colorado alpine lakes you can drive to

Photo: Nicola EasterbyDistance: 3.06 milesElevation: 1168 ftType: Out-and-back. Did you know that Colorado is home to over 2,000 lakes? Keep it Clean. 11 Best Lakes Near Denver To Visit This Summer - OnlyInYourState 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 designation means Spinney is public fishing water that produces a minimum of 12 fish of 14in or more and 60lbs per acre. 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. Sharp granite cliffs rise straight out of the water as you gaze upon views of Longs Peak in the distance. Success! Distance: 8.62 milesElevation: 2113 ftType: Out-and-back. 5 hidden lakes in Colorado you probably never knew exsisted Alpine Lake. They are remote and wild, but also peaceful and pristine at the same time. 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. Black lake is a stunning and dramatic lake nestled deep in Rocky Mountain National Park. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can Drive To!) 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. Exploring The Alpine Loop - ATV Colorado - Wild ATV Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. Think you need to be a hiking pro to enjoy amazing alpine lake hikes in Colorado? Jewel Lake is accessible by a three-mile hike and Clear Lake requires an eight-mile hike to get to. To get to Island Lake, hike on Ice Lake Trail and after visiting Ice Lake, take a left on the trail to continue up to Island Lake. The water is piercingly clear blue, which will entice you to jump right in! Alpine lake help, I know this is a long shot! : ) - FishExplorer 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. If you are up for the challenge Island Lake is worth the visit! Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado | Colorado.com Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. You're going to want to bring your camera on these adventures. Loop or Out and Back: Out and Back or Loop. Hike your way up to the lakes for breath-taking views and lakeside goodness! Arizona has many unique hiking opportunities with a wide range of elevation, climate, and views. Dog-friendly. North Slope Recreation Area | Colorado Springs Unfortunately, in the summer it can get hot with temperatures, The American Southwest features incredible natural wonders and landscapes that cannot be missed. Required fields are marked *. Trail Use: Hiking Only. An alternative to driving on your own is toreserve a spoton the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands Village to Maroon Bells. There are other great trout reservoirs in the area, but only Spinney is a Gold Medal water. The Alpine Lakes is the largest wilderness area . Distance: 8.02 milesElevation: 2500 ftType: Out-and-back. Enjoy magnificent views of aspens as you continue through sage and dense forest. Kebler Pass (Crested Butte) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Cottonwood Lake For the best wildflowers, do this hike in late July. Youll likely want to stay overnight to prolong your time in this picturesque environment, but do note that permits are required for campers. The hike is difficult but is worth the challenge to get to one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Nestled in those mountains behind Trout Lake sits Hope Lake. Camping here is sure to be an awe-filled experience. These gorgeous alpine lakes are set in a landscape that appears to be straight from a storybook, but is actually known as the James Peak wilderness. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. 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. 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. 3 Crater Lakes via South Boulder Creek, Nederland, Colorado - The Outbound Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no . Mount Evans is a 14er that boasts fantastic views of the lake, Mt. Nineteen of the 24 lakes shown in the video sit above 10,000 feet in elevation. In reality, you can make your way to an alpine lake any time of the year. You'll be surrounded by jagged peak, stunning summer wildflower displays, and crystal clear waters. Maroon Lake brings you the best of the Bells, the Maroon Bells that is. Many of the most amazing lakeside views in the state are easily accessible for beginner hikers. This adventure features three impressive alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Loch, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond. You'll be crossing a few small streams, so be careful after heavy rains. Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. High-clearance vehicles are best suited for getting to this scenic secluded spot. Recommended Fly Assortment for Colorado Alpine Creeks and Lakes At these lakes you can canoe, kayak, and paddle board. Backpack Gore Lake and catch a sunset in this unbelievable landscape. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible . What I love about this Colorado lake hike is just how quiet it is. Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 1,765 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. On the way youll pass three additional lakes, including the iconic Dream Lake. 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. Local Tip: Check out Ouray, one of the most stunning Colorado mountain towns, post-hike! Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. Photo: Ryan MckinneyDistance: 4.09 milesElevation: 374 ftType: Out-and-back. We searched for alpine lakes to hike to in the area and came across Crystal Lake in Saint Marie's, Idaho. 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. There are a lot of famous alpine lake hikes in Colorado to discover. After seeing Island Lake continue ahead and take a right to form a small loop. Colorado has many picturesque lakes surrounded by high peaks. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a large wilderness area spanning the Central Cascades of Washington state in the United States.The wilderness is located in parts of Wenatchee National Forest and Snoqualmie National Forest, and is approximately bounded by Interstate 90 and Snoqualmie Pass to the south and U.S. Route 2 and Stevens Pass to the north. Alpine Loop drive takes 4-6 hours to cover the distance between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. Filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by mind-blowing settings, these backcountry bodies of water are meant to be enjoyed. 1. 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). The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. This alpine-lake hike should make every Coloradan's bucket list. Print/PDF map. Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. Colorado High Country Custom Fly Selection | Anglers All This is a busy area, but for good reason, the views are delicious! Driving to Alpine Lakes Some lakes, like Cottonwood Lake or O'Haver Lake, are accessible by car, and even more can be found with a little hiking effort. For an added challenge and extra mileage, you can even summit Longs Peak for an elevated vantage point! Forsythe Canyon Round-trip Distance: 2.2 miles Trailhead: Forsythe Canyon - Lincoln National Forest Difficulty: Easy This short hike starts just outside of Boulder. Walk another half mile and youll see a beautiful waterfall, followed by stellar views of Lily Lake. Temperatures are often utterly freezing, since most alpine lakes are fed by snowmelt. Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. Long Lake is an alpine explorers paradise. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. The best lakes in Colorado often require hard hikes to get to but that also means that you can enjoy them with less people. This includes water, snacks, sun protection, extra layers, and more. 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. 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. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. Want a bit more of a challenge? This hike also has a waterfall. Best time for Alpine Loop Scenic Byway in Colorado 2023 - Rove.me Distance: 2.8 miles round trip. Thats right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town! Colorado Summer of Alpine Lakes | Visit Telluride Come and try out the great hiking and mountain biking trails too! Those launching float tubes and canoes will appreciate being able to drive within spitting distance of the many lakes and small . Learn more Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. 7 Popular Colorado ATV & Jeep Trails | Colorado.com Length: 7.9 mi Est. Photo by Kyle Jenkins. Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. It connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, where it is generally considered to begin (and end). The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. Ive been hiking in Colorado for over 13 years. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. Distance: 14.6 milesElevation: 2,373 feetDifficulty: A difficult day hike or a moderate overnight backpackRed Tape and Local Tips: Permits are required for backpacking from Memorial Day through Labor Day. It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . We can easily drive 30 minutes into high elevation aspen forests & alpine lakes when desired. The trail will end with a gorgeous view of Pitkin Lake. But if climbing a fourteener is not your bag, there's also a trail that leads to the jaw-dropping and some of the. Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. Trek beyond the lakes to reach the 14,065-foot summit of Humboldt Peak. Breathe in the fresh air and set up a hammock to enjoy the most incredible mountain and alpine lake backdrop. Surrounding peaks of granite reflect off the lake's beautiful emerald green waters nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park. But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! You can hike to this lake from either Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Note that parking at the Brainard Lake Recreational Area lot costs $10 and fills up quickly. Cherry Creek Reservoir. 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. Think again! This lake is known for the reflection you can see in the lake of 14,000 ft tall Maroon Peaks. Resting at an elevation of 9,450 feet, it may come as a surprise that this scenic lake is located just 250 feet from the parking lot. For a real adventure, combine your lake hike in Colorado with an overnight at a yurt. Lake Isabelle is one of the best winter hikes in Colorado (add about five miles round trip for the winter hike). Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado is an easy daytime hike that features expansive alpine landscapes and brilliant turquoise waters. Here are the lessons I have learned! Distance: 8.47 milesElevation: 1706 ftType: Loop. Youll want to be prepared for cooler weather, even in the middle of summer. The video showcases the beauty of Colorado's high country. Best Lakes for Fly Fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park . The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road. The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. The Ute Indian tribe long inhabited this area before they were replaced by miners in the 1800s, who came in search of silver, gold, lead, and zinc. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. all along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America's most . Get going on this adventure to the three beautiful Blue Lakes nestled among Colorados San Juan Range in the Uncompahgre National Forest. If you do this hike in the winter, youll experience different scenery, but surely just as stunning. Distance: 9.1 milesElevation: 2,142 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Chicago Lakes can get pretty crowded, but there are plenty of prime backpacking sites to pitch a tent and enjoy the views! Make your way up the two-mile trail to the base of St. Marys Glacier (not really a glacier, but a permanent snowfield) where there is a picture-perfect alpine lake. Come July and August, Lawn Lake is arguably the best lake for fishing in the park. Throughout the years Ive hiked well over 1,000 miles of terrain here in Colorado. accounts, the history behind an article. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, For more information on how to do this lake loop, continue to our Rocky Mountain National Park Guide. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Among the lakes stocked on Monday, the highest of them - Ptarmigan Lake in Gunnison County - sits at 12,306 feet. Harder To Reach: Lawn Lake. Distance: 0.8 milesElevation: 32 feetDifficulty: Easy with accessibility rampsRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. The mountains of southern Colorado are littered with alpine lake hikes. 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. Wander the lake at sunrise for incredible views. Immarite? The snowpack is different every year, so its tough to say when trails will be snow-free. Description. Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. Rollins Pass is in the FunTreks Northern Colorado Backroads 4 Wheel Drive . Stay awhile and enjoy the views! The Arkansas and local streams around my home base of Salida were blown out and muddy well into July. And find our listings for off-road outfitters and tour companies here. As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. Please note, reservations are required to visit the lake. Bear Lake Bear Lake located in Rocky Mountain National Park Located off of Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Lakes makes for a quick pit stop. There is nothing better than waking up and enjoying a hot cup of coffee next to a cold alpine lake. 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. You can stop off at the lake and explore before driving to the summit of Mt. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). Overview. While the 7.9-mile out-and-back trail is relatively easy for day hikers used to the distance, there are several campgrounds located along the shore of the lowest lake. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. This trail is well-used but has an interesting start as you make your way up next to and around a huge railway tunnel. 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. Length: 63 miles. The best time to do this hike is early in the morning for sunrise you wont be mad you did! What is Lindsey's job? : r/LoveOffTheGrid + Save to a List. 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. 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. This trail is popular and can get very crowded, so try to hike it either really early or much later in the day. 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. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. In Colorado's lakes and streams most Cutthroats average 9 to . If you just cant get enough alpine lakes in Colorado, why not choose a hiking trail that hits four different Lakes? The alpine wonder rests at an elevation of 10,630 feet located between Flattop Mountain (12,324 feet) and Notchtop Mountain (12,129 feet) ). Distance: 9.22 milesElevation: 2270 ftType: Out-and-back. Check out three different alpine lakes in the James Peak Wilderness with the Crater Lakes Trail. Snow Lake Trail. Our first date was a three-day camping trip on the backroads of Colorado. In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. 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. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. Share with Us. Its nine miles round trip, gaining about 1,780 feet of elevation. ATV The Alpine Loop Length: 65 mile loop Drive Time: 5-7 hours Fees: 3-day Pass: $6.00 7-day Pass: $12.00 Annual Pass: $45.00 Or America the Beautiful Pass (National Park Pass) Difficulty: 75% Easy / 25% Difficult (rock outcroppings, drop offs) Access: Easy ATV Friendly Town: Lake City Ideal Riding Season: Mid Summer - September Everyone knows about Hanging Lake, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. But on your way there, take moments of rest to appreciate the view of Longs Peak to the south and Tyndall Creek. This truly-epic alpine lake hike is long, but worth the effort. RELATED: Views are stunning and fish . Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail to access starts off at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. Tell someone about your plans. Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. or drop a line and try your luck with some fishing. The fee is $5 per person (16 years and older), children under 16 are free. Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado. So many, Nestled in a glorious alpine valley at 10,868' and framed by the stunning Indian Peaks is one of the, Piney Lake is a prime spot for a day of hiking and canoeing in the Eagles Nest Wilderness in the Gore Range near Vail. Willow Lake offers a backpacking adventure into the Sangre de Cristo range. 2023 Best 10 Trails and Hikes in Silverton | AllTrails The hike from Bear Lake Trailhead is 3.6 miles round trip with about 740 ft elevation gain. However, if you are up for a little hike, you'll discover that Blue Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness is true to its name. Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty, and elevation gain. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Then, continue climbing to blue Lake at the base of Mt. Since the trail to get to Ice Lake is steep and long you should make sure to wear hiking boots. Lush alpine scenery unfolds as you ascend the 8.1-mile out-and-back trail nestled in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton. Distance: 23.8 milesElevation: 4,767 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are welcome to use this trail. This 7.7 miles trail boasts a wow factor unlike any other. It's a roughly 12-mile trek that leads to Upper Cataract Lake below the famed Eagles Nest Mountain looming at an impressive 13,432,' then continues on to Cat Lake and ultimately to Mirror Lake, which lies at 11,020.' Distance: 2.93 milesElevation: 675 ftType: Loop. Once at the lakes, you can go for a swim (so bring a suit!) Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. With such a delicate ecosystem, your skin oils and sunscreen can kill the wildlife that lives in the lake. 5h 16m. Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. 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. Dogs welcome. Encounter some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world as you wind your way through an alpine wonderland, mountain reservoirs, beyond timberline, overtaking the clouds. or anything. Grand Lake. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. This is one of the easiest lakes on this list to get to, but is therefore also the most crowded. Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. Take the Wheeler trail until it intersects with Crystal Creek Road. This adventure features several waterfalls, streams, a creek, and meadows teeming with beautiful wildflowers a photographers dream! By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. San Juan National Forest. Grand Mesa Scenic Byway Map | Colorado Vacation Directory Located outside of the beautiful mountain town of Vail, the trail to the lake is about 12.5 miles out-and-back. (And be sure to take time to branch off and discover the wonder of Salmon Lake along the way, tucked deep in the forest amidst fields of impressive boulders and towering pines.) Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that youve already checked with good old Google. Dont forget to turn left at the graves or youll pass right by the final push to Gore Lake! You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. 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. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. 10 Best ATV Trails In Colorado - Wild ATV (Photo/David Young) Banff Sunshine is about a 15-minute drive from Banff and is serviced by a nearly 3-mile, eight-person gondola that transports skiers and snowboarders to the . Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? 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. . Keep in mind permits are required and parking fills up fast. 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. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. This route is delicate, so always practice Leave No Trace when visiting. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Mary's Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. 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. Its a total bonus if you hit this trail early and arrive for the sunrise! Distance: 4.51 milesElevation: 1090 ftType: Out-and-back. Continue for several more miles until reaching the base of The Spearhead, a famous mountaineering objective. You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. Alpine Loop. Winter Hikes to Alpine Lakes in Colorado | Westword 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. Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! 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 . Check that the ice is fully frozen on the lake before stepping on to cross in the colder months! Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. Enjoy spanning vistas of the Tenmile Range including Pacific Peak, Atlantic Peak, and Crystal Peak (all of which are excellent Colorado 13ers to try!). Distance: 3.77 milesElevation: 722 ftType: Out-and-back. Does Sky Pond sound too intense? Be cautious, however, as thunderstorms are quite common in the summertime. Since it's a relatively short hike, this is a great one for a family nature outing. In fact, this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Most of these lakes are accessible by foot only, although you can also drive to quite a few of them. And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! Doggies welcome. Note that this hike does require permits, so be sure to reserve yours in advance to enjoy this fun summertime waterfall adventure! 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. Bloods Lake and Lackawaxen Trail. It is nestled between the towns of Ridgway and Telluride. Pass by several waterfalls on your way to one of the most magnificent lakes in all of Colorado. This is one of the most iconic adventures in Colorado and for good reason! Colorado will soon see moisture from what was Hurricane Nora and flash flood watches are already in effect for parts of the state. She'd rather be dirty than done up.