This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. Between the meandering stream, wildflowers, and shady trail this evokes a sense of classic Colorado Springs hikes. Its free. Generally speaking, the high country is referred to as the area at 9,000 feet and above. Summer thunderstorms are very common on Mount Elbert and can prove to be fatal. Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. Although there is plenty to do in Rocky Mountain NP, hiking is at the top of the list. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. Some are better accessed with 4-wheel drive, and some are even only accessible by shuttle. Distance: 2.6 milesElevation gain: 1,141 feetDifficulty: Easy to ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. 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. Inside this guide youll find tons of info about the most scenic Colorado hikes and how to visit them without the crowds. 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. SAN LUIS PEAK 4. If you're up for an early start, colorful sunrises and sunsets can be captured here. 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. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the free shuttle. It might be the only hike in the state to safely do barefoot! There is also a shuttle service in the summer and fall seasons. 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). Keep in mind, youll need to shuttle cars from point A to point B if youre section hiking. Always understand that the weather generally comes from the west, and keep an eye on storms. Explore the high country with a triple alpine lake ascent to Mowhawk Lakes via Spruce Creek Trail. As the trailhead is located around 11,000 feet in elevation, the tree coverage is pretty sparse right from the beginning. A personal favorite of mine, this trail is well worth the effort. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Chad DuBois). The best hikes in Colorado are a great way to experience the state's terrain with 39,000 miles of trails of varying lengths, difficulty levels, and scenery. This 27-mile loop is most commonly backpacked as a three- or four-night trip. The intense heat of the summer makes the high-altitude areas prime for late afternoon thunderstorms. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to. In Boulder, Colorado, the Chautauqua walking trails offer a variety of beautiful day hikes in Colorado. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 416 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early. The unbelievable electric blue waters of Ice Lake make this one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. In many parts of the state, fall colors highlight the woods. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto High Drive, a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. Photo Credit: MizC (iStock). The trip takes about 2 hours and has chains to hold for the steep sections. Colorado National Monument is one of the best winter hiking destinations in Colorado. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation Gain: 864Difficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail gets crowded and if you cant park in the Bear Lake Lot, youll be taking the bus in. Be sure to check with the local land manager for the most current trail conditions. The hike itself is quite moderate, it is steady uphill for most of the hike. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Moose are often spotted grazing with their young along the grassy meadows. Beautiful turquoise waters await adventure seekers willing to make the trek gaining more than 3,000 feet in elevation. I love to escape to the red sandstone canyons outside of Fruita, Colorado every winter. Photo Credit: RondaKimbrow (iStock). Photo Credit: Bryan Hagan, OutThere Colorado. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. 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. For a mellow introduction to hiking in the park, hit up the 4 iconic alpine lakes including the famous Emerald Lake along this famous hiking trail. Success! The summer can also bring snow and hail when you are least expecting it, be sure to be packed for all weather conditions! This is a 7.8-mile with 1920-feet elevation gain. You will need a, and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. From jaw-dropping mountain vistas to quirky sandstone monoliths, there are all sorts of hiking to do in Colorado. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Its one of the easiest hikes near Denver and has plenty of stellar scenery to boot. Quick rainstorms and thunderstorms are also not uncommon up in the high country. Living up to its namesake, this beautiful alpine lake hosts an array of skyscraping rock formations that seem to defy gravity. As was mentioned above, some roads are closed for portions of the year, it is important to check on those closures. Trekking poles can be helpful for this steep section. The hike along the canyon is stunning! Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. Sneffels allows one to get a great sense of just how vast the San Juans really are. However, keep in mind that many trailheads become inaccessible in the winter. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Location: For the purpose of this article, this would be in the San Juan section, but Mount Elbert is really in the Sawatch Range. Season: Best to hike in summer. If you arent cozy pooping in a bag and packing it out, stay home. SIGN UP: Free daily newsletter + 20% off in the OTC gear shop, Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. South Colony Lakes holds a special place in my heart. Hike to the top of Colorado with this tough hike. 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. Pro Tip: If youre into hiking up peaks, this trailhead offers access to some of the best 13ers in Colorado. This is a must-do in the San Juans if you are up for a challenging hike. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. In the spring, you may spot wildflowers like columbines, and there are a few groves of aspen that give a pop of golden color in the fall. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. Grays and Torreys are so commonly hiked together that many refer to the two 14ers inseparably. The hike to, hits all the highlights in a fairly manageable distance, but the incline isnt easy, so come prepared for a leg-burning climb. 1. Most trails are suitable for beginners, and there are even paved trails for accessible hiking. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. Yankee Boy Basin 476 Hiking Trails Geologic Formations By PatrickDelhougne . From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the, , a flat, wide and easygoing path. You will spot one large waterfall about a mile east of Hasley Basin where the panoramic view also includes the backside of the Maroon Bells. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the Dream Lake Trail. Austin Bluffs Open Space Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, Yellow and pink varieties of wildflowers bloom along the alpine tundra as the creek waters gently tumble. Dogs and fishing are also not allowed. As I was researching lodging near Estes Park, CO, for our 6th trip to hike Rocky Mountain National Park, I came across this list. Once over your second pass, you get a bit of a respite on the, , which traverses a wide, high-altitude basin that is carpeted in wildflowers in season. Dont forget to bring your camera! The descent can be quite dangerous, watch out for loose rocks. Your body needs to acclimate to a higher elevation. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. Colorado Springs also has a great number of hikes close to town and is under the shadow of Pikes Peak, a 14er. Photo: Jeff Richards. Due to the popularity of the hike, you must have a permit to hike the trail between May and October. For more information please visit the RNMP website. Location: I-70 corridor, a little under 3-hour drive from Denver. The colors of summer grace hikers along Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes. During the summer of 2021 there is a permit system to enter RMNP. Where should I hike in Colorado? Distance: 5.1 milesElevation gain: 885 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Due to the high exposure of this hike, be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes with you, all year round! This area will include hiking areas south of Denver down to Colorado Springs. Photo Credit: James Harris Photography, While exploring American Basin, add Sloan Lake to your bucket list. Pictures don't do the lakes justice. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. Hikers may opt for the trail or service road (shorter) to reach the lakes. From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. It is very important to be off of the summit in the early afternoon to prevent exposure to thunderstorms. Welcome to some of the mostbrilliantly cobalt blue lakes in Colorado. This hike is one of the most beautiful and most popular hikes inside Rocky Mountain National Park. You will need a park pass and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. She is also known for being a bookworm and owning more running shoes than most people would consider socially acceptable. 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 737-acre city park offers more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. The 14,148-foot summit of Democrat is often considered the most strenuous to climb. That doesnt mean this is an easy undertaking, though, and hikers should come prepared with plenty of food, water and extra clothing as hiking any 14er in Colorado involves some degree of risk due to elevation, weather and exposure. ROYAL ARCH TRAIL 1. As the bloom begins, please remember to stay on the trail and do not pick, touch, or trample the wildflowers. or anything. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. Towards the summit there may be a few rocky sections, be on the lookout for loose rocks. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor. 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. Take in the history of the ruins while enjoying the scenery of the mountains and the city of Denver in the distance. Start no later than 2 am. Here comes the big question! Featuring stunning views of the iconic Twin Lakes, this must-do Colorado hiking trail is perfect for newbie hikers and families alike. The round-trip journey clocks in at about 2.1 miles gaining close to 900 feet in elevation. 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. Let me know! Distance: 14 milesElevation gain: 2,444 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Some scrambling required, but nothing too strenuous. 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 have checked the forecast multiple times, and do always bring extra layers as well as a rain jacket. The Royal Arch is a spectacular rock formation that forms an arch. (Photo Credit: Steven Bratman under CC BY-SA). From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. There is a chain link rope to help with the steepest section. 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. Star Dune is the largest of them all. No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best hiking trails in Colorado to suit your needs. Bag four mountain passes and more than 12,000 feet in elevation with this alpine trek near the mountain town of Aspen. Dependent on the seasonal opening of Independence Pass. You can learn more about avalanche forecasting and avalanche safety at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. Error! Treasure Falls, Colorado 81147, USA. Follow the signs to Rogers Pass Lake (pictured), a destination youll encounter just before reaching Heart Lake. This trail is dog-friendly, but dogs are not allowed past this point. When it comes to hikes in Colorado, Chicago Lakes delivers on varied scenery. Peak baggers up for the challenge can also summit Kit Carson and Challenger Point accessed along this same trail. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. Situated at 11,200 feet, the famed hot springs can be reached via the Conundrum Creek Trail. Combine this hike with one of the most scenic drives near Denver for an epic day outside. 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. One can hike all year round in Colorado. 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. Explore one of 1,477 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. Therefore, hikers now have to pay $10 to enter 36 state parks in Colorado including Staunton, Roxborough, Golden Gate Canyon, and Saint Vrain. From there you are only a few hours from incredible hiking destinations! You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. Need 2 get out see the others ! Difficulty: Easy. Check out 306 wheelchair-friendly trails with helpful accessibility guidance. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. To the south, you will have views of Blue Lakes and North Star Mountain across the valley. About 20 minutes outside of Silverton, CO. Location: San Juans. , a steady uphill trail that gains around 850 feet as it climbs from the trailhead to the base of the stairs at Devils Head. Distance: 6.3 milesElevation Gain: 1,755 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dont pick or prance around in the wildflowers. Starting at the Kite Lake Trailhead, the7.6-mile trailgains 3,359 feet of elevation. On the west side, you will spot the famous, , and to the east, White Rock. Photo Credit: James Walton. Micro-spikes can useful when there is snow on the windswept trail. This area will encompass Denver north to Fort Collins with hikes that are accessible from the eastern urban corridor. Thanks for the article! One of the best hikes in Colorado is the iconic Mirror Lake. Dont attempt Longs Peak unless you are an experienced mountain hiker who isnt afraid of exposure to steep drops and knows a thing or two about scrambling. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. Even seasoned mountain hikers will love the glorious views. The 9.1-mile out-and-back trail, which is rated as hard, rewards hikers with incredible views. It's also one of the best spots in the state for capturingfall colors. Distance: 1.8 miles. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to world-class hiking trails. Distance: 5.0 milesElevation Gain: 741 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. Its $25 to enter the park. If you are in the area for this hike, it is worth it to drive to the summit of Mt. , a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. Adding another Colorado 14er combo to the summer bucket list, the Grays and Torreys Trail is packed with both beauty and challenge. Also, try and do this trek after a rain so that the waterfall looks rad. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to take a shuttle from town. Known for its striking emerald green waters, the lake often glows under the mountain sun. REI member since 2018. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. 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. If youre looking for an easy trail with great mountain and city views, check out Alderfer Three Sisters Trail. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). Its rugged and long and is only hike on this list that requires a helmet. Nestled in the Indian Peaks Wilderness lies the wow-worthy granite spectacle. Additional resources for planning a hiking trip to Colorado. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. The trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, which is tucked under the rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop. Micro-spikes and snowshoes can be necessary during the winter months (October-April). : Estes Park, CO, in Rocky Mountain National Park, 50 miles northwest of Boulder, : A tour of three picturesque lakes in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, With more than 300 miles of trails and some of the best-known scenery in the state, Rocky Mountain National Park is a well-loved hiking destination for locals and visitors alike. Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Local Tip: If youre. A natural wonder of Rocky Mountain National Park, the 9.4-mile out-and-back trek to Chasm Lake features granite summits, a rushing waterfall, and alpine meadows. If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area. Even for such a short distance, expect this hike to take 3-4 hours. Be Nice. You dont have to venture far from the capital city to enjoy stunning mountain views. 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