Another worthwhile alpine lake hike near Breckenridge is Crystal Lake, which gives the ultimate solitude and scenery double punch. 5h 16m. Its still worth a visit, even if you arent climbing. This picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. . Camping in dispersed camping areas gives you the opportunity for a little more privacy and peace and quiet. This is one of the most iconic adventures in Colorado and for good reason! Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Marys Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. But if climbing a fourteener is not your bag, there's also a trail that leads to the jaw-dropping and some of the. Willow Lake offers a backpacking adventure into the Sangre de Cristo range. The middle and upper are said to have the best views. The trail itself is moderately wooded. The backcountry hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes features abundant wildlife, glorious mountain backdrops, and beautiful wildflowers. Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. 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. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. 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. Sharp granite cliffs rise straight out of the water as you gaze upon views of Longs Peak in the distance. Share your suggestions or stories in the comments! Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. 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. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. 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. 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. It is nestled between the towns of Ridgway and Telluride. Keep it Clean. Share with Us. Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty, and elevation gain. It is a long day hike (4.6 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 3,100ft. Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links for products and services I recommend. Catch dramatic views of the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak. Surface Area: 507 acres. Many of the most amazing lakeside views in the state are easily accessible for beginner hikers. Colorado has many picturesque lakes surrounded by high peaks. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Distance: 6.8 milesElevation: 1,548 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape: Many 14er-enthusiasts camp here overnight before their summit bids. Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. This includes water, snacks, sun protection, extra layers, and more. This hike also has a waterfall. Learn more The hike from Bear Lake Trailhead is 3.6 miles round trip with about 740 ft elevation gain. High-clearance vehicles are best suited for getting to this scenic secluded spot. 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. 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. Camping here is sure to be an awe-filled experience. Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. Dogs welcome. Then recheck it the day before your hike. 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. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. Pristine, beautiful waters often reflect dramatic mountain views. Though close in proximity to Maroon Lake, Crater Lake is a less crowded destination, yet still unbelievably scenic. You have permission to edit this collection. With so many lake hikes, Colorado will have your hiking itinerary booked for years! Keep moving forward and the trail will switch back and then head up the mountain. Yep, us too. Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. 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. Not so much an alpine lake hike as it is a recreation hot spot, Wellington Lake is an awesome place to explore earlier in the season before the alpine lakes in Colorado are thawed. The 9.5-mile out-and-back trail located near Vail climbs nearly 3,000 feet in elevation before reaching the awe-inspiring mountain lake. Arizona has many unique hiking opportunities with a wide range of elevation, climate, and views. All photos (263) But on your way there, take moments of rest to appreciate the view of Longs Peak to the south and Tyndall Creek. Don't Threaten. Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. You will definitely want to wear hiking boots and bring trekking poles for this part of the trail. Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. 11. Distance: 23.8 milesElevation: 4,767 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are welcome to use this trail. Sandbeach Lake has a wide sandy shore thats perfect for picnicking or simply sitting to take in the scenery. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. The 8.9-mile out-and-back trail is blazed in beauty. Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. 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. Before reaching Heart Lake, be sure to soak in the alpine views first at Rogers Lake. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. This glacial lake is the largest natural lake in Colorado in terms of surface area, depth, and total water volume. 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. There is plenty of fishing, swimming, camping, and even small, easy hiking trails that provide plenty of family fun. Scope out sweet views of Mont Massive and the mighty Sawatch Range (home to 14 of Colorados tallest peaks). Photo by Kyle Jenkins. 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 . Make sure you have the necessary permits before setting up camp. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. Distance: 5.53 milesElevation: 1056 ftType: Out-and-back. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation: 846 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Black lake is a stunning and dramatic lake nestled deep in Rocky Mountain National Park. Be cautious, however, as thunderstorms are quite common in the summertime. Youll want to be prepared for cooler weather, even in the middle of summer. 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. It connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, where it is generally considered to begin (and end). Although the entire hike is 2.4 miles long, you will arrive at the lake in half a. It can be hard to narrow down which hikes, Colorado is a beautiful state with tall peaks, incredible lakes, and four unique national parks. . Colorado will soon see moisture from what was Hurricane Nora and flash flood watches are already in effect for parts of the state. 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. In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. For more information on how to do this lake loop, continue to our Rocky Mountain National Park Guide. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy spanning alpine lake views. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. By the way, the lake we hiked to was Lost Lake past Eldora.loaded with brookies but also unfortunately with groups of loud hikers and overnight campers, despite the steep uphill climb. Lowest Depth: 265 feet. There are also many opportunities for overnight backcountry adventures at one of the mountain lakes near Denver in James Peak Wilderness. Plenty of camping up there and a dog-friendly area. Above treeline, the weather can move in quickly and even on a sunny day, the air can feel quite cool. Doggies welcome. An alternative to driving on your own is toreserve a spoton the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands Village to Maroon Bells. Dont expect solitude here, even in the dead of winter. The hike will start with views of sweeping meadows and will follow along the South Boulder Creek. Embark on an adventure at Pitkin Lake. RELATED: Views are stunning and fish . Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! 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). With such a delicate ecosystem, your skin oils and sunscreen can kill the wildlife that lives in the lake. Both alpine lakes sit at an elevation of about 11,000 feet. Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. With 50 square miles of golden aspens. Check out this adventure for impressive views of the Mount Evans Wilderness. This route is delicate, so always practice Leave No Trace when visiting. Spooky indeed! Long Lake is an alpine explorers paradise. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible . 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. The wildflower lined trail is short and beautiful, clocking in at 2.1 miles round trip. Accessibility from North Cascades Highway makes it an excellent stop on a road trip through the area. 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. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. The trail is located near Glenwood Springs, offering the perfect post-adventure spot. Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. For an added challenge and extra mileage, you can even summit Longs Peak for an elevated vantage point! 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. Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. We'd love to hear eyewitness that is degrading to another person. Here are the lessons I have learned! Continue for several more miles until reaching the base of The Spearhead, a famous mountaineering objective. Camp at Twin Lakes White Star Campground. Use a private browsing window to sign in. The best lakes in Colorado often require hard hikes to get to but that also means that you can enjoy them with less people. Loop or Out and Back: Out and Back or Loop. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. Although Gore Lake looks reasonable on paper, this is a tough hike, with much of the elevation gained in the last couple of miles. If youre looking for a moderate jaunt with big view payout, check out Silver Dollar Lake outside of Georgetown. Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). Starting at 10,390 elevation and reaching 12,000 this hike has it all. 1. You can take a dip at Sprouting Rock in a stunning turquoise oasis found just behind Hanging Lake. 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. Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. "In cold, productive alpine lakes, trout can live to be quite old," says Jeff Spohn, aquatic biologist for Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. And the fish well, they just float on down, once deployed from the airplane. The hike to lower blue lake is 6 miles round trip with 1,610 ft elevation gain. Nestled in those mountains behind Trout Lake sits Hope Lake. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 1,765 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. 17. Proposition 114 passed in Colorado and now the planning process begins. On Monday and . Since the trail to get to Ice Lake is steep and long you should make sure to wear hiking boots.