For more information please visit the RNMP website. Afterward, check out the sights in nearby Dillon, Frisco, and Breckenridge. 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. The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. Be Nice. 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. As one of the classic Boulder hikes, youll get an up-close view of the famous Flatirons. Season: All year round. 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. Only about a 1-hour drive from downtown Denver. Location: Start of the I-70 corridor. Local Tip: If youre. There is also a shuttle service in the summer and fall seasons. Cross-referencing that app with All-Trails, or the Outbound App can prove for some awesome adventures. REI member since 2018. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. The majority of the roads up to the high alpine backcountry do not open until June every season. The road is open all year round, but for best conditions, plan to do this hike in June, July, and August. Be on the lookout for more articles in the future for the best 14er hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. As one of the topmost scenic hikes in Colorado, Hanging Lake is on everyones to-do list. Photo Credit: MizC (iStock). Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. As the bloom begins, please remember to stay on the trail and do not pick, touch, or trample the wildflowers. The magnificent Maroon bell mountains tower over Maroon lake. a good rule of thumb is to be below treeline by noon. For the best experience, try visiting any time between May and October. The intense heat of the summer makes the high-altitude areas prime for late afternoon thunderstorms. Altitude sickness is important to be aware of when hiking at higher elevations. This is another great 14er hike to do in the I-70 area. Be sure to check with the local land manager for the most current trail conditions. See my guide to hiking Colorado 14ers for more info. Youll need special gear, or you can hire a guide for an adventure you wont forget. Afternoon thunderstorms are dangerous and kill hikers each year. Be sure to admire the sunflowers in the summer. Trails throughout the park offerstunning views of Pikes Peak America's Mountain. Sharkstooth Trail is a great day hike in a region of Colorado many overlook. Theres also a serious avalanche risk, so be sure to understand the fundamentals of winter hiking before heading out. 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. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. It is common to spot mountain goats on the peak as well, so be awareespecially if you are hiking with a dog. Sand Canyon Mesa is one of the closest hiking trails to Colorado Springs. Hikes near towns such as Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen will be included in this area. From Bluebell Road, turn onto the Royal Arch Trail. The journey toChasm Lakeis a must for any hiker seeking the mountain's tranquil beauty. Photo Credit: twildlife (iStock). Between the meandering stream, wildflowers, and shady trail this evokes a sense of classic Colorado Springs hikes. About 20 minutes outside of Silverton, CO. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. (Stan Behal/Toronto Sun/Postmedia . There is an amazing array of hikes near Denver that make up some of the best hikes in Colorado. These geographical regions are subjective but will provide a good layout of hiking in the state. Emerald Lake Trail 550 Hiking Trails By pamt464 However, theres plenty to see here. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. This also has a high concentration of popular 14er hikes. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. Looking for a bit of a challenge while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park? Dont underestimate the difficulty of this route. Most hikers will start hiking around 3am in the summer. accounts, the history behind an article. 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. Hikers may opt for the trail or service road (shorter) to reach the lakes. Parts of this ecosystem are fragile. 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. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. GARDEN OF THE GODS CENTRAL GARDEN TRAIL 6. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, Yellow and pink varieties of wildflowers bloom along the alpine tundra as the creek waters gently tumble. Go for sunrise. Therefore, hikers now have to pay $10 to enter 36 state parks in Colorado including Staunton, Roxborough, Golden Gate Canyon, and Saint Vrain. Its hard to select just one town in Colorado with the best hiking. Some of the best fall colors can be seen in this area. There was an error processing your request. Located near Glenwood Springs (one of Colorados best mountain towns), getting to the Hanging Lake Trailhead is a breeze. Thanks for the article! 220 Reviews #1 of 4 things to do in Bend. The entire trail takes around 1 month to complete as a thru-hike. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. Wildflower lovers will be delighted by the serene beauty found on the 401 Trail in Crested Butte. 20 Most Beautiful Hikes in Colorado. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. While summertime is the best time to venture into higher altitude hikes in the alpine, the summer also has its dangers. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. 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. Each alpine wonder offers a serene escape laced with captivating mountain beauty. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. 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 free shuttle from downtown. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a rather unknown gem of the state. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin, The trailhead to Hanging Lake is located off of I-70, complete with a small parking lot and rest stop bathroom. Always understand that the weather generally comes from the west, and keep an eye on storms. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow the. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. This is available as a desktop version as well on iPhone and Android. 2236 Park Hill Dr, P. O. , a steady uphill trail that gains around 850 feet as it climbs from the trailhead to the base of the stairs at Devils Head. These hiking trails in Colorado each offer something a little different and help you build your skills as a mountain hiker. Difficulty: Moderate. For this reason, it's best to always keep pets leashed. Distance: 7.8 milesElevation Gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. Typically the trail is snow-free from mid-June through mid-October. Plan to get to the final destination by sunrise to beat the crowds and be treated to some breathtaking scenery. Most people opt to backpack this trail since youll find it hard to leave. The natural wonder can be found just below American Peak. For the more alpine regions, spring can either still be winter, or it can be very muddy. Mountains above 14,000 feet are known as 14ers. There are two main lakes to visit on the ice lake basin trail hike. No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best hiking trails in Colorado to suit your needs. There are plenty of options to expand or shrink your route. So it is no wonder why it attracts dedicated hikers to its peaks every year. Parts of the trailhead may also be inaccessible during these months. Permits are required for overnight stays inbackcountry areas of the Conundrum Hot Springs. Hiking weather in Colorado is incredibly variable and can change at any time. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. This is a heavily trafficked area, so be sure to get there early. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. ROYAL ARCH TRAIL 1. The trail to the summit gains 3,229 feet over the course of just over 3 miles. Colorado is a hiking mecca thats filled with unbelievably beautiful trails. Come spring, the trail explodes in color. To the south, you will have views of Blue Lakes and North Star Mountain across the valley. : 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. Moose are often spotted grazing with their young along the grassy meadows. Be sure to have the right education and the right gear. Keep your eyes on the trail for wildlife. One can hike all year round in Colorado. Location: I-70 corridor, outside of the town of Aspen. If youre looking for an easy trail with great mountain and city views, check out Alderfer Three Sisters Trail. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. Hopefully by 2023 the park will have permission to start . The Keyhole Route on Longs Peak is an iconic mountain climb that many people strive for. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor. Season: Summer. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. Everybody knows about them, but that doesnt mean that you shouldnt check them out. 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! Distance: 2.6 milesElevation gain: 1,141 feetDifficulty: Easy to ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. Photo Credit: shaferaphoto (iStock). Carry a wag bag and pack your poop out or stay below the trees! A few miles from downtown Boulder, CO. 30 minutes NW from Downtown Denver. 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. This is an amazing hike in the San Juans that features two incredibly blue and green lakes that are surrounded by towering peaks. Photo Credit: klosfoto (iStock). Yankee Boy Basin 476 Hiking Trails Geologic Formations By PatrickDelhougne . Its also a pretty easy trail to hike since there is little elevation change and the path features several stellar views of the surrounding canyon and the river below. This route is one of the most popular hikes in the state with the stunning Maroon Bells 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. Winter brings solitude through deep snow in the woods. From here, you briefly connect to the. The canyon itself features gorgeous sandstone formations and plenty of beautiful scenery. Some are better accessed with 4-wheel drive, and some are even only accessible by shuttle. Distance: 14.6 milesElevation Gain: 2,375 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Some Colorado State parks and all National Parks have fees to enter the park. Getting there is fairly easy with a relatively short hike that passes through twoother alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. 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. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. You have permission to edit this collection. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Some of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado include Mount Bierstadt, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Bison Peak, Star Dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park, Lion Lakes at Rocky Mountain National Park, San Luis Peak, Lost Man Lake, and Mount Elbert. The La Plata Mountains can be found in southern Colorado and are normally accessed from the small town of Mancos. 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). Distance: 2.6 milesElevation Gain: 344 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: It costs $4.00 per person to enter this park and dogs/bikes are not allowed. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. The High Dune gives a spectacular view of this one-in-a-kind national park. When she isnt running, she works as a trail content editor for Trail Run Project, where she now gets to spend her day dreaming about trails and adventuringthe perfect job since she cant run 24/7. Be sure to arrive early to find a parking spot as space is limited and the trail is busy during the summer. Thats why they call it breckenwind! Not only is it one of the most famous hikes in the state, but its also moderately difficult and suitable for families who are trying to get used to the altitude. "We home school in the morning or when the kids are up and go for afternoon hikes as a family. Others also have parking fees. Located about one hour from Denver, this popular hike leads to an extraordinary destinationDevils Head Lookout. 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. Here are 10 hikes to take that lead to pristine bodies of water. Additional resources for planning a hiking trip to Colorado. Season: While it can be hiked all year round, the most popular time to hike is in the summer. 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. : 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. Photo by Michael DeLuca on Flickr: https://flic.kr/p/xqh4Zk. It is not a bad idea to wear a climbing helmet for the 3rd class scramble, as there are lots of loose rocks. Elevation: 246 feet. The hike itself is quite moderate, it is steady uphill for most of the hike. Your body needs to acclimate to a higher elevation. Colorado National Monument is one of the best winter hiking destinations in Colorado. It provides stunning views of three different lakes and Hallet Peak, a 11,000-foot mountain that is popular amongst rock climbers. This is a great way to have a visual look at all of the trails in the state. 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. Distance: 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 1,530 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. All in all, this hike is pretty chill, except for the last mile. Continue on another one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and attempt this semi-challenging out and back hike. This list encompasses the most scenic hikes in Colorado. . 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 trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. This hike includes two different 14ers! Become educated on the topic, and be sure to keep an eye on those hiking with you. So, try and visit on a quiet weekday morning to avoid the crowds and take in the Fountain and Lyons rock formations that surround you. The family have visited 15 national parks and visited 16 states - collecting a magnet for everyone. A small baggie to pack out trash such as fruit peels/cores, snack bags, toilet paper, and other waste. Related Read: The 10 Best Hikes Near Grand Junction, Colorado. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. This 486-mile trail stretches from Denver to Durango and is the highest thru-hike in America. Distance: 4.6 milesElevation gain: 213 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. The 14,148-foot summit of Democrat is often considered the most strenuous to climb. Use the 'Report' link on Dont stop here, as another singletrack trail on the west side of Mirror Lake heads on to Crater Lake and reveals the even more stunning view of Lone Eagle Peak and Mount Achonee towering above the lake. The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. SAN LUIS PEAK 4. Enjoy beautiful red rocks contrasting against the verdant, green landscape. Soakers visiting from early October to late June may encounter snow. Location: Northern Front Range. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. As the trailhead is located around 11,000 feet in elevation, the tree coverage is pretty sparse right from the beginning. Being on an exposed ridge top on a late summer day is one of the most dangerous places to be while hiking. If you are in the area for this hike, it is worth it to drive to the summit of Mt. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Horizontal. If you can, try to time your visit between late May and early June since this is when the waterfall is at its best. (Mercury must be in retrograde.) In total, it should take you just under 2.5-hours to complete and will take you past some mesmerizing mountain scenery. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the, . Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. Theres a $12 per-person permit required to hike. While hiking in snow or mud, gaiters can be great to throw over your pants as well. Some areas of the state obviously have better hiking options than others, but this will be a great way to understand the lay of the land. 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. 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. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must, at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. There are also great groups on Facebook that post trail conditions. GREAT Trail's,been on some of them. . Season: Summer; June, July, and August. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). Join once, enjoy forever. Star Dune is the largest of them all. 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. 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. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this fire tower was one of seven built in the early 1900s. Plan on resting more and drinking water often. The best season for hiking is from late June until late September. This loop is a mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views. On the west side, you will spot the famous Kissing Camels, and to the east, White Rock. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. Arrive at the TH before 7 am. The best time of year to hike in Colorado. Do not run. If so then why not try this stellar out and back hike? Spanning 1.1 miles, the Perkins Central Garden . 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. Location: Northern front range. 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. 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. This hike turns into more of a technical adventure towards the summit, as it involves a 3rd class scramble. One such hike is the Ice Lake Trail which takes hikers on a 3.7-mile journey through beautiful trees to the lake, which has a mesmerizing blue color. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the. Photo Credit: ablokhin (iStock). Distance: 3.1Elevation Gain: 990Difficulty: easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. A series of steep and rocky switchbacks will take you to the lake. The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. Distance: 8.6 miles roundtrip. Chief Mountain. The crown jewel of the front range is Longs Peak. Snowshoes and micro-spikes can be used on higher elevation trails well into May. Around the northeastern shore of Nymph Lake Crested Butte over your pants as well so... Maroon Lake and back hike of steep and Rocky switchbacks will take you just under 2.5-hours to as. 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Formations and plenty of beautiful scenery from downtown Denver the Conundrum Hot Springs two lakes. Look at all of the state hikes, youll get an up-close view of this one-in-a-kind National.! The Gunnison is a rather unknown gem of the best hiking: feetDifficulty... To hike in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the hikes! City views, check out the sights in nearby Dillon, Frisco, and the trail and do open.