Inside this guide youll find tons of info about the most scenic Colorado hikes and how to visit them without the crowds. Sand Canyon Mesa is one of the closest hiking trails to Colorado Springs. This trail is dog-friendly, but dogs are not allowed past this point. If you are planning to do the hike as a quick overnight backpacking trip, you will need a permit, and all visitors will need to pay the small fee to park at the Monarch Lake Trailhead. In the summer, youll find folks heading up St. Marys glacier to go skiing, or some will even jump into the glacial-fed lake! If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the Palmer Trail, which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. Also, try and do this trek after a rain so that the waterfall looks rad. Blue Lakes Trail leads hikers through Mt. During the summer of 2021 there is a permit system to enter RMNP. These stunning sandstone monoliths inspire the imagination. You can hike the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first. jmangum2. Quick rainstorms and thunderstorms are also not uncommon up in the high country. Each alpine wonder offers a serene escape laced with captivating mountain beauty. Please follow these rules when visiting and remember, when you're exploring to leave absolutely no trace. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography. Photo Credit: Bryan Hagan, OutThere Colorado. 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. 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. Between the general region of the San Juans and the southern front range. Mount Falcon Castle Loop Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Be sure to be off of the hike in the early afternoon before the thunderstorms, as the hike is nice and exposed. Box 118, Bend, TX 76824. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. As a Colorado local and writer for the outdoor industry, Im a total pro at hitting the most amazing hikes in Colorado without the crowds. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Keep in mind wag bags are required here. These massive sand dunes rise out of the ground and lay low beneath the Rocky Mountains. This trail offers amazing hiking year-round (psst, its one of my favorite Colorado winter hikes). Opt to get their early or make it an overnight to get more time. Thanks for the article! Distance: 14 milesElevation gain: 2,444 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Some scrambling required, but nothing too strenuous. Before a long and rockyscramble, hikers will have the opportunity for a bathroom break at the Chasm Junction. A small, packable rain jacket can be great to throw in your pack. Additional resources for planning a hiking trip to Colorado. Colorado is known for its snow-capped mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Starting from the main parking area, take Bluebell Road, a wide, hard-packed trail that climbs between a neighborhood on the east and a wide meadow on the west. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin. Evans. The hike along the canyon is stunning! It might be the only hike in the state to safely do barefoot! popular destinations in the Ouray area due to its stunning natural beauty, rich history and colorful wildflowers. 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. Although there is plenty to do in Rocky Mountain NP, hiking is at the top of the list. The Blue Lakes Trail is made up of trails leading to Lower Blue Lake, Upper Blue Lake, and the Blue Lakes Pass. Hikers will enjoy pleasant spring weather along the Front Range and stunning summers and autumns in the mountains. Most trails are suitable for beginners, and there are even paved trails for accessible hiking. The trail to the summit gains 3,229 feet over the course of just over 3 miles. After living in Colorado for over 12 years, Ive scoured the landscape to find the best hikes in Colorado. One of the best hikes in Colorado is the iconic Mirror Lake. Season: All year-round. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow theLeave No Tracebest practices. Clocking in over 27 miles, the Four Pass Loop climbs over four beautiful mountain passes. 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. 5 Must-Have Hiking Essentials 1. The view from the summit of Mt. Be sure to check on trail conditions using All-Trails, or by contacting the proper park manager to inquire about trail conditions. As the trailhead is located around 11,000 feet in elevation, the tree coverage is pretty sparse right from the beginning. It is tough to narrow down the best Colorado hiking trails and hikes, but you definitely cant go wrong with any of these ones. Longs Peak. : 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. 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. Mount Bross has been closed to the public in the past check with the current rules before summiting this peak. The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the Perkins Central Garden Trail, a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. Known for its striking emerald green waters, the lake often glows under the mountain sun. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. Thanks to its strategic location, its suitable for year-round hiking. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, The hike is fairly strenuous and takes anywhere from 10 to 15 hours to complete, so be sure to plan accordingly. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. There are many different factors to consider while hiking in Colorado. For the more alpine regions, spring can either still be winter, or it can be very muddy. Located a little over an hour away from Denver, near Silver Plume, Colorado is this amazing trail. This is one of the more difficult 14er hikes 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. . Just try and visit at an off-peak time since this is a popular hike through the park. From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. 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. Grays and Torreys are so commonly hiked together that many refer to the two 14ers inseparably. Winter brings solitude through deep snow in the woods. 35% percent of land in Colorado is public land or a whopping 23 million acres. No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best hiking trails in Colorado to suit your needs. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. And if youre feeling energetic, you can always do this hike in tandem with several other treks in the area. While there is plenty of hiking all year round, hiking into the high alpine is best during July and August. Distance: 8.6 miles roundtrip. Photo Credit: MargaretW (iStock). It also serves as a highly visible landmark the notch in the ridge. The turquoise coloring is unlike anything else in the state. The journey toChasm Lakeis a must for any hiker seeking the mountain's tranquil beauty. Most visitors enter through the east side of the park near the town of Estes 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. Avalanche terrain should be taken very seriously. Photo Credit: Zach Dischner. Buckskin Pass Trail takes you up and over Buckskin Pass with amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic Snowmass Lake. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. There is an amazing array of hikes near Denver that make up some of the best hikes in Colorado. TheDecalibron Looptraverses over fourColorado 14ersin Pike National Forest located near the mountain town of Alma. : 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. This road is only open in the summer months. A set of hiking poles 12 Top Colorado Springs Trails & Hikes 1. Photo Credit: eschuette1. Spring or fall can call for micro-spikes for the hike. You will need a park pass and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. The descent can be quite dangerous, watch out for loose rocks. 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. Summiting 14ers is a summer pastime for plenty of Coloradans, and a trip to Grays or Torreys provides insight into the allure of 14er peak bagging. 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. Threats of harming another That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. Spring can be a tough time to hike, depending on the conditions. While not a very challenging hike, this hike is on our list because of how unique it is. Typically the trail is snow-free from mid-June through mid-October. This could be the most popular fall hike in Colorado. At 14,440 feet of elevation, this is the highest point in all of Colorado. Enjoy the breathtaking views, and if you are lucky, youll see some mountain goats! You have permission to edit this collection. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. 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. , Quandary makes a great first 14er to tackle. SAN LUIS PEAK 4. 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. Colorado Springs also has a great number of hikes close to town and is under the shadow of Pikes Peak, a 14er. It includes Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Rico. At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. Photo Credit: shaferaphoto (iStock). This is a great resource released by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Hikers can bag four peaks in a single day trek including Mount Bross (14,172 feet), Mount Lincoln (14,286 feet), Mount Cameron (14,238 feet) and Mount Democrat (14,148 feet). 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. Photo credit: TRAILSOURCE.COM (flickr), If you're looking to spend a little more time in nature, take to the trails by exploring one of the largest wilderness areas in the state the Weminuche Wilderness. Even for such a short distance, expect this hike to take 3-4 hours. Keep in mind, youll need to shuttle cars from point A to point B if youre section hiking. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. (Photos Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Nick Wilder). Season: Summer. Thin, long pants can be very breathable and will prevent injury from low-lying branches scratching up against you on the trails. Local Tip: If youre. Photo Credit: RondaKimbrow (iStock). This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. Nestled beautifully in the San Juan Mountains, lies theIce Lake Basin. This hike itself is rather short, but the views are impressive. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation gain: 764 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Permits are required for an overnight. Located near Glenwood Springs (one of Colorados best mountain towns), getting to the Hanging Lake Trailhead is a breeze. The canyon itself features gorgeous sandstone formations and plenty of beautiful scenery. 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. 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. Winding through spectacular wildflower meadows, scenic beauty awaits hikers and backpackers. Here comes the big question! Beautiful waterfalls seep into the brightly colored lake. If so then why not try this stellar out and back hike? (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. The next section will now include some of the best hiking in Colorado. Take in the history of the ruins while enjoying the scenery of the mountains and the city of Denver in the distance. and reveals the even more stunning view of Lone Eagle Peak and Mount Achonee towering above the lake. 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. There are different difficulties of hiking for all levels and interests. While the park is popular enough that you wont have the trails to yourself, there are miles of trails to explore so you can pick and choose your own route to either escape the crowds or follow the well-used paths to the popular viewpoints. There are plenty of amazing hikes in Colorado, but this one will be very different. A popular trail in this area is Seven Bridges Trail which is a 3.8 mile trail that is moderately difficult. SIGN UP: Free daily newsletter + 20% off in the OTC gear shop, Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Blue Lakes Trail, Mount Sneffels Wilderness. The La Plata Mountains can be found in southern Colorado and are normally accessed from the small town of Mancos. 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. It's also important to note that avalanche hazards also exist in the valley. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle). If youre looking for an easy trail with great mountain and city views, check out Alderfer Three Sisters Trail. 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. Youll also experience medium elevation changes as you ascend the loop and see historic buildings created by Henry S. Persse in the early 1900s. Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. Cross-referencing that app with All-Trails, or the Outbound App can prove for some awesome adventures. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a rather unknown gem of the state. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. Open today: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM. Here are a few must-do hikes in the area. This area is known for its heavy winds. Colorado is the headquarters of hiking in the US, so it's not surprising that it has some of the most beautiful hikes in the country. 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. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Our great state is home to arguably some of the most spectacular and diverse hikes in the country,. The "Keyhole" is main route for reaching the iconic 14,259-foot summit. This hike provides a great introduction to hiking in Colorado and the Boulder Open Space trails. Generally speaking, areas above 9,000 feet in springtime are definitely still covered in snow. On the west side, you will spot the famous Kissing Camels, and to the east, White Rock. If you arent cozy pooping in a bag and packing it out, stay home. Seven Bridges Trail, North Cheyenne Canon Park. Follow the signs to Rogers Pass Lake (pictured), a destination youll encounter just before reaching Heart Lake. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. A personal favorite of mine, this trail is well worth the effort. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 416 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early. The 4.5-mile path will lead you to a historical mill that now sits abandoned above the Crystal River in Gunnison County. The trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, which is tucked under the rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop. Its a popular, but challenging, 7.5-mile, out-and-back hike that will take you through the gorgeous, Mount Evans Wilderness area. Maroon Bells in the fall. Photo Credit: twildlife (iStock). 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. Chasm Lake is fishable from June to October. Distance: 5.1 milesElevation gain: 885 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Information on distance, elevation gain, location, difficulty, permit requirements, and dog-friendliness. Some of the best fall colors can be seen in this area. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Photo Credit: Irwin Badeaux, A photo shows the sign informing visitors to stay off the log at Hanging Lake, a popular Colorado destination that has had a large increase in traffic over the past decade. GREAT Trail's,been on some of them. , which leaves from the same trailhead and loops around Bear Lake, is a family-friendly option. 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. The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. Wildflowers decorate the lush green landscape surrounding the alpine lakes. Photo Credit: Matt Vincent. Note that from mid-June through September between 8:30am 5:00pm, a shuttle is required to take to the trailhead. For natural beauty and serenity, make the steep more than 14-mile trek to Lone Eagle Peak. Local Tip: The road to the trailhead closes every winter, so check conditions before heading out. When hiking above the treeline, it is incredibly important to watch the weather and be off the summit before 2pm. The trail starts mellow and quickly builds up to steep elevation gains. My brother and I are going to CO in July, this rlly helped narrow it down! You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. Towards the summit there may be a few rocky sections, be on the lookout for loose rocks. Photo Credit: MizC (iStock). Its rugged and long and is only hike on this list that requires a helmet. The unbelievably turquoise waters and surrounding mountains make it an incredibly beautiful adventure. Colorado National Monument is one of the best winter hiking destinations in Colorado. Colorado Bend State Park. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the, , which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. Looking for a bit of a challenge while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park? This hike includes two different 14ers! From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. The hiking in this area is challenging, but the views are stunning. There are a number of routes for reaching the 14,421-foot summit. Distance: 2.6 milesElevation gain: 1,141 feetDifficulty: Easy to ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Distance: 2.5 milesElevation Gain: 885 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Distance: 6 milesElevation gain: 1,469 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. 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