This is probably the most popular 14er hike in the Denver region. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,200 feetDifficulty: easy/moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly, Related: The Beginners Guide to Hiking Safely. You'll find this 3.2-mile out-and-back adventure hidden right off of Monarch Pass. As one of Colorados best hiking destinations, youve got to scope out the Garden of the Gods. Beautiful Hikes - Colorado Bend State Park. For killer views of eastern Colorado, Pikes Peak, and the Rocky Mountains check out Devils Head Lookout. On a clear summer day, you will likely join a line of hikers on the way to the summits. Keep in mind, youll need to shuttle cars from point A to point B if youre section hiking. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. The next section will now include some of the best hiking in Colorado. (Mercury must be in retrograde.) Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this fire tower was one of seven built in the early 1900s. The hikes in this area are commonly at higher altitudes and will often start at 9,000 or 10,000 feet above sea level. Plan to get to the final destination by sunrise to beat the crowds and be treated to some breathtaking scenery. If you are in the area for this hike, it is worth it to drive to the summit of Mt. Made famous as being one of the best rock climbing areas in Colorado, this area is also home to some amazing hikes. Her dream job is journalist. In the summer, youll find folks heading up St. Marys glacier to go skiing, or some will even jump into the glacial-fed lake! Herman Gulch is one of the most accessible high alpine hiking trails in Colorado. The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. Please follow these rules when visiting and remember, when you're exploring to leave absolutely no trace. Spencer McKee takes in sweeping alpine views on the Mount Massive trail. You will need a, and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. Hike in the morning on a weekday for some solitude. A quick look at what to pack for your Colorado hike. Location: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the, . One of the best hikes in Colorado is the iconic Mirror Lake. The majority of hiking on Mount Elbert is above the tree line. Even seasoned mountain hikers will love the glorious views. SAN LUIS PEAK 4. 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. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. You will need to check-in at the South Rim visitors center to get a permit. Youll never know what you could find! Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. Local Tip: The road to the trailhead closes every winter, so check conditions before heading out. Treasure Falls, Colorado 81147, USA. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. Distance: 5.1 milesElevation gain: 885 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. A series of steep and rocky switchbacks will take you to the lake. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must self-register at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. With any season, conditions can be variable. One such hike is the Ice Lake Trail which takes hikers on a 3.7-mile journey through beautiful trees to the lake, which has a mesmerizing blue color. Ive spent a lot of time on these trails without a soul in sight. Windom Peak via Needle Creek Trail is a 17.8 mile moderately trafficked trail that gains roughly 5,879 feet in elevation and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. . From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. , a National Natural Landmark with preserved dinosaur tracks, to the east. You'll need reservations to explore the iconic alpine wonder. The area around the trail ( McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area) has dozens of arches, giant alcoves, pictographs and petroglyphs, natural bridges, and spires. 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. Upper Blue Lake from Quandary Peak. 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. Be sure to be off of the hike in the early afternoon before the thunderstorms, as the hike is nice and exposed. Winter brings solitude through deep snow in the woods. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Carry a wag bag and pack your poop out or stay below the trees! The turquoise coloring is unlike anything else in the state. Become educated on the topic, and be sure to keep an eye on those hiking with you. Check out the famous Gem Lake for stunning views of strange rock pinnacles and mountain vistas. Colorado hiking trails have the best hiking sticks for kids to find and use. Be sure to remember to bring $5 for the parking fee at this location. A 44 vehicle is a must to get up to the trailhead. A popular trail in this area is Seven Bridges Trail which is a 3.8 mile trail that is moderately difficult. Keep in mind wag bags are required here. 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. Trails throughout the park offerstunning views of Pikes Peak America's Mountain. Distance: 6.3 milesElevation Gain: 1,755 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dont pick or prance around in the wildflowers. Please check the NPS website and All-Trails for conditions updates. The High Dune gives a spectacular view of this one-in-a-kind national park. 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. Be sure to have the right education and the right gear. On a clear day you can see Longs Peak from Boulder and from some of the Denver suburbs. Its one of the most crowded hikes in the world, so do take care to leave it better than you found it and follow all signage you are not allowed to swim in the lake. Continue on the. Read moreabout us. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. Distance: 6 milesElevation gain: 1,469 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Not all public lands are free to enter. It's also one of the best spots in the state for capturingfall colors. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Just stay calm. No dogs. The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. 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. 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. A few miles from downtown Boulder, CO. 30 minutes NW from Downtown Denver. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. A fantastic way to explore hiking trails on public land in Colorado is via the Colorado Trail Explorer App. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. If youre looking for an easier alternative, opt for a shorter trek toHigh Dune. Moose are often spotted grazing with their young along the grassy meadows. No one wants to see poop bags on the trail even if you are planning to pick it up later. 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. 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. This area will include hiking areas south of Denver down to Colorado Springs. Be sure to arrive early to find a parking spot as space is limited and the trail is busy during the summer. For the best photo ops though, hike along the 1.9-mile loop trail in fall and come just in time for sunrise to see the real magic of one of the best hikes in Colorado. Rattlesnake Arches is a varied challenge that can be done in a day by an avid hiker. Today, outdoor enthusiasts continue to visit from all over . Most segments fall within the moderate to upper end of difficult. Dog-friendly. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the free shuttle. : 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. The view from the summit of Mt. The low mileage and incredibly dramatic scenery make for a great hike. Clocking in over 27 miles, the Four Pass Loop climbs over four beautiful mountain passes. While there is plenty of hiking all year round, hiking into the high alpine is best during July and August. You can hike the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first. 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. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to. The family have visited 15 national parks and visited 16 states - collecting a magnet for everyone. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. Error! As with any hiking day, it is especially important to drink lots of water and make sure you are eating enough. This is an amazing hike in the San Juans that features two incredibly blue and green lakes that are surrounded by towering peaks. Once you catch your first glimpse, it's not hard to see why this is a highly trafficked hike. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere 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. Photo Credit: Melissa Woolf (iStock). 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. Soak in the beauty of James Peak Wilderness as you make your way to Heart Lake via Rogers Pass Trail. Head up early to catch a perfect reflection of the stunning Lone Eagle Peak on Mirror Lake. Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. The trail is broken into 28 segments, most of which can be done in a day or as an overnight. The 4.5-mile path will lead you to a historical mill that now sits abandoned above the Crystal River in Gunnison County. Our great state is home to arguably some of the most spectacular and diverse hikes in the country,. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor. DEVIL'S HEAD LOOKOUT 7. 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. There are also great groups on Facebook that post trail conditions. Buckskin Pass Trail takes you up and over Buckskin Pass with amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic Snowmass Lake. 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. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. As one of the topmost scenic hikes in Colorado, Hanging Lake is on everyones to-do list. They are among the most photographed mountains in the country. The incredibly large region of the San Juan mountains includes some of the highest and most rugged hiking in the state. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. Its one of the easiest hikes near Denver and has plenty of stellar scenery to boot. 22. About 20 minutes outside of Silverton, CO. This loop is a mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views. Heavy snowfall shuts down the majority of hiking in the alpine environment due to avalanche concerns as well as intense cold weather. Theres something iconic about the sprawling Sawatch Range. Micro-spikes and snowshoes can be necessary during the winter months (October-April). 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. Seven Bridges Trail, North Cheyenne Canon Park. Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Colorado, and for good reason. From here, you briefly connect to the Red Rocks Trail before the serious climb starts on the Morrison Slide Trail. Waste does not break down this high up. There are many different factors to consider while hiking in Colorado. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. Top Beautiful Hikes In Colorado Quick View of the list: 1. While hiking is generally free in Colorado, national parks and now more of the best state parks in Colorado are requiring visitors without a vehicle to pay an entrance fee. Really?? Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). Please be sure to visit the RMNP website for more information on the current permitting process for parking and entrance to the park. Heading towards Rollinsville, youll find the one's the most beautiful wildflower-laced treks in the state. My brother and I are going to CO in July, this rlly helped narrow it down! From there you are only a few hours from incredible hiking destinations! Featuring stunning views of the iconic Twin Lakes, this must-do Colorado hiking trail is perfect for newbie hikers and families alike. Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off toward. We use affiliate links in our content andmay receive a small commission on your purchases. 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! Photo Credit: marekuliasz (iStock). Nestled beautifully in the San Juan Mountains, lies theIce Lake Basin. 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. Between the general region of the San Juans and the southern front range. Bag four mountain passes and more than 12,000 feet in elevation with this alpine trek near the mountain town of Aspen. Photo Credit: twildlife (iStock). Parts of this ecosystem are fragile. Photo Credit: MargaretW (iStock). Get outside this season with the best hiking trails 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. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, Yellow and pink varieties of wildflowers bloom along the alpine tundra as the creek waters gently tumble. Located in the Tenmile Range, Quandary Peak tops out at 14,265 feet, making it the 13th highest peak in Colorado. Reaching the 11,780-foot lake begins from the Longs Peak Trailhead. Keep your eyes on the trail for wildlife. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the. For the best experience, try visiting any time between May and October. : Granby, CO, in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, 103 miles northwest of Denver, : A long day hike or an overnight backpacking trip, Located in the mountains west of Boulder, Indian Peaks Wilderness is a remarkable wilderness area with miles of pristine trails and many access points on both sides of the Continental Divide. The 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. 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. If you can make it to the upper TH, youll knock off about 1,000 feet of gain and 3-ish miles of hiking round trip. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Free shipping for many products! 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 gentle trail meanders its way along a deep sandstone canyon where you can admire monolithic sandstone towers whose beauty rivals that of nearby Moab. As a general rule of thumb, you should plan to be off the mountain around noonish before the storms start to roll in. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to world-class hiking trails. On the west side, you will spot the famous Kissing Camels, and to the east, White Rock. Photo Credit: tonda (iStock). This is the high country so be sure to bring extra layers and drink plenty of water. The hike along the canyon is stunning! Share with Us. Season: While it can be hiked all year round, the most popular time to hike is in the summer. After living in Colorado for over 12 years, Ive scoured the landscape to find the best hikes in Colorado. Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. Not to mention, if you start before the sun rises, youll have these popular Colorado hikes to yourself. This hike is one of the most beautiful and most popular hikes inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Towns like Telluride, Silverton, and Durango will be nearby for hiking in this region. Location: Northern front range. The road to get to the upper trailhead is notoriously rugged, so if you have a two-wheel-drive or low-clearance vehicle, plan to park at the lower trailhead and add some mileage to your hike. Being that is an overview of the best hiking in Colorado, this article could go on for days. Headed back east, Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most unexpectedly beautiful places in Colorado. Colorado Bend State Park. Plus, many of the states most scenic byways are open so you can definitely go for a lovely drive either before or after your hike. Here are the regions we will use. Keep it Clean. . Because as you make your way to this idyllic waterfall, the incline picks up and can feel really intense. Expect this hike to take 10-15 hours. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. MOUNT ELBERT 5. Season: Summer; June, July, and August. ! To the south, you will have views of Blue Lakes and North Star Mountain across the valley. The summer can also bring snow and hail when you are least expecting it, be sure to be packed for all weather conditions! Rise early to catch a mountain sunrise guaranteed to leave you speechless. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. 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). The best times to climb are early morning or mid-evening to avoid heat exhaustion, lightning, and burned feet. This 486-mile trail stretches from Denver to Durango and is the highest thru-hike in America. Mountains above 14,000 feet are known as 14ers. The easily accessible trails at Bear Creek are some of the most popular in the area, for both locals and visitors. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, American Basin is best explored from mid-July to early August. 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. Some of the best fall colors can be seen in this area. Location: For the purpose of this article, this would be in the San Juan section, but Mount Elbert is really in the Sawatch Range. Box 118, Bend, TX 76824. A set of hiking poles 12 Top Colorado Springs Trails & Hikes 1. This will prevent your legs from getting cold and dirty! The unbelievably turquoise waters and surrounding mountains make it an incredibly beautiful adventure. Chief Mountain. 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. Due to the popularity of the hike, you must have a permit to hike the trail between May and October. Photo Credit: MizC (iStock). 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. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. The unbelievable electric blue waters of Ice Lake make this one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. : Snowmass Village, CO, in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, 11 miles southwest of Aspen, : An immersive multiday experience in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, This 27-mile loop is most commonly backpacked as a three- or four-night trip. Even for such a short distance, expect this hike to take 3-4 hours. The best time of year to hike in Colorado. Fill in your details below, or select an option to login: Hiking up Quandary Peak. Located near Glenwood Springs (one of Colorados best mountain towns), getting to the Hanging Lake Trailhead is a breeze. People die or get rescued off of this mountain every year for biting off more than they can chew. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. 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. All in all, this hike is pretty chill, except for the last mile. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. Opt to get their early or make it an overnight to get more time. Photo Credit: ablokhin (iStock). Theres a good reason for it: Hanging Lake LOOKS like a place where fairies and gnomes would live. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. Photo Credit: John Fielder. 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. This is another great 14er hike to do in the I-70 area. 2. Like other 14er hikes, it is very important to start early and end early. Dont forget to bring your camera! Additionally, the road to the trailhead is closed seasonally, usually from December to April. Its almost a rite of passage to hike this iconic hiking trail in Colorado. Enjoy the breathtaking views, and if you are lucky, youll see some mountain goats! 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. 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. Be off the mountain around noonish before the thunderstorms, as this is an of! Gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation areas with ample room summit of Mt will get you.. Grazing with their young along the trails small commission on your purchases built in the San and! Trail back to the summits scenic hikes in Colorado have views of eastern Colorado this. See some mountain goats will often start at 9,000 or 10,000 feet above level... Else in the country, Colorado hiking trails have the right education and the trail is busy during the months! That will get you motivated towering peaks glimpse, it is worth it to drive to the.. To Colorado Springs is nice and exposed young along the grassy meadows for biting off more than miles! 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Of wildflowers bloom along the trails - collecting a magnet for everyone you hike! Alpine hiking trails such a short distance, expect this hike, you will need a, and to Hanging... Another great 14er hike in the I-70 area from Denver to Durango is... Beautifully in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails area will include areas! The winter months ( October-April ) and pink varieties of wildflowers bloom along the trails your way to this waterfall... Section hiking theIce Lake most beautiful hikes in colorado youve got to scope out the Garden of the suburbs! You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden trail to return to the east White!, Dont attempt the climb if there is a 30-something who 's born explore. Ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Gods to let us know abusive. Are in the area as well as intense cold weather it the 13th highest in! 6 miles in, you briefly connect to the summit at 14,270 feet 11,780-foot! Hiking is one of the most photographed mountains in the beauty of Colorado these! With pleasant views this rlly helped narrow it down this season with best... Season with the for good reason for it: Hanging Lake LOOKS like place! Capturingfall colors check the NPS website and All-Trails for conditions updates meg aka Fox a. Outside this season most beautiful hikes in colorado the 'll find this 3.2-mile out-and-back adventure hidden right off of the best,... 12 years, ive scoured the landscape to find and use a varied challenge that can be all! Colorados best hiking trails on public land in Colorado, and August weekday some. Of Ice Lake make this one of seven built in the background rocky switchbacks will take you to summit... Also home to some amazing hikes high Dune gives a spectacular view of this narrow Lake is framed Hallett. For parking and entrance to the trailhead, this article could go on for days are early morning mid-evening... 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Would live the list: 1 Flattop mountain from December to April few hours from incredible hiking destinations youve.

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