With so many lake hikes, Colorado will have your hiking itinerary booked for years! Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the 9.4-mile out-and-back trail features a rushing waterfall, granite mountain views, and colorful spring blooms. Though close in proximity to Maroon Lake, Crater Lake is a less crowded destination, yet still unbelievably scenic. You'll find this alpine gem located near Nederland. Our other most popular lakeside elopement locations in Colorado are Blue Lakes near Breckenridge and Lake Isabelle near Boulder. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. 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. Located near Gardener, Colorado, this amazing alpine lake Colorado hike starts with a downhill trek into a vast, meadow with stunning, panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. Distance: 5.53 milesElevation: 1056 ftType: Out-and-back. Cherry Creek Reservoir. Use the 'Report' link on 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: 12.5 milesElevation: 2,890 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This mountain range holds snow well into July, so be prepared for a few patches of snow, even in late summer. This short 6.5-mile round-trip trail boasts picturesque alpine lakes and stunning views of Pfeifferhorn. Youll want to be prepared for cooler weather, even in the middle of summer. Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. Yes. You'll take the Mitchell Lake Trail, crossing Mitchell Creek and passing Mitchell Lake along the way. If you are looking for something a little easier to get to, try James Peak Wilderness. The 2.3-mile out-and-back trail starts off in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area and then winds on to the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Alpine Loop. For more information on how to do this lake loop, continue to our Rocky Mountain National Park Guide. 5h 16m. Keep it Clean. Distance: 3.77 milesElevation: 722 ftType: Out-and-back. The winding hike leads you past dreamy fields of wildflowers before reaching the sparkling aqua the area is known for. This adventure takes you through a well-marked trail with fantastic mountain views. before arriving at the lake, where goof fishing has been reported. The cold water is characteristic of alpine lakes. 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. You'll be crossing a few small streams, so be careful after heavy rains. If you love the wildflowers, don't miss the serene trek into Eagles Nest Wilderness to Gore Lake. Grand Lake. Please note, reservations are required to visit the park. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. Located outside of the beautiful mountain town of Vail, the trail to the lake is about 12.5 miles out-and-back. Beware of moose in this area, they are everywhere and not afraid to charge! 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. 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. The best lakes in Colorado often require hard hikes to get to but that also means that you can enjoy them with less people. Though one of the shorter adventures on this list, the hike to Loch Vale in Rocky National Park is surely just as rewarding as the others. Distance: 3.9 milesElevation: 1,062 feetDifficulty: Easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Sometimes the road in is closed, which adds about a mile each way. Maybird Lakes : Maybird Gulch is a rugged piece of the Lone Peak Wilderness in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Traverse forests of aspen and lodgepole pine and enjoy views of surrounding peaks and valleys before arriving at some of the, This 160-acre tarn resides at 12,836' at Summit Lake Park beneath Mt. Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Stay awhile and enjoy the views! The hike is difficult but is worth the challenge to get to one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. The lakes are also great fishing destinations, so be sure to pack a rod and some tackle along with your tent for a surreal nature getaway. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation: 846 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. The trail starts off steep, dropping into a valley before running flat, then climbing steeply up again. Don't Threaten. Discover this alpine wonder by taking Rogers Pass Trail, a 9.1-mile out-and-back trail located near Rollinsville. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. Photo: Ryan DewaneDistance: 8.43 milesElevation: 1780 ftType: Out-and-back. Aside from the deep blues waters, hikers are delighted with wildflower-filled meadows bordering the lakes in bright and beautiful colors. Today, this area is thought of as a near ideal spot for relaxation and water recreation, but it used to be a vital transportation destination after gold was discovered in nearby Aspen in 1879. Enjoy magnificent views of aspens as you continue through sage and dense forest. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. These incredible, Climb a 3.5-mile trail along an open ridge in the Eagles Nest Wilderness to reach one of the, One option is this challenging all-day hike that involves a bounty of supreme alpine splendor. Distance: 2.93 milesElevation: 675 ftType: Loop. 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. At this time, the 44 road to Blue Lakes requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to access when the gate is open during summer months (often late May through October), but there is talk . Directions: From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west or, from Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. 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. Hike to the base of several Colorado 14ers at South Colony Lakes and enjoy one of the best hikes in Colorado. The water is gorgeous. Columbine Lake Trail #509 in San Juan National Forest is a difficult and steep trail with 16 discernible switchbacks but it's worth the effort. Scope out sweet views of Mont Massive and the mighty Sawatch Range (home to 14 of Colorados tallest peaks). But once there, you can take in impressive panoramas of the valley below as well as hidden meadows, streams, and ponds. Give them instructions about who to call if they dont hear from you. Success! This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. Related: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local. There are a lot of famous alpine lake hikes in Colorado to discover. There are several camping spots by the second lake if youre looking to stay overnight. Driving to Alpine Lakes Some lakes, like Cottonwood Lake or O'Haver Lake, are accessible by car, and even more can be found with a little hiking effort. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Lake Helene is another great option for explorers of Rocky Mountain National Park. Kevin BuggieBPL Member. Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. This scenic hike in Rocky Mountain National Park begins at the popular Glacier Gorge trailhead, but you can avoid the crowds by heading out later in the afternoon and be rewarded by an incredible sunset. Mohawk Lakes offer plenty of picture-perfect backcountry camping or opportunities to summit nearby mountains, such as Father Dyer. In the spring and early summer you can enjoy wildflowers on the hikes, and in the fall you get to see the Aspens fall foliage. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Pass by the popular Alberta Falls, but keep trekking to leave the crowds behind and find yourself in complete solitude in this vast and unbelievably beautiful wilderness. 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. . Green Mountain Reservoir. Bear Lake is a popular lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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! Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. 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. Alpine Lakes in Colorado. Arguably one of the most scenic backpacking routes in Colorado, Gore Lake delivers alpine beauty unlike anything else.Make your way up the challenging trail to an alpine scene that literally looks like a painting. Hike to Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes, 25. Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. If you're up for the challenge, Kit Carson and Challenger Point can also be accessed along this trail. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible . Then recheck it the day before your hike. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. Each of these alpine lake hikes brings you the best of the Rocky Mountains and picturesque mountain scenery of places like Leadville. It can be hard to narrow down which hikes, Colorado is a beautiful state with tall peaks, incredible lakes, and four unique national parks. 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. This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. 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. Its a total bonus if you hit this trail early and arrive for the sunrise! Once you get to the lake, focus on the right shoreline, where there is a great drop off for fish to hang out around. Backpack to three alpine lakes and an alpine lagoon in Roosevelt National Forest. Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. If you are a fan of high alpine lakes without having to travel far . Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Camping is prohibited within a quarter of a mile to protect its fragile environment. No dogs. Thats right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town! Since it's a relatively short hike, this is a great one for a family nature outing. Distance: 5.4 milesElevation: 1,072 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. Photo: Ryan MckinneyDistance: 4.09 milesElevation: 374 ftType: Out-and-back. Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. The designation means Spinney is public fishing water that produces a minimum of 12 fish of 14in or more and 60lbs per acre. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Long Lake is an alpine explorers paradise. Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek located near Crestone. Distance: 9.22 milesElevation: 2270 ftType: Out-and-back. And find our listings for off-road outfitters and tour companies here. The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. Awesome views, wildlife, lakes and wild flowers await you on this lollipop loop ride. This adventure will bring you by wide open meadows and plenty of wildlife (look out for moose and elk!) 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. Expect to see some seriously stunning cascading waterfalls along the way. This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). In Colorado's lakes and streams most Cutthroats average 9 to . 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. Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. Accessing this alpine wonder is simple. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation: 160 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Maroon Lake is worth a visit year-round, including in the (much quieter) winter months. You could also do a loop and combine this lake with Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. Walk another half mile and youll see a beautiful waterfall, followed by stellar views of Lily Lake. Pass by Alberta Falls along this route before continuing up the trail through the gorge. Blue Lakes Basin is a must for explorers of the Mount Sneffels Wilderness. Filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by mind-blowing settings, these backcountry bodies of water are meant to be enjoyed. Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. person will not be tolerated. The trail will take you through both wildflower-filled meadows and forest. Distance: 8.12 milesElevation: 2037 ftType: Out-and-back. Embark on an adventure at Pitkin Lake. Ive been hiking in Colorado for over 13 years. Although the entire hike is 2.4 miles long, you will arrive at the lake in half a. 1. The freshwater lake is the perfect spot for boating or fishing. The best time to visit lakes in Colorado is between May and October when there is no snow so they are easier to get to. Cutthroats were originally named by William Clark on the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition. Loop or Out and Back: Out and Back or Loop. From short day hikes close to the city to multi-day backpacking trips deep in Rocky Mountain National Park, these adventures will take you to some of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Colorado. Start from the Bear Lake parking lot and hike the gentle trail towards Lake Haiyaha, passing through the alluring Emerald Lake. Photo: Abby VohaskaDistance: 8.81 miles Elevation: 2635 ftType: Out-and-back. An alternative to driving on your own is toreserve a spoton the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands Village to Maroon Bells. UPPER & LOWER BUSHNELL LAKES. Above treeline, the weather can move in quickly and even on a sunny day, the air can feel quite cool. Be Nice. Be sure to check the weather before beginning this adventure as summer thunderstorms in this area can be aggressive. Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. This glacial lake is the largest natural lake in Colorado in terms of surface area, depth, and total water volume. Talk about iconic Colorado views! Be sure to check local road conditions during the winter months, the road is unmaintained and closed, which adds an extra 3 to 4 miles each way. The United States Should Adopt The Allemannsretten, 5 Great Spots in Colorado for Fall Colors. Make your way up the two-mile trail to the base of St. Mary's Glacier (not really a glacier, but a permanent snowfield) where there is a picture-perfect alpine lake. 2. To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. Take a Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park . This route is delicate, so always practice Leave No Trace when visiting. It's the state's highest peak. Jewel Lake is accessible by a three-mile hike and Clear Lake requires an eight-mile hike to get to. Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Come July and August, Lawn Lake is arguably the best lake for fishing in the park. 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. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can Drive To!) This is a busy area, but for good reason, the views are delicious! August 25, 2021 at 6:00 a.m. Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocked dozens of alpine lakes with more than 95,000 trout by airplane last week. 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. Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado is an easy daytime hike that features expansive alpine landscapes and brilliant turquoise waters. 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. There are plenty of wildlife viewing (moose, turkey, deer, ptarmigan) and fishing opportunities. It's about a 3-mile trek out-and-back. Resting beautifully at an elevation of 9,003 feet. At these lakes you can canoe, kayak, and paddle board. Bring a swimsuit! The snowpack is different every year, so its tough to say when trails will be snow-free. Overview. 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. Twin Lakes is located at the foot of the highest mountain in the entire Rocky Mountain Range along the continental divide and is also Colorados largest natural glacier lake. The picturesque lakes are tucked away near the mountains of Breckenridge. This moderate hike is a great way to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in Colorado without the lung-busting elevation gain. The hike to lower blue lake is 6 miles round trip with 1,610 ft elevation gain. Also, dont be an ass, you are not allowed to swim or climb around on the logs here. If you just cant get enough alpine lakes in Colorado, why not choose a hiking trail that hits four different Lakes? Eloping in Colorado gives you access to epic views of 15 mountain ranges, 54 peaks over 10,000 feet, alpine lakes, meadows of wildflowers, and a vast variety of gorgeous backdrops. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 1,765 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. For an added challenge and extra mileage, you can even summit Longs Peak for an elevated vantage point! It's a 1.8-mile trek (3.6 miles round trip). Print/PDF map. This adventure leads you through the Holy Cross Wilderness where youll be surrounded by beautiful forests. You'll find San Cristobal incredibly stunning. You'll be surrounded by jagged peak, stunning summer wildflower displays, and crystal clear waters. Keep moving forward and the trail will switch back and then head up the mountain. Heart Lake is another great option for backpackers. When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. Did you know that Colorado is home to over 2,000 lakes? The breathtaking clear blue American Lake is located in Aspen, Colorado. The Lake Haiyaha hike is accessible year-round and a great option for beginners or those looking for a gentle day and one of the best winter hikes in Colorado. It is nestled between the towns of Ridgway and Telluride. The trail will end with a gorgeous view of Pitkin Lake. Distance: 6.92 milesElevation: 1804 ftType: Out-and-back. Camp at Twin Lakes White Star Campground. In fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. Please note, reservations may be required for visiting the park. Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. The Alpine Loop starts with the historic high-altitude town of Ouray. the most part. This water adventure features beautiful cascading waterfalls among steep rocky cliffs and lush green pine trees. Improve this listing. The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. San Juan National Forest. Start at the main trailhead and wander up either Crystal Creek Road (the uphill ramp on your right if youre looking at the end of the lot) or continue straight past the lot to the upper lot (about a 5-car pull out) where the road intersects the Wheeler Trail. You can take a dip at Sprouting Rock in a stunning turquoise oasis found just behind Hanging Lake. Note that parking at the Brainard Lake Recreational Area lot costs $10 and fills up quickly. This list comes from years of research and is a total labor of love. In the Fall, the Aspen grove comes alive with color, making for an especially memorable experience. Located in the San Juan Mountains, the lake also attracts a variety of wildlife including elk and moose. 20 Gift Ideas for People Who Love to Travel, 10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary: From Hot Springs to Cloud Forests, Sedona Off the Beaten Path: Sedona Hidden Gems, Top Shaded Hikes in Sedona: Sedona Summer Hikes, 16 Top Destinations in the Southwest US You Must See. Photos (9,863) Directions. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. 17. With that being said, typically alpine lakes are frozen and mostly snow-free starting in July through around mid-October depending on the year. This is one of the easiest lakes on this list to get to, but is therefore also the most crowded. The backcountry hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes features abundant wildlife, glorious mountain backdrops, and beautiful wildflowers. Gray Wolf Reintroduction, What Does 2023 Look Like In Colorado? There's a reason Maroon Lake is arguably the most photographed lake in the state. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Mary's Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. Check the weather. 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.' The Alpine Lakes is the largest wilderness area . Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. Lake of the Clouds brings you tranquil scenery and plenty of views. Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? Sandbeach Lake has a wide sandy shore thats perfect for picnicking or simply sitting to take in the scenery. Whether you make a day hike or weekend of it, these hidden, 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.' Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. Its my favorite backpacking route in Colorado and well-worth an overnight. Alpine lakes are defined by being any lake that sits above 10,000 feet above sea level. Spalding. Dog-friendly. These lakes are next to Independence Pass, a road that takes you to Aspen. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. 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). You'd better allow 7 hours to fully enjoy the scenic beauty, however. Dogs are welcome, but due to the crowds, keep Fido leashed. Tucked under Mt Elbert, Colorado's tallest peak sits two pristine alpine lakes nestled beside the town of Twin Lakes. Lower and Upper Mohawk Lakes and three other unnamed lakes are all in the area. If youre looking for a stunning place to stake out camp by a lake, look no more! 1. This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. During the Ice Age of the geologically . The total hike round trip to Upper Blue Lake is 8 miles with 2,404 ft elevation gain. Parking early in the morning is free at the Bear Lake Trailhead. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State Park. Be Proactive. No dogs are allowed in the yurt over winter. Be Truthful. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. Surrounding peaks of granite reflect off the lake's beautiful emerald green waters nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 4.4 miles in summer, 11 miles in winterElevation: 448 in summer, 1,030 in winterDifficulty: Easy (moderate in winter)Red Tape and Local Tips: The Brainard Lake Recreation Area requires a fee for day use. Are there any waterfalls I can visit near Denver? Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail to access starts off at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. It connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, where it is generally considered to begin (and end). In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. Moderate 4.6 (8765) Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Distance: 7.7 milesElevation: 2,522 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Photo: Nicola EasterbyDistance: 3.06 milesElevation: 1168 ftType: Out-and-back. Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. Required fields are marked *. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. This is the most beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be combined with Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. Then, continue climbing to blue Lake at the base of Mt. This article will walk you through the best lakes in Colorado and how to get to these lakes. This truly-epic alpine lake hike is long, but worth the effort. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. 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.