Youll also experience medium elevation changes as you ascend the loop and see historic buildings created by Henry S. Persse in the early 1900s. Snowshoes can be helpful after heavy snowfall. Upper Blue Lake from Quandary Peak. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. 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. Distance: 6.3 milesElevation Gain: 1,755 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dont pick or prance around in the wildflowers. The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. The first mile of the trail climbs, at times steeply, through sparse forests that become progressively thinner as you climb. This is by far one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. Teens and pre-teens are one of the most sought-after spending crowds, with retailers looking for ways to win their business. Seven Bridges Trail, North Cheyenne Canon Park. Showcasing breathtaking natural scenery, the mill is arguably one of the most photographed structures in all of the state. As with all above-treeline routes, start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and be sure to pack appropriately with food, water, sunscreen and extra layers. Lets start with some common questions about hiking in Colorado. The following hikes are in no particular order and will provide some background information on hike length, difficulty, and accessibility. If you are planning to do the hike as a quick overnight backpacking trip, you will need a permit, and all visitors will need to pay the small fee to park at the Monarch Lake Trailhead. 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. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. A popular trail in this area is Seven Bridges Trail which is a 3.8 mile trail that is moderately difficult. The summer can also bring snow and hail when you are least expecting it, be sure to be packed for all weather conditions! Micro-spikes and snowshoes can be necessary during the winter months (October-April). 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. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. Head up early to catch a perfect reflection of the stunning Lone Eagle Peak on Mirror Lake. Its $25 to enter the park. These hikes are much harder to get to but provide more solitude and more adventure than hiking in other parts of the state. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. Come spring, the trail explodes in color. Known for its striking emerald green waters, the lake often glows under the mountain sun. Its a popular, but challenging, 7.5-mile, out-and-back hike that will take you through the gorgeous, Mount Evans Wilderness area. 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. There is an amazing array of hikes near Denver that make up some of the best hikes in Colorado. No dogs. This ultimate guide to the best hikes in Colorado gives you an array of local hiking recommendations for all abilities. Because as you make your way to this idyllic waterfall, the incline picks up and can feel really intense. Its one of the easiest hikes near Denver and has plenty of stellar scenery to boot. ! During the summer of 2021 there is a permit system to enter RMNP. : Deckers, CO, in Pike National Forest, 45 miles south of Denver, : 360-degree views from a historic fire tower. Fall is popular timing to make the trek. If you are in the area for this hike, it is worth it to drive to the summit of Mt. Please check the NPS website and All-Trails for conditions updates. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. People die or get rescued off of this mountain every year for biting off more than they can chew. 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. 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. Only about a 1-hour drive from downtown Denver. Chief Mountain. : 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. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. Buckskin Pass Trail takes you up and over Buckskin Pass with amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic Snowmass Lake. When planning your trip, keep in mind that parking can be scarce at the eastern trailheads, especially in the summer. It is extremely steep. Hiking water bottle for hydration 4. Ive spent a lot of time on these trails without a soul in sight. Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must self-register at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. , Quandary makes a great first 14er to tackle. With thousands of hikes in Colorado, there is no way all of them can be featured in this article. Located near Glenwood Springs (one of Colorados best mountain towns), getting to the Hanging Lake Trailhead is a breeze. The hike itself is quite moderate, it is steady uphill for most of the hike. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. 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. , a steady uphill trail that gains around 850 feet as it climbs from the trailhead to the base of the stairs at Devils Head. This list encompasses the most scenic hikes in Colorado. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek that gains 2,752 feet in elevation. The natural wonder can be found just below American Peak. The Great Sand Dunes rise almost randomly out of the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. 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. Most visitors enter through the east side of the park near the town of Estes Park. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,200 feetDifficulty: easy/moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly, Related: The Beginners Guide to Hiking Safely. Plan to start your hike early to avoid storms. Youll need special gear, or you can hire a guide for an adventure you wont forget. Photo Credit: SumikoPhoto (iStock). There are plenty of hiking trails for all abilities from the parking lot at Chautauqua. This trail is dog-friendly, but dogs are not allowed past this point. Million dollar highway loop. This is one of the best hikes in Colorado that sits just outside of Boulder meaning that it is only about a 30-minute drive away from Denver. Photo Credit: ablokhin (iStock). This wide and well-traveled trail leads south from Bear Lake through pine and aspen forests before skirting around the northeastern shore of Nymph Lake. There was an error processing your request. As the trailhead is located around 11,000 feet in elevation, the tree coverage is pretty sparse right from the beginning. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation gain: 764 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Location: Start of the I-70 corridor. Do not run. Due to the low level of difficulty and its proximity to Denver, this hike can get very popular. These hiking trails in Colorado each offer something a little different and help you build your skills as a mountain hiker. 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. The journey toChasm Lakeis a must for any hiker seeking the mountain's tranquil beauty. Towards the summit there may be a few rocky sections, be on the lookout for loose rocks. 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. 5 Must-Have Hiking Essentials 1. For more information please visit the RNMP website. Austin Bluffs Open Space If you're up for an early start, colorful sunrises and sunsets can be captured here. You will need a, and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. Summiting 14ers is a summer pastime for plenty of Coloradans, and a trip to Grays or Torreys provides insight into the allure of 14er peak bagging. If youre looking for an easier alternative, opt for a shorter trek toHigh Dune. 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. : 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. You can learn more about avalanche forecasting and avalanche safety at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. 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. This leaves one exposed to lightning strikes, which causes about 2 fatalities per year in Colorado. Season: Memorial Day through mid-October. As a general rule of thumb, you should plan to be off the mountain around noonish before the storms start to roll in. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. The magnificent Maroon bell mountains tower over Maroon lake. Photo Credit: RondaKimbrow (iStock). Distance: 10.3 milesElevation gain: 4,442 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Start early (like 4 am early) to beat afternoon thunderstorms. : Boulder, CO, in Chautauqua Park, 2 miles southwest of downtown Boulder, : A classic hike at the base of the Flatirons, Known as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Boulder could keep you occupied for weeks with its multitude of trails in close vicinity to downtown. You won't be disappointed with this hike; especially if you love the wildflowers. Not to mention, if you start before the sun rises, youll have these popular Colorado hikes to yourself. 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. Longs Peak. From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. up for the challenge, hiking to the bottom of the canyon is possible, but youll need to check in with the rangers at the visitor center first. Photo Credit: kjschoen (iStock). Looking for a bit of a challenge while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park? Photo Credit: kwiktor (iStock). 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. Be sure to check with the local land manager for the most current trail conditions. Photo Credit: tonda (iStock). How many trails have you hiked? 2. 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. 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. Season: All year round. The area around the trail ( McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area) has dozens of arches, giant alcoves, pictographs and petroglyphs, natural bridges, and spires. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. It is recommended to go early in the morning or late in the evening. Theres plenty of parking but if you cant find a spot in the lot, you can pay to park along any of the neighborhood roads. 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. This hike is for experienced hikers only. The views of the Rocky Mountains all come together in this perfect blend of alpine lakes, meadows, and forests. Information on distance, elevation gain, location, difficulty, permit requirements, and dog-friendliness. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 416 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early. While it may be one of the easier hikes on this list, there's certainly no shortage of alpine beauty on the Waterdog Lakes Trail. Fall would be the best time to make this hike. Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes Trail. The round-trip journey clocks in at about 2.1 miles gaining close to 900 feet in elevation. Crystal Mill is every photographer's dream. While you will have to watch your footing on the way back down, the views on the return hike are even more spectacular than on the way up. Keep it Clean. 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. For some parts of the state, it is starting to get warmer, and the flowers are blooming. Permits are required for overnight stays inbackcountry areas of the Conundrum Hot Springs. This hike is mostly on the valley floor, passing multiple lakes on the way to the final pair of the Chicago lakes. Theres something iconic about the sprawling Sawatch Range. Much of this land has developed hiking trails, spanning 12 National Parks, 41 State Parks, and 58 mountains above 14,000 feet. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto. Distance: 5.4 milesElevation Gain: 1,072Difficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Dont underestimate the difficulty of this route. Distance: 14.5 milesElevation gain: 4,911 feetDifficulty: extremely difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is not a hike to be taken lightly. The family have visited 15 national parks and visited 16 states - collecting a magnet for everyone. Thats why they call it breckenwind! Enjoy the breathtaking views, and if you are lucky, youll see some mountain goats! Not all public lands are free to enter. 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. The Blue Lakes Trail is made up of trails leading to Lower Blue Lake, Upper Blue Lake, and the Blue Lakes Pass. This is the high country so be sure to bring extra layers and drink plenty of water. 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. 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. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. Photo Credit: John Fielder. Distance: 6 milesElevation gain: 1,469 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. There are a number of routes for reaching the 14,421-foot summit. 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. Arrive at the TH before 7 am. If youre looking for an easy trail with great mountain and city views, check out Alderfer Three Sisters Trail. Photo Credit: Mariah Hoffman. 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. If you are flying into Colorado, Denver International Airport is the best option. Beautiful waterfalls seep into the brightly colored lake. However, theres plenty to see here. Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. Hike to the top of Colorado with this tough hike. Combine this hike with one of the most scenic drives near Denver for an epic day outside. This will prevent your legs from getting cold and dirty! Be on the lookout for more articles in the future for the best 14er hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. This is a heavily trafficked area, so be sure to get there early. Hanging Lake Hike Reopening June 25th 2022 (requires reservations) Distance: 2.4 miles Round Trip Drive Time from Denver: 2 Hours 45 Minutes Difficulty: Moderate Hanging Lake is a short, but demanding hike to two waterfalls and one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. 20 Most Beautiful Hikes in Colorado. Be prepared to not have cell service while you hike. The incredibly large region of the San Juan mountains includes some of the highest and most rugged hiking in the state. The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. This is available as a desktop version as well on iPhone and Android. This loop combines The Palmer Trail to Buckskin-Charlie, Niobrara, and the Bretang Trail to make a tour-de-garden. , a short loop off the main paved path that leads to the base of the Sleeping Giant rock formation. Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). person will not be tolerated. Parts of this ecosystem are fragile. 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