colorado alpine lakes you can drive to

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. Snow Lake Trail. 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. Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that youve already checked with good old Google. Trout Lake is a short drive from the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village towards Lizard Head Pass. Technically you can swim at many alpine lakes in Colorado, but you probably dont want to. The trail starts off steep, dropping into a valley before running flat, then climbing steeply up again. Cottonwood Lake Improve this listing. 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. Use a private browsing window to sign in. Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! 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. Lowest Depth: 265 feet. These high-altitude lakes are typically much clearer than their low elevation counterparts and are often fed directly by snowmelt. 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. The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. 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. In Colorado's lakes and streams most Cutthroats average 9 to . Suggest edits to improve what we show. In terms of the best lake hikes, Colorado offers some incredibly unique lakes and the Hanging Lake hike takes the cake. Youll likely want to stay overnight to prolong your time in this picturesque environment, but do note that permits are required for campers. Rocky Mountain National Park is a hidden gem in the Colorado Rockies. Resting beautifully at an elevation of 9,003 feet. With over 110 hiking trails, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and rugged ridgelines, it's no wonder this national park made its way onto our list! 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. 11. Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. Yes. Each of these alpine lake hikes brings you the best of the Rocky Mountains and picturesque mountain scenery of places like Leadville. In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. Our first date was a three-day camping trip on the backroads of Colorado. If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. Share with Us. Seriouslyover 2,000! 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. Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. 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. Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). And located in the saddle of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, Tyndall Glacier (one of five active glaciers in the park) offers breathtaking views. This picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. 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. The Alpine Lakes is the largest wilderness area . The trail flattens out at the basin below Columbine Lake and once you arrive you're in for a real treat. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. Stay awhile and enjoy the views! Many of the most amazing lakeside views in the state are easily accessible for beginner hikers. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. However, this is one gorgeous hike, especially during the wildflower season. Dont expect solitude here, even in the dead of winter. 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. In the summer, the trail becomes a 44 road that you can still hike on, terminating at a parking lot. 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. This Rocky Mountain National Park adventure provides an opportunity to catch an unforgettable sunrise. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. Please note, reservations are required to visit the park. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation: 160 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Maroon Lake is worth a visit year-round, including in the (much quieter) winter months. The road will dead end at Moffat Tunnel where you'll find ample parking in a gravel lot with restrooms. If you just cant get enough alpine lakes in Colorado, why not choose a hiking trail that hits four different Lakes? Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Colorado. Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. Head to the far side of this open space and follow the trail through a stream and continue upwards until you reach a campsite at about the one-mile mark. Elevation Gain: 465 feet. Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. Again, it depends. As a consequence, by mid-June I Distance: 3.97 milesElevation: 1299 ftType: Out-and-back. The hike from Ice Lake to Island Lake is about half a mile with 100 foot elevation gain. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. However, the serenity of the lakes is well worth the butt-busting effort. However, with that being said, its still worth a visit to gaze upon this magical fairytale lake. The main mountain attraction is Lone Eagle Peak, which climbers can also ascend. Kevin BuggieBPL Member. The fee is $5 per person (16 years and older), children under 16 are free. Accessibility from North Cascades Highway makes it an excellent stop on a road trip through the area. Discover the alpine beauty of Mirror Lake. This is a busy area, but for good reason, the views are delicious! Camping in dispersed camping areas gives you the opportunity for a little more privacy and peace and quiet. To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. Get to know this 6.7-mile out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. If youre lucky, youll get a perfect reflection of these towering peaks against the lake. Please note, reservations may be required to visit the park. Up for a challenge? accounts, the history behind an article. Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake with clear teal water. Green Mountain Reservoir. Though close in proximity to Maroon Lake, Crater Lake is a less crowded destination, yet still unbelievably scenic. 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. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! There is no shortage of beautiful lakes near Denver, and there are several with magnificently blue water. Its a total bonus if you hit this trail early and arrive for the sunrise! Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State Park. 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. Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! It is a long day hike (4.6 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 3,100ft. Come July and August, Lawn Lake is arguably the best lake for fishing in the park. 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. This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). Proposition 114 passed in Colorado and now the planning process begins. For a real adventure, combine your lake hike in Colorado with an overnight at a yurt. You'll be surrounded by jagged peak, stunning summer wildflower displays, and crystal clear waters. Granite spires surrounding the lake, one referred to as sharks tooth. There are also two 13,000-foot peaks nearby, Taylor and Powell. Are there any waterfalls I can visit near Denver? Note that this hike does require permits, so be sure to reserve yours in advance to enjoy this fun summertime waterfall adventure! If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. Scope out sweet views of Mont Massive and the mighty Sawatch Range (home to 14 of Colorados tallest peaks). The trail will take you through both wildflower-filled meadows and forest. Colorado's Alpine Loop is affectionately called the " Switzerland of America" for a reason! The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. The winding hike leads you past dreamy fields of wildflowers before reaching the sparkling aqua the area is known for. Be Nice. Local Tip: This hike is also near some of the best free camping near Denver. This adventure takes you through a well-marked trail with fantastic mountain views. 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. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible . This is the most beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be combined with Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. San Juan National Forest. Did your favorite make it to our list of most beautiful lakes near Denver? Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. There are three lakes in the basin. Another worthwhile alpine lake hike near Breckenridge is Crystal Lake, which gives the ultimate solitude and scenery double punch. 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.' Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado is an easy daytime hike that features expansive alpine landscapes and brilliant turquoise waters. In fact, this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. The Alpine Loop leaves pavement and people behind, crossing the remote, rugged, spectacular heart of the San Juan Mountains. To see the entire lake though, youll need to do a bit of climbing up the shore. Like the name suggests, youll be in awe of the color of the deep blue waters. Grand Mesa Trails Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. 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. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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. No dogs. Both alpine lakes sit at an elevation of about 11,000 feet. UPPER & LOWER BUSHNELL LAKES. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. Aside from craggy peaks, youll also see wildflowers springing from the ground all along the banks of the lakes during summer. Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. Distance: 7.7 milesElevation: 2,522 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Located outside of the beautiful mountain town of Vail, the trail to the lake is about 12.5 miles out-and-back. From short day hikes close to the city to multi-day backpacking trips deep in Rocky Mountain National Park, these adventures will take you to some of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Colorado. There's a reason Maroon Lake is arguably the most photographed lake in the state. Here are 11 of the best swimming holes in Colorado, from pristine lakes to reservoirs, waterfall pools, and everything in between. 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. The lake is an additional 2-ish miles from the parking area. You'll be crossing a few small streams, so be careful after heavy rains. This hike also has a waterfall. Unfortunately, in the summer it can get hot with temperatures, The American Southwest features incredible natural wonders and landscapes that cannot be missed. Beware of moose in this area, they are everywhere and not afraid to charge! Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. Lake Ann - Only accessible by way of a 1.75-mile well-maintained trail, this pristine lake is ruggedly scenic and extremely protected. Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. 1. 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. Distance: 2.93 milesElevation: 675 ftType: Loop. 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. 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. But on your way there, take moments of rest to appreciate the view of Longs Peak to the south and Tyndall Creek. Many of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado are alpine lakes with clear blue water. The picturesque lakes are tucked away near the mountains of Breckenridge. Water activities including fishing and kayaking are great ways to spend time exploring the area, especially if you plan to stay and camp. Please explore responsibly! This alpine-lake hike should make every Coloradan's bucket list. As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. 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. They are remote and wild, but also peaceful and pristine at the same time. Keep moving forward and the trail will switch back and then head up the mountain. Hike your way up to the lakes for breath-taking views and lakeside goodness! To see most of these incredible lakes in Colorado on one road trip, check out our Colorado Road Trip Itinerary. Nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park lies Dream Lake. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. Nestled in those mountains behind Trout Lake sits Hope Lake. (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.) If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. The lake has an elevation of 9,905 feet at the base of Hallett's Peak, which is accessible via the famed Bear Lake trailhead. Bushnell lakes sit under Bushnell Peak and SE of Stout Lakes drainage. Distance: Depends. If you do opt to swim, dont wear any sunscreen. Check with the Castle Mountain Recreation Company for more up-to-date information. It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. However, in the winter months, some of the roads to various trailheads arent maintained, and this may add a substantial amount of snowy hiking to your journey. Surface Area: 507 acres. For dramatic views of Longs Peak and the iconic Diamond headwall, head up to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. 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. Be cautious, however, as thunderstorms are quite common in the summertime. Local Tip: The Bear Lake parking area fills up quickly throughout the year, even on weekdays, so plan on arriving early or be prepared to take a shuttle. Distance: 6.8 milesElevation: 1,548 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape: Many 14er-enthusiasts camp here overnight before their summit bids. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. Bierstadt, and even Denver at times. 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!

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