The Gibraltar Lakes are located at the base of the St Vrain Glaciers in the northwestern-most corner of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. They form the headwaters of Middle St Vrain Creek in a spectacular alpine valley highlighted by craggy peaks, luxuriant forests and abundant wildflowers.

When true glaciers become extremely dense, ice absorbs the entire color spectrum and produces a primarily blue hue

The Gibraltar Lakes are fed by glacial remnants that form the headwaters of Middle St Vrain Creek

Moose have become more common in recent years as successful birth rates and limited predation have boosted statewide numbers

The Gibraltar Lakes are separated by moraine-like mounds of talus and till

Though Engelmann spruce will germinate in a range of light intensities, seedlings establish best in 40 - 60% shade at high elevations

The world experienced a 'mini ice age' from the 17th - late 19th century, a period of significant glacial advances

The trail largely vanishes on the valley floor, leaving hikers to improvise through alpine grasses, willow and talus up to the lakes

Indian Paintbrush belongs to a genus of 200 species of partially or fully parasitic plants that derive nourishment from the roots of other plants

The Middle St Vrain Creek Valley has been minimally affected by pine beetle

Colorado has about 150 significant snow, ice and glacial features

The Wild Basin Area of Rocky Mountain National Park lies just north of the Elk Tooth

Minerals in finely ground rock contribute to the lakes' striking hues

The largest of the Gibraltar Lakes

Indian paintbrush seeds are so small that you can plant a whole acre with just a few handfuls