5 Alpine Lake Hikes Near Aspen
Aspen is home to hundreds of miles of trails, traveling along rushing streams, colorful meadows, dense forests, and sometimes ending up at pristine alpine lakes.
From easy to moderate climbs to rewarding treks, explore 5 alpine lake hikes to enjoy this summer:
1. Lost Man ⬥(Moderate - Difficult)
Distance: 5.5+ miles (Roundtrip)
The Upper Lost Man Trailhead begins off Independence Pass, around 18 miles from downtown Aspen. The trail climbs through open alpine meadows interspersed with boulders and wildflowers, a landscape unlike many other trails, which cut through stands of aspen or pine forests. At a high elevation, wildflowers on Lost Man Trail are in full bloom later in the summer. While it may seem warm in downtown Aspen, bring layers- at a high elevation, the air is much cooler. The trail passes Independence Lake before a final incline that tops Lost Man Pass, offering panoramic views and overlooking Lost Man Lake. Lost Man Lake has a deep blue color and sits at the base of surrounding mountains. If you’re up for a much longer, more challenging hike, spanning 8.8+ miles, the lower Lost Man trailhead connects to the upper Lost Man trailhead on the full Lost Man Trail. Avoid walking on the narrow and dangerous Independence Pass road by parking a car at each trailhead if you choose this route.
2. Cathedral Lake ⬥(Difficult)
Distance: 5.3+ miles (Roundtrip)
The Cathedral Lake Trail begins off Castle Creek Road, near Ashcroft Ghost Town. The trail climbs through aspen groves, crosses a rushing stream, and passes through rocky terrain with wildflowers scattered along the way. With an impressive elevation gain, and a series of switchbacks, the hike is considered a challenging one. The trek pays off when the trail ends up at Cathedral Lake, a scenic alpine lake surrounded by mountains.
3. American Lake ⬥(Difficult)
Distance: 6.2+ miles (Roundtrip)
The American Lake Trail also begins off Castle Creek Road, just over 11 miles from downtown Aspen. The trail begins by steeply winding through groves of aspen. After the initial climb, the trail gradually ascends through forests and meadows with wildflowers dispersed throughout, eventually crossing through scree and ending up at American Lake. American Lake is a crystal-clear alpine lake with pines and mountains at its shores. You can even spot trout swimming close to the banks!
4. Crater Lake 🟦 (Moderate)
Distance: 3.5+ miles (Roundtrip)
The Crater Lake hike travels from the Maroon Bells scenic area, near Maroon Lake, to the base of the Maroon Bells. Jump on your bike or access the Maroon Bells by shuttle or car with a reservation. (Note- there are limited restrooms, and no drinking water is available, so be sure to bring plenty of water and try to use the restrooms before arriving.) While it’s tempting to relax and take in the stunning views from the Maroon Bells scenic area, hiking Crater Lake provides an extra outdoor adventure and a different vantage point of the Maroon Bells. The rocky trail steadily climbs through aspen groves and mountain landscapes, ending up at Crater Lake, which sits below the iconic peaks. If you're looking for a guided hike to Crater Lake, learn about local ecology and natural history on a one-way tour with an Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) naturalist.
5. Weller Lake 🟩 (Easy - Moderate)
Distance: 1+ miles (Roundtrip)
Travel about 8 miles up Independence Pass, a winding mountain road with scenic views, to the Weller Lake Trailhead. This short hike meanders through pine forests until it reaches Weller Lake, which is surrounded by boulders and pines with mountains in the distance.
Before you set out on your adventure, check the weather to avoid getting caught in a storm. Follow the 7 Care for Colorado Leave No Trace Principles to stay safe and preserve Aspen’s mountain beauty for generations to come.
