Get the Latitude 40 map of Summit County and pick a trail in the Gore Range that goes to a lake. You can't go wrong.
The trails that start near Vail can get busy on weekends unless you start early, though.
Lake Hikes
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TravelingMatt
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Re: Lake Hikes
You never know what is enough until you know what is more than enough. -- William Blake
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clemsonmtneer
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Re: Lake Hikes
Bluebird Lake in the Wild Basin area of RMNP. Fairly long hike at 6.2 miles one way, but totally worth the effort. Also second Blue Lake for a shorter hike.
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Doctor No
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Re: Lake Hikes
We did Ypsilon Lake in RMNP today, and I recommend it without reservation. I also like Bluebird Lake.
Re: Lake Hikes
Here's one that fits all of your requirements--it may be crowded unless you go during the week and is 8 miles but not too bad--Herman Lake--one hour from Denver-exit 218 off I-70 (no name for exit, just number) take a right off the exit into the parking lot-first part climbs alongside a big waterfall--trail opens up into a beautiful bowl with awesome views--wildflowers galore this time of year are absolutely gorgeous--then up to the lake above treeline. Short drive and hike, big rewards. One of my first hikes after moving from back East and I was floored as a newbie.
Live as if you were to die tomorrow-learn as if you were to live forever-----Mahatma Gandhi
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ChrisRoberts
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Re: Lake Hikes
We went up to Ypsilon and beyond to Chiquita Lake. I'd rec it (kinda boring to Ypsilon though)Doctor No wrote:We did Ypsilon Lake in RMNP today, and I recommend it without reservation. I also like Bluebird Lake.
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Doctor No
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Re: Lake Hikes
We thought about that - we ascended the waterfall and went aways; we looked a bit for the best way to get to Spectacle Lakes and finally decided that Doctor No should have researched the route a bit more before endangering his fiance. 
She likes forest hikes, though, so she was happy with the tree hike to Ypsilon Lake.
She likes forest hikes, though, so she was happy with the tree hike to Ypsilon Lake.
