The Rockies' 15 Best Alpine Lakes

The Rocky Mountains are home to some of the most rugged and beautiful terrain on the face of the earth. And, yes, we might be a bit biased. This mighty geological marvel stretches over 3,000 miles, effectively dominating the skyline of northern New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, and beyond. 

After just one afternoon cruising through the Rockies, it becomes quite evident that they're aptly named. The crumbling, arid mountains—especially on Colorado's Front Range—simply feel old. After all, geologists postulate that the tectonic activity that gave rise to these mountains occurred 55 to 80 million years ago. Juxtapose that with the common conviction that some of the peaks within North Cascade National Park were born just 1.6 million years ago, and you'll start to really understand the difference. 

If there's any way we prefer to stop and take in the gravity and serenity of this expansive playground, it's lakeside in the high alpine. There are seemingly endless places to do this—even the most determined explorer could effectively occupy a lifetime searching for every last alpine lake from New Mexico to southern British Columbia. Below, we've assembled a solid starter list. Though by no means exhaustive, it covers everything from drive-up lakeside camping to backpacking trips through some of the most remote terrain in the lower 48.

As always, it's imperative that each and every last traveler adhere to the principles of Leave No Trace. Alpine ecosystems are extremely delicate, and yes, even seemingly harmless discarded biodegradable apple cores can, over time, disrupt the diets of wildlife and cause irreparable damage. Do your part!

San Juan Range, CO

• Ice Lake + Island Lake Hike: 8 miles | 3,000-foot elevation gain | camping nearby
• Lake Hope: 5 miles | 1,200-foot elevation gain | high-clearance vehicle needed
• Clear Lake: accessible by car | nearby camping

Sawatch Range, CO

• Ptarmigan Lake Trail: 5.6 miles | 1,230-foot elevation gain | great trout fishing
• Crater Lake +  Maroon Lake: 4.2 miles | 246-foot elevation gain | iconic hot springs nearby
• Turquoise Lake: accessible by car | great camping | lovely, sandy beach

Central Front Range, CO

• Saint Mary's Lake: 2.6 miles | 1,000-foot elevation gain | extremely popular (for good reason)

Northern Front Range, CO

• Long Lake + Lake Isabelle: 9 miles | 2,032-foot elevation gain | one-hour drive from Boulder
• Brainard Lake: large recreation area | very popular | short season because of snowpack
• Chasm Lake: 11 miles | 2,398-foot elevation gain | great swimming holes

Central Wasatch Mountains, UT

• Lake Mary + Lake Martha + Lake Catherine: 4.5 miles | 1,450-foot elevation gain | amazing fall color

Unita Mountains, UT

• Ruth Lake: 1.6 miles | 263-foot elevation gain | great wildflowers
• Gladys Lake: 26 miles | 2,900-foot elevation gain | wonderfully remote

Teton Range, WY

• Surprise + Amphitheater Lakes: 10.2 miles | 2,966-foot elevation gain | amazing views of the Tetons
• Leigh Lake: 7.4 miles | 80-foot elevation gain | horses allowed