The alpine lakes are straight out of a fairytale

The summer, when Colorado's around 2000 lakes transform into the perfect weekend playground, is the best time to enjoy them. The dazzling reflections of snow-capped mountains in high-altitude lakes like Dillon and Granby are just breathtaking, whether you're on land or in a boat.

The high-alpine lakes in Colorado are short of spectacular. Many of these beautiful bodies of water, which stretch from Silverton to Vail, may be found above timberline, support thriving trout populations, and have spectacular wildflower displays and enormous rock formations. These dreamy excursions to high alpine lakes will take you into the sky, so lace up your trail shoes.

An alpine lake is really just a high-altitude lake. They can be crystal clear, unlike some of the lakes at lower altitudes, because the cold water decreases the speed at which algae and moss can grow in the water. They are so plentiful in Colorado, virtually any mountain hike you take will find one along the way.