The total round trip hike to Island Lake with the loop is 8 miles with 2,700 ft elevation gain. You'll pass the ski resort and drive over into the Gothic valley, past the old mining town of Gothic. Nestled in Roosevelt National Forest, you can set foot on this adventure to three alpine lakes and a lagoon with the opportunity to pass by splendid waterfalls and wildflowers. Description. Chicago Lakes is a popular hiking trail in the Mount Evans Wilderness that has two magnificent lakes with stellar views of the foothills and of Mount Evans. Definitely come prepared with a suit to take a dip. Dogs welcome. The best time to visit is between June and October. The water is gorgeous. Parking is $5 at the Summit Lake parking lot. The Loch is located at 10,200 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 11 milesElevation: 2,529 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Twin Lakes Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Go early. RELATED: Views are stunning and fish . Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible . In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. Evans at 14,265', or you can take the trail less traveled and summit using one of the many official and unofficial routes to the top from the lake. The fee is $5 per person (16 years and older), children under 16 are free. She'd rather be dirty than done up. This hike can be done in a near-15-mile day over moderate terrain, or you can obtain a permit to backpack and camp right near the lake. To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. Visitors to the lake have the option to rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. It is nestled between the towns of Ridgway and Telluride. Surround yourself in an amphitheater of dramatic rock and scope out of the best alpine lakes in Colorado. Surface Area: 507 acres. Keep your eyes peeled for moose hanging out in the bushes or near the waters edge! Distance: 2.8 milesElevation: 885 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and local tips: Dogs are allowed to use this trail. all along the way to the 14,115 foot summit of America's most . Then recheck it the day before your hike. Filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by mind-blowing settings, these backcountry bodies of water are meant to be enjoyed. This lake is known for the reflection you can see in the lake of 14,000 ft tall Maroon Peaks. Distance: 3.77 milesElevation: 722 ftType: Out-and-back. The hike gains more than 3,000 feet of elevation, so be prepared for a strenuous climb coached with incredible views to keep you distracted. To see views of Lower Blue Lake from above you need to continue hiking up the steep Blue Lakes Trial towards Middle Blue Lake. The electric, mineral-rich water beckons. If youre looking for a stunning place to stake out camp by a lake, look no more! This is a phenomenal spot for a picnic lunch and a SUP experience. Distance: 4 miles in summer, 8 in winterElevation: 1,614 feet in summer, unknown to the lakeDifficulty: Easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Although there is a map on AllTrails, its not entirely accurate with distances. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation: 807 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: There is a $5 parking fee at both parking lots for St Marys. On July 21st, 2020, Skip, Bandit, Ezra, and I made our way from Colorado Springs, where we were visiting, up through Wyoming and Montana into Northern Idaho to visit family before heading back to Southern Idaho for work and school. 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. Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond. Trek beyond the lakes to reach the 14,065-foot summit of Humboldt Peak. It connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, where it is generally considered to begin (and end). Length 6.7 miElevation gain 1,699 ftRoute type Out & back. Some of them thought all of us had hiked into the wilderness to hear their death metal on the boombox at the lake all day. Opt to get there early or make it an overnight to get more time. Water activities including fishing and kayaking are great ways to spend time exploring the area, especially if you plan to stay and camp. Distance: 2.93 milesElevation: 675 ftType: Loop. Once you arrive, you wont want to leave which is why many people consider Gore Lake one of the best backpacking trips in Colorado. Dispersed camping does take a little more planning, but the extra work will be well worth it. The lake has an elevation of 9,905 feet at the base of Hallett's Peak, which is accessible via the famed Bear Lake trailhead. Distance: Varies, hikes on the property are short, its three miles to loop the lakeElevation: nothing notable.Difficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a great family-friendly spot, however, there are day fees and other camping fees to use the area. The trail features colorful wildflower meadows, breathtaking views, and plenty of wildlife. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. In fact, this is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Overview. . On Monday and . The byway provides many scenic overlooks to view each of these Colorado beauties. 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. For a brief time, in only the warmest months of the year, will you find the waters of the Green Mountain Reservoir tolerable for swimming. Harder To Reach: Lawn Lake. The main mountain attraction is Lone Eagle Peak, which climbers can also ascend. Make your way up the two-mile trail to the base of St. Marys Glacier (not really a glacier, but a permanent snowfield) where there is a picture-perfect alpine lake. Enjoy spanning vistas of the Tenmile Range including Pacific Peak, Atlantic Peak, and Crystal Peak (all of which are excellent Colorado 13ers to try!). To see most of these incredible lakes in Colorado on one road trip, check out our Colorado Road Trip Itinerary. Photo: Whitney JamesDistance: 3.15 milesElevation: 650 ftType: Out-and-back. Lowest Depth: 265 feet. Forsythe Canyon Round-trip Distance: 2.2 miles Trailhead: Forsythe Canyon - Lincoln National Forest Difficulty: Easy This short hike starts just outside of Boulder. Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Upper Diamond Lake provides serenity and solitude even within this popular hiking area. The Arkansas and local streams around my home base of Salida were blown out and muddy well into July. 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. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Grand Mesa Trails Take in all the wondrous sights nature has to offer as you trek your way to Lake Agnes. Immarite? For the ultimate sunrise with majestic mountain peaks as the backdrop, this is just the right adventure. Distance: 6.5 milesElevation: 1,804 feetDifficulty: moderate to difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail gets insanely busy in the summer, so start early. accounts, the history behind an article. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Local Tip: Check out Ouray, one of the most stunning Colorado mountain towns, post-hike! Hike your way up to the lakes for breath-taking views and lakeside goodness! It looked like a decent hike that led to such a clean and . Again, July is a popular month to hike, but we also experience a monsoon season. Be sure to check local road conditions during the winter months, the road is unmaintained and closed, which adds an extra 3 to 4 miles each way. Surprise Lake is also accessible from this set of trails, and all of the lakes offer the added bonus of being the perfect setting for a pristine, secluded backcountry campsite. 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. Backpack to three alpine lakes and an alpine lagoon in Roosevelt National Forest. Sprague Lake is one of the most easily accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. Distance: 6.5 milesElevation: 2,362 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultRed Tape and local tips: Pssst, there are a lot of nearby small lakes and areas to explore here. Resting at an elevation of 9,450 feet, it may come as a surprise that this scenic lake is located just 250 feet from the parking lot. For a real adventure, combine your lake hike in Colorado with an overnight at a yurt. Sculpted by the forces of volcanoes, glaciers, wind, and rain, the resulting mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are a masterpiece of nature's artistry. Threats of harming another Alpine Loop - If you look closely you can see a 44 on the trail dwarfed by the mountains. This lake is in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. When it comes to alpine lakes, Colorado takes the cake and there is no place on earth like Mirror Lake. Both alpine lakes sit at an elevation of about 11,000 feet. Remember to treat this natural wonderland with great care to preserve its vivid beauty and to keep it pristine for those who visit next! 5 hidden lakes in Colorado you probably never knew exsisted Alpine Lake. Check with the Castle Mountain Recreation Company for more up-to-date information. The picturesque lakes are tucked away near the mountains of Breckenridge. There are a lot of famous alpine lake hikes in Colorado to discover. Youll find over 2,000 alpine lakes in Colorado. For more information on how to do this lake loop, continue to our Rocky Mountain National Park Guide. What does 2023 look like for gray wolf reintroduction? Distance: 8.02 milesElevation: 2500 ftType: Out-and-back. Be sure to check the weather before beginning this adventure as summer thunderstorms in this area can be aggressive. 2. Many of these lakes are nestled between some of the most incredible mountain scenery you'll ever lay eyes on, making them ideal for golden hour photoshoots. You'll be surrounded by jagged peak, stunning summer wildflower displays, and crystal clear waters. Get to know this 6.7-mile out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. Square Top Lakes, Guanella Pass Square Top Lakes via Shutterstock. Directions SUV recommended: From the Town of Crested Butte, take Gothic Road (Route 135) north a total of 12.6 miles. This adventure features several waterfalls, streams, a creek, and meadows teeming with beautiful wildflowers a photographers dream! Nineteen of the 24 lakes shown in the video sit above 10,000 feet in elevation. Arizona has many unique hiking opportunities with a wide range of elevation, climate, and views. Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, located east of the continental divide in northern Colorado. The Lake Haiyaha hike is accessible year-round and a great option for beginners or those looking for a gentle day and one of the best winter hikes in Colorado. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism 10 Remarkable Trails Near Denver To Add To Your Summer Bucket List, 10 Destinations Everyone In Denver Needs to Visit This Summer, Everyone In Denver Must Visit This Epic Hot Spring As Soon As Possible, This Swimming Spot Has The Clearest, Most Pristine Water Near Denver, 16 Unforgettable Things You Must Add To Your Denver Summer Bucket List, 10 Gorgeous Lakes To Visit Around Denver This Summer, 7 Of The Best Beaches Around Denver To Visit This Summer, These 11 Epic Wildflower Hikes Around Denver Are Completely Out Of This World. Its always important to pack the Ten Essentials in a small backpack. Distance: 5.53 milesElevation: 1056 ftType: Out-and-back. Continental Falls is a series of cascades dropping over 500 feet. Here's a list of beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado for adventure-seeking souls. Distance: 6.92 milesElevation: 1804 ftType: Out-and-back. Colorado's Alpine Loop is affectionately called the " Switzerland of America" for a reason! An alternative to driving on your own is to. However, this is one gorgeous hike, especially during the wildflower season. 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. On the way to Emerald Lake you will also pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. We'd love to hear eyewitness Getting to American Lake requires a steep 6 mile round trip hike with 2,000 ft elevation gain. Set a check-in time and have that person try to check in with you first, before calling authorities (just in case you forget to circle back). Its always a good idea, especially on longer, difficult hikes or solo excursions, to let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back. The parking lot can get crowded, so plan accordingly. My anticipation grows with each new day, as the sun burns hotter, longer, and stronger, thawing the lakes and tundra of the high country and promising a summer filled with days spent in the wilds. 1. Stats: 4.6 miles, 1,012' elevation gain. Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty, and elevation gain. Are there any waterfalls I can visit near Denver? Many of Colorado's high lakes are found in roadless or wilderness areas. If you are a fan of high alpine lakes without having to travel far . Its my favorite backpacking route in Colorado and well-worth an overnight. Camping here is sure to be an awe-filled experience. Trail Use: Hiking Only. 2. Up for a challenge? 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. And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! There's a reason Maroon Lake is arguably the most photographed lake in the state. Blue lake sits at 11,355 feet and is frozen for much of the year. Distance: 12.5 milesElevation: 2,890 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This mountain range holds snow well into July, so be prepared for a few patches of snow, even in late summer. The Ute Indian tribe long inhabited this area before they were replaced by miners in the 1800s, who came in search of silver, gold, lead, and zinc. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. In fact, this is one of my favorite day hikes near Denver. Check out our favorite alpine hikes in Colorado and neighboring states. The trail will take you through both wildflower-filled meadows and forest. This trail is well-used but has an interesting start as you make your way up next to and around a huge railway tunnel. The fastest way to get to this beautiful lake in the rocky mountains is to hike from Glacier Gorge Trailhead 5.4 miles round trip with 1,070 ft elevation gain. Twin Lakes are two beautiful lakes located at the base of Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado. Proposition 114 passed in Colorado and now the planning process begins. Note that parking at the Brainard Lake Recreational Area lot costs $10 and fills up quickly. Columbine Lake Trail #509 in San Juan National Forest is a difficult and steep trail with 16 discernible switchbacks but it's worth the effort. Cherry Creek Reservoir. This scenic hike in Rocky Mountain National Park begins at the popular Glacier Gorge trailhead, but you can avoid the crowds by heading out later in the afternoon and be rewarded by an incredible sunset. If you are actually interested in how my dogs are incredibly cared for (& my dog skijoring/ mushing ventures), you can see where they live via @mesamutts on IG - 5 acre fenced dog paradise. Use the 'Report' link on If you are up for the challenge Island Lake is worth the visit! This alpine-lake hike should make every Coloradan's bucket list. Distance: 9.1 milesElevation: 2,142 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Chicago Lakes can get pretty crowded, but there are plenty of prime backpacking sites to pitch a tent and enjoy the views! The freshwater lake is the perfect spot for boating or fishing. Reservations are no longer required until summer 2023. ppmicrosoftteams-image_24.png Enjoy Pikes Peak at your leisure on the safe, scenic Pikes Peak Highway. Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake with clear teal water. Take the Wheeler trail until it intersects with Crystal Creek Road. Accessing this alpine wonder is simple. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation: 846 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Distance: 8.12 milesElevation: 2037 ftType: Out-and-back. It is a long day hike (4.6 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 3,100ft. Maroon Lake brings you the best of the Bells, the Maroon Bells that is. #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. Breathe in the fresh air and set up a hammock to enjoy the most incredible mountain and alpine lake backdrop. Please note, reservations may be required to visit the park. Located in gorgeous Glenwood Canyon, the drive to the trailhead is reason . You'll be crossing a few small streams, so be careful after heavy rains. Then, continue climbing to blue Lake at the base of Mt. Throughout the years Ive hiked well over 1,000 miles of terrain here in Colorado. Willow Lake offers a backpacking adventure into the Sangre de Cristo range. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Please note, reservations are required to visit the lake. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. The trail starts off steep, dropping into a valley before running flat, then climbing steeply up again. Lake Blanche Trail : An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer . In Colorado's lakes and streams most Cutthroats average 9 to . Some hikes, like, Sedona is one of the most amazing places to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. Related: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 42 min to complete. Youll get glimpses of Longs Peak and Alberta Falls (in the summer). Among the lakes stocked on Monday, the highest of them - Ptarmigan Lake in Gunnison County - sits at 12,306 feet. Traverse forests of aspen and lodgepole pine and enjoy views of surrounding peaks and valleys before arriving at some of the, This 160-acre tarn resides at 12,836' at Summit Lake Park beneath Mt. But if climbing a fourteener is not your bag, there's also a trail that leads to the jaw-dropping and some of the. Length: 63 miles. For dramatic views of Longs Peak and the iconic Diamond headwall, head up to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Another difficult hike for your Colorado bucket list, Mills Lake boasts 11 miles of stunning beauty. Lake Isabelle. Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. This adventure leads you through the Holy Cross Wilderness where youll be surrounded by beautiful forests. that is degrading to another person. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. Talk about iconic Colorado views! Almost countless. 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. Also, dont be an ass, you are not allowed to swim or climb around on the logs here. The Upper Piney River trailhead begins at Piney Lake and winds through aspen meadows bursting with columbines, before passing by the cascading Piney Falls and ultimately leading to Upper Piney Lake at the headwaters of the Piney River just above 11,000.' There are plenty of hiking opportunities, but taking it easy and simply sitting back or fishing in the lake is the perfect way to slow down, unwind, and just be. Take a look at these butt-busting lake hikes in Colorado. Be sure to bring your camera and a snack to enjoy at the lake, its really that unbelievable. Famous for its year-round snow, the base of St Mary's Glacier, is one of the most accessible alpine lakes in Colorado. The designation means Spinney is public fishing water that produces a minimum of 12 fish of 14in or more and 60lbs per acre. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Youll have the added bonus of passing two additional scenic alpine lakes along the way. Note that this hike does require permits, so be sure to reserve yours in advance to enjoy this fun summertime waterfall adventure! Thats right, a hiking trail that features a lake and an abandoned mining town! Keep in mind, the average hiker moves at about 2 miles an hour or covers 1,000 feet of elevation gain in an hour. Check out three different alpine lakes in the James Peak Wilderness with the Crater Lakes Trail. Catch dramatic views of the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak. You could also do a loop and combine this lake with Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha. Again, it depends. Adventurous hikers can continue up the glacier just be sure to bring some traction and maybe a hiking pole or two. Wildflowers are at their peak in July and early August, by late August, the high alpine environment begins to brown, and temperatures drop substantially overnight. Everyone knows about Hanging Lake, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. or drop a line and try your luck with some fishing. Distance: 7.7 milesElevation: 2,522 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Moderate (difficult in winter) 2.4-mile out-and-back. If you do this hike in the winter, youll experience different scenery, but surely just as stunning. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. Like the name suggests, youll be in awe of the color of the deep blue waters. Most of Colorado's 2,000 high lakes lie on public lands between 9,000 and 12,000 feet and are accessible by a few miles of Forest Service trail. Not many people venture to the mountain ranges down south, so expect lots of solitude. Technically you can swim at many alpine lakes in Colorado, but you probably dont want to. Yes. Chasm Lake makes for a beautiful summer adventure. Colorado has many picturesque lakes surrounded by high peaks. Distance: 4.51 milesElevation: 1090 ftType: Out-and-back. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, located at 12,400 feet. Directions: From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west or, from Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. ATV The Alpine Loop Length: 65 mile loop Drive Time: 5-7 hours Fees: 3-day Pass: $6.00 7-day Pass: $12.00 Annual Pass: $45.00 Or America the Beautiful Pass (National Park Pass) Difficulty: 75% Easy / 25% Difficult (rock outcroppings, drop offs) Access: Easy ATV Friendly Town: Lake City Ideal Riding Season: Mid Summer - September The Alpine Lakes is the largest wilderness area . Rollins Pass is in the FunTreks Northern Colorado Backroads 4 Wheel Drive . Bring a swimsuit! Emerald Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is reached by hiking from Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Dont expect solitude here, even in the dead of winter. Banff Sunshine. Elevation Gain: 465 feet. Make it a day by going on one of Colorados most scenic drives! 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. Make sure you have the necessary permits before setting up camp. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. person will not be tolerated. Take a Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park There are few hidden gems better to explore in the mountainous state of Colorado than the high alpine waters. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. . Toll. Dont forget to turn left at the graves or youll pass right by the final push to Gore Lake! Just one valley over from Cyrstal Lake is Mohawk Lakes, another set of stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. Our other most popular lakeside elopement locations in Colorado are Blue Lakes near Breckenridge and Lake Isabelle near Boulder. If you love the wildflowers, don't miss the serene trek into Eagles Nest Wilderness to Gore Lake. Snow Lake Trail. Just be sure if you ask a hiking group, you make it clear that youve already checked with good old Google. from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. Start on the Glacier Gorge Trail (like you would for Sky Pond) except veer left at the fork. There is no overnight parking without a backcountry permit (we learned this the hard way) and there is an entry fee to get to the trailhead. 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. Note that the weather can flip quite rapidly in this area, so be prepared for all the elements sun, wind, snow, and rain! Distance: 23.8 milesElevation: 4,767 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are welcome to use this trail. Arguably one of the most scenic backpacking routes in Colorado, Gore Lake delivers alpine beauty unlike anything else.Make your way up the challenging trail to an alpine scene that literally looks like a painting. Driving time: 4 to 6 hours. UPPER & LOWER BUSHNELL LAKES. Bonus points if you summit one of the mountains! Bear Lake is a popular lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Its best to check with AllTrails.com or even local hiking Facebook groups to get the most up-to-date information. Getting caught in a lightning storm at altitude is dangerous, it kills people every year, so be sure to check the weather and plan appropriately. Error! 1. Learn more or anything. Long Lake is an alpine explorers paradise. Doggies welcome. You're going to want to bring your camera on these adventures. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. You will encounter a boulder field, so be prepared for occasional scrambling. San Juan National Forest. 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. Give them instructions about who to call if they dont hear from you. Hike to Nymph, Dream, Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes, 25. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. If youre lucky, youll get a perfect reflection of these towering peaks against the lake. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. Sprague is one of the best places to catch the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Alpine Loop leaves pavement and people behind, crossing the remote, rugged, spectacular heart of the San Juan Mountains. You'd better allow 7 hours to fully enjoy the scenic beauty, however. 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.