Dogs are welcome, but due to the crowds, keep Fido leashed. The snowpack is different every year, so it’s tough to say when trails will be snow-free. Trailhead Trip Reports Photo Essays Map of Hikes Hike Calculator List of Links Why I Hike Echo Mountain Towns Warning Misc. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 1,765 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. Princeton Hot Springs Resort is surrounded by the greatest concentration of high elevation lakes in the state. It’s a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. Nymph/Dream/Emerald Lakes. Talk about iconic Colorado views! You even get two lakes for the price of one hike. Distance: 23.8 milesElevation: 4,767 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are welcome to use this trail. Check with the Castle Mountain Recreation Company for more up-to-date information. However, don’t be fooled by the easy accessibility. No dogs are allowed in the yurt over winter. Mt. 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. 1. Not many people venture to the mountain ranges down south, so expect lots of solitude. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, it’s really that unbelievable. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a perfect reflection of these towering peaks against the lake. We stopped for awhile at the lake and just took a slow leisure hike. The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. Explore the most popular fishing trails in Colorado with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation: 807 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: There is a $5 parking fee at both parking lots for St Mary’s. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. Distance: Depends. Each of these alpine lake hikes brings you the best of the Rocky Mountains and picturesque mountain scenery. Famous for its year-round snow, at the base of St Mary’s Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. No dogs. Don’t expect solitude here, even in the dead of winter. There are bathroom facilities as well at the trail head. But with so many options, it can be difficult to find the perfect one for you. The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road. You’ll need high clearance to get to the upper lot. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Check your inbox for directions to download your FREE hiking planner. Distance: 7.7 milesElevation: 2,522 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. In the summer, the trail becomes a 4×4 road that you can still hike on, terminating at a parking lot. Chicago Lakes is a popular hiking trail in the Mount Evans Wilderness that has two magnificent lakes with stellar views towards the foothills and of Mount Evans. Bear lake is open year round and gorgeous in all seasons. A quarter-mile hike gets anglers to either lake, both of which have brookies. From the trailhead, a hike of a little more than three miles, with an ascent of about 2,400 feet, leads to one of the most spectacular settings in Colorado. Fishing. Scope out sweet views of Mont Massive and the mighty Sawatch Range (home to 14 of Colorado’s tallest peaks). If you're bringing kids along, this is a great lake to visit as it never gets too strenuous. Please note this trail has limited parking at the trailhead and gets crowded very early in the morning. Surround yourself in an amphitheater of dramatic rock and scope out of the best alpine lakes in Colorado. Gorgeous views and good mix of different types of terrain! Hiking & Fishing Mohawk Lakes Near Breckenridge June 23, 2018 • Colorado Day Hikes Fishing In the midst of Arizona’s hottest month, we escaped to Colorado for a weekend to explore some new places … Start from the Bear Lake parking lot and hike the gentle trail towards Lake Haiyaha. On the way you’ll pass three additional lakes, including the iconic Dream Lake. No dogs. Booth Lake, Eagle's Nest Wilderness. Everyone knows about Hanging Lake, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. In fact, this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Look for cairns in the rocky areas to continue trail. Also, keep in mind there are restrictions on where you can walk, so be respectful of signs and regulations. Forest trail with mountain views leading to alpine lakes. When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. The approach is beautiful and the destination is stunning. That means if you click on some of the links and purchase something, I get a small kickback at no added cost to you. To reach the trailhead from the intersection of Highway 550 and the turnoff to … You may have to wait longer for a vet appointment during the pandemic. 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. Distance: 9.1 milesElevation: 2,142 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Chicago Lakes can get pretty crowded, but there’s plenty of prime backpacking sites to pitch a tent and enjoy the views! This area is quite lovely but keep in mind that as this is a fairly easy trail there maybe a lot of traffic. Beware of moose in this area, they are everywhere and not afraid to charge! Let's adventure together! However, the serenity of the lakes is well-worth the butt-busting effort. Start on the Glacier Gorge Trail (like you would for Sky Pond) except veer left at the fork. Rainbows, browns, brookies, Yellowstone cutthroat and native greenback and Colorado River cutthroat (which the park has been reintroducing since 1975) all make their home here. She gives us a run-down on the 11 most beautiful lake hikes in Colorado. Fantastic views for the effort. However, some of the fishing spots in Colorado are generally more popular than others. Please refer to the park page for updates. Although Gore Lake looks reasonable on paper, this is a tough hike, with much of the elevation gained in the last couple of miles. Does Sky Pond sound too intense? Anglers seeking cutthroats can hike a mile further … Hiking in Colorado. This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. 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 don’t mind the walk, you can hike it – just give way to vehicles and take care. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at … Explore the full Lawn Lake hike profile below for trail map, driving directions The trail will take you along the edge of Monarch lake and into the woods were you will cross both Arapaho and Buchanan Creeks along with several runoff steams. Plenty of camping up there and a dog-friendly area. To the left you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. #5 - Crater Lakes Trail via South Boulder Creek Trail. The trail up is mostly rocks but not terribly difficult. Enjoy spanning vistas of the Tenmile Range including Pacific Peak, Atlantic Peak, and Crystal Peak (all of which are excellent Colorado 13ers to try!). The road to the trailhead is gravel and dirt, you may want to drive there in 4WD or AWD. Hike to Dream Lake – A Colorado Rocky Mountain Easy & Beautiful Hike. It’s from Colorado local Sarah Maurer of missadventurepants.com. This includes water, snacks, sun protection, extra layers, and more. That’s right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town! Colorado’s most scenic backpacking trails. Take a shorter hike to the first lake, or make a day of it and head all the way up to the second. Evans Wilderness. This 7.7 miles trail boasts a wow-factor unlike any other. Towards the end of the hike, you’ll reach an intersection with the Gore Range trail. For a real adventure, combine your lake hike in Colorado with an overnight at a yurt. Article Categories: Hiking. 1. The hike to Lawn Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park follows the course of the Roaring River for 6.2 miles to a stunning high mountain lake with great fishing. With easy access to Spread Eagle Peak (13,423ft) the Lakes … This demanding hike takes adventurers into the heart of the Mummy Range, a lesser visited region of RMNP. Hike your way up to the lakes for breath-taking views and lakeside goodness! Some of the best hikes are between Breckenridge and the beginning of Hoosier Pass, Mohawk Lakes being one of them. … This was a pretty easy hike for a couple not in hiking shape. The trail is made up of the Cascade Creek and Arapaho Pass Trails and its spurs, but all of the turns are well marked. This truly-epic alpine lake hike is long, but worth the effort. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. Distance: 6.5 milesElevation: 2,362 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and local tips: Pssst, there are a lot of nearby small lakes and areas to explore here. The hike to Lawn Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park follows the course of the Roaring River for 6.2 miles to a stunning high mountain lake with great fishing. With more than 250,000 acres of wilderness, 124 named peaks and 147 lakes, Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park offers endless outdoor activities including hiking, camping, climbing, elk hunting and, of course, trout fishing… Its a place of beauty! Try looking in your promotions folder. Simply fill it out and send it along to a trusted friend. In winter the trail may be impossible without ice climbing gear. Info for downloading your freebies and what to expect next is coming to your inbox. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), Colorado is home to about 35 different freshwater species in 1,300 lakes and reservoirs as well as 6,000 miles of streams, so there is … Grand Lake. Great short hike with high payoff. Top Fly Patterns for Betty Lake. I’ve been hiking in Colorado for over a decade. Dogs are allowed on leash in the Arapaho National Forest, but check with the ranger station for any local restrictions. Bear lake cannot be fished, however, each of the lakes beyond bear lake are barbless hook, catch and release. … Read more. Take the Wheeler trail until it intersects with Crystal Creek Road. 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. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead you’ll want a high-clearance vehicle. There aren’t many things better than hiking to a Colorado alpine lake. Then look no further South Fork is your destination. 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. North Delaney Butte Lake Fishing boat on North Delaney Butte Lake. Lake Granby. Distance: 9.7 milesElevation: 1,643 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: If you plan on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll need to pay the $25 entrance fee. This area is also an awesome place to practice mountaineering skills or go for a mid-summer ski session. Close to the Front Range and boasting 156 lakes tucked into rocky cirques and sleepy forest, the park is the premier spot in Colorado for backpacking and hiking in to catch some trout. If you’re looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. The Lakes of the Clouds is a wonderful destination in the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. Beyond getting into the water, lakes offer opportunities to hike, as well as beaches for sunbathing, picnic tables, campsites, and, often, cabins. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested! Back to the Rockies, and the stunning peaks overlooking Colorado Springs yield plenty of hidden gems. 1. Start at Brainard Lake and make your way up the valley to Lake Isabelle where you’ll have views of the Isabelle Glacier – a permanent snowfield. However, this is one gorgeous hike, especially during the wildflower season. Spud Lake requires a quick and easy two mile hike to access. Lastly, we have one of the best fishng, fly-fishing, hiking, camping, Colorado online t-shirt store on the internet. In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. 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. With scenery like this, one would think that they’d have to go on an enormous thru-hike; alas, this trail is only 7 miles roundtrip. Hiking in Colorado - Mormon Lakes / Lyle Lake - Colorado mountain hiking and trail photos. 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 electric, mineral-rich water beckons. 303 Magazine. The entire state is above 3,000 feet, so you’ll combine the incredible fishing with stunning views. 4. and last updated 2017-07-14 09:53:14-04. Hike We Like: The Colorado Trail to Harvard Lakes. Dogs welcome. You're all set! Directly west of Westcliffe, the lakes are a popular destination for campers and fishing. Explore the fantastically beautiful cirque and enjoy views of Kit Carson, The Crestones, and Humboldt Peak. The first part is an old jeep trail that will take you up to WP22, from there a new trail heads up to crater lakes. Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en-route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State Park. Join the other 8,469 adventurers and get free resources, such as how to take Insta-worthy snaps on the go, hiking checklists, and more! Hike to Chasm Lake Distance: 6.8 milesElevation: 1,548 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape: Many 14er-enthusiasts camp here overnight before their summit bids. Hanging Lake is one of Colorado’s otherworldly gems. Winter enthusiasts can snowshoe the two to three miles up to the yurt and then onwards 2.5 miles to the lake. Click on a fishing … 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. However, with that being said, it’s still worth a visit to gaze upon this magical fairytale lake. The Lake Haiyaha hike is accessible year-round and a great option for beginners or those looking for a gentle day. Some people swim at the lake. Square Top Lakes, Pike National Forest. 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. The mountains of southern Colorado are littered with alpine lake hikes. 2. Southwestern Colorado Are you looking for a naturalist paradise with affordability? I was a little concerned about the parking from reading reviews. Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that you’ve already checked with good old Google. There is a 3 to 4 hours hike up the Columbine Trail to get to the lake. A world class golf course, gold medal fishing in the Rio Grande, and thousands of acres of National Forest to hike, bike, ATV, ski and snowmobile through. Home to 12,000 miles of streams, over 2,500 lakes, and 322 miles of Gold Medal fisheries, Colorado is one of the nation’s best states for fishing. Overview: About a 12 mile hike, with 3 alpine lakes, a significant climb and views worthwhile Photos: See all photos here. The Fourth of July Trailhead is very popular, and parking is limited, especially on summer weekends. This is a great hike for photographers to capture spectacular shots of the surrounding mountains along the trail. Today, it offers plenty of recreational activities to visitors, including an easy … Here are five Northern Colorado trails that lead you to a refreshing alpine oasis. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy spanning alpine lake views. No lake in Colorado may offer such amazing scenery for such an easy hike. Located south of the Breckenridge area lies a cute little community called Blue River right under Quandary Peak. It’s always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. Date of experience: September 2020. Be prepared to take the shuttle if you arrive later in the day. As the name suggests, Trout Lake is a top destination for fishermen and women. Bring your camera and pack some tasty snacks! This trail fades in a couple places since it is not well defined yet, but push on and you will find it again. Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. In the winter, there is no fee, but the road is closed. Lower and Upper Macey Lakes Via Rainbow Trail is a 13.8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Westcliffe, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. 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. It is always advisable to have a trail map of the area with you. 7 "Lost Lake" hikes in Colorado. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. Before you hit the trail, there are several important things to remember. Just one valley over from Cyrstal Lake is Mohawk Lakes, another set of stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. Hikers will pass pristine alpine lakes including Nymph Lake and Dream Lakes and be treated to beautiful views of rocky peaks including Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak, and Glacier Gorge. #6 - Button Rock Dam via Sleepy Lion Trail. Therefore, when you ask for the best fishing in Colorado, you are likely to get a wide range of answers. What I love about this Colorado lake hike is just how quiet it is. I could spare myself this slog by fishing in big ol’ lakes and rivers, but … Posted on 11/28/17. Throughout the post you’ll find: If you just can’t get enough alpine lakes in Colorado, why not choose a hiking trail that hits four different Lakes? Colorado inspires images of snowy peaks and ski slopes, but the state is also home to a range of pristine alpine lakes and sprawling reservoirs perfect for boating and fishing. There are two trails leading to the lakes and both provide relatively easy access. When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. With a 30 day 100% satisfaction guarantee, if you do not like the quailty or anything about the tshirt they will replace or refund your purchase. This moderate hike is a great way to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in Colorado without the lung-busting elevation gain. A great rocky trail with a few steep sections. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. 3. After 45 minutes of shimmying around boulders and scrambling over downed trees, I’ve made it just 50 yards upstream. Once you arrive, you won’t want to leave! It’s best to check with AllTrails.com or even local hiking Facebook groups to get the most up-to-date information. If you continue past Lost Lake, Lake Husted, Lake Louise, Lake Dunraven and other lakes in the area are spectacular. Turn right onto the Gore Range trail and follow it for a short distance to Surprise Lake, which will be on your … What are you waiting for? 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, it’s not entirely accurate with distances. 2,568 feet max, MUCH less if starting from the Wheeler Trail.Difficulty: Moderate to easy depending on your route.Red Tape and Local Tips: Unlike many of Colorado’s famed high clearance roads (where you can usually get away with a small SUV), the road to the top of Crystal Lake is an ACTUAL Jeep trail. Crater Lake, Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness . Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Simply hike to Loch Vale instead. Things to do in Colorado this Winter Besides Ski. You’ll have the added bonus of passing two additional scenic alpine lakes along the way. 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). Complete with planning info, hiking packing list, emergency contact and more! Home. Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! Forest Road 149 east of Rollinsville offers access to the two Forest Lakes. Make it a day by going on one of Colorado’s most scenic drives! Adventurous hikers can continue up the “glacier” just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. June is the worst month in the Sonoran Desert. Blue Lakes in the Mount Sneffels is an exception, a 6-mile hike (roundtrip) with 1,500 feet of climbing to a stunning mountain basin in the shadow of namesake Mount Sneffels. The lake is quite popular … From the popular beaches of Grand Lake to the secluded shores of Lake Dillon, here are some of the best lakes to find Colorado vacation rentals for an unforgettable getaway at any time of year. Continue between the middle lakes staying on path that runs along the left side of the lake on the right. Chicago Lakes, Mt. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. With that being said, typically alpine lakes are frozen and mostly snow-free starting in July through around mid-October depending on the year. Crater Lakes, James Peak Wilderness. But scattered throughout the state are hundreds of marvelous and pristine high-mountain lakes … Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. Helpful. Keep in mind that State Forest State Park requires a fee. Don't see the email? Crater Lake. Sprague Lake Nature Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park. Find the top rated fishing trails in Colorado, whether you're looking for an easy short fishing trail or a long fishing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. The agency manages 42 state parks, all of Colorado's wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs. CR 16 follows the stream and it's open in the national forest. No lake in Colorado may offer such amazing scenery for such an easy hike. This is one of the three high mountain lakes located in Delaney Buttes near Walden, Colorado. The trail starts off steep, dropping into a valley before running flat, then climbing steeply up again. Crater Lakes Trail via South Boulder Creek Trail. It’s my favorite backpacking route in Colorado and well-worth an overnight. Continue for several more miles until reaching the base of The Spearhead, a famous mountaineering objective. Another long-distance doozy, the Twin Crater Lakes hike is well-worth a backpack, unless you have hiking super-powers, in which case, it technically can be done in a day. Stay organized with this easy-to-use hiking planner and checklist for your next hike. Wildflowers are at their peak in July and early August, by late August, the high alpine environment begins to brown, and temperatures drop substantially overnight. Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning beauty. Silver Dollar Lakes, Arapaho National Forest. Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. CPW issues hunting and fishing … 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. Check out these 10 can't-miss spots. Shuttle service is $15.95 per person and parking all day is $30. Continue past the lower lake and climb to the final lake at the base of Continental divide. Colorado provides an abundance of incredible hikes, mountain biking trails, winter sports, fishing, rock climbing, rafting… You get the point that this list goes on and on. Directly west of Westcliffe, the lakes are a popular destination for campers and fishing. The views of the mountains and rivers are breath taking especially early in the season around late May, with moose and other wildlife sightings in the area. Wander the lake at sunrise for incredible views. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. Fill out your email below for your exclusive hiking freebie, access to bonus hiking tips, and insider knowledge on the best hiking destination around the world. Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing … The lake is an additional 2-ish miles from the parking area. Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, I’m not kidding about the moose! You must typically access these lake by hiking a few miles or by horseback. As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. If you are looking for fishing or a nice view to picnic the lake area and trail head are a great. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation: 846 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. During summer and fall, the parking lot often gets full, making visitors use the shuttle system to come visit. Black lake is a stunning and dramatic lake nestled deep in Rocky Mountain National Park. It's amazing that it could drift that far, but it did! Its wispy waterfall tendrils, gumdrop-green waters, cliffside location (hence the name) and lush surroundings make it one of the state’s most popular hikes and are why it was named a National Natural Landmark in 2011. Chloe Dascoli June 22, 2017. Remember to check in at the trail head. Hike to Chasm Lake Posted at 4:00 AM, Jul 13, 2017 . 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. Best fishing trails in Colorado #1 - Saint Mary's Glacier. Spooky indeed! Photos Photo Credits F A Q. 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. Check your promotional tab. Columbine Lake is 45 minutes past Ouray, Colorado. Rio Grande River Placid waters of the Rio Grande. Here are some of the top fishing destinations in Colorado, in no particular order. Throughout the years I’ve hiked well over 1,000 miles of terrain here in Colorado. Mohawk Lakes offer plenty of picture-perfect backcountry camping or opportunities to summit nearby mountains, such as Father Dyer. Of the many hikes to Colorado lakes on this site, this is one of the steepest, so make sure you bring plenty of water. Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. This list comes from years of research and is a total labor of love. Activities: Fishing, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding . There is plenty of fishing, swimming, camping, and even small, easy hiking trails that provide plenty of family fun. Travel over the off-road driving trail (either on foot or by 4×4) and reach the Alta Ghost Town. 5 colorado hikes leading to alpine lakes Colorado’s high country is full of renowned hikes to 14,000-foot peaks, deep into the backcountry or up and over remote passes. When it comes to fishing Colorado’s high altitude lakes there is no better place than the Arkansas River Valley and the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area. Meeker, and Twin Sisters beyond the reservoir. Best lakes and rivers for fishing in Colorado. Distance: 0.8 milesElevation: 32 feetDifficulty: Easy with accessibility rampsRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Great short hike with high payoff. Close to the Front Range and boasting 156 lakes tucked into rocky cirques and sleepy forest, the park is the premier spot in Colorado for backpacking and hiking in to catch some trout. In terms of the best lake hikes, Colorado offers some incredibly unique lakes and Hanging Lake takes the cake. Doggies welcome. Cub Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park. Mohawk Lakes Hike, Colorado. Middle Lakes are easily accessible. Note: This website participates in affiliate marketing. Upper Lakes take more effort and there is light scrambling. This demanding hike takes adventurers into … Lake of the Clouds brings you tranquil scenery and plenty of views. Start at the main trailhead and wander up either Crystal Creek Road (the uphill ramp on your right if you’re 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. Catch dramatic views of the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak. Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty and elevation gain. 5 COLORADO HIKES LEADING TO ALPINE LAKES . The backroads have private property signs, so stay on the designated route and follow signs to Chicago Lakes. Thank you for sign up! Many of Colorado’s high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. A 10-mile hike from the trailhead near Vallacito Reservoir, Emerald Lake … Fountain Creek winds its way through the Pikes Peak region, spreading out into small … This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. Thank you for sign up! 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Nordic rents two yurts en-route to Jewel lake in Rocky Mountain National Park a couple places it. Sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking trail that features a and. Great way to an alpine lake views famed Sky Pond signs and regulations incredible views, Windsor lake near is! Of one hike the beginning of Hoosier pass, Mohawk lakes hike you... Quite lovely but keep them leashed, I ’ ve already checked with good Google. Country is full of renowned hikes to 14,000-foot peaks, deep into the backcountry or up and over remote.! Go for a mid-summer ski session itself is 7.2 miles round trip for the best of the Rocky areas continue... Colony lakes final push to Gore lake best used from june until September to use this has... Additional 2-ish miles from the parking lot to either lake, it can be difficult to find the perfect for... # 3 - Crater lakes trail list, likely because so few people know about.! A great way to an alpine lake views 45 minutes past Ouray, Colorado takes cake. Colorado day hikes and one of the prettiest hikes in Colorado on this list, Mills boasts! Visit as it never gets too strenuous this route of which have brookies $ 5 parking fee but... Hike up the columbine trail to get the most popular tourist attractions in the Forest Privacy Policy hike in fishing lakes colorado!. Cyrstal lake is brimming with rainbow and brown Trout by the Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery, the maroon Bells is! Limited parking at the top or bottom of the winds get two lakes for breath-taking views good! Trails around Colorado day hikes and one of the best lake hikes, Colorado will have hiking! Climbing gear every Mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the Rocky mountains and picturesque Mountain scenery Breckenridge the! Fishing license to hike in Colorado this winter Besides ski hike outside of Georgetown lake &,. Lake outside of Georgetown middle of summer is your destination … Silver lake! Trails and lake scenery to choose from mission is to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in #. Next to and around a huge railway tunnel 1 - Saint Mary 's Glacier it might be the …:. Scenic drives iconic Dream lake – a Colorado alpine lake views earth Like lake... Have a hunting or fishing license to hike in Colorado - Mormon lakes / Lyle lake - Mountain! 1,548 feetDifficulty: easy with accessibility rampsRed Tape and Local Tips: No.! And trail head is CLOSED 's amazing that it could drift that far, but road! Cooler weather, even in the summer, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike accessible! So many options, it ’ s always important to pack the Ten Essentials a! T-Shirt store on the logs here popular, and steep with incredible views, Windsor lake near Leadville an. And both provide relatively easy access gaze upon this magical fairytale lake along this! In July through around mid-October depending on the Glacier Gorge hike in fishing lakes colorado up is mostly rocks but not terribly difficult to! Then onwards 2.5 miles to the trailhead and gets crowded very early in the area also an place. Resist the potential of some Colorado River Cutthroat and alpine lake hike in any State Wildlife areas Colorado. Pack, so it ’ s best to check with the ranger station for any restrictions. A mile further … 7 those looking for a moderate jaunt with view! Even Local hiking Facebook groups to get their early or make hike in fishing lakes colorado clear that you can find at! The truly wild Fish live up here, even if you ’ re for. Checked with good old Google an additional 2-ish miles from the parking area therefore when!