ゴア山脈の湖・トップ20

Of course, at 3102 m, Ophir Mountain isn't a "big" climb, but the trails to the summit are quite challenging...there's a network of hiking trails here that leads through "forest" and across forest regeneration meadows...we found a charming trail today!!! The mountain offers wonderful views from the summit...of the Dillon Reservoir, the surrounding mountains, several 14,000-meter peaks, and the Ten Mile Range. The loop is relatively short, but has a significant elevation change with very steep sections (both up and down). Today, significant areas are used by the Forest Service, initially to reduce the risk of wildfires, but later also to "regenerate the natural forest" (sometimes it looks like an uncontrolled forest landslide...the timber just stays there; cross-country? no chance!). Today, the rain finally caught up with us, but it could have been worse, considering the neighboring mountains...it's worth it!

Lower Crystal Lake is a great destination for hiking – if you have a capable car (high-clearance, 4WD) then you can even drive all the way to this place. The alpine lake is home to cutthroat trout. Pikas, moose, deer and marmots roam the area around it. The lake is not located in a National Park, but in the White River National Forest.

This is a scenic spot to look out over the reservoir. The dam itself was built in the early 1960s and required relocating the original town of Dillon, which is now sitting beneath the water. Today, the reservoir holds Denver’s largest water supply and sends it through a tunnel under the Continental Divide. Surrounded by mountain towns, Dillon Reservoir is a popular locale for boating, fishing, and summer concerts at the lakeside amphitheater.

From this spot down a short spur trail off of the Dillion RecPath, you get a great view of Sentinel Island in the Dillon Reservoir. This is a lovely, short detour and a nice spot to snap some photos and eat a snack before continuing on your ride.

Rainbow Lake is an easy accessible body of water off of the Peaks Trail in Frisco, Colorado. The water's edge serves as a pretty picturesque spot with high mountain peaks looming in the background. This area is known for having moose pass through on a semi-regular basis.

Who doesn't love high alpine lakes!? While frozen most of the year, Mayflower Lake is gorgeous in the summer and a great place to cool the doggies on a hot day!

Amazing view of Lower Crystal Lake as it is nestled inside a half bowl of Father Dyer Peak and Mount Helen. You can fish at the lake and spot moose, elk, and smaller mammals. You are allowed to camp here, but must follow National Park regulations.

Lovely protected bay lined by forested shores on the island and the park to the west.