Colorado is home to countless bodies of water that are nearly pristine, the most famous of which include Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs, the aptly named Blue Lakes near Ridgway, and the other Blue Lake near Denver. If you have seen all of these for yourself and want to visit a new hidden gem, however, we highly recommend visiting the clean and clear waters of Lake Isabelle:
Located near Boulder, Lake Isabelle is an alpine lake that is arguably one of the best-kept secrets in Colorado.
TripAdvisor/jrog9832
Tucked away in the always-gorgeous Indian Peaks Wilderness, Lake Isabelle is as unique as it is stunning, thanks to the fact that it is a high-alpine reservoir, making the best time to visit in the late spring or early summer.
TripAdvisor/Gwhized
Please note: The water from Lake Isabelle is typically drained late-July to early-August, so while the surrounding trees and mountainside are still a sight to see come fall, you may not be able to enjoy the beauty of the lake itself.
AllTrails/Dennis Mallaney
If you think this photo is jaw-dropping, wait until you see Lake Isabelle with your own eyes!
TripAdvisor/Colo-Mtn-Hiker
Access to Lake Isabelle can be found via the 2.1-mile Pawnee Pass trail or - in the summer - via the 8.6-mile out-and-back Lake Isabelle Trail.
AllTrails/Amy Long
Lake Isabelle is open year-round but - due to heavy snowfall - is best accessed June through October.
TripAdvisor/Kimberski
For more information on Lake Isabelle and current conditions, please visit the U.S. Forest Service’s website.
AllTrails/Shannon B.
Which Colorado lake is YOUR favorite? Let us know in the comments! If you have a favorite spot in the Centennial State that you would like to see featured on Only in Colorado, be sure to nominate it here. For even more of our favorite bodies of water, check out these 11 Epic Colorado Lakes and Swimming Holes To Have A Blast This Summer.
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Address: Lake Isabelle, Colorado 80466, USA
Located near Boulder, Lake Isabelle is an alpine lake that is arguably one of the best-kept secrets in Colorado.
TripAdvisor/jrog9832
Tucked away in the always-gorgeous Indian Peaks Wilderness, Lake Isabelle is as unique as it is stunning, thanks to the fact that it is a high-alpine reservoir, making the best time to visit in the late spring or early summer.
TripAdvisor/Gwhized
Please note: The water from Lake Isabelle is typically drained late-July to early-August, so while the surrounding trees and mountainside are still a sight to see come fall, you may not be able to enjoy the beauty of the lake itself.
AllTrails/Dennis Mallaney
If you think this photo is jaw-dropping, wait until you see Lake Isabelle with your own eyes!
TripAdvisor/Colo-Mtn-Hiker
Access to Lake Isabelle can be found via the 2.1-mile Pawnee Pass trail or - in the summer - via the 8.6-mile out-and-back Lake Isabelle Trail.
AllTrails/Amy Long
Lake Isabelle is open year-round but - due to heavy snowfall - is best accessed June through October.
TripAdvisor/Kimberski
For more information on Lake Isabelle and current conditions, please visit the U.S. Forest Service’s website.
AllTrails/Shannon B.
Which Colorado lake is YOUR favorite? Let us know in the comments! If you have a favorite spot in the Centennial State that you would like to see featured on Only in Colorado, be sure to nominate it here. For even more of our favorite bodies of water, check out these 11 Epic Colorado Lakes and Swimming Holes To Have A Blast This Summer.
TripAdvisor/jrog9832
TripAdvisor/Gwhized
AllTrails/Dennis Mallaney
TripAdvisor/Colo-Mtn-Hiker
AllTrails/Amy Long
TripAdvisor/Kimberski
AllTrails/Shannon B.
