The 4 Best Colorado Lake Hikes for Summer 2023

Summer is in full swing and that means only one thing – it’s time to revel in the outdoors. Getting out in nature is not only a great way to spend time with friends and family, but it’s also immeasurably beneficial to your mental and physical health. Here at RECOSIVITY, there’s nothing we enjoy more than a hike to a stunning lake so we thought it would be fun to share some of our favorite trails with you. As Colorado is our beloved home state, there’s no better place for us to start.

Head on over to our instagram @recosivity if you fancy watching the reels we created on these trails and give us a follow for more hiking adventures!

1. Maroon Bells to Crater Lake - Aspen

Located in White River National Forest, this 3.5 mile out-and-back trail will spoil you with not only one, but two stunning lake vistas. Maroon Bells is the first lake you will visit and as it is situated a few short steps from the parking lot, this is one of the most accessible lakes in Colorado. For those who would prefer a leisurely walk, Maroon Bells has a 1.1 mile scenic loop, which provides maximum reward with minimum effort. For those who prefer to sweat for their views, follow the signs to Crater Lake and prepare yourself for a steady uphill climb through dense woodland, followed by rough, rocky terrain as you approach the lake itself. Once there, soak in the views and then return the way you came.

 Tips:

• This hike requires a parking or shuttle reservation. See aspenchamber.org for more information. 
• This area is frequented by black bears. For your safety, it is recommended that you bring a bear canister with you.
• Due to the rocky terrain on the way to Crater Lake, make sure you wear appropriate hiking shoes/boots.
• There are no restrooms on the trail. Please use the restrooms at the Maroon Bells parking area before you begin. 
• Stay hydrated, apply sunscreen liberally and bring insect repellent.
• Pack it in, pack it out and help preserve this beautiful trail.

2. Bear Lake to Emerald Lake – Estes Park

Four alpine lakes in one hike? Sign me up! Potentially the most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll need to arrive before 7am if you want to bag yourself a parking spot at the Bear Lake Trailhead. From the parking lot, follow signs for Nymph Lake, which is the first lake you will arrive at after a steady uphill climb. The path is well travelled and marked at various points, but if in doubt, follow the hordes of people that will no doubt be travelling the same way. After Nymph Lake, you will reach Dream Lake, followed finally by Emerald Lake. Bring a picnic and enjoy the vista and sense of accomplishment before returning the way you came.

Tips:

• This hike requires an entrance pass AND a timed entry permit. See recreation.gov for more details.
• Stay hydrated, apply sunscreen liberally and bring insect repellent.
• There are no restrooms on the trail. Therefore, use the restrooms at the Bear Lake parking area before you begin your hike.
• Pack it in, pack it out and help preserve this beautiful trail. 

3. Bear Lake to Mills Lake – Estes Park

Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, this 5.8 mile out-and-back trail is accessible from Glacier Gorge Trailhead, however, parking is limited here and if we’re being honest (and lazy), the first part of the hike is easier from Bear Lake Trailhead. Again, you will need to arrive early to secure a parking space. On this hike, you can expect to see stunning mountain vistas, a breathtaking waterfall and if you’re lucky, a deer or two will walk right across your path. In our opinion, Mills Lake is the most beautiful lake in RMNP and is usually much quieter than Emerald Lake, making it our preferred hike out of the two. Your first insta-worthy stop will be Alberta Falls, a gorgeous waterfall that runs down a narrow gorge on Glacier Creek. Following a steady uphill path, you will emerge onto a cliff edge with beautiful views of the surrounding mountain landscape. After walking along the cliffside and into dense forest, you will eventually reach an intersection. Take the left path, signposted Mills Lake for a further 0.6 miles until you reach your destination. When you are ready, return via the route you came.  

Tips:

• This hike requires an entrance pass AND a timed entry permit. See recreation.gov for more details.
• Stay hydrated, apply sunscreen liberally and bring insect repellent.
• There are no restrooms on the trail. Therefore, use the restrooms at the Bear Lake parking area before you begin your hike.
• Pack it in, pack it out and help preserve this beautiful trail.

4. Hanging Lake – Glenwood Springs

Located in White River National Forest, this short but strenuous 2.5 mile out-and-back hike will take your breath away both literally and figuratively as you gain over 1000 feet in elevation. The entire trail is a steep incline over rough, rocky terrain/steps so we would rate it as moderate-difficult. However, trust us when we say it is 100% worth the blood, sweat and tears once you reach the top. During your ascent, you will follow the creek as you climb a winding path through the canyon. At the final stretch, a set of steep steps will take you up to the lake, but make sure to look back and admire the beauty of the canyon beforehand. As well as Hanging Lake, you can climb a further 400 yards to Spouting Rock Falls, a gorgeous waterfall that you can walk entirely around and early in the morning, can often have all to yourself. Once you have finished exploring, return to the parking lot via the route you came. 

 Tips:

• This hike requires a timed parking permit. See visitglenwood.com for more details.
• Stay hydrated, apply sunscreen liberally and bring insect repellent.
• There are no restrooms on the trail. Therefore, use the restrooms at the Hanging Lake parking area before you begin your hike.
• Pack it in, pack it out and help preserve this beautiful trail.

And there you have it, our top 4 lake hikes for summer exploring in Colorado. If you have hiked any of these trails before, or have other trails that you think we would enjoy, leave a comment in the section below!