Beyond Braies & Carezza: 22 Beautiful Dolomites Lakes You Shouldn’t Miss
Disclaimer: The information on this blog is for informational purposes only. These outdoor activities involve inherent risks, and conditions may change. I am not responsible for any injuries, losses, or damages resulting from the use of this information. Undertaking these activities without proper experience, equipment, or a qualified guide can be dangerous. Always assess your skill level, check local conditions, and proceed at your own risk.
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Table of Contents
If you’ve spent any time scrolling through Instagram or travel guides, you’ve probably seen the same few Dolomites lakes over and over again: Lago di Braies, Lago di Sorapiss, and Lago Carezza. Don’t get me wrong: they’re stunning, and iconic views of the Dolomites. But over the past few years, visiting them feels a bit like stepping into nature’s version of Disneyland, with crowded paths, full parking lots, and everyone lining up to take the exact same photos.
As a local elopement photographer and hiking guide, it honestly pains me to see travelers stop in these few locations and miss so much of what the Dolomites have to offer. These mountains are dotted with so many equally breathtaking lakes, many of which still feel peaceful, wild, and uncrowded.
So, in this post, I want to share a more comprehensive list of lakes in the Dolomites, so that while you might still choose to visit the famous ones, you also have plenty of other options to explore. If you’ve been dreaming of the Dolomites but hoping to experience a quieter side of them, this list is for you.
Side note: You’ll see lots of articles ranking the “most beautiful lakes” in the Dolomites – and while those lists can be fun, I’m not really into ranking nature. Each lake has its own mood and magic, and what feels most beautiful can change with the light, the weather, or even your emotions in that moment. I think it’s nicer just to enjoy each place for what it is, rather than try to decide which one’s “best.”
A note on place names: There are three languages spoken in the Dolomites: German, Italian, and Ladin. This means that most places have at least two names, sometimes three, depending on where in the region they are. For this post, I’ve listed the lakes by their most commonly used names.
The Most Famous Lakes
Lago di Braies/Pragser Wildsee
Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee/Lake Braies/Lake Prags) is the poster child of the Dolomites. It was first made famous after it was used as a filming location for a popular Italian soap opera. Its fame has risen to international levels in recent years, and is one of the most visited locations in the whole of the Dolomites.
How to Get There:
Lago di Braies is reached by driving along the Val Pusteria/Pustertal, and then turning into the Braies/Prags valley. There is a hotel and parking right by the lake.
During the peak summer months, access to the lake is restricted. From mid-July to mid-September, the road is closed to traffic from 9:30 am until 4 pm, unless you have a reservation at the hotel or have pre-booked parking. Otherwise, you’ll need to park at the designated parking area at the end of the valley and take the shuttle bus. You can find more information about the restrictions here.
Best Time to Visit:
Come in May or June if you want to see snow on the mountains still, or September or October for fall colours. The boathouse (La Palafitta) is open from May until October/November (depending on water levels and ice). The best times of day are in the early morning around sunrise, or later in the afternoon when most day visitors have departed. During the winter months, the lake freezes over and snow covers the ice.
Lago di Sorapis
Lago di Sorapis is famous for its milky turquoise waters (it was under snow when we visited), which are that colour from the water filtering through the rock.
How to Get There:
The only way to reach Lago di Sorapis is to hike. The hike is approx. 11km/6.5 miles (round trip) from Passo Tre Croci, with an elevation gain of approx. 460m/1500 feet. While some people will tell you the hike is easy, it should not be underestimated, as it is exposed and narrow in places. Especially in wet conditions, the route can be extremely slippery, so suitable hiking footwear is a must!
Best Time to Visit:
When we visited in mid-May, the trail was mostly snow-free, but the lake was still frozen. I would recommend this hike from June until October (snow conditions dependent). This trail gets extremely busy, so I would recommend starting early. It’s also possible to go later in the day, but you’ll be met with lots of people descending, and passing other hikers on the trail can be tricky in some spots where it is particularly narrow (which can be made even more sketchy when it is wet). If you do go up later in the day, don’t forget to take headlamps for the way back down. Or consider sleeping in the hut (Rif. Vandelli) next to the lake.
Lago di Carezza/Karresee
Lake Carezza is another classic Dolomites scene, with its incredibly clear turquoise waters, and the dramatic mountain backdrop of the Latemar mountain group. Like Lago di Braies, it is also incredibly easy to reach, with no hiking required. However, if you are happy to walk a bit, there’s a lovely circular trail around the lake.
How to Get There:
Lago di Carezza/Karresee/Lake Carezza is situated directly along the roadside, on the pass that links Nova Levante/Welschnofen with Val di Fassa. Opposite the lake, you’ll find a large paid parking area, with a visitor centre, public restrooms, and a cafe.
Once you arrive, you’ll notice that the entire lake is fenced off. Please respect the fences and don’t climb over them for photos.
Best Time to Visit:
We’ve visited Lago di Carezza at many different times of the year, and it’s beautiful year-round. However, the water is highest in the summer months. During the winter, the lake freezes over and is covered in a blanket of snow.
Easy-To-Reach Lakes
The following lakes are classed as “easy to reach” because for most of them, you can drive right to them. Many of them are along a roadside or very close to a road, meaning that very little hiking is required. This makes them more easily accessible for people with restricted mobility or families with kids.
Lago di Dobiacco/Toblacher See
Many people drive right past Lago di Dobiacco without ever realising it is there, since it’s slightly hidden from the road by the trees. However this pretty lake is a great place for a short stop if you’re passing through, since it sits on the main road between the Pustertal/Val Pusteria, Misurina, and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
How to Get There:
Lago di Dobbiaco/Toblacher See is a short drive from the town of Toblach/Dobbiaco. There’s a large paid parking lot by the roadside, and it’s just a few steps to the lake from there.
Best Time to Visit:
Lago di Dobbiaco is accessible year-round, although the best months to visit are between May and November. During the winter, it is common for the lake to freeze over.
Lago di Lando/Dürrensee
A short drive further from Lago di Dobiacco, you’ll come to Lago di Landro. This lake is harder to miss, since it sits right along the roadside. This beautiful lake has a stunning view of the Monte Cristallo mountain.
How to Get There:
Lago di Landro/Dürrensee sits approximately halfway between Dobiacco/Toblach and Misurina, with paid parking along the roadside by the lake. If you’re driving between Lago di Braies and Mizurina or Cortina d’Ampezzo, it’s worthwhile making a short stop by this lake, as well as Lago di Dobiacco.
Best Time to Visit:
Lago di Landro can be visited all year round. However, I think the best months are from May until October. During the winter and early spring months, it is possible that the lake will be frozen.
Antholzer See
The Antholz valley is famous in winter for cross-country skiing, but it is also a beautiful summer destination. The Antholzersee lake is a beautiful turquoise lake, surrounded by lush green mountains and pine forests.
How to Get There:
To reach Antholz Lake (Antholzersee), drive through the Antholz Valley (Valle di Anterselva) from the village of Olang (Valdaora), following the SP44 road toward the Austrian border. The lake is at the end of the valley. Parking is available near the shore. Public buses also run regularly from Olang during the summer months.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Antholz Lake is from June to September, when the weather is warm and the hiking trails are fully open, offering stunning views of the emerald-green water and surrounding mountains. For a quieter, snowy experience, winter visits from December to March are also beautiful, especially if you enjoy cross-country skiing or watching the biathlon events.
Obersee (Staller Sattel)
I might have misled a bit by including Obersee in this list, as Obersee isn’t actually in the Dolomites. It’s not even in Italy. It’s just across the border in Austria. But since it’s so close to the Antholzersee mentioned above, I thought I would include it, since you can easily visit both.
How to Get There:
From the Antholz valley, you’ll drive past the Antholz lake and keep going up the Passo Staller road. Once you reach the top, you’ll drive over the border (there are no border controls as it’s all Schengen zone). There is free parking up here. You can hike all around the lake if you want to, or walk to the restaurant at the edge of the lake.
About the road: Traffic lights are in place due to the narrow road width. From the 1st to the 15th minute, traffic is permitted between Staller Sattel and Lake Antholz (downhill direction), and from the 30th to the 45th minute, traffic is permitted between Lake Antholz and the pass crossing (uphill direction).
Best Time to Visit:
The Passo Staller road up to the Staller Sattel and Lake Obersee is open from the middle of May until the end of October.
Lago di Misurina
Misurina lake is often visited by tourists who are visiting Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina, but it is worth visiting even if you are not continuing on to those famous spots. There is a really nice and easy walking trail around the lake, but it can also be the starting point for longer hikes into the Cadini group and up to Tre Cime di Lavaredo. There are a number of very photogenic buildings around the lake that look like they could be featured in a Wes Anderson movie.
How to Get There:
You can reach Lake Misurina either from Cortina d’Ampezzo or Toblach (Dobbiaco). From Cortina, take the SS48 toward Auronzo di Cadore, then follow the SS49 and signs for Misurina. From Toblach, follow the SS51 south and turn onto the SP49 toward Carbonin and Misurina. Both routes offer breathtaking views and are accessible by car or public bus during the main tourist seasons.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Lake Misurina is from late June to early September, when the weather is mild, the lake is fully thawed, and hiking trails in the surrounding Dolomites are open. During this period, the area is perfect for boating, walking, and biking. For a quieter, snow-covered experience, winter visits from December to March offer a magical atmosphere, with opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing nearby.
Lago Antorno
Lago Antorno is a small but beautiful lake on the road to the Tre Cime di Lavareedo/Rif. Auronzo. The lake has beautiful views of the 3 peaks, as well as the Cadini mountains.
How to Get There:
Lago Antorno is located just a few kilometers above Lake Misurina in the Dolomites. To reach it, drive from Misurina along the SP49 road toward the Tre Cime di Lavaredo toll station. The lake lies right beside the road, just before the toll gate. It’s easily accessible by car, with limited parking available nearby. It’s also reachable on foot from Misurina via a pleasant 2 km walk surrounded by pine forests and mountain views.
Best Time to Visit:
Lago Antorno is best in the summer months, from June to October, when the hiking trails are also open. While September and October can bring snowfall, you. can also enjoy the fall colours of the trees around the lake.
Lago Valparola/Valparola See
Many people drive past the Valparola lake and never even realize it’s there. This small but pretty lake sits slightly below the road on the Valparola Pass, next to Rifugio Passo Valparola. Unlike many of the lakes in this post, the Valparola Lake isn’t surrounded by tall, jagged peaks. Instead, you’ll find more rolling hills around it.
How to Get There:
The Valparola Lake is on the Valparola Pass, next to Rifugio Passo Valparola. The small parking is owned by the rifugio. Alternatively, you can park further along the Valparola Pass and hike across to the lake.
Best Time to Visit:
I would recommend visiting between June and October. In June, there are still chances of snow being around the lake, due to its relatively high elevation. I love this lake in October when everything around it turns golden with beautiful fall colours.
Lakes You’ll Have to Hike For
The following lakes are all beautiful and worth visiting BUT you’ll need to hike to them. While some are relatively easy hikes, others are longer and require appropriate hiking attire and experience in the mountains.
Lago Antermoia/Antermoia See
Antermoia Lake (Lago d’Antermoia) is one of the most enchanting mountain lakes in the Dolomites, located in the heart of the Catinaccio (Rosengarten) range. What makes it special is not only its crystal-clear, often turquoise water, but that it lies in a rocky basin surrounded by dramatic peaks. When the winds are still, the reflections are spectacular.
How to Get There:
The lake can only be reached on foot, typically from the Val di Fassa or from Rifugio Gardeccia, making it a beloved destination for hikers seeking solitude, stunning alpine views, and a true sense of wilderness.
While it is possible to reach the lake and return in one day (albeit a very long day of around 7-8 hours of hiking), I recommend sleeping overnight at Rif. Antermoia and splitting the hike over two days.
Best Time to Visit:
Rifugio Antermoia, next to the lake, is open from mid-June to mid-October, and this is the best time to visit. Early and late in the season, you can expect to find snow on the trails, and prepare accordingly.
Lago Boè/Boè See
Lago Boè is a small alpine lake in the Sella Group of the Dolomites, known for its calm blue water and peaceful mountain setting. It’s a quiet spot surrounded by rocky terrain, popular with hikers who enjoy high-altitude landscapes.
How to Get There:
You can reach Lago Boè from Corvara in Badia by taking the Boè cable car up to the Piz Boe Alpine Lounge, then following the marked trail toward Rifugio Franz Kostner. From the hut, it’s about an hour’s walk to the lake on a well-maintained mountain path with steady but manageable elevation.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit is from late June to September, when the cable car is running, trails are (mostly) snow-free, and conditions are good for hiking.
Lago Pisciadù/Pisciadù See
Lago Pisciadù is a striking alpine lake in the Sella Group of the Dolomites, known for its vivid turquoise water and dramatic mountain setting at over 2,500 meters above sea level. What makes it special is its remote, high-altitude location, reachable only by hiking or via ferrata. Nearby stands the Rifugio Cavazza al Pisciadù, a mountain hut where you can enjoy some good food before hiking back down (or even sleep overnight).
How to Get There:
To reach the Pisciadù lake, you can either hike up the 666 route or climb the via ferrata. Both routes begin at the parking area on the Colfosco side of the Gardena Pass. The 666 trail is relatively short (2km/1.3 miles) but extremely steep (with some cabled sections), with an elevation gain of 689m/2260 feet in rocky terrain. In 2023, this trail was destroyed in a huge landslide, but has since been repaired. For the average, experienced hiker, the hike to the lake takes around 1.5-2 hours.
For those who like things a bit more extreme, you can also reach the lake with a via ferrata (klettersteig). The Via Ferrata Tridentina (Pisciadu Klettersteig) has an overall difficulty of C and takes around 3-4 hours. You can find more information about the via ferrata, and the topo here.
Best Time to Visit:
The Pisciadù lake is accessible from late June (although you may still find snow on the trail) until mid-September (when the snow starts falling again). Because of the exposed nature of this trail, you should not attempt the hike or via ferrata in wet conditions or if there are chances of thunderstorms.
Lech de Crespëina
Lech de Crespëina sits high on the Crespëina plateau in Puez-Odle Nature Park. What makes it special is the beautiful hike to the lake, when you reach the flat plateau after climbing up from the valley below.
How to Get There:
The lake is best reached from Colfosco or Selva in Val Gardena, taking the trail up through the Gardena Pass area. It’s a decent hike, usually around 2–3 hours depending on your pace. Once you reach the lake, you can either hike back the same way you came up or make it part of an extended loop. Another option is to take the gondola up to Col Pradat and hike across from there.
Best Time to Visit:
Summer and early autumn are the most practical times. Snow lingers late here, and the plateau can feel quite barren in bad weather. In July and August, the trails are busiest, but the plateau’s wide openness spreads people out, so it rarely feels crowded.
Lago Limides
Lago Limides is a small pond-like lake just under Lagazuoi, often with great reflections of the surrounding peaks on calm days. It’s modest in size, but the entire setting up here is breautiful.
How to Get There:
The lake is reached by a short (but uphill) hike from Passo Falzarego, which makes it popular with families and casual walkers. From the pass, the path to the lake is straightforward and only takes about 20–30 minutes. Alternatively, you can hike up from the restaurant Col Gallina, however, this path is steeper than from the Falzarego Pass.
Best Time to Visit:
Early morning or late afternoon is nicest, when the light is softer and the water is calmer. In late summer/fall (from September), the little lake can look dried out, so late spring (June) or early summer (July), when it still has plenty of water, is usually best. Parking on the Falzarego pass is limited and fills up fast in the high season, so this also is a good reason to go earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Lago Federa
Lago Federa sits below Croda da Lago, and the shape of the mountain reflected in the water makes it one of the classic Dolomite lake scenes.
Dolomites Fun Fact: You might hear people referring to the lake as Croda da Lago; however, this is incorrect. In Italian, “Croda” is a Ladin-influenced word often used in the Dolomites to mean rocky peak or crag. “Lago” means lake. So Croda da Lago translates roughly as “Peak of the Lake” or “Rock of the Lake”, referring to the mountain above Lago Federa.
How to Get There:
Most people start the walk from Ponte di Rocurto, on the road between Cortina and Passo Giau. From there, it’s a steady hike uphill, taking around 2–3 hours to reach the lake. The Rifugio Croda da Lago is right beside it, which makes it a good stop for food or an overnight stay; however, it can also be easily done as a day hike.
Best Time to Visit:
Fall/Autumn is particularly gorgeous up here because the larch trees that surround the lake turn golden and reflect beautifully in the water. Summer is great for hiking, but the trail is popular. Mornings or weekdays are generally quieter than weekends.
Lago Lagazuoi
Lago Lagazuoi is a small, often overlooked lake tucked beneath the Lagazuoi mountains. It doesn’t get the same attention as other nearby spots, but that’s part of the appeal – it feels like a hidden corner compared to the busy trails above Passo Falzarego.
How to Get There:
The lake is accessed by walking down from Rifugio Lagazuoi or along connecting trails from the Falzarego area. It’s not as quick to reach as some lakes, since you usually need to descend into the basin where it sits, but the path isn’t difficult. Once you have reached the lake, you can either hike back up to Lagazuoi (and take the lift back down to the Falzarego Pass), or continue hiking back down to the valley via Rif. Scotoni, and finishing near Armentarola, where you can jump on the bus.
Best Time to Visit:
Late spring to early autumn works best, depending on snowmelt. Since the lake sits lower than the Lagazuoi peak, it’s often thawed earlier than you’d expect. Because it’s less famous, any time of day usually feels quiet.
Lago Coldai
Lago Coldai lies under Monte Civetta and is one of the most photographed lakes in that area. The way Civetta towers directly above gives it a dramatic setting, and the walk up to the lake is rewarding without being overly long.
How to Get There:
The standard route is from Alleghe, using the gondola or chairlift up to Piani di Pezzè or Col dei Baldi. From there, it’s an uphill hike of around 1.5–2 hours to reach the lake and Rifugio Coldai.
Best Time to Visit:
July to September is best, when the trails are clear of snow and the rifugio is open. It’s popular in summer, so if you’d prefer fewer people, aim for early morning or late afternoon.
Lagi dei Piani/Bödenseen
These beautiful lakes are close to Rifugio Locatelli/Drei Zinnen Hütte at the Tre Cime di Lavaredo; however, many people don’t take this short detour to see these beautiful lakes. If you have the time, I highly recommend it.
How to Get There:
There are a number of routes to Rifugio Locatelli/Drei Zinnen Hütte. The most popular is from Rifugio Auronzo, taking the trail 101 around the base of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (the Three Peaks). This hike is 4.5 km/2.8 miles from the parking at Rifugio Auronzo to Rifugio Locatelli, with 200m/650 feet of ascent, and takes approximately 1.5 hours (although plan for more if you like to take lots of photos).
Tip: If you are planning on hiking from Rifugio Auronzo, make sure to pre-book your parking in advance. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to access the road. Alternatively, you can access the trailhead at Rif. Auronzo by taking the bus from Misurina.
Alternatively, a beautiful hike is to take the number 102 from the Fischleintal/Val Fiscalina. On this trail, you pass the lakes on the way to the rifugio. This trail is 6.8km/4.2 miles, with 950m/3116 feet ascent one way, which takes around 3-4 hours from the valley.
Best Time to Visit:
For snow-free hiking, I would recommend visiting between June and October (although snow is still possible at both ends of the summer season). For fewer crowds in this general region, I recommend avoiding the months of July and August, or planning your visit for sunrise or sunset. I’ve been here twice in September – one year it was still green (picture above), and the following year there was snow on the ground.
Zinnen Seen (Tre Cime Lakes)
If you hike the full loop around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo from Rifugio Auronzo, then you’ll pass these lakes along the way. These are small seasonal lakes, meaning that they aren’t always there. They usually start to fill up in June and last until September, but can almost completely disappear during prolonged dry periods.
How to Get There:
The easiest approach is from Rifugio Auronzo, which is reached by road (see notes under the Lagi dei Piani section). From there, trails branch out around the Tre Cime circuit, and several small lakes appear along the way. The small lake pictured on the left above (it’s really not much more than a puddle) is below the Drei Zinnen Hütte (Rif. Locatelli), and the ones in the photo on the right are close to the Malga Langalm hut.
Best Time to Visit:
Summer and early autumn are the main windows, since snow lingers late at this altitude. The whole area is incredibly busy (often overcrowded), so early mornings or evenings are calmer, especially in August when the trails are busiest.
Fanes Plateau Lakes
The Fanes plateau has several lakes, the best known being Lago di Limo and Lago Verde. They’re not dramatic in the same way as some Dolomite lakes, but their open, wide setting among meadows gives them a different charm. It feels more spacious and less enclosed compared to other valleys.
How to Get There:
There are actually a number of ways to reach the Fanes plateau and see the beautiful lakes. The most common are:
From Pederü (San Vigilio di Marebbe side)
This is the most direct and popular approach. You start at the Pederü hut and follow a wide, steady military road that climbs through the valley. After about two hours, you reach Rifugio Fanes and Rifugio Lavarella, with Lago di Limo and Lago Verde just a short walk beyond. It’s not the most scenic ascent at first, but it’s straightforward and gives quick access to the plateau.
From Capanna Alpina (San Cassiano side)
This approach feels a bit wilder. Starting near Armentarola, you hike up through the valley past Rifugio Scotoni and Lago Lagazuoi, eventually climbing steeply to reach the plateau. It’s more effort than from Pederü, but the scenery is varied and dramatic. This route is often combined with a circuit, coming back down a different valley.
From Val Badia (La Villa or La Valle side)
There are longer approaches from the villages of La Villa or La Valle. These involve more elevation gain and time, but they’re rewarding if you want a full-day hike. Coming from La Valle, you can pass by Rifugio Fodara Vedla, which sits on a quieter plateau connected to Fanes.
Multi-day traverses
Because the plateau sits at the junction of several valleys, it also works well as part of longer hut-to-hut routes. The Alta Via 1, for example, passes right through here, linking the Fanes area with the Braies and Lagazuoi regions.
Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through autumn is best, with autumn offering fewer crowds. In early summer, the meadows around the lakes are green and full of flowers, which brings the whole plateau to life.
Baita Segantini
Baita Segantini has a small pond in front of Pale di San Martino, which, when calm, has some beautiful reflections of the peaks behind. The lake itself isn’t big, but the backdrop of the Pale peaks makes it iconic. (The lake also isn’t pictured in this photo because a huge storm broke out minutes later – sorry).
How to Get There:
From Passo Rolle, it’s an easy 30–40 minute uphill walk on a gravel road to reach the hut and pond. The path is wide and manageable, which is why it attracts both hikers and casual visitors.
Best Time to Visit:
Sunset is the classic time here, when the Pale di San Martino glows in evening light and reflects in the pond. Summer and early autumn are the most reliable months, but be aware it can get busy, especially around sunset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Most Parking Paid in the Dolomites?
Many parking areas across the Dolomites are paid. While some of the parking areas in the popular locations like Lago di Braies and Tre Cime di Lavaredo require you to book your parking in advance, many other locations have parking meters, camera entry/exit, or barriers where you pay on exit.
Tip: Download the EasyPark App for easy parking in my locations, such as at Lago di Landro and many of the parking lots in Cortina d’Ampezzo (as well as many other locations all around Europe). You can create an account and add payment methods at any time. If you are driving a rental car, you can add the registration number once you know it.
When is the best time of year to visit the Dolomites?
The best time of year very much depends on what you want to see and do during your time in the Dolomites. From December to April, it’s ski season. Hiking season usually begins in late June, and goes until mid-September. For visiting the lakes of the Dolomites, I would recommend June to September. While many of the lakes have lower water levels in October, this can also be a great time to visit to catch the golden larches.
Being A Responsible & Respectful Traveler in the Dolomites
Don’t Fly Drones
Despite the large amount of drone footage/photos you might have seen, almost all of these lakes are in areas where flying drones is not allowed. Some sit on private property, while many others are in the protected UNESCO and natural park sites. Many of these lakes dry up towards the end of summer, and every year, crashed drones are pulled out of them. When a drone crashe, its battery and components can release toxic materials like lithium and heavy metals, which pollute the water and soil. Plastic parts can also break apart and become long-lasting litter in these fragile alpine ecosystems. Beyond the physical impact, drones disturb wildlife, especially birds that nest near the water. And they are f*cking annoying for anyone else who is there trying to enjoy the peaceful nature.
Respect Fences & No-Entry Signs
As you’ll see from some of the descriptions, some of these lakes sit on private property or in protected UNESCO areas. Please respect all fences and no-entry signs. For some of the lakes that involve hiking, if you come across closed trail signs, do not ignore them. These are usually due to safety concerns from rockfall or landslides, and passing them and hiking on closed trails can lead to heavy fines (and putting yourself in unnecessary danger).
Follow Leave No Trace
Familiarize yourself with the principles of Leave No Trace, and follow the 7 principles whenever you go out into the mountains. These aren’t just to protect nature, but also for your own safety.
Check the weather before you set off
Whilst this does come under the Leave No Trace principles, as a hiking guide, I feel like it’s really important to re-inforce this. Many of these lakes involve hiking in alpine terrain, and wet or stormy conditions can make them a lot more dangerous. Always check the forecast before you start a hike, and if the weather starts to turn while you are on the trail, don’t try to finish the hike. Either turn around and come back another day, or if there is shelter nearby, go there and wait for the bad weather to pass.
