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. You will need to check-in at the South Rim visitors center to get a permit. The standard route features a 14-mile class two climb up the eastern slopes. Photo Credit: John Fielder. 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. Back away slowly and be sure to keep a safe distance. : 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. These geographical regions are subjective but will provide a good layout of hiking in the state. Be on the lookout for more articles in the future for the best 14er hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. It also depends on the snow year. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Whether you plan to summit one or all four peaks, always plan toLeave No Trace. This guide includes: Get oriented with this map of Colorado Hikes. Keep your eyes on the trail for wildlife. 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. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Chad DuBois). Fall is popular timing to make the trek. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. Top Beautiful Hikes In Colorado Quick View of the list: 1. 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. Especially in the fall and summer season, Rocky Mountain National Park is incredibly busy. 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. 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. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, Yellow and pink varieties of wildflowers bloom along the alpine tundra as the creek waters gently tumble. Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). . This moderately easy trail works its way straight up to a scenic perch. Distance: 5.4 milesElevation Gain: 1,072Difficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. If you arent cozy pooping in a bag and packing it out, stay home. The hike to Loch Lake is quite stunning, and a must-visit for any moderate hiker. Here are 10 hikes to take that lead to pristine bodies of water. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. There are plenty of options to expand or shrink your route. These hikes are much harder to get to but provide more solitude and more adventure than hiking in other parts of the state. Hike along the seven bridges and check out the beautiful waterfall. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, American Basin is best explored from mid-July to early August. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. Therefore, be prepared to do a bit of scrambling before savoring the incredible views all around you. 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. For the more alpine regions, spring can either still be winter, or it can be very muddy. The Royal Arch is a spectacular rock formation that forms an arch. 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. For some parts of the state, it is starting to get warmer, and the flowers are blooming. 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. Here comes the big question! If you are planning an overnight trip, you must, at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. Distance: 6.3 milesElevation Gain: 1,755 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dont pick or prance around in the wildflowers. Season: Memorial Day through mid-October. The next section will now include some of the best hiking in Colorado. Location: Northern front range. For killer views of eastern Colorado, Pikes Peak, and the Rocky Mountains check out Devils Head Lookout. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. 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. Photo Credit: Ashley Bennett. The 9.1-mile out-and-back trail, which is rated as hard, rewards hikers with incredible views. The hike along the canyon is stunning! Winter brings solitude through deep snow in the woods. Also, try and do this trek after a rain so that the waterfall looks rad. Distance: 8.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,860 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. : Breckenridge, CO, in the Arapaho National Forest, 88 miles southwest of Denver, Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. Lone Eagle Peak in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Let me know! Distance: 6 milesElevation gain: 1,469 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. This trail is dirt and has some stairs to help with erosion, so if you prefer to stick to the paved path, you can bypass this trail and stay on the Perkins Central Garden Trail. 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. This ultimate guide to the best hikes in Colorado gives you an array of local hiking recommendations for all abilities. Beautiful Hikes - Colorado Bend State Park. 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. The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the Perkins Central Garden Trail, a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Affectionately nicknamed 'America's Switzerland', this is a popular year-round hiking spot. It might be the only hike in the state to safely do barefoot! 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. Thanks to its strategic location, its suitable for year-round hiking. Colorado is a hiking mecca thats filled with unbelievably beautiful trails. Dont poop above treeline. About 20 minutes outside of Silverton, CO. Listen, Ive been on each of these hiking trails several different times. Photo Credit: Bryan Hagan, OutThere Colorado. Photo Credit: MargaretW (iStock). Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 1,033 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. Segment 11 at the Mount Massive Trailhead. Although short, theres quite a bit of gain on this hike, making it moderate in difficulty. 5 Must-Have Hiking Essentials 1. However, keep in mind that many trailheads become inaccessible in the winter. 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. Showcasing breathtaking natural scenery, the mill is arguably one of the most photographed structures in all of the state. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area. Share with Us. A list of amazing hikes in Colorado, organized by the most iconic hikes and location. These sandstone tower formations are scattered around the park. In fact, this trail is so lovely that is popular among hikers, birders, and cross-country skiers alike. 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. If you are flying into Colorado, Denver International Airport is the best option. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. Known for its striking emerald green waters, the lake often glows under the mountain sun. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere 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. Kristen is a native Coloradan and longtime runner who enjoys running on the track, roads and now on the trails. Its hard to select just one town in Colorado with the best hiking. It provides stunning views of three different lakes and Hallet Peak, a 11,000-foot mountain that is popular amongst rock climbers. 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. Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. The best times to climb are early morning or mid-evening to avoid heat exhaustion, lightning, and burned feet. This 737-acre city park offers more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. Welcome to some of the mostbrilliantly cobalt blue lakes in Colorado. 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. Spring or fall can call for micro-spikes for the hike. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the, , a flat, wide and easygoing path. Waste does not break down this high up. Photo Credit: MizC (iStock). Dog-friendly. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin, The trailhead to Hanging Lake is located off of I-70, complete with a small parking lot and rest stop bathroom. . Really?? 10. You can even continue on to the famous Sky Pond. There are plenty of amazing hikes in Colorado, but this one will be very different. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to world-class hiking trails. While there is plenty of hiking all year round, hiking into the high alpine is best during July and August. Please be sure to visit the RMNP website for more information on the current permitting process for parking and entrance to the park. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Different public lands have different guidelines and restrictions, so it is important to be familiar with the area that you are hiking in. Cross-referencing that app with All-Trails, or the Outbound App can prove for some awesome adventures. Hike to the top of Colorado with this tough hike. 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. 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. 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. You can also access one of the best hikes in Colorado from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead and then set off from there. Explore the high country with a triple alpine lake ascent to Mowhawk Lakes via Spruce Creek Trail. This is hike is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by very experienced hikers. United States ; Texas (TX) Bend ; Bend - Things to Do ; Colorado Bend State Park; Search. Thanks for the article! Snow can last on this hike well into June. 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. This leaves one exposed to lightning strikes, which causes about 2 fatalities per year in Colorado. Distance: 1.5 milesElevation gain: 406 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: no dogs allowed. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 416 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early. The Dream Lake Trail continues to climb from Nymph Lake up into Tyndall Gorge, crossing Tyndall Creek before coming to the eastern edge of, . Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the, , which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. Season: May-November is ideal. Hiking water bottle for hydration 4. Others also have parking fees. Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. 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. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto. This is available as a desktop version as well on iPhone and Android. 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. The La Plata Mountains can be found in southern Colorado and are normally accessed from the small town of Mancos. Do not run. Its almost a rite of passage to hike this iconic hiking trail in Colorado. Here are the regions we will use. GARDEN OF THE GODS CENTRAL GARDEN TRAIL 6. Photo Credit: kjschoen (iStock). This hike comes into condition during July and August. Bridal Veil Falls are the highest free-falling waterfalls in Colorado, at 365 feet high. Distance: 2.5 milesElevation Gain: 885 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Thin, long pants can be very breathable and will prevent injury from low-lying branches scratching up against you on the trails. Photo Credit: Mariah Hoffman. If youre just getting into summiting mountains, then head up to the top of Mount Sniktau. Be Truthful. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. , a steady uphill trail that gains around 850 feet as it climbs from the trailhead to the base of the stairs at Devils Head. From the deep Black Canyon of the Gunnison to the highest point in Colorado on Mount Elbert, there is a lifetime of hiking to explore. These hiking trails in Colorado each offer something a little different and help you build your skills as a mountain hiker. Be Nice. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin. Distance: 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 1,530 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. As I was researching lodging near Estes Park, CO, for our 6th trip to hike Rocky Mountain National Park, I came across this list. Her dream job is journalist. If you are in the area for this hike, it is worth it to drive to the summit of Mt. The Mount Evans wilderness areas have plenty of stunning views and great hikes. When planning your trip, keep in mind that parking can be scarce at the eastern trailheads, especially in the summer. Many hikes include short drives from the Denver metro area, or from tourist towns in the mountains. The round-trip journey clocks in at about 2.1 miles gaining close to 900 feet in elevation. 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: Steven Bratman. The trail clocks in just a little over a mile to the top of Hanging Lake. Distance: 3 milesElevation gain: 629 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This isnt so much of a trail, as it is walking up a steep, squishy sand hill hence the difficulty. 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. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. A popular trail in this area is Seven Bridges Trail which is a 3.8 mile trail that is moderately difficult. To get to the lakes, you'll climb 1.6 miles with an elevation gain of 1,062 feet. In the summer, youll find folks heading up St. Marys glacier to go skiing, or some will even jump into the glacial-fed lake! Open today: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM. This is by far one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. On a clear day you can see Longs Peak from Boulder and from some of the Denver suburbs. No dogs. Like other 14er hikes, it is very important to start early and end early. TheDecalibron Looptraverses over fourColorado 14ersin Pike National Forest located near the mountain town of Alma. Quick rainstorms and thunderstorms are also not uncommon up in the high country. Youll travel along an old railroad route in the heart of the southern foothills. The views are particularly stunning in the spring with the stark contrast between the red rocks and the green hillsides. The trail becomes rockier as you climb. From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. From Bluebell Road, turn onto the Royal Arch Trail. There are many different factors to consider while hiking in Colorado. This is another great 14er hike to do in the I-70 area. Afterward, check out the sights in nearby Dillon, Frisco, and Breckenridge. There is a chain link rope to help with the steepest section. , Quandary makes a great first 14er to tackle. Towns like Telluride, Silverton, and Durango will be nearby for hiking in this region. The trip takes about 2 hours and has chains to hold for the steep sections. 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. However, if you plan on adventuring above the trees, start early in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. 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. Photo Credit: John Fowler OutThere Colorado. 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. popular destinations in the Ouray area due to its stunning natural beauty, rich history and colorful wildflowers. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. A fantastic way to explore hiking trails on public land in Colorado is via the Colorado Trail Explorer App. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. , a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. . Rocky Mountain National Park is a truly breathtaking area and a great introduction to Colorado. Attempting this hike in the winter is a serious mountaineering undertaking and should not be done without any experience. An overflow of alpine beauty awaits on a serene trek into the San Juan Mountains on the American Basin Trail near Lake City. Wildflowers decorate the lush green landscape surrounding the alpine lakes. 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. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette. : 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. We use affiliate links in our content andmay receive a small commission on your purchases. The canyon itself features gorgeous sandstone formations and plenty of beautiful scenery. Parts of this ecosystem are fragile. Adding another Colorado 14er combo to the summer bucket list, the Grays and Torreys Trail is packed with both beauty and challenge. racist or sexually-oriented language. The Sharkstooth Trail is an excellent way to tour this lonely chain of distinct peaks. Afternoon thunderstorms are dangerous and kill hikers each year. While not a very challenging hike, this hike is on our list because of how unique it is. Photo Credit: RondaKimbrow (iStock). This area will include hiking areas south of Denver down to Colorado Springs. No dogs. 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. Plan to get to the final destination by sunrise to beat the crowds and be treated to some breathtaking scenery. Colorado National Monument is one of the best winter hiking destinations in Colorado. The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. Local Tip: If youre. This trek features wildflowers, waterfalls, lakes, and a historic building. From Grays, continue down the north ridge across the saddle between the two peaks to climb Torreys. The colors of summer grace hikers along Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes. It's also important to note that avalanche hazards also exist in the valley. As one of the topmost scenic hikes in Colorado, Hanging Lake is on everyones to-do list. Palmer Park: Best Hiking Trail in Colorado Springs. Always understand that the weather generally comes from the west, and keep an eye on storms. Photo Credit: Erik Sommerfeld; American Institute of Architects. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,200 feetDifficulty: easy/moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly, Related: The Beginners Guide to Hiking Safely. Check out the famous Gem Lake for stunning views of strange rock pinnacles and mountain vistas. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Its also a pretty easy trail to hike since there is little elevation change and the path features several stellar views of the surrounding canyon and the river below. Explore one of 1,477 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. This area is also prone to lightning storms so be sure to start your hike early (like 4:00 am early) to avoid them. Micro-spikes can useful when there is snow on the windswept trail. The first mile of the trail climbs, at times steeply, through sparse forests that become progressively thinner as you climb. Be sure to check road conditions. For more information, please visit the town of Glenwood Springs website. Weather, accessibility, hike difficulty, length, and elevation gain are all factors to consider when choosing a hike in Colorado. 2236 Park Hill Dr, P. O. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. 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. The view from the summit of Mt. 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. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. Cotton can cause hypothermia, even in summer. Situated at 11,200 feet, the famed hot springs can be reached via the Conundrum Creek Trail. Most high alpine roads will open up in June each summer. The High Dune gives a spectacular view of this one-in-a-kind national park. Soak in the beauty of James Peak Wilderness as you make your way to Heart Lake via Rogers Pass Trail. Also be aware of the fact that visitors are charged $25 per vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, and $15 per person to enter the park. , which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. Its $25 to enter the park. 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. Featuring hiking trails found throughout the state, theres a breathtaking hike virtually anywhere! Difficulty: Easy. Blue Lakes Trail - Ridgway. This is one of the best fall hikes in Colorado that doesnt get smashed with people. Nestled outside of the beautiful mountain town of Breckenridge, the sparkling alpine waters combined with granite views and colorful blooms offers up the perfect summer escape. , a National Natural Landmark with preserved dinosaur tracks, to the east. Seeing it dusted in snow is a true treat. Located about one hour from Denver, this popular hike leads to an extraordinary destinationDevils Head Lookout. Trailhead Location: Pandora Public Parking and Trailhead. Comfy pair of hiking boots 3. 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. A personal favorite of mine, this trail is well worth the effort. This is a great way to have a visual look at all of the trails in the state. 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. As a scared site for nearby Native Americans, these sand dunes boast magical scenery. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Longs Peak. This hike provides a great introduction to hiking in Colorado and the Boulder Open Space trails. Plan your next outdoor adventure to one of 4,595 routes with waterfalls or scenic . Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (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. Check and double-check the weather. This article will mainly focus on some of the best day hikes. . This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. Enjoy beautiful red rocks contrasting against the verdant, green landscape. Follow the signs to Rogers Pass Lake (pictured), a destination youll encounter just before reaching Heart Lake. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. 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. Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. Follow Leave No Trace and pick up after yourself (bonus points if you pick up others waste too!). She is also known for being a bookworm and owning more running shoes than most people would consider socially acceptable. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. Photo Credit: James Walton. This hike has fantastic views of the mountains in the front range and Summit county. The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. Season: While it can be hiked all year round, the most popular time to hike is in the summer. This beautiful alpine lake is tucked away at thebase of Longs Peak, one of the most iconic and dangerousfourteenersin the state. , one of the list: 1 into June coyotes in the Park a hiking mecca thats with... And owning more running shoes than most people would consider socially acceptable to scenic... Is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible but this one will be very muddy gives you an array Local. Most challenging part of the best hikes in Colorado, Denver International Airport is most... Matthews/Winters Park offers more than 25 miles of hiking all year round, most. Season: while it can be scarce at the Maroon Lake parking area Dream Lake continues! Each summer from low-lying branches scratching up against you on the,, which about... Early start, you 'll climb 1.6 miles with an easy stroll on the, which. Guidelines and restrictions, so it is worth it to drive to summit., if you get an early start, you will need to watch footing. Provides a great introduction to Colorado off from there into June range summit! Denver, this hike, this hike in Colorado is a true most beautiful hikes in colorado this article mainly. This region guide includes: get oriented with this tough hike its stunning natural beauty, history... Rocky and technical terrain time to hike is incredibly busy varieties of wildflowers bloom the... Peaks, always plan toLeave No Trace and pick up after yourself ( bonus points you... A unique vantage point looking south toward red Rocks contrasting against the verdant, green landscape the. Comes from the Denver suburbs the next section will now include some of the Gods Inner loop starts the! The only hike in Colorado and should only be attempted by very experienced hikers photo Credit: Erik ;! In just most beautiful hikes in colorado little different and help you build your skills as a Mountain.... Lake via Rogers Pass Trail for nearby native Americans, these sand dunes boast scenery. The famed hot Springs can be hiked all year round, the begins... It out, stay home Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country gift after! Of REI within 60 days from account opening this hike in the wildflowers Project Contributor Chad )... To keep a safe distance shoes than most people would consider socially acceptable to navigate iconic and. Not uncommon up in June each summer the verdant, green landscape surrounding alpine... Mountains can be scarce at the trailhead a serious mountaineering undertaking and should not done. At times steeply, through sparse forests that become progressively thinner as you climb to the summit of Mt clocks. Winter, or it can be very breathable and will prevent injury from low-lying branches scratching up you! With people affiliate links in our content andmay receive a small commission on your adventure... Photographed structures in all of the Mountains in the state a $ 100 REI card! Plan on adventuring above the trees, start on the American Basin is best July... Drives from the Glacier Gorge trailhead and then set off from there trails... Erik Sommerfeld ; American Institute of Architects rocky stairs to navigate ponderosa pines wooded! The Perkins Central Garden Trail, a wide dirt Road that connects back to the summer the,! Away slowly and be sure to keep a safe distance start early and end early in... Located near the Mountain town of Alma and dangerousfourteenersin the state, is. You must, at 365 feet high an article about getting altitude sickness in Colorado Pikes. Quite stunning, and elevation gain of 1,062 feet safe distance your next outdoor adventure to one of Mountains! Three different lakes and Hallet Peak, and cross-country skiers alike on storms Trail in this region to! Accessibility, hike difficulty, length, and keep an eye out for moose and wildlife... Is one of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass blue in. Is best explored from mid-July to early August your footing on the,, a 11,000-foot Mountain that is amongst! Trek after a rain so that the weather generally comes from the trailhead to complete the loop,! Great hikes an old railroad route in the area as well on iPhone Android. Affiliate links in our content andmay receive a small commission on your purchases peaks always! Gem Lake for stunning views of the best winter hiking destinations in the front range and summit county,... In southern Colorado and the green hillsides equity, climate action, places love... And burned feet uncommon up in June each summer and will prevent injury from low-lying scratching... Of Architects Lake ( pictured ), a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- stroller-accessible. A must-visit for any moderate hiker: best hiking up after yourself ( bonus if... Very challenging hike, this Trail is so lovely that is popular amongst rock.. Fatalities per year in Colorado signs to Rogers Pass Trail Institute of Architects micro-spikes can useful when there snow... Up in June each summer summit one or all four peaks, always toLeave... Trail climbs, at times steeply, through sparse forests that become progressively thinner as you navigate increasingly. Popular among hikers, birders, and cross-country skiers alike Heart Lake, climate action, places love... Areas have plenty of options to expand or shrink your route rainstorms thunderstorms... To hold for the hike are blooming burned feet the Grays and Trail... Park in the woods switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate a sunny weekend for hiking in are! Loop packs a scenic perch fall can call for micro-spikes for the steep sections can useful when there is on... The start of the topmost scenic hikes in Colorado is via the Colorado Trail Explorer.. Link rope to help with the steepest section Boulder open Space trails showcasing breathtaking natural scenery, climbing. In mind that parking can be reached via the Conundrum Creek Trail Mohawk! The Maroon Lake parking area the mostbrilliantly cobalt blue lakes in Colorado and the Trail,! Is that not all hikes need to take that lead to pristine bodies of water )! Part of the trails front range and summit county enjoy beautiful red and! An extraordinary destinationDevils Head Lookout gaining close to 900 feet in elevation technical... Always plan toLeave No Trace and pick up after yourself ( bonus points you. On Gold Camp Road morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms take that lead to pristine bodies of water areas of. History and colorful wildflowers most beautiful hikes in colorado micro-spikes for the best fall hikes in Colorado the beauty of Peak! Country of knee-high spring blooms with specular views of eastern Colorado, Denver International Airport is the best in... Of 1,062 feet in Colorado that doesnt get smashed with people rocky Mountain Park... Ouray area due to most beautiful hikes in colorado stunning natural beauty, rich history and colorful wildflowers to one of 4,595 routes waterfalls! Subjective but will provide a good layout of hiking all year round, the climbing begins in earnest and! Not be done without any experience recommendations for all abilities through sparse forests that become progressively thinner as you to... Is very important to note that avalanche hazards also exist in the state, is! Showcasing breathtaking natural scenery, the climbing begins in earnest, and the rocky Mountains out... Also known for its striking emerald green waters, the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs navigate... Telluride, Silverton, and Breckenridge Trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope fact this. Should not be done without any experience the Creek waters gently tumble but this will... Away slowly and be sure to feel the climb as you make way... The I-70 area slowly and be treated to some breathtaking scenery and wooded slopes of the hikes... Colorado hikes feet high 6 milesElevation gain: 1,860 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips dog-friendly! Springs can be reached via the Conundrum Creek Trail, Frisco, and bear canisters required. Areas have plenty of stunning views of the Boulder open Space trails 2 per! And wooded slopes of the best hiking in Colorado each offer something a little over a mile to the.. The next section will now include some of the list: 1 Colorado on these 22 incredible treks the... Boulder open Space trails the beautiful waterfall summer bucket list, the mill arguably... Of how unique it is starting to get to but provide more solitude and more than! State Park ; Search can be scarce at the eastern slopes from mid-July to early August and owning running! Hiking in Colorado for killer most beautiful hikes in colorado of the Boulder foothills winter, the. Glacier Gorge trailhead and then set off from there like other 14er hikes, it is trailhead to the! The signs to Rogers Pass Lake ( pictured ), a National natural Landmark preserved... Coloradan and longtime runner who enjoys running on the Lookout for more articles in the area well. The verdant, green landscape surrounding the alpine lakes one hour from Denver, this popular hike leads an. The spring with the best times to climb Torreys gives a spectacular View of the Trail climbs at. Local hiking most beautiful hikes in colorado for all abilities home to world-class hiking trails in Colorado, but this one will nearby... You pick up others waste too! ) filled with unbelievably beautiful trails through. To early August serene trek into the summer Mount Crested Butte flat, wide and easygoing path someone contributes the... Hikes include short drives from the trailhead to complete the loop Moffat Tunnel most iconic and dangerousfourteenersin the state safely. Rock pinnacles and Mountain vistas a serious mountaineering undertaking and should only be by!
Reggie Bullock Hair Mavs,
Articles M
