My anticipation grows with each new day, as the sun burns hotter, longer, and stronger, thawing the lakes and tundra of the high country and promising a summer filled with days spent in the wilds. Snow and ice are melting, wildflowers are emerging, and the most beautiful mountain lakes near Denver will soon glisten with an unrivaled beauty that beckons you to bask on their shimmering shores and recharge the natural way. There’s nothing more grounding and invigorating than a rousing climb to one of the crystal clear lakes in Colorado, 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 summer…but please remember our earth is fragile so LEAVE NO TRACE!

1. Wheeler Lakes
Wheeler Lakes, Colorado 80443, USA
Facebook/Wheeler Lakes
This robust trail near Copper travels through sculpted canyons, pine forests, and open meadows as it ascends 3 vigorous miles to a pair of pristine alpine lakes near Denver resting at just over 11,000.' Explore the area and enjoy sweeping views of the Ten Mile Range and Copper Mountain, and if you're feeling ambitious, ascend Uneva Peak above the second lake for 180-degree views of Frisco and Dillon (from 12,522') that'll leave you reeling!
2. Willow Lakes
Willow Lakes, Colorado 80498, USA
Flickr/Brian Pocius




Don't let this demanding 10 mile hike intimidate you, because this glistening chain of alpine lakes nestled beneath Red Peak on North Willow Creek, is an unforgettable experience everyone should enjoy. (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.) These incredible mountain lakes near Denver are a truly magnificent treasure you've simply got to see!
3. Boulder Lake
Boulder Lake, Colorado 80498, USA
Flickr/Keith Burton
Another one of the lovely alpine lakes near Denver can be reached by a little hike along this 5-mile trail. Lower Boulder Lake is hidden amongst the pines at 9,746.' The inspiring rugged mountain backdrop makes the lower lake an ideal spot for a hang and a picnic. And after a bit of sustenance and rest, continue on the slightly more challenging route to Upper Boulder Lake at 11,240.' All-in-all a fairly easy hike that is also utterly breathtaking!
4. Eaglesmere Lakes
Eaglesmere Lakes, Colorado 80498, USA
Flickr/UnShuttered Soul
Climb a 3.5-mile trail along an open ridge in the Eagles Nest Wilderness to reach one of the mountain lakes near Denver. Eaglesmere Lakes is surrounded by aspen groves, pine forests, wildflower meadows, and magnificent valley views. This network of trails offers additional hikes to five other nearby lakes, so be sure to consult your map and draw up your route for a day of fun in the Eagles Nest.
5. Upper Cataract, Cat, and Mirror Lake
Upper Cataract Lake, Colorado 80498, USA
Flickr/David Kingham
One option is this challenging all-day hike that involves a bounty of supreme alpine splendor. 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.' 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. Whether you make a day hike or weekend of it, these hidden alpine lakes near Denver are well worth your journey into the high country.

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6. Brainard Lake
Brainard Lake, Colorado 80481, USA
Flickr/Brendan Bombaci




Tucked away at the intersection of two valleys in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, is the popular Brainard Lake Recreation Area, with its namesake lake resting at 10,500.' There's a one-way road that loops around the lake and parking for trailheads leading to Blue and Mitchell Lakes in the north valley and Isabelle and Long Lakes to the south. So many mountain lakes near Denver to see and so much to explore at the Brainard Lake Recreation Area!
7. Lake Isabelle and Long Lake
Lake Isabelle, Colorado 80466, USA
Flickr/TheTurducken
Nestled in a glorious alpine valley at 10,868' and framed by the stunning Indian Peaks is one of the most beautiful lakes near Denver, the lovely Lake Isabelle. Enjoy the shimmering waters, abundant wildflowers and incredible vista views, along with plenty of opportunities for fly fishing along the shores of Lake Isabelle and Long Lake. (And for even more Indian Peaks beauty, continue up from the lake 2.3 miles to Isabelle Glacier at 12,025.') What an enchanting way to spend a day!
8. Piney Lake
Piney Lake, Colorado, USA
Flickr/brent flanders
Piney Lake is a prime spot for a day of hiking and canoeing in the Eagles Nest Wilderness in the Gore Range near Vail. The Upper Piney River trailhead begins at Piney Lake and winds through aspen meadows bursting with columbines, before passing by the cascading Piney Falls and ultimately leading to Upper Piney Lake at the headwaters of the Piney River just above 11,000.' For an invigorating day of outdoor fun, head over to these amazing alpine lakes near Denver and recreate!
9. Twin Crater Lakes
Twin Crater Lakes, Colorado 82063, USA
David Szmyd/Google
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. Traverse forests of aspen and lodgepole pine and enjoy views of surrounding peaks and valleys before arriving at some of the most beautiful lakes near Denver, Twin Crater Lakes at about 11,000' of sheer high-country perfection!
10. Chasm Lake
Chasm Lake, Colorado 80510, USA
Flickr/mobil'homme
You'll find one of the most charming mountain lakes near Denver deep in RMNP in a cirque at the base of the 13,281-foot Mt. Lady Washington and the iconic Longs Peak, towering to 14,259.' After your rigorous 4.2-mile hike, take time to sit back and relax and enjoy a picnic while gaping at Long Peaks' "Diamond," its notorious east-facing wall that rises over 2,400' above the alpine lake. It's a truly spectacular sight to behold!
11. Summit Lake and Mt. Evans
Summit Lake, Colorado 80439, USA
Flickr/Scott Ingram




This 160-acre tarn resides at 12,836' at Summit Lake Park beneath Mt. Evans and Mt. Spalding. It's Denver's highest mountain park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. You can stop off at the lake and explore before driving to the summit of Mt. 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. But if climbing a fourteener is not your bag, there's also a trail that leads to the jaw-dropping and some of the most beautiful lakes near Denver, Chicago Lakes, which are definitely well worth the visit.

No more searching “alpine lakes near me!” We’ve compiled all of our favorites above. But did your favorite Colorado lakes make it to our list of most beautiful lakes near Denver? Share your suggestions or stories in the comments!

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More to Explore

Most Beautiful Lakes Near Denver

Libby Monson | June 03, 2022

Are there any lakes near Denver with blue water?

 

There is no shortage of beautiful lakes near Denver, and there are several lakes near Denver with blue water. 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. Blue Lake sits at 11,355 feet and is frozen for much of the year. You'll take the Mitchell Lake Trail, crossing Mitchell Creek and passing Mitchell Lake along the way. Then, continue climbing to Blue Lake at the base of Mt. Toll. Be on the lookout for the moose who call this beautiful mountain landscape home!

Where can I camp next to lakes near Denver?

  • Bill Moore Lake

 

There is nothing better than waking up and enjoying a hot cup of coffee next to a cold alpine lake. Camping in dispersed camping areas gives you the opportunity for a little more privacy and peace and quiet. Dispersed camping does take a little more planning, but the extra work will be well worth it. You'll need a four-wheel drive to access the campsites at Bill Moore Lake but getting there on the steep rocky roads is part of the fun! If you are looking for something a little easier to get to, try James Peak Wilderness. Here you'll find a campground, cabins, and dispersed camping. There are also many opportunities for overnight backcountry adventures at one of the mountain lakes near Denver in James Peak Wilderness.

Are there any waterfalls in Denver that I can visit?

  • Continental Falls

 

There are plenty of gorgeous waterfalls in Denver to check out. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes and three other unnamed lakes are all in the area.

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