Alpine Lake hikes are one of the most rewarding day adventures Colorado has to offer.
Arriving above treeline after hiking through rugged, sometimes steep terrain into rolling tundra below snowcapped peaks to an alpine lake is challenging yet exhilarating.
18 trails listed below are just such hikes that take you to Colorado’s most amazing alpine lakes!
NATIVE LAKE TRAIL
LEADVILLE, CO
Native Lake Trail, near Leadville CO, is one for the bucket list of hikes in Colorado. You’ll find yourself hiking uphill through dense pines and spruces, crossing creeks, hiking across alpine tundra above treeline then down again with towering views of Mt. Massive and the Continental Divide.
>>> READ MORE This trail is a gem! Just plain FUN!
HERMAN GULCH TRAIL
BAKERVILLE, CO
Herman Gulch Trail, a heart-pumping hike through fields of wildflowers, and landing at a crystal clear alpine lake surrounded by the Continental Divide Peaks. One of the most sought-after hikes in the front range of Colorado, for good reasons.
>>> READ MORE So many wildflowers! Unbelievable!
CRATER LAKE TRAIL
ROLLINSVILLE, CO
Crater Lakes is in the heart of the James Peaks Wilderness and the perfect day hike or backpacking weekend. Nestled just below the Continental Divide, the setting is unbeatable.
>>> READ MORE Gorgeous!
Grayl Purifier Bottle will purify the water you find on the trail.
Get lost, get hurt, gets dark. Black Diamond Headlamp – works great!
Never Hurts to be Safe! I never leave without my InReach Garmin Mini
Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you).
AMERICAN LAKE TRAIL
ASPEN, CO
American Lake Trail has got it all. Just minutes from beautiful Aspen CO, this hike is what Aspen is all about. Beautiful aspen groves line the trail soon leading into a dense forest of pines and spruces, arriving at an alpine lake with sweeping high peaks views
>>> READ MORE Amazing hike!!
CRYSTAL LAKE TRAIL
LAKE CITY, CO
Crystal Lake Trail sits just beneath the eastern side of Crystal Peak (12,933f ft) and presents a stunning ending to a spectacular hike. Minutes from Lake City, CO you find yourself amid intense forests of aspens and meadows with sweeping views of Lake City far below. Then onto dense pines along ridges with stunning views of the highest peaks and rewarded with a sweet alpine lake.
>>> READ MORE Captivating! Really fun trail!
BOOTH LAKE TRAIL
VAIL, CO
Booth Lake Trail was strenuous, exhilarating, and left us speechless when reaching the tree line. Beautiful from beginning to end with the added bonus of popular 60′ Booth Falls! Loved it!
>>> READ MORE Hiking enthusiast? This hike is for you!!
BRIDAL VEIL BASIN to BLUE LAKE
TELLURIDE, CO
Bridal Veil Basin to Blue Lake will leave you stunned with its scenic beauty. The popular 365′ Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado is the first highlight of many more to come as you hike deeper into the Bridal Veil Basin.
Hiking in the San Juan Mountains never disappoints! Located at the edge of town in Telluride, CO, it is one not to miss!
>>> READ MORE Loved this hike!!
LEAVE NO TRACE
ENCOUNTERING WILDLIFE
APPROPRIATE HIKING GEAR
BLUE LAKES TRAIL
RIDGWAY, CO
There is nothing like a hike in the rugged beauty of the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. Hiking Blue Lakes Trail was above and beyond our expectations. Looking for a trail that won’t disappoint? This is it!
>>> READ MORE this hike is one of my favorite all-time trails!!!
SILVER DOLLAR LAKE TRAIL
GUANELLA PASS, CO
Silver Dollar Lakes Trail on stunning Guanella Pass is a true Colorado experience! Beautiful dense pine forest to high above timberline reaching spectacular views while passing one alpine lake, being greeted by a 2nd alpine lake, and reaching the 3rd lake at 12,178 in elevation.
>>> READ MORE Absolutely stunning!
ISABELLE LAKE TRAIL
WARD, CO
Isabelle Lake & Glacier Trail is like hiking into a Colorado postcard. Unmatched in its scenic beauty from beginning to end. It’s a hike that screams “this is Colorado”. You can hike to gorgeous Isabelle Lake for an easier yet beautiful day or be adventurous and hike on to Isabelle Glacier.
>>> READ MORE This trail is unstoppable beauty!
WHEELER LAKE TRAIL
HOOSIER PASS, CO
Wheeler Lake Trail is a hidden gem beyond Montgomery Reservoir that few know about. Not far from Alma, CO, you’ll find Montgomery Reservoir and a great day hike. A gorgeous waterfall to begin or end your day and a trail with views of North Star Mtn, 13,406, Wheeler Mtn. 13,629 ft, and Clinton Peak, 13,813 ft. until reaching beautiful Wheeler Lake at 12 + ft.
>>> READ MORE Easy hiking to reach a high-altitude alpine lake!
McCULLOUGH GULCH TRAIL
BRECKENRIDGE, CO
McCullough Gulch Hike, a popular sought-after trail in Breckenridge CO, you don’t want to miss! A bit on the strenuous side of moderate but so worth the effort.
Nothing is lacking on this trek, it’s an alpine playground sitting alongside Quandary Peak. You will find old miners’ cabins, a stunning waterfall, a gorgeous alpine lake, and log water crossings.
>>> READ MORE This trail is as good as it gets!!
EMERALD LAKE TRAIL
EMERALD LAKE TRAIL
3 Alpine Lakes on one trail located in Rocky Mountain National Park. Gorgeous hike from start to finish. There is nothing lacking on this trail, it screams Colorado Rockies in spades. One of the most popular hikes in the Park!
>>> READ MORE Unforgettable hike!
HOPE LAKE TRAIL
OPHIR, CO
Hope Lake Trail is one of the most sought-after trails near Telluride, CO, and we had the pleasure of finding out why. Loved it! High peaks hover above us as we hike through green lush forests, crossing creeks, incredible views all around, and a beautiful alpine lake high above the treeline in a basin lined with 13ers.
>>> READ MORE A true Colorado Experience!
Hiking Umbrella, My favorite gear!
Never go without electrolytes!
Lightweight, easy to carry!
PTARMIGAN LAKE TRAIL
COTTONWOOD PASS
Ptarmigan Lake Trail is a fantastic half-day or full-day hike. Ascend a moderate grade through a spectacular forest. Pass a sweet lake and dreamy dispersed campsites along the trail before breaking out at the tree line. Here, views of the highest peaks surround you as you hike across an expansive meadow and upward to Ptarmigan Lake.
>>> READ MORE Would be a perfect first time backpacking trip
KROENKE LAKE TRAIL
BUENA VISTA, CO
Kroenke Lake Trail is an 8.6-mile moderate hike through the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. Packed with lush forests, fun water crossings, incredible views and rewarded with an alpine lake at 11,500 ft elevation. Nestled just below the Peaks, it is gorgeous.
>>> READ MORE One hike you won’t want to end…. adventurous!
CRYSTAL LAKES TRAIL
BRECKENRIDGE, CO
Crystal Lakes Trail located near Breckenridge, CO is a haven of alpine scenery. Views of the Ten Mile Range alongside Lower Crystal Lake nestled below the mountain ridges are stunning. One beautiful hike through deep forests, wildflower-lined meadows, with Crystal Creek running through it all.
> >> READ MORE One hike not to miss!
FOREST LAKES TRAIL
ROLLINSVILLE, CO
Forest Lake Trail takes you to 2 lovely alpine lakes, one that is tranquil and one that rests among the rugged Continental Divide peaks. Hiking is a gentle wide path in the first mile than an adventure as you hike higher up. Wooden bridges, meadows, dense forests take you up to a mountain paradise hidden at the treeline.
>>> READ MORE You will want to hang out here all day!
HOPE ONE OR ALL OF THESE TRAILS LEAVES YOU LOVING HIKING AND WANTING MORE!
Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you).