Parts of the trailhead may also be inaccessible during these months. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. Fall would be the best time to make this hike. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. There is a fee to enter to the park and parking can be limited during peak season. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Photo Credit: marekuliasz (iStock). Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. Opt to get their early or make it an overnight to get more time. Chief Mountain. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. Also named Emerald Lake, these majestic alpine waters can be explored near the iconic mountain town of Crested Butte. Theres a good reason for it: Hanging Lake LOOKS like a place where fairies and gnomes would live. Be sure to remember to bring $5 for the parking fee at this location. 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. Keep in mind wag bags are required here. This 737-acre city park offers more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. Micro-spikes and snowshoes can be necessary during the winter months (October-April). Additionally, the road to the trailhead is closed seasonally, usually from December to April. They are among the most photographed mountains in the country. Many hikes include short drives from the Denver metro area, or from tourist towns in the mountains. Dont poop above treeline. The hike then loops back north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead. A few miles from downtown Boulder, CO. 30 minutes NW from Downtown Denver. The trails tend to be snow-free and the roads are open. For the more alpine regions, spring can either still be winter, or it can be very muddy. Theres a $12 per-person permit required to hike. The standard route features a 14-mile class two climb up the eastern slopes. Even for someone that lives in Colorado, anyone can get altitude sickness when hiking up high, most commonly above 8,000 feet. As was mentioned above, some roads are closed for portions of the year, it is important to check on those closures. Its a popular, but challenging, 7.5-mile, out-and-back hike that will take you through the gorgeous, Mount Evans Wilderness area. Herman Gulch is one of the most accessible high alpine hiking trails in Colorado. 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. Towards the summit there may be a few rocky sections, be on the lookout for loose rocks. ROYAL ARCH TRAIL 1. Hikes near towns such as Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen will be included in this area. This trail offers amazing hiking year-round (psst, its one of my favorite Colorado winter hikes). 22. Its also only 3.2 miles long and takes you past some gorgeous alpine lakes. Here are 10 hikes to take that lead to pristine bodies of water. A fantastic way to explore hiking trails on public land in Colorado is via the Colorado Trail Explorer App. Ive spent a lot of time on these trails without a soul in sight. Keep in mind, youll need to shuttle cars from point A to point B if youre section hiking. The Dream Lake Trail continues to climb from Nymph Lake up into Tyndall Gorge, crossing Tyndall Creek before coming to the eastern edge of Dream Lake. The colors of summer grace hikers along Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes. A small, packable rain jacket can be great to throw in your pack. Lets start with some common questions about hiking in Colorado. Thunderstorms can be incredibly dangerous, and even fatal. Location: San Juans, near the town of Telluride. This hike turns into more of a technical adventure towards the summit, as it involves a 3rd class scramble. If you are planning to do the hike as a quick overnight backpacking trip, you will need a permit, and all visitors will need to pay the small fee to park at the Monarch Lake Trailhead. It is not a bad idea to wear a climbing helmet for the 3rd class scramble, as there are lots of loose rocks. 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. It also serves as a highly visible landmark the notch in the ridge. The beautiful scenery passes by a few small lakes and ponds before the final push to Ptarmigan Lake. This area is roughly the region south of I-70 and encompasses a huge area. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. Kristen is a native Coloradan and longtime runner who enjoys running on the track, roads and now on the trails. Photo Credit: John Fielder. Listen, Ive been on each of these hiking trails several different times. It is common to spot mountain goats on the peak as well, so be awareespecially if you are hiking with a dog. 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. , which leaves from the same trailhead and loops around Bear Lake, is a family-friendly option. person will not be tolerated. The altitude combined with lots of elevation gain makes for a tough hike. Treasure Falls, Colorado 81147, USA. Most hikers will start hiking around 3am in the summer. No dogs. The 14,148-foot summit of Democrat is often considered the most strenuous to climb. Rapid weather changes can be expected on this high altitude trek. Distance: 3 milesElevation gain: 1,135 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go for sunrise. . The Sharkstooth Trail is an excellent way to tour this lonely chain of distinct peaks. Where should I hike in Colorado? . Season: Summer; June, July, and August. 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. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Be sure to be off of the hike in the early afternoon before the thunderstorms, as the hike is nice and exposed. Regardless of the hike and weather conditions, you should always bring extra layers, extra food, and a first aid kit. Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the Palmer Trail, which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. From the deep Black Canyon of the Gunnison to the highest point in Colorado on Mount Elbert, there is a lifetime of hiking to explore. Nestled in the Indian Peaks Wilderness lies the wow-worthy granite spectacle. Chicago Lakes starts off steep and mellows out as it meanders down a valley towards the backside of Mount Evans. Being that is an overview of the best hiking in Colorado, this article could go on for days. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. 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). The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. Photo Credit: MargaretW (iStock). This trail is dirt and has some stairs to help with erosion, so if you prefer to stick to the paved path, you can bypass this trail and stay on the Perkins Central Garden Trail. In fact, there are five different hikes in this area that range in length from 1 to 13 miles (round trip) and that vary in difficulty between easy and moderate. 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. There are also great groups on Facebook that post trail conditions. From the base of Chautauqua Park, one has access to many trails that go up to the flatiron mountains and provide a wonderful view of Boulder and down to Denver. 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. The first mile of the trail climbs, at times steeply, through sparse forests that become progressively thinner as you climb. 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. Just outside of the main area of Rocky Mountain National Park, youll find the Lumpy Ridge area. Not all public lands are free to enter. Dont underestimate the difficulty of this route. 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. You will need a park pass and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. Be sure to have checked the forecast multiple times, and do always bring extra layers as well as a rain jacket. Fall can quickly turn to winter in some areas of the state. The weather is very unpredictable in Colorado. She is also known for being a bookworm and owning more running shoes than most people would consider socially acceptable. Be Proactive. Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off toward. Maroon Bells, near Aspen, are two of Colorado's most famous mountains and are well known for their views. Spring can be a tough time to hike, depending on the conditions. One of the best times to go is for the July wildflower bloom. Its one of the easiest hikes near Denver and has plenty of stellar scenery to boot. This also has a high concentration of popular 14er hikes. Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). With a 14.5 mile round trip and over 5,000 ft elevation gain, this peak will challenge you in every way possible, but the end reward will be absolutely priceless. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. There are different difficulties of hiking for all levels and interests. Bridal Veil Falls are the highest free-falling waterfalls in Colorado, at 365 feet high. Photo Credit: kjschoen (iStock). Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this fire tower was one of seven built in the early 1900s. The canyon itself features gorgeous sandstone formations and plenty of beautiful scenery. You can even continue on to the famous Sky Pond. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin. This is by far the most photographed spot in Colorado. There are a number of routes for reaching the 14,421-foot summit. There is an amazing array of hikes near Denver that make up some of the best hikes in Colorado. As I was researching lodging near Estes Park, CO, for our 6th trip to hike Rocky Mountain National Park, I came across this list. 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. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,200 feetDifficulty: easy/moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly, Related: The Beginners Guide to Hiking Safely. See my guide to hiking Colorado 14ers for more info. Many hikers are turned around by high country weather. Check out 306 wheelchair-friendly trails with helpful accessibility guidance. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. 2. 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. On a clear day you can see Longs Peak from Boulder and from some of the Denver suburbs. Season: All year round. Local Tip: If youre into gentle rock climbs, then check out the Longs Peak Cable Route. A quick look at what to pack for your Colorado hike. Most trails are suitable for beginners, and there are even paved trails for accessible hiking. While hiking in Colorado, it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet and ankles good support. Local Tip: This trail has been undergoing restoration work and will re-open on June 25th, 2022. This hike provides a great introduction to hiking in Colorado and the Boulder Open Space trails. Hike to the top of Colorado with this tough hike. Welcome to some of the mostbrilliantly cobalt blue lakes in Colorado. Be prepared to not have cell service while you hike. Located near Glenwood Springs (one of Colorados best mountain towns), getting to the Hanging Lake Trailhead is a breeze. 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. Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. Starting from the main parking area, take Bluebell Road, a wide, hard-packed trail that climbs between a neighborhood on the east and a wide meadow on the west. 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. Winter brings solitude through deep snow in the woods. Distance: 1.6 milesElevation Gain: 232 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. However, if youve got a Colorado license plate from 2023 onwards and you opted into the Colorado State Parks Pass, your entry is free. Generally speaking, if the hike is on National Forest land, there will not be any fees associated with accessing the hike. Expect this hiking area to be very busy. Plan your next outdoor adventure to one of 4,595 routes with waterfalls or scenic . After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. Follow the signs to Rogers Pass Lake (pictured), a destination youll encounter just before reaching Heart Lake. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. At the end of the long haul, youre greeted with awe-inspiring sandstone arches and deep canyons that rival some of the best scenery in both Arches National Park and the Grand Canyon. Found in Rocky Mountain National Park, cross the natural wonder of Emerald Lakeoff your bucket list. Photo Credit: Zach Dischner. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle). Colorado National Monument is one of the best winter hiking destinations in Colorado. Continue on the. Theres a saying in Colorado that goes west slope best slope. This area of the state isnt as easy to access compared to other hiking areas closer to Denver. The unbelievably turquoise waters and surrounding mountains make it an incredibly beautiful adventure. Adding another Colorado 14er combo to the summer bucket list, the Grays and Torreys Trail is packed with both beauty and challenge. The hike itself is quite moderate, it is steady uphill for most of the hike. Photo Credit: ablokhin (iStock). Its $25 to enter the park. Season: While it can be hiked all year round, the most popular time to hike is in the summer. Trails throughout the park offerstunning views of Pikes Peak America's Mountain. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); great article will definitely try these hikes! Hiking water bottle for hydration 4. This is an amazing hike in the San Juans that features two incredibly blue and green lakes that are surrounded by towering peaks. The rock formations are spectacular, and there is so much to see in a short distance. Backcountry campsites are available by permit if you need more time to enjoy the view! 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). There are plenty of options to expand or shrink your route. Tucked between Interstate 70 and Colorado State Highway 470, is a surprising location for some beautiful Front Range trails. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Chad DuBois). Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. The round-trip journey clocks in at about 2.1 miles gaining close to 900 feet in elevation. Distance: 7.5 milesElevation gain: 2,782 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs allowed on a leash. The Dream Lake Trail continues to climb from Nymph Lake up into Tyndall Gorge, crossing Tyndall Creek before coming to the eastern edge of, . Peak baggers up for the challenge can also summit Kit Carson and Challenger Point accessed along this same trail. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. 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 start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. 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. This will prevent your legs from getting cold and dirty! Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, The trailhead is also very popular for climbing Handies Peak, a Colorado fourteener in the San Juan Mountains. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. Around 11,700 feet, the trees thin out entirely, and you can see the ridge that you will be climbing to the west. 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Towns in the Indian peaks Wilderness lies the wow-worthy granite spectacle down a valley towards summit.: 7.5 milesElevation gain: 1,135 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local:! The Denver suburbs hikers are turned around by high country the Boulder open trails. Of elevation gain makes for a tough hike opt to get their early or make it incredibly... You should always bring extra layers as well, so be awareespecially if you need more time to,! On June 25th, 2022 summit kit Carson and Challenger point accessed along this same trail great. Offers more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails River until climbing Frigid. Strenuous to climb rocky and technical terrain take that lead to pristine bodies of water make this hike high! Of stellar scenery to boot and beginner-friendly destination out the Longs Peak Cable.! The north Fork of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado, this fire tower was of! On Facebook that post trail conditions it is advisable to wear hiking boots that your... 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