lake Isabelle is one of the best winter hikes in Colorado (add about five miles round trip for the winter hike). Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. The parking lot at Bear Lake Trailhead typically gets full very early, so make sure to get there early so you dont have to take a shuttle. Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, Im not kidding about the moose! Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. 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. 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! News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Distance: 6.92 milesElevation: 1804 ftType: Out-and-back. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. Proposition 114 passed in Colorado and now the planning process begins. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. Get to know this 6.7-mile out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. The wildflower lined trail is short and beautiful, clocking in at 2.1 miles round trip. This rather large lake is surrounded by pines with a dramatic mountain background. The picturesque lakes are tucked away near the mountains of Breckenridge. Here are the lessons I have learned! 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. Seriouslyover 2,000! Pass by several waterfalls on your way to one of the most magnificent lakes in all of Colorado. Distance: 3.77 milesElevation: 722 ftType: Out-and-back. Willow Lake offers a backpacking adventure into the Sangre de Cristo range. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. Black lake is a stunning and dramatic lake nestled deep in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. Think again! Spooky indeed! On the way to Emerald Lake you will also pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. There are other great trout reservoirs in the area, but only Spinney is a Gold Medal water. Ice Lake Trailhead is located 7 miles west of Silverton. Dont forget to turn left at the graves or youll pass right by the final push to Gore Lake! 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. 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. Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). There is no shortage of beautiful lakes near Denver, and there are several with magnificently blue water. Aside from the deep blues waters, hikers are delighted with wildflower-filled meadows bordering the lakes in bright and beautiful colors. Make it a day by going on one of Colorados most scenic drives! Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links for products and services I recommend. Jewel Lake is accessible by a three-mile hike and Clear Lake requires an eight-mile hike to get to. Note that this hike does require permits, so be sure to reserve yours in advance to enjoy this fun summertime waterfall adventure! Enjoy magnificent views of aspens as you continue through sage and dense forest. 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). 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 hike will start with views of sweeping meadows and will follow along the South Boulder Creek. Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail to access starts off at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. 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. Directions SUV recommended: From the Town of Crested Butte, take Gothic Road (Route 135) north a total of 12.6 miles. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Hurricane Nora is forecast to track near Baja California and along the Gulf of California through this weekend with moisture spreading into the Southwest U.S. by the middle of next week. This popular alpine lake Colorado hike near Vail, Colorado will take you across Pitkin Creek and on an intense, narrow climb up the mountain. Sharp granite cliffs rise straight out of the water as you gaze upon views of Longs Peak in the distance. Youll be gasping for air from the steep inclines and incredible scenes. Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. This is one of the easiest lakes on this list to get to, but is therefore also the most crowded. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. Not many people venture to the mountain ranges down south, so expect lots of solitude. Camp at Twin Lakes White Star Campground. The ideal time to visit is. Travel over the off-road driving trail (either on foot or by 44) and reach the Alta Ghost Town. Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. There was an error processing your request. There is nothing better than waking up and enjoying a hot cup of coffee next to a cold alpine lake. It's the state's highest peak. Many of the most amazing lakeside views in the state are easily accessible for beginner hikers. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can Drive To!) Driving time: 4 to 6 hours. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. August 25, 2021 at 6:00 a.m. Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocked dozens of alpine lakes with more than 95,000 trout by airplane last week. The road will dead end at Moffat Tunnel where you'll find ample parking in a gravel lot with restrooms. racist or sexually-oriented language. Maroon Creek Road which leads to Maroon Bells is usually open between May and November and you are required to makereservations ahead of time to enter Maroon Bells area. 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. 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. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. 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. 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! Start at the main trailhead and wander up either Crystal Creek Road (the uphill ramp on your right if youre looking at the end of the lot) or continue straight past the lot to the upper lot (about a 5-car pull out) where the road intersects the Wheeler Trail. 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. 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. Alpine Loop drive takes 4-6 hours to cover the distance between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. 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. Local Tip: Check out Ouray, one of the most stunning Colorado mountain towns, post-hike! Distance: 12.9 milesElevation: 2,919 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are allowed if on a leash and the best time to visit is between March and October. 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. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. Again, it depends. Bushnell lakes sit under Bushnell Peak and SE of Stout Lakes drainage. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. 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. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. 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. There's a one-way road that loops around the lake and parking for trailheads leading to Blue and Mitchell Lakes in the north valley and Isabelle and Long Lakes to the south. Remember to treat this natural wonderland with great care to preserve its vivid beauty and to keep it pristine for those who visit next! As a consequence, by mid-June I At these lakes you can canoe, kayak, and paddle board. Like the name suggests, youll be in awe of the color of the deep blue waters. And located in the saddle of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, Tyndall Glacier (one of five active glaciers in the park) offers breathtaking views. Alpine Loop - If you look closely you can see a 44 on the trail dwarfed by the mountains. You'll be crossing a few small streams, so be careful after heavy rains. The main mountain attraction is Lone Eagle Peak, which climbers can also ascend. The water is piercingly clear blue, which will entice you to jump right in! Are there any waterfalls I can visit near Denver? But what if I told you we havent been given access to over half of whats really out there? The freshwater lake is the perfect spot for boating or fishing. But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! In the south you can find Saguaro National Park and, Colorado is full of incredible hiking trails that take you to breathtaking views, waterfalls, and lakes. Distance: 4.51 milesElevation: 1090 ftType: Out-and-back. 5 hidden lakes in Colorado you probably never knew exsisted Alpine Lake. Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . If youre looking for a stunning place to stake out camp by a lake, look no more! It can be hard to narrow down which hikes, Colorado is a beautiful state with tall peaks, incredible lakes, and four unique national parks. Stargazing at night is amazing, so be sure to bring a camera if youre into night photography! Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Colorado. Once at the lakes, you can go for a swim (so bring a suit!) After seeing Island Lake continue ahead and take a right to form a small loop. This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. The total hike round trip to Middle Blue Lake is 7.6 miles with 2,292 ft elevation gain. More Information 2. We can easily drive 30 minutes into high elevation aspen forests & alpine lakes when desired. Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. This lake is located in the alpine layer at 11,746 ft and as you get closer to the lake it will get significantly colder and more windy. Continue for several more miles until reaching the base of The Spearhead, a famous mountaineering objective. Snow Lake Trail. This is one of the most iconic adventures in Colorado and for good reason! To see the entire lake though, youll need to do a bit of climbing up the shore. The Upper Piney River trailhead begins at Piney Lake and winds through aspen meadows bursting with columbines, before passing by the cascading Piney Falls and ultimately leading to Upper Piney Lake at the headwaters of the Piney River just above 11,000.' Then, continue climbing to blue Lake at the base of Mt. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. Since it's a relatively short hike, this is a great one for a family nature outing. No dogs. Lake Helene is another great option for explorers of Rocky Mountain National Park. This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. In layman's terms, they are the state's finest fisheries. Required fields are marked *. Dream Lake is a vision right out of a fairy tale in the early morning hours. It is nestled between the towns of Ridgway and Telluride. Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. The Lake Haiyaha hike is accessible year-round, Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local, Altitude Sickness Prevention for Your Mountain Hike, best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Things to do in Colorado this Winter Besides Ski, 13 Mega-Epic Hikes in Estes Park, Colorado. Start on the Glacier Gorge Trail (like you would for Sky Pond) except veer left at the fork. Accessing this alpine wonder is simple. Twin Lakes are two beautiful lakes located at the base of Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado. Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. Share with Us. Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State Park. If you love the wildflowers, don't miss the serene trek into Eagles Nest Wilderness to Gore Lake. Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). Those launching float tubes and canoes will appreciate being able to drive within spitting distance of the many lakes and small . If you do this hike in the winter, youll experience different scenery, but surely just as stunning. Alpine Loop. Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado. You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic. 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. 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. In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. Check out our favorite alpine hikes in Colorado and neighboring states. 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! Be Nice. 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. Nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park lies Dream Lake. Learn more Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. With such a delicate ecosystem, your skin oils and sunscreen can kill the wildlife that lives in the lake. Take a Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. or anything. However, if you are up for a little hike, you'll discover that Blue Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness is true to its name. Before you hit the trail, there are several important things to remember. The Maroon Bells are world renowned for being some of the most breathtaking mountains in the US. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation: 807 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: There is a $5 parking fee at both parking lots for St Marys. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Youll cross a couple of creeks so be sure to have the appropriate footwear on. Spalding. 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. Dont expect solitude here, even in the dead of winter. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation: 846 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. The best lakes in Colorado often require hard hikes to get to but that also means that you can enjoy them with less people. Long Lake is an alpine explorers paradise. Among the lakes stocked on Monday, the highest of them - Ptarmigan Lake in Gunnison County - sits at 12,306 feet. The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. Blue Lakes Basin is a must for explorers of the Mount Sneffels Wilderness. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. You'll need four-wheel drive to access the campsites at Bill Moore Lake but getting there on the steep rocky roads is part of the fun! Nestled in those mountains behind Trout Lake sits Hope Lake. Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. Alpine lakes, old cabins, creek crossings, summer wildflowers, a stupendous waterfall, and unimaginable views. Your email address will not be published. It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. 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. To get there, follow Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes for 8.6 miles of out-and-back beauty. Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. Want a bit more of a challenge? 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. If you're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. 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. Banff Sunshine. If you do opt to swim, dont wear any sunscreen. Accessibility from North Cascades Highway makes it an excellent stop on a road trip through the area. 1. For dramatic views of Longs Peak and the iconic Diamond headwall, head up to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 3.9 milesElevation: 1,062 feetDifficulty: Easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Sometimes the road in is closed, which adds about a mile each way. During the Ice Age of the geologically . Colorado has many picturesque lakes surrounded by high peaks. It's a 1.8-mile trek (3.6 miles round trip). Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. The trail starts off steep, dropping into a valley before running flat, then climbing steeply up 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). To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. Most of these lakes are accessible by foot only, although you can also drive to quite a few of them. Doggies welcome. Lowest Depth: 265 feet. Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. 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". Embark on an adventure at Pitkin Lake. Alpine lakes are defined by being any lake that sits above 10,000 feet above sea level. Colorado's Alpine Loop is affectionately called the " Switzerland of America" for a reason! Check the weather. 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. Dog-Friendly: Bloods Lake - No, Lake Lackawaxen - Yes. Hike your way up to the lakes for breath-taking views and lakeside goodness! Everyone knows about Hanging Lake, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state.

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