To see the entire lake though, youll need to do a bit of climbing up the shore. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. You could also do a loop and combine this lake with Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. By: 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. 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. 31 Amazing Alpine Lakes in Colorado to See in 2023 + Local Tips 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. As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. The Alpine Loop starts with the historic high-altitude town of Ouray. With 50 square miles of golden aspens. On Monday and . Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 42 min to complete. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the 9.4-mile out-and-back trail features a rushing waterfall, granite mountain views, and colorful spring blooms. Be sure to check the weather before beginning this adventure as summer thunderstorms in this area can be aggressive. Another long-distance doozy, the Twin Crater Lakes hike is well-worth a backpack, unless you have hiking superpowers, in which case, it technically can be done in a day. Make sure to pay attention to trail signs and take a GPS, there are a lot of intersecting trails in the area. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. This is the most beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be combined with Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. Some of them thought all of us had hiked into the wilderness to hear their death metal on the boombox at the lake all day. Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. Again, it depends. There are plenty of wildlife viewing (moose, turkey, deer, ptarmigan) and fishing opportunities. This 2,125 acre man-made lake sits about 15 miles south of Kremmling, Colorado in Summit County. This hike also has a waterfall. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. What does 2023 look like for gray wolf reintroduction? This area is also an awesome place to practice mountaineering skills or go for a mid-summer ski session. Spalding. The best time to visit is between June and October. Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Then, continue climbing to blue Lake at the base of Mt. If you're looking for a secluded adventure, the Mohawk Lakes (upper and lower) are the perfect alpine escape for you. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. 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. Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). Just one valley over from Cyrstal Lake is Mohawk Lakes, another set of stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. Some hikes, like, Sedona is one of the most amazing places to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. Alpine Lakes Wilderness - Wikipedia 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: 8.1 milesElevation: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. An alternative to driving on your own is toreserve a spoton the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands Village to Maroon Bells. Distance: 2.8 miles round trip. Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. Alpine Loop. This is one of the easiest lakes on this list to get to, but is therefore also the most crowded. Hike your way up to the lakes for breath-taking views and lakeside goodness! Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. Arrive early to get a spot and spend more of the day exploring! Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. This is a do-able day hike, but there are spots for camping if you want to stay overnight. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. 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 total hike round trip to Upper Blue Lake is 8 miles with 2,404 ft elevation gain. We'd love to hear eyewitness Sky Pond is one of the most jaw-dropping sights to see. Distance: 11 milesElevation: 2,529 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Ive been hiking in Colorado for over 13 years. Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado. Elevation Gain: 465 feet. To extend your adventure, you can continue on to Isabelle Glacier. Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. Before you hit the trail, there are several important things to remember. Lake Blanche Trail : An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer . Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. Photos (9,863) Directions. Almost countless. Photo: Abby VohaskaDistance: 8.81 miles Elevation: 2635 ftType: Out-and-back. Distance: 4.4 miles in summer, 11 miles in winterElevation: 448 in summer, 1,030 in winterDifficulty: Easy (moderate in winter)Red Tape and Local Tips: The Brainard Lake Recreation Area requires a fee for day use. At these lakes you can canoe, kayak, and paddle board. Keep it Clean. Arizona has many unique hiking opportunities with a wide range of elevation, climate, and views. 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. 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. This alpine-lake hike should make every Coloradan's bucket list. The fastest way to get to this beautiful lake in the rocky mountains is to hike from Glacier Gorge Trailhead 5.4 miles round trip with 1,070 ft elevation gain. Also, keep in mind there are restrictions on where you can walk, so be respectful of signs and regulations. Think you need to be a hiking pro to enjoy amazing alpine lake hikes in Colorado? The first couple miles of the hike are extremely steep and difficult. Be Truthful. The hike will start with views of sweeping meadows and will follow along the South Boulder Creek. Exploring The Alpine Loop - ATV Colorado - Wild ATV 5h 16m. Length: 63 miles. Crystal Lake - Family of Free The Arkansas and local streams around my home base of Salida were blown out and muddy well into July. These gorgeous alpine lakes are set in a landscape that appears to be straight from a storybook, but is actually known as the James Peak wilderness. No dogs are allowed in the yurt over winter. Parking is $5 at the Summit Lake parking lot. For the best wildflowers, do this hike in late July. Trail Use: Hiking Only. Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes and three other unnamed lakes are all in the area. Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. 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. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can Drive To!) Google Drive Youll cross a couple of creeks so be sure to have the appropriate footwear on. If you love the wildflowers, don't miss the serene trek into Eagles Nest Wilderness to Gore Lake. Breathe in the fresh air and set up a hammock to enjoy the most incredible mountain and alpine lake backdrop. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. Enjoy magnificent views of aspens as you continue through sage and dense forest. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. Make your way up the two-mile trail to the base of St. Mary's Glacier (not really a glacier, but a permanent snowfield) where there is a picture-perfect alpine lake. or anything. Lake Helene is another great option for explorers of Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Pass by the popular Alberta Falls, but keep trekking to leave the crowds behind and find yourself in complete solitude in this vast and unbelievably beautiful wilderness. You'll find San Cristobal incredibly stunning. Moderate 4.6 (8765) Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Black lake is a stunning and dramatic lake nestled deep in Rocky Mountain National Park. Bring your camera and pack some tasty snacks! Related: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local. 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. 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. And located in the saddle of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, Tyndall Glacier (one of five active glaciers in the park) offers breathtaking views. 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. Please note, reservations are required to visit the park. Columbine Lake Trail #509 in San Juan National Forest is a difficult and steep trail with 16 discernible switchbacks but it's worth the effort.