Gorgeous Mountain Lakes in North America for Hikers to Explore

 September 18, 2023

With its diverse landscapes, North America boasts some of the most picturesque mountain lakes in the world. Often nestled amidst snow-capped peaks, these azure lakes promise a rejuvenating escape for nature lovers. For those with a penchant for hiking, reaching these lakes brings an added thrill, where the journey becomes just as much of a point as the destination itself. Let's explore some of these pristine mountain lakes, ranging from short hikes of a few hours to more demanding half-day excursions.

Crater Lake, Maroon Bells, Colorado, USA: Located in Colorado's Elk Mountains, the Crater Lake trail at Maroon Bells offers an enchanting experience. Beginning at Maroon Lake, which also offers spectacular views, the moderate 3.5-mile round trip takes you through lush meadows and aspen groves before unveiling the mesmerizing Crater Lake, flanked by the peaks of the iconic Maroon Bells. The contrasting colors of the blue lake against the close-up reddish mountains make for a breathtaking sight. This lake can disappear at certain times of the year when the weather is dry, particularly in late summer and fall, so read up about the recent local weather conditions before venturing out!

Emerald Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA: As its name suggests, Emerald Lake dazzles with its gem-colored waters. The hike, nestled in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, makes for a 3.2-mile round trip. Beginning at the Bear Lake trailhead, hikers pass two other beautiful lakes, Nymph Lake and Dream Lake, before reaching Emerald Lake's serene embrace. Dream Lake and Emerald Lake have similar views, so those who find the hike challenging may wish to finish at Dream Lake before turning back.

Leigh Lake, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA: Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park includes many lakes, such as the stunning Leigh Lake. The trail is relatively flat, although some may find it long at approximately 7 miles, depending on where you start. The panoramic views of the Teton Range and the crystalline water of Leigh Lake make it a must-visit. There are a number of places where you can begin this hike, but most hikers tend to start near String Lake, which also offers gorgeous views and is popular for swimming and other forms of water recreation.

Hidden Lake, Glacier National Park, Montana, USA: Starting from the Logan Pass Visitor Center in Montana's Glacier National Park, the Hidden Lake trail provides vistas of alpine meadows and is frequented by mountain goats. The 5.1-mile round trip includes a viewpoint overlooking the glistening Hidden Lake, flanked by stunning Bearhat Mountain, a sight that truly justifies the effort. For the truly adventurous who want to go the extra distance, the final leg of the trail then takes you down a series of switchbacks culminating at the shore of the lake itself.

Boom Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada: Although some of its other lakes are better known, such as Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, Alberta's Banff National Park also offers the Boom Lake trail. This hidden gem is a 6.5-mile round trip that is surrounded by dense forests and the rhythmic sound of flowing streams. Once you reach Boom Lake, the sight of the pristine waters with Boom Mountain and Chickadee Peak in the background is genuinely captivating.

Joffre Lakes, Joffre Lakes Park, British Columbia, Canada: British Columbia's Joffre Lakes Park boasts a trio of spectacular lakes. The 6-mile round trip starts with the turquoise Lower Joffre Lake. As you ascend, you'll pass Middle Joffre Lake and then Upper Joffre Lake, each offering unique vistas with glaciers and mountains in the backdrop.

Preparing for Your Next Hiking Adventure

While each of these mountain lakes offers an unparalleled experience, it's essential to be prepared. Nature, as beautiful as it is, can be unpredictable. Whether it's changing weather conditions, unexpected injuries, wildlife encounters, or other emergencies, it's always wise to hike with a safety net. As you plan your next adventure, remember to soak in the serenity, respect nature's domain, and prioritize your own personal well-being.

Overwatch x Rescue Offerings

While these hiking destinations promise awe-inspiring beauty, it is nevertheless crucial to ensure your own safety and be prepared for the unexpected. FocusPoint International's Overwatch x Rescue services provide immediate action planning and emergency assistance during such adventures, ensuring that hikers' well-being remains paramount. This valuable layer of security greatly adds to the overall hiking experience, allowing adventurers to fully immerse themselves in nature's lap. Hikers can feel safe and sound knowing that they are well-covered with a comprehensive emergency response plan should any unforeseen circumstances arise. Happy hiking!