Get Outside: Ten Breathtaking Alpine Lake Hikes in Colorado

Some mountain beaches attract sunbathers, picnickers and those seeking mellow places to paddleboard. Others draw experienced hikers willing to work for the views. Before the snow starts to fall, explore the scenic trails of these ten alpine lake hikes in Colorado:

Cathedral Lake
Aspen
Hard, 5.4 miles out and back
Resting at nearly 12,000 feet above sea level, Cathedral Lake is one of the most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. If you have a high-clearance vehicle, you can take the mile-long dirt road to the trailhead; otherwise, park at the lot on Castle Creek Road. The ascent is steep but gradual, and the views along the way are as breathtaking as the lake itself. In the quiet morning hours, colorful cutthroat trout are often seen swimming in the crystal-clear water.

St. Mary’s…