This alpine-lake hike should make every Coloradan's bucket list. Some hikes, like, Sedona is one of the most amazing places to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. What I love about this Colorado lake hike is just how quiet it is. 8 to 4 miles Round TripElevation: Depends. Chicago Lakes is a popular hiking trail in the Mount Evans Wilderness that has two magnificent lakes with stellar views of the foothills and of Mount Evans. Lake Isabelle. Extend your time at this magnificent spot and camp at one of the campsites found around both lakes. Theres nothing more grounding and invigorating than a rousing climb to a crystal clear alpine lake, followed by a little exploration, relaxation, (and certainly a picnic), at a pristine mountain paradise at around 11,000. These serene alpine lakes near Denver are something everyone should experience this summerbut please remember our earth is fragile so LEAVE NO TRACE! 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. To see most of these incredible lakes in Colorado on one road trip, check out our Colorado Road Trip Itinerary. Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. 5 hidden lakes in Colorado you probably never knew exsisted Alpine Lake. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. Distance: 6.74 milesElevation: 2464 ftType: Out-and-back. Something that absolutely should be on your list of things to do with kids in Colorado! Lowest Depth: 265 feet. Bierstadt, and even Denver at times. The best lakes in Colorado often require hard hikes to get to but that also means that you can enjoy them with less people. If you do opt to swim, dont wear any sunscreen. Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. 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. Note that this hike does require permits, so be sure to reserve yours in advance to enjoy this fun summertime waterfall adventure! Lake of the Clouds brings you tranquil scenery and plenty of views. There are several camping spots by the second lake if youre looking to stay overnight. Rollins Pass is in the FunTreks Northern Colorado Backroads 4 Wheel Drive . Distance: 10.5 milesElevation: 2,975 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Parking is limited so consider taking the free bus from the Vail Village parking structure to the trailhead. Distance: 0.8 milesElevation: 32 feetDifficulty: Easy with accessibility rampsRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Alpine lakes, old cabins, creek crossings, summer wildflowers, a stupendous waterfall, and unimaginable views. racist or sexually-oriented language. They are remote and wild, but also peaceful and pristine at the same time. There are plenty of hiking opportunities, but taking it easy and simply sitting back or fishing in the lake is the perfect way to slow down, unwind, and just be. Surface Area: 507 acres. The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. This rather large lake is surrounded by pines with a dramatic mountain background. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can Drive To!) Check out our favorite alpine hikes in Colorado and neighboring states. Keep in mind, the average hiker moves at about 2 miles an hour or covers 1,000 feet of elevation gain in an hour. 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. Snow Lake Trail. Most of Colorado's 2,000 high lakes lie on public lands between 9,000 and 12,000 feet and are accessible by a few miles of Forest Service trail. Please note, reservations may be required to visit the park. About. Alpine Lakes in Colorado. If you are looking for something a little easier to get to, try James Peak Wilderness. This hike can be done in a near-15-mile day over moderate terrain, or you can obtain a permit to backpack and camp right near the lake. By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. If you are a fan of high alpine lakes without having to travel far . The water is piercingly clear blue, which will entice you to jump right in! There are a lot of famous alpine lake hikes in Colorado to discover. Alpine lakes are defined by being any lake that sits above 10,000 feet above sea level. Harder To Reach: Lawn Lake. The trail itself is moderately wooded. Distance: 8.02 milesElevation: 2500 ftType: Out-and-back. Trek your way through stunning alpine country to one of the most picturesque lakes in the state Hanging Lake. Stargazing at night is amazing, so be sure to bring a camera if youre into night photography! Set a check-in time and have that person try to check in with you first, before calling authorities (just in case you forget to circle back). Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. 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. Directions SUV recommended: From the Town of Crested Butte, take Gothic Road (Route 135) north a total of 12.6 miles. The hike to this lake is an additional 0.7 miles from Lower Blue Lake but is very steep, with about 664 ft elevation gain. Technically you can swim at many alpine lakes in Colorado, but you probably dont want to. . Seriouslyover 2,000! Photo: Ryan DewaneDistance: 8.43 milesElevation: 1780 ftType: Out-and-back. Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Located outside of the beautiful mountain town of Vail, the trail to the lake is about 12.5 miles out-and-back. Cutthroats were originally named by William Clark on the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition. 1. For an added challenge and extra mileage, you can even summit Longs Peak for an elevated vantage point! And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! Take a Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park Did you know that Colorado is home to over 2,000 lakes? Plenty of camping up there and a dog-friendly area. Think again! The 8.9-mile out-and-back trail is blazed in beauty. Want a bit more of a challenge? Photo: Ryan MckinneyDistance: 4.09 milesElevation: 374 ftType: Out-and-back. Check with the Castle Mountain Recreation Company for more up-to-date information. 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. or anything. Improve this listing. Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning beauty. With so many lake hikes, Colorado will have your hiking itinerary booked for years! Keep in mind permits are required and parking fills up fast. Sky Pond is one of the most jaw-dropping sights to see. Print/PDF map. Lake Ann - Only accessible by way of a 1.75-mile well-maintained trail, this pristine lake is ruggedly scenic and extremely protected. Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. Ice Lake is a beautiful bright blue alpine lake located at 12,300 feet that requires a very strenuous hike to get to. Blue Lakes Trail in Telluride, Colorado takes you to three of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. She'd rather be dirty than done up. Keep moving forward and the trail will switch back and then head up the mountain. Expect to see some seriously stunning cascading waterfalls along the way. 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. The cherry on top is a chance at landing a fish of a lifetime. Elevation Gain: 465 feet. Nineteen of the 24 lakes shown in the video sit above 10,000 feet in elevation. Distance: 6.5 milesElevation: 1,804 feetDifficulty: moderate to difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail gets insanely busy in the summer, so start early. person will not be tolerated. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. But what if I told you we havent been given access to over half of whats really out there? The designation means Spinney is public fishing water that produces a minimum of 12 fish of 14in or more and 60lbs per acre. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation: 846 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. Stay awhile and enjoy the views! The middle and upper are said to have the best views. Does Sky Pond sound too intense? Not many people venture to the mountain ranges down south, so expect lots of solitude. 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. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. Located near Idaho Springs, St. Mary's Glacier is known for its alpine lake and, you guessed it, glacier. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible . With such a delicate ecosystem, your skin oils and sunscreen can kill the wildlife that lives in the lake. It's the state's highest peak. There are also many opportunities for overnight backcountry adventures at one of the mountain lakes near Denver in James Peak Wilderness. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. Surprise Lake is also accessible from this set of trails, and all of the lakes offer the added bonus of being the perfect setting for a pristine, secluded backcountry campsite. 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. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Mary's Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Distance: 10.2 milesElevation: 2,014 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail is primarily used for driving (an easy off-road trial) but if you dont mind the walk, you can hike it just give way to vehicles and take care. It can be hard to narrow down which hikes, Colorado is a beautiful state with tall peaks, incredible lakes, and four unique national parks. This adventure features several waterfalls, streams, a creek, and meadows teeming with beautiful wildflowers a photographers dream! 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. During the Ice Age of the geologically . Youll find over 2,000 alpine lakes in Colorado. Grand Lake. Cherry Creek Reservoir in Aurora, Colorado offers a treasure trove of outdoor activities for the whole family. Here are the lessons I have learned! Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! The hike from Ice Lake to Island Lake is about half a mile with 100 foot elevation gain. Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. Be cautious, however, as thunderstorms are quite common in the summertime. Be sure to check the weather before beginning this adventure as summer thunderstorms in this area can be aggressive. Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? This adventure will bring you by wide open meadows and plenty of wildlife (look out for moose and elk!) You're going to want to bring your camera on these adventures. 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. Youll begin the hike winding through dense forest before the scenery opens up to an incredible view of Longs Peak. 2. (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 . Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. This short 6.5-mile round-trip trail boasts picturesque alpine lakes and stunning views of Pfeifferhorn. Tucked under Mt Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak sits two pristine alpine lakes nestled beside the town of Twin Lakes. There is nothing better than waking up and enjoying a hot cup of coffee next to a cold alpine lake. For an invigorating day of outdoor fun, head over to these amazing, Hidden deep in the Rawah Wilderness near Fort Collins, is a secluded picturesque paradise with pristine alpine lakes and the spectacular Medicine Bow Mountains as their backdrop. There is plenty of fishing, swimming, camping, and even small, easy hiking trails that provide plenty of family fun. Give them instructions about who to call if they dont hear from you. Walk another half mile and youll see a beautiful waterfall, followed by stellar views of Lily Lake. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. Emerald Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is reached by hiking from Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. 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. Colorado has many picturesque lakes surrounded by high peaks. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek located near Crestone. Distance: 3.77 milesElevation: 722 ftType: Out-and-back. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 42 min to complete. Winter enthusiasts can snowshoe the two to three miles up to the yurt and then onwards 2.5 miles to the lake where they can enjoy one of the most unique weekend trips from Denver. After seeing Island Lake continue ahead and take a right to form a small loop. 17. It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . There are plenty of wildlife viewing (moose, turkey, deer, ptarmigan) and fishing opportunities. Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. You can stop off at the lake and explore before driving to the summit of Mt. Nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park lies Dream Lake. In reality, you can make your way to an alpine lake any time of the year. With over 110 hiking trails, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and rugged ridgelines, it's no wonder this national park made its way onto our list! Not so much an alpine lake hike as it is a recreation hot spot, Wellington Lake is an awesome place to explore earlier in the season before the alpine lakes in Colorado are thawed. 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. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. Early July 2020 My first trip to the beautiful remote Sand Creek Lakes high above the Wet Mountain Valley in Colorado was in 2017, a year of the big runoff. Check that the ice is fully frozen on the lake before stepping on to cross in the colder months! This trail is popular and can get very crowded, so try to hike it either really early or much later in the day. Nestled in Roosevelt National Forest, you can set foot on this adventure to three alpine lakes and a lagoon with the opportunity to pass by splendid waterfalls and wildflowers. 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. But on your way there, take moments of rest to appreciate the view of Longs Peak to the south and Tyndall Creek. If you do this hike in the winter, youll experience different scenery, but surely just as stunning. 5h 16m. #16 Yellow Stimulator (covers your basic attractors, caddis, hoppers, and strike indicator for the nymph) #16 Parachute Adams (Covers mayflys, and everything else small and floating) 6 of each should fit in a tiny container and keep you fishing for a week. Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. Opt to get there early or make it an overnight to get more time. Use a private browsing window to sign in. Since its such an iconic spot, you likely wont find yourself alone, unless you plan wisely and go early in the season, late in the evening, or during the winter. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The lake is an additional 2-ish miles from the parking area. Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. To see the entire lake though, youll need to do a bit of climbing up the shore. Colorado will soon see moisture from what was Hurricane Nora and flash flood watches are already in effect for parts of the state. Once you arrive, you wont want to leave which is why many people consider Gore Lake one of the best backpacking trips in Colorado. UPPER & LOWER BUSHNELL LAKES. Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links for products and services I recommend. Willow Lake offers a backpacking adventure into the Sangre de Cristo range. Enjoy spanning vistas of the Tenmile Range including Pacific Peak, Atlantic Peak, and Crystal Peak (all of which are excellent Colorado 13ers to try!). Be Proactive. In the winter, there is no fee, but the road is closed. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. Again, it depends. However, the serenity of the lakes is well worth the butt-busting effort. This glacial lake is the largest natural lake in Colorado in terms of surface area, depth, and total water volume. 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. From hiking around the water to fishing, boating, picnicking, and swimming . the most part. The winding hike leads you past dreamy fields of wildflowers before reaching the sparkling aqua the area is known for. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. This list comes from years of research and is a total labor of love. Some of them thought all of us had hiked into the wilderness to hear their death metal on the boombox at the lake all day. Required fields are marked *. Its always a good idea, especially on longer, difficult hikes or solo excursions, to let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back. Gray Wolf Reintroduction, What Does 2023 Look Like In Colorado? Fall is a great time to visit for the changing aspens, but if you love wildflowers, consider a late-spring to summer visit. It is a long day hike (4.6 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 3,100ft. Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. Snow and ice are melting, wildflowers are emerging, and the most beautiful lakes near Denver will soon glisten with an unrivaled beauty that beckons you to bask on their shimmering shores and recharge the natural way. Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that youve already checked with good old Google. Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado. Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. The mountains of southern Colorado are littered with alpine lake hikes. Rocky Mountain National Park is a hidden gem in the Colorado Rockies. This adventure leads you through the Holy Cross Wilderness where youll be surrounded by beautiful forests. Upper Blue Lake is the third lake on Blue Lakes Trail. You have permission to edit this collection. The main mountain attraction is Lone Eagle Peak, which climbers can also ascend. If you are actually interested in how my dogs are incredibly cared for (& my dog skijoring/ mushing ventures), you can see where they live via @mesamutts on IG - 5 acre fenced dog paradise. Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado is an easy daytime hike that features expansive alpine landscapes and brilliant turquoise waters. Mohawk Lakes offer plenty of picture-perfect backcountry camping or opportunities to summit nearby mountains, such as Father Dyer. For a brief time, in only the warmest months of the year, will you find the waters of the Green Mountain Reservoir tolerable for swimming. Just one valley over from Cyrstal Lake is Mohawk Lakes, another set of stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. On July 21st, 2020, Skip, Bandit, Ezra, and I made our way from Colorado Springs, where we were visiting, up through Wyoming and Montana into Northern Idaho to visit family before heading back to Southern Idaho for work and school. Another worthwhile alpine lake hike near Breckenridge is Crystal Lake, which gives the ultimate solitude and scenery double punch. And the fish well, they just float on down, once deployed from the airplane. Share with Us. Most of these lakes are accessible by foot only, although you can also drive to quite a few of them. This trail is well-used but has an interesting start as you make your way up next to and around a huge railway tunnel. 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. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. Scope out sweet views of Mont Massive and the mighty Sawatch Range (home to 14 of Colorados tallest peaks). Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. In terms of the best lake hikes, Colorado offers some incredibly unique lakes and the Hanging Lake hike takes the cake. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no . Distance: 11 milesElevation: 2,529 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. This includes water, snacks, sun protection, extra layers, and more. . Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. The hike gains more than 3,000 feet of elevation, so be prepared for a strenuous climb coached with incredible views to keep you distracted. There are hiking trails near the lakes with great views of the lakes and surrounding mountains. In the south you can find Saguaro National Park and, Colorado is full of incredible hiking trails that take you to breathtaking views, waterfalls, and lakes. From Bear Lake Trailhead it is about 4.2 miles roundtrip with 840 ft elevation gain. Youll have the added bonus of passing two additional scenic alpine lakes along the way. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. In fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. Please explore responsibly! Distance: 1.9 milesElevation: 807 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: There is a $5 parking fee at both parking lots for St Marys. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. 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 . There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. 1. Access: Transit to Trails is a great option for these hikes! You could also do a loop and combine this lake with Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. If you want to stay in town, choose nearby Frantz Lake in Salida or Buena Vista Town Lake in McPhelemy Park. Before you hit the trail, there are several important things to remember. Located in the San Juan Mountains, the lake also attracts a variety of wildlife including elk and moose. Bear Lake is a short walk from Bear Lake Trailhead and you can add a 0.6 mile loop around the lake to enjoy it more. Primarily characterized as an alpine tundra region, its total distance is approximately 65 miles and can be completed in about 7 hours (or more), typically under normal circumstances. Lush alpine scenery unfolds as you ascend the 8.1-mile out-and-back trail nestled in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton. The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. Take the dirt road up in elevation as it turns a bit rough closer to the lake. Talk about iconic Colorado views! that is degrading to another person. Sharp granite cliffs rise straight out of the water as you gaze upon views of Longs Peak in the distance. Alpine Loop drive takes 4-6 hours to cover the distance between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. This is the most beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be combined with Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. These high-altitude lakes are typically much clearer than their low elevation counterparts and are often fed directly by snowmelt. Check out this adventure for impressive views of the Mount Evans Wilderness. Don't Threaten. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. San Juan National Forest. Youll get glimpses of Longs Peak and Alberta Falls (in the summer). Dream Lake is a vision right out of a fairy tale in the early morning hours. The natural beauty of a waterfall is within easy reach of Denver. Pass by several waterfalls on your way to one of the most magnificent lakes in all of Colorado. Catch dramatic views of the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak. With 50 square miles of golden aspens. Dont forget to turn left at the graves or youll pass right by the final push to Gore Lake! Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. Evans at 14,265', or you can take the trail less traveled and summit using one of the many official and unofficial routes to the top from the lake. Before reaching Heart Lake, be sure to soak in the alpine views first at Rogers Lake. Learn more While opting for the alpine wonder is suitable for a wider range hiking skill levels, bagging both peaks is only recommend for the most experienced hikers. Take the Glacier Gorge Trail up a steep, winding dramatic valley that terminates at the famed Sky Pond. Doggies welcome. Travel guides created to inspire and enable people to use their time away from the office to explore the world. Local Tip: 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. It's about a 3-mile trek out-and-back. Please note, reservations are required to visit the lake. If you love the wildflowers, don't miss the serene trek into Eagles Nest Wilderness to Gore Lake. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. We can easily drive 30 minutes into high elevation aspen forests & alpine lakes when desired. Note that parking at the Brainard Lake Recreational Area lot costs $10 and fills up quickly. Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! While "alpine" is used by many anglers to describe the high elevation fisheries they visit that are inaccessible for of the year and may require a difficult drive and/or hike to access, not all high elevation fisheries are truly "alpine". At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. Tell someone about your plans. You'll need four-wheel drive to access the campsites at Bill Moore Lake but getting there on the steep rocky roads is part of the fun! The wildflower lined trail is short and beautiful, clocking in at 2.1 miles round trip. Overview. You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge.