colorado alpine lakes you can drive to

Did you know that Colorado is home to over 2,000 lakes? Ice Lake is a beautiful bright blue alpine lake located at 12,300 feet that requires a very strenuous hike to get to. 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. Check the weather. + Save to a List. With that being said, typically alpine lakes are frozen and mostly snow-free starting in July through around mid-October depending on the year. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road. Almost countless. 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. Lake Blanche Trail : An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer . Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. The trail also features both forests and meadows budding with an abundance of wildflowers interspersed along the way. Surrounding peaks of granite reflect off the lake's beautiful emerald green waters nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. While opting for the alpine wonder is suitable for a wider range hiking skill levels, bagging both peaks is only recommend for the most experienced hikers. Keep moving forward and the trail will switch back and then head up the mountain. Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning beauty. Note that this hike does require permits, so be sure to reserve yours in advance to enjoy this fun summertime waterfall adventure! 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. You could also do a loop and combine this lake with Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. Theres no shortage of fantastic mountain and lake views. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. Mohawk Lakes offer plenty of picture-perfect backcountry camping or opportunities to summit nearby mountains, such as Father Dyer. Set a check-in time and have that person try to check in with you first, before calling authorities (just in case you forget to circle back). 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). And located in the saddle of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, Tyndall Glacier (one of five active glaciers in the park) offers breathtaking views. There are several camping spots by the second lake if youre looking to stay overnight. The lake is an additional 2-ish miles from the parking area. that is degrading to another person. 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. Tucked under Mt Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak sits two pristine alpine lakes nestled beside the town of Twin Lakes. Since the trail to get to Ice Lake is steep and long you should make sure to wear hiking boots. Distance: 6.8 milesElevation: 1,548 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape: Many 14er-enthusiasts camp here overnight before their summit bids. Did your favorite make it to our list of most beautiful lakes near Denver? 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. Here you'll find a campground, cabins, and dispersed camping. 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. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. If you love the wildflowers, don't miss the serene trek into Eagles Nest Wilderness to Gore Lake. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail to access starts off at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. This adventure leads you through the Holy Cross Wilderness where youll be surrounded by beautiful forests. Grand Lake. It is nestled between the towns of Ridgway and Telluride. Talk about iconic Colorado views! However, the serenity of the lakes is well worth the butt-busting effort. Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. The video showcases the beauty of Colorado's high country. This short 6.5-mile round-trip trail boasts picturesque alpine lakes and stunning views of Pfeifferhorn. person will not be tolerated. Yes. This 2,125 acre man-made lake sits about 15 miles south of Kremmling, Colorado in Summit County. Think you need to be a hiking pro to enjoy amazing alpine lake hikes in Colorado? 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.' 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. 1. 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. or anything. 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. For an added challenge and extra mileage, you can even summit Longs Peak for an elevated vantage point! But once there, you can take in impressive panoramas of the valley below as well as hidden meadows, streams, and ponds. This is one of the most iconic adventures in Colorado and for good reason! Directions SUV recommended: From the Town of Crested Butte, take Gothic Road (Route 135) north a total of 12.6 miles. Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. Among the lakes stocked on Monday, the highest of them - Ptarmigan Lake in Gunnison County - sits at 12,306 feet. racist or sexually-oriented language. or drop a line and try your luck with some fishing. Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. In the summer, the trail becomes a 44 road that you can still hike on, terminating at a parking lot. Plan accordingly. Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. 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. Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Camping is prohibited within a quarter of a mile to protect its fragile environment. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. Walk another half mile and youll see a beautiful waterfall, followed by stellar views of Lily Lake. The breathtaking clear blue American Lake is located in Aspen, Colorado. Remember to treat this natural wonderland with great care to preserve its vivid beauty and to keep it pristine for those who visit next! Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. Lake Ann - Only accessible by way of a 1.75-mile well-maintained trail, this pristine lake is ruggedly scenic and extremely protected. Rollins Pass is in the FunTreks Northern Colorado Backroads 4 Wheel Drive . There are also many opportunities for overnight backcountry adventures at one of the mountain lakes near Denver in James Peak Wilderness. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. Does Sky Pond sound too intense? Keep in mind, the average hiker moves at about 2 miles an hour or covers 1,000 feet of elevation gain in an hour. However, dont be fooled by the easy accessibility. To see the entire lake though, youll need to do a bit of climbing up the shore. Distance: 11 milesElevation: 2,529 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Some hikes, like, Sedona is one of the most amazing places to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. Distance: 23.8 milesElevation: 4,767 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are welcome to use this trail. Accessing this alpine wonder is simple. About. Though one of the shorter adventures on this list, the hike to Loch Vale in Rocky National Park is surely just as rewarding as the others. Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. 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. the most part. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. This is a busy area, but for good reason, the views are delicious! Technically you can swim at many alpine lakes in Colorado, but you probably dont want to. Water activities including fishing and kayaking are great ways to spend time exploring the area, especially if you plan to stay and camp. This is the most beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be combined with Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. And the fish well, they just float on down, once deployed from the airplane. 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. An alternative to driving on your own is to. 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. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can Drive To!) Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). Be sure to check the weather before beginning this adventure as summer thunderstorms in this area can be aggressive. Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. This is a phenomenal spot for a picnic lunch and a SUP experience. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. The trail itself is moderately wooded. 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. Keep in mind permits are required and parking fills up fast. Alpine lakes are defined by being any lake that sits above 10,000 feet above sea level. 5 hidden lakes in Colorado you probably never knew exsisted Alpine Lake. 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 road will dead end at Moffat Tunnel where you'll find ample parking in a gravel lot with restrooms. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. There are a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. The snowpack is different every year, so its tough to say when trails will be snow-free. Overview. Share your suggestions or stories in the comments! (And be sure to take time to branch off and discover the wonder of Salmon Lake along the way, tucked deep in the forest amidst fields of impressive boulders and towering pines.) Distance: 8.02 milesElevation: 2500 ftType: Out-and-back. accounts, the history behind an article. . ATV The Alpine Loop Length: 65 mile loop Drive Time: 5-7 hours Fees: 3-day Pass: $6.00 7-day Pass: $12.00 Annual Pass: $45.00 Or America the Beautiful Pass (National Park Pass) Difficulty: 75% Easy / 25% Difficult (rock outcroppings, drop offs) Access: Easy ATV Friendly Town: Lake City Ideal Riding Season: Mid Summer - September Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 1,765 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. Jewel Lake is accessible by a three-mile hike and Clear Lake requires an eight-mile hike to get to. The main mountain attraction is Lone Eagle Peak, which climbers can also ascend. Dog-friendly. What does 2023 look like for gray wolf reintroduction? More Information 2. Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. Take a Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park Our other most popular lakeside elopement locations in Colorado are Blue Lakes near Breckenridge and Lake Isabelle near Boulder. 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. Then, continue climbing to blue Lake at the base of Mt. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. Be Nice. The hike is difficult but is worth the challenge to get to one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. The total hike round trip to Middle Blue Lake is 7.6 miles with 2,292 ft elevation gain. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. 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. Chicago Lakes is a popular hiking trail in the Mount Evans Wilderness that has two magnificent lakes with stellar views of the foothills and of Mount Evans. Green Mountain Reservoir. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. The main attraction while at the lake is the commanding Hallett Peak. Named for its stunning waters, Emerald Lake is overflowing with beauty. Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Colorado. You even get two lakes for the price of one hike. Grand Mesa Trails Length: 7.9 mi Est. Make sure to pay attention to trail signs and take a GPS, there are a lot of intersecting trails in the area. Cash fees may apply for accessing the area. The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. They are remote and wild, but also peaceful and pristine at the same time. Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. It's a 1.8-mile trek (3.6 miles round trip). Surface Area: 507 acres. This 7.7 miles trail boasts a wow factor unlike any other. Lake Helene is another great option for explorers of Rocky Mountain National Park. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. In the winter, there is no fee, but the road is closed. If you are up for the challenge Island Lake is worth the visit! Local Tip: This hike is also near some of the best free camping near Denver. Distance: 3.97 milesElevation: 1299 ftType: Out-and-back. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Marys Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. High-clearance vehicles are best suited for getting to this scenic secluded spot. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Alpine Loop - If you look closely you can see a 44 on the trail dwarfed by the mountains. Want a bit more of a challenge? This trail is well-used but has an interesting start as you make your way up next to and around a huge railway tunnel. The deep blue waters of the Ice Lakes will leave you in awe. Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. The ideal time to visit is. Get going on this adventure to the three beautiful Blue Lakes nestled among Colorados San Juan Range in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Throughout the years Ive hiked well over 1,000 miles of terrain here in Colorado. Dogs welcome. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. The United States Should Adopt The Allemannsretten, 5 Great Spots in Colorado for Fall Colors. You must typically access these lake by hiking a few miles or by horseback. Nestled in those mountains behind Trout Lake sits Hope Lake. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. No dogs are allowed in the yurt over winter. During the Ice Age of the geologically . Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. With 50 square miles of golden aspens. The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? 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. It's about a 3-mile trek out-and-back.

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