Although it’s hard to go wrong, here’s a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. Grand Lake offers a little bit of everything to travelers, including a historic boardwalk dating back to the late 1800s. If you're looking for water sports and swimming, then Colorado's numerous reservoirs are often where to head, especially on hot summer days. On its north shore is located the historic town of Grand Lake. Although most travelers usually visit Colorado for the plentiful skiing the mountains have to offer, summer is a great time to ski Colorado in a completely different way. Therefore, it is important to check the conditions of various fishing locations before traveling to a favorite fishing spot. There is also good fishing on Grand Lake. It also has cabins and yurt rentals, even in winter. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, there are over 2,000 lakes and reservoirs, offering a span of major boating opportunities.From wide-ranging reservoirs to small mountain lakes, there is an option for everyone. Bradley Lake gets fewer visitors then many others in the park, making it quite peaceful. You can fish from shore or take a boat out. You can also rent pontoon boats from Rocky Mountain Paddleboard and spend the day fishing and chilling on the lake. Best lake trails in Colorado 174,250 Reviews Explore the most popular lake 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. 1. Often considered one of the best hikes in Colorado, you will crest the top of Arapaho Pass before reaching Caribou Lake itself. You'll need to strap on a pair of snowshoes, but the light reflecting off the snow and frozen lake is ethereal. Like many other lakes in the county, it is only accessible on foot by hiking along the Bradley Lake Trail. The sunfish (bass and bluegills) distinctively reside in the margins of large water bodies . An hour south from the capital, Colorado’s second biggest city lies at the eastern foot of the Rockies. Read More: 20 Highest Roads in Colorado 2. McPhee is a large lake in southwest Colorado. At an elevation of 10,620 feet, it is a subalpine lake surrounded by mountains much higher than it. Let’s just be honest: you probably couldn’t go wrong picking from any camping spots in Colorado on a map while blindfolded. This is a good time to photograph the lake as well. When talking about the best lakes in Colorado, it's impossible not to include reservoirs - the state has over three dozen large reservoirs, and many of them are absolutely gorgeous. If you’re wanting to do some fishing, the lake is stocked with trout. Maroon Bells, near Aspen, are two of Colorado’s most famous mountains and well known for their views. 303magazine.com. There are also opportunities to spot all kinds of wild creatures, from fox to moose, elk, and deer. They are among the most photographed mountains in the country. 8. It’s from Colorado local Sarah Maurer of missadventurepants.com. 1. Explore the most popular lake trails near Colorado Springs with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Quail Lake Park. Colorado boaters have an overwhelming amount of options when it comes to finding a place to launch their boats and hit the water. From hiking around the water to fishing, boating, picnicking, and swimming, there are endless ways to spend the perfect day here. There are also hiking trails around the lake and opportunities for horseback riding and mountain biking. In summer, you can drive between it and Estes Park on the other side via Trail Ridge Road, which is the highest paved road in the US. Best Lakes in Colorado 1. The Best Camping in Colorado. Beyond getting into the water, lakes offer opportunities to hike, as well as beaches for sunbathing, picnic tables, campsites, and, often, cabins. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. One of the best lakes in Colorado to live on is Lake Granby. The trail begins in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, which requires a $12 fee to enter, although most of the hike is in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Piney Lake near Vail. © Copyright 2020 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Instead, you'll need to hike in and out via the Fern Lake or Bear Lake trails. www.tripadvisor.com . 915 Cheyenne Mountain Blvd “Easily one of my favorite spots in the Springs. Directions. To rent boats, paddleboards, or kayaks head to the local marina. There is a beach area for swimmers and sunbathers and also plenty of options to get on the reservoir in a boat. Lather up with sunscreen and bring your umbrellas every summer for swimming at Colorado’s best beaches. It's hard to pick the very best lakes in Colorado when the state is home to more than 4,000 bodies of water, both natural and manmade. You can purchase a fishing license at the lake or in Lake City. On a clear day, the lake is like mirrored glass, and you can see 12,129-foot Notchtop Mountain reflected in the shallow basin. North Delaney Butte Lake. This list showcases some of the best lake rentals Colorado has to offer. As such, it is one of the most popular destination hikes in the park. Paddleboard on the shore of Horsetooth Reservoir at dusk. High Alpine lakes have their place in the best fall hikes in Colorado. Photo: Mike Fennell. Community Sailing of Colorado offers sailing classes and rentals if this is something you'd like to try. 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. 1. Popular Colorado Lakes. There are also guided fishing trips available for the gold medal and wild trout found in these waters, but you are, of course, welcome to fish on your own as long as you have a state fishing license. Lake Granby. The hike is perfect for families and takes you past lush meadows and forested terrain. Written in an engaging way. Gaining 987 feet in elevation, the hike is moderately strenuous and is best undertaken between June and October, when the snow has mostly melted. At the north end of Summit County along the Blue River, manmade Green Mountain Reservoir is a fun place to plan a summer camping trip on the water with a group of friends or family. The trail is just 2.2 miles out and back and starts at the Bear Lake trailhead. Located right outside of Lake City Colorado, the lake looks like a layer of glass reflecting the bright colors of the surrounding mountains. Pro Tip: Rocky Mountain National Park and the north/south stretch from Boulder to Fort Collins are two areas with the most lakes in the state. Car and Tent camping - $17. From the trailhead, follow the trail past Lower Ice Lake, which is a spectacular destination in itself. Grand Lake is a quaint and picturesque little town, which sits right on Grand Lake itself. In northwestern Colorado, north of the town of Steamboat Springs, is Steamboat Lake. The largest natural lake in the state, Grand Lake is a fishing enthusiasts’ dream, tucked in the heart of the Rockies near the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. There is also good fishing for bass, catfish, crappie, rainbow trout, and walleye, among other species, from the fishing dock or by following the Boulder Reservoir Loop Trail to find a quiet spot of your own. In summer, activities range from jet skiing and fishing to boating, canoeing, and stand up paddleboarding. Salmon and Willow Lakes is no exception. 10. Share. Boating is popular in summer, as well as jet skiing, waterskiing, sailing, and kayaking. The Ice Lakes are some the most beautiful alpine lakes in all of North America and make for a perfect Colorado summer day hike. Lake Grandby has two sister lakes: Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake. Grand Lake, Colorado Grand Lake . Although Twin Lakes are considered glacial lakes, their water temperatures range from 65°–75° in the summer months, which allows for a comfortable swim. “ Bear Creek Lake Park is an amazing place to get away and offers miles of trails, scenic views, a Swim Beach, Paddle Boarding, picnic tables and more. The best time to fish the lake is early and late in the season. The trailhead is north of the town of Silverthorne, 7 miles on Colorado … The Best Front Range Hikes – A compendium of the best hikes in Colorado’s Front Range, which is where most of the state’s population lies. The hike gains more than 2,300 feet in elevation and takes you past upper and lower Columbine Falls and through open tundra before reaching the dramatic alpine lake that sits in a basin at the base of Longs Peak, Mt. Read more: Best things to do in Colorado. 2. 1,729 Reviews. 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. Although Colorado has some of the best fishing locations in the U.S., some of its streams, lakes, and reservoirs have been overfished throughout the years. Finally, should you wish to stay, there are campsites and cabins open year-round. One of the most spectacular lakes inside Rocky Mountain National Park, Two Rivers Lake is at the headwaters of Mill Creek just below the Continental Divide. Alternatively, you can simply relax at your campsite, enjoy the company of friends, and relax in one of the best outdoor playgrounds that the state has to offer. The reservoir stays open year-round. Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Today, visitors enjoy fishing, boating, RV and conventional camping, and wildlife viewing at the lake surrounded by some of the absolute best natural scenery in Colorado. You can't just drive here. The Chatfield Reservoir, also known as Chatfield lake, was created by the Army Corps in 1966 to help control flooding in the area. Along the way, you'll pass the pretty Nymph Lake, but make sure to continue on to Dream. happiestoutdoors.ca. A quick 2 mile hike uphill will take you to the best campsite in … If you live in Colorado or plan on moving to the centennial state, there are a number of lakes to explore. Open Now. The 87 hectare lake it set amongst some of the most magnificent scenery in the entire Teton Range. Along the way, you’ll pass a couple of lake basins, some waterfalls, and meadows carpeted with columbine, larkspurs, aspen daisies, and many other flowers. The following is a partial alphabetical list of lakes and reservoirs in the U.S. State of Colorado. But a happy side effect of this decision was the creation of one of the best boating lakes in Colorado. The Chatfield Reservoir, also known as Chatfield lake, was created by the Army Corps in 1966 to help control flooding in the area. This pretty lake is right at the base of Hahn's Peak and offers year-round recreation opportunities. Grand Lake. At an average altitude of 6,800 feet, the snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear lakes make most hikers fall hopelessly in love with the area. Many of the top attractions in Colorado are found in the parks and natural areas, from Rocky Mountain National Park to Garden of the Gods. Uncover Colorado - Vacations, Travel & Tourism | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer, 10 Stunning State Parks around the Denver Metro, 7 Fun Places to Stand Up Paddle Board in Colorado, Canyons Of The Ancients Visitor Center & Museum, How D.I.A.’s Murals Feed Conspiracy Theorist, 10 Wonderful Winter Vacation Spots in Colorado, Quick Guide to the Best Neighborhoods in Denver, Comfy Cabins to Rent near Boulder, Lyons and Nederland. Lake Granby. Its proximity to some of the state’s best rivers and lakes puts it among the best fishing towns in Colorado. In summer there is swimming at the specially designated Swim Beach. There’s Something Incredible About These 14 Rivers In Colorado Can we all just take a moment to acknowledge the fact that Colorado is by far the most beautiful state in the country? You rent various kinds of boats here, as well as stand up paddleboards. One of the best fishing lakes in Colorado, Lake Granby is stocked with trout and kokanee salmon. There are also opportunities for water sports like waterskiing and wakeboarding. This list showcases some of the best lake rentals Colorado has to offer. Also known as Lake Dillon, this large reservoir in Summit County actually supplies Denver with its drinking water and is owned and operated by that city's water utility, despite being two hours away. Twin Lakes, located in Leadville, Colorado, are two naturally formed glacial lakes with the beautiful backdrop of Colorado’s highest mountain peak, Mount Elbert. Learn More. The Maroon Bells reflected in Crater Lake. Maroon Lake in Aspen. Route type. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. No matter your preference, these 18 best lake towns in North America are hard to beat. One of Colorado’s gold medal stillwater fisheries, North Delaney is known for producing huge rainbow, brown, and cutthroat/rainbow hybrid trout. ... these lakes … Grand Lake The largest natural lake in Colorado sits outside the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park in a town of the same name, with a boardwalk, marina and lots of family fun and events each year. There are also picnic tables. Best season: Spring, Summer, Fall; Campsite type: Tents, RV’s; RV hookups: No; Colorado’s Grand Mesa is the largest flattop mountain in the world! Maroon Lake in Aspen. Aspen trees reflected in Lake San Cristobal. Like most lakes in Colorado, you can drop your boat in (at the Lake Fork Campground or the Elk Creek Campground) and enjoy a day on the water. Summer in Colorado means sunshine, afternoon thunderstorms, and long days perfect for sipping craft beer on a patio. It is at a little distance from Mesa Verde, Dolores, and Cortez. Eleven Mile Reservoir. This lake is beautiful and has a wonderful little gravel path around it that is just under a mile. You’ll find a diverse range of fishing opportunities, with something for every angler no matter what the season. There are lots of Gold Medal waters for catching trophy-sized fish, along with jaw-dropping views […] There are two full-service marinas, where you can rent powerboats, as well as kayaks and stand up paddleboards. Just five miles outside the town of Granby, Lake Granby is right on the Colorado River and also right by Grand Lake. This 3,400 acre reservoir is open for ice fishing 365 days a year. Boaters enjoy sailing and fishing on Grand Lake as its home to one of the oldest yacht clubs in the west. The large manmade lake is a favorite with swimmers, boaters, and anglers. Think sightseeing cruises, tubing, and kayaking, or vineyard tours, hiking, and waterfront restaurants. 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. Sort: Recommended. The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. Elevation gain. Whether you are into boating or fishing or just absorbing all the natural beauty, this list checks out some of the very best lakes in Colorado. Pro Tip: Rocky Mountain National Park and the north/south stretch from Boulder to Fort Collins are two areas with the most lakes in the state. May 20, 2017 - Only In Your State is one of the world's leading travel and culture website with writers in all 50 U.S. states. Waterskiing is also allowed here. Water skiing, wakeboarding and jet skiing are just a few great ways to enjoy Colorado’s many lakes and reservoirs. It closes in winter. Horsetooth Reservoir just west of Fort Collins is one popular option. But the best lake towns aren’t just about relaxation – that’s why we’re also featuring locales with plenty of adventure, both on the water and on land. Colorado's largest natural body of water, Grand Lake is a deep blue beauty sitting in a high alpine location of 8,369 feet. More filters (1) Clear filters. Twin Lakes. Colorado is home to hundreds of lakes populated with trout, though most anglers targeting trout choose to fish in Colorado's streams and rivers; 168 miles of Colorado streams have been designated by the Colorado Wildlife Commission as "gold medal" trout fishing water. Lake Grandby has two sister lakes… Colorado’s avid sun worshippers’ think there’s nowhere better to work on your tan and capture some much-needed R-and-R. Take a dip in these or other Colorado lakes, find lakeside lodging or learn about places to fish. Colorado bass fishing wouldn’t be complete without mentioning McPhee Reservoir. Price. Colorado is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the United States. 6. The Missouri Lakes Basin is one of the best day hikes and one of the prettiest hikes in Colorado! Hike to Chasm Lake. Best lake trails in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Once you reach the lake, there is good fishing for trout. 2048 x 1536 jpeg 574kB. All. “ One can do anything from biking to hiking, swimming to archery, camping to cookouts, fishing to horseback riding in/over expansive trails, reservoir/lakes… It's one of the best spots in Colorado for boating, fishing, swimming, and other recreation. Even if you are only visiting Denver, you can find many nearby hiking trails that will take you to some outstanding scenery. Do some fishing, swimming, and waterfront restaurants marinas and fish from the shore of horsetooth just. Two full-service marinas, where you can find a world of opportunities for water sports like waterskiing and wakeboarding of... 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