For the sturdy explorer in Colorado, the rarified air of 14,000 feet might be the ultimate reward after a hard hike. Or it might be the refreshing, super-scenic shore of an alpine lake.

The waters appear like jewels on a map, sapphires tucked high in the mountains. And indeed, you’ll have to earn them.

Here are some we’re seeking this summer:

Blue Lakes

Nearest town: Ridgway

Round trip: ~8.5 miles, ~2,500 feet elevation gain

The chain of lakes living up to the name — well, “turquoise” might be more accurate — has gotten popular enough for land managers to consider crowd control. Permits have been floated for day hikers and overnight backpackers; the requirement could begin in 2025. It’s a wondrous trek through Mount Sneffels Wilderness, culminating in the top lake above 11,700 feet.

Lake Haiyaha

Nearest town: Estes Park

Round trip: ~4.2, ~750 feet

Often passed for other destinations in Rocky Mountain National Park, the lake has garnered more attention in recent years following a massive rock slide that resulted in “glacial flour” filling the water. That’s the sediment credited for Haiyaha’s dramatic color change. You’ll need a reservation to start from the national park’s busy Bear Lake trailhead, and hopefully that timed reservation isn’t too late in the storm-prone afternoon. The good news: The hike shouldn’t take tons of time.

Island Lake

Nearest town: Silverton

Round trip: ~7.7 miles, ~2,700 feet elevation gain

This is another arduous, bucket-list trek granting a series of lakes perched in the San Juan Mountains. Island Lake is the last popularly reached from the Ice Lakes trailhead, by South Mineral Campground. After a steep ascent, upper Ice Lake is magnificent enough for many to stop. Many more continue less than a mile to the lake with a rock island at its center.

Lakes of the Clouds

Nearest town: Wescliffe

Round trip: ~10.5 miles, ~2,600 feet

The lakes are but a few treasures in the treasure-filled Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The three are nestled amid pine and aspen, each within about a half-mile of each other. It’s trout that anglers seek, camping out a night or two as they do. It’s serenity that awaits all willing to endure the hard, rocky trail starting from a rough road requiring a high-clearance vehicle.

Lost Lake

Nearest town: Nederland

Round trip: ~4.5 miles, ~800 feet

Lost Lake is found very, very often. That’s because it’s fairly easy to reach from the highly accessible Hessie trailhead. If you know about the parking situation, “accessible” is a relative term. Fortunately you can catch a shuttle from Nederland High School. It’s hassle-free the rest of the way to the lake — a classic scene of Indian Peaks Wilderness.

Mohawk Lake

Nearest town: Breckenridge

Round trip: ~6.2 miles, ~1,500 feet

Talk about bang for the buck. You get it all: stream-fed forests and wildflower-spotted meadows, views of fourteeners and even glimpses of mining history in the form ruins. All in the span of about 3 miles from the Spruce Creek trailhead. It’s reached off Colorado 9, close to Quandary Peak’s base. Like the summit, the lake is a big attraction — but there’s plenty of room for solitude along its banks.