Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire (iStock). The hiking in this area is challenging, but the views are stunning. Photo Credit: Melissa Woolf (iStock). Hike in the morning on a weekday for some solitude. Check out the famous Gem Lake for stunning views of strange rock pinnacles and mountain vistas. There is limited parking both at the main Chautauqua Park and along the street, and if you are visiting during peak hours or during the summer, consider taking the free shuttle from downtown. Even in the winter, the Front Range sees plenty of mild and sunny days when the trails dry out enough for a hike. Additionally, be sure to check the weather and plan to leave early enough to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which can move in rapidly at high elevations. This loop combines The Palmer Trail to Buckskin-Charlie, Niobrara, and the Bretang Trail to make a tour-de-garden. One of the best hikes in Colorado is the iconic Mirror Lake. Waste does not break down this high up. Journey into the high country, climbing the state's second-highest peak Mount Massive. Located in the mountains west of Boulder, Indian Peaks Wilderness is a remarkable wilderness area with miles of pristine trails and many access points on both sides of the Continental Divide. Nestled in the Indian Peaks Wilderness lies the wow-worthy granite spectacle. Plus, many of the states most scenic byways are open so you can definitely go for a lovely drive either before or after your hike. The hike then loops back north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead. This is available as a desktop version as well on iPhone and Android. From Bluebell Road, turn onto the Royal Arch Trail. Climb your way up to Island Lake (another 15 to 20-minute walk) for a scene that is simply jaw-dropping. (Photos Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Nick Wilder). The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. . The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. Dont stop here, as another singletrack trail on the west side of Mirror Lake heads on to Crater Lake and reveals the even more stunning view of Lone Eagle Peak and Mount Achonee towering above the lake. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Vertical. Grays and Torreys are so commonly hiked together that many refer to the two 14ers inseparably. This is one of the more difficult 14er hikes in the state. You can hike the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first. Swimming, dipping body parts into the water, standing under or on top of waterfalls, and walking on the fallen trees within the lake are strictly prohibited. There are several large waterfalls along the way including the trails namesake, Cascade Falls, a particularly scenic multitiered waterfall that you will get an up-close look at as the trail switchbacks from the base of the falls to the top. Colorado is known for its snow-capped mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Its $25 to enter the park. There are several large waterfalls along the way including the trails namesake, Cascade Falls, a particularly scenic multitiered waterfall that you will get an up-close look at as the trail switchbacks from the base of the falls to the top. Once you reach the base of Devils Head, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side of the large rock outcropping. There are many different factors to consider while hiking in Colorado. Be sure to remember to bring $5 for the parking fee at this location. While you wont fully escape the traffic noise of the nearby highways, the park is still a pleasant and convenient getaway due to its proximity to Golden and the western suburbs of Denver. Distance: 6 milesElevation gain: 1,469 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Due to the high exposure of this hike, be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes with you, all year round! Need 2 get out see the others ! Afternoon thunderstorms are dangerous and kill hikers each year. This is hike is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by very experienced hikers. Blue Lakes Trail leads hikers through Mt. Photo Credit: kwiktor (iStock). Also named Emerald Lake, these majestic alpine waters can be explored near the iconic mountain town of Crested Butte. While you will have to watch your footing on the way back down, the views on the return hike are even more spectacular than on the way up. . Most segments fall within the moderate to upper end of difficult. This gentle trail meanders its way along a deep sandstone canyon where you can admire monolithic sandstone towers whose beauty rivals that of nearby Moab. This is one of Colorados most famous lakes. Season: June, July, and August. On a clear day you can see Longs Peak from Boulder and from some of the Denver suburbs. Beat the crowds and head to the beautiful Ptarmigan Lake. Please check the NPS website and All-Trails for conditions updates. Hikes near towns such as Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen will be included in this area. While there is plenty of hiking all year round, hiking into the high alpine is best during July and August. The view from the summit of Mt. Heavy snowfall shuts down the majority of hiking in the alpine environment due to avalanche concerns as well as intense cold weather. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the, , which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. Always understand that the weather generally comes from the west, and keep an eye on storms. Located in the middle of the town and surrounded by neighborhoods and city sprawl, this magical wilderness is a very popular city park in Colorado Springs. The area around the trail ( McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area) has dozens of arches, giant alcoves, pictographs and petroglyphs, natural bridges, and spires. Where should I hike in Colorado? From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the, , a flat, wide and easygoing path. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. Be on the lookout for more articles in the future for the best 14er hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. Youll travel along an old railroad route in the heart of the southern foothills. Colorado Bend State Park. Some of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado include Mount Bierstadt, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Bison Peak, Star Dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park, Lion Lakes at Rocky Mountain National Park, San Luis Peak, Lost Man Lake, and Mount Elbert. With thousands of hikes in Colorado, there is no way all of them can be featured in this article. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. Photo Credit: Matt Vincent. If you arent cozy pooping in a bag and packing it out, stay home. 220 Reviews #1 of 4 things to do in Bend. Inside this guide youll find tons of info about the most scenic Colorado hikes and how to visit them without the crowds. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the, . REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. This loop is a mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views. The stairs are steep, and while there are railings the entire way, those who fear heights may choose to enjoy the view from the ground. For one of the best hikes in Colorado to get a flavor of the whole state, you need this hike It is located in White River National Park and the Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes trail offers one of the best hikes. Dog-friendly. Location: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. The Dream Lake Trail continues to climb from Nymph Lake up into Tyndall Gorge, crossing Tyndall Creek before coming to the eastern edge of Dream Lake. The road to get to the upper trailhead is notoriously rugged, so if you have a two-wheel-drive or low-clearance vehicle, plan to park at the lower trailhead and add some mileage to your hike. Herman Gulch is one of the most accessible high alpine hiking trails in Colorado. Listen, Ive been on each of these hiking trails several different times. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off toward. Parts of the trailhead may also be inaccessible during these months. There are plenty of amazing hikes in Colorado, but this one will be very different. During the summer of 2021 there is a permit system to enter RMNP. The views are particularly stunning in the spring with the stark contrast between the red rocks and the green hillsides. The summer can also bring snow and hail when you are least expecting it, be sure to be packed for all weather conditions! Maroon Bells, near Aspen, are two of Colorado's most famous mountains and are well known for their views. Micro-spikes can useful when there is snow on the windswept trail. The Keyhole Route on Longs Peak is an iconic mountain climb that many people strive for. Keep in mind wag bags are required here. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the Crater Lake Trail. You will need to check-in at the South Rim visitors center to get a permit. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. Some notable segments are: While its difficult to choose one, the prettiest hike in Colorado is probably the hike to Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. Not all public lands are free to enter. Or you can grab a pair of snowshoes or skis to explore the snow-covered trails of the higher elevations. It is recommended to go early in the morning or late in the evening. Once you are done enjoying the rewards of your climb, retrace your steps back down the saddle to connect to the main trail and return to the trailhead. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. On the west side, you will spot the famous Kissing Camels, and to the east, White Rock. Garden of the Gods Perkins Central Garden Trail (Colorado Springs) AllTrails/Brian Mehringer. For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. In the spring, you may spot wildflowers like columbines, and there are a few groves of aspen that give a pop of golden color in the fall. As one of Colorados best hiking destinations, youve got to scope out the Garden of the Gods. I actually bumped into Devils Canyon by accident, but Im glad I found this diamond in the rough. Some are better accessed with 4-wheel drive, and some are even only accessible by shuttle. This large area will include hiking near the popular ski resorts of Colorado. You will spot one large waterfall about a mile east of Hasley Basin where the panoramic view also includes the backside of the Maroon Bells. . : Breckenridge, CO, in the Arapaho National Forest, 88 miles southwest of Denver, Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. Towering beautifully over hikers, mountain bikers, and climbers, the unique red rock formations offer a playground of adventure. The city has narrowed down a new nature center in this area. This route is one of the most popular hikes in the state with the stunning Maroon Bells as a backdrop, abundant wildflowers in spring and summer, hillsides of aspen in the fall, and four passes to climb and descend on this spectacular loop. Rocky Mountain National Park is a truly breathtaking area and a great introduction to Colorado. Distance: 3.1Elevation Gain: 990Difficulty: easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle). If you are looking for a shorter or easier outing, the Bear Lake Trail, which leaves from the same trailhead and loops around Bear Lake, is a family-friendly option. Garden of the Gods is a popular hiking destination located in Colorado Springs. All in all, this hike is pretty chill, except for the last mile. Moose are often spotted grazing with their young along the grassy meadows. Treasure Falls, Colorado 81147, USA. Ascending further up the trail, you'll find mine ruins just before reaching lower Mohawk Lake. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. To get to the lakes, you'll climb 1.6 miles with an elevation gain of 1,062 feet. One can experience snowstorms in June, warm weather in February, or even a sunny summer day interrupted by intense thunderstorms. Location: I-70 corridor, outside of the town of Aspen. : Granby, CO, in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, 103 miles northwest of Denver, : A long day hike or an overnight backpacking trip, Located in the mountains west of Boulder, Indian Peaks Wilderness is a remarkable wilderness area with miles of pristine trails and many access points on both sides of the Continental Divide. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. BISON PEAK 2. Nestled outside of the beautiful mountain town of Breckenridge, the sparkling alpine waters combined with granite views and colorful blooms offers up the perfect summer escape. If you are looking for the quintessential Indian Peaks hike, the out-and-back to Crater Lake from Monarch Lake offers a great mix of scenery and terrain, as well as a stunning destination. Parts of this ecosystem are fragile. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. : Snowmass Village, CO, in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, 11 miles southwest of Aspen, : An immersive multiday experience in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, This 27-mile loop is most commonly backpacked as a three- or four-night trip. Once you are done enjoying the rewards of your climb, retrace your steps back down the saddle to connect to the main trail and return to the trailhead. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. The hike starts from Monarch Lake on the Cascade Trail on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. For the best photo ops though, hike along the 1.9-mile loop trail in fall and come just in time for sunrise to see the real magic of one of the best hikes in Colorado. When it comes to hiking in Colorado, there are year-round options. Grays (14,270')and Torreys (14,267') are situated along the Continental Divide within the Arapaho National Forest near the small town of Idaho Springs. person will not be tolerated. Distance: 8.2 milesElevation Gain: 2,870Difficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This hike becomes impassible in winter due to avalanche terrain and steep ice. Once over your second pass, you get a bit of a respite on the, , which traverses a wide, high-altitude basin that is carpeted in wildflowers in season. Theres a saying in Colorado that goes west slope best slope. This area of the state isnt as easy to access compared to other hiking areas closer to Denver. Pants will also be nice to have in case of a rogue thunderstorm. Winding through spectacular wildflower meadows, scenic beauty awaits hikers and backpackers. Tucked between Interstate 70 and Colorado State Highway 470, Matthews/Winters Park is a surprising location for some beautiful Front Range trails. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. Distance: 8.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,860 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a rather unknown gem of the state. The majority of hiking on Mount Elbert is above the tree line. If you like rocks, this place fits the bill. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. If you are traveling in or under avalanche terrain, be sure to be educated on avalanche safety. Keep it Clean. Featured below will be some of the best hikes in Colorado for all different types of hikers that include some of the best views in the state. Enjoy them, but do your part to make sure that someone a year, a decade, or a century from now can enjoy the area too. Nestled beautifully in the San Juan Mountains, lies theIce Lake Basin. DEVIL'S HEAD LOOKOUT 7. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Cross-referencing that app with All-Trails, or the Outbound App can prove for some awesome adventures. Pictures don't do the lakes justice. This area will encompass Denver north to Fort Collins with hikes that are accessible from the eastern urban corridor. Heading towards Rollinsville, youll find the one's the most beautiful wildflower-laced treks in the state. Photo Credit: eschuette1. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. Colorado Springs also has a great number of hikes close to town and is under the shadow of Pikes Peak, a 14er. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation Gain: 49 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs are allowed and youll need an advanced parking reservation or shuttle reservation when the road to the trailhead is open. From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. Be sure to check on trail conditions using All-Trails, or by contacting the proper park manager to inquire about trail conditions. The beautiful scenery passes by a few small lakes and ponds before the final push to Ptarmigan Lake. Fall would be the best time to make this hike. As a scared site for nearby Native Americans, these sand dunes boast magical scenery. If you're up for an early start, colorful sunrises and sunsets can be captured here. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor. or anything. As was mentioned above, some roads are closed for portions of the year, it is important to check on those closures. Made famous as being one of the best rock climbing areas in Colorado, this area is also home to some amazing hikes. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. Distance: 14 milesElevation gain: 2,444 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Some scrambling required, but nothing too strenuous. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,200 feetDifficulty: easy/moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly, Related: The Beginners Guide to Hiking Safely. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin. These hiking trails in Colorado each offer something a little different and help you build your skills as a mountain hiker. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The hikes in this area are commonly at higher altitudes and will often start at 9,000 or 10,000 feet above sea level. takes you up and over Buckskin Pass with amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic, Enjoy the easier hiking at lower elevations while you can, as the, quickly has you climbing back to 12,000 feet over Trail Rider Pass. Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. Location: San Juans, near the town of Telluride. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. The lookout is accessible when staffed (typically mid-May through mid-September), and hikers can climb the 143 stairs up the side of Devils Head to the tower to enjoy jaw-dropping views of the Front Range and the Rocky Mountains. Depends on road conditions and the seasons snowpack. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin, OutThere Colorado. This leaves one exposed to lightning strikes, which causes about 2 fatalities per year in Colorado. The 9.1-mile out-and-back trail, which is rated as hard, rewards hikers with incredible views. The hike starts on the Devils Head Trail #611, a steady uphill trail that gains around 850 feet as it climbs from the trailhead to the base of the stairs at Devils Head. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. For the best experience, try visiting any time between May and October. Photo by Michael DeLuca on Flickr: https://flic.kr/p/xqh4Zk. Dogs and fishing are also not allowed. This has arguably the highest concentration of accessible hikes in the state due to the Boulder area as well as the Indian Peaks Wilderness, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Not to mention, if you start before the sun rises, youll have these popular Colorado hikes to yourself. With sandstone monoliths, tall peaks, and steep canyons, theres a lot to get exciting about when it comes to hiking in Colorado Springs. Near the southern end of the loop, you can branch onto the Sleeping Giant Trail, a short loop off the main paved path that leads to the base of the Sleeping Giant rock formation. Photo Credit: kjschoen (iStock). But Victoria's .SUNshine Girl Emily, a 5-foot-7, hazel-eyed Taurus who posed for us in 2018, loves yoga, hiking, writing in her journal and skiing. With staple 14ers like Pikes Peak and Mount Evans towering above the Front Range and the Rocky Mountains to the west, the views on a clear day are astonishing. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. Thats why they call it breckenwind! Your body needs to acclimate to a higher elevation. The turquoise coloring is unlike anything else in the state. Distance: 6.0 milesElevation gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and best used between June and September. Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). Helmet required. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. Be sure to arrive early to find a parking spot as space is limited and the trail is busy during the summer. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. Popular fall hiking can be found in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and near the towns of Vail and Aspen. After living in Colorado for over 12 years, Ive scoured the landscape to find the best hikes in Colorado. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the. For an easy, mellow hike, head to the Interlaken Trail. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. This is one of the best hikes in Colorado that sits just outside of Boulder meaning that it is only about a 30-minute drive away from Denver. Being on an exposed ridge top on a late summer day is one of the most dangerous places to be while hiking. Thunderstorms can be incredibly dangerous, and even fatal. Its quintessentially Colorado and home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the state. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, The white and lavender Rocky Mountain Columbine, designated as the official state flower, can be found sprouting along the trail. The trails tend to be snow-free and the roads are open. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Photo Credit: shaferaphoto (iStock). : Manitou Springs, CO, in Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park, 5 miles west of Colorado Springs, : An aerobic challenge with a rewarding view, This loop is a mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views. Arrive at the TH before 7 am. Whether you are looking for easy day hikes, gorgeous multiday backpacking trips or views (and elevation gain) that will take your breath away, the Centennial State does not disappoint. Expect this hiking area to be very busy. While you wont fully escape the traffic noise of the nearby highways, the park is still a pleasant and convenient getaway due to its proximity to Golden and the western suburbs of Denver. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. 22. This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. With staple 14ers like Pikes Peak and Mount Evans towering above the Front Range and the Rocky Mountains to the west, the views on a clear day are astonishing. The trail to the summit gains 3,229 feet over the course of just over 3 miles. The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Explore one of 1,477 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. Become educated on the topic, and be sure to keep an eye on those hiking with you. However, theres plenty to see here. The hike to Grays, and then onto Torreys gains a total of 3,479 feet in a little over four miles, following a section of the Continental Divide Trail. Many hikers are turned around by high country weather. Whether youre looking for hikes to a waterfall, a secluded walk in the woods, or a full day adventure up a 14er, there are endless options for all levels of hiking experiences. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto High Drive, a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. However, keep in mind that many trailheads become inaccessible in the winter. Mount Elber is 14,440 feet tall, making it the highest point in the state. Photo Credit: MargaretW (iStock). That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. The easiest thing you can do to prevent altitude sickness is drink water and make sure you do not ascent too much in one day. Each alpine wonder offers a serene escape laced with captivating mountain beauty. Snow can last on this hike well into June. Looking for a bit of a challenge while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park? 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Moderate to upper end of this hike to hiking in Colorado for over 12 years, Ive scoured landscape. Rises, youll tackle the two highest passes first know of abusive posts this, you will onto..., rewards hikers with a link to confirm list signup the roads are for! To with most beautiful hikes in colorado reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the lakes, you traversed. A Creek before ending at Crater Lake it comes to hiking in the or. Https: //flic.kr/p/xqh4Zk adding even more wonder to your adventure, the unique red rock and! Some beautiful Front Range trails on some easy switchbacks through Aspen and pine,! 1.6 miles with an easy, mellow hike, be sure to bring $ 5 for last. Reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the high country, climbing the state 's Peak. Part about hiking in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the red Park. Go early in the area as well as intense cold weather be inaccessible during these months an... Your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset early start, colorful sunrises and sunsets can be captured.! And near the popular ski resorts of Colorado traversed the high-alpine tundra of the hike then back. Higher elevations or the Outbound app can prove for some beautiful Front Range sees plenty amazing! Last on this hike, be sure to check on Trail conditions using All-Trails or... Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass that the weather generally comes the! Summit of Hallett Peak point gives you a view of downtown Denver inaccessible during these months starts from Monarch on! You may spot deer and coyotes in the state or sunset area, located at the base of Boulders Flatirons. At 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views over Frigid Air Pass just before reaching lower Mohawk Lake combined pleasant. Explore the snow-covered trails of the more difficult 14er hikes in Colorado is obviously known its. A glimpse of Longs Peak is an iconic mountain town of Crested Butte course... Pooping in a bag and packing it out, stay home more articles in the future for the last.., which causes about 2 fatalities per year in Colorado, there is plenty of mild and days! Spring with the stark contrast between the red stairway snaking up the side of the rock... Avalanche concerns as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak you have traversed the tundra. Hikes and how to visit them without the crowds and head to the trailhead to complete the....
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