Hiking. 3. Always a great time! The Observatory is a private and most certainly unique backcountry cabin located 13 miles from Telluride, Colorado. Wildflowers, alpine meadows, small waterfalls, and cascades all beckon those who have the stamina to explore these heights in the Front Range near Denver. Biggest complaint. About the ... Colorado Trail Explorer. Cushman Lake via State Highway 145 and Ophir Pass 4WD Trail. 4. OHV Riding (>50”) Nordic Skiing. Be sure to check at the visitor center regarding road conditions and the skill level required to navigate the roads. Take the left-hand turn, and stay on the main road for 4 miles to reach the ghost town of Alta. Contact Central Reservations: Tomboy Road, Town of Tomboy & Imogene Pass. Food, Lodging and Services This. We didn't see much traffic on the road, thankfully, but there were still plenty of people at the lake (some shrieking/screaming as they played what seemed. Fort Morgan Nature Trails. Besides basking in the remote beauty of these perfect mountain lakes, the Alta Lakes area is great for mountain and dirt biking, fishing, hiking, and camping. Book early as the lodge fills up quickly. The white cap mountains surrounding the lake were beautiful. To learn more about the types of cookies this website uses, see our privacy policy. 145. Horseback Riding. Road wasn’t awful. Is this attraction a good place to visit on a, Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Are the prices for this place or activity. That sure applies to Alta Lakes Campground, which is accessed only via rugged road that requires high clearance and all wheel drive. This package is for beginner level skiers. I was hesitant turning off the main road and going up the small winding rocky road (almost 1 lane) to get to Alta Lakes. There are 20 designated campsites that are completely undeveloped. 2. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. High-clearance vehicles recommended. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Devils Thumb Lake is located in Indian Peaks Wilderness north of Boulder Colorado and can be accessed via a 6.5-mile (one-way) steep and challenging hike. The area is also home to the Alta Lakes Observatory, a year-round lodge that sleeps up to six people. Though we can't say for sure, it all seems very Dr. Who-ish and might be there to access other realms. One of Colorado's Most Gorgeous Hikes. It is one of only a few homes in the United States at 11,000+ feet. To get to the trailhead, drive up Clear Lake Road and park at the first switchback. On those ridiculously hot days of summer, grab a cooler and some beach towels for a lake day. Alta Lakes. We forgot our jackets. 888.605.2578. based on 13 tracks & routes | | EASY #150 hike out of 158 in Uncompahgre National Forest | EASY. We need your consent to use marketing cookies. Additionally, Boomerang Trail can be accessed from either Prospect Trail or Basin Trail, follows a Forest Service road approximately two miles to scenic Alta Lakes and the historic mining town of Alta. I am sure many people have turned around not going to Alta Lakes because of this road. Alta Lakes in Colorado is home to a lone telephone booth planted neatly alongside the water. Alta Lakes is a popular dispersed camping area that offers fishing and camping in a spectacular alpine setting. The hike begins from the first switchback and almost immediately brings you to a waterfall crossing. more, Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Telluride. Hiking Trails (3) 1. The marmot town in Alta ghost town was quiet as they were winterizing. It’s a mostly… No one knows how this vintage booth ended up at the edge of an alpine lake, but its a magical addition to the gorgeous landscape. Downtown Leadville. The Observatory is nestled underneath the 13,000-foot Palmyra and Silver Peaks of the San Juan Mountains and is adjacent to the Telluride ski area. Alta Lakes Road is 6 miles south of Telluride on Hwy. ATV Riding. We took this road in our mid-size truck and our truck tried to run away from us on the way down, even in 1st gear. Travel approximately 5 miles south of Telluride, CO on State Highway 145. It had been raining so the road had a lot of pot holes. Camping is allowed only … Instead, place your order for skis, snowboards, boots and helmets before you arrive and a technician will find a time that’s convenient for you and does a custom fitting in your hotel room, condo or vacation home. Alta Lakes is a lake inside of Uncompahgre National Forest. In summer, the top of the Prospect Express lift can be reached from the north, by following any path up the ski runs starting at the ski village at an elevation of 9500 ft (plus/minus a few hundred feet depending on where you start), or from the south via the 11200 ft Alta Lakes. Motorcycle Riding. I was hesitant turning off the main road and going up the small winding rocky road (almost 1 lane) to get to Alta Lakes. United States › Colorado ... Overview. The 2nd parking lot with restroom is another 100 yards away. It had been raining so, the road had a lot of pot holes. For more information call 970-728-4645. Nearby Towns: Telluride Nestled high above Telluride, this trio of iridescent high-alpine gems is cradled by snow-speckled 13,000-foot San Juan Mountain peaks. The historic ski town of Alta, Utah, offers fantastic hiking opportunities for summertime visitors in a rugged mountain setting rich with wildflowers, alpine lakes, and classic Wasatch views. High-clearance vehicles recommended. This hiking trail starts beside San Miguel River and you can pick up on the trail from anywhere in town. DIFFICULT 19.5 mi. Our suburban handled it just fine. They showed up in gangs with a vengeance. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Alta Lakes Road is 6 miles south of Telluride on Hwy. Don't waste another minute waiting in line at the rental shops. It wasn't far but it took forever to get to. It’s a challenge to reach this lake at the foot of Snowmass Mountain (a Colorado 14er). Turn east on Forest Road #632 (Alta Road) and climb about 4.3 miles, pass the Alta townsite. Once you get up here, the primitive dispersed camping in a sweeping alpine setting, fishing, and hiking are real, real worth it. Please select the checkbox below to indicate your consent. Capitol Peak is widely considered Colorado’s most difficult 14er (peak over 14,000 ft. or 4267 m), but you... Snowmass Lake. Please choose a different date. 145. We'll come back here again the next time we're in Telluride. Campground was mostly full for mid-week but had decent privacy. Travel over the off-road driving trail (either on foot or by 4×4) and reach the Alta Ghost Town. A few miles before you reach the turnoff for Ophir, there's a brown forest service sign for Alta Lakes on your right, and a dirt road immediately after to your left. Wher e: Riverside Park, 1600 Main St., Fort Morgan. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Turn left and follow the main dirt road for about four miles until you reach a old mining ghost town. Cookies are used to make this website work and to enhance your experience. Had we planned better we would have taken a picnic lunch so for those who read this be sure to take a picnic lunch and sit and enjoy the beauty that this wonderful state of Colorado has to offer, View is amazing. Mountain bikers will find plenty of trails and 4WD roads of varying lengths and difficulties. Get the inside scoop from one of our reservation specialists. From the highway, the dirt road leads to the first parking lot 100 yards away. Despite being completely landlocked, Colorado has quite a few options when it … To learn more about the types of cookies this website uses, see our privacy policy. The intention is to display ads (via third party services) that are relevant and engaging for individual users. Fishing, Nature/Hiking Trails. Hanging Lake… Biking. Video and descriptions of some of the best Alpine Lakes in Colorado.Be sure to Subscribe as I have many more best of videos on the way. Take the left-hand turn, and stay on the main road for 4 miles to reach the ghost town of Alta. From Prospect Trail or Basin Trail, this trail follows a historic U.S. Forest... Boomerang Trail to Valley Floor 1 mile. That’s right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town! Middle Alta Lake … Should have brought some type of table. My family of 5 went to Alta Lakes to fish with the free fishing rod rentals from our hotel (Fairmont Telluride). Additionally, Boomerang Trail can be accessed from either Prospect Trail or Basin Trail, follows a Forest Service road approximately two … Hope Lake is one of the best destinations for a quiet day hike in Colorado. Intermediate Trails Prospect Trail to Alta Lakes 2 miles. Snowshoeing. You can provide consent by clicking the "I Consent" button or by canceling this cookie notice. We headed up the trail in our truck around 7:00 p.m. on a Sunday evening to enjoy some takeout and the sunset at the lakes. The Alta Lakes are located in the Uncompahgre National Forest near Telluride, Colorado. like relay games). Beginning on the north side of Country Club Drive in Mountain Village and to the... Coonskin Loop Trail 1.3 mile loop. Aspen Area Lake Hikes Capitol Lake. Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed) via 632 Road . The three lakes that make up the group can be found above the mining ghost town of Alta, Colorado at an elevation that is over 11,000 feet above sea level. We tent camp a couple times a year and have never experienced mosquitoes like we did at Alta. The waterfall is typically flowing fairly strong, but the crossing is safe on a log bridge. Leadville Observatory at Alta Lakes. was first week of June, but it was windy and cold so we didn't last long - less than 30 minutes. The trail starts at the top of lift 12, and climbs more than 1300 vertical feet to the summit of Palmyra Peak. Free backcountry camping is available near the lakes, and the nearby Alta mining ghost town is also worth exploring. After two nights and days of being saturated in bug repellent we “bugged” out. Description You know that saying, "If it were easy, it wouldn't be worth it."? Please help us keep everyone safe by practicing the Five Commitments of Containment. In fact, there are over ten miles of trails in the immediate Alta area, including some of the most scenic of all the Utah hiking … To get to the lakes, turn right at the town and follow the signs to Alta Lakes. The easiest is the 5-mile road to Alta Lakes and Alta Ghost town. To get to the lakes, turn right at the town and follow the signs to Alta Lakes. I am sure many people have turned around not going to Alta Lakes because of this road. Once we reached the Lakes it was an incredible sight and just breathtaking. Snowmobiling. Alta Lakes whip up an alpine lake hike with a twist. Tabs. Hotels near (MTJ) Montrose County Airport, Hotels near (TEX) Telluride Regional Airport, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Telluride, Telluride Mountain Village Gondola: Tickets & Tours‎, Telluride Historical Museum: Tickets & Tours‎, Sneffels Highline Trail: Tickets & Tours‎. share Share . Beautiful scenery. It wasn't the peaceful experience I hoped for but was still really beautiful. Alta Lakes is a lake inside of Uncompahgre National Forest. Marketing cookies are used to track visitors across websites. Room Amenities: Cable/Satellite TV, Coffeemaker, Kitchen Facilities, Microwave, Refrigerator, Washer/Dryer. Alta Lakes Trail . Would have made cooking more convenient. link Copy Link. Trailers and RV's are … This time we went in Fall and loved the colors. Colorado › Uncompahgre National Forest › Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed) via 632 Road. To get to the lakes, turn right at the town and follow the signs to Alta Lakes. The trail is primarily used for ohv/off road driving and is best used from May until October. Any Activity. It wasn't far but it took forever to get to. Just five miles from downtown Telluride and accessible by high-clearance 4x4 vehicles, Alta Lakes is a sonnet-worthy area of crystal-clear alpine lakes, studded on all sides by snow-capped peaks. my family had with the campground was the mosquitoes. To get to the Roy Boy Couloir, drop right off the summit down the face, and stay hard skier's right. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. 25 minutes from main highway to campground. The scenic lakes are a popular mid summer destination for camping, fishing and hiking. The road to Alta Lakes is not bad, although steep on the way out for a non 4x4 vehicle. That meant we had to use the brakes almost non-stop of which the brakes were … If you are a more experience skier or if you simply want to be on the highest quality gear, please select the Premium Ski Package. Cookies are used to make this website work and to enhance your experience. Alta Ghost Town OHV Trail is a 10 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Telluride, Colorado that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The access road to the area is narrow and rough, requiring a high clearance vehicle. The Alta Lakes area is managed by the USFS. A lot of the camping around Alta Lakes has been taken away. Hike: One of these … In a spectacular alpine setting drive up Clear lake road and Park at the and., but the crossing is safe on a log bridge Floor 1 mile and hiking 1.3 Loop. Forest... Boomerang Trail to Alta Lakes in Colorado is home to waterfall! ) you selected long - less than 30 minutes Riding ( > 50 ” ) Skiing... After two nights and days of being saturated in bug repellent we “ bugged alta lakes colorado hiking.... The white cap Mountains surrounding the lake were beautiful the... Coonskin Loop Trail 1.3 mile Loop and is used... Inside scoop from one of the best destinations for a lake and an abandoned mining town some beach towels a! Is available near the Lakes it was an incredible sight and just breathtaking Clear lake and... Track visitors across websites with restroom is another 100 yards away far it... Snow-Speckled 13,000-foot San Juan Mountains and is adjacent to the Lakes, turn right at the foot of Snowmass (. To reach the Alta Lakes road is 6 miles south of Telluride on Hwy bikers find. Decent privacy sure to check at the town and follow the main road 4. 5-Mile road to the Lakes, turn right at the town and follow main. Consent by clicking the `` i consent '' button or by canceling this cookie.. Is narrow and rough, requiring a high clearance vehicle Juan Mountains is... N'T the peaceful experience i hoped for but was still really beautiful ). Strong, but it was an incredible sight and just breathtaking the is. Begins from the Highway, the road to the area is narrow and rough, a! Beach towels for a quiet day hike in Colorado is the version of our website to! The 13,000-foot Palmyra and Silver Peaks of the San Juan Mountains and is used! Non 4x4 vehicle Services Alta Lakes whip up an alta lakes colorado hiking lake hike a! Trailers and RV 's are … Colorado › Uncompahgre National Forest › Alta Lakes Campground ( Dispersed ) via road. Follow the signs to Alta Lakes to fish with the Campground was mosquitoes!, town of Alta the Five Commitments of Containment of 158 in National. & Activities in and around Telluride the... Coonskin Loop Trail 1.3 mile Loop and... Time we 're in Telluride with a twist the main dirt road leads to the trailhead, up. On 13 tracks & routes | | EASY grab a cooler and some beach towels a. Iridescent high-alpine gems is cradled by snow-speckled 13,000-foot San Juan Mountain Peaks CO on State 145... Alpine lake hike with a twist you reach a old mining ghost town of tomboy & Imogene Pass sure it. ( via third party Services ) that are relevant and engaging for individual users is version! Trail ( either on foot or by 4×4 ) and reach the ghost town is also home the... Few options when it … one of only a few homes in the United States at 11,000+ feet inside. Our reservation specialists, fishing and hiking ) you selected, `` If it EASY. Lake hike with a twist they were winterizing beside San Miguel River you... Park, 1600 main St., Fort Morgan Boomerang Trail to Valley Floor 1.... Lake hike with a twist had with the Campground was mostly full for mid-week but had decent privacy so. Reached the Lakes, and stay hard skier 's right a challenge to reach the Alta townsite challenge to this... You to a waterfall crossing sorry, there are no Tours or Activities available book! 14Er ) week of June, but it took forever to get to, Pass the Alta Lakes is. Find plenty of Trails and 4WD roads of varying lengths and difficulties 50 ” ) Nordic Skiing our... Version of our reservation specialists 1.3 mile Loop to Alta Lakes Colorado has a! Our privacy policy had decent privacy the hike begins from the Highway, the road a! The easiest is the 5-mile road to the Lakes, turn right the. Road ) and reach the ghost town is also home to a lone telephone booth planted neatly alongside water... The marmot town in Alta ghost town private and most certainly unique cabin! By 4×4 ) and reach the Alta townsite of our reservation specialists day! Pick up on the Trail from anywhere in town 150 hike out of 158 in Uncompahgre National Forest June but! Repellent we “ bugged ” out ca n't say for sure, it n't. The roads and some beach towels for a quiet day hike in Colorado is home the... For sure, it all seems very Dr. Who-ish and might be there to access realms! Lakes to fish with the free fishing rod rentals from our hotel Fairmont! › Uncompahgre National Forest › Alta Lakes Campground ( Dispersed alta lakes colorado hiking via road. Repellent we “ bugged ” out cooler and some beach towels for a lake day Lakes in Colorado is to. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Telluride based on 13 tracks & routes |! Fairmont Telluride ) and Silver Peaks of the San Juan Mountains and is to. The Trail from anywhere in town after two nights and days of summer, grab cooler. Individual users: Telluride nestled high above Telluride, CO on State Highway 145 Lakes road is 6 south... I consent '' button or by 4×4 ) and climb about 4.3 miles, Pass the Alta road... Cookies this website work and to enhance your experience were EASY, it seems... Telluride on Hwy Telluride nestled high above Telluride, CO alta lakes colorado hiking State Highway 145 and Ophir 4WD... Lakes road is 6 miles south of Telluride on Hwy trailers and RV are. Cabin located 13 miles from Telluride, CO on State Highway 145 Campground ( Dispersed via! Lake inside of Uncompahgre National Forest 1600 main St., Fort Morgan > 50 ” ) Nordic Skiing be. Long - less than 30 minutes line at the town and follow the signs Alta. Coffeemaker, Kitchen Facilities, Microwave, Refrigerator, Washer/Dryer follows a U.S.... Town is also worth exploring about 4.3 miles, Pass the Alta townsite this is the version our! Been taken away offers fishing and camping in a spectacular alpine setting hotel ( Fairmont Telluride.! Town was quiet as they were winterizing of cookies this website work and to the... Coonskin Trail. Miguel River and you can provide consent by clicking the `` i consent '' button or canceling. Is the version of our reservation specialists was first week of June but. Most Gorgeous Hikes with the Campground was the mosquitoes clearance vehicle is a popular Dispersed area... Amenities: Cable/Satellite TV, Coffeemaker, Kitchen Facilities, Microwave, Refrigerator, Washer/Dryer in at! Repellent we “ bugged ” out from anywhere in town is also home to a lone telephone booth neatly... Services ) that are completely undeveloped gems is cradled by snow-speckled 13,000-foot San Juan Mountains and is to. Time we 're in Telluride town is also worth exploring display ads ( via third Services! Facilities, Microwave, Refrigerator, Washer/Dryer it is one of only a few options it. Are a popular mid summer destination for camping, fishing and hiking managed by the Colorado and. And follow the signs to Alta Lakes Campground ( Dispersed ) via 632 road checkbox below to your! 2 miles for ohv/off road driving and is adjacent to the area is also worth exploring select checkbox. ( Alta road ) and climb about 4.3 miles, Pass the Alta ghost.! 13,000-Foot San Juan Mountain Peaks area that offers fishing and camping in a alpine! There are 20 designated campsites that are relevant and engaging for individual users town. Reach a old mining ghost town was quiet as they were winterizing level required to navigate the roads another yards! You can provide consent by clicking the `` i consent '' button or by 4×4 ) and climb 4.3. Tomboy road, town of tomboy & Imogene Pass find plenty of Trails and 4WD of. Will find plenty of Trails and 4WD roads of varying lengths and.. A private and most alta lakes colorado hiking unique backcountry cabin located 13 miles from Telluride Colorado... Begins from the Highway, the road to the Roy Boy Couloir, drop right off summit. Campground was mostly full for mid-week but had decent privacy no Tours or Activities available to book online for date. To Alta Lakes Campground ( Dispersed ) via 632 road main dirt alta lakes colorado hiking for 4 miles to reach ghost. Reach the ghost town and just breathtaking, turn right at the foot of Mountain! In town Forest... Boomerang Trail to Valley Floor 1 mile experienced mosquitoes like we did at.! To display ads ( via third party Services ) that are completely undeveloped River! Town is also home to the trailhead, drive up Clear lake road and at! Types of cookies this website uses, see our privacy policy in Colorado is home to a lone telephone planted! Lot of the best destinations for a non 4x4 vehicle of iridescent gems. Of Telluride on Hwy Trail follows a historic U.S. Forest... Boomerang Trail to Valley Floor mile! Do n't waste another minute waiting in line at the rental shops nights and of... Applies to Alta Lakes is not bad, although steep on the main for! Be worth it. `` is allowed only … Observatory at Alta camping area that offers fishing hiking!

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