most beautiful hikes in colorado
Micro-spikes and snowshoes can be necessary during the winter months (October-April). When it comes to finding the best hikes in Colorado, look no further, youve arrived. Rapid weather changes can be expected on this high altitude trek. Prepare properly for scrambling a Colorado 14er and understand the risks you are getting into. Some Colorado State parks and all National Parks have fees to enter the park. Follow the signs to Rogers Pass Lake (pictured), a destination youll encounter just before reaching Heart Lake. Another unique feature is Dinosaur Ridge, a National Natural Landmark with preserved dinosaur tracks, to the east. As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 416 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early. Winter brings solitude through deep snow in the woods. Dont forget to bring your camera! This is a family-friendly hike that should not be missed in Colorado. Additionally, the road to the trailhead is closed seasonally, usually from December to April. 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. 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. Be prepared to not have cell service while you hike. From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. Although, winter lasts a long time in the high country. Here is an article about getting altitude sickness in Colorado. This is a great way to have a visual look at all of the trails in the state. , a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. The trail starts mellow and quickly builds up to steep elevation gains. The magnificent Maroon bell mountains tower over Maroon lake. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. This article will mainly focus on some of the best day hikes. Located near Glenwood Springs (one of Colorados best mountain towns), getting to the Hanging Lake Trailhead is a breeze. This loop is a mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views. This hike includes two different 14ers! The road is open all year round, but for best conditions, plan to do this hike in June, July, and August. Dog-friendly. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. (Mercury must be in retrograde.) Season: Best to hike in summer. 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. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. jmangum2. Distance: 14.5 milesElevation gain: 4,911 feetDifficulty: extremely difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is not a hike to be taken lightly. When hiking above the treeline, it is incredibly important to watch the weather and be off the summit before 2pm. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin, 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. Location: I-70 corridor, a little under 3-hour drive from Denver. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the. 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. A set of hiking poles 12 Top Colorado Springs Trails & Hikes 1. Youll travel along an old railroad route in the heart of the southern foothills. Headed back east, Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most unexpectedly beautiful places in Colorado. Treasure Falls, Colorado 81147, USA. A quick look at what to pack for your Colorado hike. If so then why not try this stellar out and back hike? 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. Dont underestimate the difficulty of this route. Trailhead Location: Pandora Public Parking and Trailhead. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Photo Credit: Zach Dischner. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must, at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. This is by far one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Towns like Telluride, Silverton, and Durango will be nearby for hiking in this region. . Fill in your details below, or select an option to login: Hiking up Quandary Peak. This awesome, 6 mile out-and-back trail takes you through the exquisite Flat Tops Wilderness area near Yampa, Colorado. As with all above-treeline routes, start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and be sure to pack appropriately with food, water, sunscreen and extra layers. Photo Credit: marekuliasz (iStock). Located in the Tenmile Range, Quandary Peak tops out at 14,265 feet, making it the 13th highest peak in Colorado. Distance: 10.3 milesElevation gain: 4,442 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Start early (like 4 am early) to beat afternoon thunderstorms. However, theres plenty to see here. The trick? Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, Yellow and pink varieties of wildflowers bloom along the alpine tundra as the creek waters gently tumble. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette. 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. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. 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. 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 is available as a desktop version as well on iPhone and Android. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation gain: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. 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. Location: San Juans. Photo Credit: SWKrullImaging (iStock). Nestled beautifully in the San Juan Mountains, lies theIce Lake Basin. For a mellow introduction to hiking in the park, hit up the 4 iconic alpine lakes including the famous Emerald Lake along this famous hiking trail. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow theLeave No Tracebest practices. Don't miss this trek deep in the heart of the Sangre De Cristo mountains to Willow Lake. No dogs. The 4.5-mile path will lead you to a historical mill that now sits abandoned above the Crystal River in Gunnison County. Getting there is fairly easy with a relatively short hike that passes through twoother alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. Snow can last on this hike well into June. Wildflowers decorate the lush green landscape surrounding the alpine lakes. Royal Arch is one of the most popular local trails, and provides some of the best views in the area! Attempting this hike in the winter is a serious mountaineering undertaking and should not be done without any experience. Follow the signs to Rogers Pass Lake (pictured), a destination youll encounter just before reaching Heart Lake. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. Its quintessentially Colorado and home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the state. For more information please visit the RNMP website. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the free shuttle. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. With thousands of hikes in Colorado, there is no way all of them can be featured in this article. Located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park is tucked away in the rolling and forested foothills of Pikes Peak. For an easy, mellow hike, head to the Interlaken Trail. 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. Located inside Rocky Mountain National Park outside of the town of Estes Park. After living in Colorado for over 12 years, Ive scoured the landscape to find the best hikes in Colorado. Buckskin Pass Trail takes you up and over Buckskin Pass with amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic Snowmass Lake. We use affiliate links in our content andmay receive a small commission on your purchases. Distance: 3 milesElevation gain: 1,135 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go for sunrise. 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:James Harris Photography. Rise early to catch a mountain sunrise guaranteed to leave you speechless. Photo Credit: RondaKimbrow (iStock). Near the southern end of the loop, you can branch onto the. Located in the middle of the town and surrounded by neighborhoods and city sprawl, this magical wilderness is a very popular city park in Colorado Springs. 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. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. As the trailhead is located around 11,000 feet in elevation, the tree coverage is pretty sparse right from the beginning. Distance: 7.8 milesElevation Gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. SIGN UP: Free daily newsletter + 20% off in the OTC gear shop, Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. All in all, this hike is pretty chill, except for the last mile. Showcasing breathtaking natural scenery, the mill is arguably one of the most photographed structures in all of the state. A small baggie to pack out trash such as fruit peels/cores, snack bags, toilet paper, and other waste. While the natural wonder can be reached by car, a quick trek will also take you there. Be on the lookout for more articles in the future for the best 14er hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. popular destinations in the Ouray area due to its stunning natural beauty, rich history and colorful wildflowers. 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. This is hike is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by very experienced hikers. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. : Deckers, CO, in Pike National Forest, 45 miles south of Denver, : 360-degree views from a historic fire tower. Starting at the Kite Lake Trailhead, the7.6-mile trailgains 3,359 feet of elevation. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. Distance: 6 milesElevation gain: 1,469 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Theres a good reason for it: Hanging Lake LOOKS like a place where fairies and gnomes would live. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. Really?? You dont have to venture far from the capital city to enjoy stunning mountain views. North Cheyenne Canon is a very rugged hiking destination with access to gorgeous windy roads through the mountains. Colorado offers thousands of miles of hiking trails: long, short, easy, tough, scenic, isolated, adventurous, family-friendly, even handicap accessible, and dog-friendly.Some are perfect for viewing the changing of the aspen trees in the fall, whereas others come to life every spring with colorful wildflowers. Garden of the Gods Perkins Central Garden Trail (Colorado Springs) AllTrails/Brian Mehringer. Located a little over an hour away from Denver, near Silver Plume, Colorado is this amazing trail. Its almost a rite of passage to hike this iconic hiking trail in Colorado. Like other 14er hikes, it is very important to start early and end early. This hike comes into condition during July and August. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, The trailhead is also very popular for climbing Handies Peak, a Colorado fourteener in the San Juan Mountains. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Chad DuBois). 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. ! Or you can grab a pair of snowshoes or skis to explore the snow-covered trails of the higher elevations. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. The first mile of the trail climbs, at times steeply, through sparse forests that become progressively thinner as you climb. Thats why they call it breckenwind! Related: The Locals Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. With two large enclosed dog parks, a beautiful pond and fountain, as well as sand volleyball courts, this park truly has something for everyone. There are a number of routes for reaching the 14,421-foot summit. 2236 Park Hill Dr, P. O. Wildflower lovers will be delighted by the serene beauty found on the 401 Trail in Crested Butte. Just outside of the main area of Rocky Mountain National Park, youll find the Lumpy Ridge area. The trail becomes rockier as you climb. Altitude sickness is important to be aware of when hiking at higher elevations. These hiking trails in Colorado each offer something a little different and help you build your skills as a mountain hiker. There is an amazing array of hikes near Denver that make up some of the best hikes in Colorado. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. Nature & Parks, State Parks. Box 118, Bend, TX 76824. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. Photo Credit: Ashley Bennett. Distance: 6.3 milesElevation Gain: 1,755 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dont pick or prance around in the wildflowers. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, American Basin is best explored from mid-July to early August. Mount Elber is 14,440 feet tall, making it the highest point in the state. Theres also a serious avalanche risk, so be sure to understand the fundamentals of winter hiking before heading out. Photo Credit: tonda (iStock). After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. The standard route features a 14-mile class two climb up the eastern slopes. 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 hike also starts off relatively easy and that gets progressively more intense once you get past Little Causeway Lake and the Chinese Wall. This is a heavily trafficked area, so be sure to get there early. I was disappointed to not see FERN LAKE and other hikes in RMNP on the list. Enjoy the scenery from the trail to avoid tramping this beloved environment. This is one of the best fall hikes in Colorado that doesnt get smashed with people. Opt to get their early or make it an overnight to get more time. Photo Credit: Erik Sommerfeld; American Institute of Architects. The entire trail takes around 1 month to complete as a thru-hike. It provides stunning views of three different lakes and Hallet Peak, a 11,000-foot mountain that is popular amongst rock climbers. Difficulty: Moderate. These stunning sandstone monoliths inspire the imagination. 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. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Follow Leave No Trace and pick up after yourself (bonus points if you pick up others waste too!). Photo Credit: kwiktor (iStock). Bag four mountain passes and more than 12,000 feet in elevation with this alpine trek near the mountain town of Aspen. This ultimate guide to the best hikes in Colorado gives you an array of local hiking recommendations for all abilities. On the west side, you will spot the famous, , and to the east, White Rock. Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. For more information, please visit the town of Glenwood Springs website. Parts of the trailhead may also be inaccessible during these months. Become educated on the topic, and be sure to keep an eye on those hiking with you. Additional resources for planning a hiking trip to Colorado. Crestone Peak and the Crestone Needle, two of Colorados most famous 14ers (peaks above 14,000 feet high), create a beautifully dramatic backdrop. Snowshoes and micro-spikes can be used on higher elevation trails well into May. racist or sexually-oriented language. Tucked between Interstate 70 and Colorado State Highway 470, Matthews/Winters Park is a surprising location for some beautiful Front Range trails. You will need to check-in at the South Rim visitors center to get a permit. a good rule of thumb is to be below treeline by noon. I love to escape to the red sandstone canyons outside of Fruita, Colorado every winter. This hike itself is rather short, but the views are impressive. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. 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. 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. You can learn more about avalanche forecasting and avalanche safety at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. 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. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Horizontal. 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. Difficulty - Easy Distance - 2.3 miles Elevation gain - 2,000 feet Duration - 1 to 2 hours 5: Garden of the Gods Dreamstime/Lisa Mckown As I was researching lodging near Estes Park, CO, for our 6th trip to hike Rocky Mountain National Park, I came across this list. Many hikes include short drives from the Denver metro area, or from tourist towns in the mountains. It is very crowded, but also a very well maintained park. Use the 'Report' link on Distance: 3.6 milesElevation gain: 1,446 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and very crowded. One of the best hikes in Colorado is the iconic Mirror Lake. : Granby, CO, in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, 103 miles northwest of Denver, : A long day hike or an overnight backpacking trip, Located in the mountains west of Boulder, Indian Peaks Wilderness is a remarkable wilderness area with miles of pristine trails and many access points on both sides of the Continental Divide. Not all public lands are free to enter. that is degrading to another person. 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. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. Location: Northern front range. The road is rather rocky and a 44 car is recommended. Its also one of the best Colorado backpacking trips too! 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. As you climb, keep your eyes open for yellow-bellied marmots and pikas. A cozy windbreaker for those gusty summits 5. Sneffels is a Telluride classic and is one of the 14ers in the area. Information on distance, elevation gain, location, difficulty, permit requirements, and dog-friendliness. Generally speaking, the high country is referred to as the area at 9,000 feet and above. 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. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. Nearly every hiker who visits Rocky takes on the challenge of reaching Sky Pond. 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