ROYAL ARCH TRAIL 1. The rock formations are spectacular, and there is so much to see in a short distance. Be on the lookout for more articles in the future for the best 14er hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. Distance: 8.9 milesElevation gain: 2,286 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail mostly follows a road and requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to reach the upper trailhead. : 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. Thats why they call it breckenwind! 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); great article will definitely try these hikes! Be sure to check with the local land manager for the most current trail conditions. As was mentioned above, some roads are closed for portions of the year, it is important to check on those closures. Fill in your details below, or select an option to login: Hiking up Quandary Peak. Complete a classic Colorado climb with this advanced hike to the tallest peak in the Rocky Mountain National Park. These hiking trails in Colorado each offer something a little different and help you build your skills as a mountain hiker. Located near Montrose Colorado, this 1.5-mile out-and-back trail is a great way to take in the awe-inspiring beauty of Black Canyon of Gunnison. The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. 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. Colorado is a hiking mecca thats filled with unbelievably beautiful trails. 2. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. Head up early to catch a perfect reflection of the stunning Lone Eagle Peak on Mirror Lake. You will need a park pass and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. Towering beautifully over hikers, mountain bikers, and climbers, the unique red rock formations offer a playground of adventure. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. Royal Arch is one of the most popular local trails, and provides some of the best views in the area! Plan to start your hike early to avoid storms. This beautiful alpine lake is tucked away at thebase of Longs Peak, one of the most iconic and dangerousfourteenersin the state. PYRAMID PEAK 3. , which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. People die or get rescued off of this mountain every year for biting off more than they can chew. 1. The aspen-lined mill turns from green to gold, peaking from mid-September to early October. At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. There are two main lakes to visit on the ice lake basin trail hike. There are different difficulties of hiking for all levels and interests. 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. This trail is dog-friendly, but dogs are not allowed past this point. There are many different factors to consider while hiking in Colorado. Soakers visiting from early October to late June may encounter snow. Keep it Clean. Crestone Peak and the Crestone Needle, two of Colorados most famous 14ers (peaks above 14,000 feet high), create a beautifully dramatic backdrop. Theres a good reason for it: Hanging Lake LOOKS like a place where fairies and gnomes would live. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. 22. Sneffels allows one to get a great sense of just how vast the San Juans really are. The trail is 18 miles out-and-back in length and climbs 2,719 feet in elevation as you weave through the lush landscapes of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. 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. Distance: 2.5 milesElevation Gain: 885 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. I actually bumped into Devils Canyon by accident, but Im glad I found this diamond in the rough. 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. Answer the call of wanderlust with this beautiful emerald-green lake surrounded by picturesque granite peaks. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. Location: San Juans. 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. Enjoy the scenery from the trail to avoid tramping this beloved environment. To the south, you will have views of Blue Lakes and North Star Mountain across the valley. Dog-friendly. Colorado National Monument is one of the best winter hiking destinations in Colorado. Distance: 1.5 milesElevation gain: 406 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: no dogs allowed. Photo Credit: Mariah Hoffman. : Deckers, CO, in Pike National Forest, 45 miles south of Denver, : 360-degree views from a historic fire tower. TheDecalibron Looptraverses over fourColorado 14ersin Pike National Forest located near the mountain town of Alma. It includes Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Rico. This is hike is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by very experienced hikers. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Please follow these rules when visiting and remember, when you're exploring to leave absolutely no trace. Heading towards Rollinsville, youll find the one's the most beautiful wildflower-laced treks in the state. A 44 vehicle is a must to get up to the trailhead. This area is roughly the region south of I-70 and encompasses a huge area. Its one of the easiest hikes near Denver and has plenty of stellar scenery to boot. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. MOUNT ELBERT 5. 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. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. Location: Northern Front Range. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the Dream Lake Trail. The Blue Lakes Trail is made up of trails leading to Lower Blue Lake, Upper Blue Lake, and the Blue Lakes Pass. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, American Basin is best explored from mid-July to early August. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. Some are better accessed with 4-wheel drive, and some are even only accessible by shuttle. Some hikes may recommend hiking poles, or even a helmet while scrambling on more technical hiking trails. Location: I-70 corridor, not very far from Denver. Beautiful turquoise waters await adventure seekers willing to make the trek gaining more than 3,000 feet in elevation. The canyon itself features gorgeous sandstone formations and plenty of beautiful scenery. 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! When hiking above the treeline, it is incredibly important to watch the weather and be off the summit before 2pm. Everybody knows about them, but that doesnt mean that you shouldnt check them out. Keep in mind wag bags are required here. Kristen is a native Coloradan and longtime runner who enjoys running on the track, roads and now on the trails. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the, , which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Vertical. best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, The only 4-day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary Youll Ever Need. At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. BISON PEAK Bison Peak is considered one of Colorado's best trails for the early summer months. Location: Start of the I-70 corridor. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation gain: 764 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. 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. You can hike the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first. The trail becomes rockier as you climb. The first mile of the trail climbs, at times steeply, through sparse forests that become progressively thinner as you climb. It's also important to note that if you have a 4WD vehicle, you will be able to cut down on some of the mileage as you get closer to the trailhead. Photo Credit: John Fielder. This area will encompass Denver north to Fort Collins with hikes that are accessible from the eastern urban corridor. As one of the classic Boulder hikes, youll get an up-close view of the famous Flatirons. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the, . It covers more than 39,000 miles of trails on public land, as well as private land with public access. Carry your poop with you by strapping it to your bag, or leave your dog at home. Dog-friendly. You have permission to edit this collection. 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. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the. The hike to Royal Arch hits all the highlights in a fairly manageable distance, but the incline isnt easy, so come prepared for a leg-burning climb. The crown jewel of the front range is Longs Peak. 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. Some of the most amazing landscape shots from Colorado occur during fall colors and that first snowfall. This is a great resource released by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the West Maroon Trail. This road is only open in the summer months. If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area. 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. Hiking has been a popular Colorado activity since the Colorado Trail was created in the 1970s. While hiking in Colorado, it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet and ankles good support. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. Photo Credit: SWKrullImaging (iStock). Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Distance: 10.3 milesElevation gain: 4,442 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Start early (like 4 am early) to beat afternoon thunderstorms. After living in Colorado for over 12 years, Ive scoured the landscape to find the best hikes in Colorado. Afternoon thunderstorms are dangerous and kill hikers each year. Attempting this hike in the winter is a serious mountaineering undertaking and should not be done without any experience. The Sharkstooth Trail is an excellent way to tour this lonely chain of distinct peaks. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must, at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. 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. The best time of year to hike in Colorado. Continue on another one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and attempt this semi-challenging out and back hike. Distance: 6.0 milesElevation gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and best used between June and September. Most high alpine roads will open up in June each summer. With two large enclosed dog parks, a beautiful pond and fountain, as well as sand volleyball courts, this park truly has something for everyone. Do not run. Join once, enjoy forever. Some Colorado State parks and all National Parks have fees to enter the park. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. Beautiful Hikes - Colorado Bend State Park. Season: Summer; June, July, and August. The majority of hiking on Mount Elbert is above the tree line. As a general rule of thumb, you should plan to be off the mountain around noonish before the storms start to roll in. As one of the topmost scenic hikes in Colorado, Hanging Lake is on everyones to-do list. . This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. This article will mainly focus on some of the best day hikes. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. 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. This 737-acre city park offers more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. You won't be disappointed with this hike; especially if you love the wildflowers. This will prevent injuries while hiking on rocky ground. 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. The trick? No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best hiking trails in Colorado to suit your needs. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. About 20 minutes outside of Silverton, CO. 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. Youll also experience medium elevation changes as you ascend the loop and see historic buildings created by Henry S. Persse in the early 1900s. Much of this land has developed hiking trails, spanning 12 National Parks, 41 State Parks, and 58 mountains above 14,000 feet. 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. Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off towardCrater Lakes. These geographical regions are subjective but will provide a good layout of hiking in the state. Pacific Tarn in the Tenmile Range. Start no later than 2 am. 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. For the more alpine regions, spring can either still be winter, or it can be very muddy. A set of hiking poles 12 Top Colorado Springs Trails & Hikes 1. 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. Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). , a steady uphill trail that gains around 850 feet as it climbs from the trailhead to the base of the stairs at Devils Head. other alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. Snowshoes can be helpful after heavy snowfall. This hike includes two different 14ers! Mt. This famous park near downtown Colorado Springs is a must-see. 7. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography. Be sure to remember to bring $5 for the parking fee at this location. On the west side, you will spot the famous, , and to the east, White Rock. The trail to the summit gains 3,229 feet over the course of just over 3 miles. The easiest thing you can do to prevent altitude sickness is drink water and make sure you do not ascent too much in one day. takes you up and over Buckskin Pass with amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic, Enjoy the easier hiking at lower elevations while you can, as the, quickly has you climbing back to 12,000 feet over Trail Rider Pass. Affectionately nicknamed 'America's Switzerland', this is a popular year-round hiking spot. Here is an article about getting altitude sickness in Colorado. Dont forget to bring your camera! For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. : 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. Rocky Mountain National Park is a truly breathtaking area and a great introduction to Colorado. Get outside this season with the best hiking trails in Colorado. Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). Check out 306 wheelchair-friendly trails with helpful accessibility guidance. Inside this guide youll find tons of info about the most scenic Colorado hikes and how to visit them without the crowds. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must self-register at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. Its also one of the best hikes in Colorado since it features this super cool, narrow (its less than four-feet wide), 50-foot-long land bridge that youll need to traverse along the way. Seven Bridges Trail, North Cheyenne Canon Park. (Photo Credit: Steven Bratman under CC BY-SA). My brother and I are going to CO in July, this rlly helped narrow it down! Follow the signs to Rogers Pass Lake (pictured), a destination youll encounter just before reaching Heart Lake. Treasure Falls, Colorado 81147, USA. Snow can last on this hike well into June. Local Tip: If youre into gentle rock climbs, then check out the Longs Peak Cable Route. She'd rather be dirty than done up. Information on distance, elevation gain, location, difficulty, permit requirements, and dog-friendliness. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. . Prepare properly for scrambling a Colorado 14er and understand the risks you are getting into. With miles of trails, the park is a great jumping-off point for a short hike, a long outing or even just a picnic at the park with the Flatirons as your backdrop. The intense heat of the summer makes the high-altitude areas prime for late afternoon thunderstorms. Buckskin Pass Trail takes you up and over Buckskin Pass with amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic Snowmass Lake. The trails tend to be snow-free and the roads are open. This is the high country so be sure to bring extra layers and drink plenty of water. 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. Made famous as being one of the best rock climbing areas in Colorado, this area is also home to some amazing hikes. Distance: 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 1,530 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Looking for a bit of a challenge while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park? 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. 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. In the summer, youll find folks heading up St. Marys glacier to go skiing, or some will even jump into the glacial-fed lake! Its also only 3.2 miles long and takes you past some gorgeous alpine lakes. If you are in the area for this hike, it is worth it to drive to the summit of Mt. Most hikers will start hiking around 3am in the summer. Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). 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. Explore one of 1,477 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. Distance: 6 milesElevation gain: 1,469 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Heavy snowfall shuts down the majority of hiking in the alpine environment due to avalanche concerns as well as intense cold weather. : 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. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. For the best experience, try visiting any time between May and October. Top Beautiful Hikes In Colorado Quick View of the list: 1. It is important to always bring extra layers and a waterproof jacket while hiking in Colorado. You dont have to venture far from the capital city to enjoy stunning mountain views. Parts of this ecosystem are fragile. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. Photo Credit: James Walton. Theres something iconic about the sprawling Sawatch Range. Success! Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. 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. Nearly every hiker who visits Rocky takes on the challenge of reaching Sky Pond. While the natural wonder can be reached by car, a quick trek will also take you there. Beautiful waterfalls seep into the brightly colored lake. However, keep in mind that many trailheads become inaccessible in the winter. Rattlesnake Arches is a varied challenge that can be done in a day by an avid hiker. Leave it better than how you found. Distance: 5.4 milesElevation Gain: 1,072Difficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. 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. For an easy, mellow hike, head to the Interlaken Trail. There are 54 peaks over 14,000 feet in Colorado, and all of them have challenging hiking options! This is a 7.8-mile with 1920-feet elevation gain. This is probably the most popular 14er hike in the Denver region. Winding through spectacular wildflower meadows, scenic beauty awaits hikers and backpackers. Photo Credit: ablokhin (iStock). The hike is fairly strenuous and takes anywhere from 10 to 15 hours to complete, so be sure to plan accordingly. 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. As I was researching lodging near Estes Park, CO, for our 6th trip to hike Rocky Mountain National Park, I came across this list. 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