Carter lake reservoir, carter reservoir carter lake is a major source of fun for residents and visitors to the loveland area of colorado s front range. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Another access favored by horse back riders is the short creek trailhead. Directly west of westcliffe, the lakes are a popular destination for campers and fishing. Jun 19, 2019 known for its alpine lakes, colorado has a widevariety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. One third mile later the trail crosses swift creek and then continues another. Five small lakes lie within the brainard lakes recreation. After a long week in colorado springs, we needed an escape. Litc has been in existence since 1964 when the association was formed. Hike profile for lake of the clouds, rocky mountain national park.
Grand lake the largest natural lake in colorado sits outside the western entrance to rocky mountain national park in a town of the same name, with a boardwalk, marina and lots of family fun and events each year. Of the 52 lakes nearby, these are some of the best. Hiker shuttle and public transportation amcs hiker shuttle connects the highland center, pinkham notch visitor center, and the towns of lincoln and gorham with major trails to the huts, allowing hikers to start and end their trip at. My oldest boys joshua and luke and coworker troy and i headed out for our first trip earlier than normal due to the lessthantypical snowfall this year.
The trailhead is at 9,400 feet altitude and the upper lake is at 11,630 feet. Carter lake reservoir, carter reservoir carter lake is a major source of fun for residents and visitors to the loveland area of colorados front range. With lakes of the clouds trail or climb over a ridge into an adjacent drainage if you go off trail. Go hike colorado is not responsible for injury or incident. This is a list of the largest reservoirs in the state of colorado.
The approach is beautiful and the destination is stunning. A list of all the lakes in colorado that begin with a with maps, driving directions and a local area search function. Sep 21, 2019 one third mile later the trail crosses swift creek and then continues another. The 10 basic types of clouds and how to recognize them. Sep 22, 2014 my base camp at lakes of the clouds in colorado. Residents have easy access to major interstates and public transportation, restaurants, entertainment, and shopping. In fact, alpine lakes in colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. Bison park reservoir is located in teller county, colorado.
The best mountain lakes in the usa mountain house blog. Monaco lakes apartments is located in denver on nearly 20 acres of beautifully manicured grounds. Goodwin lakes, comanche lake, dry lake, venable lakes, hermit lake, dry lakes, eureka lake, lake of the clouds. Twin lakes, co weather conditions weather underground. Known for its alpine lakes, colorado has a widevariety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. Onestopshop for fishing and boating locations in colorado. Head south from westcliffe, colorado on state highway 69, then turn off onto the road to south colony lakes. All thirtyeight reservoirs that contain greater than 40,000 acrefeet. Colorado springs independent newspaper is the local. Revised directions for lakes of the clouds trailgibson parking lotrainbow trail near westcliffe, colorado. The 11 most beautiful lake hikes in colorado happiest outdoors. Jul 29, 2009 revised directions for lakes of the clouds trailgibson parking lotrainbow trail near westcliffe, colorado. Lakes of the clouds may be reached by hiking from marshfield station, on the mount washington cog railway, via the ammonoosuc ravine trail in.
The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from april until october. The original owners of the property known as lake in the clouds litc were avalon operating corporation and empire clay products, inc. Lakes of the clouds new hampshire not to be confused with the much bigger lake in the porkies, this cluster of high tarnsmore ponds than lakessit at 5,000odd feet between mount monroe and mount washington in the highest country in the northeast. A backpack to lake of the clouds, to climb cloud peak and spread eagle peak. There are two trails leading to the lakes and both provide relatively easy access. Colorado lakes fishing map, stocking information and tips. Although its hard to go wrong, heres a look at the best alpine lake hikes in colorado for any ability level. Westcliffe is a small town in custer county colorado, united states of america.
The colorful trip to ice lake basin also leads to colorados. Oct 24, 2018 after a long week in colorado springs, we needed an escape. Lakes of the clouds on our previous blog covering a few of the prime hiking locations surrounding westcliffe, we brought up lakes of the clouds, and for good reason. The lakes of the clouds hut, a rental hut and lodge for hikers operated by the appalachian mountain club, is adjacent to the lakes, facing west.
At about 3 miles the trail meets the lakes of the clouds trail. Chatfield reservoir one of the most popular lakes near denver, chatfield reservoir in littleton bustles with. The brainard lakes are some of the most heavily visited lakes along colorado s front range. The lakes of the clouds trailhead junction with rainbow trail is 1 mile north the lakes of the clouds trail follows swift creek for about four miles to the lowest lake. Lakes of the clouds may be reached by hiking from marshfield station, on the mount washington cog railway, via the ammonoosuc ravine trail in approximately four hours. Site includes detailed trail information on the lakes of the clouds and. Extensive excerpts from the popular hiking book, colorados incredible backcountry trails. High in the mountains of southwest colorado sit a pair of alpine lakes. Not only is the hiking incredible, but the views are spectacular, and the colorado wildlife is often seen in the area to add one more exciting detail of your mountain vacation to. When you get to the tee in the road, turn left onto music pass road. On the edge of town, take a right onto hermit road cr 160 heading out of westcliffe.
Lake of the clouds is a hiking adventure located in or near estes park, co. Best places to go swimming in colorado in the summer. As is indicated on the map, there are two trails leading to the lakes of the clouds. Hermit road is almost a straight shot to gibson parking lot. The road is decent for a while, but then it turns into a fourwheeldrive. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and backpacking and is best used from april until december. Colorado river trailhead rocky mountain national park. Lake of the clouds is the largest lake west of the continental divide in the never summer mountains. Local anglers have a select list of lakes to chose from when looking to land that massive lunker. Lakes of the clouds, colorado overnighter with fishing 30. This book is of the same high quality as her previous ones, with a mix of romance, humour, danger, and always, historical accuracy.
Colorado lakes vacation rentals, lake homes for sale. Lake of the clouds, located near estes park, colorado is a. Lake in the clouds by sara donati is the third in the series about the bonner family, and is available in several forms, hard cover, paperback and kindle. The trail described above is the swift creek trail, but it is also possible to use the lakes of the clouds trail that starts further north on the rainbow trail.
Bikes or atvs on the swift creek trail the rainbow trail is ok. The brainard lakes are some of the most heavily visited lakes along colorados front range. Lake of the clouds trail hiking trail, grand lake, colorado. Lakes of the clouds hut is closed during the winter and spring and does not offer a selfservice season. Lakes of the clouds alternate route colorado alltrails. Most of the larger reservoirs in the state are owned by the united states bureau of reclamation and, to a lesser extent, the corps of engineers. Lakes of the clouds trail hiking trail near westcliffe. Directly west of westcliffe, the lakes are a popular.