Top 20 Lakes in Lake County
Best lakes in Lake County, Colorado, offer diverse experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. This region is characterized by its high-altitude alpine lakes, many of which are nestled near prominent peaks like Mount Elbert. The natural landscape includes forests, mountain trails, and opportunities to observe local wildlife. These lakes provide a range of activities, from fishing to exploring scenic trails.
Best lakes in Lake County
- The most popular lakes is Lily Pond Lake, a lake that is a collection of small…
Last updated: April 28, 2026
Lily Pond Lake
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Bear Lake
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Turquoise Lake Trail — Northern Section
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Turquoise Lake
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Buckeye Lake
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West Tennessee Lakes
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North Halfmoon Lakes
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May Queen Campground
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Saint Kevin Lake
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North Fork Lake
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Tips from the Community
That was the starting point for our trail up to Mount Elbert.
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Bear Lake is a beautiful alpine lake close to the Colorado Trail and Continental Divide Trail. There is a spur trail running around the lake. It is a great spot to spend time and is also home to brook trouts.
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The more northern miles of Turquoise Lake Trail (the section past the campsites) are known for being the rootier, rockier, hillier, and more technical portions of trail. With rocky access down to the shore at the end towards May Queen Campground, the rest of this section of trail stays in the trees crossing creeks and bridges.
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Buckeye Lake is a hidden gem just outside of Leadville. This alpine lake sits above treeline and views over onto the Mosquito Range. If you are looking for an extra challenge and have good route finding skills, you can make your way up the hillside and tackle the 12,871 foot Buckeye Peak directly north of the lake. You can then connect over to the Sangree Hut Winter Ski Trail and loop back down to the creek. The running once up on Chicago is great as far as off-trail running goes.
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There are actually quite a few alpine lakes in the Holy Cross Wilderness, but the West Tennessee Lakes are some of the least visited. They are a beautiful collection of alpine lakes above treeline, but the primitive wilderness trail leading to the lakes can be overgrown and buggy in the warmer months when the trail is thawed out. The West Tennessee Lakes are actually a collection of three lakes. The first lake is much smaller than the upper lakes. To get to the highest (and biggest) lake, you can follow a sometimes visible goat trail and gain elevation quickly at the end of the official trail. It can be a wet journey to get to the upper lakes, but it is absolutely worth the work.
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At just under 12,000 feet elevation, Saint Kevin Lake is one of the highest alpine lakes accessible by trail in the Holy Cross Wilderness. The lake is a bit off the beaten trail (There is still a trail leading to the lake from the Colorado Trail, but it is far less used than other trails in the area.) so you can expect a lot of privacy up at the lake. The last bit of trail is pretty steep, but it's well worth the power hike to get up there.
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Bear Lake sits right at 11,070 feet elevation within the Holy Cross Wilderness. There are many ponds off the side of the Colorado Trail close to Bear Lake, but the actual lake is down the spur trail headed south. It's pretty rough terrain for running, but the Colorado Trail offers runnable terrain.
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This is actually the site of the first aid station for the Leadville Trail 100 mile run. May Queen Campground serves as the western terminus of Turquoise Lake Trail. There is river/lake beach access from the campground parking area, and you can even walk out onto the lake in the spring when it is still frozen. The campground itself is a USFS campground with reservable sites and vault toilets right next to the trailhead.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes in Lake County?
Among the most popular lakes in Lake County, you'll find Lily Pond Lake, known for its small mountain pools and active beavers, and Bear Lake, a beautiful alpine lake close to the Colorado Trail. Turquoise Lake is also highly regarded for its extensive trail system and scenic views.
Are there family-friendly lakes in Lake County?
Yes, several lakes in Lake County are great for families. Lily Pond Lake is a collection of small mountain pools where children can observe beavers, fish, birds, and frogs. Turquoise Lake also offers family-friendly areas with multiple USFS campgrounds, public beaches, and picnic spots.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around Lake County's lakes?
Lake County's lakes are set amidst diverse natural landscapes. You can expect to see alpine environments, dense forests, and stunning mountain views. Lakes like Lily Pond Lake feature active beaver habitats, while Bear Lake is nestled within the Holy Cross Wilderness, offering pristine alpine scenery. Many areas also feature creeks and bridges along trails.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
Lake County offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, including segments of the Colorado Trail near Bear Lake. Road cycling is popular with routes like the 'Turquoise Lake loop' near Turquoise Lake, and there are also challenging running trails. For more details on routes, check out the Hiking in Lake County, Road Cycling Routes in Lake County, and Running Trails in Lake County guides.
Are there hiking trails near Lake County's lakes?
Absolutely. Many lakes in Lake County are connected to extensive trail systems. For instance, Bear Lake has a spur trail around its perimeter and is close to the Colorado Trail. The Turquoise Lake Trail — Northern Section offers rootier, rockier, and more technical portions through forests. You can find more hiking options in the Hiking in Lake County guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about Lake County's lakes?
Visitors frequently appreciate the serene alpine settings and the opportunities for wildlife observation, especially at places like Lily Pond Lake where beavers are active. The extensive trail systems around lakes like Turquoise Lake are also highly valued for running and exploring, offering continuous views and varied terrain.
Can I fish in Lake County's lakes?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Bear Lake is known to be home to brook trout. Buckeye Lake also offers fishing opportunities, though it typically thaws out later in the season, usually by June. Many lakes in the region are suitable for angling.
Are there any hidden gem lakes in Lake County?
For those seeking a less crowded experience, Buckeye Lake is considered a hidden gem. This alpine lake sits above treeline, offering stunning views over the Mosquito Range and a quieter fishing experience. It's a great spot for those with good route-finding skills looking for a challenge.
What are the characteristics of the trails around Turquoise Lake?
The Turquoise Lake Trail — Northern Section is known for being rootier, rockier, hillier, and more technical, staying mostly in the trees and crossing creeks and bridges. The first half of Turquoise Lake Trail, however, is mostly flat with slight ups and downs, passing by campgrounds, fishing areas, and public beaches, offering continuous views.
What is the elevation of Bear Lake?
Bear Lake sits at an elevation of 11,070 feet within the Holy Cross Wilderness. This high-altitude setting contributes to its beautiful alpine scenery.
Are there camping opportunities near the lakes?
Yes, camping is available near some lakes. For example, there are camping areas around Bear Lake, though visitors should be aware it's in a wilderness area and LNT (Leave No Trace) principles should be practiced. The first half of the Turquoise Lake Trail also passes by multiple USFS campgrounds.
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