Expect to see wildlife like moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or elk along the trail, especially in the late spring and early summer. racist or sexually-oriented language. . The backcountry hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes features abundant wildlife, glorious mountain backdrops, and beautiful wildflowers. Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado is an easy daytime hike that features expansive alpine landscapes and brilliant turquoise waters. Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. Blue Lakes Trail in Telluride, Colorado takes you to three of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. The trail starts off steep, dropping into a valley before running flat, then climbing steeply up again. Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Then recheck it the day before your hike. The best lakes in Colorado often require hard hikes to get to but that also means that you can enjoy them with less people. Take the dirt road up in elevation as it turns a bit rough closer to the lake. Distance: 9.1 milesElevation: 2,142 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Chicago Lakes can get pretty crowded, but there are plenty of prime backpacking sites to pitch a tent and enjoy the views! Forsythe Canyon Round-trip Distance: 2.2 miles Trailhead: Forsythe Canyon - Lincoln National Forest Difficulty: Easy This short hike starts just outside of Boulder. Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. This robust trail near Copper travels through sculpted canyons, pine forests, and open meadows as it ascends 3 vigorous miles to a pair of pristine, Don't let this demanding 10 mile hike intimidate you, because this glistening chain of alpine lakes nestled beneath Red Peak on North Willow Creek, is an unforgettable experience everyone should enjoy. If youre lucky, youll get a perfect reflection of these towering peaks against the lake. Blue lake sits at 11,355 feet and is frozen for much of the year. This hike also has a waterfall. 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. Its a total bonus if you hit this trail early and arrive for the sunrise! In reality, you can make your way to an alpine lake any time of the year. There's a reason Maroon Lake is arguably the most photographed lake in the state. Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). 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. This is a great adventure for those looking to make a short trip outside of Denver. Did you know that Colorado is home to over 2,000 lakes? Bierstadt, and even Denver at times. The water is piercingly clear blue, which will entice you to jump right in! Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. The lake is an additional 2-ish miles from the parking area. After seeing Island Lake continue ahead and take a right to form a small loop. It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. 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. Get going on this adventure to the three beautiful Blue Lakes nestled among Colorados San Juan Range in the Uncompahgre National Forest. It can be hard to narrow down which hikes, Colorado is a beautiful state with tall peaks, incredible lakes, and four unique national parks. Not many people venture to the mountain ranges down south, so expect lots of solitude. Breathtaking beauty awaits hikers at South Colony Lakes. Print/PDF map. Distance: 14.94 milesElevation: 2421 ftType: Out-and-back. And located in the saddle of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, Tyndall Glacier (one of five active glaciers in the park) offers breathtaking views. Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. Enjoy spanning vistas of the Tenmile Range including Pacific Peak, Atlantic Peak, and Crystal Peak (all of which are excellent Colorado 13ers to try!). Don't Threaten. Lush alpine scenery unfolds as you ascend the 8.1-mile out-and-back trail nestled in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton. 2. Alpine Loop. Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. This is a busy area, but for good reason, the views are delicious! From hiking around the water to fishing, boating, picnicking, and swimming . Its nine miles round trip, gaining about 1,780 feet of elevation. In the Fall, the Aspen grove comes alive with color, making for an especially memorable experience. 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. It is a long day hike (4.6 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 3,100ft. Camping here is sure to be an awe-filled experience. Another worthwhile alpine lake hike near Breckenridge is Crystal Lake, which gives the ultimate solitude and scenery double punch. The Maroon Bells are world renowned for being some of the most breathtaking mountains in the US. Does Sky Pond sound too intense? 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! 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". In the spring and early summer you can enjoy wildflowers on the hikes, and in the fall you get to see the Aspens fall foliage. 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. Like the name suggests, youll be in awe of the color of the deep blue waters. Distance: 14.6 milesElevation: 2,373 feetDifficulty: A difficult day hike or a moderate overnight backpackRed Tape and Local Tips: Permits are required for backpacking from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Distance: 6.5 milesElevation: 1,804 feetDifficulty: moderate to difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail gets insanely busy in the summer, so start early. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. To get there, follow Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes for 8.6 miles of out-and-back beauty. Local Tip: Check out Ouray, one of the most stunning Colorado mountain towns, post-hike! Lake Isabelle is one of the best winter hikes in Colorado (add about five miles round trip for the winter hike). 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. Seriouslyover 2,000! The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. or drop a line and try your luck with some fishing. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. Trout Lake is a short drive from the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village towards Lizard Head Pass. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. Heart Lake is another great option for backpackers. 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. Ice Lake is a beautiful bright blue alpine lake located at 12,300 feet that requires a very strenuous hike to get to. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. 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. Surrounding peaks of granite reflect off the lake's beautiful emerald green waters nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park. What I love about this Colorado lake hike is just how quiet it is. The middle and upper are said to have the best views. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. 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. Alpine Loop - If you look closely you can see a 44 on the trail dwarfed by the mountains. Evans and Mt. Grand Lake. Come July and August, Lawn Lake is arguably the best lake for fishing in the park. Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. Opt to get there early or make it an overnight to get more time. But once there, you can take in impressive panoramas of the valley below as well as hidden meadows, streams, and ponds. Spooky indeed! This rather large lake is surrounded by pines with a dramatic mountain background. By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. Dont forget to turn left at the graves or youll pass right by the final push to Gore Lake! It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. Distance: 8.12 milesElevation: 2037 ftType: Out-and-back. Its best to check with AllTrails.com or even local hiking Facebook groups to get the most up-to-date information. Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. Backpack to three alpine lakes and an alpine lagoon in Roosevelt National Forest. 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. Toll. 1. 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. Colorado will soon see moisture from what was Hurricane Nora and flash flood watches are already in effect for parts of the state. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. Which lake near Denver has the bluest water? For more information on how to do this lake loop, continue to our Rocky Mountain National Park Guide. Required fields are marked *. UPPER & LOWER BUSHNELL LAKES. 8 to 4 miles Round TripElevation: Depends. You can stop off at the lake and explore before driving to the summit of Mt. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. However, the serenity of the lakes is well worth the butt-busting effort. The alpine wonder rests at an elevation of 10,630 feet located between Flattop Mountain (12,324 feet) and Notchtop Mountain (12,129 feet) ). Evans at 14,265', or you can take the trail less traveled and summit using one of the many official and unofficial routes to the top from the lake. 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. Moderate 4.6 (8765) Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Mary's Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. 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. You will definitely want to wear hiking boots and bring trekking poles for this part of the trail. Tucked under Mt Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak sits two pristine alpine lakes nestled beside the town of Twin Lakes. Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. 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. There are hiking trails near the lakes with great views of the lakes and surrounding mountains. 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. 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. Trail Use: Hiking Only. Breathe in the fresh air and set up a hammock to enjoy the most incredible mountain and alpine lake backdrop. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. Think again! From meadows found in the montane life zone to glistening alpine lakes and up to the towering mountain peaks, there is something for everyone to discover. Be on the lookout for the moose who call this beautiful mountain landscape home! Primarily characterized as an alpine tundra region, its total distance is approximately 65 miles and can be completed in about 7 hours (or more), typically under normal circumstances. 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! During the Ice Age of the geologically . The freshwater lake is the perfect spot for boating or fishing. Surround yourself in an amphitheater of dramatic rock and scope out of the best alpine lakes in Colorado. Enjoy magnificent views of aspens as you continue through sage and dense forest. Note that this hike does require permits, so be sure to reserve yours in advance to enjoy this fun summertime waterfall adventure! Although Gore Lake looks reasonable on paper, this is a tough hike, with much of the elevation gained in the last couple of miles. For the best wildflowers, do this hike in late July. Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. This includes water, snacks, sun protection, extra layers, and more. Dream Lake is a vision right out of a fairy tale in the early morning hours. The best time to do this hike is early in the morning for sunrise you wont be mad you did! 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. Mohawk Lakes offer plenty of picture-perfect backcountry camping or opportunities to summit nearby mountains, such as Father Dyer. She'd rather be dirty than done up. Camping in dispersed camping areas gives you the opportunity for a little more privacy and peace and quiet. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. 1. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Expect to see some seriously stunning cascading waterfalls along the way. To see views of Lower Blue Lake from above you need to continue hiking up the steep Blue Lakes Trial towards Middle Blue Lake. Resting beautifully at an elevation of 9,003 feet. There are other great trout reservoirs in the area, but only Spinney is a Gold Medal water. Emerald Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is reached by hiking from Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Length: 63 miles. Photo: Nicola EasterbyDistance: 3.06 milesElevation: 1168 ftType: Out-and-back. "With an ample forage base such as scuds, crayfish, terrestrials, aquatic insects these fish can live 10 plus years and grow to very . Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. This list comes from years of research and is a total labor of love. At these lakes you can canoe, kayak, and paddle board. Distance: 8.47 milesElevation: 1706 ftType: Loop. This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). Nestled at 7,323 feet, the trail leading to the lake is short but relatively steep, gaining more than a thousand feet in elevation. Youll begin the hike winding through dense forest before the scenery opens up to an incredible view of Longs Peak. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. In Colorado's lakes and streams most Cutthroats average 9 to . The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. Keep in mind, the average hiker moves at about 2 miles an hour or covers 1,000 feet of elevation gain in an hour. Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. The breathtaking clear blue American Lake is located in Aspen, Colorado. The trail also features both forests and meadows budding with an abundance of wildflowers interspersed along the way. High-clearance vehicles are best suited for getting to this scenic secluded spot. Take the Glacier Gorge Trail up a steep, winding dramatic valley that terminates at the famed Sky Pond. Explore the fantastically beautiful cirque and enjoy views of Kit Carson, The Crestones, and Humboldt Peak. If you love the wildflowers, don't miss the serene trek into Eagles Nest Wilderness to Gore Lake. Distance: 11 milesElevation: 2,529 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Arguably one of the most scenic backpacking routes in Colorado, Gore Lake delivers alpine beauty unlike anything else.Make your way up the challenging trail to an alpine scene that literally looks like a painting. All photos (263) 1. The fee is $5 per person (16 years and older), children under 16 are free. If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. If you are up for the challenge Island Lake is worth the visit! Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. 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! In fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. Banff Sunshine. The Ute Indian tribe long inhabited this area before they were replaced by miners in the 1800s, who came in search of silver, gold, lead, and zinc. Distance: 6.92 milesElevation: 1804 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. Photo: Abby VohaskaDistance: 8.81 miles Elevation: 2635 ftType: Out-and-back. Located in gorgeous Glenwood Canyon, the drive to the trailhead is reason . The trail itself is moderately wooded. Beware of moose in this area, they are everywhere and not afraid to charge! With that being said, typically alpine lakes are frozen and mostly snow-free starting in July through around mid-October depending on the year. The main attraction while at the lake is the commanding Hallett Peak. 2. 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. Did your favorite make it to our list of most beautiful lakes 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. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. This hike can be done in a near-15-mile day over moderate terrain, or you can obtain a permit to backpack and camp right near the lake. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Colorado's Alpine Loop is affectionately called the " Switzerland of America" for a reason! 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. Harder To Reach: Lawn Lake. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. This is one of the most iconic adventures in Colorado and for good reason! Nineteen of the 24 lakes shown in the video sit above 10,000 feet in elevation. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Marys Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) Yes. The 2.3-mile out-and-back trail starts off in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area and then winds on to the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. This route is delicate, so always practice Leave No Trace when visiting. 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.' Be Nice. Once you get to the lake, focus on the right shoreline, where there is a great drop off for fish to hang out around. More Information 2. Not your computer? #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. 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. Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Both alpine lakes sit at an elevation of about 11,000 feet. . This adventure features three impressive alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Loch, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond. + Save to a List. Travel over the off-road driving trail (either on foot or by 44) and reach the Alta Ghost Town. 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. Distance: Depends. The designation means Spinney is public fishing water that produces a minimum of 12 fish of 14in or more and 60lbs per acre. If youre looking for a stunning place to stake out camp by a lake, look no more! Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? Take a Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Alpine lakes are defined by being any lake that sits above 10,000 feet above sea level. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Simply hike to Loch Vale instead. If you're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. Related: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. Before reaching Heart Lake, be sure to soak in the alpine views first at Rogers Lake. To see the entire lake though, youll need to do a bit of climbing up the shore. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado. For an invigorating day of outdoor fun, head over to these amazing, Hidden deep in the Rawah Wilderness near Fort Collins, is a secluded picturesque paradise with pristine alpine lakes and the spectacular Medicine Bow Mountains as their backdrop. The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. 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. In terms of the best lake hikes, Colorado offers some incredibly unique lakes and the Hanging Lake hike takes the cake. Distance: 7.7 milesElevation: 2,522 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Since it's a relatively short hike, this is a great one for a family nature outing. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Then, continue climbing to blue Lake at the base of Mt. 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. Dogs welcome. This adventure takes you through a well-marked trail with fantastic mountain views. Although the entire hike is 2.4 miles long, you will arrive at the lake in half a. Check out three different alpine lakes in the James Peak Wilderness with the Crater Lakes Trail. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Directions SUV recommended: From the Town of Crested Butte, take Gothic Road (Route 135) north a total of 12.6 miles. Named for its stunning waters, Emerald Lake is overflowing with beauty. Thats right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town! On Monday and . The cold water is characteristic of alpine lakes. This 2,125 acre man-made lake sits about 15 miles south of Kremmling, Colorado in Summit County. Hike your way up to the lakes for breath-taking views and lakeside goodness! There are also many opportunities for overnight backcountry adventures at one of the mountain lakes near Denver in James Peak Wilderness. Youll have the added bonus of passing two additional scenic alpine lakes along the way. Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. But if climbing a fourteener is not your bag, there's also a trail that leads to the jaw-dropping and some of the. Our first date was a three-day camping trip on the backroads of Colorado. For dramatic views of Longs Peak and the iconic Diamond headwall, head up to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Here are the lessons I have learned! Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. The picturesque lakes are tucked away near the mountains of Breckenridge. You can hike to this lake from either Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. RELATED: Views are stunning and fish . Aside from craggy peaks, youll also see wildflowers springing from the ground all along the banks of the lakes during summer. This is a do-able day hike, but there are spots for camping if you want to stay overnight. 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. Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. You can take a dip at Sprouting Rock in a stunning turquoise oasis found just behind Hanging Lake. This lake is known for the reflection you can see in the lake of 14,000 ft tall Maroon Peaks. Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, Im not kidding about the moose! Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. accounts, the history behind an article. Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. 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. This truly-epic alpine lake hike is long, but worth the effort. Distance: 23.8 milesElevation: 4,767 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are welcome to use this trail. Grand Mesa Trails Go early. Access: Transit to Trails is a great option for these hikes! Many of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado are alpine lakes with clear blue water. Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! And find our listings for off-road outfitters and tour companies here. Filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by mind-blowing settings, these backcountry bodies of water are meant to be enjoyed. Lake of the Clouds brings you tranquil scenery and plenty of views. The byway provides many scenic overlooks to view each of these Colorado beauties. This popular alpine lake Colorado hike near Vail, Colorado will take you across Pitkin Creek and on an intense, narrow climb up the mountain. Be Truthful. Improve this listing. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. Everyone knows about Hanging Lake, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in 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. Check with the Castle Mountain Recreation Company for more up-to-date information. Awesome views, wildlife, lakes and wild flowers await you on this lollipop loop ride.
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