Great Weekend Getaways - Watery Adventures

Three alpine lake hikes

By Eric Lindberg

When it comes to lakes, Colorado may not have the largest or the most, but the state can comfortably boast of having some of the loveliest high-altitude bodies of water in America. Yes, you have to walk to get there. But these easy-to-moderate hikes will take you far beyond the commotion of urban life, to a serene shoreline perfect for sitting and daydreaming away an alpine afternoon.

Lake Isabelle: This popular two-mile hike in the Indian Peaks Wilderness begins with a gentle meander through stands of aspen and spruce, passing Long Lake before climbing toward the high peaks of the Continental Divide.

As the trail rises above timberline, snowmelt streams tumble down hillsides carpeted with wildflowers in summer. After puffing up the last steep section, hikers are rewarded with a sparkling alpine lake set against a backdrop of 13,000 foot peaks. Stroll along the shoreline trail and choose the perfect picnic spot.

Getting there: From Boulder, head west on Canyon Blvd. and continue to Nederland. Take CO 72 (Peak to Peak Highway) north for 13 miles to Ward. At the north end of town, turn left at the Forest Service sign for Brainard Lake. Take this road to Brainard Lake, then follow the signs to the Long Lake trailhead.

Herman Lake: The most challenging part of this 3.5-mile trail is the first 15 minutes, a steep uphill slog from the trailhead alongside I-70. After half a mile the route levels off and the highway hum from below fades away. Savor the quiet as the path enters a park-like valley known for its summer flower displays. Following a stream up the drainage, the trail becomes steeper in the last mile. One final push over a rocky ridge, and it's a short drop down to the lake basin. Nestled at the base of jagged 13,000 foot peaks, the shallow lake is clear enough to see the bottom.

Expect to share the lake with people (and dogs—please keep them leashed) on weekends. But those who start early or hike during the week will find solitude.

Getting there: Take I-70 west from Denver to exit 218. Make an immediate right off the exit and backtrack a short distance to the parking lot.

Heart Lake: Half the fun of this remote southwest Colorado lake is the scenic drive through the San Juan Mountains to the trailhead. The gravel road follows the Rio Grande for almost 17 miles, passing beaver dams and two reservoirs before arriving at Lost Trail Creek Trailhead.

Beginning in a shaded forest of aspen, fir and spruce, much of this 3.5-mile trail is also a rugged all-terrain vehicle path. Occasional meadows offer sweeping views back down the valley toward distant peaks. Several stream crossings over log bridges keep things interesting. The route is lightly used, and you may have the trail to yourself.

The last mile traverses a steep, wooded hill before dropping into Heart Lake basin. Gray jays patrol the shoreline, flying over to inspect hikers as they emerge from the trees. Sit quietly and watch clouds sail over the surrounding peaks, knowing you're far from the world back home.

Getting there: Travel southwest from Creede on Colorado Highway 149 (toward Gunnison) for 20.1 miles, to the intersection of Highway 149 and Forest Road #520 (Rio Grande Reservoir/Upper Rio Grande Road). Follow Road #520 approximately 16.5 miles to the Lost Trail Creek Trailhead.

Please note: This article is from our archives and some facts may have changed. Please contact your nearest AAA office and ask to speak to a travel counselor to update you on the latest travel information.

Eric Lindberg is a Lakewood-based travel writer and photographer who has written for EnCompass on numerous occasions.