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

You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. Scope out sweet views of Mont Massive and the mighty Sawatch Range (home to 14 of Colorados tallest peaks). After seeing Island Lake continue ahead and take a right to form a small loop. Extend your time at this magnificent spot and camp at one of the campsites found around both lakes. Although Gore Lake looks reasonable on paper, this is a tough hike, with much of the elevation gained in the last couple of miles. Want a bit more of a challenge? Bushnell lakes sit under Bushnell Peak and SE of Stout Lakes drainage. Once at the lakes, you can go for a swim (so bring a suit!) Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, Im not kidding about the moose! All photos (263) The total round trip hike to Island Lake with the loop is 8 miles with 2,700 ft elevation gain. Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. 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. If you are up for the challenge Island Lake is worth the visit! Its a total bonus if you hit this trail early and arrive for the sunrise! Connecting the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake, Trail Ridge Road traverses Rocky Mountain National Park, making this one of the most scenic mountain passes in Colorado. Lake Ann - Only accessible by way of a 1.75-mile well-maintained trail, this pristine lake is ruggedly scenic and extremely protected. Filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by mind-blowing settings, these backcountry bodies of water are meant to be enjoyed. Distance: 3.77 milesElevation: 722 ftType: Out-and-back. Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. They are remote and wild, but also peaceful and pristine at the same time. Another worthwhile alpine lake hike near Breckenridge is Crystal Lake, which gives the ultimate solitude and scenery double punch. Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. 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 . Start from the Bear Lake parking lot and hike the gentle trail towards Lake Haiyaha, passing through the alluring Emerald Lake. We can easily drive 30 minutes into high elevation aspen forests & alpine lakes when desired. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. This includes water, snacks, sun protection, extra layers, and more. Parking early in the morning is free at the Bear Lake Trailhead. 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. + Save to a List. Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. This alpine-lake hike should make every Coloradan's bucket list. Think you need to be a hiking pro to enjoy amazing alpine lake hikes in Colorado? Ice Lake Trailhead is located 7 miles west of Silverton. Distance: 0.8 milesElevation: 32 feetDifficulty: Easy with accessibility rampsRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Nestled in Roosevelt National Forest, you can set foot on this adventure to three alpine lakes and a lagoon with the opportunity to pass by splendid waterfalls and wildflowers. Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. She'd rather be dirty than done up. The lake is an additional 2-ish miles from the parking area. Mohawk Lakes offer plenty of picture-perfect backcountry camping or opportunities to summit nearby mountains, such as Father Dyer. Did you know that Colorado is home to over 2,000 lakes? Youll want to be prepared for cooler weather, even in the middle of summer. Alpine lakes are defined by being any lake that sits above 10,000 feet above sea level. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. 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. But on your way there, take moments of rest to appreciate the view of Longs Peak to the south and Tyndall Creek. Technically you can swim at many alpine lakes in Colorado, but you probably dont want to. Bring a swimsuit! Directions SUV recommended: From the Town of Crested Butte, take Gothic Road (Route 135) north a total of 12.6 miles. Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that youve already checked with good old Google. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. Be cautious, however, as thunderstorms are quite common in the summertime. Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Lush alpine scenery unfolds as you ascend the 8.1-mile out-and-back trail nestled in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton. or anything. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism For more information on how to do this lake loop, continue to our Rocky Mountain National Park Guide. If youre looking for a moderate jaunt with big view payout, check out Silver Dollar Lake outside of Georgetown. 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. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. What does 2023 look like for gray wolf reintroduction? Youll get glimpses of Longs Peak and Alberta Falls (in the summer). You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. Note that parking at the Brainard Lake Recreational Area lot costs $10 and fills up quickly. Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Pass by the popular Alberta Falls, but keep trekking to leave the crowds behind and find yourself in complete solitude in this vast and unbelievably beautiful wilderness. Photo: Whitney JamesDistance: 3.15 milesElevation: 650 ftType: Out-and-back. Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. Breathtaking beauty awaits hikers at South Colony Lakes. Be Truthful. The Alpine Loop leaves pavement and people behind, crossing the remote, rugged, spectacular heart of the San Juan Mountains. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. 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. The lakes are also great fishing destinations, so be sure to pack a rod and some tackle along with your tent for a surreal nature getaway. 2. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Marys Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. There are a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. The 9.5-mile out-and-back trail located near Vail climbs nearly 3,000 feet in elevation before reaching the awe-inspiring mountain lake. 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. 11. The Maroon Bells are world renowned for being some of the most breathtaking mountains in the US. In the summer, the wildflowers are quite magical. Lake of the Clouds brings you tranquil scenery and plenty of views. Check that the ice is fully frozen on the lake before stepping on to cross in the colder months! 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. These high-altitude lakes are typically much clearer than their low elevation counterparts and are often fed directly by snowmelt. However, dont be fooled by the easy accessibility. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. Please note, reservations may be required to visit the park. For dramatic views of Longs Peak and the iconic Diamond headwall, head up to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is one of the easiest lakes on this list to get to, but is therefore also the most crowded. Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake with clear teal water. This popular alpine lake Colorado hike near Vail, Colorado will take you across Pitkin Creek and on an intense, narrow climb up the mountain. person will not be tolerated. Youll find over 2,000 alpine lakes in Colorado. Learn more 5h 16m. "With an ample forage base such as scuds, crayfish, terrestrials, aquatic insects these fish can live 10 plus years and grow to very . The Arkansas and local streams around my home base of Salida were blown out and muddy well into July. Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. This truly-epic alpine lake hike is long, but worth the effort. Accessing this alpine wonder is simple. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Keep in mind, the average hiker moves at about 2 miles an hour or covers 1,000 feet of elevation gain in an hour. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. Toll. Keep it Clean. It's the state's highest peak. #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. Start on the Glacier Gorge Trail (like you would for Sky Pond) except veer left at the fork. Dogs welcome. Spooky indeed! This adventure features several waterfalls, streams, a creek, and meadows teeming with beautiful wildflowers a photographers dream! Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Length: 7.9 mi Est. Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. Come and try out the great hiking and mountain biking trails too! The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. However, with that being said, its still worth a visit to gaze upon this magical fairytale lake. 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. In winter the trail may be impossible without ice climbing gear. Since the trail to get to Ice Lake is steep and long you should make sure to wear hiking boots. . Hike to Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes, 25. Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! This water adventure features beautiful cascading waterfalls among steep rocky cliffs and lush green pine trees. 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. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. . Alpine Loop drive takes 4-6 hours to cover the distance between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. Length: 63 miles. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. The hike to lower blue lake is 6 miles round trip with 1,610 ft elevation gain. Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. For the best wildflowers, do this hike in late July. Aside from the deep blues waters, hikers are delighted with wildflower-filled meadows bordering the lakes in bright and beautiful colors. Those launching float tubes and canoes will appreciate being able to drive within spitting distance of the many lakes and small . The water is piercingly clear blue, which will entice you to jump right in! But what if I told you we havent been given access to over half of whats really out there? 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. Error! Distance: 23.8 milesElevation: 4,767 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are welcome to use this trail. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! Its my favorite backpacking route in Colorado and well-worth an overnight. Colorado will soon see moisture from what was Hurricane Nora and flash flood watches are already in effect for parts of the state. Don't Threaten. Named for its stunning waters, Emerald Lake is overflowing with beauty. It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. Surrounding peaks of granite reflect off the lake's beautiful emerald green waters nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park. Plan accordingly. And located in the saddle of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, Tyndall Glacier (one of five active glaciers in the park) offers breathtaking views. The trail starts off steep, dropping into a valley before running flat, then climbing steeply up again. This lake is located in the alpine layer at 11,746 ft and as you get closer to the lake it will get significantly colder and more windy. 8 to 4 miles Round TripElevation: Depends. In terms of the best lake hikes, Colorado offers some incredibly unique lakes and the Hanging Lake hike takes the cake. 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. Overview. "In cold, productive alpine lakes, trout can live to be quite old," says Jeff Spohn, aquatic biologist for Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. This trail is popular and can get very crowded, so try to hike it either really early or much later in the day. Surround yourself in an amphitheater of dramatic rock and scope out of the best alpine lakes in Colorado. Lake Isabelle is one of the best winter hikes in Colorado (add about five miles round trip for the winter hike). 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. The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. The best time to visit lakes in Colorado is between May and October when there is no snow so they are easier to get to. Success! Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Trek your way through stunning alpine country to one of the most picturesque lakes in the state Hanging Lake. Length 6.7 miElevation gain 1,699 ftRoute type Out & back. all along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America's most . This adventure will bring you by wide open meadows and plenty of wildlife (look out for moose and elk!) Photo: Ryan MckinneyDistance: 4.09 milesElevation: 374 ftType: Out-and-back. Start at Brainard Lake and make your way up the valley to Lake Isabelle where youll have views of the Isabelle Glacier a permanent snowfield. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Theres nothing more grounding and invigorating than a rousing climb to a crystal clear alpine lake, followed by a little exploration, relaxation, (and certainly a picnic), at a pristine mountain paradise at around 11,000. These serene alpine lakes near Denver are something everyone should experience this summerbut please remember our earth is fragile so LEAVE NO TRACE! Aside from craggy peaks, youll also see wildflowers springing from the ground all along the banks of the lakes during summer. Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes and three other unnamed lakes are all in the area. 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. Theres no shortage of fantastic mountain and lake views. The United States Should Adopt The Allemannsretten, 5 Great Spots in Colorado for Fall Colors. Starting at 10,390 elevation and reaching 12,000 this hike has it all. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. The parking lot at Bear Lake Trailhead typically gets full very early, so make sure to get there early so you dont have to take a shuttle. The breathtaking clear blue American Lake is located in Aspen, 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. Start at the main trailhead and wander up either Crystal Creek Road (the uphill ramp on your right if youre looking at the end of the lot) or continue straight past the lot to the upper lot (about a 5-car pull out) where the road intersects the Wheeler Trail. You'll be surrounded by jagged peak, stunning summer wildflower displays, and crystal clear waters. The hike gains more than 3,000 feet of elevation, so be prepared for a strenuous climb coached with incredible views to keep you distracted. Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State Park. The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. To see the entire lake though, youll need to do a bit of climbing up the shore. Banff Sunshine. 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. They have recently been working in that area, so check with the Forest Service for recent conditions. Distance: 5.4 milesElevation: 1,072 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. Traverse forests of aspen and lodgepole pine and enjoy views of surrounding peaks and valleys before arriving at some of the, This 160-acre tarn resides at 12,836' at Summit Lake Park beneath Mt. No dogs are allowed in the yurt over winter. An alternative to driving on your own is toreserve a spoton the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands Village to Maroon Bells. Be Nice. Distance: 8.12 milesElevation: 2037 ftType: Out-and-back. Since it's a relatively short hike, this is a great one for a family nature outing. 10 Remarkable Trails Near Denver To Add To Your Summer Bucket List, 10 Destinations Everyone In Denver Needs to Visit This Summer, Everyone In Denver Must Visit This Epic Hot Spring As Soon As Possible, This Swimming Spot Has The Clearest, Most Pristine Water Near Denver, 16 Unforgettable Things You Must Add To Your Denver Summer Bucket List, 10 Gorgeous Lakes To Visit Around Denver This Summer, 7 Of The Best Beaches Around Denver To Visit This Summer, These 11 Epic Wildflower Hikes Around Denver Are Completely Out Of This World. Something that absolutely should be on your list of things to do with kids in Colorado! Keep in mind permits are required and parking fills up fast. Expect to see some seriously stunning cascading waterfalls along the way. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. Enjoy spanning vistas of the Tenmile Range including Pacific Peak, Atlantic Peak, and Crystal Peak (all of which are excellent Colorado 13ers to try!). There are plenty of wildlife viewing (moose, turkey, deer, ptarmigan) and fishing opportunities. On the way youll pass three additional lakes, including the iconic Dream Lake. Distance: 12.9 milesElevation: 2,919 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are allowed if on a leash and the best time to visit is between March and October. Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). 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. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. By the way, the lake we hiked to was Lost Lake past Eldora.loaded with brookies but also unfortunately with groups of loud hikers and overnight campers, despite the steep uphill climb. the most part. It can be hard to narrow down which hikes, Colorado is a beautiful state with tall peaks, incredible lakes, and four unique national parks. Then recheck it the day before your hike. Our first date was a three-day camping trip on the backroads of Colorado. Keep moving forward and the trail will switch back and then head up the mountain. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. Mount Evans is a 14er that boasts fantastic views of the lake, Mt. The trail features colorful wildflower meadows, breathtaking views, and plenty of wildlife. Kevin BuggieBPL Member. Nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park lies Dream Lake. Simply hike to Loch Vale instead. Check with the Castle Mountain Recreation Company for more up-to-date information. Arrive early to get a spot and spend more of the day exploring! Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no . Awesome views, wildlife, lakes and wild flowers await you on this lollipop loop ride. Use the 'Report' link on Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. This picturesque adventure boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. You're going to want to bring your camera on these adventures. Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 7.7 milesElevation: 2,522 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. This hike also has a waterfall. What I love about this Colorado lake hike is just how quiet it is. At these lakes you can canoe, kayak, and paddle board. There is nothing better than waking up and enjoying a hot cup of coffee next to a cold alpine lake. These incredible, Climb a 3.5-mile trail along an open ridge in the Eagles Nest Wilderness to reach one of the, One option is this challenging all-day hike that involves a bounty of supreme alpine splendor. It's the state's highest peak. In order to avoid storms at high altitude, youll want to start your hike EARLY, sometimes before the sun rises, depending on the length of the hike. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Table of Contents hide 1 Shadow Mountain Lake 2 Green Mountain Reservoir 3 Dream Lake 4 Two Rivers Lake 5 Crater Lake 6 Grand Lake 7 Lake Granby 8 Piney Lake 9 Sylvan Lake State Park 10 Twin Lakes 11 Lake Dillon 12 Blue Mesa Reservoir 13 Chatfield State Park Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. The Alpine Lakes is the largest wilderness area . Again, it depends. Distance: 2.93 milesElevation: 675 ftType: Loop. Spalding. Some hikes, like, Sedona is one of the most amazing places to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. In the summer, the trail becomes a 44 road that you can still hike on, terminating at a parking lot. that is degrading to another person. Use a private browsing window to sign in. There are also many opportunities for overnight backcountry adventures at one of the mountain lakes near Denver in James Peak Wilderness. The designation means Spinney is public fishing water that produces a minimum of 12 fish of 14in or more and 60lbs per acre. Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. Early July 2020 My first trip to the beautiful remote Sand Creek Lakes high above the Wet Mountain Valley in Colorado was in 2017, a year of the big runoff. Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. It lies at treeline in a spectacular alpine valley framed by Navajo, Apache and Shoshoni peaks. There are hiking trails near the lakes with great views of the lakes and surrounding mountains. Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. 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. In fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. Above treeline, the weather can move in quickly and even on a sunny day, the air can feel quite cool. The wildflower lined trail is short and beautiful, clocking in at 2.1 miles round trip. There are other great trout reservoirs in the area, but only Spinney is a Gold Medal water. Photo by Kyle Jenkins. If you're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. Nineteen of the 24 lakes shown in the video sit above 10,000 feet in elevation. Maroon Lake brings you the best of the Bells, the Maroon Bells that is. 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. Lake Helene is another great option for explorers of Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Dog-Friendly: Bloods Lake - No, Lake Lackawaxen - Yes. RELATED: Views are stunning and fish . Located in the San Juan Mountains, the lake also attracts a variety of wildlife including elk and moose. 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. This moderate hike is a great way to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in Colorado without the lung-busting elevation gain. Its nine miles round trip, gaining about 1,780 feet of elevation. This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. Dream Lake is a vision right out of a fairy tale in the early morning hours. Youll need high clearance to get to the upper lot. Our other most popular lakeside elopement locations in Colorado are Blue Lakes near Breckenridge and Lake Isabelle near Boulder. When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. Alpine Lakes in Colorado. Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. 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. Distance From Telluride: 10 miles | 22 minutes Accessibility: Rugged, off-road vehicle recommended Activities: Fishing, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding Located just 20 minutes outside of Telluride, Alta Lakes is a popular destination for couples and families seeking a convenient water retreat. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area.