Embark on an adventure at Pitkin Lake. Colorado Summer of Alpine Lakes | Visit Telluride Backpack to three alpine lakes and an alpine lagoon in Roosevelt National Forest. Cherry Creek Reservoir. Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. There are plenty of wildlife viewing (moose, turkey, deer, ptarmigan) and fishing opportunities. In Colorado's lakes and streams most Cutthroats average 9 to . Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. 7 Popular Colorado ATV & Jeep Trails | Colorado.com The hike from Ice Lake to Island Lake is about half a mile with 100 foot elevation gain. Its best to check with AllTrails.com or even local hiking Facebook groups to get the most up-to-date information. It's the state's highest peak. 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. Alpine Loop - If you look closely you can see a 44 on the trail dwarfed by the mountains. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. With such a delicate ecosystem, your skin oils and sunscreen can kill the wildlife that lives in the lake. Moderate 4.6 (8765) Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Breathe in the fresh air and set up a hammock to enjoy the most incredible mountain and alpine lake backdrop. 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. Expect to see some seriously stunning cascading waterfalls along the way. 11 Best Lakes Near Denver To Visit This Summer - OnlyInYourState Square Top Lakes, Guanella Pass Square Top Lakes via Shutterstock. For an added challenge and extra mileage, you can even summit Longs Peak for an elevated vantage point! Dog-friendly. The trail will end with a gorgeous view of Pitkin Lake. Keep moving forward and the trail will switch back and then head up the mountain. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. The total hike round trip to Middle Blue Lake is 7.6 miles with 2,292 ft elevation gain. 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. Twin Lakes is located at the foot of the highest mountain in the entire Rocky Mountain Range along the continental divide and is also Colorados largest natural glacier lake. San Juan National Forest. This Colorado Trail Has 3 Turquoise Lakes With The Bluest Water You've Check out three different alpine lakes in the James Peak Wilderness with the Crater Lakes Trail. There is no shortage of beautiful lakes near Denver, and there are several with magnificently blue water. The Sangre de Cristo mountains offer tranquil scenery without the hustle and bustle of the weekend warrior crowd near Denver. Driving time: 4 to 6 hours. Lowest Depth: 265 feet. The hike is difficult but is worth the challenge to get to one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. You can take a dip at Sprouting Rock in a stunning turquoise oasis found just behind Hanging Lake. This list comes from years of research and is a total labor of love. Distance: 4.51 milesElevation: 1090 ftType: Out-and-back. Although Gore Lake looks reasonable on paper, this is a tough hike, with much of the elevation gained in the last couple of miles. Banff Sunshine. In fact, almost every hike in Colorado leads to an alpine lake. But once there, you can take in impressive panoramas of the valley below as well as hidden meadows, streams, and ponds. Youll likely want to stay overnight to prolong your time in this picturesque environment, but do note that permits are required for campers. Definitely come prepared with a suit to take a dip. Those launching float tubes and canoes will appreciate being able to drive within spitting distance of the many lakes and small . Distance: 9.22 milesElevation: 2270 ftType: Out-and-back. "In cold, productive alpine lakes, trout can live to be quite old," says Jeff Spohn, aquatic biologist for Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. UPPER & LOWER BUSHNELL LAKES. Fish a high lake near Buena Vista & Salida, Colorado Crested Butte Trails: Emerald Lake Yep, us too. Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. Most of the Alpine lakes lie in valleys that were formed during the uplift of the mountain chain of the Alps. In the winter, there is no fee, but the road is closed. Does Sky Pond sound too intense? The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. Tell someone about your plans. Connecting the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake, Trail Ridge Road traverses Rocky Mountain National Park, making this one of the most scenic mountain passes in Colorado. Parking is $5 at the Summit Lake parking lot. Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. The first couple miles of the hike are extremely steep and difficult. Youll find over 2,000 alpine lakes in Colorado. Start from the Bear Lake parking lot and hike the gentle trail towards Lake Haiyaha, passing through the alluring Emerald Lake. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! #16 Yellow Stimulator (covers your basic attractors, caddis, hoppers, and strike indicator for the nymph) #16 Parachute Adams (Covers mayflys, and everything else small and floating) 6 of each should fit in a tiny container and keep you fishing for a week. Pass by the popular Alberta Falls, but keep trekking to leave the crowds behind and find yourself in complete solitude in this vast and unbelievably beautiful wilderness. Go early. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. . Nineteen of the 24 lakes shown in the video sit above 10,000 feet in elevation. Every experience in the outdoors can prove to be a learning opportunity. Must Visit Stunning Lakes in Colorado | Insider Families Dream Lake is a vision right out of a fairy tale in the early morning hours. Primarily characterized as an alpine tundra region, its total distance is approximately 65 miles and can be completed in about 7 hours (or more), typically under normal circumstances. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Check the weather. In winter the trail may be impossible without ice climbing gear. Trail Use: Hiking Only. Please explore responsibly! Alpine Lakes in Colorado. At these lakes you can canoe, kayak, and paddle board. This is the most beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and can be combined with Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. 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. Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Distance: 10.2 milesElevation: 2,014 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail is primarily used for driving (an easy off-road trial) but if you dont mind the walk, you can hike it just give way to vehicles and take care. Check that the ice is fully frozen on the lake before stepping on to cross in the colder months! Sky Pond is one of the most jaw-dropping sights to see. By Heather Brinkmann | The Denver Post. Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service) But if climbing a fourteener is not your bag, there's also a trail that leads to the jaw-dropping and some of the. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. Lake Helene is another great option for explorers of Rocky Mountain National Park. Alpine Loop drive takes 4-6 hours to cover the distance between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton. Nestled at 7,323 feet, the trail leading to the lake is short but relatively steep, gaining more than a thousand feet in elevation. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. You'd better allow 7 hours to fully enjoy the scenic beauty, however. 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. Lake Isabelle. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. Think again! This is one of the most iconic adventures in Colorado and for good reason! Travel over the off-road driving trail (either on foot or by 44) and reach the Alta Ghost Town. 20+ Best Colorado Lakes & Reservoirs | Largest Bodies of Water Don't knowingly lie about anyone Though one of the shorter adventures on this list, the hike to Loch Vale in Rocky National Park is surely just as rewarding as the others. This trail is well-used but has an interesting start as you make your way up next to and around a huge railway tunnel. Keep in mind that there is now a shuttle and permit system. The best time to visit is between June and October. Pristine, beautiful waters often reflect dramatic mountain views. Since it's a relatively short hike, this is a great one for a family nature outing. Early July 2020 My first trip to the beautiful remote Sand Creek Lakes high above the Wet Mountain Valley in Colorado was in 2017, a year of the big runoff. You'll be surrounded by jagged peak, stunning summer wildflower displays, and crystal clear waters. Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. This strenuous Sky Pond hike leads to one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in Colorado. With so many lake hikes, Colorado will have your hiking itinerary booked for years! The scenery is beautiful throughout and provides many opportunities for continued exploration while at the top! Pikes Peak - America's Mountain | Colorado Springs Check out this adventure for impressive views of the Mount Evans Wilderness. Photo: Ryan MckinneyDistance: 4.09 milesElevation: 374 ftType: Out-and-back. The snowpack is different every year, so its tough to say when trails will be snow-free. Distance: 11 milesElevation: 2,529 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Almost countless. This is a do-able day hike, but there are spots for camping if you want to stay overnight. The route shortens if you can make it up the burly 4-wheeling road. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail to access starts off at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. The trail is short and packed with beauty, about 2-miles out-and-back. Photo: Whitney JamesDistance: 3.15 milesElevation: 650 ftType: Out-and-back. Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. Make it a day by going on one of Colorados most scenic drives! Both alpine lakes sit at an elevation of about 11,000 feet. Grand Mesa Trails This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Enjoy magnificent views of aspens as you continue through sage and dense forest. And the fish well, they just float on down, once deployed from the airplane. 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. Huskies also thrive in Colorado - alpine lakes, cross . 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! Hurricane Nora is forecast to track near Baja California and along the Gulf of California through this weekend with moisture spreading into the Southwest U.S. by the middle of next week. If you're looking for a large and yet completely natural lake, then Grand Lake is the place to be in Colorado. Plenty of camping up there and a dog-friendly area. There are three lakes in the basin. Proposition 114 passed in Colorado and now the planning process begins. or drop a line and try your luck with some fishing. However, dont be fooled by the easy accessibility. Length: 63 miles. The water is piercingly clear blue, which will entice you to jump right in! It lies at treeline in a spectacular alpine valley framed by Navajo, Apache and Shoshoni peaks. Distance: 14.94 milesElevation: 2421 ftType: Out-and-back. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. For the best wildflowers, do this hike in late July. Photo Credit: The Gazette, Christian Murdock. Stay awhile and enjoy the views! Maroon Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado. Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). The 6.3-mile hike takes 2.5-3 hours, and the elevation gain is very gradual for. Here you'll find a campground, cabins, and dispersed camping. Error! Gray Wolf Reintroduction, What Does 2023 Look Like In Colorado? This adventure features several waterfalls, streams, a creek, and meadows teeming with beautiful wildflowers a photographers dream! Kevin BuggieBPL Member. While the 7.9-mile out-and-back trail is relatively easy for day hikers used to the distance, there are several campgrounds located along the shore of the lowest lake. Yes. Be cautious, however, as thunderstorms are quite common in the summertime. This is one of the easiest lakes on this list to get to, but is therefore also the most crowded. Distance: 3.77 milesElevation: 722 ftType: Out-and-back. all along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America's most . Distance From Telluride: 10 miles | 22 minutes Accessibility: Rugged, off-road vehicle recommended Activities: Fishing, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding Located just 20 minutes outside of Telluride, Alta Lakes is a popular destination for couples and families seeking a convenient water retreat. Rocky Mountain National Park is a hidden gem in the Colorado Rockies. If youre looking for a stunning place to stake out camp by a lake, look no more! Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. After seeing Island Lake continue ahead and take a right to form a small loop. Distance: 8.6 miles from the lower lot, the upper lot cuts about a mile or so off each way (see Crystal Lake)Elevation: 2,129 feet from the lower lot (see Cyrstal Lake)Difficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a dog-friendly area packed with awesome 13er hiking opportunities. Forsythe Canyon Round-trip Distance: 2.2 miles Trailhead: Forsythe Canyon - Lincoln National Forest Difficulty: Easy This short hike starts just outside of Boulder. Cash fees may apply for accessing the area. In terms of the best lake hikes, Colorado offers some incredibly unique lakes and the Hanging Lake hike takes the cake. Immarite? There are a total of six campsites along the route as well as at the lake. Lake Isabelle is located 2.1 miles from the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Check with the Castle Mountain Recreation Company for more up-to-date information. Not your computer? This 2,125 acre man-made lake sits about 15 miles south of Kremmling, Colorado in Summit County. Aside from the deep blues waters, hikers are delighted with wildflower-filled meadows bordering the lakes in bright and beautiful colors. Did you know that Colorado is home to over 2,000 lakes? The Top 10 Lakes Near Telluride To Visit Lodging In Telluride Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. Don't Threaten. Distance: 3 milesElevation: 1,135 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: If you want a fighting chance at a less-crowded experience, go for sunrise. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. 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. Parking early in the morning is free at the Bear Lake Trailhead. Both make for a relaxing day of fishing and casting with the family. Take the Glacier Gorge Trail up a steep, winding dramatic valley that terminates at the famed Sky Pond. The video showcases the beauty of Colorado's high country. before arriving at the lake, where goof fishing has been reported. Distance: 8.56 milesElevation: 2057 ftType: Out-and-back. It's demandingthe two 12,000-foot passes (Cinnamon and Engineer) require a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle but the well-prepared motorist reaps . This is a great adventure for those looking to make a short trip outside of Denver. Its also home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado. Trout Lake is a short drive from the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village towards Lizard Head Pass. And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! Granite spires surrounding the lake, one referred to as sharks tooth. There are also two 13,000-foot peaks nearby, Taylor and Powell. 10 Best ATV Trails In Colorado - Wild ATV Once you arrive, you wont want to leave which is why many people consider Gore Lake one of the best backpacking trips in Colorado. Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake with clear teal water. The 14.3-mile out-and-back trail features double the wonders Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. If you're looking for a secluded adventure, the Mohawk Lakes (upper and lower) are the perfect alpine escape for you. This is a phenomenal spot for a picnic lunch and a SUP experience. 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. Distance: 11.32 milesElevation: 2375 ftType: Out-and-back. Once at the lakes, you can go for a swim (so bring a suit!) For a real adventure, combine your lake hike in Colorado with an overnight at a yurt. The water is gorgeous. When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. Use a private browsing window to sign in. Along the way, catch sight of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. This list of the 16 top destinations in the Southwest US will, Your email address will not be published. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. It sits at an elevation of 11,860 ft with no distinguishing trail between the lower and upper lake. Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that youve already checked with good old Google. The main attraction while at the lake is the commanding Hallett Peak. Hike to Chasm Lake Photo: Kyle Frost Distance: 8.02 miles Elevation: 2500 ft Type: Out-and-back Bushnell lakes sit under Bushnell Peak and SE of Stout Lakes drainage. The trail starts off steep, dropping into a valley before running flat, then climbing steeply up again. This trail is popular and can get very crowded, so try to hike it either really early or much later in the day. Discover this alpine wonder by taking Rogers Pass Trail, a 9.1-mile out-and-back trail located near Rollinsville. Resting beautifully at an elevation of 9,003 feet. Distance: 10.6 milesElevation: 2,578 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: To get to this trailhead youll want a high-clearance vehicle. By: Keep in mind, the average hiker moves at about 2 miles an hour or covers 1,000 feet of elevation gain in an hour. Breathtaking beauty awaits hikers at South Colony Lakes. Fly Fishing Alpine Lakes for Remote Monsters - Fly Fisherman Grand Lake. Since the trail to get to Ice Lake is steep and long you should make sure to wear hiking boots. At this time, the 44 road to Blue Lakes requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to access when the gate is open during summer months (often late May through October), but there is talk . Your email address will not be published. Be Nice. Youll want to be prepared for cooler weather, even in the middle of summer. Simply hike to Loch Vale instead. 17 Gorgeous Lakes in Colorado That Are Perfect For Summer 11 Alpine Lakes That Are Well Worth The Hike (And 1 Lake That You Can The round-trip distance from the lower trailhead is around 8 miles depending on your route, including some road walking, but the upper trail is actually an easy 4-ish mile round-trip jaunt. Long Lake is an alpine explorers paradise. 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. Spalding. Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado is an easy daytime hike that features expansive alpine landscapes and brilliant turquoise waters. Another long-distance doozy, the Twin Crater Lakes hike is well-worth a backpack, unless you have hiking superpowers, in which case, it technically can be done in a day. On the way youll pass three additional lakes, including the iconic Dream Lake. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. Lake Isabelle is one of the best winter hikes in Colorado (add about five miles round trip for the winter hike). And find our listings for off-road outfitters and tour companies here. Beware of moose in this area, they are everywhere and not afraid to charge! Plan accordingly. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Named for its stunning waters, Emerald Lake is overflowing with beauty. If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. There are also many opportunities for overnight backcountry adventures at one of the mountain lakes near Denver in James Peak Wilderness. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation: 846 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. This popular alpine lake Colorado hike near Vail, Colorado will take you across Pitkin Creek and on an intense, narrow climb up the mountain. Throughout the year, Never Summer Nordic rents two yurts en route to Jewel Lake in State Forest State Park. From Bear Lake Trailhead it is about 4.2 miles roundtrip with 840 ft elevation gain. Related: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local. Lizard Head Pass Near Telluride above 10,000 feet in southwest Colorado, this pass provides staggering views of Colorado's jagged San Juan Mountains in the Uncompahgre National Forest. The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic. Bloods Lake and Lackawaxen Trail. The lakes are also great fishing destinations, so be sure to pack a rod and some tackle along with your tent for a surreal nature getaway. Camping is prohibited within a quarter of a mile to protect its fragile environment. Also, dont be an ass, you are not allowed to swim or climb around on the logs here. Pass by several waterfalls on your way to one of the most magnificent lakes in all of Colorado. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. Camping in dispersed camping areas gives you the opportunity for a little more privacy and peace and quiet. However, this is one gorgeous hike, especially during the wildflower season. Make sure to pay attention to trail signs and take a GPS, there are a lot of intersecting trails in the area. 1. The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. While "alpine" is used by many anglers to describe the high elevation fisheries they visit that are inaccessible for of the year and may require a difficult drive and/or hike to access, not all high elevation fisheries are truly "alpine". If you push on past the falls, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Denver. Miles from Denver: 100 miles. Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. This adventure will bring you by wide open meadows and plenty of wildlife (look out for moose and elk!) If you are a fan of high alpine lakes without having to travel far . You have permission to edit this collection. Distance: 8.47 milesElevation: 1706 ftType: Loop. Start at Brainard Lake and make your way up the valley to Lake Isabelle where youll have views of the Isabelle Glacier a permanent snowfield. The Maroon Bells are world renowned for being some of the most breathtaking mountains in the US. If you already made it to Middle Blue Lake it is a quick 0.2 mile walk to Upper Blue Lake. This 7.7 miles trail boasts a wow factor unlike any other. The trail also features both forests and meadows budding with an abundance of wildflowers interspersed along the way. This popular lake is located within Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. No dogs. Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado. Success! As one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, this strenuous 12-plus mile hike is best done in two days. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado | Colorado.com At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. 12 Most Beautiful Lakes in Colorado - Getaway Compass Youll have the added bonus of passing two additional scenic alpine lakes along the way. + Save to a List. To extend your adventure, you can continue on to Isabelle Glacier. Sundial Peak over Lake Blanche. As a consequence, by mid-June I Directions: From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west or, from Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. To see most of these incredible lakes in Colorado on one road trip, check out our Colorado Road Trip Itinerary. It is a long day hike (4.6 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 3,100ft. 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. There's a one-way road that loops around the lake and parking for trailheads leading to Blue and Mitchell Lakes in the north valley and Isabelle and Long Lakes to the south. Overall, this is a gentle hike with typical views, well worth the short trip if you are in the area. Share with Us. Check out our favorite alpine hikes in Colorado and neighboring states. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. Alpine lake help, I know this is a long shot! : ) - FishExplorer Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Bear Lake Bear Lake located in Rocky Mountain National Park Located off of Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Lakes makes for a quick pit stop. These lakes are next to Independence Pass, a road that takes you to Aspen. Keep it Clean. Here are the lessons I have learned! There was an error processing your request. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. The freshwater lake is the perfect spot for boating or fishing. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. Alpine Loop Byway - Lake City-Ouray-Silverton - Uncover Colorado There's a reason Maroon Lake is arguably the most photographed lake in the state. Distance: 3.97 milesElevation: 1299 ftType: Out-and-back. An alternative to driving on your own is toreserve a spoton the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands Village to Maroon Bells. To get there, follow Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes for 8.6 miles of out-and-back beauty. The Alpine Loop leaves pavement and people behind, crossing the remote, rugged, spectacular heart of the San Juan Mountains.