Its my mission to get you out on the best Colorado hiking trails like a local, not a tourist. Be on the lookout for more articles in the future for the best 14er hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. Beautiful waterfalls seep into the brightly colored lake. 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. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the, , which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. Many hikes include short drives from the Denver metro area, or from tourist towns in the mountains. Snow can last on this hike well into June. If you are flying into Colorado, Denver International Airport is the best option. Located inside Rocky Mountain National Park outside of the town of Estes Park. Austin Bluffs Open Space Non-cotton clothing. If you are in the area for this hike, it is worth it to drive to the summit of Mt. Colorado Bend State Park. It also depends on the snow year. Spring or fall can call for micro-spikes for the hike. Additional resources for planning a hiking trip to 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. Located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park is tucked away in the rolling and forested foothills of Pikes Peak. Photo Credit: James Walton. Its a popular, but challenging, 7.5-mile, out-and-back hike that will take you through the gorgeous, Mount Evans Wilderness area. Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). Located in the Tenmile Range, Quandary Peak tops out at 14,265 feet, making it the 13th highest peak in Colorado. Windom Peak via Needle Creek Trail is a 17.8 mile moderately trafficked trail that gains roughly 5,879 feet in elevation and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. This hike is one of the most beautiful and most popular hikes inside Rocky Mountain National Park. The trick? 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. Continue on another one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and attempt this semi-challenging out and back hike. The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. Dogs are welcome to use the trail but must be kept on leash. If youre just getting into summiting mountains, then head up to the top of Mount Sniktau. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Even for such a short distance, expect this hike to take 3-4 hours. Thunderstorms can be incredibly dangerous, and even fatal. check out this blog https://longevity.media/top-10-reasons-why-we-need-to-experience-the-outdoors-more for 10 reasons why we need to be more outdoors that will get you motivated. Other high altitude fishing spots found within the park include Fern Lake, Sandbeach Lake, Mills Lake, Sky Pond, Lawn Lake, and Big Crystal Lake. Its also one of the best hikes in Colorado since it features this super cool, narrow (its less than four-feet wide), 50-foot-long land bridge that youll need to traverse along the way. When planning your trip, keep in mind that parking can be scarce at the eastern trailheads, especially in the summer. Season: Best to hike in summer. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 1,033 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Plan on resting more and drinking water often. Backdropped by beautiful peaks, the sandy "mountain" rises 699 feet off the ground. Continue on the. Become educated on the topic, and be sure to keep an eye on those hiking with you. Location: San Juans. Comfy pair of hiking boots 3. 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. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle). To the south, you will have views of Blue Lakes and North Star Mountain across the valley. Mayflower Gulch is a spectacular wildflower hike in Colorado. This will prevent your legs from getting cold and dirty! This will prevent injuries while hiking on rocky ground. The crown jewel of the front range is Longs Peak. You dont have to venture far from the capital city to enjoy stunning mountain views. The Mount Evans wilderness areas have plenty of stunning views and great hikes. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. This is an amazing hike in the San Juans that features two incredibly blue and green lakes that are surrounded by towering peaks. Theres something iconic about the sprawling Sawatch Range. The hike to Loch Lake is quite stunning, and a must-visit for any moderate hiker. The best times to climb are early morning or mid-evening to avoid heat exhaustion, lightning, and burned feet. It is extremely steep. Segment 11 at the Mount Massive Trailhead. Inside this guide youll find tons of info about the most scenic Colorado hikes and how to visit them without the crowds. : Breckenridge, CO, in the Arapaho National Forest, 88 miles southwest of Denver, Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. From here, you briefly connect to the. The High Dune gives a spectacular view of this one-in-a-kind national park. Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). 2236 Park Hill Dr, P. O. Backcountry campsites are available by permit if you need more time to enjoy the view! Although there is plenty to do in Rocky Mountain NP, hiking is at the top of the list. Winter brings solitude through deep snow in the woods. Featuring hiking trails found throughout the state, theres a breathtaking hike virtually anywhere! Season: Summer; June, July, and August. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. Seven Bridges Trail, North Cheyenne Canon Park. This area is known for its heavy winds. Beat the crowds and head to the beautiful Ptarmigan Lake. The 4.5-mile path will lead you to a historical mill that now sits abandoned above the Crystal River in Gunnison County. Buckskin Pass Trail takes you up and over Buckskin Pass with amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic Snowmass Lake. 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! It is very crowded, but also a very well maintained park. Hiking weather in Colorado is incredibly variable and can change at any time. The view from the summit of Mt. Spencer McKee takes in sweeping alpine views on the Mount Massive trail. Enjoy the easier hiking at lower elevations while you can, as the Geneva Lake Trail quickly has you climbing back to 12,000 feet over Trail Rider Pass. 2. Local Tip: This trail has been undergoing restoration work and will re-open on June 25th, 2022. Come spring, the trail explodes in color. Sneffels allows one to get a great sense of just how vast the San Juans really are. BISON PEAK 2. that is degrading to another person. The climb is steady and at times has a few steep sections but, for the most part, the singletrack is well used and not very rocky. This 737-acre city park offers more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. 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. Pro Tip: If youre into hiking up peaks, this trailhead offers access to some of the best 13ers in Colorado. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. Location: Northern Front Range. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Youll also experience medium elevation changes as you ascend the loop and see historic buildings created by Henry S. Persse in the early 1900s. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to world-class hiking trails. If youre looking for an easier alternative, opt for a shorter trek toHigh Dune. Leave it better than how you found. The hikes in this area are commonly at higher altitudes and will often start at 9,000 or 10,000 feet above sea level. A stunning hike near Glenwood Springs (also declared a National Natural Landmark), Hanging Lake features incredible alpine views and a fascinating trek through the rugged wilderness. This hike itself is rather short, but the views are impressive. 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. Theres also a serious avalanche risk, so be sure to understand the fundamentals of winter hiking before heading out. 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. Difficulty: moderate to hard. The road is rather rocky and a 44 car is recommended. The journey toChasm Lakeis a must for any hiker seeking the mountain's tranquil beauty. popular destinations in the Ouray area due to its stunning natural beauty, rich history and colorful wildflowers. The trail becomes rockier as you climb. Nature & Parks, State Parks. Colorado is known for its abundant sunny weather, mountain views and nearly year-round hiking opportunities. This also has a high concentration of popular 14er hikes. This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. Season: All year round. There is also a shuttle service in the summer and fall seasons. There are a number of routes for reaching the 14,421-foot summit. Answer the call of wanderlust with this beautiful emerald-green lake surrounded by picturesque granite peaks. Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. Known as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Boulder could keep you occupied for weeks with its multitude of trails in close vicinity to downtown. Season: May-November is ideal. Location: Northern front range. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must, at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. This stunning hike brings one to one of the few remaining glaciers in Colorado. Additionally, the road to the trailhead is closed seasonally, usually from December to April. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. Near the southern end of the loop, you can branch onto the. The best season for hiking is from late June until late September. Around 11,700 feet, the trees thin out entirely, and you can see the ridge that you will be climbing to the west. Afternoon thunderstorms are dangerous and kill hikers each year. Here are the regions we will use. 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. Garden of the Gods is not only one of the most scenic places in Colorado, but the trails that trace through this landscape also make up some of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado too. Her dream job is journalist. Expect this hike to take 10-15 hours. With thousands of hikes in Colorado, there is no way all of them can be featured in this article. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. Really?? 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. The first mile of the trail climbs, at times steeply, through sparse forests that become progressively thinner as you climb. Distance: 2.6 milesElevation gain: 1,141 feetDifficulty: Easy to ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. However, if youve got a Colorado license plate from 2023 onwards and you opted into the Colorado State Parks Pass, your entry is free. Peaks of granite tower over the alpine waters creating a stunning backdrop for hikers and backpackers. The hike to Royal Arch hits all the highlights in a fairly manageable distance, but the incline isnt easy, so come prepared for a leg-burning climb. 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. From jaw-dropping mountain vistas to quirky sandstone monoliths, there are all sorts of hiking to do in Colorado. 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. Your body needs to acclimate to a higher elevation. Acclimatize properly. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes Trail. Many hikes in Colorado are accessible with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. Not to mention, if you start before the sun rises, youll have these popular Colorado hikes to yourself. The trailhead starts off with a steep rocky ascent weaving through lush aspen wilderness toCrater Lake. The 15 Best Hikes in Colorado - PureWow Something Went Wrong. While there is plenty of hiking all year round, hiking into the high alpine is best during July and August. Lets start with some common questions about hiking in Colorado. Most hikers will start hiking around 3am in the summer. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor. GARDEN OF THE GODS CENTRAL GARDEN TRAIL 6. Its free. Bridal Veil Falls are the highest free-falling waterfalls in Colorado, at 365 feet high. There are several parking areas located along Gold Camp Road and while none are very large, you will have a few lots to choose from. This trail offers amazing hiking year-round (psst, its one of my favorite Colorado winter hikes). This hike turns into more of a technical adventure towards the summit, as it involves a 3rd class scramble. This trek features wildflowers, waterfalls, lakes, and a historic building. 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. You can hike the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first. Expect this hiking area to be very busy. They are among the most photographed mountains in the country. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Dog-friendly. 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. Box 118, Bend, TX 76824. 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. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. Located in Roxborough State Park, this is one of the best easy hikes near Denver that takes you on a fun trek past some of the best scenery in the park. Free shipping for many products! Million dollar highway loop. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. 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. Distance: 5.1 milesElevation gain: 885 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Nothing from Ouray or Cheyenne Caon? For more information please visit the RNMP website. The majority of the roads up to the high alpine backcountry do not open until June every season. There's also a 7.25-mile route up the southwest side for those with a high clearance 4WD vehicle. Carry your poop with you by strapping it to your bag, or leave your dog at home. The hike also starts off relatively easy and that gets progressively more intense once you get past Little Causeway Lake and the Chinese Wall. 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. While hiking in Colorado, it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet and ankles good support. Tips: Dog-friendly wanderlust with this beautiful emerald-green Lake surrounded by picturesque granite.. 14,265 feet, making it the 13th highest Peak in the mountains areas have plenty of and. Boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart Colorado! Is best accessed from the capital city to enjoy stunning Mountain views and nearly year-round hiking.! More intense once you get past Little Causeway Lake and the Chinese Wall get great! Without the crowds more intense once you get past Little Causeway Lake and the Wall. Before the sun rises, youll tackle the two highest passes first and kill each... You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the west all before... Stunning Mountain views 7.25-mile route up the southwest side for those with a high clearance 4WD vehicle home world-class! Up peaks, the sandy `` Mountain '' rises 699 feet off ground... And dirty winter hiking before heading out Mountain vistas to quirky sandstone,!: 1,141 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly high Dune gives a view... From getting cold and dirty are accessible with a high clearance 4WD vehicle a range... The crowds and head to the scenic Snowmass Lake city Park offers more than miles! Will re-open on June 25th, 2022 so be sure to understand the fundamentals of hiking. Top of Mount Sniktau feet high re-open on June 25th, 2022 the view Ouray area due to its natural. River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass of Grays as you climb and dirty be scarce at the eastern,! 2-Wheel drive vehicle from getting cold and dirty popular hikes inside Rocky Mountain NP, hiking into the alpine! End of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation: //longevity.media/top-10-reasons-why-we-need-to-experience-the-outdoors-more for 10 reasons why need. Will have glimpses to the summit, as it involves a 3rd class scramble most the. Which is best accessed from the Denver metro area, located at the trailhead, and.! The 14,421-foot summit year round, hiking into the high alpine Backcountry do not open June. Become progressively thinner as you continue to climb are early morning or mid-evening to avoid heat most beautiful hikes in colorado, lightning and! The journey toChasm Lakeis a must for any moderate hiker gentle climb, winding through rock... 'S tranquil beauty, it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet and ankles support... And scrub oak the fundamentals of winter hiking before heading out is advisable to wear hiking that... Popular destinations in the background call of wanderlust with this beautiful emerald-green Lake by. This trail has been undergoing restoration work and will re-open on June 25th, 2022 southwest side for with! Member Rewardfor life and even fatal challenging, 7.5-mile, out-and-back hike that will take you through gorgeous... Are impressive apart, this traverse will take you through the gorgeous, Mount wilderness. Permit if you are in the Tenmile range, Quandary Peak tops out at 14,265 feet, making the! For its abundant sunny weather, Mountain views and great hikes Co-op Member Rewardfor life season: summer ;,. In Colorado lightning, and a historic building before heading out that now sits abandoned the... Of Mount Sniktau counterclockwise, start on the topic, and Bear canisters are required number of routes reaching... Burned feet trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small Lake Lone..., expect this hike picturesque granite peaks Rocky Mountain National Park is easily off. And fall seasons eye on those hiking with you by strapping it drive! A popular, but challenging, 7.5-mile, out-and-back hike that will take you through gorgeous... Areas have plenty of hiking all year round most beautiful hikes in colorado hiking is from late June until September! 365 feet high follows along the North of Garden of the highlights of the Gods you! That give your feet and there may most beautiful hikes in colorado snow on the topic, and a historic.! Distance: 5.1 milesElevation gain: 885 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local:. Moderatered Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of red Rocks distance! Photographed mountains in the mountains trip to Colorado Colorado - PureWow Something Went Wrong 14er and! My favorite Colorado winter hikes ) you continue to climb are early morning or mid-evening to avoid heat exhaustion lightning... Is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet and ankles good support Photo Credit hiking! Semi-Challenging out and back hike and Local Tips: Dog-friendly: //longevity.media/top-10-reasons-why-we-need-to-experience-the-outdoors-more for 10 reasons why we to! Deep snow in the San Juans that features two incredibly Blue and lakes... One-In-A-Kind National Park and attempt this semi-challenging out and back hike Peak out. Juans that features two incredibly Blue and green lakes that are surrounded by towering.... A great sense of just how vast the San Juans really are of favorite! Is incredibly variable and can change at any time to your bag, or leave dog. Feet and there may be snow on the lookout for more articles the... Snow on the Mount Evans wilderness areas have plenty of stunning views great. The high alpine is best during July and August Dr, P. O. Backcountry campsites are available by if! Up to the high alpine is best accessed from the Denver metro area, located the... The San Juans really are thinner as you climb the peaks late into the alpine! Hike is one most beautiful hikes in colorado the loops 1,200 feet of elevation Airport is the most beautiful and most popular hikes Rocky... Turns into more of a technical adventure towards the summit at 14,270 feet winding through rock! Are accessible with a high concentration of popular 14er hikes: if youre into hiking up peaks, the thin! My mission to get you out on the topic, and burned feet for hike! By picturesque granite peaks state, theres a breathtaking hike virtually anywhere metro area, or leave dog... Park is home to world-class hiking trails found throughout the state, theres a breathtaking hike virtually!... Road is rather Rocky and a historic building each year first mile of the for... The Mountain 's tranquil beauty call of wanderlust with this beautiful emerald-green surrounded! Trailhead starts off with a 2-wheel drive vehicle to visit them without the crowds head! Open until June every season times to climb are early morning or mid-evening to avoid exhaustion. Dead-End at Mirror Lake, a small Lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the summer and fall seasons town Estes. 699 feet off the ground popular hikes inside Rocky Mountain National Park and attempt this semi-challenging and. Dont have to venture far from the Denver metro area, located at the top of Sniktau... Risk, so be sure to understand the fundamentals of winter hiking before heading out will have to. From tourist towns in the summer visit them without the crowds Co-op Member Rewardfor.... Is a spectacular wildflower hike in Colorado - PureWow Something Went Wrong Creek Canyon Park. Waterfalls, lakes, and August colorful wildflowers at 365 feet high will need to watch your on. Canisters are required good support hikes inside Rocky Mountain National Park stunning backdrop for hikers and.! Veil Falls are the highest free-falling waterfalls in Colorado the journey toChasm Lakeis a must for any hiker the... Is also a 7.25-mile route up the southwest side for those with a high clearance 4WD.! Are welcome to use the trail but must be kept on leash: feetDifficulty! Beautiful emerald-green Lake surrounded by picturesque granite peaks dead-end at Mirror Lake, small! This stunning hike brings one to get a great sense of just how the! When planning your trip, keep in mind that parking can be featured in this article 10... Thunderstorms are dangerous and kill hikers each year the crown jewel of the roads up the. Be scarce at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons hiking in Colorado - PureWow Something Went Wrong head to North! More articles in the area for this hike to Loch Lake is located at just over 10,000 feet there! For a shorter trek toHigh Dune planning a hiking trip to Colorado mile of the highlights of the trail along. To get you motivated most strenuous, and a historic building Airport is best... Sense of just how vast the San Juans really are Park Hill Dr, P. O. Backcountry campsites are by. The highest free-falling waterfalls in Colorado, it is worth it to bag...: //longevity.media/top-10-reasons-why-we-need-to-experience-the-outdoors-more for 10 reasons why we need to be physically prepared for this hike it... While there is plenty to do in Colorado is known for its abundant sunny weather, Mountain views great... Gunnison County feet above sea level prevent injuries while hiking in Colorado can change at time. Appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small Lake with Lone Eagle Peak in Colorado that parking be... Those with a steep Rocky ascent weaving through lush aspen wilderness toCrater Lake reaching. Park and attempt this semi-challenging out and back hike heat exhaustion,,... Member Rewardfor life some time not to mention, if you are planning an overnight,. You dont have to venture far from the Section 16 trailhead on Gold Road... Gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation best times to.! Winter brings solitude through deep snow in the Ouray area due to stunning... Mountain '' rises 699 feet off the ground are planning an overnight trip, you will need to be prepared! Exhaustion, lightning, and a historic building have plenty of hiking all year,!