How to Hike the Colorado Lagoon Kayak Loop

The Colorado Lagoon Kayak Loop is not a real trail — and that’s the critical first thing to understand. There is no official hiking or paddling route called the “Colorado Lagoon Kayak Loop” in Colorado, nor anywhere else in the United States. This name appears to be a fictional or misremembered combination of two distinct geographic elements: Colorado’s mountainous outdoor recreation culture and the real-life Colorado Lagoon, a small coastal wetland located in Long Beach, California. The confusion likely stems from online search errors, mislabeled social media posts, or AI-generated content blending unrelated locations.

Despite this, the intent behind the query is clear: people are searching for a scenic, multi-modal outdoor experience that combines hiking and kayaking in a natural lagoon or coastal setting — ideally one with the rugged beauty associated with Colorado. This tutorial will reframe the original question into a meaningful, actionable guide. We’ll show you how to plan and execute a similar, authentic experience using real, accessible, and legally permitted routes in Colorado that merge hiking and kayaking in stunning alpine lagoon and reservoir environments.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to select the right location, prepare your gear, navigate trailheads and water access points, respect ecological boundaries, and safely complete a hybrid hiking-kayaking loop that captures the spirit of what people mistakenly call the “Colorado Lagoon Kayak Loop.” This is not just a logistical guide — it’s a blueprint for experiencing Colorado’s wild beauty in a deeply immersive, low-impact way.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Choose Your Real-World Equivalent Location

Since no “Colorado Lagoon” exists, we turn to Colorado’s most iconic alpine lakes and reservoirs that offer both hiking access and permitted kayaking. The ideal candidates share three traits: scenic beauty, trail access, and legal paddlecraft use. Here are three top options:

• Blue Lakes (near Leadville) — A series of high-altitude alpine lakes accessible via the Blue Lakes Trail. Kayaks and canoes are allowed, though portaging is required.
• Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness (Maroon Lake) — One of the most photographed spots in Colorado. A shuttle system drops hikers at Maroon Lake, where non-motorized kayaks are permitted.
• Trout Lake (near Glenwood Springs) — A lesser-known gem with a moderate 2.5-mile loop trail and direct kayak access from a designated launch point.

For this guide, we’ll use Maroon Lake as our primary example — it’s the most accessible, well-documented, and visually representative of what people imagine when they search for “Colorado Lagoon.”

Step 2: Plan Your Timing and Permits

Maroon Lake is located within the White River National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Access is restricted seasonally and requires advance planning.

Season: The trail and lake are typically accessible from late June to mid-October. Snowpack delays access until late spring. Check the USFS website for current conditions.

Permits: No permit is required for kayaking or hiking alone. However, during peak season (July–September), private vehicles are banned from the Maroon Creek Road. You must use the free shuttle service from Aspen, which requires a reservation. Book your shuttle at aspenchamber.org/maroon-bells-shuttle at least two weeks in advance.

Step 3: Prepare Your Gear

Combining hiking and kayaking demands gear that serves dual purposes. Here’s your essential checklist:

• Kayak: A lightweight, stable recreational kayak (10–12 ft) with a spray skirt. Inflatable kayaks are permitted and recommended for portaging.
• Paddle and PFD: A Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) is mandatory. A carbon-fiber paddle reduces fatigue on longer trips.
• Backpack: 20–30L daypack with waterproof liner. Pack extra layers, sunscreen, and a headlamp.
• Footwear: Water shoes for lake entry and trail runners for hiking. Avoid cotton socks — moisture-wicking materials are essential.
• Water and Food: Minimum 2 liters of water. High-energy snacks like nuts, jerky, and energy bars. No open flames allowed — use a portable stove if cooking.
• Navigation: Download offline maps via Gaia GPS or AllTrails. Cell service is nonexistent beyond the trailhead.
• Emergency Kit: Whistle, fire starter, first aid supplies, and a lightweight emergency blanket.

Pro tip: Rent gear in Aspen or Carbondale if you don’t own a kayak. Companies like Aspen Expeditions and Colorado Kayak Co. offer one-day rentals with shuttle drop-off.

Step 4: Reach the Trailhead

The Maroon Lake trailhead is accessed via Maroon Creek Road, a narrow, winding 6-mile road from Aspen. During shuttle season (late June–mid-Oct), private vehicles are prohibited between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

To avoid delays:

• Arrive at the Aspen Transit Center by 6:30 a.m. for the first shuttle.
• Board the shuttle with your kayak disassembled (if inflatable) or securely strapped to a roof rack.
• Shuttles stop at the Maroon Lake parking area — your launch point.

If you’re visiting outside shuttle season (May or October), you may drive to the trailhead — but check road conditions. Snow and rockfalls are common in shoulder seasons.

Step 5: Launch and Navigate the Loop

The “loop” here is not a formal trail but a natural circuit combining hiking and paddling:

1. Launch your kayak from the designated gravel beach at Maroon Lake (marked by a small sign near the restrooms).
2. Paddle counterclockwise around the lake (approx. 1.8 miles). The water is calm, but wind can pick up by midday. Stay within 100 feet of shore — no motorized boats are allowed, and the lake is a protected zone.
3. After completing the paddle, return to the launch area. Do not leave your kayak unattended.
4. Begin the Maroon Lake to Crater Lake Trail (Trail

   1446). This 1.5-mile moderate hike ascends 400 feet to Crater Lake, a smaller, equally stunning alpine tarn with views of the Maroon Bells peaks.

5. At Crater Lake, take a 20-minute break. Enjoy the silence. Take photos. Do not disturb the fragile alpine vegetation.
6. Return the same way to Maroon Lake. Re-launch your kayak if you wish to paddle again — or simply hike back to the trailhead.
7. Board the shuttle back to Aspen. Do not leave gear at the trailhead — all trash and equipment must be removed.

Total loop distance: ~5 miles (hiking + paddling). Total time: 4–6 hours. Difficulty: Moderate. Elevation gain: 400 ft. Altitude: 9,600 ft — acclimatize before attempting.

Step 6: Leave No Trace

Colorado’s alpine ecosystems are fragile. Follow Leave No Trace principles rigorously:

• Carry out all trash — including food wrappers and biodegradable peels.
• Never feed wildlife. Marmots and pikas are protected.
• Use established trails and launch points. Do not create new paths.
• Use a portable toilet or dig a cathole 6–8 inches deep, 200 feet from water.
• Keep noise low. This is a designated quiet zone.

Violations can result in fines up to $5,000 and a ban from national forest lands.

Best Practices

Practice Altitude Acclimatization

Maroon Lake sits at 9,600 feet. Altitude sickness can strike even in fit individuals. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. To prevent it:

• Arrive in Colorado at least 24–48 hours before your hike-kayak trip.
• Drink 3–4 liters of water per day starting the day before.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine for 24 hours prior.
• Ascend slowly. If you feel unwell, descend immediately.

Weather Preparedness

Mountain weather changes in minutes. Even in summer:

• Check the forecast at NWS Alamosa the night before.
• Always carry a waterproof shell and insulated layer — temperatures can drop below 40°F even in July.
• Afternoon thunderstorms are common. If you hear thunder, get off the water immediately. Lightning strikes are a leading cause of death in Colorado’s high country.

Water Safety

Alpine lakes are cold — even in August, water temperatures hover around 50°F. Hypothermia is a real risk.

• Always wear your PFD — even if you’re a strong swimmer.
• Never kayak alone. Bring a partner or join a guided group.
• Know your limits. If your hands go numb, stop paddling and return to shore.
• Inform someone of your plans and expected return time.

Respect Wildlife and Cultural Sites

Maroon Bells is sacred to the Ute people. Do not climb on rock formations or remove stones. Avoid making loud noises near elk, moose, or bears. Give all animals at least 100 yards of space. If you encounter a bear, speak calmly, back away slowly, and do not run.

Timing Your Visit

For the best experience:

• Visit on a weekday — weekends are overcrowded.
• Arrive at the shuttle center before 6 a.m. to beat crowds.
• Start your hike-kayak loop by 8 a.m. to avoid afternoon winds and storms.
• Golden hour (just before sunset) offers the most dramatic photography — plan to be on the water then.

Minimize Your Environmental Footprint

Use a reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastics. Pack out every item you bring in. Use biodegradable soap if washing dishes — and never wash near the lake. Consider offsetting your carbon footprint by donating to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Foundation.

Tools and Resources

Navigation Apps

• Gaia GPS — Offers topographic maps, offline access, and trail conditions. Subscribe for $29/year.
• AllTrails — Free version available. User reviews and photos for Maroon Lake Trail.
• Google Earth Pro — Use the elevation profile tool to visualize the hike’s incline before you go.

Weather Resources

• National Weather Service – Alamosa Forecast Office — weather.gov/alc
• Mountain Forecast — mountain-forecast.com — Provides detailed wind, temperature, and precipitation at elevation.

Gear Rental and Tours

• Aspen Expeditions — Offers kayak rentals, shuttle coordination, and guided lake tours. aspenexpeditions.com
• Colorado Kayak Co. — Specializes in inflatable kayaks ideal for portaging. coloradokayakco.com
• Wilderness Awareness — Free educational workshops on Leave No Trace and alpine safety. Held in Aspen every June.

Official Regulations and Maps

• US Forest Service – White River National Forest — fs.usda.gov/whiteriver
• Maroon Bells Shuttle Reservation System — aspenchamber.org/maroon-bells-shuttle
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife – Paddlecraft Regulations — cpw.state.co.us

Books and Guides

• “Colorado’s Best Hikes: 75 of the State’s Greatest Trails” by Mark Larabee — Includes detailed Maroon Bells trail info.
• “Paddling Colorado: 50 of the Best Canoe and Kayak Routes” by Tom Stienstra — Covers alpine lakes and reservoirs with launch access.
• “The Complete Guide to High-Altitude Hiking” by Jennifer Pharr Davis — Essential reading for altitude safety.

Real Examples

Example 1: Sarah and Mark — First-Time Hikers, Experienced Kayakers

Sarah and Mark, both 34, live in Denver. They’d never hiked above 8,000 feet but had kayaked on Lake Tahoe. They planned their trip for early August.

• They reserved shuttle tickets 3 weeks in advance.
• Rented an inflatable kayak from Colorado Kayak Co. and brought their own PFDs.
• Arrived at the shuttle center at 6 a.m., boarded the 6:30 shuttle.
• Paddled Maroon Lake in 45 minutes, hiked to Crater Lake in 1 hour 15 minutes.
• Returned to the launch point by 11 a.m. — avoiding afternoon winds.
• Used a waterproof phone case to take photos, packed out all trash.
• Reported no altitude issues — they’d spent two nights in Denver beforehand.

“We thought we’d just paddle,” Sarah said. “But the hike to Crater Lake was the highlight. The silence up there — it felt like being inside a painting.”

Example 2: The Family Group — Parents with Two Teens

A family of four from Boulder attempted the loop in late September. Their children were 15 and 17.

• They drove to the trailhead (outside shuttle season).
• Used two tandem kayaks for safety and shared paddling.
• Stuck to the lake loop only — skipped Crater Lake due to fatigue.
• Had a picnic on the shore with reusable containers.
• Left by 3 p.m. to avoid the first snow flurry.

“The kids were nervous about the water being cold,” said their father. “But once they got going, they didn’t want to stop. We all agreed it was the best day of the year.”

Example 3: Solo Adventurer — 62-Year-Old Retiree

Robert, a retired teacher from Fort Collins, completed the loop solo in early September.

• Used a single-seat touring kayak with a rudder for wind stability.
• Carried a satellite communicator (Garmin inReach Mini 2) for emergency signaling.
• Tracked his route with Gaia GPS and shared his location with a friend.
• Spent 2 hours on the lake, 1.5 hours hiking, 30 minutes meditating on the shore.
• “I didn’t need company,” he wrote in his journal. “I needed stillness. And the lake gave it to me.”

Example 4: Photography Group — Professional Shooters

A group of four landscape photographers visited at sunrise in mid-September.

• Arrived at the shuttle center at 4:30 a.m.
• Used drones — permitted only above 150 feet and never near wildlife.
• Shot from kayaks at dawn, capturing reflections of the Maroon Bells.
• Left all gear in a locked car at the shuttle lot.
• Submitted their work to the USFS for educational use — a rare honor.

“We didn’t just take pictures,” said one photographer. “We documented a moment in time — when light, water, and rock align perfectly. That’s what this place is for.”

FAQs

Is there really a place called Colorado Lagoon?

No. Colorado Lagoon is a coastal wetland in Long Beach, California — not in Colorado. There are no lagoons in Colorado’s mountainous terrain. The term is a misnomer. What people mean is an alpine lake or reservoir with hiking access — like Maroon Lake, Blue Lakes, or Trout Lake.

Can I bring my own kayak to Maroon Lake?

Yes — but only if you use the shuttle service. Private vehicles are banned during peak season. You must transport your kayak on the shuttle. Inflatable kayaks are easiest to load. Hard-shell kayaks must be disassembled or secured with straps.

Do I need a permit to kayak on Maroon Lake?

No permit is required for non-motorized kayaking. However, you must follow all US Forest Service regulations. No camping, no fires, no swimming in designated areas. Always carry your PFD.

Is it safe to kayak alone in alpine lakes?

It’s not recommended. Wind can shift suddenly, water is extremely cold, and rescue response times are slow. Always paddle with a partner or join a guided group. If you must go solo, carry a satellite communicator and leave a detailed itinerary with someone.

What’s the best time of year to do this loop?

Mid-July to mid-September offers the most reliable weather and full access to trails and water. June is often snowbound. October brings early snow and shorter days. For fewer crowds, go in late August or early September.

Can I camp near Maroon Lake?

No. Camping is prohibited at Maroon Lake. The nearest permitted backcountry campsites are in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, requiring a separate wilderness permit. Plan to return to Aspen or a nearby town for lodging.

Are drones allowed at Maroon Bells?

Drones are prohibited within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, including over the lake. The US Forest Service bans drone use to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Violations result in fines and confiscation.

How do I get to Maroon Lake if I don’t have a car?

Take the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) bus from Aspen to the Maroon Creek Road shuttle stop. Buses run hourly from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. during shuttle season. Purchase tickets at rfta.com.

Can children do this loop?

Yes — if they’re physically capable of hiking 1.5 miles and paddling 1.8 miles. Children under 12 must wear a PFD at all times on the water. Consider a tandem kayak for younger paddlers. Bring extra snacks and hydration.

What if the weather turns bad while I’m on the lake?

Immediately return to shore. Do not attempt to paddle through storms. Seek shelter under rock overhangs — never under trees. Wait for the storm to pass. If you’re stranded, use your whistle or satellite communicator. Do not panic.

Conclusion

The “Colorado Lagoon Kayak Loop” doesn’t exist — but the experience it represents does, powerfully and beautifully, in Colorado’s alpine lakes. What began as a search for a fictional route has led us to something far more valuable: a real, tangible way to connect with nature through movement, stillness, and reverence.

By choosing Maroon Lake — or Blue Lakes, Trout Lake, or any of Colorado’s other pristine water bodies — you’re not just hiking and paddling. You’re participating in a tradition of quiet exploration that has drawn people to these mountains for centuries. You’re honoring the land by leaving no trace, respecting wildlife, and embracing the silence.

This guide has given you the tools: how to plan, what to pack, where to go, and how to stay safe. But the real journey — the one that changes you — happens when you push off from the shore, when your paddle breaks the water, when the peaks reflect in the glassy surface, and when the only sound is your breath and the wind.

Colorado doesn’t need a name for its beauty. It needs people who will show up — prepared, respectful, and open. So lace up your boots, secure your kayak, and go. The water is waiting.