As one of the classic Boulder hikes, youll get an up-close view of the famous Flatirons. Dont underestimate the difficulty of this route. Not to mention, if you start before the sun rises, youll have these popular Colorado hikes to yourself. From Grays, continue down the north ridge across the saddle between the two peaks to climb Torreys. 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. Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). Thats why they call it breckenwind! This hike is mostly on the valley floor, passing multiple lakes on the way to the final pair of the Chicago lakes. The 8.7-mile out-and-back trail climbs steeply into the mountains starting from the base of the South Mineral Valley near Silverton. This hike is for experienced hikers only. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. Hiking at altitude is tough work. Elevation: 246 feet. Mt. When it comes to hiking in Colorado, there are year-round options. Living up to its namesake, this beautiful alpine lake hosts an array of skyscraping rock formations that seem to defy gravity. Although we do have a Willow Lake Trail here in Silverthorne, I dont believe it is the one depicted in the photos, and Silverthorne is definitely not in the Sangre de Christo area. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation Gain: 49 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs are allowed and youll need an advanced parking reservation or shuttle reservation when the road to the trailhead is open. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. As you climb, keep your eyes open for yellow-bellied marmots and pikas. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the. It also depends on the snow year. Buckskin Pass Trail takes you up and over Buckskin Pass with amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic Snowmass Lake. This is by far the most photographed spot in Colorado. While hiking in Colorado, it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet and ankles good support. person will not be tolerated. 2022 5. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation gain: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. The hike is fairly strenuous and takes anywhere from 10 to 15 hours to complete, so be sure to plan accordingly. Each alpine wonder offers a serene escape laced with captivating mountain beauty. Weather, accessibility, hike difficulty, length, and elevation gain are all factors to consider when choosing a hike in Colorado. The following hikes are in no particular order and will provide some background information on hike length, difficulty, and accessibility. Cotton can cause hypothermia, even in summer. Photo Credit: James Walton. And if youre feeling energetic, you can always do this hike in tandem with several other treks in the area. If youre looking for an easy trail with great mountain and city views, check out Alderfer Three Sisters Trail. Photo Credit: Melissa Woolf (iStock). Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Sneffels is a Telluride classic and is one of the 14ers in the area. The trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, which is tucked under the rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop. There are several parking areas located along Gold Camp Road and while none are very large, you will have a few lots to choose from. Photo Credit: shaferaphoto (iStock). You can even continue on to the famous Sky Pond. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. This is hike is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by very experienced hikers. As a scared site for nearby Native Americans, these sand dunes boast magical scenery. The family have visited 15 national parks and visited 16 states - collecting a magnet for everyone. 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. Soakers visiting from early October to late June may encounter snow. Grays and Torreys are so commonly hiked together that many refer to the two 14ers inseparably. Located in the Tenmile Range, Quandary Peak tops out at 14,265 feet, making it the 13th highest peak in Colorado. DEVIL'S HEAD LOOKOUT 7. Tucked away in Rocky Mountain National Park, the hike to Alberta Falls is an easy, out and back trail that will take you to some stunning falls in the park with incredible views. If you arent cozy pooping in a bag and packing it out, stay home. If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area. The turquoise coloring is unlike anything else in the state. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Colorado is a hiking mecca thats filled with unbelievably beautiful trails. 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. 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. North Cheyenne Canon is a very rugged hiking destination with access to gorgeous windy roads through the mountains. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. This hike is very challenging due to the high starting elevation, and its elevation gain of over 4,000 feet. For more information, please visit the town of Glenwood Springs website. Million dollar highway loop. Seven Bridges Trail, North Cheyenne Canon Park. Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off toward. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 5 Must-Have Hiking Essentials 1. Continue on the. Seeing it dusted in snow is a true treat. With two large enclosed dog parks, a beautiful pond and fountain, as well as sand volleyball courts, this park truly has something for everyone. The hike itself is quite moderate, it is steady uphill for most of the hike. The "Keyhole" is main route for reaching the iconic 14,259-foot summit. Photo Credit: Erik Sommerfeld; American Institute of Architects. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. Located a little over an hour away from Denver, near Silver Plume, Colorado is this amazing trail. You won't be disappointed with this hike; especially if you love the wildflowers. There is limited parking both at the main Chautauqua Park and along the street, and if you are visiting during peak hours or during the summer, consider taking the, Starting from the main parking area, take, , a wide, hard-packed trail that climbs between a neighborhood on the east and a wide meadow on the west. Its $25 to enter the park. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. The trail becomes rockier as you climb. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. 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 cozy windbreaker for those gusty summits 5. Colorado Bend State Park. 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. A quick look at what to pack for your Colorado hike. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the, , which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. Be Proactive. Theres something iconic about the sprawling Sawatch Range. Being that is an overview of the best hiking in Colorado, this article could go on for days. From the base of Chautauqua Park, one has access to many trails that go up to the flatiron mountains and provide a wonderful view of Boulder and down to Denver. A list of amazing hikes in Colorado, organized by the most iconic hikes and location. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 1,033 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. A set of hiking poles 12 Top Colorado Springs Trails & Hikes 1. 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. Youll need special gear, or you can hire a guide for an adventure you wont forget. Once you reach the base of Devils Head, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side of the large rock outcropping. The Locals Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). Arrive at the TH before 7 am. Climb your way up to Island Lake (another 15 to 20-minute walk) for a scene that is simply jaw-dropping. The hike along the canyon is stunning! Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 19. Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). 3. From there you are only a few hours from incredible hiking destinations! Carry a wag bag and pack your poop out or stay below the trees! "We home school in the morning or when the kids are up and go for afternoon hikes as a family. Different public lands have different guidelines and restrictions, so it is important to be familiar with the area that you are hiking in. For one of the best hikes in Colorado to get a flavor of the whole state, you need this hike It is located in White River National Park and the Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes trail offers one of the best hikes. Combine this hike with one of the most scenic drives near Denver for an epic day outside. 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. 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. Dont poop above treeline. Bridal Veil Falls are the highest free-falling waterfalls in Colorado, at 365 feet high. Its quintessentially Colorado and home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the state. This is another great 14er hike to do in the I-70 area. Hopefully, this provides a great introduction to some of the best places to hike in Colorado. At the end of the long haul, youre greeted with awe-inspiring sandstone arches and deep canyons that rival some of the best scenery in both Arches National Park and the Grand Canyon. Related: The Locals Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. Continue on the Emerald Lake Trail, which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. Photo Credit: John Fielder. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. 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. Threats of harming another She'd rather be dirty than done up. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. Most people opt to backpack this trail since youll find it hard to leave. Can We Interest You in Some Of These Stories Instead? Keep in mind wag bags are required here. You can learn more about avalanche forecasting and avalanche safety at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. The trail clocks in just a little over a mile to the top of Hanging Lake. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. Sniktau is one of the best sunset hikes in Colorado. Even for someone that lives in Colorado, anyone can get altitude sickness when hiking up high, most commonly above 8,000 feet. . . The beautiful scenery passes by a few small lakes and ponds before the final push to Ptarmigan Lake. Photo Credit: Steven Bratman. Head up early to catch a perfect reflection of the stunning Lone Eagle Peak on Mirror Lake. From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. The trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, which is tucked under the rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop. The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. If youre looking for an easier alternative, opt for a shorter trek toHigh Dune. Many hikers are turned around by high country weather. Not only is it a popular backpacking route in Colorado, but this hike will take you around 4 hours to complete and will take you past Timberline Falls by way of Glacier Gorge Trail. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). 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. Therefore, be prepared to do a bit of scrambling before savoring the incredible views all around you. Depends on road conditions and the seasons snowpack. This road is only open in the summer months. This is available as a desktop version as well on iPhone and Android. This loop is a mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views. Its hard to select just one town in Colorado with the best hiking. Thunderstorms can be incredibly dangerous, and even fatal. This trail is dog-friendly, but dogs are not allowed past this point. When planning your trip, keep in mind that parking can be scarce at the eastern trailheads, especially in the summer. With sandstone monoliths, tall peaks, and steep canyons, theres a lot to get exciting about when it comes to hiking in Colorado Springs. 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. 10. 7. 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. No dogs. Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. Photo Credit: James Walton. , which leaves from the same trailhead and loops around Bear Lake, is a family-friendly option. Hike along the seven bridges and check out the beautiful waterfall. Near the southern end of the loop, you can branch onto the. 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. 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. Its one of the easiest hikes near Denver and has plenty of stellar scenery to boot. With any season, conditions can be variable. United States ; Texas (TX) Bend ; Bend - Things to Do ; Colorado Bend State Park; Search. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. The trail varies in terrain, going from forested canyons to eye-opening alpine vistas. Just stay calm. 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. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography. 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. This guide includes: Get oriented with this map of Colorado Hikes. 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. Avalanche terrain should be taken very seriously. The 9.1-mile out-and-back trail, which is rated as hard, rewards hikers with incredible views. Pants will also be nice to have in case of a rogue thunderstorm. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,200 feetDifficulty: easy/moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly, Related: The Beginners Guide to Hiking Safely. It is extremely steep. The view from the summit of Mt. The majority of hiking on Mount Elbert is above the tree line. Mount Elber is 14,440 feet tall, making it the highest point in the state. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. Situated along the Continental Divide about an hour drive from Denver, this hike is very popular. Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. Season: All year-round. Mountains above 14,000 feet are known as 14ers. If you are looking for a quick way to escape the city, this is a great region to hike in. Location: For the purpose of this article, this would be in the San Juan section, but Mount Elbert is really in the Sawatch Range. No dogs. Photo Credit: John Fielder. The crown jewel of the front range is Longs Peak. This hike has fantastic views of the mountains in the front range and Summit county. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. Regardless of the hike and weather conditions, you should always bring extra layers, extra food, and a first aid kit. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. 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. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. 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. Dependent on the seasonal opening of Independence Pass. This 27-mile loop is most commonly backpacked as a three- or four-night trip. best practices. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. GARDEN OF THE GODS CENTRAL GARDEN TRAIL 6. This is probably the most popular 14er hike in the Denver region. Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes Trail. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the free shuttle. If youre just getting into summiting mountains, then head up to the top of Mount Sniktau. Dont forget to bring your camera! Season: Summer; June, July, and August. While hiking in snow or mud, gaiters can be great to throw over your pants as well. Snowshoes are recommended in the early season. Trekking poles can be helpful for this steep section. Theres a good reason for it: Hanging Lake LOOKS like a place where fairies and gnomes would live. Photo Credit: kwiktor (iStock). The Great Sand Dunes rise almost randomly out of the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. 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: 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. 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. Location: Northern front range. BISON PEAK Bison Peak is considered one of Colorado's best trails for the early summer months. 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. 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. 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. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Once you catch your first glimpse, it's not hard to see why this is a highly trafficked hike. Crystal Mill is every photographer's dream. Therefore, hikers now have to pay $10 to enter 36 state parks in Colorado including Staunton, Roxborough, Golden Gate Canyon, and Saint Vrain. No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best hiking trails in Colorado to suit your needs. From here, you briefly connect to the. The trailhead starts off with a steep rocky ascent weaving through lush aspen wilderness toCrater Lake. Inside this guide youll find tons of info about the most scenic Colorado hikes and how to visit them without the crowds. Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. 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. Ive done all the leg work for you, hiking each of these trails over the years to bring you the real stand-out scenery in the Centennial State. This area is roughly the region south of I-70 and encompasses a huge area. While shorts may be more comfortable for lower elevation hikes in the heat, It is advisable to wear long pants, regardless of the outside temperature. Heading towards Rollinsville, youll find the one's the most beautiful wildflower-laced treks in the state. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek that gains 2,752 feet in elevation. Between the general region of the San Juans and the southern front range. Featuring stunning views of the iconic Twin Lakes, this must-do Colorado hiking trail is perfect for newbie hikers and families alike. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. There are also great groups on Facebook that post trail conditions. You dont have to venture far from the capital city to enjoy stunning mountain views. Here comes the big question! Its also an iconic beginner Colorado 14er so if you can, come early (start before 5 am to beat the crowds, 6 am to hike safely and avoid summer storm cycles). Difficulty: Moderate. A small, packable rain jacket can be great to throw in your pack. The Mount Evans wilderness areas have plenty of stunning views and great hikes. 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