Add These 6 Colorado Alpine Lakes To Your Hiking Bucket List
Walking up to our first Colorado alpine lake was truly breathtaking.
With waters as blue as the Caribbean, surrounded by bright green vegetation and sharp rocky mountain summits, it was like something out of a dream and like nothing we had seen before.
We could have sat for hours watching as the sun illuminated various shades of blue and several waterfalls trickled crystal-clear water down from the snowpack above.
Alpine lakes are some of the most beautiful landscapes we have seen throughout our travels as full time RVers and Colorado has some you won’t want to miss.
These 6 amazing alpine lake trails in Colorado are perfect to add to your next summer adventure list or hiking bucket list!
About Alpine Lakes
Alpine lakes are considered lakes that exist at the highest altitudes or elevations. Typically these lakes sit at about 10,000 feet of elevation and are often above the tree line.
Due to the colder water from the higher elevation and snowmelt runoff, these lakes are typically very clear.
What makes alpine lakes so blue?
As you will see from our pictures, and much to our surprise, many of these alpine lakes also have stunning blue hues.
This is due to finely ground rock particles (rock flour) floating in the water as the glaciers from the mountain peaks melt in the summer heat. This light substance floats in the water and causes the blue-green color seen as the sunlight refracts through the particles.
Best Alpine Lakes in Colorado
While there are many amazing lake hikes in Colorado, these are 6 we think should be at the top of your bucket list!
Alpine lake hikes near Telluride, CO
The San Juan Mountains are our favorite destination in Colorado. With so many rugged mountains, lakes, and rugged beauty, you will never run out of places to explore here!
Hope Lake Trail
Location: Uncompahgre National Forest, Ophir Colorado
Parking: The parking area is small, but there is room to park along the road leading up to the trailhead. It is a rather bumpy forest road leading to the trailhead (4×4 could be helpful, but not required if it is dry).
Distance: 6 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 1,515 feet (trailhead sits at about 10,000 feet)
Duration: 3-5 hours
Add On: When driving up to the Hope Lake trailhead, you will pass Trout Lake. This is a great spot for a kayak or a picnic if you are looking to enjoy a full day in this area!
When to hike: Best to hike during spring and summer or early fall (March-October). Be prepared for snowy conditions on the trail well into June or July depending on the year. The lake still had floating ice on it when we hiked in June.
General Tips: This is a popular trail so getting there early to secure parking is a good idea. The road to the trailhead is manageable but bumpy with several rocks and potholes. Especially in mid-summer, you may encounter snow on the trail and mud from snowmelt or rain. We recommend wearing hiking shoes or boots that are waterproof and bringing layers. The mountains are known for their afternoon storms and quick weather changes.
What we found fulfilling about this hike: Hope Lake Trail is very convenient to Telluride, where you can score a beautiful free camping spot up on Last Dollar Road. It is a fairly moderate hike with absolutely gorgeous scenery all throughout the hike in addition to once you reach Hope Lake (also referred to as Lake Hope). We were able to bring our dog Azalea, see snow and ice, sit in fields of wildflowers, and admire several gray and orange rocky mountain peaks. The lake itself was set in a picturesque crater, with thick ice still floating on the top and snow melt cascading down through waterfalls on the mountain faces, feeding into the lake below.
AllTrails Map
Lower, Middle, and Upper Blue Lakes
Location: Mount Sneffels Wilderness, Ridgway Colorado
Parking: Road to the trailhead is long and bumpy (rock/gravel). The parking area is typically crowded, but there is room to park along the road
Distance: 8.7 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 2,509 feet (trailhead sits at about 9,200 feet)
Duration: 5-7 hours
Add On: You can create a longer and more strenuous hike by summiting Mount Sneffels (a 14er) in combination with this trail.
When to hike: Summer to early Fall (June-October). You can always check AllTrails for recent reports of conditions
What we found fulfilling about this hike: Lower, Middle, and Upper Blue Lakes trail is a 3 for 1! Hiking up to Middle Blue Lake will give you the absolute best vantage point of the blue turquoise water of lower blue lake below. It is vibrant and set among towering peaks that cast the most romantic shadows in the last light of the day. Hiking further up to Middle and Upper Blue Lakes you encounter the most charming single track cut through fields of green grass and colorful wildflowers. Everything about this trail is picturesque.
AllTrails Map
Ice Lake Basin
Location: San Juan National Forest, Silverton Colorado
Parking: The trailhead parking area is directly across from South Mineral Campground. It is large but fills up quickly. There is room for some on-street parking
Distance: 8.3 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 2,877 feet (trailhead sits at about 9,700 feet)
Duration: 5-7 hours
When to hike: Summer to early Fall (June-October). You can always check AllTrails for recent reports of conditions
What we found fulfilling about this hike: Ice Lake Basin treated us to one of the most spectacularly blue-colored alpine lakes we saw in Colorado. It was blue, turquoise, and at the same time clear and sparkling. There are also multiple lakes to discover along this hike which means you can adventure as much as you like! The trail itself is beautiful as well, as it brings you through the most majestic valleys of lush green vegetation, colorful wildflowers, and peaceful streams and waterfalls. We recommend starting early to enjoy this hike in the early morning light and before the threat of any afternoon storms.
AllTrails Map
Alpine Lake Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
Heading East in Colorado, another great place to experience Colorado alpine lakes is in the famous Rocky Mountain National Park.
You can expect bigger crowds here, but with so many stunning lakes and landscapes it is easy to see why the park is so popular.
To avoid crowds, we recommend hiking early in the morning or later in the afternoon. You do need a timed entry permit to enter Rocky Mountain National Park in 2024!
Nymph, Dream, Emerald, and Haiyaha Lakes
Location: Bear Lake Road, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Entrance fee: Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park now requires a timed entry reservation ($2) in addition to the $30 for a 1-day vehicle pass or $35 for a 7-day pass
- Timed entry reservation permits are required from 5 am-6 pm for the entire park including Bear Lake Road
- Timed entry reservation permits (no Bear Lake Corridor access) are required from 9 am-3 pm for the rest of RMNP
Parking: There is parking at the Bear Lake parking area, but on busy days this can fill up early in the morning. If this happens you can park at the Bear Lake Park and Ride and take the free shuttle (there is clear signage for this).
Distance: 4.9 miles out and back to see 4 lakes; you can opt for shorter routes if you only want to see a select few of the lakes
Elevation Gain: 1,092 feet (trailhead sits at 9,400 feet)
Duration: 2-4 hours
Warnings: The hike up to Lake Hiayaha specifically has some sharp drop-offs that might be scary if you are afraid of heights. This also will be a place to pay attention to your step and children who you might have along with you.
Add ons: Right at the parking area of the shuttle drop-off area you can do a short walk (0.2 miles) to Bear Lake. This is a beautiful lake, but it is typically very crowded. Better views await if you hike out a bit further.
Hiking Direction: The first lakes you will encounter will be Nymph and then Dream. At this point on the trail, you will encounter a split where you can go the right up around Dream to Emerald or left up to Hiayaha. We chose to hike out to Emerald first before hiking up to Hiayaha and found this to be a good way to enjoy the more populated lakes first before heading up to Hiayaha for some stellar views and more solitude.
When to hike: April-September. We encourage you to check AllTrails for recent reports of conditions before starting your hike
What we enjoyed about the hike: While we typically go for more remote trails or try to go at less traveled times, we ended up hiking this during a very busy time of day. Even so, we were in awe of the many different views and perspectives you can get along this trail. The lily pads of Nymph Lake, the epic reflection on Dream Lake, the clearness of Emerald Lake, and the milky blue-green hue of Lake Hiayaha. Fun fact; Lake Hiayaha was more milky and blue-green in color during our visit due to a rock slide in the area the summer we visited. It might look a bit different on your visit!
This is a fairly easy and straightforward hike (the trail up to Lake Hiayaha is the most strenuous) and a great option for an afternoon, evening, or early morning hike.
AllTrails Map
Chasm Lake
The clear blue waters and wildflowers of Chasm Lake, a beautiful alpine lake trail in Colorado
Location: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Entrance fee: Entrance to the National Park now requires a timed entry reservation ($2) in addition to the $30 for a 1 day vehicle pass or $35 for a 7 day pass
- Timed entry reservation permits are required from 5 am-6 pm for the entire park including Bear Lake Road
- Timed entry reservation permits (no Bear Lake Corridor access) are required from 9 am-3 pm for the rest of RMNP
- If you just plan to hike Chasm Lake, you will only need the general park permit that does not include Bear Lake Corridor access as this trailhead is not along the Bear Lake Corridor
Parking: Long’s Peak Trailhead. This is a very busy trailhead shared between Long’s Peak Trail and Chasm Lake Trail. Expect it to fill up as early as 5 am or 6 am and to have to park on the side of the road and hike a bit to the trailhead. You will still want to hike early due to the elevation and most of the hike being above the tree line.
View looking out over the waterfall below Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
View looking out over the waterfall below Chasm Lake
Distance: 8.8 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 2,542 feet (trailhead sits at 9,200 feet)
Duration: 5-7 hours
Add Ons: If you are up for a really intense hike and start early enough, you could join up with the trail to Long’s Peak and bag a 14er while you are at it.
When to hike: June through October. You can always check AllTrails for recent reports of conditions
What we found fulfilling about this hike: Chasm Lake is another stunning Alpine Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. South of Estes Park, you also can avoid the traffic and congestion of the more popular areas of the park in the Bear Lake Corridor or along Trail Ridge Road. This is a nice long hike with elevation gain where you again get to enjoy beautiful wildflowers, panoramic mountain vistas, a gushing waterfall, and clear blue waters. We loved the hike through the Alpine Tundra and even took the opportunity to jump into Chasm Lake, 34 degrees and all. We have never felt water so cold and never felt so free.
AllTrails Map
Sky Pond
Location: Bear Lake Road, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Entrance fee: Entrance to the National Park now requires a timed entry reservation ($2) in addition to the $30 for a 1 day vehicle pass or $35 for a 7 day pass
- Timed entry reservation permits are required from 5 am-6 pm for the entire park including Bear Lake Road
- Timed entry reservation permits (no Bear Lake Corridor access) are required from 9 am-3 pm for the rest of RMNP
- To hike Sky Pond you will only need the park permit that includes Bear Lake Corridor access
Parking: There is parking at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead parking area, but on busy days this can fill up. If this happens you can park at the Bear Lake Park and Ride and take the free shuttle. We were able to secure parking on a weekday after work at about 3:30 pm.
The Loch, along the trail to Sky Pond
Distance: 9.4 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 1,758 feet (trailhead sits at just over 9,000 feet)
Duration: 4.5-6 hours
Warnings: The hike up through Timberline Falls just before reaching Sky Pond can be slippery and dangerous. During our hike, we sadly came across a severely injured hiker being evacuated by helicopter from this section of the trail. Always be sure to take your time and watch your footing. Hiking safety is key whenever you are out in nature, especially on difficult and remote trails.
Add ons: You could easily add on the trail to Lake Hiayaha along this route if you would prefer and are looking for a bit of a longer hike! You will also pass Alberta Falls along the trail as well.
When to hike: June through October. You can always check AllTrails for recent reports of conditions
What we found fulfilling about this hike: Sky Pond is a beautiful hike where you get to enjoy a thickly forested trail where you can lose all your worries, be in awe of the roar of Alberta Falls, and enjoy multiple beautiful lakes including The Lock, Lake of Glass, and Sky Pond. We loved the diverse nature of this trail, almost like a fairytale unfolding with each step. Hike up past the roaring falls, pass through the enchanted forest over the rickety wooden bridges, ascend up through the majestic rock waterfall, and emerge at the glistening Sky Pond sat below the towering peaks. We also loved just how remote we felt. Quietly tucked away in the middle of Rocky Mountain National Park, miles away from the stresses and worries of the world. A beautiful escape into nature.
AllTrails Map
What to know before hiking to one of Colorado’s Alpine Lakes:
When hiking up to alpine lakes there are a few important things to consider to make sure your trip is safe and enjoyable!
- Consider hiking early. The weather can change fast at elevation in the mountains and it can be very dangerous above the tree line when storms roll in
- Be prepared for colder temperatures at elevation and above the tree line. Bring layers just in case, including something for surprise rain or snow
- Make sure you are acclimated to the elevation to avoid altitude sickness. Take it slow and be sure to hydrate well. Symptoms to look out for include headaches, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion
- Many of these trails can be very buggy in summer. Bring along insect repellant in addition to your bear spray and sunscreen
- Be aware of wildlife and practice wildlife safety! At higher elevations, you are more likely to see marmots and potentially mountain goats
Colorado Alpine Lakes Overall
Colorado is home to some seriously stunning alpine lakes in various shades of vibrant blues that can make for great hikes that often will test your hiking abilities and pay off with some out-of-this-world views. Emerging through the tree line you are treated to sweeping mountain views, waterfalls, dramatic reflections, and fields of wildflowers. If you want to connect with the beauty of nature, alpine lakes in Colorado might be just what you are looking for.
With trails of varying difficulties, we hope you can find an alpine lake hike that works for you and inspires you to spend some time soaking in the Colorado sunshine and breathing in the fresh mountain air at one of these beautiful blue bodies of water.
Plan Your Next Alpine Lake Hike in Colorado
- Telluride Colorado: Hope Lake Trail, Ice Lake Basin, Lower, Middle, and Upper Blue Lakes (while you are here, we also suggest hiking Telluride’s beautiful waterfalls)
- Rocky Mountain National Park: Nymph, Dream, Emerald, Hiayaha Lakes, Chasm Lake, and Sky Pond
Tips For Hiking Alpine Lake Trails:
- Start your hike early when possible
- Bring layers to account for weather and temperature change
- Watch for any symptoms of altitude sickness (headaches, vomiting, dizziness)
- Bring insect repellant
- Watch for wildlife
Find a place to stay:
Explore all area accommodations and compare prices on Booking.com, which is a great resource for unique stays at the best rates. Or choose a more unique stay with a VRBO property!
If you plan to fly in and explore Colorado your best bet will be to rent a car so that you can have the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Or consider renting an RV through RV Share to get more time out in nature, with all the comforts of home!
Or reserve a site at a local campground using one of our go-to booking resources:
- Campspot: For finding and booking great campgrounds and RV parks conveniently and easily all in one place!
- RV Life: RV safe GPS, RV Trip Wizard route planning, maintenance tracker, campground reviews, and more. Everything any RVer needs, all in one place!
- Campendium & iOverlander: For finding campgrounds & free camping spots
Looking for more hiking inspiration? Check out these other great trails:
- Ultimate Guide to Devil’s Garden
- Sunrise at Delicate Arch
- One Epic Hikes in Canyonland’s National Park: Syncline Loop
- Hiking Chesler Park Loop To See The Needles in Canyonlands
