The weather is very unpredictable in Colorado. Get outside this season with the best hiking trails in Colorado. Spring or fall can call for micro-spikes for the hike. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. Be sure to check road conditions. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. The incredibly large region of the San Juan mountains includes some of the highest and most rugged hiking in the state. I love to escape to the red sandstone canyons outside of Fruita, Colorado every winter. There is a fee to enter to the park and parking can be limited during peak season. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); great article will definitely try these hikes! Many hikes include short drives from the Denver metro area, or from tourist towns in the mountains. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. Do not run. Another unique feature is. Even for someone that lives in Colorado, anyone can get altitude sickness when hiking up high, most commonly above 8,000 feet. Be Nice. Also, try and do this trek after a rain so that the waterfall looks rad. While summertime is the best time to venture into higher altitude hikes in the alpine, the summer also has its dangers. The road is open all year round, but for best conditions, plan to do this hike in June, July, and August. There are 54 peaks over 14,000 feet in Colorado, and all of them have challenging hiking options! Backcountry campsites are available by permit if you need more time to enjoy the view! 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. Some Colorado State parks and all National Parks have fees to enter the park. This awesome, 6 mile out-and-back trail takes you through the exquisite Flat Tops Wilderness area near Yampa, Colorado. If you can, try to time your visit between late May and early June since this is when the waterfall is at its best. If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area. Emerald Lake Trail 550 Hiking Trails By pamt464 Altitude sickness is important to be aware of when hiking at higher elevations. The aspen-lined mill turns from green to gold, peaking from mid-September to early October. You dont have to venture far from the capital city to enjoy stunning mountain views. 10. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor. Lone Eagle Peak in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. They are among the most photographed mountains in the country. This trail is dog-friendly, but dogs are not allowed past this point. The colors of summer grace hikers along Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes. Most people opt to backpack this trail since youll find it hard to leave. How many trails have you hiked? 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. The High Dune gives a spectacular view of this one-in-a-kind national park. Winter brings solitude through deep snow in the woods. Photo Credit: Melissa Woolf (iStock). The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. This list encompasses the most scenic hikes in Colorado. 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. At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. One can encounter snow on Colorado hiking trails all year round. 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. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. Dont stop here, as another singletrack trail on the west side of Mirror Lake heads on to. Location: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. For more information, please visit the town of Glenwood Springs website. Pro Tip: If youre into hiking up peaks, this trailhead offers access to some of the best 13ers in Colorado. 7. From here, you briefly connect to the. Check out 306 wheelchair-friendly trails with helpful accessibility guidance. Located in the Tenmile Range, Quandary Peak tops out at 14,265 feet, making it the 13th highest peak in Colorado. 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. Adding another Colorado 14er combo to the summer bucket list, the Grays and Torreys Trail is packed with both beauty and challenge. The trail is broken into 28 segments, most of which can be done in a day or as an overnight. However, theres plenty to see here. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. Keep in mind wag bags are required here. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. Located about one hour from Denver, this popular hike leads to an extraordinary destinationDevils Head Lookout. Distance: 14.5 milesElevation gain: 4,911 feetDifficulty: extremely difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is not a hike to be taken lightly. Especially in the fall and summer season, Rocky Mountain National Park is incredibly busy. Located near Montrose Colorado, this 1.5-mile out-and-back trail is a great way to take in the awe-inspiring beauty of Black Canyon of Gunnison. Be sure to have the right education and the right gear. , which leaves from the same trailhead and loops around Bear Lake, is a family-friendly option. Although we do have a Willow Lake Trail here in Silverthorne, I dont believe it is the one depicted in the photos, and Silverthorne is definitely not in the Sangre de Christo area. Breathtaking is an appropriate way to describe the loop in many ways, as the route gains more than 7,300 feet and climbs above 12,000 feet at four different passesBuckskin, Trail Rider, Frigid Airand West Maroon. Plan on resting more and drinking water often. A lighter snow season will allow for earlier season hiking. Free shipping for many products! That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. The area around the trail ( McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area) has dozens of arches, giant alcoves, pictographs and petroglyphs, natural bridges, and spires. 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. Spanning 1.1 miles, the Perkins Central Garden . 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. Colorado is a hiking mecca thats filled with unbelievably beautiful trails. From Grays, continue down the north ridge across the saddle between the two peaks to climb Torreys. 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. Dont attempt Longs Peak unless you are an experienced mountain hiker who isnt afraid of exposure to steep drops and knows a thing or two about scrambling. Thunderstorms can be incredibly dangerous, and even fatal. Fall is one of the best times to hike in Colorado. For the purpose of this article, we will divide the state into different regions and look at some of the best hikes in different parts of the state. At the end of the long haul, youre greeted with awe-inspiring sandstone arches and deep canyons that rival some of the best scenery in both Arches National Park and the Grand Canyon. For the more alpine regions, spring can either still be winter, or it can be very muddy. 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, Starting from the main parking area, take, , a wide, hard-packed trail that climbs between a neighborhood on the east and a wide meadow on the west. These hikes are much harder to get to but provide more solitude and more adventure than hiking in other parts of the state. Ive done all the leg work for you, hiking each of these trails over the years to bring you the real stand-out scenery in the Centennial State. Moose are often spotted grazing with their young along the grassy meadows. This is my favorite place to take out-of-town visitors on a scenic jaunt. This road is only open in the summer months. Check and double-check the weather. This is hike is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by very experienced hikers. Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Legal Notice | Terms Of Use, Top 10 Ridge Scrambles in Colorado That Are Exhilarating, Colorado Trail Gear List: What To Bring In Your Backpack, 15+ Best Hikes In Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Arrive at the TH before 7 am. Generally speaking, if the hike is on National Forest land, there will not be any fees associated with accessing the hike. For natural beauty and serenity, make the steep more than 14-mile trek to Lone Eagle Peak. This is a great way to have a visual look at all of the trails in the state. Photo Credit: SumikoPhoto (iStock). The trail becomes rockier as you climb. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. Explore one of 1,477 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. Additional resources for planning a hiking trip to Colorado. Peak baggers up for the challenge can also summit Kit Carson and Challenger Point accessed along this same trail. This area is roughly the region south of I-70 and encompasses a huge area. The trail is 18 miles out-and-back in length and climbs 2,719 feet in elevation as you weave through the lush landscapes of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. Although short, theres quite a bit of gain on this hike, making it moderate in difficulty. If you are in the area for this hike, it is worth it to drive to the summit of Mt. Wildflowers decorate the lush green landscape surrounding the alpine lakes. The hike then loops back north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead. Expect this hiking area to be very busy. Here is an article about getting altitude sickness in Colorado. Local Tip: If youre into gentle rock climbs, then check out the Longs Peak Cable Route. Bridal Veil Falls are the highest free-falling waterfalls in Colorado, at 365 feet high. The crown jewel of the front range is Longs Peak. Even seasoned mountain hikers will love the glorious views. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). 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. Photo Credit: James Walton. Don't miss this trek deep in the heart of the Sangre De Cristo mountains to Willow Lake. However, if you plan on adventuring above the trees, start early in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Distance: 5.0 milesElevation Gain: 741 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. 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. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Box 118, Bend, TX 76824. You can even continue on to the famous Sky Pond. Cross-referencing that app with All-Trails, or the Outbound App can prove for some awesome adventures. Season: Summer. This is one of Colorados most famous lakes. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, Yellow and pink varieties of wildflowers bloom along the alpine tundra as the creek waters gently tumble. The summer can also bring snow and hail when you are least expecting it, be sure to be packed for all weather conditions! It's also important to note that if you have a 4WD vehicle, you will be able to cut down on some of the mileage as you get closer to the trailhead. person will not be tolerated. 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. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. There are two main lakes to visit on the ice lake basin trail hike. 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. The best times to climb are early morning or mid-evening to avoid heat exhaustion, lightning, and burned feet. Its $25 to enter the park. REI member since 2018. The 14,148-foot summit of Democrat is often considered the most strenuous to climb. Keep it Clean. Carry a wag bag and pack your poop out or stay below the trees! When she isnt running, she works as a trail content editor for Trail Run Project, where she now gets to spend her day dreaming about trails and adventuringthe perfect job since she cant run 24/7. 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. Here are a few must-do hikes in the area. Distance: 2.6 milesElevation Gain: 344 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: It costs $4.00 per person to enter this park and dogs/bikes are not allowed. 35% percent of land in Colorado is public land or a whopping 23 million acres. From here, you briefly connect to the Red Rocks Trail before the serious climb starts on the Morrison Slide Trail. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. This moderately easy trail works its way straight up to a scenic perch. Come spring, the trail explodes in color. Sneffels allows one to get a great sense of just how vast the San Juans really are. Complete a classic Colorado climb with this advanced hike to the tallest peak in the Rocky Mountain National Park. The Blue Lakes Trail is made up of trails leading to Lower Blue Lake, Upper Blue Lake, and the Blue Lakes Pass. Garden of the Gods Perkins Central Garden Trail (Colorado Springs) AllTrails/Brian Mehringer. Fall would be the best time to make this hike. This is by far the most photographed spot in Colorado. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Vertical. Ascending further up the trail, you'll find mine ruins just before reaching lower Mohawk Lake. It is recommended to go early in the morning or late in the evening. A list of amazing hikes in Colorado, organized by the most iconic hikes and location. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Chad DuBois). Photo Credit: marekuliasz (iStock). In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. 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. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park is a truly breathtaking area and a great introduction to Colorado. The trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, which is tucked under the rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop. The trip takes about 2 hours and has chains to hold for the steep sections. Nothing from Ouray or Cheyenne Caon? Aspen, Colorado is obviously known for its Aspen trees! The trail to the lake isnt particularly difficult, but it is long. Photo Credit: John Fowler OutThere Colorado. Its one of the most crowded hikes in the world, so do take care to leave it better than you found it and follow all signage you are not allowed to swim in the lake. These geographical regions are subjective but will provide a good layout of hiking in the state. This large area will include hiking near the popular ski resorts of Colorado. : Georgetown, CO, in the Roosevelt National Forest, 55 miles west of Denver, 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. While there is plenty of hiking all year round, hiking into the high alpine is best during July and August. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. : Estes Park, CO, in Rocky Mountain National Park, 50 miles northwest of Boulder, : A tour of three picturesque lakes in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, With more than 300 miles of trails and some of the best-known scenery in the state, Rocky Mountain National Park is a well-loved hiking destination for locals and visitors alike. 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. This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. Situated along the Continental Divide about an hour drive from Denver, this hike is very popular. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. Plan to start your hike early to avoid storms. Snowshoes can be helpful after heavy snowfall. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). 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. From jaw-dropping mountain vistas to quirky sandstone monoliths, there are all sorts of hiking to do in Colorado. 3. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. It includes Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Rico. Be sure to be off of the hike in the early afternoon before the thunderstorms, as the hike is nice and exposed. 1. , which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. Its also a pretty easy trail to hike since there is little elevation change and the path features several stellar views of the surrounding canyon and the river below. Showcasing breathtaking natural scenery, the mill is arguably one of the most photographed structures in all of the state. Much of this land has developed hiking trails, spanning 12 National Parks, 41 State Parks, and 58 mountains above 14,000 feet. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). The majority of hiking on Mount Elbert is above the tree line. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. It is very important to be off of the summit in the early afternoon to prevent exposure to thunderstorms. You can hike the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first. You can also access one of the best hikes in Colorado from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead and then set off from there. Rapid weather changes can be expected on this high altitude trek. Most hikers will start hiking around 3am in the summer. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the, . Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. (Stan Behal/Toronto Sun/Postmedia . Distance: 8.1 milesElevation gain: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. 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. Get your fix of adventure by climbing one of the tallest sand dunes in North America (Star Dune), rising beautifully over 750 feet tall in the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. This wide and well-traveled trail leads south from Bear Lake through pine and aspen forests before skirting around the northeastern shore of Nymph Lake. Most segments fall within the moderate to upper end of difficult. Follow the signs to Rogers Pass Lake (pictured), a destination youll encounter just before reaching Heart Lake. Colorado is known for its abundant sunny weather, mountain views and nearly year-round hiking opportunities. 20 Most Beautiful Hikes in Colorado. You won't be disappointed with this hike; especially if you love the wildflowers. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. You can learn more about avalanche forecasting and avalanche safety at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. Non-cotton clothing. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). Dont forget to bring your camera! Weather, accessibility, hike difficulty, length, and elevation gain are all factors to consider when choosing a hike in Colorado. Seeing it dusted in snow is a true treat. It is between the San Juans and the I-70 corridor. Therefore, hikers now have to pay $10 to enter 36 state parks in Colorado including Staunton, Roxborough, Golden Gate Canyon, and Saint Vrain. For an easy, mellow hike, head to the Interlaken Trail. The view from the summit of Mt. The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. It covers more than 39,000 miles of trails on public land, as well as private land with public access. Therefore, be prepared to do a bit of scrambling before savoring the incredible views all around you. The standard route features a 14-mile class two climb up the eastern slopes. Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire (iStock). Photo Credit: James Walton. Its my mission to get you out on the best Colorado hiking trails like a local, not a tourist. Dog-friendly. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. Difficulty: Moderate. 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. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. other alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. It provides stunning views of three different lakes and Hallet Peak, a 11,000-foot mountain that is popular amongst rock climbers. This 486-mile trail stretches from Denver to Durango and is the highest thru-hike in America. The beautiful scenery passes by a few small lakes and ponds before the final push to Ptarmigan Lake. Herman Gulch is one of the most accessible high alpine hiking trails in Colorado. 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. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. Let me know! The majority of the roads up to the high alpine backcountry do not open until June every season. Hiking at altitude is tough work. This stunning hike brings one to one of the few remaining glaciers in Colorado. Being on an exposed ridge top on a late summer day is one of the most dangerous places to be while hiking. Sniktau is one of the best sunset hikes in Colorado. Distance: 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 1,530 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. The trick? Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Colorado, and for good reason. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Be sure to check with the local land manager for the most current trail conditions. Wide and well-traveled trail leads south from Bear Lake, a destination youll encounter just before reaching Mohawk. Tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the trail is packed with beauty... A bit of scrambling before savoring the incredible views all around you deep snow in the awe-inspiring beauty of Canyon! 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