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10 Gorgeous Teal Lakes in the U.S.

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These lakes will transport you to a place of stillness and TEAL JOY!! You will feel more connected to the present moment and leave feeling rejuvenated and refreshed! I hope you have an opportunity to explore some of these teal gems. 

1. Big Five Lakes, Inyo National Forest California

Located in Big Pine, California in the John Muir Wilderness, this has been on my list ever since my eyes first stepped foot near the Sierra Nevada mountains in 2020. I was able to return to this area and it didn’t disappoint. This trail passes through the forest and through 7 beautiful lakes where you can relax, hammock, or swim (that is if you love frigid cold water!). The lake with the view of the Temple Crag rocky peak is one of my top favorite lakes in the U.S. I didn’t get a chance to make it to all seven lakes, but will for sure be back one day. I highly recommend bringing an inflatable float in your pack so you can take in the views from the water. If you go on a cloudy or smoggy day which are sometimes common in late summer due to wildfire smoke, beware that the color of this lake may not be so striking teal. 

Check out all trails guide here.

2. Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Lake Tahoe sits at 6,225 feet above sea level making it the highest alpine lake in the country. This teal turquoise body of water is so impressive surrounded by scenic roads with beautiful vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains, pristine beaches, cute beach towns, and many trails for running and hiking. You can explore this lake on foot, by bike, by boat – my favorite way was by paddle board as I could get to all the secret nooks and crannies away from the crowds.

3. Blue Lakes – Ridgway, Colorado

This trail through the Mount Sneffels Wilderness area leads you through the forest, up steep switchbacks, past crystal teal blue water, wildflower-covered meadows, and snowy ragged peaks. Climb to the upper lakes for 360 views of the valley and lower lakes. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can tag Mt. Sneffels peak, one of Colorado’s 14ers. You can also backpack here and camp along the lake. 

Check out all trails guide here.

4. Hope Lake – Telluride, Colorado

A bumpy winding dirt road leads to the trailhead giving way to a single-track forested trail, which ascends through a lush field of wildflowers. This trail then  unfolds into a series of switchbacks that lead to a breathtaking lake nestled within the Uncompahgre National Forest.  As the sun’s rays dance across the lake, the water shimmers with iridescent hues of  teal and turquoise.  The lake’s tranquil surroundings are framed by the majestic 13,000ft peaks of the dusty copper-colored mountains, with the Wilson Range fourteneers standing in the distance. 

Check out all trails guide here.

5. Delta Lake, Grand Teton NP, Wyoming

This teal paradise used to be a hidden gem in Grand Teton National Park, but over the past couple of years it has become a popular hike after the word spread of its magnificence. Best at sunrise or sunset to avoid the crowds but if you really want to see the most dazzling display of its teal-turquoise waters, make sure its on a clear day when the sun can shine directly on it.  This hike is not for the faint of heart as it starts with a steady ascent through the forest before you turn off the main trail to an unofficial trail taking you up steeper roots and rocks before heading to this beautiful valley. If you’re feeling brave, a refreshing ice-chilling dip awaits you.  
Check out all trails guide here.
 

 

6. Lake Solitude, Grand Teton NP, Wyoming

 

 

This 18 mile-ish route  is quite the day trip to make it to this stunning lake, nestled deep within the Grand Teton National Park, at 9,300 feet. I got to witness it couple times but one year in late June, it hadn’t quite melted yet and the glacier teal water took my breath away. As I was standing there, I hadn’t realized but a photographer was on the other side and he said, ” I couldn’t help but take this picture. You matched the lake so perfectly.”  This lake is surrounded by towering peaks on all sides which often times are reflected in the waters, and one of my favorite hikes in Grand Teton. 
Check out all trails here. Note- All trails says its 16.6 but it’s definitely over 18. If you take the ferry from Jenny Lake both ways then you can make this hike 13.5 miles.   

 

 

7. Columbine Lake, Telluride

Columbine Lake in Colorado is a hidden treasure nestled among towering mountain peaks. The hike through meadows with the mountain views in the background is just as rewarding as the turquoise waters.
Check out all trails here. 

8. Sky Pond, Rocky Mountain National Park  

 The Sky Pond 8.5 mile round-trip hike may be the most challenging lake hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail begins at Bear Lake Trailhead (parking reservations required) and takes hikers through a forest, multiple other lakes and streams leading to a little scramble over rocky terrain to reach Sky Pond. This shot although despite its appearance its actually taken in the middle of summer in August when we got a random snowstorm the night before and the peaks were covered in powder-sugar like snow. This is one of my favorites hikes in Colorado and will take my experienced out of town hiking friends here.
Check out all trails guide here.

Picture credit: @shitinthewoods
9. Island Lake – Silverton, Colorado

Island Lake may be the most breath-taking lake of them all. I can’t seem to decide if I am biased because when I first encountered this lake it was over a once in a lifetime epic 3 day SoftRock journey with friends, or if the fairytale lake reminded me as if I was in a Disney movie. This was the first mountain lake I was brave enough to jump into and boy was it a chilling adrenaline filled experience. 10/10 recommend though most likely one is going to encounter this lake in not so hot temperatures given it is located at an elevation of 12,400 feet. The meadows surrounding this lake are blooming with wildflowers in the summer and the beautiful mountain peaks. In addition to hikers, this route is popular with backpackers, ultra-runners, and photographers. This photo was recently taken in July 2024 during Hardrock by my high school friend, photographer and ultra-runner Mike McMonagle also known as @shitinthewoods among the trail running and instagram community.  

Check out all trails guide here.

10. Hanging Lake, Colorado

It has been a couple of years since I visited the touristy iconic Hanging Lake, before reservation permits were mandated to preserve its fragile ecosystem. The short 3.1 mile to Hanging Lake is stunning along the river at first and then through forested trails that open up to sheer canyon walls. Hanging Lake is called that because it literallly looks like it is hanging off the side of the mountain. Some describe this lake as a scene from “Jurassic Park: a jade green oasis with waterfalls built into a steep canyon.”  Swimming is not allowed. 

Check out all trails guide here. 

Note – Hanging Lake is currently closed (update october 2024). Check for updates here.