The Royal Arch is a spectacular rock formation that forms an arch. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. 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. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. A cozy windbreaker for those gusty summits 5. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. Use the 'Report' link on Starting at the Kite Lake Trailhead, the7.6-mile trailgains 3,359 feet of elevation. We'd love to hear eyewitness Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Dog-friendly. Ascending further up the trail, you'll find mine ruins just before reaching lower Mohawk Lake. : Manitou Springs, CO, in Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park, 5 miles west of Colorado Springs, : An aerobic challenge with a rewarding view, This loop is a mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views. Blue Lakes Trail, Mount Sneffels Wilderness. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. Backcountry campsites are available by permit if you need more time to enjoy the view! The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the, , a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Local Tip: The road to the trailhead closes every winter, so check conditions before heading out. Only about a 1-hour drive from downtown Denver. Be sure to arrive early to find a parking spot as space is limited and the trail is busy during the summer. Maroon Bells in the fall. Snowshoes can be helpful after heavy snowfall. In fact, this trail is so lovely that is popular among hikers, birders, and cross-country skiers alike. Climb your way up to Island Lake (another 15 to 20-minute walk) for a scene that is simply jaw-dropping. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to world-class hiking trails. Distance: 1.8 miles. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 1,033 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. One can encounter snow on Colorado hiking trails all year round. Local Tip: If youre into gentle rock climbs, then check out the Longs Peak Cable Route. Plan to start your hike early to avoid storms. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. TheDecalibron Looptraverses over fourColorado 14ersin Pike National Forest located near the mountain town of Alma. Hiking water bottle for hydration 4. 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. The trail ends at the natural rock arch of Royal Arch, which offers a unique vantage point of Boulder and views to the north and south along the Front Range. Situated along the Continental Divide about an hour drive from Denver, this hike is very popular. No dogs. a good rule of thumb is to be below treeline by noon. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. Generally speaking, the high country is referred to as the area at 9,000 feet and above. 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. Compared to the rest of the country, cell service in Colorado is not that great. Blue Lakes Trail leads hikers through Mt. Welcome to some of the mostbrilliantly cobalt blue lakes in Colorado. Trails throughout the park offerstunning views of Pikes Peak America's Mountain. Box 118, Bend, TX 76824. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this fire tower was one of seven built in the early 1900s. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin, OutThere Colorado. Rattlesnake Arches is a varied challenge that can be done in a day by an avid hiker. Made famous as being one of the best rock climbing areas in Colorado, this area is also home to some amazing hikes. The trailhead starts off with a steep rocky ascent weaving through lush aspen wilderness toCrater Lake. Enjoy the breathtaking views, and if you are lucky, youll see some mountain goats! Anyone can join and everyone belongs. Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Colorado, and for good reason. Cotton can cause hypothermia, even in summer. . With two large enclosed dog parks, a beautiful pond and fountain, as well as sand volleyball courts, this park truly has something for everyone. This area is roughly the region south of I-70 and encompasses a huge area. Most high alpine roads will open up in June each summer. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. Because as you make your way to this idyllic waterfall, the incline picks up and can feel really intense. Peaks of granite tower over the alpine waters creating a stunning backdrop for hikers and backpackers. 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. Colorado hiking trails have the best hiking sticks for kids to find and use. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. 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. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the, . 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. The majority of the roads up to the high alpine backcountry do not open until June every season. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. One can experience snowstorms in June, warm weather in February, or even a sunny summer day interrupted by intense thunderstorms. Location: San Juans, near the town of Telluride. : Colorado Springs, CO, in Garden of the Gods, 6 miles northwest of downtown Colorado Springs, : A family-friendly excursion to see the impressive red rocks of Garden of the Gods, The towering red rock formations of Garden of the Gods create a memorable backdrop for this easily accessible hike located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs. 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. The towering red rock formations of Garden of the Gods create a memorable backdrop for this easily accessible hike located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs. Its also an iconic beginner Colorado 14er so if you can, come early (start before 5 am to beat the crowds, 6 am to hike safely and avoid summer storm cycles). Also named Emerald Lake, these majestic alpine waters can be explored near the iconic mountain town of Crested Butte. and reveals the even more stunning view of Lone Eagle Peak and Mount Achonee towering above the lake. Crystal Mill is every photographer's dream. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek that gains 2,752 feet in elevation. 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. Therefore, hikers now have to pay $10 to enter 36 state parks in Colorado including Staunton, Roxborough, Golden Gate Canyon, and Saint Vrain. If you do happen to encounter a moose on the trail. Location: Northern Front Range. Afternoon thunderstorms are dangerous and kill hikers each year. Hopefully, this provides a great introduction to some of the best places to hike in Colorado. While there is plenty of hiking all year round, hiking into the high alpine is best during July and August. The hikes in this area are commonly at higher altitudes and will often start at 9,000 or 10,000 feet above sea level. 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. Note that from mid-June through September between 8:30am 5:00pm, a shuttle is required to take to the trailhead. Season: June, July, and August. There are also great groups on Facebook that post trail conditions. Enjoy the scenery from the trail to avoid tramping this beloved environment. Share with Us. The Blue Lakes Trail is made up of trails leading to Lower Blue Lake, Upper Blue Lake, and the Blue Lakes Pass. However, keep in mind that many trailheads become inaccessible in the winter. 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 free shuttle from downtown. The turquoise coloring is unlike anything else in the state. The standard route features a 14-mile class two climb up the eastern slopes. On a clear day you can see Longs Peak from Boulder and from some of the Denver suburbs. Continue on the. This is a 7.8-mile with 1920-feet elevation gain. Check out the famous Gem Lake for stunning views of strange rock pinnacles and mountain vistas. Known for its striking emerald green waters, the lake often glows under the mountain sun. Others also have parking fees. The first mile of the trail climbs, at times steeply, through sparse forests that become progressively thinner as you climb. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. Tucked into the Sangre de Cristo Range, the Grand Sand Dunes are the tallest dunes on the continent, with heights up to 755 feet sitting below a scenic mountain backdrop. This is a family-friendly hike that should not be missed in Colorado. Distance: 3 milesElevation gain: 1,135 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go for sunrise. Some areas of the state obviously have better hiking options than others, but this will be a great way to understand the lay of the land. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. Distance: 3.1Elevation Gain: 990Difficulty: easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Be on the lookout for mountain goats in the summer. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. It is very crowded, but also a very well maintained park. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. The next section will now include some of the best hiking in Colorado. Season: May-November is ideal. Although, winter lasts a long time in the high country. Avalanche terrain should be taken very seriously. As one of the best hikes in Colorado, its worth the effort to be the tallest thing around! Keep it Clean. 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. The road is open all year round, but for best conditions, plan to do this hike in June, July, and August. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. Distance: 1.6 milesElevation Gain: 232 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. Be sure to check on trail conditions using All-Trails, or by contacting the proper park manager to inquire about trail conditions. If you are looking for a shorter or easier outing, the Bear Lake Trail, which leaves from the same trailhead and loops around Bear Lake, is a family-friendly option. This is a heavily trafficked area, so be sure to get there early. Rocky Mountain National Park is a truly breathtaking area and a great introduction to Colorado. United States ; Texas (TX) Bend ; Bend - Things to Do ; Colorado Bend State Park; Search. Please be sure to visit the RMNP website for more information on the current permitting process for parking and entrance to the park. The 15 Best Hikes in Colorado - PureWow Something Went Wrong. Hikes here range from short walks in Boulders Chautauqua Park to hiking Longs peak, a 14er. SAN LUIS PEAK 4. It also depends on the snow year. If you are in the area for this hike, it is worth it to drive to the summit of Mt. 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. While opting for the alpine wonder is suitable for a wider range of hiking skill levels, Colorado 14er climbing is only recommend for the most experienced hikers. Sharkstooth Trail is a great day hike in a region of Colorado many overlook. Rapid weather changes can be expected on this high altitude trek. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. Its quintessentially Colorado and home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the state. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. As one of the topmost scenic hikes in Colorado, Hanging Lake is on everyones to-do list. Backdropped by beautiful peaks, the sandy "mountain" rises 699 feet off the ground. Error! The Chicago lakes hike provides a great way to hike and take in the views while avoiding the large groups of people that drive to the summit of Mt. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Chad DuBois). You can even continue on to the famous Sky Pond. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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! 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. While hiking in Colorado, it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet and ankles good support. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Located in the Tenmile Range, Quandary Peak tops out at 14,265 feet, making it the 13th highest peak in Colorado. other alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. Lets start with some common questions about hiking in Colorado. 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. Its $25 to enter the park. Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire (iStock). The easily accessible trails at Bear Creek are some of the most popular in the area, for both locals and visitors. The round-trip journey clocks in at about 2.1 miles gaining close to 900 feet in elevation. Snowshoes are recommended in the early season. . Please check the NPS website and All-Trails for conditions updates. There's also a 7.25-mile route up the southwest side for those with a high clearance 4WD vehicle. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. With sandstone monoliths, tall peaks, and steep canyons, theres a lot to get exciting about when it comes to hiking in Colorado Springs. 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. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. This moderately easy trail works its way straight up to a scenic perch. Threats of harming another The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. The entire trail takes around 1 month to complete as a thru-hike. Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). 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. Head up early to catch a perfect reflection of the stunning Lone Eagle Peak on Mirror Lake. Not to mention, if you start before the sun rises, youll have these popular Colorado hikes to yourself. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must self-register at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. The trail to the lake isnt particularly difficult, but it is long. A popular trail in this area is Seven Bridges Trail which is a 3.8 mile trail that is moderately difficult. Distance: 14.5 milesElevation gain: 4,911 feetDifficulty: extremely difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is not a hike to be taken lightly. 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. The road is rather rocky and a 44 car is recommended. 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. From here, you briefly connect to the Red Rocks Trail before the serious climb starts on the Morrison Slide Trail. As was mentioned above, some roads are closed for portions of the year, it is important to check on those closures. From the base of Chautauqua Park, one has access to many trails that go up to the flatiron mountains and provide a wonderful view of Boulder and down to Denver. The weather is very unpredictable in Colorado. 2236 Park Hill Dr, P. O. Difficulty: moderate to hard. Dog-friendly. 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. 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. The hike is fairly strenuous and takes anywhere from 10 to 15 hours to complete, so be sure to plan accordingly. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a rather unknown gem of 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. If so then why not try this stellar out and back hike? Also be aware of the fact that visitors are charged $25 per vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, and $15 per person to enter the park. 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. Chasm Lake is fishable from June to October. Difficulty - Easy Distance - 2.3 miles Elevation gain - 2,000 feet Duration - 1 to 2 hours 5: Garden of the Gods Dreamstime/Lisa Mckown 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. She is also known for being a bookworm and owning more running shoes than most people would consider socially acceptable. Start no later than 2 am. Most visitors enter through the east side of the park near the town of Estes Park. Some hikes may recommend hiking poles, or even a helmet while scrambling on more technical hiking trails. Tucked between Interstate 70 and Colorado State Highway 470, is a surprising location for some beautiful Front Range trails. Quick rainstorms and thunderstorms are also not uncommon up in the high country. This stunning hike brings one to one of the few remaining glaciers in 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. 220 Reviews #1 of 4 things to do in Bend. Distance: 2.5 milesElevation Gain: 885 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. One can hike all year round in Colorado. This spectacular out-and-back starts from Bear Lake before climbing to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake, two of the jewels of Rocky Mountain National Park. Today, outdoor enthusiasts continue to visit from all over . Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto High Drive, a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. BISON PEAK Bison Peak is considered one of Colorado's best trails for the early summer months. Afterward, check out the sights in nearby Dillon, Frisco, and Breckenridge. These stunning sandstone monoliths inspire the imagination. The colors of summer grace hikers along Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes. 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. This 27-mile loop is most commonly backpacked as a three- or four-night trip. Micro-spikes and snowshoes can be necessary during the winter months (October-April). Beautiful waterfalls seep into the brightly colored lake. Dog poop bags to carry out dog poop. So it is no wonder why it attracts dedicated hikers to its peaks every year. Distance: 8.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,860 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. This is an amazing hike in the San Juans that features two incredibly blue and green lakes that are surrounded by towering peaks. Spencer McKee takes in sweeping alpine views on the Mount Massive trail. 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. They are among the most photographed mountains in the country. 3. Between the general region of the San Juans and the southern front range. Some of the best fall colors can be seen in this area. MOUNT ELBERT 5. Location: I-70 corridor, not very far from Denver. The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the Perkins Central Garden Trail, a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Its rugged and long and is only hike on this list that requires a helmet. You can hike the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first. Kristen is a native Coloradan and longtime runner who enjoys running on the track, roads and now on the trails. This area is known for its heavy winds. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. Distance: 14 milesElevation gain: 2,444 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Some scrambling required, but nothing too strenuous. Back away slowly and be sure to keep a safe distance. South Colony Lakes holds a special place in my heart. We use affiliate links in our content andmay receive a small commission on your purchases. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. This is one of the best fall hikes in Colorado that doesnt get smashed with people. This is by far one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Backcountry campsites are available by permit if you need more time to enjoy the view! Longs Peak (Estes Park) Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. 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. Herman Gulch is one of the most accessible high alpine hiking trails in Colorado. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. For the best experience, try visiting any time between May and October. This trail offers amazing hiking year-round (psst, its one of my favorite Colorado winter hikes). With miles of trails, the park is a great jumping-off point for a short hike, a long outing or even just a picnic at the park with the Flatirons as your backdrop. PYRAMID PEAK 3. To the south, you will have views of Blue Lakes and North Star Mountain across the valley. Cross-referencing that app with All-Trails, or the Outbound App can prove for some awesome adventures. The trip takes about 2 hours and has chains to hold for the steep sections. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. There are plenty of hiking trails for all abilities from the parking lot at Chautauqua. Just hike the path of least resistance! Some of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado include Mount Bierstadt, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Bison Peak, Star Dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park, Lion Lakes at Rocky Mountain National Park, San Luis Peak, Lost Man Lake, and Mount Elbert. From jaw-dropping mountain vistas to quirky sandstone monoliths, there are all sorts of hiking to do in Colorado. 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