Top 9 Lakes in Collegiate Peaks Wilderness

For breathtaking alpine scenery, consider visiting Lake Ann, which sits above treeline with views of The Three Apostles and Ice Mountain. Another stunning option is Bear Lake (Collegiate Peaks Wilderness), located at 12,400 feet on the eastern base of Mount Harvard's south ridge. Grizzly Lake also offers a beautiful high-alpine setting with abundant wildflowers.

Yes, Clohesy Lake is one of the less-visited alpine lakes in the San Isabel National Forest, offering a secluded feel as it's fed entirely by snowmelt. Hartenstein Lake is another excellent choice for a genuine wilderness feel, as it's less frequented than the surrounding peaks.

Many lakes in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness offer excellent fishing. Hartenstein Lake is a popular spot for fishing, as are Harvard Lakes, which are known for 6-18 inch native trout and rainbows. Anglemeyer Lake and Ptarmigan Lake are also noted for good fly fishing for native trout. For larger native cutthroat trout, consider Pomeroy Lakes. Mirror Lake is particularly good for accessible fishing, especially for children, with 10-12 inch rainbows and browns.

The high lakes are typically ice-free from the second or third week in June and often provide good fishing due to fewer visitors. However, some lakes like Bear Lake (Collegiate Peaks Wilderness) and Hartenstein Lake can remain frozen or snowy late into spring. The summer dry season is generally ideal for hiking and exploring the higher elevation lakes.

Mirror Lake is a very good destination for a full-day family sightseeing, fishing, and picnic trip, offering accessible fishing for children. While many trails can be challenging, the scenic beauty and opportunities for wildlife viewing around many lakes can be enjoyed by families, with appropriate planning for trail difficulty.

Beyond hiking to the lakes, the region offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find various MTB trails, road cycling routes, and touring bicycle routes. Many lakes, such as Grizzly Lake, are popular for hiking and backpacking, with camping options available.

Yes, Kroenke Lake serves as an excellent overnight stop on the east side of Browns Pass for multi-day excursions into the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. From there, longer trips can extend over Browns Pass into the Texas Creek drainage, leading to Lake Rebecca and Lake Claire. Grizzly Lake also allows camping 100 feet from the water's edge, making it a popular backpacking destination.

Trails to the lakes vary in difficulty. For example, the hike to Kroenke Lake is a moderate climb of about 1,600 feet over just over 4 miles, but can be quite wet. Hartenstein Lake's trail is described as challenging but rewarding, often featuring water crossings and muddy sections due to late-season snowmelt. Many high-alpine lakes require challenging hikes, with some roads requiring 4-wheel drive for access.

The Collegiate Peaks Wilderness is characterized by diverse landscapes, including dense forests, open meadows, and alpine tundra. You'll find towering peaks, many exceeding 14,000 feet, providing dramatic backdrops. Wildflowers are abundant, especially around lakes like Grizzly Lake, and the lakes themselves are often fed by snowmelt, contributing to pristine high mountain streams.

Yes, fishing licenses are required for those 15 and older. Regulations regarding flies, lures, and catch limits must be observed, and some areas might be restricted to flies and lures only. For camping, sites above the treeline (around 11,500 feet) are unlikely to have firewood. Always check local wilderness regulations before your visit, especially concerning camping distances from water sources like at Grizzly Lake.

Lake Ann is an excellent option for a shorter hike that still offers significant scenic rewards, including up-close views of The Three Apostles and Ice Mountain. Its high-alpine location makes the effort worthwhile.

While not explicitly stated for all lakes, Grizzly Lake is mentioned as a place where you can take a swim to cool off after the hard climb. Given the high-alpine nature and snowmelt sources, the water in most lakes will be very cold.