Finest for: Bear Lake hikers who wish to escape the crowds

Anglers and hikers who don’t thoughts sweating for his or her views, take discover. Although this journey begins on the widespread Bear Lake Trailhead, it shortly departs from the more-trammeled Emerald Lake circuit and climbs roughly 1,900 ft by means of towering pines, and glacially-polished granite, delivering epic views of Longs Peak and Chiefs Head Peak. At Odessa, pause for a snack break and take within the sight of Notchtop Mountain, sitting simply past the lake.

Chasm Lake

Distance: 8.4 miles

Finest for: Longs Peak hikers who love alpine lakes

Need to trek method above the tree line—and marvel at a beautiful alpine lake whilst you’re at it? Chasm Lake, which sits perched at a lofty 11,760 ft, is an adventurous day hike for match trekkers who wish to expertise the granite moonscape that mountaineers enjoy. Start in a subalpine forest on the Longs Peak Trailhead, then take your time ascending 2,390 ft to the lake itself, which is ringed with imposing cliffs. Alongside the best way, be looking out for alpine cuties like pikas and marmots.

Flattop Mountain

Distance: 8.8 miles

Finest for: Summiting a trail-accessible and scenic 12,000-footer

The title of this path is deceptive, as a result of there’s nothing flat in regards to the unrelenting 2,850-foot climb to the highest of Flattop Mountain. This hike begins and ends on the ever-popular Bear Lake Trailhead, and it switchbacks by means of mature pine groves, subalpine forests, and fragile tundra ecosystems earlier than popping hikers onto the summit at a breath-stealing 12,324-feet above sea stage. Get pleasure from fabulous views of Longs Peak and Keyboard of the Winds on the ascent, and if 8.8 miles isn’t sufficient, you possibly can lengthen this journey to Hallett Peak or Tyndall Glacier.

Sky Pond

Distance: 9 miles

Finest for: Implausible waterfalls, scrambling, and uncrowded lake entry

Starting alongside the identical route as The Loch, which additionally made our record, the journey as much as Sky Pond is longer and actually ups the ante, skirting the sting of Loch Vale earlier than opening as much as enchanting views of Timberline Falls. Veer proper right here and ascend a steep 100-foot scramble (and sure, that is the official route should you begin to surprise), passing the brilliantly-turquoise Lake of Glass earlier than reaching the glittering water and surrounding toothy spires of Sky Pond. Deal with your self to a goosebump-inducing chilly plunge earlier than heading again down.