6 Out-of-this-World Alpine Lake Trails near Denver

We’ve been in Denver for a couple of weeks now and we’ve spent a much time as possible seeking out frozen Alpine Lake Trails near Denver.

I’ve always loved hiking in the mountains but I’m a real sucker for trails that end at an alpine lake. What’s better than a mountain view accompanied by a pristine lakeshore? Alpine lakes are usually associated with summertime hikes, but they shouldn’t be overlooked in the winter.

Each of these lakes would make terrific summer hikes but they’re almost more magical in wintertime. Absolute winter wonderlands.

Are you looking for epic outdoor adventures to enjoy in Colorado? You may also like these articles:

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Short attention span? Skip ahead here show

Keep reading for the list of best alpine lake trails near Denver:

What to Pack for Winter Hike in Colorado

Don’t set out on a winter hike without being prepared. Hiking trails can be a lot more dangerous during the winter season if you’re not prepared.

If you are prepared, you’ll have a lot more fun! Make sure you pack these things for the alpine lake trails near Denver:

Hiking Gear

Traction Devices

It’s a very good idea to bring some sort of traction device on your hike. You may encounter lots of snowpack or ice patches that are slick and difficult to cross without proper traction gear.

The best two options are either these crampons when trails are most packed down and icy or these snowshoes when there’s a lot more loose snow on the trail.

Also, a good idea to bring along these trekking poles to give you more control & balance in the snow.

Other Gear

Head Lamp – Days are a lot shorter in the winter time and with less day light there’s an increased chance that you may not be back before dark. It’s a good idea to take a light source other than your phone.
Hand Warmers – These hand warmers are a great way to keep your fingers nice and toasty on the snowy trails.

Warm Clothing & Lots of Layers

Columbia Jacket – You’ll definitely need a winter jacket. I recently switched to a Columbia jacket and I’m loving it so far – it’s so warm and light.
Snow Pants – If temperatures are fairly mild, you probably won’t need these. But these are definitely a must when it gets below 20 degrees or so (in my opinion).
Fleece Lined Leggings – Most of the time I skip the ski pants and just wear fleece lined leggings instead.
Smartwool Socks – Wool socks are an ESSENTIAL for keeping your feet warm & dry on the trail. Smartwool is a terrific brand and I’ve been very pleased with their product.
Thermal Base Layer – Warmth starts with your base layer. Don’t skip it.
Gloves – My mom bought Randy and I each a pair of these gloves for Christmas and they are perfect for playing in the snow. They do a great job keeping our fingers warm & dry.
Hat/Beanie – Don’t forget to pack something to keep your head & ears warm.

Best Alpine Lake Trails to Hike this Winter

Here they are! The best alpine lake trails near Denver:

Bear Lake

Trailhead Location: Bear Lake – Rocky Mountain National Park
Length of Trail: 0.7 miles RT
Elevation Change: 49 ft
Difficulty of Trail: Easy

This first alpine lake trail is in Rocky Mountain National Park – one of my all time favorite national parks.

If you’re looking for something easy but still want to stretch your legs and enjoy incredible views, check out the Bear Lake Nature Trail in Rocky Mountain.

The lake is only a few steps from the parking lot and you can continue around the lake for 0.7 miles on a relatively flat trail. This trail is perfect for people who are testing out snowshoeing for the very first time. It’s perfect for all ages and skill levels.

After hiking around Bear Lake, check out Nymph Lake & Dream Lake or Bierstadt Lake below.

Nymph Lake – Rocky Mountain National Park

Dream Lake – Rocky Mountain National Park

Nymph Lake & Dream Lake

Trailhead Location: Bear Lake – Rocky Mountain National Park
Length of Trail: 2.0 miles RT
Elevation Change: 426 ft
Difficulty of Trail: Moderate

What’s better than one alpine lake? Well, it’s two alpine lake. This two-in-one special in probably hands down my favorite on this list.

Also located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the views here are truly out-of-this-world.

After only a half-mile, you’ll come to the first of two lakes, Nymph Lake. The views here are definitely note-worthy but don’t stop, keep following the trails and after another half mile you’ll come to Dream Lake.

Wow – let’s just say it’s dreamy. You can’t miss this one.

If you’re feeling adventurous (or happen to start earlier than an hour before sunset – like us), then you can continue on to Emerald Lake. I’ve seen Emerald Lake in the summer time and it’s divine – I would imagine the same to be true in the winter.

Bierstadt Lake – Rocky Mountain National Park

Bierstadt Lake from Bear Lake

Trailhead Location: Bear Lake – Rocky Mountain National Park
Length of Trail: 4.4 miles RT
Elevation Change: 646 ft
Difficulty of Trail: Moderate

During the winter, most of the trails at the Bear Lake trailhead are accessible and are great options for winter hikes. But some of these hikes can become a little crowded.

This trail is not as highly trafficked as others in the area so it’s a good choice if you’re wanting some distance between you and others.

Start off at the Bear Lake Trailhead and follow the signs to Beirstadt Lake. The trail is heavily wooded and will be a good mix of ups and downs.

Echo Lake

Trailhead Location: Echo Lake Park – Idaho Springs, CO
Length of Trail: 1.5 miles RT
Elevation Change: 78 ft
Difficulty of Trail: Easy

Echo Lake was a bonus hike for us – this one wasn’t on our list but when a different trail didn’t work out for us, we pulled up the handy AllTrails app and discovered that it wasn’t too far away. So we gave it a go.

Echo Lake is so beautiful and it’s the perfect spot to test out snowshoeing for beginners. The trail around the lake is almost entirely flat and level and very easy to traverse.

There’s also plenty of area and trails around the lake to venture out into the more loose and deep snow if you’re interested.

St. Marys Lake

Trailhead Location: St. Mary’s Glacier, Arapaho National Forest – Idaho Springs, CO
Length of Trail: 1.9 miles
Elevation Change: 807 ft
Difficulty of Trail: Moderate
Fee: $5 parking fee at trailhead – cash required

St. Mary’s Lake is easily a close second favorite of mine. The views here were pure grandeur and the weather fierce.

Although the trail up to St Mary’s Lake is relatively short – it is a bit on the steep side. But oh, so worth it.

This trail is one of the most popular on this list, so expect crowds of people. The Area is big enough so that you can find space to spread out and enjoy the lakeside on your own.

Let me just say, the wind up here was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Piercingly cold and icy. If it’s windy day, be prepared.

Continue past the lake for some terrific views of the surrounding mountains.

Lost Lake

Trailhead Location: Hessie Trailhead – Nederland, CO
Length of Trail: 4.0 miles RT
Elevation Change: 830 feet
Difficulty of Trail: Moderate

Lost Lake is the last one on this list but it’s certainly not the least. It’s one of the longest hikes on this list but there are views of the surrounding mountains almost the entire way.

The trailhead does get very busy on the weekends so arrive early. Also, during the winter, the road is closed a half mile before the trailhead so this hike really is closer to 5 miles RT.

Lost Lake is also a popular overnight backpacking trip for beginner backpackers in the area. There are a few campsites around the lake here. I can’t wait to come back in the summer and camp right by the lake – I’m not quite ready to try winter camping yet.

Want to know more about snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Check out my blog post on beginner Snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park:

Have you been to any of these lakes? Are there any others that we should check out near Denver? Let me know in the comments below!

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