colorado alpine lakes you can drive to colorado alpine lakes you can drive to

RELATED: Views are stunning and fish . 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. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. Also, keep in mind there are restrictions on where you can walk, so be respectful of signs and regulations. This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. Parking early in the morning is free at the Bear Lake Trailhead. An alternative to driving on your own is toreserve a spoton the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands Village to Maroon Bells. After seeing Island Lake continue ahead and take a right to form a small loop. 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. Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. The trail will take you through both wildflower-filled meadows and forest. Twin Lakes are two beautiful lakes located at the base of Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado. Distance: 10.5 milesElevation: 2,975 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Parking is limited so consider taking the free bus from the Vail Village parking structure to the trailhead. Most of the Alpine lakes lie in valleys that were formed during the uplift of the mountain chain of the Alps. Which lake near Denver has the bluest water? 1. Your email address will not be published. This trail is well-used but has an interesting start as you make your way up next to and around a huge railway tunnel. racist or sexually-oriented language. Chicago Lakes is a popular hiking trail in the Mount Evans Wilderness that has two magnificent lakes with stellar views of the foothills and of Mount Evans. This robust trail near Copper travels through sculpted canyons, pine forests, and open meadows as it ascends 3 vigorous miles to a pair of pristine, Don't let this demanding 10 mile hike intimidate you, because this glistening chain of alpine lakes nestled beneath Red Peak on North Willow Creek, is an unforgettable experience everyone should enjoy. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Our first date was a three-day camping trip on the backroads of Colorado. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. Come July and August, Lawn Lake is arguably the best lake for fishing in the park. 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. UPPER & LOWER BUSHNELL LAKES. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). 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. But once there, you can take in impressive panoramas of the valley below as well as hidden meadows, streams, and ponds. Trek your way through stunning alpine country to one of the most picturesque lakes in the state Hanging Lake. Sundial Peak over Lake Blanche. 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. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can Drive To!) Youll find over 2,000 alpine lakes in Colorado. 1. You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. Long Lake is an alpine explorers paradise. Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. Water activities including fishing and kayaking are great ways to spend time exploring the area, especially if you plan to stay and camp. This article will walk you through the best lakes in Colorado and how to get to these lakes. 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. This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Its nine miles round trip, gaining about 1,780 feet of elevation. Something that absolutely should be on your list of things to do with kids in Colorado! Be Nice. There are plenty of wildlife viewing (moose, turkey, deer, ptarmigan) and fishing opportunities. The 8.9-mile out-and-back trail is blazed in beauty. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Dogs are welcome, but due to the crowds, keep Fido leashed. The natural beauty of a waterfall is within easy reach of Denver. Since the trail to get to Ice Lake is steep and long you should make sure to wear hiking boots. Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. 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. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. The total hike round trip to Middle Blue Lake is 7.6 miles with 2,292 ft elevation gain. Definitely come prepared with a suit to take a dip. before arriving at the lake, where goof fishing has been reported. Also, dont be an ass, you are not allowed to swim or climb around on the logs here. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. The freshwater lake is the perfect spot for boating or fishing. Walk another half mile and youll see a beautiful waterfall, followed by stellar views of Lily Lake. Yes. The middle and upper are said to have the best views. Distance: 8.12 milesElevation: 2037 ftType: Out-and-back. They are remote and wild, but also peaceful and pristine at the same time. Blue Lakes Trail in Telluride, Colorado takes you to three of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. Youll need high clearance to get to the upper lot. What does 2023 look like for gray wolf reintroduction? Check the weather. The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. Expect to see some seriously stunning cascading waterfalls along the way. Named for its stunning waters, Emerald Lake is overflowing with beauty. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Awesome views, wildlife, lakes and wild flowers await you on this lollipop loop ride. This is a busy area, but for good reason, the views are delicious! Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. The hike to this lake is an additional 0.7 miles from Lower Blue Lake but is very steep, with about 664 ft elevation gain. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. The Outbound Collective 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. 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. Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado is an easy daytime hike that features expansive alpine landscapes and brilliant turquoise waters. An alternative to driving on your own is to. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. Dont forget to turn left at the graves or youll pass right by the final push to Gore Lake! Colorado will soon see moisture from what was Hurricane Nora and flash flood watches are already in effect for parts of the state. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. You'd better allow 7 hours to fully enjoy the scenic beauty, however. Distance: 9.7 milesElevation: 1,643 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: If you plan on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, youll need to pay the $25 entrance fee. Then, continue climbing to blue Lake at the base of Mt. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. Arizona has many unique hiking opportunities with a wide range of elevation, climate, and views. Once at the lakes, you can go for a swim (so bring a suit!) 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. The hike will start with views of sweeping meadows and will follow along the South Boulder Creek. 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. Please note, reservations are required to visit the park. Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. Although Gore Lake looks reasonable on paper, this is a tough hike, with much of the elevation gained in the last couple of miles. Use the 'Report' link on This picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. Columbine Lake Trail #509 in San Juan National Forest is a difficult and steep trail with 16 discernible switchbacks but it's worth the effort. Camping is permitted and free around Alta Lakes in Telluride with campsites littered all around the three lakes. Think you need to be a hiking pro to enjoy amazing alpine lake hikes in Colorado? In the spring and early summer you can enjoy wildflowers on the hikes, and in the fall you get to see the Aspens fall foliage. Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. Cash fees may apply for accessing the area. 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 Colorados 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. Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. Before reaching Heart Lake, be sure to soak in the alpine views first at Rogers Lake. Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. Remember to treat this natural wonderland with great care to preserve its vivid beauty and to keep it pristine for those who visit next! Improve this listing. 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. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. You'll take the Mitchell Lake Trail, crossing Mitchell Creek and passing Mitchell Lake along the way. Spooky indeed! Both alpine lakes sit at an elevation of about 11,000 feet. . 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. The trail is located near Glenwood Springs, offering the perfect post-adventure spot. Almost countless. Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Discover this alpine wonder by taking Rogers Pass Trail, a 9.1-mile out-and-back trail located near Rollinsville. Distance: 6.92 milesElevation: 1804 ftType: Out-and-back. Stay awhile and enjoy the views! This is a do-able day hike, but there are spots for camping if you want to stay overnight. This is one of the most iconic adventures in Colorado and for good reason! Once you arrive, you wont want to leave which is why many people consider Gore Lake one of the best backpacking trips in Colorado. Photo by Kyle Jenkins. The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. While opting for the alpine wonder is suitable for a wider range hiking skill levels, bagging both peaks is only recommend for the most experienced hikers. 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. Related: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local. 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. Required fields are marked *. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation: 846 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. During the Ice Age of the geologically . Kevin BuggieBPL Member. The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. There's a reason Maroon Lake is arguably the most photographed lake in the state. Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State Park. Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. 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. Hike to Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes, 25. In layman's terms, they are the state's finest fisheries. Distance: 8.47 milesElevation: 1706 ftType: Loop. In winter the trail may be impossible without ice climbing gear. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 1,765 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. If youre lucky, youll get a perfect reflection of these towering peaks against the lake. This adventure features several waterfalls, streams, a creek, and meadows teeming with beautiful wildflowers a photographers dream! 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: 2.8 miles round trip. Youll be gasping for air from the steep inclines and incredible scenes. that is degrading to another person. 11. + Save to a List. In the winter, there is no fee, but the road is closed. Whenever you hear someone talk about catching trout in the mountain lakes of the Rockies, the term that often comes up is "alpine". 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. Think again! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 42 min to complete. 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 . Take the Wheeler trail until it intersects with Crystal Creek Road. 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. We searched for alpine lakes to hike to in the area and came across Crystal Lake in Saint Marie's, Idaho. The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. However, dont be fooled by the easy accessibility. Alpine Lakes in Colorado. all along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America's most . Before you hit the trail, there are several important things to remember. Distance: 3.77 milesElevation: 722 ftType: Out-and-back. Throughout the years Ive hiked well over 1,000 miles of terrain here in Colorado. The lake has an elevation of 9,905 feet at the base of Hallett's Peak, which is accessible via the famed Bear Lake trailhead. To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. Yep, us too. Heart Lake is another great option for backpackers. As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. However, the serenity of the lakes is well worth the butt-busting effort. The total round trip hike to Island Lake with the loop is 8 miles with 2,700 ft elevation gain. 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. 5h 16m. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. The byway provides many scenic overlooks to view each of these Colorado beauties. 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. Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. The Lake Haiyaha hike is accessible year-round and a great option for beginners or those looking for a gentle day and one of the best winter hikes in Colorado. Reservations are no longer required until summer 2023. ppmicrosoftteams-image_24.png Enjoy Pikes Peak at your leisure on the safe, scenic Pikes Peak Highway. It can be hard to narrow down which hikes, Colorado is a beautiful state with tall peaks, incredible lakes, and four unique national parks. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. And the fish well, they just float on down, once deployed from the airplane. Arrive early to get a spot and spend more of the day exploring! Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. Lake Ann - Only accessible by way of a 1.75-mile well-maintained trail, this pristine lake is ruggedly scenic and extremely protected. Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. Granite spires surrounding the lake, one referred to as sharks tooth. There are also two 13,000-foot peaks nearby, Taylor and Powell. Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. In terms of the best lake hikes, Colorado offers some incredibly unique lakes and the Hanging Lake hike takes the cake. Youll cross a couple of creeks so be sure to have the appropriate footwear on. Youll likely want to stay overnight to prolong your time in this picturesque environment, but do note that permits are required for campers. Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. Aside from the deep blues waters, hikers are delighted with wildflower-filled meadows bordering the lakes in bright and beautiful colors. Suggest edits to improve what we show. The hike to lower blue lake is 6 miles round trip with 1,610 ft elevation gain. 8 to 4 miles Round TripElevation: Depends. This adventure takes you through a well-marked trail with fantastic mountain views. High-clearance vehicles are best suited for getting to this scenic secluded spot. Cherry Creek Reservoir. The trail features colorful wildflower meadows, breathtaking views, and plenty of wildlife. You can hike to this lake from either Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. If you love the wildflowers, don't miss the serene trek into Eagles Nest Wilderness to Gore Lake. If you are actually interested in how my dogs are incredibly cared for (& my dog skijoring/ mushing ventures), you can see where they live via @mesamutts on IG - 5 acre fenced dog paradise. Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. 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. Doggies welcome. Sky Pond is one of the most jaw-dropping sights to see. Filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by mind-blowing settings, these backcountry bodies of water are meant to be enjoyed. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! Green Mountain Reservoir. The Alpine Loop leaves pavement and people behind, crossing the remote, rugged, spectacular heart of the San Juan Mountains. Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. . Accessibility from North Cascades Highway makes it an excellent stop on a road trip through the area. Photos (9,863) Directions. Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. Distance: 6.5 milesElevation: 1,804 feetDifficulty: moderate to difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail gets insanely busy in the summer, so start early. Note that this hike does require permits, so be sure to reserve yours in advance to enjoy this fun summertime waterfall adventure! Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Photo: Whitney JamesDistance: 3.15 milesElevation: 650 ftType: Out-and-back. Set a check-in time and have that person try to check in with you first, before calling authorities (just in case you forget to circle back). For more information on how to do this lake loop, continue to our Rocky Mountain National Park Guide. 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. Distance: 2.8 milesElevation: 885 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and local tips: Dogs are allowed to use this trail. The Arkansas and local streams around my home base of Salida were blown out and muddy well into July. If you already made it to Middle Blue Lake it is a quick 0.2 mile walk to Upper Blue Lake. Note that parking at the Brainard Lake Recreational Area lot costs $10 and fills up quickly. By: Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Mount Evans is a 14er that boasts fantastic views of the lake, Mt. Blue Lakes Basin is a must for explorers of the Mount Sneffels Wilderness. Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. The United States Should Adopt The Allemannsretten, 5 Great Spots in Colorado for Fall Colors. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. Get going on this adventure to the three beautiful Blue Lakes nestled among Colorados San Juan Range in the Uncompahgre National Forest. It connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, where it is generally considered to begin (and end). Distance: 8.02 milesElevation: 2500 ftType: Out-and-back. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible . Threats of harming another 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Keep in mind that State Forest State Park requires a fee. Check with the Castle Mountain Recreation Company for more up-to-date information. Gore Lake. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Cutthroats were originally named by William Clark on the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition. Pass by several waterfalls on your way to one of the most magnificent lakes in all of Colorado. After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) In the Fall, the Aspen grove comes alive with color, making for an especially memorable experience. Square Top Lakes, Guanella Pass Square Top Lakes via Shutterstock. person will not be tolerated. "With an ample forage base such as scuds, crayfish, terrestrials, aquatic insects these fish can live 10 plus years and grow to very . Breathe in the fresh air and set up a hammock to enjoy the most incredible mountain and alpine lake backdrop. For dramatic views of Longs Peak and the iconic Diamond headwall, head up to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. 1. The hike from Bear Lake Trailhead is 3.6 miles round trip with about 740 ft elevation gain. This water adventure features beautiful cascading waterfalls among steep rocky cliffs and lush green pine trees. Eloping in Colorado gives you access to epic views of 15 mountain ranges, 54 peaks over 10,000 feet, alpine lakes, meadows of wildflowers, and a vast variety of gorgeous backdrops. The best time to do this hike is early in the morning for sunrise you wont be mad you did! 20 Gift Ideas for People Who Love to Travel, 10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary: From Hot Springs to Cloud Forests, Sedona Off the Beaten Path: Sedona Hidden Gems, Top Shaded Hikes in Sedona: Sedona Summer Hikes, 16 Top Destinations in the Southwest US You Must See. Distance: 23.8 milesElevation: 4,767 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are welcome to use this trail. 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". Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Bear Lake is a popular lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Located outside of the beautiful mountain town of Vail, the trail to the lake is about 12.5 miles out-and-back. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. 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. Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). Continue for several more miles until reaching the base of The Spearhead, a famous mountaineering objective. 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. Photo: Abby VohaskaDistance: 8.81 miles Elevation: 2635 ftType: Out-and-back. In winter, you will have to take a walk-around to avoid avalanche terrain so be alert. Chasm Lake makes for a beautiful summer adventure. This list comes from years of research and is a total labor of love. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. You can take a dip at Sprouting Rock in a stunning turquoise oasis found just behind Hanging Lake. Lush alpine scenery unfolds as you ascend the 8.1-mile out-and-back trail nestled in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton. To get there, follow Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes for 8.6 miles of out-and-back beauty.