This is a great trail in summer & winter. Minimum is 7 miles with 1800 ft elevation, slightly…read morelonger to explore around any of the lakes more than the shortest trail provides. It's easy to reach in all seasons: due to the train tunnel, the dirt road to the trailhead is kept well maintained and plowed. Definitely way way more crowded on summer weekends than in winter. Several little waterfalls and tons on wildflowers even in late August made it a rewarding trail along the way, not only payoffs at the lakes. The trail from the lower two lakes to the upper lake is much steeper, but worth the added effort. Just note that when you first reach what you think is the upper lake, it's actually the drainage (albeit also lovely, see my attached photo); you need to go just a bit further over the boulders & through some bushes to reach the final upper cirque.

James Peak Wilderness area is one of my favs close to Denver. That and Indian peaks wilderness…read more Crater lakes is a moderate hike to 5 fantastic lakes that you can hike, camp, backpack, fish at. Last time I was there I saw two amazing Moose...just gorgeous. Area gets insane on the weekends with tons of peoples and dogs. Last three times I have been there I have been in thunder and hails storms after 1 pm. So if you are planning to hike getting off the mountain before might be a good idea. You can also take the more strenuous Heart Lake trail which is also fantastic and if you really want to kick your ass go up to Rogers pass for beautiful vistas. Great parking.

We stopped by for a quick view of the lake and this kind man stopped by and got out of his truck…read moreand asked if we wanted our picture taken. He was absolutely so kind and made this moment and place that much better! The views are stunning all around as well - great place to have a picnic, relax, stretch your legs, fish, or just enjoy the views! Come in June to be sure to avoid the ice and have amazing summer views of the lake :)

Beautiful Trail along the reservoir for a hike! The trail is relatively flat so it was great to…read moretake our dogs for a walk. It's about a mile and a quarter one-way so 2 1/2 mile round-trip. The area was really clean and well-kept for the most part, except for the trash cans which were all overflowing at the beginning, middle, and end of the trail. We didn't come across very many other hikers but those did meet were all friendly, and most of them were also walking their dogs. What I did like is most of trail is covered by trees, but you still have a great view of the reservoir and the mountains. The trees provide a lot of shade and kept you out of the wind for the most part. Overall a nice little trail for a quick crisp walk.

It is hard to review this trail after Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a neighborhood…read morewalkway, so local, you are passing homes at times. Flat mixed terrain and very easy. Most times, you are 50 feet or more from the lake. Even so, it is hard to believe a trail exists so close to Broadway. Just don't set your expectations high. Upon reaching the lake, I would go left. It is a loop so it really doesn't matter, but the eastern side is more naturalistic with a view. It is the closest point of contact with the lake. If you go the other way, you abruptly come to a residential neighborhood and most head up the block to continue the trail. Picnic tables and playground on the other end (midpoint). As a side note, how are lakes the size of ponds and reservoirs the size of lakes around here?

If I lived nearby, I'd frequent this trail but otherwise it's not worth visiting. The trail…read morenetwork isn't that long, there are no (visible) restrooms nearby, parking is tight and it's a bit crowded. The lake is pretty but nothing to get all excited about. There are so many trails in the general area that are worth the effort IMO. We've had a rainy season (which has been heavenly) so the bugs were bad by the water.

About a 900ft vertical gain on the way up to this beautiful alpine lake, but it's not a super long…read morehike. We stopped a lot, and got back within 3 hours. Most people were faster than we were! It's busy on weekends, but you will still have space to yourself. At the lake everyone has to take turns going out on the dock. You can bring a small picnic and hang out there, but there is no fishing, no boating, and the plants around the lake are fragile, so you have to use the walkway. Just before you get to the lake, there's a huge meadow that is probably a resting place for Elk in the fall. Going back is much easier, most of your vertical gain is done! Enter the area by the Arapaho Bay entrance to Lake Granby. Pass over the dam. You have to park on the side of the road. There is no trail sign. Recommend GPS. Beautiful views of Lake Granby as well.

Sugarloaf Mountain is an excellent close front range option for a scenic hike. Parking is fairly…read moreeasy off Sugarloaf rd, really not far from downtown Boulder! It's an uphill and sometimes steep drive on dirt, but nothing a small car can't do. The hike itself starts unmarked but easy to spot the wide gate and uphill trail. You're in the woods for about the first third, then get some great views after some switchbacks. The top is denuded from a fire over 30 years ago, the Black Tiger Fire. Many large trees and stumps can be seen. This is a fantastic view and you can see in 360 degrees. It's particularly great for mountain views, sunrise, and cool clouds. The trail is pretty short 1.5 miles and around 300ft gain, with a broad open top. It's a great trail for most any skill level!

Colorado residents and visitors should make the time to take in this Rocky Mountain experience…read more This is a moderate hike for those in decent shape, just remember if you're not acclimated, you are hiking roughly from 7900ft to 8900ft. Sugarloaf Mountain is about a half hour outside of Boulder. It is easily seen from the plains-it's the mountain just behind the foothills that is uniformly cone shaped. Let me cut ahead to the pay-off before I fill in the details: A hike up Sugarloaf Mountain from the parking area pays off with magnificent 360 views. The Continental Divide is spread out before you in spectacular fashion. Long's Peak (one of the 14teeners) views are fabulous. To one side are steep drops down talus slopes into Four Mile Canyon. Turn around and you can see Denver and on a cool, clear day, probably Kansas. (not really but it seems that way). I have knocked around the high country quite a bit and been to the top of several peaks, and for the accessability and proximity to Denver and Boulder, Sugarloaf Mountain has some of the best panoramic views. Some of my personal highlights from Sugarloaf hikes: -Watching an eagle glide along on thermals, sometimes above me, sometimes below. -Waving at people in a glider and actually being able to hear the wings of the glider whistling through the air. -Watching the sun set below the snow-capped divide (you can see the Indian Peaks and Never Summer range from here) while sitting in adirondack style chairs made from loose slabs of stone on the western facing side of the peak. Drive west out of Boulder on Canyon (toward Nederland). About 5 miles. Turn right on Sugarloaf Rd., follow it about 4 miles to a right, watch for signs. Trailhead is just a dirt lot. Trail starts with gravel/dirt, becomes very rocky as you climb. Not very steep or challenging if you take your time. Also views of forest fire damage from recent years in surrounding foothills. Just don't do what I did with a visitor: Hiked up sugarloaf one day, biking the next day, on the third day of their visit (they were visiting from an elevation of 600ft.) we went to play racquetball in the morning. Ten minutes into racquetball my guest says "Are the lights in here flickering? Wait, I think I might pass out..." Oops. Altitude.

Lake Granby is hands down the best boating lake in the area. Sure, the water is a little low this…read moreyear, but that doesn't take away from what makes this place so special. With its huge size, incredible mountain scenery, and plenty of room to spread out, it's the perfect place to spend a day on the water. I've been boating here for almost 20 years, and it never gets old. Whether you're cruising, fishing, or just relaxing with family and friends, Lake Granby is tough to beat. It's a Colorado gem that I look forward to visiting every summer.

I wish I had more time to stop here and go for a swim…read more The lake backed by the mountains topped in snow were just so breathtaking...it's been a week and I can't stop thinking of this place. I did get to put my feet in for a moment. I hope I get to go back.

Beautiful lake in Louisville and a great place for a quick walk/run. The trail is flat and a mix of…read moredirt/gravel. Nice view of the mountains and butts up against S McCaslin Blvd so there's a fair amount of traffic and car noise, but not bad. There's a small parking lot at the start of the trail with public restrooms. I believe it's about 1 mile around the lake and a nice easy loop. The water is a beautiful blue and Harper Lake is part of the Leon Wurl Wildlife Sanctuary. Good spot for a stroll. Wear sunblock, not much shade.

So fun... early spring for a doable walk around the lake. I struggle a bit with walking (for a…read morevariety of reasons) so this is a wonderful easy stroll to appreciate the birds, and the wildflowers and the slight breeze in my hair. No, II didn't make it all the way around, but there were benches when I headed back that allowed the 3/4 way) doable. I loved it so much I didn't even think about my camera for pictures, I was immersed in nature for that 30 minutes. Can't think of a much better start to a day. If it wasn't 40 minutes from our home, I'd be here everyday!

An easily accessible little lake with picnic areas. Good spot for a short and flat hike through the…read morewoods. The lake is a bout 5 minutes from the parking lot. The name is misleading. This place is very beautiful.

December 2020 family trip!!! BEAUTIFUL trails and well maintained facility. People were out with…read moretheir dogs, some were riding off road bicycles, some just hiking with friends, and we were out with all 9 of our kids. HIGHLY recommend taking the time to make the trip.