Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado | Colorado.com To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek located near Crestone. Since the trail to get to Ice Lake is steep and long you should make sure to wear hiking boots. Opt to get there early or make it an overnight to get more time. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. No dogs are allowed in the yurt over winter. Which lake near Denver has the bluest water? This route is delicate, so always practice Leave No Trace when visiting. Note that this hike does require permits, so be sure to reserve yours in advance to enjoy this fun summertime waterfall adventure! or anything. The hike from Bear Lake Trailhead is 3.6 miles round trip with about 740 ft elevation gain. Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. 11 Best Lakes Near Denver To Visit This Summer - OnlyInYourState In Colorado's lakes and streams most Cutthroats average 9 to . Accessing this alpine wonder is simple. Nestled in those mountains behind Trout Lake sits Hope Lake. Blue Lakes Basin is a must for explorers of the Mount Sneffels Wilderness. Improve this listing. Toll. You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. Best time for Alpine Loop Scenic Byway in Colorado 2023 - Rove.me After seeing Island Lake continue ahead and take a right to form a small loop. Start on the Glacier Gorge Trail (like you would for Sky Pond) except veer left at the fork. Get going on this adventure to the three beautiful Blue Lakes nestled among Colorados San Juan Range in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Threats of harming another 6 Amazing Hidden Lakes in Colorado You Probably Never Knew Existed The trail features colorful wildflower meadows, breathtaking views, and plenty of wildlife. Its still worth a visit, even if you arent climbing. Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado is an easy daytime hike that features expansive alpine landscapes and brilliant turquoise waters. Alpine Loop. Keep in mind that State Forest State Park requires a fee. Youll be gasping for air from the steep inclines and incredible scenes. 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. If you already made it to Middle Blue Lake it is a quick 0.2 mile walk to Upper Blue Lake. Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. 31 Amazing Alpine Lakes in Colorado to See in 2023 + Local Tips before arriving at the lake, where goof fishing has been reported. Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? 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. Did you know that Colorado is home to over 2,000 lakes? 20+ Best Colorado Lakes & Reservoirs | Largest Bodies of Water On Monday and . Photos (9,863) Directions. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. Description. Willow Lake offers a backpacking adventure into the Sangre de Cristo range. Camping in dispersed camping areas gives you the opportunity for a little more privacy and peace and quiet. Check with the Castle Mountain Recreation Company for more up-to-date information. Gore Lake. In fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. Check that the ice is fully frozen on the lake before stepping on to cross in the colder months! Above treeline, the weather can move in quickly and even on a sunny day, the air can feel quite cool. 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. Lake Ann - Only accessible by way of a 1.75-mile well-maintained trail, this pristine lake is ruggedly scenic and extremely protected. Where you can catch golden trout in northern Colorado | 9news.com - KUSA Grand Mesa Trails This rather large lake is surrounded by pines with a dramatic mountain background. Check the weather. The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! Breathtaking beauty awaits hikers at South Colony Lakes. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can 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. Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. 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 . The Maroon Bells are world renowned for being some of the most breathtaking mountains in the US. Trek your way through stunning alpine country to one of the most picturesque lakes in the state Hanging Lake. Travel over the off-road driving trail (either on foot or by 44) and reach the Alta Ghost Town. Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. But what if I told you we havent been given access to over half of whats really out there? More Information 2. Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no . 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. Snow Lake Trail. Fly Fishing Alpine Lakes for Remote Monsters - Fly Fisherman Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. Trout Lake is a short drive from the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village towards Lizard Head Pass. The first couple miles of the hike are extremely steep and difficult. Named for its stunning waters, Emerald Lake is overflowing with beauty. Our other most popular lakeside elopement locations in Colorado are Blue Lakes near Breckenridge and Lake Isabelle near Boulder. 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. Its a total bonus if you hit this trail early and arrive for the sunrise! Overview. The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. The lakes are also great fishing destinations, so be sure to pack a rod and some tackle along with your tent for a surreal nature getaway. 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. The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. Nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park lies Dream 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. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation: 807 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: There is a $5 parking fee at both parking lots for St Marys. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. 15 Secret Colorado Lakes and Waterfalls to Discover this Summer 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. Did your favorite make it to our list of most beautiful lakes near Denver? From hiking around the water to fishing, boating, picnicking, and swimming . Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. Cash fees may apply for accessing the area. Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. 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. Temperatures are often utterly freezing, since most alpine lakes are fed by snowmelt. accounts, the history behind an article. 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. Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Wander the lake at sunrise for incredible views. It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. The designation means Spinney is public fishing water that produces a minimum of 12 fish of 14in or more and 60lbs per acre. Colorado will soon see moisture from what was Hurricane Nora and flash flood watches are already in effect for parts of the state. 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. Many of the most amazing lakeside views in the state are easily accessible for beginner hikers. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. . There are plenty of hiking opportunities, but taking it easy and simply sitting back or fishing in the lake is the perfect way to slow down, unwind, and just be. To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can Drive To!) Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. 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. Spooky indeed! 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. Doggies welcome. Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. Hike your way up to the lakes for breath-taking views and lakeside goodness! Ice Lake Trailhead is located 7 miles west of Silverton. Most of these lakes are accessible by foot only, although you can also drive to quite a few of them. With so many lake hikes, Colorado will have your hiking itinerary booked for years! Think again! However, this is one gorgeous hike, especially during the wildflower season. Beware of moose in this area, they are everywhere and not afraid to charge! This is the most beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be combined with Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. Miles from Denver: 100 miles. all along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America's most . High-clearance vehicles are best suited for getting to this scenic secluded spot. The trail will end with a gorgeous view of Pitkin Lake. 7 Popular Colorado ATV & Jeep Trails | Colorado.com Stargazing at night is amazing, so be sure to bring a camera if youre into night photography! This adventure takes you through a well-marked trail with fantastic mountain views. This article will walk you through the best lakes in Colorado and how to get to these lakes. Square Top Lakes, Guanella Pass Square Top Lakes via Shutterstock. The 11 Best Swimming Holes In Colorado To Visit This Summer Photo: Nicola EasterbyDistance: 3.06 milesElevation: 1168 ftType: Out-and-back. Youll need high clearance to get to the upper lot. All photos (263) Trail Use: Hiking Only. 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 do this hike in the winter, youll experience different scenery, but surely just as stunning. To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. Be Nice. 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. Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! However, the serenity of the lakes is well worth the butt-busting effort. The middle and upper are said to have the best views. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Distance: 5.4 milesElevation: 1,072 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. . Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy spanning alpine lake views. The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. Twin Lakes are two beautiful lakes located at the base of Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. The video showcases the beauty of Colorado's high country. But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. An alternative to driving on your own is to. There's a reason Maroon Lake is arguably the most photographed lake in the state. Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, Im not kidding about the moose! Whenever you hear someone talk about catching trout in the mountain lakes of the Rockies, the term that often comes up is "alpine". Keep in mind, the average hiker moves at about 2 miles an hour or covers 1,000 feet of elevation gain in an hour. Tell someone about your plans. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 42 min to complete. If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. Heart Lake is another great option for backpackers. These high-altitude lakes are typically much clearer than their low elevation counterparts and are often fed directly by snowmelt. 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. The backcountry hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes features abundant wildlife, glorious mountain backdrops, and beautiful wildflowers. Make sure to pay attention to trail signs and take a GPS, there are a lot of intersecting trails in the area. VIDEO: Aerial Fish Stocking Operation Brings Trout to Colorado's Dream Lake is a vision right out of a fairy tale in the early morning hours. Fly Fishing Alpine Lakes - Evergreen Trout Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. Cherry Creek Reservoir. This is a phenomenal spot for a picnic lunch and a SUP experience. They are remote and wild, but also peaceful and pristine at the same time. Distance: 5.53 milesElevation: 1056 ftType: Out-and-back. 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.' Come and try out the great hiking and mountain biking trails too! 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 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. Bear Lake Bear Lake located in Rocky Mountain National Park Located off of Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Lakes makes for a quick pit stop. Start from the Bear Lake parking lot and hike the gentle trail towards Lake Haiyaha, passing through the alluring Emerald Lake. Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. Google Drive Local Tip: This hike is also near some of the best free camping near Denver. For dramatic views of Longs Peak and the iconic Diamond headwall, head up to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado. 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. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. In the summer, the trail becomes a 44 road that you can still hike on, terminating at a parking lot. The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. Water activities including fishing and kayaking are great ways to spend time exploring the area, especially if you plan to stay and camp. Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. . 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. Distance: 6.8 milesElevation: 1,548 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape: Many 14er-enthusiasts camp here overnight before their summit bids. Please note, reservations may be required to visit the park. 10 Scenic Mountain Passes in Colorado - Uncover Colorado Articles by Heather Brinkman's Profile | Daily Camera, Longmont Times Bring a swimsuit! Alpine lakes | Britannica Like the name suggests, youll be in awe of the color of the deep blue waters. Located outside of the beautiful mountain town of Vail, the trail to the lake is about 12.5 miles out-and-back. Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes and three other unnamed lakes are all in the area. The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. Blue lake sits at 11,355 feet and is frozen for much of the year. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. The United States Should Adopt The Allemannsretten, 5 Great Spots in Colorado for Fall Colors. #16 Yellow Stimulator (covers your basic attractors, caddis, hoppers, and strike indicator for the nymph) #16 Parachute Adams (Covers mayflys, and everything else small and floating) 6 of each should fit in a tiny container and keep you fishing for a week.