colorado alpine lakes you can drive to

Alpine lakes, old cabins, creek crossings, summer wildflowers, a stupendous waterfall, and unimaginable views. Most of these lakes are accessible by foot only, although you can also drive to quite a few of them. An alternative to driving on your own is toreserve a spoton the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands Village to Maroon Bells. Go early. Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: 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. Nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park lies Dream Lake. Keep moving forward and the trail will switch back and then head up the mountain. 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. 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". 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 1. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy spanning alpine lake views. Spalding. Youll find over 2,000 alpine lakes in Colorado. 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. 2. 1. Alpine Loop - If you look closely you can see a 44 on the trail dwarfed by the mountains. Those launching float tubes and canoes will appreciate being able to drive within spitting distance of the many lakes and small . Youll be gasping for air from the steep inclines and incredible scenes. 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. Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. 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. It can be hard to narrow down which hikes, Colorado is a beautiful state with tall peaks, incredible lakes, and four unique national parks. Immarite? Take a Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park The Alpine Lakes is the largest wilderness area . Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Mary's Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Located in gorgeous Glenwood Canyon, the drive to the trailhead is reason . This is one of the most iconic adventures in Colorado and for good reason! When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. This is a do-able day hike, but there are spots for camping if you want to stay overnight. Parking is $5 at the Summit Lake parking lot. This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. Distance: 5.4 milesElevation: 1,072 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. Photo: Nicola EasterbyDistance: 3.06 milesElevation: 1168 ftType: Out-and-back. This is the most beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be combined with Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. + Save to a List. Aside from the deep blues waters, hikers are delighted with wildflower-filled meadows bordering the lakes in bright and beautiful colors. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. On the way to Emerald Lake you will also pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. If youre lucky, youll get a perfect reflection of these towering peaks against the lake. You'll find San Cristobal incredibly stunning. 8 to 4 miles Round TripElevation: Depends. 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. Snow Lake Trail. 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. For the best wildflowers, do this hike in late July. Then, continue climbing to blue Lake at the base of Mt. Since it's a relatively short hike, this is a great one for a family nature outing. Surround yourself in an amphitheater of dramatic rock and scope out of the best alpine lakes in Colorado. Twin Lakes are two beautiful lakes located at the base of Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado. To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. The backcountry hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes features abundant wildlife, glorious mountain backdrops, and beautiful wildflowers. The hike to lower blue lake is 6 miles round trip with 1,610 ft elevation gain. The trail flattens out at the basin below Columbine Lake and once you arrive you're in for a real treat. This includes water, snacks, sun protection, extra layers, and more. Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. 5 hidden lakes in Colorado you probably never knew exsisted Alpine Lake. During the Ice Age of the geologically . Youll have the added bonus of passing two additional scenic alpine lakes along the way. Gray Wolf Reintroduction, What Does 2023 Look Like In Colorado? Trail Use: Hiking Only. 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! Please explore responsibly! Theres no shortage of fantastic mountain and lake views. Cutthroats were originally named by William Clark on the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition. The trail itself is moderately wooded. Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. Rollins Pass is in the FunTreks Northern Colorado Backroads 4 Wheel Drive . Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. Camping here is sure to be an awe-filled experience. This hike also has a waterfall. This is a phenomenal spot for a picnic lunch and a SUP experience. Bring a swimsuit! Give them instructions about who to call if they dont hear from you. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. 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. You can take a dip at Sprouting Rock in a stunning turquoise oasis found just behind Hanging Lake. We'd love to hear eyewitness Did you know that Colorado is home to over 2,000 lakes? Once at the lakes, you can go for a swim (so bring a suit!) If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. These high-altitude lakes are typically much clearer than their low elevation counterparts and are often fed directly by snowmelt. Bear Lake is a popular lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Distance: 3.77 milesElevation: 722 ftType: Out-and-back. 1. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. 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. Arrive early to get a spot and spend more of the day exploring! Dog-friendly. Distance From Telluride: 10 miles | 22 minutes Accessibility: Rugged, off-road vehicle recommended Activities: Fishing, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding Located just 20 minutes outside of Telluride, Alta Lakes is a popular destination for couples and families seeking a convenient water retreat. Pristine, beautiful waters often reflect dramatic mountain views. In the winter, there is no fee, but the road is closed. Trek beyond the lakes to reach the 14,065-foot summit of Humboldt Peak. Its still worth a visit, even if you arent climbing. At these lakes you can canoe, kayak, and paddle board. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Nestled at 7,323 feet, the trail leading to the lake is short but relatively steep, gaining more than a thousand feet in elevation. Distance: 10.5 milesElevation: 2,975 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Parking is limited so consider taking the free bus from the Vail Village parking structure to the 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. 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. Here you'll find a campground, cabins, and dispersed camping. All photos (263) Distance: 14.94 milesElevation: 2421 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. Eloping in Colorado gives you access to epic views of 15 mountain ranges, 54 peaks over 10,000 feet, alpine lakes, meadows of wildflowers, and a vast variety of gorgeous backdrops. 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. This adventure will bring you by wide open meadows and plenty of wildlife (look out for moose and elk!) To get there, follow Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes for 8.6 miles of out-and-back beauty. This adventure features three impressive alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Loch, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond. Again, it depends. The byway provides many scenic overlooks to view each of these Colorado beauties. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. person will not be tolerated. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. Distance: 3.97 milesElevation: 1299 ftType: Out-and-back. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. Maroon Lake brings you the best of the Bells, the Maroon Bells that is. Be Nice. 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. 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! This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). 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. If you just cant get enough alpine lakes in Colorado, why not choose a hiking trail that hits four different Lakes? The designation means Spinney is public fishing water that produces a minimum of 12 fish of 14in or more and 60lbs per acre. Please note, reservations may be required to visit the park. 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.' 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. Share with Us. Ice Lake Trailhead is located 7 miles west of Silverton. Yep, us too. Bierstadt, and even Denver at times. Which lake near Denver has the bluest water? If you're looking for a secluded adventure, the Mohawk Lakes (upper and lower) are the perfect alpine escape for you. Before you hit the trail, there are several important things to remember. There is no overnight parking without a backcountry permit (we learned this the hard way) and there is an entry fee to get to the trailhead. The wildflower lined trail is short and beautiful, clocking in at 2.1 miles round trip. The best time to visit is between June and October. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, In the Fall, the Aspen grove comes alive with color, making for an especially memorable experience. Start from the Bear Lake parking lot and hike the gentle trail towards Lake Haiyaha, passing through the alluring Emerald Lake. "In cold, productive alpine lakes, trout can live to be quite old," says Jeff Spohn, aquatic biologist for Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. all along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America's most . racist or sexually-oriented language. The trail features colorful wildflower meadows, breathtaking views, and plenty of wildlife. Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. Named for its stunning waters, Emerald Lake is overflowing with beauty. This list comes from years of research and is a total labor of love. 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. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. 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. 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. Additionally, the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife may occasionally stock non-native fine-spotted Snake River Cutthroats, common in Wyoming and Idaho, into some fisheries. You must typically access these lake by hiking a few miles or by horseback. As a consequence, by mid-June I Distance: 8.6 miles from the lower lot, the upper lot cuts about a mile or so off each way (see Crystal Lake)Elevation: 2,129 feet from the lower lot (see Cyrstal Lake)Difficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a dog-friendly area packed with awesome 13er hiking opportunities. . San Juan National Forest. Check out three different alpine lakes in the James Peak Wilderness with the Crater Lakes Trail. And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! You could also do a loop and combine this lake with Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. Make sure to pay attention to trail signs and take a GPS, there are a lot of intersecting trails in the area. The snowpack is different every year, so its tough to say when trails will be snow-free. Camping is prohibited within a quarter of a mile to protect its fragile environment. Youll need high clearance to get to the upper lot. Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. Check the weather. 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. Distance: 23.8 milesElevation: 4,767 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are welcome to use this trail. If you love the wildflowers, don't miss the serene trek into Eagles Nest Wilderness to Gore Lake. Photo: Whitney JamesDistance: 3.15 milesElevation: 650 ftType: Out-and-back. Start on the Glacier Gorge Trail (like you would for Sky Pond) except veer left at the fork. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. Backpack to three alpine lakes and an alpine lagoon in Roosevelt National Forest. Hike your way up to the lakes for breath-taking views and lakeside goodness! At this time, the 44 road to Blue Lakes requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to access when the gate is open during summer months (often late May through October), but there is talk . 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. Lake Isabelle. Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! Take the dirt road up in elevation as it turns a bit rough closer to the lake. Like the name suggests, youll be in awe of the color of the deep blue waters. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. In layman's terms, they are the state's finest fisheries. Table of Contents hide 1 Shadow Mountain Lake 2 Green Mountain Reservoir 3 Dream Lake 4 Two Rivers Lake 5 Crater Lake 6 Grand Lake 7 Lake Granby 8 Piney Lake 9 Sylvan Lake State Park 10 Twin Lakes 11 Lake Dillon 12 Blue Mesa Reservoir 13 Chatfield State Park These lakes are next to Independence Pass, a road that takes you to Aspen. There's a reason Maroon Lake is arguably the most photographed lake in the state. Its best to check with AllTrails.com or even local hiking Facebook groups to get the most up-to-date information. Lake Ann - Only accessible by way of a 1.75-mile well-maintained trail, this pristine lake is ruggedly scenic and extremely protected. 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. After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. 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. Print/PDF map. Moderate 4.6 (8765) Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake with clear teal water. Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. 11. Dogs welcome. Youll get glimpses of Longs Peak and Alberta Falls (in the summer). Be Proactive. This adventure takes you through a well-marked trail with fantastic mountain views. Distance: 12.5 milesElevation: 2,890 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This mountain range holds snow well into July, so be prepared for a few patches of snow, even in late summer.

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