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. The Mount Evans wilderness area is a great place to make for a full day of hiking and driving up to some spectacular exposed views. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Parts of this ecosystem are fragile. 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. : 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. Colorado Springs also has a great number of hikes close to town and is under the shadow of Pikes Peak, a 14er. A series of steep and rocky switchbacks will take you to the lake. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. The trails tend to be snow-free and the roads are open. 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. Keep in mind, youll need to shuttle cars from point A to point B if youre section hiking. Hike in the morning on a weekday for some solitude. The summer can also bring snow and hail when you are least expecting it, be sure to be packed for all weather conditions! As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. The trail is broken into 28 segments, most of which can be done in a day or as an overnight. 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. I was disappointed to not see FERN LAKE and other hikes in RMNP on the list. 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. Most segments fall within the moderate to upper end of difficult. 35% percent of land in Colorado is public land or a whopping 23 million acres. Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). REI member since 2018. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Chad DuBois). Your body needs to acclimate to a higher elevation. Dont stop here, as another singletrack trail on the west side of Mirror Lake heads on to Crater Lake and reveals the even more stunning view of Lone Eagle Peak and Mount Achonee towering above the lake. Rocky Mountain National Park is a truly breathtaking area and a great introduction to Colorado. 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. . Dont underestimate the difficulty of this route. Quick rainstorms and thunderstorms are also not uncommon up in the high country. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the. Rise early to catch a mountain sunrise guaranteed to leave you speechless. 19. Photo Credit: Ashley Bennett. Its a popular, but challenging, 7.5-mile, out-and-back hike that will take you through the gorgeous, Mount Evans Wilderness area. Due to the high exposure of this hike, be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes with you, all year round! Regardless of the hike and weather conditions, you should always bring extra layers, extra food, and a first aid kit. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Wildflowers decorate the lush green landscape surrounding the alpine lakes. Distance: 4.6 milesElevation gain: 213 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. This famous park near downtown Colorado Springs is a must-see. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow the. Most high alpine roads will open up in June each summer. The natural wonder can be found just below American Peak. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. The turquoise coloring is unlike anything else in the state. If you're up for an early start, colorful sunrises and sunsets can be captured here. They are among the most photographed mountains in the country. Nature & Parks, State Parks. Welcome to some of the mostbrilliantly cobalt blue lakes in Colorado. It is important to always bring extra layers and a waterproof jacket while hiking in Colorado. Dont forget to bring your camera! Additional resources for planning a hiking trip to Colorado. Be sure to check with the local land manager for the most current trail conditions. 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. The unbelievable electric blue waters of Ice Lake make this one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. From Grays, continue down the north ridge across the saddle between the two peaks to climb Torreys. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. Here is an article about getting altitude sickness in Colorado. This is the high country so be sure to bring extra layers and drink plenty of water. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. Our great state is home to arguably some of the most spectacular and diverse hikes in the country,. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 416 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early. Get outside this season with the best hiking trails in Colorado. If you are looking for the quintessential Indian Peaks hike, the out-and-back to Crater Lake from Monarch Lake offers a great mix of scenery and terrain, as well as a stunning destination. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. This 486-mile trail stretches from Denver to Durango and is the highest thru-hike in America. The High Dune gives a spectacular view of this one-in-a-kind national park. While hiking in snow or mud, gaiters can be great to throw over your pants as well. MOUNT ELBERT 5. Check and double-check the weather. This area will encompass Denver north to Fort Collins with hikes that are accessible from the eastern urban corridor. Backdropped by beautiful peaks, the sandy "mountain" rises 699 feet off the ground. 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. You can also access one of the best hikes in Colorado from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead and then set off from there. The Keyhole Route on Longs Peak is an iconic mountain climb that many people strive for. This 27-mile loop is most commonly backpacked as a three- or four-night trip. Photo Credit: Mariah Hoffman. 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. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). Please be sure to visit the RMNP website for more information on the current permitting process for parking and entrance to the park. Made famous as being one of the best rock climbing areas in Colorado, this area is also home to some amazing hikes. Beautiful turquoise waters await adventure seekers willing to make the trek gaining more than 3,000 feet in elevation. Distance: 8.6 miles roundtrip. Star Dune is the largest of them all. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the Crater Lake Trail. Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. On the west side, you will spot the famous, , and to the east, White Rock. The standard route features a 14-mile class two climb up the eastern slopes. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Colorado, and for good reason. The Royal Arch is a spectacular rock formation that forms an arch. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. In fact, this trail is so lovely that is popular among hikers, birders, and cross-country skiers alike. The hike starts on the Devils Head Trail #611, a steady uphill trail that gains around 850 feet as it climbs from the trailhead to the base of the stairs at Devils Head. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Waterfalls of Minnesota: Your Guide to the Most Beautiful Waterfalls in the Stat at the best online prices at eBay! takes you up and over Buckskin Pass with amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic, Enjoy the easier hiking at lower elevations while you can, as the, quickly has you climbing back to 12,000 feet over Trail Rider Pass. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. Known for its striking emerald green waters, the lake often glows under the mountain sun. Need 2 get out see the others ! Location: San Juans, near the town of Telluride. Theres a good reason for it: Hanging Lake LOOKS like a place where fairies and gnomes would live. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. Located about one hour from Denver, this popular hike leads to an extraordinary destinationDevils Head Lookout. You will need a park pass and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. Evans. With thousands of hikes in Colorado, there is no way all of them can be featured in this article. 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. There are different difficulties of hiking for all levels and interests. The hike to Loch Lake is quite stunning, and a must-visit for any moderate hiker. My brother and I are going to CO in July, this rlly helped narrow it down! Success! Colorado hiking trails have the best hiking sticks for kids to find and use. This also has a high concentration of popular 14er hikes. A fantastic way to explore hiking trails on public land in Colorado is via the Colorado Trail Explorer App. If you are traveling in or under avalanche terrain, be sure to be educated on avalanche safety. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. Beautiful waterfalls seep into the brightly colored lake. 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. She'd rather be dirty than done up. This is by far one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Sniktau is one of the best sunset hikes in Colorado. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. Maroon Bells, near Aspen, are two of Colorado's most famous mountains and are well known for their views. Much of this land has developed hiking trails, spanning 12 National Parks, 41 State Parks, and 58 mountains above 14,000 feet. This list encompasses the most scenic hikes in Colorado. The 9.1-mile out-and-back trail, which is rated as hard, rewards hikers with incredible views. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. Seven Bridges Trail, North Cheyenne Canon Park. Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). Fall is popular timing to make the trek. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Rocky Mountain National Park is home to world-class hiking trails. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. This area is roughly the region south of I-70 and encompasses a huge area. Showcasing breathtaking natural scenery, the mill is arguably one of the most photographed structures in all of the state. Royal Arch is one of the most popular local trails, and provides some of the best views in the area! Season: All year round, most popular in the summer. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Hiking water bottle for hydration 4. 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. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. Depends on road conditions and the seasons snowpack. Another unique feature is. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. As with all above-treeline routes, start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and be sure to pack appropriately with food, water, sunscreen and extra layers. Photo Credit: SWKrullImaging (iStock). 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. Palmer Park: Best Hiking Trail in Colorado Springs. Even for someone that lives in Colorado, anyone can get altitude sickness when hiking up high, most commonly above 8,000 feet. Be sure to have the right education and the right gear. Head up early to catch a perfect reflection of the stunning Lone Eagle Peak on Mirror Lake. Follow Leave No Trace and pick up after yourself (bonus points if you pick up others waste too!). ROYAL ARCH TRAIL 1. As one of Colorados best hiking destinations, youve got to scope out the Garden of the Gods. These hikes are much harder to get to but provide more solitude and more adventure than hiking in other parts of the state. There is a fee to enter to the park and parking can be limited during peak season. This loop combines The Palmer Trail to Buckskin-Charlie, Niobrara, and the Bretang Trail to make a tour-de-garden. While hiking in Colorado, it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet and ankles good support. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto High Drive, a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. See my guide to hiking Colorado 14ers for more info. 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. At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. Join once, enjoy forever. This is one of Colorados most famous lakes. Photo by Michael DeLuca on Flickr: https://flic.kr/p/xqh4Zk. Photo Credit: eschuette1. This could be the most popular fall hike in Colorado. This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. Compared to the rest of the country, cell service in Colorado is not that great. Enjoy the scenery from the trail to avoid tramping this beloved environment. Its one of the easiest hikes near Denver and has plenty of stellar scenery to boot. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. You have permission to edit this collection. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the Palmer Trail, which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. This area is known for its heavy winds. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,200 feetDifficulty: easy/moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly, Related: The Beginners Guide to Hiking Safely. 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. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography. Plan to start your hike early to avoid storms. One can experience snowstorms in June, warm weather in February, or even a sunny summer day interrupted by intense thunderstorms. This large area will include hiking near the popular ski resorts of Colorado. 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. Due to the low level of difficulty and its proximity to Denver, this hike can get very popular. 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. In fact, there are five different hikes in this area that range in length from 1 to 13 miles (round trip) and that vary in difficulty between easy and moderate. On the west side, you will spot the famous Kissing Camels, and to the east, White Rock. 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. This hike is very challenging due to the high starting elevation, and its elevation gain of over 4,000 feet. For the more alpine regions, spring can either still be winter, or it can be very muddy. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. While summertime is the best time to venture into higher altitude hikes in the alpine, the summer also has its dangers. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. The stairs are steep, and while there are railings the entire way, those who fear heights may choose to enjoy the view from the ground. Rattlesnake Arches is a varied challenge that can be done in a day by an avid hiker. A small, packable rain jacket can be great to throw in your pack. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the Dream Lake Trail. Its hard to select just one town in Colorado with the best hiking. 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. It is tough to narrow down the best Colorado hiking trails and hikes, but you definitely cant go wrong with any of these ones. Combine this hike with one of the most scenic drives near Denver for an epic day outside. Location: Northern front range. This is hike is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by very experienced hikers. In the summer, youll find folks heading up St. Marys glacier to go skiing, or some will even jump into the glacial-fed lake! Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. Distance: 5.0 milesElevation Gain: 741 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. Comfy pair of hiking boots 3. 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! (Photo Credit: Steven Bratman under CC BY-SA). Fall is one of the best times to hike in Colorado. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. 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. There are also great groups on Facebook that post trail conditions. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. Explore the high country with a triple alpine lake ascent to Mowhawk Lakes via Spruce Creek Trail. It also serves as a highly visible landmark the notch in the ridge. From there you are only a few hours from incredible hiking destinations! Crestone Peak and the Crestone Needle, two of Colorados most famous 14ers (peaks above 14,000 feet high), create a beautifully dramatic backdrop. Evans as well. Therefore, hikers now have to pay $10 to enter 36 state parks in Colorado including Staunton, Roxborough, Golden Gate Canyon, and Saint Vrain. Tucked away in Rocky Mountain National Park, the hike to Alberta Falls is an easy, out and back trail that will take you to some stunning falls in the park with incredible views. Non-cotton clothing. The hike then loops back north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead. Follow the signs to Rogers Pass Lake (pictured), a destination youll encounter just before reaching Heart Lake. Explore the most popular trails in my list 101 most beautiful hikes in colorado with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. . Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). Distance: 3.6 milesElevation gain: 1,446 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and very crowded. If you are looking for a shorter or easier outing, the. Photo Credit: kjschoen (iStock). An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism This trail is accessible in the winter, but due to road closures, it would add upwards of 7 miles each way. A 44 vehicle is a must to get up to the trailhead. This is a must-do in the San Juans if you are up for a challenging hike. No dogs. 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. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. It is recommended to go early in the morning or late in the evening. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. Others also have parking fees. Soakers visiting from early October to late June may encounter snow. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. The 13.6-mile path winds beautifully through the high country of knee-high spring blooms with specular views of the Gothic Valley and Mount Crested Butte. All in all, this hike is pretty chill, except for the last mile. A quick look at what to pack for your Colorado hike. Ive spent a lot of time on these trails without a soul in sight. As one of the classic Boulder hikes, youll get an up-close view of the famous Flatirons. Photo Credit: Zach Dischner. Adding another Colorado 14er combo to the summer bucket list, the Grays and Torreys Trail is packed with both beauty and challenge. From Bluebell Road, turn onto the Royal Arch Trail. 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. Theres a $12 per-person permit required to hike. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. The 8.7-mile out-and-back trail climbs steeply into the mountains starting from the base of the South Mineral Valley near Silverton. Theres something iconic about the sprawling Sawatch Range. 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. Youll travel along an old railroad route in the heart of the southern foothills. Start no later than 2 am. Season: Summer; June, July, and August. Colorado Bend State Park. Photo Credit: ablokhin (iStock). This ultimate guide to the best hikes in Colorado gives you an array of local hiking recommendations for all abilities. 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. 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