When we traded full-time van life for a Colorado home base, we did not trade away the adventure — we just changed the backdrop. Our new backyard is stacked with high-country lakes, and we have made it our mission to hike to as many as we can.
The first one took our breath away — literally
At over 11,000 feet the air is thin and the climb is real. But cresting that final ridge to a glassy, turquoise lake ringed by granite peaks? Worth every switchback. Luna agreed.
New to hiking at altitude? Take it slow, pack more water than you think you need, and start early to beat the afternoon storms. More trail notes are on the way as we work through the list.