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The designation means Spinney is public fishing water that produces a minimum of 12 fish of 14in or more and 60lbs per acre. Alpine Lakes in Colorado. 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 News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Distance: 4.51 milesElevation: 1090 ftType: Out-and-back. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. 2. Use the 'Report' link on Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible . Colorado has many picturesque lakes surrounded by high peaks. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. No dogs. It connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, where it is generally considered to begin (and end). 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. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Use a private browsing window to sign in. For the best wildflowers, do this hike in late July. The ideal time to visit is. Cherry Creek Reservoir. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. More Information 2. No dogs. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. Take a Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. Not your computer? Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy spanning alpine lake views. This is a great adventure for those looking to make a short trip outside of Denver. Tell someone about your plans. You'll find San Cristobal incredibly stunning. No dogs are allowed in the yurt over winter. If you love the wildflowers, don't miss the serene trek into Eagles Nest Wilderness to Gore Lake. Definitely come prepared with a suit to take a dip. 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. If you're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. Go early. 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. Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. There are a lot of famous alpine lake hikes in Colorado to discover. The road will dead end at Moffat Tunnel where you'll find ample parking in a gravel lot with restrooms. Bear Lake is a popular lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Yes. Youll likely want to stay overnight to prolong your time in this picturesque environment, but do note that permits are required for campers. San Juan National Forest. Print/PDF map. The best way to see the highlights of Colorado is, Sedona is a town surrounded by red rocks that offers incredible hikes, but its beauty and social media popularity has attracted crowds. Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! Above treeline, the weather can move in quickly and even on a sunny day, the air can feel quite cool. Wander the lake at sunrise for incredible views. When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. If youre looking for a moderate jaunt with big view payout, check out Silver Dollar Lake outside of Georgetown. For a brief time, in only the warmest months of the year, will you find the waters of the Green Mountain Reservoir tolerable for swimming. Parking is $5 at the Summit Lake parking lot. The best time to do this hike is early in the morning for sunrise you wont be mad you did! You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. 1. Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. With 50 square miles of golden aspens. The parking lot at Bear Lake Trailhead typically gets full very early, so make sure to get there early so you dont have to take a shuttle. And find our listings for off-road outfitters and tour companies here. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. Gray Wolf Reintroduction, What Does 2023 Look Like In Colorado? Related: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local. Accessing this alpine wonder is simple. This 7.7 miles trail boasts a wow factor unlike any other. 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. 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 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. Surround yourself in an amphitheater of dramatic rock and scope out of the best alpine lakes in Colorado. Share your suggestions or stories in the comments! 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. 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. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. There are plenty of wildlife viewing (moose, turkey, deer, ptarmigan) and fishing opportunities. UPPER & LOWER BUSHNELL LAKES. You have permission to edit this collection. 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. Camp at Twin Lakes White Star Campground. Temperatures are often utterly freezing, since most alpine lakes are fed by snowmelt. This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). Heart Lake is another great option for backpackers. The middle and upper are said to have the best views. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Mary's Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 17. . Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes and three other unnamed lakes are all in the area. Pass by several waterfalls on your way to one of the most magnificent lakes in all of Colorado. 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. This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Be sure to check local road conditions during the winter months, the road is unmaintained and closed, which adds an extra 3 to 4 miles each way. #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. Lake Helene is another great option for explorers of Rocky Mountain National Park. It's the state's highest peak. 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. Directions SUV recommended: From the Town of Crested Butte, take Gothic Road (Route 135) north a total of 12.6 miles. Don't Threaten. Camping is prohibited within a quarter of a mile to protect its fragile environment. We searched for alpine lakes to hike to in the area and came across Crystal Lake in Saint Marie's, Idaho. 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. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Ice Lake is a beautiful bright blue alpine lake located at 12,300 feet that requires a very strenuous hike to get to. In layman's terms, they are the state's finest fisheries. 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. Distance: 7.7 milesElevation: 2,522 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. that is degrading to another person. The natural beauty of a waterfall is within easy reach of Denver. Youll need high clearance to get to the upper lot. the most part. Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. Dog-Friendly: Bloods Lake - No, Lake Lackawaxen - Yes. Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. After seeing Island Lake continue ahead and take a right to form a small loop. Moderate 4.6 (8765) Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Located in gorgeous Glenwood Canyon, the drive to the trailhead is reason . Named for its stunning waters, Emerald Lake is overflowing with beauty. The trail is located near Glenwood Springs, offering the perfect post-adventure spot. Youll begin the hike winding through dense forest before the scenery opens up to an incredible view of Longs Peak. After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) In the summer, the trail becomes a 44 road that you can still hike on, terminating at a parking lot. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. Trail Use: Hiking Only. Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Rocky Mountain National Park is a hidden gem in the Colorado Rockies. To see the entire lake though, youll need to do a bit of climbing up the shore. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. Located outside of the beautiful mountain town of Vail, the trail to the lake is about 12.5 miles out-and-back. It's about a 3-mile trek out-and-back. Trek beyond the lakes to reach the 14,065-foot summit of Humboldt Peak. Stargazing at night is amazing, so be sure to bring a camera if youre into night photography! Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 1,765 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Directions: From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west or, from Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. Green Mountain Reservoir. In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. Youll be gasping for air from the steep inclines and incredible scenes. racist or sexually-oriented language. Discover the alpine beauty of Mirror Lake. You can hike to this lake from either Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. 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. At these lakes you can canoe, kayak, and paddle board. Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. Driving time: 4 to 6 hours. In Colorado's lakes and streams most Cutthroats average 9 to . Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. 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 Truthful. Up for a challenge? Aside from the deep blues waters, hikers are delighted with wildflower-filled meadows bordering the lakes in bright and beautiful colors. Square Top Lakes, Guanella Pass Square Top Lakes via Shutterstock. Rollins Pass is in the FunTreks Northern Colorado Backroads 4 Wheel Drive . Distance: 5.53 milesElevation: 1056 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. Get going on this adventure to the three beautiful Blue Lakes nestled among Colorados San Juan Range in the Uncompahgre National Forest. 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. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. Did your favorite make it to our list of most beautiful lakes near Denver? If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! Most of the Alpine lakes lie in valleys that were formed during the uplift of the mountain chain of the Alps. When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. 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. Gore Lake. Take the dirt road up in elevation as it turns a bit rough closer to the lake. Here you'll find a campground, cabins, and dispersed camping. Alpine Loop drive takes 4-6 hours to cover the distance between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. Grand Mesa Trails Required fields are marked *. This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. Lizard Head Pass Near Telluride above 10,000 feet in southwest Colorado, this pass provides staggering views of Colorado's jagged San Juan Mountains in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Evans and Mt. Bring your camera and pack some tasty snacks! 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. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. Early July 2020 My first trip to the beautiful remote Sand Creek Lakes high above the Wet Mountain Valley in Colorado was in 2017, a year of the big runoff. Willow Lake offers a backpacking adventure into the Sangre de Cristo range. Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. Your email address will not be published. What I love about this Colorado lake hike is just how quiet it is. 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. 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. Alpine lakes are defined by being any lake that sits above 10,000 feet above sea level. Distance: 6.8 milesElevation: 1,548 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape: Many 14er-enthusiasts camp here overnight before their summit bids. On July 21st, 2020, Skip, Bandit, Ezra, and I made our way from Colorado Springs, where we were visiting, up through Wyoming and Montana into Northern Idaho to visit family before heading back to Southern Idaho for work and school. (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.) This route is delicate, so always practice Leave No Trace when visiting. Distance: 0.8 milesElevation: 32 feetDifficulty: Easy with accessibility rampsRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. This list comes from years of research and is a total labor of love. The Outbound Collective This article will walk you through the best lakes in Colorado and how to get to these lakes. 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. In terms of the best lake hikes, Colorado offers some incredibly unique lakes and the Hanging Lake hike takes the cake. 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. Note that parking at the Brainard Lake Recreational Area lot costs $10 and fills up quickly. The lake is an additional 2-ish miles from the parking area. Opt to get there early or make it an overnight to get more time. Before you hit the trail, there are several important things to remember. "In cold, productive alpine lakes, trout can live to be quite old," says Jeff Spohn, aquatic biologist for Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Aside from craggy peaks, youll also see wildflowers springing from the ground all along the banks of the lakes during summer. The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. Lowest Depth: 265 feet. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation: 807 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: There is a $5 parking fee at both parking lots for St Marys. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. Description. 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. To see views of Lower Blue Lake from above you need to continue hiking up the steep Blue Lakes Trial towards Middle Blue Lake. 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 . The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. This adventure leads you through the Holy Cross Wilderness where youll be surrounded by beautiful forests. 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. She'd rather be dirty than done up. Stay awhile and enjoy the views! Length 6.7 miElevation gain 1,699 ftRoute type Out & back. This truly-epic alpine lake hike is long, but worth the effort. The hike will start with views of sweeping meadows and will follow along the South Boulder Creek. Huskies also thrive in Colorado - alpine lakes, cross . An alternative to driving on your own is toreserve a spoton the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands Village to Maroon Bells. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. This adventure features three impressive alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Loch, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond. Keep it Clean. Check with the Castle Mountain Recreation Company for more up-to-date information. Scope out sweet views of Mont Massive and the mighty Sawatch Range (home to 14 of Colorados tallest peaks). 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. Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. Make sure to pay attention to trail signs and take a GPS, there are a lot of intersecting trails in the area. Its always a good idea, especially on longer, difficult hikes or solo excursions, to let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be 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. The first lake on this trail is Lower Blue Lake, a clear bright blue lake within the Mount Sneffels Wilderness Area at 10,952 ft elevation. Length: 63 miles. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. 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. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. This moderate hike is a great way to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in Colorado without the lung-busting elevation gain. Today, this area is thought of as a near ideal spot for relaxation and water recreation, but it used to be a vital transportation destination after gold was discovered in nearby Aspen in 1879. High-clearance vehicles are best suited for getting to this scenic secluded spot. Give them instructions about who to call if they dont hear from you. The winding hike leads you past dreamy fields of wildflowers before reaching the sparkling aqua the area is known for. The breathtaking clear blue American Lake is located in Aspen, Colorado. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. The picturesque lakes are tucked away near the mountains of Breckenridge. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail to access starts off at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. Most of these lakes are accessible by foot only, although you can also drive to quite a few of them. It even has a wheelchair-friendly trail, making it an ideal choice for those who may need a little extra encouragement to hit the trail. You'll be crossing a few small streams, so be careful after heavy rains. 5h 16m. or drop a line and try your luck with some fishing. (Photo/David Young) Banff Sunshine is about a 15-minute drive from Banff and is serviced by a nearly 3-mile, eight-person gondola that transports skiers and snowboarders to the . 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. Here are 11 of the best swimming holes in Colorado, from pristine lakes to reservoirs, waterfall pools, and everything in between. We'd love to hear eyewitness Discover this alpine wonder by taking Rogers Pass Trail, a 9.1-mile out-and-back trail located near Rollinsville. The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Camping here is sure to be an awe-filled experience. And located in the saddle of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, Tyndall Glacier (one of five active glaciers in the park) offers breathtaking views. You could spend a lifetime trying to see all of the alpine lakes in Colorado and just barely scratch the surface. Note that this hike does require permits, so be sure to reserve yours in advance to enjoy this fun summertime waterfall adventure! Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. And the fish well, they just float on down, once deployed from the airplane. Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. Some hikes, like, Sedona is one of the most amazing places to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. Distance: 2.8 miles round trip. 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: 8.1 milesElevation: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. Water activities including fishing and kayaking are great ways to spend time exploring the area, especially if you plan to stay and camp. Please note, reservations are required to visit the park. Many of these lakes are nestled between some of the most incredible mountain scenery you'll ever lay eyes on, making them ideal for golden hour photoshoots. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 42 min to complete. 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. Black lake is a stunning and dramatic lake nestled deep in Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. Access: Transit to Trails is a great option for these hikes! The Maroon Bells are world renowned for being some of the most breathtaking mountains in the US. 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. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. Photo: Ryan DewaneDistance: 8.43 milesElevation: 1780 ftType: Out-and-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). 1. Success! It is nestled between the towns of Ridgway and Telluride. 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. Dont forget to turn left at the graves or youll pass right by the final push to Gore Lake! For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. This is one of the easiest lakes on this list to get to, but is therefore also the most crowded. 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. You'll take the Mitchell Lake Trail, crossing Mitchell Creek and passing Mitchell Lake along the way. Keep in mind permits are required and parking fills up fast. This popular alpine lake Colorado hike near Vail, Colorado will take you across Pitkin Creek and on an intense, narrow climb up the mountain. Threats of harming another Here are the lessons I have learned! Kevin BuggieBPL Member. However, with that being said, its still worth a visit to gaze upon this magical fairytale lake. This area is also an awesome place to practice mountaineering skills or go for a mid-summer ski session. This trail is well-used but has an interesting start as you make your way up next to and around a huge railway tunnel. Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. This alpine-lake hike should make every Coloradan's bucket list. Since the trail to get to Ice Lake is steep and long you should make sure to wear hiking boots. Each of these alpine lake hikes brings you the best of the Rocky Mountains and picturesque mountain scenery of places like Leadville. You can take a dip at Sprouting Rock in a stunning turquoise oasis found just behind Hanging Lake. Proposition 114 passed in Colorado and now the planning process begins. Not many people venture to the mountain ranges down south, so expect lots of solitude. Lush alpine scenery unfolds as you ascend the 8.1-mile out-and-back trail nestled in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton. Be sure to check the weather before beginning this adventure as summer thunderstorms in this area can be aggressive. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Lake of the Clouds brings you tranquil scenery and plenty of views. If you already made it to Middle Blue Lake it is a quick 0.2 mile walk to Upper Blue Lake. Before reaching Heart Lake, be sure to soak in the alpine views first at Rogers Lake. or anything. Spalding. Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake with clear teal water.