Use a private browsing window to sign in. 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. Grand Mesa Trails 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. Be Truthful. Distance: 4 miles in summer, 8 in winterElevation: 1,614 feet in summer, unknown to the lakeDifficulty: Easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Although there is a map on AllTrails, its not entirely accurate with distances. The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. Stay awhile and enjoy the views! You even get two lakes for the price of one hike. Whenever you hear someone talk about catching trout in the mountain lakes of the Rockies, the term that often comes up is "alpine". Check the weather. Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! This adventure will bring you by wide open meadows and plenty of wildlife (look out for moose and elk!) Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake with clear teal water. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Dont expect solitude here, even in the dead of winter. Arizona has many unique hiking opportunities with a wide range of elevation, climate, and views. Theres no shortage of fantastic mountain and lake views. This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). 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. The trail is located near Glenwood Springs, offering the perfect post-adventure spot. Remember to treat this natural wonderland with great care to preserve its vivid beauty and to keep it pristine for those who visit next! Come and try out the great hiking and mountain biking trails too! 1. You can hike to this lake from either Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. Be cautious, however, as thunderstorms are quite common in the summertime. There is no shortage of beautiful lakes near Denver, and there are several with magnificently blue water. Distance: 11 milesElevation: 2,529 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Resting at an elevation of 9,450 feet, it may come as a surprise that this scenic lake is located just 250 feet from the parking lot. Check out three different alpine lakes in the James Peak Wilderness with the Crater Lakes Trail. The first couple miles of the hike are extremely steep and difficult. The scenery is beautiful throughout and provides many opportunities for continued exploration while at the top! Print/PDF map. Distance: Varies, hikes on the property are short, its three miles to loop the lakeElevation: nothing notable.Difficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a great family-friendly spot, however, there are day fees and other camping fees to use the area. It's the state's highest peak. There's a reason Maroon Lake is arguably the most photographed lake in the state. Make sure you have the necessary permits before setting up camp. The Arkansas and local streams around my home base of Salida were blown out and muddy well into July. This moderate hike is a great way to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in Colorado without the lung-busting elevation gain. The trail will end with a gorgeous view of Pitkin Lake. The hike from Bear Lake Trailhead is 3.6 miles round trip with about 740 ft elevation gain. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. Photo: Ryan MckinneyDistance: 4.09 milesElevation: 374 ftType: Out-and-back. It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. Be sure to check the weather before beginning this adventure as summer thunderstorms in this area can be aggressive. You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. 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. Huskies also thrive in Colorado - alpine lakes, cross . My anticipation grows with each new day, as the sun burns hotter, longer, and stronger, thawing the lakes and tundra of the high country and promising a summer filled with days spent in the wilds. The 6.3-mile hike takes 2.5-3 hours, and the elevation gain is very gradual for. Resting beautifully at an elevation of 9,003 feet. Distance: 5.53 milesElevation: 1056 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. Harder To Reach: Lawn Lake. 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. Bierstadt, and even Denver at times. Youll begin the hike winding through dense forest before the scenery opens up to an incredible view of Longs Peak. Gore Lake. In the summer, the trail becomes a 44 road that you can still hike on, terminating at a parking lot. Alpine lakes, old cabins, creek crossings, summer wildflowers, a stupendous waterfall, and unimaginable views. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. racist or sexually-oriented language. Youll get glimpses of Longs Peak and Alberta Falls (in the summer). 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. Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Dogs welcome. It's demandingthe two 12,000-foot passes (Cinnamon and Engineer) require a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle but the well-prepared motorist reaps . But if climbing a fourteener is not your bag, there's also a trail that leads to the jaw-dropping and some of the. Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. Throughout the post youll find: Absolutely. The trail features colorful wildflower meadows, breathtaking views, and plenty of wildlife. Jewel Lake is accessible by a three-mile hike and Clear Lake requires an eight-mile hike to get to. Continue for several more miles until reaching the base of The Spearhead, a famous mountaineering objective. Tucked under Mt Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak sits two pristine alpine lakes nestled beside the town of Twin Lakes. Take the dirt road up in elevation as it turns a bit rough closer to the lake. Bring a swimsuit! This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. all along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America's most . Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. Bring your camera and pack some tasty snacks! You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Required fields are marked *. 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. There are a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. The mountains of southern Colorado are littered with alpine lake hikes. 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. Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. Plan accordingly. In layman's terms, they are the state's finest fisheries. The breathtaking clear blue American Lake is located in Aspen, Colorado. With so many lake hikes, Colorado will have your hiking itinerary booked for years! This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. No dogs. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person. Lake of the Clouds brings you tranquil scenery and plenty of views. Although the entire hike is 2.4 miles long, you will arrive at the lake in half a. Mohawk Lakes offer plenty of picture-perfect backcountry camping or opportunities to summit nearby mountains, such as Father Dyer. Alpine Lakes in Colorado. Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado. In fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. For more information on how to do this lake loop, continue to our Rocky Mountain National Park Guide. Does Sky Pond sound too intense? (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 . Seriouslyover 2,000! 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. 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 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. The park boasts a wide range of activities that include summiting 14,259-foot Longs Peak, camping in the expansive backcountry, hiking to waterfalls and alpine lakes and, of course, wildlife viewing. Get going on this adventure to the three beautiful Blue Lakes nestled among Colorados San Juan Range in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Blue Lakes Basin is a must for explorers of the Mount Sneffels Wilderness. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. Make sure to pay attention to trail signs and take a GPS, there are a lot of intersecting trails in the area. Wander the lake at sunrise for incredible views. . Again, it depends. 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. Are there any waterfalls I can visit near Denver? Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State Park. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. Long Lake is an alpine explorers paradise. Black lake is a stunning and dramatic lake nestled deep in Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 3.97 milesElevation: 1299 ftType: Out-and-back. Then, continue climbing to blue Lake at the base of Mt. Mount Evans is a 14er that boasts fantastic views of the lake, Mt. Learn more More Information 2. There was an error processing your request. These high-altitude lakes are typically much clearer than their low elevation counterparts and are often fed directly by snowmelt. 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. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. There are also many opportunities for overnight backcountry adventures at one of the mountain lakes near Denver in James Peak Wilderness. person will not be tolerated. What I love about this Colorado lake hike is just how quiet it is. If you're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. 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. Arrive early to get a spot and spend more of the day exploring! To see views of Lower Blue Lake from above you need to continue hiking up the steep Blue Lakes Trial towards Middle Blue Lake. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. 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. Take a Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park 1. The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road. 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. Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links for products and services I recommend. Youll have the added bonus of passing two additional scenic alpine lakes along the way. If youre lucky, youll get a perfect reflection of these towering peaks against the lake. However, this is one gorgeous hike, especially during the wildflower season. Yep, us too. 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. The Maroon Bells are world renowned for being some of the most breathtaking mountains in the US. This is the most beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be combined with Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. Enjoy spanning vistas of the Tenmile Range including Pacific Peak, Atlantic Peak, and Crystal Peak (all of which are excellent Colorado 13ers to try!). Bushnell lakes sit under Bushnell Peak and SE of Stout Lakes drainage. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. Camping is permitted and free around Alta Lakes in Telluride with campsites littered all around the three lakes. Keep moving forward and the trail will switch back and then head up the mountain. 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". The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. It's the state's highest peak. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The fastest way to get to this beautiful lake in the rocky mountains is to hike from Glacier Gorge Trailhead 5.4 miles round trip with 1,070 ft elevation gain. This area is also an awesome place to practice mountaineering skills or go for a mid-summer ski session. Trek your way through stunning alpine country to one of the most picturesque lakes in the state Hanging Lake. Dog-Friendly: Bloods Lake - No, Lake Lackawaxen - Yes. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. Length 6.7 miElevation gain 1,699 ftRoute type Out & back. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. 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.' Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can Drive To!) Emerald Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is reached by hiking from Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Encounter some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world as you wind your way through an alpine wonderland, mountain reservoirs, beyond timberline, overtaking the clouds. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 42 min to complete. Threats of harming another Among the lakes stocked on Monday, the highest of them - Ptarmigan Lake in Gunnison County - sits at 12,306 feet. Banff Sunshine. This truly-epic alpine lake hike is long, but worth the effort. Not your computer? Something that absolutely should be on your list of things to do with kids in Colorado! 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. 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.' If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. 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. Discover the alpine beauty of Mirror Lake. The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. Immarite? If youre looking for a moderate jaunt with big view payout, check out Silver Dollar Lake outside of Georgetown. The total hike round trip to Upper Blue Lake is 8 miles with 2,404 ft elevation gain. An alternative to driving on your own is to. For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. Dont forget to turn left at the graves or youll pass right by the final push to Gore Lake! The main mountain attraction is Lone Eagle Peak, which climbers can also ascend. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! In the Fall, the Aspen grove comes alive with color, making for an especially memorable experience. 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. The 8.9-mile out-and-back trail is blazed in beauty. Breathtaking beauty awaits hikers at South Colony Lakes. 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. 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. #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. This popular alpine lake Colorado hike near Vail, Colorado will take you across Pitkin Creek and on an intense, narrow climb up the mountain. In fact, this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. RELATED: Views are stunning and fish . Like the name suggests, youll be in awe of the color of the deep blue waters. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. Nineteen of the 24 lakes shown in the video sit above 10,000 feet in elevation. Spalding. Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. Description. Be on the lookout for the moose who call this beautiful mountain landscape home! Colorado has many picturesque lakes surrounded by high peaks. Snow Lake Trail. The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. 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. 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. Lowest Depth: 265 feet. But what if I told you we havent been given access to over half of whats really out there? There is plenty of fishing, swimming, camping, and even small, easy hiking trails that provide plenty of family fun. Lake Isabelle. The alpine wonder rests at an elevation of 10,630 feet located between Flattop Mountain (12,324 feet) and Notchtop Mountain (12,129 feet) ). The freshwater lake is the perfect spot for boating or fishing. This Rocky Mountain National Park adventure provides an opportunity to catch an unforgettable sunrise. Youll cross a couple of creeks so be sure to have the appropriate footwear on. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. Check out this adventure for impressive views of the Mount Evans Wilderness. Youll be gasping for air from the steep inclines and incredible scenes. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Enjoy magnificent views of aspens as you continue through sage and dense forest. The total hike round trip to Middle Blue Lake is 7.6 miles with 2,292 ft elevation gain. Start from the Bear Lake parking lot and hike the gentle trail towards Lake Haiyaha, passing through the alluring Emerald Lake. 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. It can be hard to narrow down which hikes, Colorado is a beautiful state with tall peaks, incredible lakes, and four unique national parks. Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. Blue lake sits at 11,355 feet and is frozen for much of the year. or drop a line and try your luck with some fishing. 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. The natural beauty of a waterfall is within easy reach of Denver. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. In the winter, there is no fee, but the road is closed. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 1,765 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. 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. Distance: 6.8 milesElevation: 1,548 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape: Many 14er-enthusiasts camp here overnight before their summit bids. Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic. Note that parking at the Brainard Lake Recreational Area lot costs $10 and fills up quickly. It is a long day hike (4.6 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 3,100ft. Which lake near Denver has the bluest water? At these lakes you can canoe, kayak, and paddle board. Tell someone about your plans. The cold water is characteristic of alpine lakes. However, with that being said, its still worth a visit to gaze upon this magical fairytale lake. Check with the Castle Mountain Recreation Company for more up-to-date information. 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. Along the byway, you can travel through various scenery changes: start in a desert canyon and pass aspen foothills, lakes, alpine forests, lily ponds, and meadows bursting with wildflowers as you make your way to the top. Length: 7.9 mi Est. Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. Its best to check with AllTrails.com or even local hiking Facebook groups to get the most up-to-date information. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy spanning alpine lake views. Alpine Loop drive takes 4-6 hours to cover the distance between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. Please note, reservations may be required to visit the park. The ideal time to visit is. . 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. Please explore responsibly! Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Distance: 2.93 milesElevation: 675 ftType: Loop. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. Pristine, beautiful waters often reflect dramatic mountain views. 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. This adventure takes you through a well-marked trail with fantastic mountain views. Access: Transit to Trails is a great option for these hikes! Distance: 23.8 milesElevation: 4,767 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are welcome to use this trail. In reality, you can make your way to an alpine lake any time of the year. With 50 square miles of golden aspens. Lush alpine scenery unfolds as you ascend the 8.1-mile out-and-back trail nestled in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton. Camp at Twin Lakes White Star Campground. The backcountry hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes features abundant wildlife, glorious mountain backdrops, and beautiful wildflowers. Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. Bloods Lake and Lackawaxen Trail. Parking early in the morning is free at the Bear Lake Trailhead. Photo: Ryan DewaneDistance: 8.43 milesElevation: 1780 ftType: Out-and-back. Cherry Creek Reservoir. Don't Threaten. And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! If you're looking for a secluded adventure, the Mohawk Lakes (upper and lower) are the perfect alpine escape for you. Photo: Abby VohaskaDistance: 8.81 miles Elevation: 2635 ftType: Out-and-back. Distance: 8.12 milesElevation: 2037 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. Its a total bonus if you hit this trail early and arrive for the sunrise! Parking is $5 at the Summit Lake parking lot. To see the entire lake though, youll need to do a bit of climbing up the shore. Technically you can swim at many alpine lakes in Colorado, but you probably dont want to. 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. Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. 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. 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. Many of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado are alpine lakes with clear blue water. Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back the most part. Length: 63 miles. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Photo: Whitney JamesDistance: 3.15 milesElevation: 650 ftType: Out-and-back. 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! Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. 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! Distance: 9.22 milesElevation: 2270 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek located near Crestone. . Think you need to be a hiking pro to enjoy amazing alpine lake hikes in Colorado? You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. To extend your adventure, you can continue on to Isabelle Glacier. Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. Then recheck it the day before your hike. Take the Glacier Gorge Trail up a steep, winding dramatic valley that terminates at the famed Sky Pond. Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. Distance: 0.8 milesElevation: 32 feetDifficulty: Easy with accessibility rampsRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. "In cold, productive alpine lakes, trout can live to be quite old," says Jeff Spohn, aquatic biologist for Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife.