Is there any sight quite as dazzling as clear blue lakes surrounded by mountains? Here in the United States, we have several of these natural wonders to enjoy. Some are accessible with a hike, while others are tucked away in more remote locations. We’ve gathered up a few of our favorites that belong on anyone’s travel bucket list. Take a look at the following photographs of some of the best mountain lakes in the US:

1. Maroon Lake: Colorado
Maroon Lake, Colorado 81611, USA
Max and Dee Bernt/Flickr
Colorado is a beautiful place. There are plenty of gorgeous landmarks in the Centennial State. One of the most picturesque sights in all of Colorado is a giant reflective lake framed by two iconic peaks. This area is known as Maroon Bells and it's one of the most colorful places in the state. This view can be accessed by the 1.9-mile Maroon Lake Scenic Trail in the White River National Forest.

Join Catherine Gregory as she explores Aspen Colorado and the beautiful Maroon Bells in this video showing off one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the US:
2. Lake Tahoe: California/Nevada
Lake Tahoe, United States
Deb Etheredge/Flickr
We'd be remiss to not mention one of the largest mountain lakes in the United States. Just west of Carson City and lying on the border of California and Nevada, this lake is a popular destination for travelers. It's no mystery why it's also one of the highly photographed attractions in the U.S. You'll find crystal clear water surrounded by lush greenery. At 1,600 feet deep, it's also one of the deepest lakes in the country.

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3. Heart Lake: Mount Jo, New York
Heart Lake, North Elba, NY 12946, USA
Axel Drainville/Flickr
This relatively little-known lake in the mountains is nestled in the scenic Adirondacks of New York. Mount Jo is a beautiful mountain that overlooks Heart Lake and looks gorgeous at any time of year. It's especially breathtaking in the summer and fall, so consider taking a hike in the area between June and October.

Heart Lake in Mount Jo, New York is another one of the most beautiful US lakes. Enjoy this time lapse video from The Flying Pianist:
4. Lake Blanche: Utah
Lake Blanche, Utah 84121, USA
Clint Losee/Flickr
Utah has a virtually endless list of beautiful natural attractions. One of our favorites is Lake Blanche: it's truly something spectacular. This gorgeous lake in the mountains is particularly stunning when decked out in fall foliage. This alpine lake is located within the rugged Twin Peaks Wilderness Area. It's one of the most popular spots for hiking in Utah.
5. Lake Clark: Alaska
Lake Clark, Alaska, USA
Caitlin Marr/Flickr
Last, but certainly not least, is the ethereally blue Lake Clark. It's the deepest lake in Alaska and it's located in the eponymous Lake Clark National Park. The lake's unique mineral makeup gives it its vivid blue color, and the result is simply mesmerizing.

If you want to enjoy the best lakes with views in the US head to Alaska and the Lake Clark National Park. Let's take a tour with Alice Ford in this video:

Have you ever been to any of these beautiful lakes surrounded by mountains in the United States or do you have any other favorite alpine lakes? If you are looking for even more of the best mountain lakes in the US, check out these 19 mind-blowing lakes that you likely had no idea were in the U.S. This is such an incredibly gorgeous country with so many natural wonders and one of the best ways to enjoy it is by renting an RV and taking a road trip!

 

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More to Explore

Lakes In Mountains

Lisa Sammons | July 28, 2023

What are some more beautiful lakes in the mountains?

A few more beautiful lakes in the mountains include:

 

We have quite a few alpine lakes in the western half of the country. Nevada even has an Alpine Lakes Loop Trail within Great Basin National Park. This 2.7-mile easy trail will take you past two gorgeous lakes — Stella Lake and Teresa Lake.

What are some of the largest lakes in the United States?

Some of the largest lakes in the United States include:

 

Obviously, the Great Lakes are pretty, well, great, and the five largest lakes in the US. Even though it isn't one of the biggest, you also don't want to miss Lake George: it's known as the Queen of the American Lakes and also has a pretty great town nearby that shares its name.

What are some underrated U.S. lakes that everyone should visit?

Some underrated US lakes everyone should visit include:

 

We've actually got a whole list of lakes that are so great they'll make you forget about the coast! Places like New Hampshire's Lake Winnipesaukee are so beautiful that they'll make you realize there's really no need to go to the ocean to see a beautiful shoreline.

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