Two Days, Two Alpine Lakes: A Beginner-Friendly Overnight in the Colorado Rockies
Two days of alpine lakes, campfire dinners, and a clear night sky—an accessible Rockies overnight that does the heavy lifting for you.
By midafternoon the Front Range loosens its grip on the city. The road climbs, first through aspen patches that shimmer like a shaken mirror, then into a steadier sweep of lodgepole and spruce. On a late-summer afternoon the mountains smell of resin and warm rock; the air dares you to slow down, and you do. A guide eases the van into a small lot, the kind of trailhead where the day’s noise bleeds out and what remains is the slow conversation of pine and distant water. Over the next 48 hours you trade street lights for stars, rush-hour coffee for sandwiches eaten on a boulder, and clamor for a thin, honest kind of quiet that only the high country delivers.
Trail Wisdom
Slow Your Pace
Start slower than feels natural to help with altitude and conserve energy for the second-day hike.
Hydrate & Salt
Drink regularly and bring a small electrolyte mix—dry mountain air and elevation sap fluids quickly.
Bear-Safe Storage
Use provided food storage and keep scented items in vehicle or approved containers—your guides will manage this.
Layer for Rapid Weather
Afternoons can be warm; mornings and nights can be near freezing—pack a warm midlayer and rain shell.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Small backcountry beaches or granite slabs on quieter alpine lakes
- •Early-morning meadows where wildflowers cluster before the heat
Wildlife
Mule deer, Pika
Conservation Note
This trip operates on public lands with rules to limit impact—pack out waste, stay on durable surfaces, and follow food storage rules to protect wildlife.
Front Range trail corridors were used for centuries by Indigenous peoples and later by miners and ranchers; many basins retain traces of these early uses.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Early wildflowers, Lower-elevation hikes
Challenges: Snow at higher elevations, Variable trail conditions
Spring is a transition—expect mud and lingering snow higher up; guides pick warmer lower basins.
summer
Best for: High alpine lakes, Stable weather windows
Challenges: Afternoon thunderstorms, Crowds on popular trailheads
Summer is prime for true alpine basins and comfortable nights, but watch for quick convective storms.
fall
Best for: Aspen colors, Fewer crowds
Challenges: Cold nights, Shorter daylight hours
Fall offers dramatic color and quieter trails; plan for colder nights and earlier sunsets.
winter
Best for: Snowshoe skills, Silence and solitude
Challenges: Snow travel and avalanche risk, Limited services
Winter trips are more technical—expect snowshoes or skis and a firm understanding of winter camping requirements.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Sturdy Hiking BootsEssential
Protect ankles on rocky or root-strewn Front Range trails and provide traction on talus.
Layered Clothing SystemEssential
Allows quick adjustment from warm afternoons to cold nights—base layer, midlayer, shell.
Hydration System + ElectrolytesEssential
Adequate water capacity and electrolytes counteract dry air and elevation.
HeadlampEssential
Needed for campsite chores and early starts/late finishes; guides will provide communal lighting but carry your own.
Common Questions
How hard are the hikes on this 2-day trip?
Routes are chosen for the group but generally include 3–8 miles per day with 800–1,600 ft of gain—moderate effort with breaks and steady pacing.
What gear is provided and what should I bring?
The trip provides tents, sleeping pads, food, water treatment, cooking gear, hiking poles, headlamps, and bear spray. Bring personal clothing layers, sturdy boots, a daypack, and personal items.
Do I need prior backpacking experience?
No prior overnight experience is required; guides run the logistics and teach basic backcountry skills suitable for first-timers.
Are there age limits or fitness requirements?
Participants should be in good general health and able to hike moderate uphill terrain; check with the operator for specific age or medical restrictions.
How does altitude affect the trip?
Many alpine lakes sit above 10,000 ft—expect lighter breathing and slower pace; hydrate, avoid alcohol before hikes, and communicate any symptoms to your guide.
Are campfires allowed?
Campfire rules vary by location and current fire restrictions; guides manage fires where permitted and use stoves otherwise.
What to Pack
Boots (support on rocky trails); layered clothing (temperature swings); water/hydration (altitude and dry air); headlamp (early starts and campsite tasks)
Did You Know
Denver is known as the ‘Mile High City’ because its elevation is 5,280 feet above sea level—altitude matters on nearby alpine hikes.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Book midweek for fewer crowds; 2) Start hikes early to avoid afternoon storms; 3) Check current forest/fire restrictions before travel; 4) Bring cash or card for trailhead fees or parking
Local Flavor
After your trip, head back to Denver for craft beer and a hearty meal—RiNo breweries and Union Station eateries offer local bison or elk dishes and comfortable spaces to shake out boots and compare photos.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Denver International (DEN); Typical drive to trailhead: 1–2 hours from Denver depending on the chosen basin; Cell service: patchy to none in alpine basins; Permits/passes: Trailhead parking fees or forest passes may be required—check USFS or operator guidance.
Sustainability Note
These lakes are on public lands—pack out all trash, use designated campsites, avoid disturbing shorelines, and follow food storage rules to prevent wildlife habituation.