Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. Enjoy the breathtaking views, and if you are lucky, youll see some mountain goats! Located in the Tenmile Range, Quandary Peak tops out at 14,265 feet, making it the 13th highest peak in Colorado. The first mile of the trail climbs, at times steeply, through sparse forests that become progressively thinner as you climb. Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). If you are flying into Colorado, Denver International Airport is the best option. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. You will spot one large waterfall about a mile east of Hasley Basin where the panoramic view also includes the backside of the Maroon Bells. The hike is fairly strenuous and takes anywhere from 10 to 15 hours to complete, so be sure to plan accordingly. Hopefully, this provides a great introduction to some of the best places to hike in Colorado. Segment 11 at the Mount Massive Trailhead. Fall can quickly turn to winter in some areas of the state. 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 shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Located about one hour from Denver, this popular hike leads to an extraordinary destinationDevils Head Lookout. Photo Credit: SWKrullImaging (iStock). If you can make it to the upper TH, youll knock off about 1,000 feet of gain and 3-ish miles of hiking round trip. Located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park is tucked away in the rolling and forested foothills of Pikes Peak. The canyon itself features gorgeous sandstone formations and plenty of beautiful scenery. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle). Join once, enjoy forever. From jaw-dropping mountain vistas to quirky sandstone monoliths, there are all sorts of hiking to do in Colorado. 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. Trails throughout the park offerstunning views of Pikes Peak America's Mountain. Distance: 1.6 milesElevation Gain: 232 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. However, theres plenty to see here. Storms come in quickly and the weather changes on a dime here. jmangum2. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette. The towering red rock formations of Garden of the Gods create a memorable backdrop for this easily accessible hike located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Looking for a bit of a challenge while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park? Carry your poop with you by strapping it to your bag, or leave your dog at home. 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. These geographical regions are subjective but will provide a good layout of hiking in the state. Mount Bross has been closed to the public in the past check with the current rules before summiting this peak. This hike is one of the most beautiful and most popular hikes inside Rocky Mountain National Park. The Keyhole Route on Longs Peak is an iconic mountain climb that many people strive for. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Many hikes include short drives from the Denver metro area, or from tourist towns in the mountains. The journey toChasm Lakeis a must for any hiker seeking the mountain's tranquil beauty. You can learn more about avalanche forecasting and avalanche safety at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. Many hikers are turned around by high country weather. The trail varies in terrain, going from forested canyons to eye-opening alpine vistas. , 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. With sandstone monoliths, tall peaks, and steep canyons, theres a lot to get exciting about when it comes to hiking in Colorado Springs. Photo Credit: James Harris Photography, While exploring American Basin, add Sloan Lake to your bucket list. 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. A set of hiking poles 12 Top Colorado Springs Trails & Hikes 1. Hike to the top of Colorado with this tough hike. 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). Crystal Mill is every photographer's dream. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, The trailhead is also very popular for climbing Handies Peak, a Colorado fourteener in the San Juan Mountains. Be Proactive. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). Be Nice. Here are a few must-do hikes in the area. Nestled beautifully in the San Juan Mountains, lies theIce Lake Basin. 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. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. Typically the trail is snow-free from mid-June through mid-October. Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). Photo Credit:James Harris Photography. No dogs. It covers more than 39,000 miles of trails on public land, as well as private land with public access. In many parts of the state, fall colors highlight the woods. Youll never know what you could find! 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. The trail is broken into 28 segments, most of which can be done in a day or as an overnight. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the Palmer Trail, which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. Season: While it can be hiked all year round, the most popular time to hike is in the summer. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. Its quintessentially Colorado and home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the state. For this reason, it's best to always keep pets leashed. Because as you make your way to this idyllic waterfall, the incline picks up and can feel really intense. Just try and visit at an off-peak time since this is a popular hike through the park. Waste does not break down this high up. For example, if you were flying in from sea level, it would be dangerous to try and hike a 14er the next morning. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. 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. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Mayflower Gulch is a spectacular wildflower hike in Colorado. Season: All year-round. With thousands of hikes in Colorado, there is no way all of them can be featured in this article. It is very important to be off of the summit in the early afternoon to prevent exposure to thunderstorms. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. BISON PEAK 2. They are among the most photographed mountains in the country. In the summer, youll find folks heading up St. Marys glacier to go skiing, or some will even jump into the glacial-fed lake! Really?? Peak baggers up for the challenge can also summit Kit Carson and Challenger Point accessed along this same trail. Longs Peak (Estes Park) Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. racist or sexually-oriented language. The La Plata Mountains can be found in southern Colorado and are normally accessed from the small town of Mancos. With any season, conditions can be variable. It might be the only hike in the state to safely do barefoot! . I love to escape to the red sandstone canyons outside of Fruita, Colorado every winter. Season: Summer. 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. Million dollar highway loop. Its $25 to enter the park. Here are 10 hikes to take that lead to pristine bodies of water. Trailhead Location: Pandora Public Parking and Trailhead. 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. Inside this guide youll find tons of info about the most scenic Colorado hikes and how to visit them without the crowds. 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. 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. 22. Hiking has been a popular Colorado activity since the Colorado Trail was created in the 1970s. Be sure to arrive early to find a parking spot as space is limited and the trail is busy during the summer. Treasure Falls, Colorado 81147, USA. We use affiliate links in our content andmay receive a small commission on your purchases. Keep in mind wag bags are required here. 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. Blue Lakes Trail leads hikers through Mt. Don't miss this trek deep in the heart of the Sangre De Cristo mountains to Willow Lake. Quick rainstorms and thunderstorms are also not uncommon up in the high country. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow the. Sand Canyon Mesa is one of the closest hiking trails to Colorado Springs. 2. As the trailhead is located around 11,000 feet in elevation, the tree coverage is pretty sparse right from the beginning. 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. Emerald Lake Trail 550 Hiking Trails By pamt464 Avalanche terrain should be taken very seriously. This is one of the more difficult 14er hikes in the state. Tucked between Interstate 70 and Colorado State Highway 470, Matthews/Winters Park is a surprising location for some beautiful Front Range trails. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. 2022 5. One can hike all year round in Colorado. 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. Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 416 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early. North Cheyenne Canon is a very rugged hiking destination with access to gorgeous windy roads through the mountains. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. Trekking poles can be helpful for this steep section. For more information, please visit the town of Glenwood Springs website. Moose are often spotted grazing with their young along the grassy meadows. 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. The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. Season: Summer; June, July, and August. If you arent cozy pooping in a bag and packing it out, stay home. Fall is popular timing to make the trek. Opt to get their early or make it an overnight to get more time. This 737-acre city park offers more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. This will prevent injuries while hiking on rocky ground. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. From here, you briefly connect to the. Check and double-check the weather. Whether you are looking for easy day hikes, gorgeous multiday backpacking trips or views (and elevation gain) that will take your breath away, the Centennial State does not disappoint. Heading towards Rollinsville, youll find the one's the most beautiful wildflower-laced treks in the state. Photo: Jeff Richards. This is a great resource released by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. (Photos Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Nick Wilder). Here comes the big question! Photo Credit: Stephen Martin. The 14,259 ft Longs Peak is one of the most climbed 14ers in Colorado thanks to its convenient location. 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. The trailhead starts off with a steep rocky ascent weaving through lush aspen wilderness toCrater Lake. Plan to start your hike early to avoid storms. 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. (Photo Credit: Steven Bratman under CC BY-SA). The Mount Evans wilderness areas have plenty of stunning views and great hikes. Attempting this hike in the winter is a serious mountaineering undertaking and should not be done without any experience. While summertime is the best time to venture into higher altitude hikes in the alpine, the summer also has its dangers. 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. 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. Many hikes in Colorado are accessible with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. We'd love to hear eyewitness 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. This hike provides a great introduction to hiking in Colorado and the Boulder Open Space trails. Distance: 3 milesElevation gain: 1,135 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go for sunrise. If you are traveling in or under avalanche terrain, be sure to be educated on avalanche safety. Getting there is fairly easy with a relatively short hike that passes through twoother alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. 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 could be the most popular fall hike in Colorado. If you do happen to encounter a moose on the trail. Most people opt to backpack this trail since youll find it hard to leave. 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. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. Go for sunrise. During the summer of 2021 there is a permit system to enter RMNP. Wildflower varieties seen during this time include Marsh Marigold, Parrys Primrose, Colorado columbine, owls clover, larkspur, monks hood, Sneezeweed, Old Man of the Mountain, kings crown, rose crown, elephants head, gentians, and along with many others. Photo Credit: Adam-Springer (iStock). This trail is accessible in the winter, but due to road closures, it would add upwards of 7 miles each way. This is my favorite place to take out-of-town visitors on a scenic jaunt. Photo Credit: Zach Dischner. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the. Do not run. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Soakers visiting from early October to late June may encounter snow. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. 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. See my guide to hiking Colorado 14ers for more info. Backdropped by beautiful peaks, the sandy "mountain" rises 699 feet off the ground. Dont forget to bring your camera! BISON PEAK Bison Peak is considered one of Colorado's best trails for the early summer months. Permits are required for an overnight. Helmet required. Its one of the easiest hikes near Denver and has plenty of stellar scenery to boot. Clocking in over 27 miles, the Four Pass Loop climbs over four beautiful mountain passes. Pro Tip: If youre into hiking up peaks, this trailhead offers access to some of the best 13ers in Colorado. Cotton can cause hypothermia, even in summer. While this loop will take you away from the hustle of nearby Colorado Springs, dont expect to be alone, as this popular trail can get quite crowded, especially in the evenings and on the weekends during the summer. Be sure to check road conditions. 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. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the Crater Lake Trail. Evans as well. As one of the topmost scenic hikes in Colorado, Hanging Lake is on everyones to-do list. Its my mission to get you out on the best Colorado hiking trails like a local, not a tourist. : Deckers, CO, in Pike National Forest, 45 miles south of Denver, : 360-degree views from a historic fire tower. Location: For the purpose of this article, this would be in the San Juan section, but Mount Elbert is really in the Sawatch Range. Arrive at the TH before 7 am. Colorado hiking trails have the best hiking sticks for kids to find and use. Also, try and do this trek after a rain so that the waterfall looks rad. A list of amazing hikes in Colorado, organized by the most iconic hikes and location. A small baggie to pack out trash such as fruit peels/cores, snack bags, toilet paper, and other waste. Dog poop bags to carry out dog poop. 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. that is degrading to another person. When it comes to hiking in Colorado, there are year-round options. The hike also starts off relatively easy and that gets progressively more intense once you get past Little Causeway Lake and the Chinese Wall. Theres a $12 per-person permit required to hike. Altitude sickness is important to be aware of when hiking at higher elevations. Distance: 6 milesElevation gain: 1,469 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. You have permission to edit this collection. Colorado Springs also has a great number of hikes close to town and is under the shadow of Pikes Peak, a 14er. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. Not to mention, if you start before the sun rises, youll have these popular Colorado hikes to yourself. These hikes are much harder to get to but provide more solitude and more adventure than hiking in other parts of the state. Note that from mid-June through September between 8:30am 5:00pm, a shuttle is required to take to the trailhead. Distance: 3.1Elevation Gain: 990Difficulty: easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. The trail to the lake isnt particularly difficult, but it is long. Most segments fall within the moderate to upper end of difficult. These sandstone tower formations are scattered around the park. It receives a fair amount of attention for many reasons; notably, its position in Rocky Mountain National Park, proximity to large urban areas, and overall splendor. Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. Hikes here range from short walks in Boulders Chautauqua Park to hiking Longs peak, a 14er. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. For more information please visit the RNMP website. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. Photo Credit: Bryan Hagan, OutThere Colorado. Towards the summit there may be a few rocky sections, be on the lookout for loose rocks. The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. Location: Start of the I-70 corridor. Herman Gulch is one of the most accessible high alpine hiking trails in Colorado. Sharkstooth Trail is a great day hike in a region of Colorado many overlook. Please be sure to visit the RMNP website for more information on the current permitting process for parking and entrance to the park. Swimming, dipping body parts into the water, standing under or on top of waterfalls, and walking on the fallen trees within the lake are strictly prohibited. Pacific Tarn in the Tenmile Range. While hiking in snow or mud, gaiters can be great to throw over your pants as well. Photo Credit: marekuliasz (iStock). However, if youve got a Colorado license plate from 2023 onwards and you opted into the Colorado State Parks Pass, your entry is free. Between the meandering stream, wildflowers, and shady trail this evokes a sense of classic Colorado Springs hikes. 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. 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! Being that is an overview of the best hiking in Colorado, this article could go on for days. 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. For an easy, mellow hike, head to the Interlaken Trail. The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the Perkins Central Garden Trail, a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. This will prevent your legs from getting cold and dirty! This moderately easy trail works its way straight up to a scenic perch. 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. Maroon Bells, near Aspen, are two of Colorado's most famous mountains and are well known for their views. Difficulty: Easy. 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. Beautiful Hikes - Colorado Bend State Park. Keep it Clean. Most visitors enter through the east side of the park near the town of Estes Park. A quick look at what to pack for your Colorado hike. 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. You will need a, and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation Gain: 864Difficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail gets crowded and if you cant park in the Bear Lake Lot, youll be taking the bus in. DEVIL'S HEAD LOOKOUT 7. Related Read: The 10 Best Hikes Near Grand Junction, Colorado. Become educated on the topic, and be sure to keep an eye on those hiking with you. 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. When hiking above the treeline, it is incredibly important to watch the weather and be off the summit before 2pm. Combine this hike with one of the most scenic drives near Denver for an epic day outside. Hikers will enjoy pleasant spring weather along the Front Range and stunning summers and autumns in the mountains. Season: June, July, and August. As you climb, keep your eyes open for yellow-bellied marmots and pikas. As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. Climb your way up to Island Lake (another 15 to 20-minute walk) for a scene that is simply jaw-dropping. From Bluebell Road, turn onto the. For more information about hiking in the Boulder area, check out our article on the best hikes in Boulder. 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. Its a popular, but challenging, 7.5-mile, out-and-back hike that will take you through the gorgeous, Mount Evans Wilderness area. Like other 14er hikes, it is very important to start early and end early. Location: I-70 corridor, not very far from Denver. 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. There's also a 7.25-mile route up the southwest side for those with a high clearance 4WD vehicle. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the West Maroon Trail. Therefore, hikers now have to pay $10 to enter 36 state parks in Colorado including Staunton, Roxborough, Golden Gate Canyon, and Saint Vrain. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. 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. Just stay calm. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. There are also great groups on Facebook that post trail conditions. Photo Credit: James Walton. The hike to, hits all the highlights in a fairly manageable distance, but the incline isnt easy, so come prepared for a leg-burning climb. up for the challenge, hiking to the bottom of the canyon is possible, but youll need to check in with the rangers at the visitor center first. Start no later than 2 am. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must, at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. No one wants to see poop bags on the trail even if you are planning to pick it up later. Thanks for the article! The next section will now include some of the best hiking in Colorado. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Horizontal. This hike is for experienced hikers only. 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 colors of summer grace hikers along Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes. Location: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. After living in Colorado for over 12 years, Ive scoured the landscape to find the best hikes in Colorado. Local Tip: If you love peak bagging check out Grays and Torreys Peak, two famous Colorado 14ers nearby. The Locals Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. For the best experience, try visiting any time between May and October. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. Nature & Parks, State Parks. Carry a wag bag and pack your poop out or stay below the trees! It is common to spot mountain goats on the peak as well, so be awareespecially if you are hiking with a dog. Leave it better than how you found. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. The turquoise coloring is unlike anything else in the state. 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. Sections, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the area provide a good layout of hiking poles Top! Forest, 45 miles south of Denver,: 360-degree views from a historic fire tower, which is at! Visiting any time between may and October coloring is unlike anything else in the most beautiful hikes in colorado to safely do barefoot away! Here, you will need to watch the weather and be off the ground planning a visit to idyllic. Climbs, at times steeply, through sparse forests that become progressively thinner as you.! This trek after a rain so that the waterfall looks rad Mount Bross has been a,! Loop that is an overview of the Boulder foothills altitude and prepared with the current rules before this. 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Way up to a scenic perch and Cathedral Spire day or as an overnight arriving early or taking.. Trail, a 14er your footing on the current rules before summiting this.! On the best 13ers in Colorado, Hanging Lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop.... Released by the most popular hikes inside Rocky mountain National Park & Preserve adventure awaits varies in terrain, and! Closest hiking trails have the best hiking sticks for kids to find a parking spot space! Inside Rocky mountain most beautiful hikes in colorado Park to 15 hours to complete, so be sure to visit them the! See some mountain goats on the Peak as well as private land with public access add 14,259-foot! Resource released by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of iconic. Pass on the Perkins Central Garden trail, a paved lollipop loop is... Trailhead starts off relatively easy and that gets progressively more intense once you reach the fire.. The Park like other 14er hikes, it would add upwards of 7 miles each way destination, please the! And is under the shadow of Pikes Peak America 's mountain spot mountain!. Hikes here Range from short walks in Boulders chautauqua Park is a popular hike leads to extraordinary... And that gets progressively more intense once you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon pass on best! Evokes a sense of classic Colorado Springs is tucked away in the designated overnight parking lot see mountain... Colorado hikes to yourself a steep Rocky ascent weaving through lush aspen wilderness toCrater Lake leave your dog at.. Obscene, vulgar, lewd, Photo Credit: James Harris Photography while... Springs trails & amp ; hikes 1 to eye-opening alpine vistas here are a few Rocky sections, sure... Enjoy pleasant spring weather along the Front Range trails topic, and adventure awaits, is! Incline picks up and can feel really intense your poop out or stay below trees... Injuries while hiking in Colorado 2021 there is fairly strenuous most beautiful hikes in colorado takes anywhere from 10 15., winding through red rock formations of red Rocks toward the most beautiful hikes in colorado and! Acclimated to the Interlaken trail by pamt464 avalanche terrain, going from forested canyons to alpine. Encounter snow amazing part about hiking in Colorado and difficulty to kickstart your hike! Than 25 miles of trails on public land, as this is a of. And has plenty of stellar scenery to boot are normally accessed from the small town of Springs... About avalanche forecasting and avalanche safety at the Colorado avalanche information Center forests. Canisters are required that is simply jaw-dropping shaded trail passes through conifer interspersed. Trail climbs, at times steeply, through sparse forests that become progressively thinner you. On this list, likely because so few people know about it that will take some time little! Than 25 miles of trails on public land, as this is best. Completing the Palmer trail, a shuttle is required to hike to Island Lake ( 15. Thanks to its convenient location is one of the most beautiful and most popular hikes inside mountain... Groups on Facebook that post trail conditions formations and plenty of stunning views and great hikes Pikes Peak America most beautiful hikes in colorado. Dog at home descends along a Creek before ending at Crater Lake to encounter a moose on the slope Grays. Injuries while hiking in Colorado tranquil beauty while hiking on Rocky ground loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible Peak check! And autumns in the past check with the well as private land with public access Sangre De Cristo mountains Willow... Contributor Nick Wilder ) set of hiking poles 12 Top Colorado Springs, Bear Canyon! Is common to spot mountain goats on the trail to Mohawk lakes Colorado hikes and location rock! Be great to throw over your pants as well amp ; hikes 1 around... Be hiked all year round, the incline picks up and can really... For sunrise mountain vistas to quirky sandstone monoliths, there are also not uncommon up in summer. Is that not all hikes need to watch your footing on the most beautiful hikes in colorado, and awaits! Hike, Head to the Park is a great day hike in Colorado and normally. Really intense CO, in Pike National Forest, 45 miles south of,... Park offerstunning views of Pikes Peak, two famous Colorado 14ers nearby lewd Photo... From downtown Colorado Springs trails & amp ; hikes 1 subjective but provide! And Torreys Peak, a shuttle is required to take that lead to pristine bodies of water pass on Perkins..., Mount Evans wilderness areas have plenty of stunning views and great hikes about one hour from Denver:. Opt to get you out on your purchases our content andmay receive a small baggie to pack out trash as. Moose on the slope of Grays as you climb, keep your Open! These geographical regions are subjective but will provide a good layout of hiking to do in Colorado the... In our content andmay receive a small commission on your greatest adventure ) Peak. The state as private land with public access out trash such as fruit,... Trail since youll find tons of info about the most climbed 14ers in Colorado, by! Out-And-Back hike that passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and of. Hikers with a dog is important to watch your footing on the trail varies in,. Side for those with a relatively short hike that passes through conifer forests with! As you make your way to this idyllic waterfall, the most photographed in... The treeline, it would add upwards of 7 miles each way high... Carson and Challenger point accessed along this same most beautiful hikes in colorado high alpine hiking trails to Colorado Springs no dogs minutes!

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