Affectionately nicknamed 'America's Switzerland', this is a popular year-round hiking spot. 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. The aspen-lined mill turns from green to gold, peaking from mid-September to early October. 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. Answer the call of wanderlust with this beautiful emerald-green lake surrounded by picturesque granite peaks. A few miles from downtown Boulder, CO. 30 minutes NW from Downtown Denver. Season: Summer; June, July, and August. The Keyhole Route on Longs Peak is an iconic mountain climb that many people strive for. Location: I-70 corridor, outside of the town of Aspen. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to take a shuttle from town. Depends on road conditions and the seasons snowpack. If you are traveling in or under avalanche terrain, be sure to be educated on avalanche safety. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Colorado is known for its snow-capped mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Many hikes include short drives from the Denver metro area, or from tourist towns in the mountains. A quick look at what to pack for your Colorado hike. At 14,440 feet of elevation, this is the highest point in all of Colorado. jmangum2. Quick rainstorms and thunderstorms are also not uncommon up in the high country. From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. 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. 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. Clocking in over 27 miles, the Four Pass Loop climbs over four beautiful mountain passes. These sandstone tower formations are scattered around the park. Theres a $12 per-person permit required to hike. This area is roughly the region south of I-70 and encompasses a huge area. There's also a 7.25-mile route up the southwest side for those with a high clearance 4WD vehicle. You can even continue on to the famous Sky Pond. 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. This stunning hike brings one to one of the few remaining glaciers in Colorado. Arrive at the TH before 7 am. You have permission to edit this collection. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. Three gorgeous mountain lakes are featured along this trail through a scenic glacial basin. For an easy, mellow hike, head to the Interlaken Trail. Today, outdoor enthusiasts continue to visit from all over . This trek features wildflowers, waterfalls, lakes, and a historic building. Snowshoes and micro-spikes can be used on higher elevation trails well into May. Keep your eyes on the trail for wildlife. Nestled outside of the beautiful mountain town of Breckenridge, the sparkling alpine waters combined with granite views and colorful blooms offers up the perfect summer escape. 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. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. Found in Rocky Mountain National Park, cross the natural wonder of Emerald Lakeoff your bucket list. Thats why they call it breckenwind! Thunderstorms can be incredibly dangerous, and even fatal. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, The trailhead is also very popular for climbing Handies Peak, a Colorado fourteener in the San Juan Mountains. As one of the classic Boulder hikes, youll get an up-close view of the famous Flatirons. Each alpine wonder offers a serene escape laced with captivating mountain beauty. Colorado is a hiking mecca thats filled with unbelievably beautiful trails. This hike is very challenging due to the high starting elevation, and its elevation gain of over 4,000 feet. North Cheyenne Canon is a very rugged hiking destination with access to gorgeous windy roads through the mountains. Bag four mountain passes and more than 12,000 feet in elevation with this alpine trek near the mountain town of Aspen. Spencer McKee takes in sweeping alpine views on the Mount Massive trail. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. The weather is very unpredictable in Colorado. 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. As a general rule of thumb, you should plan to be off the mountain around noonish before the storms start to roll in. Now more than 100 years old, this is the one remaining fire tower in service. Its also one of the best hikes in Colorado since it features this super cool, narrow (its less than four-feet wide), 50-foot-long land bridge that youll need to traverse along the way. Storms come in quickly and the weather changes on a dime here. The first mile of the trail climbs, at times steeply, through sparse forests that become progressively thinner as you climb. Towering beautifully over hikers, mountain bikers, and climbers, the unique red rock formations offer a playground of adventure. Being that is an overview of the best hiking in Colorado, this article could go on for days. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. 35% percent of land in Colorado is public land or a whopping 23 million acres. Emerald Lake Trail 550 Hiking Trails By pamt464 Located a little over an hour away from Denver, near Silver Plume, Colorado is this amazing trail. 1. Colorado Bend State Park. Be sure to check road conditions. Distance: 10.3 milesElevation gain: 4,442 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Start early (like 4 am early) to beat afternoon thunderstorms. This 486-mile trail stretches from Denver to Durango and is the highest thru-hike in America. Permits are required for overnight stays inbackcountry areas of the Conundrum Hot Springs. This hike is one of the most beautiful and most popular hikes inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Popular hiking trails include the Garden of the Gods Loop, Rocks and Vistas Garden of the Gods, Susan G. Bretag and Palmer Loop, and Siamese Twins Loop. This hike turns into more of a technical adventure towards the summit, as it involves a 3rd class scramble. Backcountry campsites are available by permit if you need more time to enjoy the view! Local Tip: If you love peak bagging check out Grays and Torreys Peak, two famous Colorado 14ers nearby. We'd love to hear eyewitness Sharkstooth Trail is a great day hike in a region of Colorado many overlook. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. Wildflowers decorate the lush green landscape surrounding the alpine lakes. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Location: I-70 corridor, a little under 3-hour drive from Denver. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. Micro-spikes and snowshoes can be necessary during the winter months (October-April). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); great article will definitely try these hikes! Palmer Park: Best Hiking Trail in Colorado Springs. This is one of Colorados most famous lakes. When it comes to finding the best hikes in Colorado, look no further, youve arrived. Explore the most popular trails in my list 101 most beautiful hikes in colorado with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Photo Credit: Mariah Hoffman. Welcome to some of the mostbrilliantly cobalt blue lakes in Colorado. However, theres plenty to see here. 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. Season: May-November is ideal. According to the National Park Service, Star Dune hikers should plan for a five-hour round trip. This is one of the more difficult 14er hikes in the state. Fill in your details below, or select an option to login: Hiking up Quandary Peak. Situated along the Continental Divide about an hour drive from Denver, this hike is very popular. For more information please visit the RNMP website. Royal Arch is one of the most popular local trails, and provides some of the best views in the area! 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. You'll need reservations to explore the iconic alpine wonder. : Deckers, CO, in Pike National Forest, 45 miles south of Denver, : 360-degree views from a historic fire tower. Local Tip: If youre. Dogs are welcome to use the trail but must be kept on leash. To get to the lakes, you'll climb 1.6 miles with an elevation gain of 1,062 feet. Photo Credit: Bryan Hagan, OutThere Colorado. After living in Colorado for over 12 years, Ive scoured the landscape to find the best hikes in Colorado. Photo Credit: tonda (iStock). 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. The hike starts from Monarch Lake on the Cascade Trail on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. From here, you briefly connect to the. The best time to visit is from July through September. Share with Us. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation gain: 764 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Colorado National Monument is one of the best winter hiking destinations in Colorado. Garden of the Gods is a popular hiking destination located in Colorado Springs. Once you reach the base of Devils Head, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side of the large rock outcropping. Snowshoes are recommended in the early season. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin. Enjoy the scenery from the trail to avoid tramping this beloved environment. Hikers may opt for the trail or service road (shorter) to reach the lakes. The first snowfall up high can occur as early as the first week of September! 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. Its also one of the best Colorado backpacking trips too! The descent can be quite dangerous, watch out for loose rocks. As you climb, keep your eyes open for yellow-bellied marmots and pikas. Listen, Ive been on each of these hiking trails several different times. Colorado is known for its abundant sunny weather, mountain views and nearly year-round hiking opportunities. When it comes to hiking in Colorado, there are year-round options. While summertime is the best time to venture into higher altitude hikes in the alpine, the summer also has its dangers. Colorado Springs also has a great number of hikes close to town and is under the shadow of Pikes Peak, a 14er. 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! 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. other alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. The best time of year to hike in Colorado. It is important to always bring extra layers and a waterproof jacket while hiking in Colorado. Don't Threaten. Photo Credit: twildlife (iStock). It provides stunning views of three different lakes and Hallet Peak, a 11,000-foot mountain that is popular amongst rock climbers. Beat the crowds and head to the beautiful Ptarmigan Lake. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Maroon Bells, near Aspen, are two of Colorado's most famous mountains and are well known for their views. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation Gain: 49 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs are allowed and youll need an advanced parking reservation or shuttle reservation when the road to the trailhead is open. Although short, theres quite a bit of gain on this hike, making it moderate in difficulty. This 27-mile loop is most commonly backpacked as a three- or four-night trip. Some are better accessed with 4-wheel drive, and some are even only accessible by shuttle. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Others also have parking fees. Distance: 14.5 milesElevation gain: 4,911 feetDifficulty: extremely difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is not a hike to be taken lightly. Adding another Colorado 14er combo to the summer bucket list, the Grays and Torreys Trail is packed with both beauty and challenge. SAN LUIS PEAK 4. Prepare properly for scrambling a Colorado 14er and understand the risks you are getting into. 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. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. The 14,259 ft Longs Peak is one of the most climbed 14ers in Colorado thanks to its convenient location. Not to mention, if you start before the sun rises, youll have these popular Colorado hikes to yourself. The trick? . Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. Be sure to have the right education and the right gear. It is very crowded, but also a very well maintained park. Many hikes in Colorado are accessible with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto High Drive, a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. The next section will now include some of the best hiking in Colorado. : Estes Park, CO, in Rocky Mountain National Park, 50 miles northwest of Boulder, : A tour of three picturesque lakes in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, With more than 300 miles of trails and some of the best-known scenery in the state, Rocky Mountain National Park is a well-loved hiking destination for locals and visitors alike. 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 with all above-treeline routes, start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and be sure to pack appropriately with food, water, sunscreen and extra layers. Boulder, CO. 30 minutes NW from downtown Denver 1.6 miles with an elevation gain of feet... Longs Peak is an overview of the large rock outcropping and breathtaking landscapes climbing over Frigid Air Pass milesElevation... 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