The trail features colorful wildflower meadows, breathtaking views, and plenty of wildlife. Bloods Lake and Lackawaxen Trail. Many of the most amazing lakeside views in the state are easily accessible for beginner hikers. Although Gore Lake looks reasonable on paper, this is a tough hike, with much of the elevation gained in the last couple of miles. 2023 Best 10 Trails and Hikes in Silverton | AllTrails 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. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado | Colorado.com The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. Photos (9,863) Directions. Youll want to be prepared for cooler weather, even in the middle of summer. This route is delicate, so always practice Leave No Trace when visiting. Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. To the left, you can see the dramatic ridgeline called Keyboard of the Winds. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. For an added challenge and extra mileage, you can even summit Longs Peak for an elevated vantage point! Both alpine lakes sit at an elevation of about 11,000 feet. Take the Glacier Gorge Trail up a steep, winding dramatic valley that terminates at the famed Sky Pond. The alpine wonder rests at an elevation of 10,630 feet located between Flattop Mountain (12,324 feet) and Notchtop Mountain (12,129 feet) ). On Monday and . Be cautious, however, as thunderstorms are quite common in the summertime. The freshwater lake is the perfect spot for boating or fishing. Dog-Friendly: Bloods Lake - No, Lake Lackawaxen - Yes. This is one of the most iconic adventures in Colorado and for good reason! Up for a challenge? Youll cross a couple of creeks so be sure to have the appropriate footwear on. Throughout the years Ive hiked well over 1,000 miles of terrain here in Colorado. Be Nice. Pikes Peak - America's Mountain | Colorado Springs Square Top Lakes, Guanella Pass Square Top Lakes via Shutterstock. 2,568 feet max, MUCH less if starting from the Wheeler Trail.Difficulty: Moderate to easy depending on your route.Red Tape and Local Tips: Unlike many of Colorados famed high clearance roads (where you can usually get away with a small SUV), the road to the top of Crystal Lake is an ACTUAL Jeep trail. And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! Loop or Out and Back: Out and Back or Loop. Return To Sand Creek Lakes: Revenge Of The Skunked! Distance: 9.7 milesElevation: 1,643 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: If you plan on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, youll need to pay the $25 entrance fee. It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . There are plenty of hiking opportunities, but taking it easy and simply sitting back or fishing in the lake is the perfect way to slow down, unwind, and just be. Located in gorgeous Glenwood Canyon, the drive to the trailhead is reason . Error! The 11 Best Swimming Holes In Colorado To Visit This Summer There is nothing better than waking up and enjoying a hot cup of coffee next to a cold alpine lake. Upper & Lower Bushnell Lakes - Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort Take a Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park This trail is popular and can get very crowded, so try to hike it either really early or much later in the day. Ive been hiking in Colorado for over 13 years. Both lakes are stunning, a gasping traverse through the Indian Peaks 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. You'd better allow 7 hours to fully enjoy the scenic beauty, however. You must typically access these lake by hiking a few miles or by horseback. Camping is permitted and free around Alta Lakes in Telluride with campsites littered all around the three lakes. Distance: 5.33 milesElevation: 1322 ftType: Out-and-back. Bierstadt Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem. With that being said, typically alpine lakes are frozen and mostly snow-free starting in July through around mid-October depending on the year. 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. Head to the far side of this open space and follow the trail through a stream and continue upwards until you reach a campsite at about the one-mile mark. Washington's Best Lakes | Outdoor Project By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. Keep it Clean. Trek beyond the lakes to reach the 14,065-foot summit of Humboldt Peak. During the Ice Age of the geologically . 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 a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. 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. ATV The Alpine Loop Length: 65 mile loop Drive Time: 5-7 hours Fees: 3-day Pass: $6.00 7-day Pass: $12.00 Annual Pass: $45.00 Or America the Beautiful Pass (National Park Pass) Difficulty: 75% Easy / 25% Difficult (rock outcroppings, drop offs) Access: Easy ATV Friendly Town: Lake City Ideal Riding Season: Mid Summer - September 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. If you love the wildflowers, don't miss the serene trek into Eagles Nest Wilderness to Gore Lake. Theres nothing more grounding and invigorating than a rousing climb to a crystal clear alpine lake, followed by a little exploration, relaxation, (and certainly a picnic), at a pristine mountain paradise at around 11,000. These serene alpine lakes near Denver are something everyone should experience this summerbut please remember our earth is fragile so LEAVE NO TRACE! "With an ample forage base such as scuds, crayfish, terrestrials, aquatic insects these fish can live 10 plus years and grow to very . Distance: 12.9 milesElevation: 2,919 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are allowed if on a leash and the best time to visit is between March and October. 31 Amazing Alpine Lakes in Colorado to See in 2023 + Local Tips Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. The United States Should Adopt The Allemannsretten, 5 Great Spots in Colorado for Fall Colors. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. When you get to the lake you can always take a swim if you are up for it, but expect the water to be really cold! The road will dead end at Moffat Tunnel where you'll find ample parking in a gravel lot with restrooms. However, this is one gorgeous hike, especially during the wildflower season. This Colorado Trail Has 3 Turquoise Lakes With The Bluest Water You've Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. Surrounding peaks of granite reflect off the lake's beautiful emerald green waters nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 3.97 milesElevation: 1299 ftType: Out-and-back. To extend your adventure, you can continue on to Isabelle Glacier. Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. Colorado will soon see moisture from what was Hurricane Nora and flash flood watches are already in effect for parts of the state. Spooky indeed! The best lakes in Colorado often require hard hikes to get to but that also means that you can enjoy them with less people. 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. There is no shortage of beautiful lakes near Denver, and there are several with magnificently blue water. The trail itself is moderately wooded. To make this a longer adventure, you can keep the fun going all the way to Bear Lake. Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. Camp at Twin Lakes White Star Campground. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. This adventure will bring you by wide open meadows and plenty of wildlife (look out for moose and elk!) Definitely come prepared with a suit to take a dip. You will definitely want to wear hiking boots and bring trekking poles for this part of the trail. Articles by Heather Brinkman's Profile | Daily Camera, Longmont Times 1. Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake with clear teal water. Explore the fantastically beautiful cirque and enjoy views of Kit Carson, The Crestones, and Humboldt Peak. Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. Check out our favorite alpine hikes in Colorado and neighboring states. 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. Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. Alpine Lakes in Colorado. The best time to visit is between June and October. Camping here is sure to be an awe-filled experience. Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back The Ute Indian tribe long inhabited this area before they were replaced by miners in the 1800s, who came in search of silver, gold, lead, and zinc. Mohawk Lakes offer plenty of picture-perfect backcountry camping or opportunities to summit nearby mountains, such as Father Dyer. Photo Credit: Jose A Feliciano Cestero (iStock). . Here you'll find a campground, cabins, and dispersed camping. This hike also has a waterfall. If youre looking for a stunning place to stake out camp by a lake, look no more! Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! Surround yourself in an amphitheater of dramatic rock and scope out of the best alpine lakes in Colorado. Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 42 min to complete. Proposition 114 passed in Colorado and now the planning process begins. Its a total bonus if you hit this trail early and arrive for the sunrise! But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! In reality, you can make your way to an alpine lake any time of the year. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that youve already checked with good old Google. 5h 16m. Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty, and elevation gain. 1. Blue Lakes Basin is a must for explorers of the Mount Sneffels Wilderness. (And be sure to take time to branch off and discover the wonder of Salmon Lake along the way, tucked deep in the forest amidst fields of impressive boulders and towering pines.) Suggest edits to improve what we show. Colorado's Alpine Loop is affectionately called the " Switzerland of America" for a reason! each comment to let us know of abusive posts. There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. The breathtaking clear blue American Lake is located in Aspen, Colorado. Make it a day by going on one of Colorados most scenic drives! Fly Fishing Alpine Lakes - Evergreen Trout Located outside of the beautiful mountain town of Vail, the trail to the lake is about 12.5 miles out-and-back. Distance: 5.4 milesElevation: 1,072 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. Fly Fishing Alpine Lakes for Remote Monsters - Fly Fisherman Cottonwood Lake Does Sky Pond sound too intense? 15 Secret Colorado Lakes and Waterfalls to Discover this Summer If you're looking for a secluded adventure, the Mohawk Lakes (upper and lower) are the perfect alpine escape for you. This article will walk you through the best lakes in Colorado and how to get to these lakes. Resting beautifully at an elevation of 9,003 feet. 1. Accessibility from North Cascades Highway makes it an excellent stop on a road trip through the area. Make your way up the two-mile trail to the base of St. Marys Glacier (not really a glacier, but a permanent snowfield) where there is a picture-perfect alpine lake. Reservations are no longer required until summer 2023. ppmicrosoftteams-image_24.png Enjoy Pikes Peak at your leisure on the safe, scenic Pikes Peak Highway. Colorado Summer of Alpine Lakes | Visit Telluride Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Mount Evans is a 14er that boasts fantastic views of the lake, Mt. Welcome to Fish-Full Colorado: A Guide to Fly Fishing in Colorado - Curated Length 6.7 miElevation gain 1,699 ftRoute type Out & back. Keep moving forward and the trail will switch back and then head up the mountain. This is a great adventure for those looking to make a short trip outside of Denver. While opting for the alpine wonder is suitable for a wider range hiking skill levels, bagging both peaks is only recommend for the most experienced hikers. Beware of moose in this area, they are everywhere and not afraid to charge! Also, keep in mind there are restrictions on where you can walk, so be respectful of signs and regulations. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. Check out three different alpine lakes in the James Peak Wilderness with the Crater Lakes Trail. Photo: Nicola EasterbyDistance: 3.06 milesElevation: 1168 ftType: Out-and-back. However, in the winter months, some of the roads to various trailheads arent maintained, and this may add a substantial amount of snowy hiking to your journey. To see most of these incredible lakes in Colorado on one road trip, check out our Colorado Road Trip Itinerary. To get there, follow Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes for 8.6 miles of out-and-back beauty. 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. Related: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local. The fastest way to get to this beautiful lake in the rocky mountains is to hike from Glacier Gorge Trailhead 5.4 miles round trip with 1,070 ft elevation gain. Another worthwhile alpine lake hike near Breckenridge is Crystal Lake, which gives the ultimate solitude and scenery double punch. And find our listings for off-road outfitters and tour companies here. Please note, reservations may be required to visit the park. This adventure features several waterfalls, streams, a creek, and meadows teeming with beautiful wildflowers a photographers dream! Length: 7.9 mi Est. Access: Transit to Trails is a great option for these hikes! The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. Distance: 5.24 milesElevation: 940 ftType: Out-and-back. Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. The trail will end with a gorgeous view of Pitkin Lake. Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! Use a private browsing window to sign in. Photo: Abby VohaskaDistance: 8.81 miles Elevation: 2635 ftType: Out-and-back. Grand Mesa Scenic Byway Map | Colorado Vacation Directory Plan accordingly. Temperatures are often utterly freezing, since most alpine lakes are fed by snowmelt. Are there any waterfalls I can visit near Denver? Bring a swimsuit! 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. Eventually, you will come across a meadow and can continue up the far side of the mountain, through a dense evergreen forest. Bushnell lakes sit under Bushnell Peak and SE of Stout Lakes drainage. Trout Lake is a short drive from the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village towards Lizard Head Pass. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Just one valley over from Cyrstal Lake is Mohawk Lakes, another set of stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. However, if you are up for a little hike, you'll discover that Blue Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness is true to its name. Like the name suggests, youll be in awe of the color of the deep blue waters. Rollins Pass is in the FunTreks Northern Colorado Backroads 4 Wheel Drive . Google Drive To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek located near Crestone. The park boasts a wide range of activities that include summiting 14,259-foot Longs Peak, camping in the expansive backcountry, hiking to waterfalls and alpine lakes and, of course, wildlife viewing. Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). In the summer, the trail becomes a 44 road that you can still hike on, terminating at a parking lot. If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. 10 Remarkable Trails Near Denver To Add To Your Summer Bucket List, 10 Destinations Everyone In Denver Needs to Visit This Summer, Everyone In Denver Must Visit This Epic Hot Spring As Soon As Possible, This Swimming Spot Has The Clearest, Most Pristine Water Near Denver, 16 Unforgettable Things You Must Add To Your Denver Summer Bucket List, 10 Gorgeous Lakes To Visit Around Denver This Summer, 7 Of The Best Beaches Around Denver To Visit This Summer, These 11 Epic Wildflower Hikes Around Denver Are Completely Out Of This World. Kevin BuggieBPL Member. This short 6.5-mile round-trip trail boasts picturesque alpine lakes and stunning views of Pfeifferhorn. 11 Best Lakes Near Denver To Visit This Summer - OnlyInYourState The natural beauty of a waterfall is within easy reach of Denver. The video showcases the beauty of Colorado's high country. This Rocky Mountain National Park adventure provides an opportunity to catch an unforgettable sunrise. 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.' Gold Medal Lakes in Colorado. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 1,765 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed. It is a long day hike (4.6 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 3,100ft. The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. Miles from Denver: 100 miles. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Bierstadt, and even Denver at times. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. racist or sexually-oriented language. The hike to this lake is an additional 0.7 miles from Lower Blue Lake but is very steep, with about 664 ft elevation gain. There are other great trout reservoirs in the area, but only Spinney is a Gold Medal water. Banff Sunshine. But what if I told you we havent been given access to over half of whats really out there? This moderate hike is a great way to get the beautiful scenery of alpine lakes in Colorado without the lung-busting elevation gain. 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. Think again! Since the trail to get to Ice Lake is steep and long you should make sure to wear hiking boots. . Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you do opt to swim, dont wear any sunscreen. Photo: Ryan DewaneDistance: 8.43 milesElevation: 1780 ftType: Out-and-back. 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can This lake is located in the alpine layer at 11,746 ft and as you get closer to the lake it will get significantly colder and more windy. Getting caught in a lightning storm at altitude is dangerous, it kills people every year, so be sure to check the weather and plan appropriately. The best way to see the highlights of Colorado is, Sedona is a town surrounded by red rocks that offers incredible hikes, but its beauty and social media popularity has attracted crowds. The Outbound Collective Take the dirt road up in elevation as it turns a bit rough closer to the lake. In Colorado's lakes and streams most Cutthroats average 9 to . Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. Twin Lakes are two beautiful lakes located at the base of Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. Green Mountain Reservoir. Snow Lake Trail. 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. Since its such an iconic spot, you likely wont find yourself alone, unless you plan wisely and go early in the season, late in the evening, or during the winter. Its a burly hike in, especially with a pack, so be prepared. Expect to see wildlife like moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or elk along the trail, especially in the late spring and early summer. Maroon Creek Road which leads to Maroon Bells is usually open between May and November and you are required to makereservations ahead of time to enter Maroon Bells area. Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado's best day hikes. It makes sense to combine the visit to Island Lake with Ice Lake, as Ice Lake is about 0.5 miles away. Some hikes, like, Sedona is one of the most amazing places to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. If you are up for the challenge Island Lake is worth the visit! Whenever you hear someone talk about catching trout in the mountain lakes of the Rockies, the term that often comes up is "alpine". Start from the Bear Lake parking lot and hike the gentle trail towards Lake Haiyaha, passing through the alluring Emerald Lake. Threats of harming another Elevation Gain: 465 feet. In terms of the best lake hikes, Colorado offers some incredibly unique lakes and the Hanging Lake hike takes the cake. It's a 1.8-mile trek (3.6 miles round trip). 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. Although the entire hike is 2.4 miles long, you will arrive at the lake in half a. What I love about this Colorado lake hike is just how quiet it is. This portion of the trail is very steep and scary so you have to be very careful and make sure to wear hiking boots and use trekking poles. This list of the 16 top destinations in the Southwest US will, Your email address will not be published. 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. Opt to get there early or make it an overnight to get more time. Don't knowingly lie about anyone You'll take the Continental Falls via the Mohawk Lakes trail to the falls. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. 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. Where can I camp next to a lake near Denver? Hike your way up to the lakes for breath-taking views and lakeside goodness! Dispersed camping does take a little more planning, but the extra work will be well worth it. Youll begin the hike winding through dense forest before the scenery opens up to an incredible view of Longs Peak. Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. 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. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. Distance: 6.92 milesElevation: 1804 ftType: Out-and-back. This glacial lake is the largest natural lake in Colorado in terms of surface area, depth, and total water volume. It is nestled between the towns of Ridgway and Telluride. Since it's a relatively short hike, this is a great one for a family nature outing. There are plenty of wildlife viewing (moose, turkey, deer, ptarmigan) and fishing opportunities. But if climbing a fourteener is not your bag, there's also a trail that leads to the jaw-dropping and some of the. Think you need to be a hiking pro to enjoy amazing alpine lake hikes in Colorado? Distance: 14.94 milesElevation: 2421 ftType: Out-and-back. The 8.9-mile out-and-back trail is blazed in beauty. Emerald Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is reached by hiking from Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. This helps you beat those pesky thunderstorms and stay safe. Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. Make sure you have the necessary permits before setting up camp. Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Not so much an alpine lake hike as it is a recreation hot spot, Wellington Lake is an awesome place to explore earlier in the season before the alpine lakes in Colorado are thawed. On the way youll pass three additional lakes, including the iconic Dream Lake. Not your computer? The total hike round trip to Upper Blue Lake is 8 miles with 2,404 ft elevation gain. Dogs are welcome but keep them leashed, Im not kidding about the moose! Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. 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. The parking lot at Bear Lake Trailhead typically gets full very early, so make sure to get there early so you dont have to take a shuttle. Jewel Lake is accessible by a three-mile hike and Clear Lake requires an eight-mile hike to get to.