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Colorado is home to thousands of lakes, but not all of them are worth lacing up your hiking boots for.
Over the last few years of exploring Colorado’s mountains, I’ve spent countless weekends chasing turquoise alpine lakes, backpacking into remote basins, and searching for those jaw-dropping views that make every mile of high altitude elevation gain worth it.
Some of these lake hikes are iconic Colorado bucket-list adventures. Others are lesser-known gems tucked away in the San Juan Mountains, Rocky Mountain National Park, and beyond. But every lake on this list is one I’ve personally visited and would gladly hike again—and probably have a few times.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly stroll to a crystal-clear mountain lake or a challenging alpine adventure above treeline, these are my picks for the best lake hikes in Colorado.
Keep in mind that Denver sits at an elevation of 5,280 ft so all of these hikes are at much higher altitude (avg 10k ft). Make sure you’re acclimatized before you head out and stay hydrated!
Quick List: The Best Lake Hikes in Colorado
- Blue Lakes
- Ice Lake
- Columbine Lake
- Lake Haiyaha
- Sky Pond
- Emerald Lake
- Dream Lake
- Chasm Lake
- Lake Helene
- Gem Lake
- Island Lake
- Hope Lake
- Hematite Lake
- Maroon Lake
- Crater Lake
- Chihuahua Lake
- Mohawk Lakes
- American Lake
- Hanging Lake
- Lost Lake
My Top 5 Favorite Lake Hikes in Colorado
If you’re short on time and only have a few hikes to choose from, start with these.
1. Blue Lakes
If someone asked me to recommend just one lake hike in Colorado, Blue Lakes would probably be it.
The unreal turquoise water, dramatic mountain backdrop, and relatively accessible trail make this one of the most rewarding hikes in the entire state. The fact that you can continue on to Middle and Upper Blue Lake only makes the experience even better.
Why I love it: The water color honestly doesn’t look real and the trail is moderately easy.
👉 Read my full Blue Lakes Trail guide.
2. Ice Lake
Few places in Colorado rival the color of Ice Lake in late summer. Add in wildflower-covered hillsides and jagged San Juan peaks, and it’s easy to understand why this hike has become one of Colorado’s most iconic alpine adventures.
Why I love it: The vibrant turquoise lake plus peak wildflower season here feels like a literal dream.
👉 Read my Ice Lake and Island Lake hiking guide.
3. Columbine Lake
Tucked away in the San Juan Mountains, Columbine Lake is one of Colorado’s most spectacular alpine lakes and best kept secret. The lake’s electric blue water and dramatic setting beneath rugged peaks make it feel like a hidden treasure.
Why I love it: It feels far more remote than many of Colorado’s famous lake hikes.
Blog post coming very soon.
4. Lake Haiyaha
Lake Haiyaha completely surprised me. Before 2022, this was never on my radar; but now—it’s the one lake you cannot miss when visiting Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park.
While many visitors head straight to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake, Haiyaha offers something unique: a giant boulder field surrounding vibrant blue-green water with incredible mountain scenery.
Why I love it: It’s one of the most unique (and only turquoise-colored) alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park.
👉 Read my Lake Haiyaha hiking guide.
5. Sky Pond
Sky Pond is one of those hikes that keeps getting better with every mile.
Passing waterfalls, alpine lakes, and dramatic cliffs before reaching the final destination, this Rocky Mountain National Park classic delivers some of the most impressive scenery in Colorado.
Why I love it: The entire hike feels like an adventure, not just the destination, and the jagged spires above the massive pond make for a stunning view.
👉 Read my Sky Pond hiking guide.
Best Lake Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
Sky Pond
Distance: ~7.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~1,800 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Sky Pond is one of the most rewarding lake hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail passes Alberta Falls, The Loch, and Timberline Falls before reaching the dramatic alpine basin that surrounds Sky Pond. Towering cliffs rise directly from the water, creating one of the most dramatic mountain landscapes in the park.
What makes Sky Pond special isn’t just the lake itself—it’s the entire journey. Every mile delivers another incredible viewpoint, making this one of Colorado’s ultimate bucket-list hikes.
👉 Read next: Full Sky Pond Hiking Guide
Chasm Lake
Distance: ~8.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~2,500 feet
Difficulty: Difficult
Sitting beneath the famous Diamond Face of Longs Peak, Chasm Lake offers one of the most dramatic alpine settings in Colorado.
When I visited, the lake was still mostly frozen over late May, but the scenery was incredible regardless. Massive granite walls tower above the lake, and the surrounding alpine terrain feels much wilder than many of Rocky Mountain National Park’s more popular destinations.
For hikers looking for a challenge and a true alpine experience, Chasm Lake is hard to beat.
Blog post coming soon.
Lake Haiyaha
Distance: ~4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~750 feet
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Lake Haiyaha has quickly become one of my favorite hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park that I always want to revisit..
Unlike many alpine lakes, Haiyaha is surrounded by enormous granite boulders that create a uniquely rugged landscape. Combined with the lake’s new vibrant blue-green water, it feels completely different from nearby destinations like Dream Lake or Emerald Lake.
The recent rockfall that altered the lake’s color only made this destination even more striking.
👉 Read next: Full Lake Haiyaha Hiking Guide
Emerald Lake
Distance: ~3.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~660 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Emerald Lake is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado, but don’t mistake accessibility for lack of scenery.
The trail passes both Nymph Lake and Dream Lake before arriving at Emerald Lake, creating one of the highest scenic-value-to-effort ratios in the state.
For first-time visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park, this hike is almost mandatory.
👉 Read next: Dream Lake & Emerald Lake Guide
Dream Lake
Distance: ~2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~450 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Dream Lake is often overshadowed by Emerald Lake, but it deserves recognition in its own right.
Its dramatic mountain backdrop, frequent wildlife sightings, and beautiful reflections make it one of the most photographed lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park, and it’s a great option for winter hiking too with microspikes.
Many visitors stop here and skip Emerald Lake entirely, making it a fantastic standalone destination.
👉 Read next: Dream Lake & Emerald Lake Guide
Lake Helene
Distance: ~6.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~1,300 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Lake Helene offers a much quieter alternative to some of Rocky Mountain National Park’s more famous lake hikes.
The trail climbs steadily through forest before opening up to expansive alpine views and a beautiful lake tucked beneath towering peaks.
For hikers looking to escape the crowds while still experiencing classic Rocky Mountain scenery, Lake Helene is an excellent choice.
👉 Read next: Lake Helene Hiking Guide
Gem Lake
Distance: 3.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~1,000 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Located directly out of Estes Park instead of through the main national park entrances, Gem Lake may be one of the best kept Rocky Mountain National Park secrets. You get views of the famous CO 14er, Longs Peak, without dealing with the tourists.
The short trail climbs through unique rock formations and scenic overlooks before reaching a small but beautiful lake tucked among granite cliffs. It’s one of Estes Park’s most enjoyable shorter hikes and still a part of RMNP.
👉 Read next: Gem Lake Hiking Guide
Best Lake Hikes in the San Juan Mountains
Blue Lakes
Distance: 8.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
If I could only recommend one lake hike in Colorado, Blue Lakes would probably be it.
The combination of turquoise water, jagged peaks, and multiple alpine lakes makes this one of the most spectacular hikes in the entire state.
The fact that hikers can continue to Middle and Upper Blue Lake only adds to the experience.
👉 Read next: Blue Lakes Trail Guide
Ice Lake
Distance: ~7.2 miles out-and-back round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,400 feet
Difficulty: Moderate-strenuous
Ice Lake is famous for a reason.
Its unreal gatorade-like blue water and surrounding wildflowers create one of Colorado’s most iconic alpine landscapes.
During peak summer wildflower season, this trail feels almost too beautiful to be real.
👉 Read next: Ice Lake & Island Lake Guide
Island Lake
Distance: ~7.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Located just beyond Ice Lake, Island Lake often gets overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, but for only 0.3 miles more, you can make it a loop hike instead and reach both lakes.
Personally, I think it’s every bit as beautiful, and even more unique.
The lake sits beneath dramatic mountain peaks, and the small island that gives it its name creates one of the most photogenic scenes in Colorado. This was my number one bucket list hike before I even thought about moving out to Colorado.
👉 Read next: Ice Lake & Island Lake Guide
Columbine Lake
Distance: ~8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~2,700 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Columbine Lake may be one of Colorado’s most beautiful alpine lakes (I know, I say that about all of the lakes but it’s true). Located high above Silverton off the Million Dollar Highway, this brilliant turquoise lake sits in a dramatic alpine basin surrounded by rugged mountain scenery.
The final climb is steep and challenging, but the reward is one of the most vibrant lake colors you’ll find anywhere in the state. For experienced hikers looking for a memorable adventure, Columbine Lake is absolutely worth the effort… and there’s more than one way to access it which I will share in my upcoming blog post — subscribe here to join my newsletter list and learn when it’s released.
Hope Lake
Distance: 5.7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Hope Lake offers a perfect combination of alpine scenery, wildflowers, waterfalls, and mountain views.
Located near Telluride, this beautiful turquoise lake sits beneath Hope Pass and provides one of the most scenic day hikes in the area. During mid summer, colorful wildflowers line much of the trail, adding even more beauty to an already spectacular setting.
👉 Read next: Hope Lake Trail Guide
Hematite Lake
Distance: 3.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Hematite Lake is one of the lesser-known treasures of the San Juan Mountains.
The trail winds directly uphill through forests and meadows before arriving at a peaceful alpine lake nestled beneath towering peaks with an abandoned mine tucked into the hills. Compared to some of Colorado’s more famous destinations, you’ll likely find no one else here, making it an excellent option for hikers seeking solitude.
👉 Read next: Hematite Lake Hiking Guide
Best Lake Hikes Near Aspen
Maroon Lake
Distance: Minimal walking required
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
Few lakes in Colorado are more recognizable than Maroon Lake.
Located directly beneath the iconic Maroon Bells, this picturesque lake offers one of the most photographed views in the entire state. While reaching the lake requires very little effort, the scenery is nothing short of world-class. However, if you’re looking to get in a real hike to see it, you can hike the Four Pass Loop and detour to Maroon Lake if that is not your starting point.
Whether you’re visiting for sunrise, peak fall colors, or simply checking off a Colorado bucket-list destination, Maroon Lake deserves its reputation.
👉 Read next: Maroon Bells Fall Photo Guide for Inspiration
Crater Lake
Distance: 3.6 miles round trip or 39 miles multiday trek via 4 pass loop
Elevation Gain: 700 feet or ~12k feet
Difficulty: Moderate or strenuous
If you’re willing to hike beyond Maroon Lake, Crater Lake rewards visitors with even more dramatic scenery.
The trail follows Maroon Creek before reaching a beautiful alpine lake nestled directly beneath the towering Maroon Bells.
However, the Four Pass Loop which intersects Crater Lake directly is one of my favorite hikes near Aspen because the effort-to-reward ratio is incredibly high.
👉 Read next: Maroon Bells and Four Pass Loop Guide
American Lake
Distance: ~6.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
American Lake is one of those hidden gems that doesn’t always receive the same attention as nearby Cathedral Lake.
The trail climbs steadily into a beautiful alpine basin where crystal-clear water reflects the surrounding peaks. Wildflowers (can you say columbines-galore?), solitude, and incredible mountain scenery make this a fantastic alternative for hikers seeking a quieter experience in the Aspen area.
Best Lake Hikes Near Denver
Chihuahua Lake
Distance: 7.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Chihuahua Lake is one of Colorado’s most underrated alpine lake hikes that’s only 1.5 hours from Denver.
Located near the town of Keystone, this trail climbs through forests and open alpine terrain before reaching a scenic lake surrounded by mountain ridges. It gives the sound of music vibes when wildflower season peaks in July and is often overlooked in favor of more famous Front Range hikes, but that’s part of what makes it so enjoyable.
👉 Read next: Chihuahua Lake Hiking Guide
Mohawk Lakes
Distance: ~7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Mohawk Lakes combines everything that makes Colorado hiking special: waterfalls, alpine lakes, wildflowers, historic mining remnants, and expansive mountain views.
Located just outside Breckenridge, this trail visits multiple lakes and offers some of the most beautiful scenery in Summit County. The variety along the route keeps things interesting from start to finish.
Blog post coming soon.
Best Lake Hikes Near Buena Vista
Lost Lake
Distance: 3.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 330 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Lost Lake near Buena Vista is proof that you don’t need an extreme hike to find incredible scenery.
The relatively short trail leads to a beautiful alpine lake framed by mountain peaks, making it an excellent choice for families and beginner hikers. It gives island lake vibes without all the effort and is one of Colorado’s best alpine lakes. Little hike, big rewards.
👉 Read next: Lost Lake Trail Guide
Best Lake Hike on Colorado’s Western Slope
Hanging Lake
Distance: 3.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~1,000 feet
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous
Hanging Lake is one of Colorado’s most unique and recognizable destinations.
Fed by natural spring waterfalls and suspended high above Glenwood Canyon, the lake’s crystal-clear water and lush surroundings create an almost magical oasis atmosphere. While permits are required and crowds can be significant, the experience remains unforgettable and a must-do for all visitors looking for a half day outing.
👉 Read next: Hanging Lake Trail Guide
Best Time to Hike to Lakes in Colorado
Summer (July–August)
Peak alpine lake season, wildflowers, and generally snow-free trails.
Fall (September–October)
My personal favorite time to hike Colorado lake trails thanks to cooler temperatures, some wildflowers still in early Sept and golden aspens into Oct, and much fewer crowds.
Tips for Hiking to Alpine Lakes in Colorado
- Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
- Bring more water than you think you’ll need.
- Expect temperatures to be much cooler near alpine lakes and at higher altitude
- Pack layers, even during summer.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles.
What to Pack for an Alpine Lake Hike
More Colorado Hiking & Travel Guides
If you’re planning more Colorado adventures, don’t miss these guides:
- Best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Best hikes in Telluride
- How to pick the right via ferrata climb in San Juan Mountains
- Crested Butte Wildflowers Guide
- When and where to see fall colors in Colorado [ultimate guide]
- Things to do in Manitou Springs in one day
- Best things to do in Nederland CO
- Best things do to in Ouray CO
- Outdoors enthusiast’s guide to Colorado National Monument
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Tiff, the owner and author of Follow Tiff’s Journey, is a California/ Colorado-based adventurer and outdoor connoisseur who divides her heart between the Eastern Sierra Mountains and the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Despite her fear of heights, she’s become a seasoned mountaineer, ultralight hiking and backcountry camping enthusiast, expert road trip planner, and a fervent explorer of alpine lakes, natural hot springs, and sandstone canyons.
With 10 years of experience exploring the outdoors, her blog is your go-to source for all things wilderness, offering invaluable insights and pro tips, essential gear recommendations, and awe-inspiring stories from her adventures.
Join Tiff on her quest to share the wonders of nature and inspire others to follow their own path in the great outdoors.