Well shaded in the morning. In the midst of Arizona’s hottest month, we escaped to Colorado for a weekend to explore some new places in the Rockies. Booth Lake, Eagle's Nest Wilderness. 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. No dogs. Chicago Lakes, Mt. Start from the Bear Lake parking lot and hike the gentle trail towards Lake Haiyaha. 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. Silver Dollar Lakes, Arapaho National Forest. 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. The trail is rated as moderate, and is even easier if it is changed into a backpack. 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. However, in the winter months, some of the roads to various trailheads aren’t maintained, and this may add a substantial amount of snowy hiking to your journey. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. Towards the end of the hike, you’ll reach an intersection with the Gore Range trail. Distance: Depends. 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. However, with that being said, it’s still worth a visit to gaze upon this magical fairytale lake. Lake of the Clouds brings you tranquil scenery and plenty of views. 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. Wander the lake at sunrise for incredible views. This hike also has a waterfall. During summer and fall, the parking lot often gets full, making visitors use the shuttle system to come visit. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. 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. Its a place of beauty! Continue for several more miles until reaching the base of The Spearhead, a famous mountaineering objective. If you’re looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. 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. Princeton Hot Springs Resort is surrounded by the greatest concentration of high elevation lakes in the state. If you’re looking for a moderate jaunt with big view payout, check out Silver Dollar Lake outside of Georgetown. The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. 12 min read. Also, don’t be an ass, you are not allowed to swim or climb around on the logs here. Bring your camera and pack some tasty snacks! 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. The Fourth of July Trailhead is very popular, and parking is limited, especially on summer... #3 - Crater Lake Trail. 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. 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