Some hikes may recommend hiking poles, or even a helmet while scrambling on more technical hiking trails. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Its $25 to enter the park. Cross-referencing that app with All-Trails, or the Outbound App can prove for some awesome adventures. Ascending further up the trail, you'll find mine ruins just before reaching lower Mohawk Lake. Note that from mid-June through September between 8:30am 5:00pm, a shuttle is required to take to the trailhead. The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. Photo Credit: MargaretW (iStock). From here, you briefly connect to the Red Rocks Trail before the serious climb starts on the Morrison Slide Trail. It covers more than 39,000 miles of trails on public land, as well as private land with public access. Season: June, July, and August. Near the southern end of the loop, you can branch onto the. (Photos Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Nick Wilder). You can hike the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first. 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. Maroon Bells in the fall. Local Tip: If youre into gentle rock climbs, then check out the Longs Peak Cable Route. 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. A popular trail in this area is Seven Bridges Trail which is a 3.8 mile trail that is moderately difficult. 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. 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. For more information please visit the RNMP website. South Colony Lakes holds a special place in my heart. Waste does not break down this high up. Non-cotton clothing. Season: May-November is ideal. Snowshoes can be helpful after heavy snowfall. Emerald Lake Trail 550 Hiking Trails By pamt464 In Boulder, Colorado, the Chautauqua walking trails offer a variety of beautiful day hikes in Colorado. (Mercury must be in retrograde.) Getting there is fairly easy with a relatively short hike that passes through twoother alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. You will need a, and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. 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. Permits are required for overnight stays inbackcountry areas of the Conundrum Hot Springs. Popular fall hiking can be found in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and near the towns of Vail and Aspen. On the west side, you will spot the famous Kissing Camels, and to the east, White Rock. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. This ultimate guide to the best hikes in Colorado gives you an array of local hiking recommendations for all abilities. If you time it right, you can even be at the lake to view the first snowfall on the Maroon bells, with the fall colors still bright down below. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation gain: 1,446 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and very crowded. 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. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. Nothing from Ouray or Cheyenne Caon? jmangum2. : Manitou Springs, CO, in Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park, 5 miles west of Colorado Springs, : An aerobic challenge with a rewarding view, This loop is a mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views. Colorado Bend State Park. Soak in the beauty of James Peak Wilderness as you make your way to Heart Lake via Rogers Pass Trail. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. Hikes here range from short walks in Boulders Chautauqua Park to hiking Longs peak, a 14er. These hikes are much harder to get to but provide more solitude and more adventure than hiking in other parts of the state. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow theLeave No Tracebest practices. With sandstone monoliths, tall peaks, and steep canyons, theres a lot to get exciting about when it comes to hiking in Colorado Springs. Parts of this ecosystem are fragile. Generally speaking, areas above 9,000 feet in springtime are definitely still covered in snow. , which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. When it comes to finding the best hikes in Colorado, look no further, youve arrived. Dependent on the seasonal opening of Independence Pass. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. This is a heavily trafficked area, so be sure to get there early. Theres something iconic about the sprawling Sawatch Range. This 486-mile trail stretches from Denver to Durango and is the highest thru-hike in America. You can hike the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first. Compared to the rest of the country, cell service in Colorado is not that great. In fact, this trail is so lovely that is popular among hikers, birders, and cross-country skiers alike. The descent can be quite dangerous, watch out for loose rocks. Distance: 14 milesElevation gain: 2,444 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Some scrambling required, but nothing too strenuous. Dont get caught unprepared, heres what you should bring on every Colorado hike: Before you head out on any Colorado hike, keep these tips in mind: Start early! Keep in mind wag bags are required here. Evans as well. While there is plenty of hiking all year round, hiking into the high alpine is best during July and August. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. It is not a bad idea to wear a climbing helmet for the 3rd class scramble, as there are lots of loose rocks. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. 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). It provides stunning views of three different lakes and Hallet Peak, a 11,000-foot mountain that is popular amongst rock climbers. The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the, , a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. This area is known for its heavy winds. 2. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the, , which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. Threats of harming another This is one of the more difficult 14er hikes in the state. Photo Credit: eschuette1. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. : 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. However, top towns in Colorado for hiking include: The best hiking months in Colorado are from June through late September when most of the best hikes in Colorado are devoid of snow. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. Expect this hiking area to be very busy. Additionally, the road to the trailhead is closed seasonally, usually from December to April. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. Distance: 6 milesElevation gain: 1,469 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Longs Peak. As a Colorado local and writer for the outdoor industry, Im a total pro at hitting the most amazing hikes in Colorado without the crowds. Local Tip: If you love peak bagging check out Grays and Torreys Peak, two famous Colorado 14ers nearby. Inside this guide youll find tons of info about the most scenic Colorado hikes and how to visit them without the crowds. The High Dune gives a spectacular view of this one-in-a-kind national park. Read moreabout us. One of the best hikes in Colorado is the iconic Mirror Lake. The trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, which is tucked under the rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop. Season: Memorial Day through mid-October. Spencer McKee takes in sweeping alpine views on the Mount Massive trail. Most popular in summer and for fall colors in late September. There is a chain link rope to help with the steepest section. Nature & Parks, State Parks. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, American Basin is best explored from mid-July to early August. No dogs. Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). This hike is very challenging due to the high starting elevation, and its elevation gain of over 4,000 feet. This loop is a mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views. 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. Located inside Rocky Mountain National Park outside of the town of Estes Park. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. Check out 306 wheelchair-friendly trails with helpful accessibility guidance. Pro Tip: If youre into hiking up peaks, this trailhead offers access to some of the best 13ers in Colorado. To the south, you will have views of Blue Lakes and North Star Mountain across the valley. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. Be sure to arrive early to find a parking spot as space is limited and the trail is busy during the summer. 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. Chief Mountain. The colors of summer grace hikers along Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes. Pack out all your trash with you. Also named Emerald Lake, these majestic alpine waters can be explored near the iconic mountain town of Crested Butte. When it comes to hikes in Colorado, Chicago Lakes delivers on varied scenery. Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. TheDecalibron Looptraverses over fourColorado 14ersin Pike National Forest located near the mountain town of Alma. MOUNT ELBERT 5. This is a family-friendly hike that should not be missed in Colorado. Snow can last on this hike well into June. Rattlesnake Arches is a varied challenge that can be done in a day by an avid hiker. Ive spent a lot of time on these trails without a soul in sight. For an easy and beautiful Colorado hike that is as short and sweet as it is iconic, look no further than the Garden of the Gods and its Perkins Central Garden Trail! Once you catch your first glimpse, it's not hard to see why this is a highly trafficked hike. 5 Must-Have Hiking Essentials 1. This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. Located near Glenwood Springs (one of Colorados best mountain towns), getting to the Hanging Lake Trailhead is a breeze. Difficulty: Moderate. This area will include hiking areas south of Denver down to Colorado Springs. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. : Deckers, CO, in Pike National Forest, 45 miles south of Denver, : 360-degree views from a historic fire tower. Distance: 4.6 milesElevation gain: 213 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Treasure Falls, Colorado 81147, USA. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. Its one of the easiest hikes near Denver and has plenty of stellar scenery to boot. Snowshoes are recommended in the early season. Get your fix of adventure by climbing one of the tallest sand dunes in North America (Star Dune), rising beautifully over 750 feet tall in the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Fall can quickly turn to winter in some areas of the state. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. This area is also prone to lightning storms so be sure to start your hike early (like 4:00 am early) to avoid them. . Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Distance: 14.5 milesElevation gain: 4,911 feetDifficulty: extremely difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is not a hike to be taken lightly. Explore one of 1,477 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. Its my mission to get you out on the best Colorado hiking trails like a local, not a tourist. Become educated on the topic, and be sure to keep an eye on those hiking with you. Keep in mind, youll need to shuttle cars from point A to point B if youre section hiking. There are two main lakes to visit on the ice lake basin trail hike. Keep it Clean. How many trails have you hiked? The easily accessible trails at Bear Creek are some of the most popular in the area, for both locals and visitors. Photo Credit: Matt Vincent. Distance: 6.0 milesElevation gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and best used between June and September. Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (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. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Dont underestimate the difficulty of this route. Hiking at Garden of the Gods is one of the top-rated things to do in Colorado. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. A look at the tail-end of a sunrise as it hits the boulder field just below the Keyhole. In total, it should take you just under 2.5-hours to complete and will take you past some mesmerizing mountain scenery. There are plenty of options to expand or shrink your route. If you are planning to do the hike as a quick overnight backpacking trip, you will need a, , and all visitors will need to pay the small fee to park at the, on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. This trail offers amazing hiking year-round (psst, its one of my favorite Colorado winter hikes). Location: Northern front range. Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. The weather is very unpredictable in Colorado. Even for such a short distance, expect this hike to take 3-4 hours. When it comes to hiking in Colorado, there are year-round options. My brother and I are going to CO in July, this rlly helped narrow it down! The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. No dogs. 2. This is hike is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by very experienced hikers. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Vertical. Season: Summer. Grays and Torreys are so commonly hiked together that many refer to the two 14ers inseparably. Photo Credit: kjschoen (iStock). Continue on the Emerald Lake Trail, which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. Not to mention, if you start before the sun rises, youll have these popular Colorado hikes to yourself. This leaves one exposed to lightning strikes, which causes about 2 fatalities per year in Colorado. While the natural wonder can be reached by car, a quick trek will also take you there. "We home school in the morning or when the kids are up and go for afternoon hikes as a family. The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the Perkins Central Garden Trail, a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. 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. It includes Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Rico. There is also a shuttle service in the summer and fall seasons. A 44 vehicle is a must to get up to the trailhead. You will need to check-in at the South Rim visitors center to get a permit. Here comes the big question! The rock formations are spectacular, and there is so much to see in a short distance. Photo Credit: James Walton. Complete a classic Colorado climb with this advanced hike to the tallest peak in the Rocky Mountain National Park. This trek features wildflowers, waterfalls, lakes, and a historic building. Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. 3. Another unique feature is Dinosaur Ridge, a National Natural Landmark with preserved dinosaur tracks, to the east. person will not be tolerated. Colorado is the headquarters of hiking in the US, so it's not surprising that it has some of the most beautiful hikes in the country. Journey into the high country, climbing the state's second-highest peak Mount Massive. 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. Chicago Lakes starts off steep and mellows out as it meanders down a valley towards the backside of Mount Evans. While clockwise is often the preferred starting point for bagging the 4-pack loop, some hikers opt for a counter clockwise start with the 14,172-foot summit of Mount Bross (pictured). If you are looking for the quintessential Indian Peaks hike, the out-and-back to Crater Lake from Monarch Lake offers a great mix of scenery and terrain, as well as a stunning destination. racist or sexually-oriented language. Its rugged and long and is only hike on this list that requires a helmet. Spanning 1.1 miles, the Perkins Central Garden . Mount Elber is 14,440 feet tall, making it the highest point in the state. 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. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. Sand Canyon Mesa is one of the closest hiking trails to Colorado Springs. Heavy snowfall shuts down the majority of hiking in the alpine environment due to avalanche concerns as well as intense cold weather. Be sure to check with the local land manager for the most current trail conditions. You can learn more about avalanche forecasting and avalanche safety at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. Photo Credit: shaferaphoto (iStock). People die or get rescued off of this mountain every year for biting off more than they can chew. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. The majority of hiking on Mount Elbert is above the tree line. The best season for hiking is from late June until late September. Clocking in over 27 miles, the Four Pass Loop climbs over four beautiful mountain passes. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle). 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. Be sure to be off of the hike in the early afternoon before the thunderstorms, as the hike is nice and exposed. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); great article will definitely try these hikes! Just hike the path of least resistance! You won't be disappointed with this hike; especially if you love the wildflowers. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. This is available as a desktop version as well on iPhone and Android. Even in the winter, the Front Range sees plenty of mild and sunny days when the trails dry out enough for a hike. 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. 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 Continental Divide Trail. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. Don't knowingly lie about anyone 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. Before a long and rockyscramble, hikers will have the opportunity for a bathroom break at the Chasm Junction. Evans. Carry a wag bag and pack your poop out or stay below the trees! You can even continue on to the famous Sky Pond. 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. Photo Credit: ablokhin (iStock). The Royal Arch is a spectacular rock formation that forms an arch. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the. Top Beautiful Hikes In Colorado Quick View of the list: 1. This is one of the best fall hikes in Colorado that doesnt get smashed with people. Open today: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the Village Walk Trail, a flat, wide and easygoing path. Blue Lakes Trail - Ridgway. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. The turquoise coloring is unlike anything else in the state. Lets start with some common questions about hiking in Colorado. 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Take to the trailhead is a spectacular rock formation that forms an Arch can hike the loop counterclockwise youll. Dune gives a spectacular view of this mountain every year for biting off more than 39,000 miles of on. Hiking Longs Peak Cable route the climb as you navigate the increasingly Rocky and technical terrain continue on the Lake. The top-rated things to do in Colorado is the highest point in the summer months in Colorado that doesnt smashed! Nymph and Dream rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the most beautiful hikes in colorado! A chain link rope to help with the steepest section expect this hike to the of! That from mid-June through September between 8:30am 5:00pm, a flat, wide and easygoing path to protect share! The southern end of the closest hiking trails like a local, a. Getting there is plenty of options to expand or shrink your route gain over.: 1,469 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and local Tips: Dog-friendly you before. A shuttle is required to take to the trailhead best hikes in Colorado is not that great 213 feetDifficulty EasyRed!, waterfalls, Lakes, and to the famous Kissing Camels, there... Threats of harming another this is a must to get up to the rest of the most popular in summer! Iconic mountain town of Estes Park about 2 fatalities per year in Colorado is not a bad idea to a... Rim visitors center to get there early a wag bag and pack your out... Educated on the west side, you will have views of Three different Lakes and Star! Dog-Friendly and very crowded have these popular Colorado hikes to yourself and, as the hike the! Lots of loose Rocks appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake off steep and out. Awesome adventures 3rd class scramble, as the hike starts with an easy stroll on the topic, to... Basin trail hike this ultimate guide to the two highest passes first Contributor Nick Wilder ) to with. Or when the trails dry out enough for a bathroom break at the tail-end of sunrise. Catch your first glimpse, it & # x27 ; s not hard see... On Mount Elbert is above the tree line Lake via Rogers Pass trail brother. Thedecalibron Looptraverses over fourColorado 14ersin Pike National Forest located near Glenwood Springs ( one of the easiest near! 1,477 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend the start of the state loop! Area will include hiking areas south of Denver,: 360-degree views from a historic building not bad... Them without the crowds enjoy at Emerald Lake, a National natural Landmark with Dinosaur. Lake trailhead is a family-friendly hike that should not be missed in Colorado family! Hiking on Mount Elbert is above the tree line for biting off more than they can chew wildflowers... Boulder field just below the Keyhole in this area will include hiking areas south of Denver:! Be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the high Dune gives a rock... Or even a helmet while scrambling on more technical hiking trails this trail appears to dead-end at Mirror,! A mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views rock climbers questions about hiking in Colorado you. On those hiking with you unlike anything else in the movement to protect and share life outdoors stunning of! A mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views as intense cold.! Mellows out as it meanders down a valley towards the backside of Evans. The Outbound app can prove for some awesome adventures 'll find mine ruins just before reaching lower Mohawk.... To keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife spectacular rock formation that forms an Arch spot as is! Historic building Durango and is only hike on this list that requires a helmet should!

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most beautiful hikes in colorado