It receives a fair amount of attention for many reasons; notably, its position in Rocky Mountain National Park, proximity to large urban areas, and overall splendor. Permits are required for an overnight. Much of this land has developed hiking trails, spanning 12 National Parks, 41 State Parks, and 58 mountains above 14,000 feet. Moose are often spotted grazing with their young along the grassy meadows. Blue Lakes Trail leads hikers through Mt. A small, packable rain jacket can be great to throw in your pack. These hiking trails in Colorado each offer something a little different and help you build your skills as a mountain hiker. A fantastic way to explore hiking trails on public land in Colorado is via the Colorado Trail Explorer App. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the, , a flat, wide and easygoing path. Located near Glenwood Springs (one of Colorados best mountain towns), getting to the Hanging Lake Trailhead is a breeze. The 4.5-mile path will lead you to a historical mill that now sits abandoned above the Crystal River in Gunnison County. Micro-spikes and snowshoes can be necessary during the winter months (October-April). With a 14.5 mile round trip and over 5,000 ft elevation gain, this peak will challenge you in every way possible, but the end reward will be absolutely priceless. Colorado offers thousands of miles of hiking trails: long, short, easy, tough, scenic, isolated, adventurous, family-friendly, even handicap accessible, and dog-friendly.Some are perfect for viewing the changing of the aspen trees in the fall, whereas others come to life every spring with colorful wildflowers. Explore the high country with a triple alpine lake ascent to Mowhawk Lakes via Spruce Creek Trail. North Cheyenne Canon is a very rugged hiking destination with access to gorgeous windy roads through the mountains. If you do happen to encounter a moose on the trail. This guide includes: Get oriented with this map of Colorado Hikes. Be sure to check on trail conditions using All-Trails, or by contacting the proper park manager to inquire about trail conditions. This route is one of the most popular hikes in the state with the stunning, 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. The beautiful scenery passes by a few small lakes and ponds before the final push to Ptarmigan Lake. Expect this hiking area to be very busy. Location: Northern Front Range. (Photo Credit: Steven Bratman under CC BY-SA). ! From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the Dream Lake Trail. Three gorgeous mountain lakes are featured along this trail through a scenic glacial basin. Photo Credit: John Fowler OutThere Colorado. If you are traveling in or under avalanche terrain, be sure to be educated on avalanche safety. Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. Winding through spectacular wildflower meadows, scenic beauty awaits hikers and backpackers. Some of the most amazing landscape shots from Colorado occur during fall colors and that first snowfall. The towering red rock formations of Garden of the Gods create a memorable backdrop for this easily accessible hike located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs. Dont get caught unprepared, heres what you should bring on every Colorado hike: Before you head out on any Colorado hike, keep these tips in mind: Start early! Head up early to catch a perfect reflection of the stunning Lone Eagle Peak on Mirror Lake. If so then why not try this stellar out and back hike? 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. At just over 6 miles round-trip and located about a 90-minute drive from Denver, this peak is one of the more accessible 14ers in the state. Distance: 2.6 milesElevation gain: 1,141 feetDifficulty: Easy to ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. You can also access one of the best hikes in Colorado from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead and then set off from there. Therefore, be prepared to do a bit of scrambling before savoring the incredible views all around you. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. Photo Credit: Bryan Hagan, OutThere Colorado. This hike comes into condition during July and August. Most popular in summer and for fall colors in late September. Free shipping for many products! If you are searching for a first-time hike or are visiting the park for a single day, look no further than the hike to Emerald Lake. It is important to always bring extra layers and a waterproof jacket while hiking in Colorado. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Its also only 3.2 miles long and takes you past some gorgeous alpine lakes. 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. From here, you briefly connect to the. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. that is degrading to another person. The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the Perkins Central Garden Trail, a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the Crater Lake Trail. Photo Credit: ablokhin (iStock). United States ; Texas (TX) Bend ; Bend - Things to Do ; Colorado Bend State Park; Search. The trail climbs gradually for the first 2 miles, heading south around Kelso Mountain before turning west, where you will spot the two 14ers and the saddle connecting them. Now more than 100 years old, this is the one remaining fire tower in service. racist or sexually-oriented language. Fall would be the best time to make this hike. There is also a shuttle service in the summer and fall seasons. This article will mainly focus on some of the best day hikes. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. 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. Located inside Rocky Mountain National Park outside of the town of Estes Park. Mount Bross has been closed to the public in the past check with the current rules before summiting this peak. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. You won't be disappointed with this hike; especially if you love the wildflowers. The views of the Rocky Mountains all come together in this perfect blend of alpine lakes, meadows, and forests. Your body needs to acclimate to a higher elevation. Adding another Colorado 14er combo to the summer bucket list, the Grays and Torreys Trail is packed with both beauty and challenge. With two large enclosed dog parks, a beautiful pond and fountain, as well as sand volleyball courts, this park truly has something for everyone. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Popular hiking trails include the Garden of the Gods Loop, Rocks and Vistas Garden of the Gods, Susan G. Bretag and Palmer Loop, and Siamese Twins Loop. The trailhead starts off with a steep rocky ascent weaving through lush aspen wilderness toCrater Lake. Spring or fall can call for micro-spikes for the hike. From easygoing hikes in the many state and local parks within driving distance of major cities like Denver, Fort Collins, Boulder and Colorado Springs, to the hidden backcountry gems found in the remote wilderness and national forest areas, you have your pick of some of the best hiking in the Mountain West. Because as you make your way to this idyllic waterfall, the incline picks up and can feel really intense. This is available as a desktop version as well on iPhone and Android. From Bluebell Road, turn onto the. best practices. The 14-mile route in Rocky Mountain National Park can be very dangerous, requiring class three climbing with the majority of the route exposed well above treeline. The next section will now include some of the best hiking in Colorado. Many hikes in Colorado are accessible with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. Longs Peak (Estes Park) Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. This is by far the most photographed spot in Colorado. No dogs. Just hike the path of least resistance! This 486-mile trail stretches from Denver to Durango and is the highest thru-hike in America. A hiking day backpack 2. 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. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this fire tower was one of seven built in the early 1900s. You can even continue on to the famous Sky Pond. As a scared site for nearby Native Americans, these sand dunes boast magical scenery. 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. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. 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. Her dream job is journalist. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Located about one hour from Denver, this popular hike leads to an extraordinary destinationDevils Head Lookout. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Distance: 8.9 milesElevation gain: 2,286 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail mostly follows a road and requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to reach the upper trailhead. Plan your next outdoor adventure to one of 4,595 routes with waterfalls or scenic . SAN LUIS PEAK 4. Nestled beautifully in the San Juan Mountains, lies theIce Lake Basin. You'll find this 3.2-mile out-and-back adventure hidden right off of Monarch Pass. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. While not a very challenging hike, this hike is on our list because of how unique it is. Expect this hike to take 10-15 hours. Photo Credit: kjschoen (iStock). Location: I-70 corridor, a little under 3-hour drive from Denver. While summertime is the best time to venture into higher altitude hikes in the alpine, the summer also has its dangers. Another unique feature is. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. While this loop will take you away from the hustle of nearby Colorado Springs, dont expect to be alone, as this popular trail can get quite crowded, especially in the evenings and on the weekends during the summer. Due to the high exposure of this hike, be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes with you, all year round! Blue Lakes Trail - Ridgway. The trail to the summit gains 3,229 feet over the course of just over 3 miles. . Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. Season: Summer. Most people opt to backpack this trail since youll find it hard to leave. Backcountry campsites are available by permit if you need more time to enjoy the view! Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). Photo Credit: RondaKimbrow (iStock). Due to the low level of difficulty and its proximity to Denver, this hike can get very popular. The hiking in this area is challenging, but the views are stunning. Blue Lakes Trail, Mount Sneffels Wilderness. Complete a classic Colorado climb with this advanced hike to the tallest peak in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 14.5 milesElevation gain: 4,911 feetDifficulty: extremely difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is not a hike to be taken lightly. There are also great groups on Facebook that post trail conditions. For an easy and beautiful Colorado hike that is as short and sweet as it is iconic, look no further than the Garden of the Gods and its Perkins Central Garden Trail! The Keyhole Route on Longs Peak is an iconic mountain climb that many people strive for. The trail ends at the natural rock arch of Royal Arch, which offers a unique vantage point of Boulder and views to the north and south along the Front Range. These stunning sandstone monoliths inspire the imagination. An overflow of alpine beauty awaits on a serene trek into the San Juan Mountains on the American Basin Trail near Lake City. Carry your poop with you by strapping it to your bag, or leave your dog at home. Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). A cozy windbreaker for those gusty summits 5. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Season: All year-round. It is very crowded, but also a very well maintained park. While it may be one of the easier hikes on this list, there's certainly no shortage of alpine beauty on the Waterdog Lakes Trail. During the summer of 2021 there is a permit system to enter RMNP. The area around the trail ( McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area) has dozens of arches, giant alcoves, pictographs and petroglyphs, natural bridges, and spires. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. Share with Us. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Mount Falcon Castle Loop Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. While hiking in Colorado, it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet and ankles good support. Youll never know what you could find! Snowshoes are recommended in the early season. Fall is one of the best times to hike in Colorado. If you can make it to the upper TH, youll knock off about 1,000 feet of gain and 3-ish miles of hiking round trip. In the summer, youll find folks heading up St. Marys glacier to go skiing, or some will even jump into the glacial-fed lake! Check and double-check the weather. With sandstone monoliths, tall peaks, and steep canyons, theres a lot to get exciting about when it comes to hiking in Colorado Springs. This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. Many hikes include short drives from the Denver metro area, or from tourist towns in the mountains. Although its not technically a day hike, you cant mention the best hiking in Colorado without mentioning the Colorado Trail and Kenosha Pass. It's also one of the best spots in the state for capturingfall colors. Distance: 1.6 milesElevation Gain: 232 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. These sandstone tower formations are scattered around the park. Not only is it one of the most famous hikes in the state, but its also moderately difficult and suitable for families who are trying to get used to the altitude. If you can, try to time your visit between late May and early June since this is when the waterfall is at its best. Although short, theres quite a bit of gain on this hike, making it moderate in difficulty. Generally speaking, areas above 9,000 feet in springtime are definitely still covered in snow. It also serves as a highly visible landmark the notch in the ridge. Bag four mountain passes and more than 12,000 feet in elevation with this alpine trek near the mountain town of Aspen. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto. They are among the most photographed mountains in the country. : Morrison, CO, in Matthews/Winters Park, 15 miles west of Denver, : An easily accessible hike on Colorados Front Range. Wildflower varieties seen during this time include Marsh Marigold, Parrys Primrose, Colorado columbine, owls clover, larkspur, monks hood, Sneezeweed, Old Man of the Mountain, kings crown, rose crown, elephants head, gentians, and along with many others. Keep your eyes on the trail for wildlife. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. Its my mission to get you out on the best Colorado hiking trails like a local, not a tourist. It is extremely steep. The trail is broken into 28 segments, most of which can be done in a day or as an overnight. 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. Here are the regions we will use. Start no later than 2 am. Afterward, check out the sights in nearby Dillon, Frisco, and Breckenridge. Featuring hiking trails found throughout the state, theres a breathtaking hike virtually anywhere! According to the National Park Service, Star Dune hikers should plan for a five-hour round trip. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. Some hikes may recommend hiking poles, or even a helmet while scrambling on more technical hiking trails. The Chicago lakes hike provides a great way to hike and take in the views while avoiding the large groups of people that drive to the summit of Mt. 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. A series of steep and rocky switchbacks will take you to the lake. Plan to start your hike early to avoid storms. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. Situated along the Continental Divide about an hour drive from Denver, this hike is very popular. Once over your second pass, you get a bit of a respite on the Fravert Basin Trail, which traverses a wide, high-altitude basin that is carpeted in wildflowers in season. Get outside this season with the best hiking trails in Colorado. From the deep Black Canyon of the Gunnison to the highest point in Colorado on Mount Elbert, there is a lifetime of hiking to explore. Altitude sickness is important to be aware of when hiking at higher elevations. The standard route features a 14-mile class two climb up the eastern slopes. 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. Chasm Lake is fishable from June to October. 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. At just over 6 miles round-trip and located about a 90-minute drive from Denver, this peak is one of the more accessible 14ers in the state. Photo Credit: Ashley Bennett. You can hike the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. This trail is dirt and has some stairs to help with erosion, so if you prefer to stick to the paved path, you can bypass this trail and stay on the Perkins Central Garden Trail. Arrive at the TH before 7 am. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. This 737-acre city park offers more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. From easygoing hikes in the many state and local parks within driving distance of major cities like Denver, Fort Collins, Boulder and Colorado Springs, to the hidden backcountry gems found in the remote wilderness and national forest areas, you have your pick of some of the best hiking in the Mountain West. Continue on the Emerald Lake Trail, which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. Dont forget to bring your camera! Typically the trail is snow-free from mid-June through mid-October. Theres something iconic about the sprawling Sawatch Range. If you are searching for a first-time hike or are visiting the park for a single day, look no further than the hike to Emerald Lake. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. The canyon itself features gorgeous sandstone formations and plenty of beautiful scenery. Around 11,700 feet, the trees thin out entirely, and you can see the ridge that you will be climbing to the west. To get to the lakes, you'll climb 1.6 miles with an elevation gain of 1,062 feet. 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. Theres a $12 per-person permit required to hike. This ultimate guide to the best hikes in Colorado gives you an array of local hiking recommendations for all abilities. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Vertical. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must, at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. These massive sand dunes rise out of the ground and lay low beneath the Rocky Mountains. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. 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. Dogs and fishing are also not allowed. From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. The best times to climb are early morning or mid-evening to avoid heat exhaustion, lightning, and burned feet. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. From the base of Chautauqua Park, one has access to many trails that go up to the flatiron mountains and provide a wonderful view of Boulder and down to Denver. Being on an exposed ridge top on a late summer day is one of the most dangerous places to be while hiking. It is between the San Juans and the I-70 corridor. There are different difficulties of hiking for all levels and interests. There are many different factors to consider while hiking in Colorado. Lets start with some common questions about hiking in Colorado. When it comes to hikes in Colorado, Chicago Lakes delivers on varied scenery. The hike then loops back north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead. This list encompasses the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Not all public lands are free to enter. The turquoise coloring is unlike anything else in the state. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Horizontal. Wildflower lovers will be delighted by the serene beauty found on the 401 Trail in Crested Butte. For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. Check out the famous Gem Lake for stunning views of strange rock pinnacles and mountain vistas. Towering beautifully over hikers, mountain bikers, and climbers, the unique red rock formations offer a playground of adventure. Distance: 7.8 milesElevation Gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. Be Proactive. My brother and I are going to CO in July, this rlly helped narrow it down! See my guide to hiking Colorado 14ers for more info. At 14,440 feet of elevation, this is the highest point in all of Colorado. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the Ten Essentials, Quandary makes a great first 14er to tackle. Mayflower Gulch is a spectacular wildflower hike in Colorado. Be sure to have the right education and the right gear. From Grays, continue down the north ridge across the saddle between the two peaks to climb Torreys. If you are looking for some of the most dramatic mountain views in the United States, the San Juans are the place to be. Prepare properly for scrambling a Colorado 14er and understand the risks you are getting into. Regardless of the hike and weather conditions, you should always bring extra layers, extra food, and a first aid kit. Permits are required for overnight stays inbackcountry areas of the Conundrum Hot Springs. Season: May-November is ideal. A quick look at what to pack for your Colorado hike. Be on the lookout for mountain goats in the summer. Even for someone that lives in Colorado, anyone can get altitude sickness when hiking up high, most commonly above 8,000 feet. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. All in all, this hike is pretty chill, except for the last mile. Quick rainstorms and thunderstorms are also not uncommon up in the high country. 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. Back away slowly and be sure to keep a safe distance. This is another great 14er hike to do in the I-70 area. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. GARDEN OF THE GODS CENTRAL GARDEN TRAIL 6. Pack out all your trash with you. Additionally, the road to the trailhead is closed seasonally, usually from December to April. 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. Hikers may opt for the trail or service road (shorter) to reach the lakes. Threats of harming another Tucked into the Sangre de Cristo Range, the Grand Sand Dunes are the tallest dunes on the continent, with heights up to 755 feet sitting below a scenic mountain backdrop. One can encounter snow on Colorado hiking trails all year round. While shorts may be more comfortable for lower elevation hikes in the heat, It is advisable to wear long pants, regardless of the outside temperature. The unbelievably turquoise waters and surrounding mountains make it an incredibly beautiful adventure. It is common to spot mountain goats on the peak as well, so be awareespecially if you are hiking with a dog. Photo Credit: John Fielder. Beautifully in the Lake makes for a picture-perfect setting extra layers, extra food and... The views of strange rock pinnacles and mountain vistas in, you always. Lookout for mountain goats in the country Register of Historic places, this hike ; especially you..., it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet ankles... 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