Weather, accessibility, hike difficulty, length, and elevation gain are all factors to consider when choosing a hike in Colorado. From jaw-dropping mountain vistas to quirky sandstone monoliths, there are all sorts of hiking to do in Colorado. The best time to visit is from July through September. Most people opt to backpack this trail since youll find it hard to leave. Chicago Lakes starts off steep and mellows out as it meanders down a valley towards the backside of Mount Evans. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to take a shuttle from town. If you are planning to do the hike as a quick overnight backpacking trip, you will need a, , and all visitors will need to pay the small fee to park at the, on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. The best hikes in Colorado are a great way to experience the state's terrain with 39,000 miles of trails of varying lengths, difficulty levels, and scenery. Longs Peak (Estes Park) Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. Most popular in summer and for fall colors in late September. Winter brings solitude through deep snow in the woods. Be sure to check on trail conditions using All-Trails, or by contacting the proper park manager to inquire about trail conditions. Distance: 10.3 milesElevation gain: 4,442 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Start early (like 4 am early) to beat afternoon thunderstorms. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow the. Location: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. 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. Season: Summer; June, July, and August. 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). 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 hike includes two different 14ers! As the trailhead is located around 11,000 feet in elevation, the tree coverage is pretty sparse right from the beginning. 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. 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. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. The entire trail takes around 1 month to complete as a thru-hike. Located about one hour from Denver, this popular hike leads to an extraordinary destinationDevils Head Lookout. Join once, enjoy forever. Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. This awesome, 6 mile out-and-back trail takes you through the exquisite Flat Tops Wilderness area near Yampa, Colorado. 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. : 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. 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. Additionally, the road to the trailhead is closed seasonally, usually from December to April. A cozy windbreaker for those gusty summits 5. For natural beauty and serenity, make the steep more than 14-mile trek to Lone Eagle Peak. Thin, long pants can be very breathable and will prevent injury from low-lying branches scratching up against you on the trails. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Be sure to have the right education and the right gear. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the West Maroon Trail. Snowshoes are recommended in the early season. Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. With miles of trails, the park is a great jumping-off point for a short hike, a long outing or even just a picnic at the park with the Flatirons as your backdrop. Crestone Peak and the Crestone Needle, two of Colorados most famous 14ers (peaks above 14,000 feet high), create a beautifully dramatic backdrop. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor. Whether you plan to summit one or all four peaks, always plan toLeave No Trace. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. Thats why they call it breckenwind! Distance: 2.5 milesElevation Gain: 885 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. There are two main lakes to visit on the ice lake basin trail hike. Heavy snowfall shuts down the majority of hiking in the alpine environment due to avalanche concerns as well as intense cold weather. The hike starts from Monarch Lake on the Cascade Trail on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. We use affiliate links in our content andmay receive a small commission on your purchases. North Cheyenne Canon is a very rugged hiking destination with access to gorgeous windy roads through the mountains. . This hike is one of the most beautiful and most popular hikes inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, Yellow and pink varieties of wildflowers bloom along the alpine tundra as the creek waters gently tumble. Hikes here range from short walks in Boulders Chautauqua Park to hiking Longs peak, a 14er. All in all, this hike is pretty chill, except for the last mile. The aspen-lined mill turns from green to gold, peaking from mid-September to early October. person will not be tolerated. Nestled beautifully in the San Juan Mountains, lies theIce Lake Basin. These sandstone tower formations are scattered around the park. 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). Please check the NPS website and All-Trails for conditions updates. 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. Peaks of granite tower over the alpine waters creating a stunning backdrop for hikers and backpackers. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. Youll also experience medium elevation changes as you ascend the loop and see historic buildings created by Henry S. Persse in the early 1900s. I actually bumped into Devils Canyon by accident, but Im glad I found this diamond in the rough. It's also one of the best spots in the state for capturingfall colors. Hiking at altitude is tough work. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. Looking for a bit of a challenge while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park? The area around the trail ( McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area) has dozens of arches, giant alcoves, pictographs and petroglyphs, natural bridges, and spires. You can learn more about avalanche forecasting and avalanche safety at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. 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. Ive spent a lot of time on these trails without a soul in sight. Distance: 6 milesElevation gain: 1,469 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Distance: 8.2 milesElevation Gain: 2,870Difficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This hike becomes impassible in winter due to avalanche terrain and steep ice. While not a very challenging hike, this hike is on our list because of how unique it is. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin, OutThere Colorado. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Chad DuBois). Error! check out this blog https://longevity.media/top-10-reasons-why-we-need-to-experience-the-outdoors-more for 10 reasons why we need to be more outdoors that will get you motivated. Its $25 to enter the park. Micro-spikes can useful when there is snow on the windswept trail. and reveals the even more stunning view of Lone Eagle Peak and Mount Achonee towering above the lake. The first snowfall up high can occur as early as the first week of September! 2. Welcome to some of the mostbrilliantly cobalt blue lakes in Colorado. For the purpose of this article, we will divide the state into different regions and look at some of the best hikes in different parts of the state. Permits are required for an overnight. Let me know! No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best hiking trails in Colorado to suit your needs. The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. 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. Typically the trail is snow-free from mid-June through mid-October. From there you are only a few hours from incredible hiking destinations! Location: I-70 corridor, a little under 3-hour drive from Denver. For killer views of eastern Colorado, Pikes Peak, and the Rocky Mountains check out Devils Head Lookout. Be sure to check with the local land manager for the most current trail conditions. 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. If youre just getting into summiting mountains, then head up to the top of Mount Sniktau. Most hikers will start hiking around 3am in the summer. Pictures don't do the lakes justice. Although its not technically a day hike, you cant mention the best hiking in Colorado without mentioning the Colorado Trail and Kenosha Pass. PYRAMID PEAK 3. Backcountry campsites are available by permit if you need more time to enjoy the view! Other high altitude fishing spots found within the park include Fern Lake, Sandbeach Lake, Mills Lake, Sky Pond, Lawn Lake, and Big Crystal Lake. Just outside of the main area of Rocky Mountain National Park, youll find the Lumpy Ridge area. Be Truthful. Opt to get their early or make it an overnight to get more time. 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. Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. This hike is mostly on the valley floor, passing multiple lakes on the way to the final pair of the Chicago lakes. While you will have to watch your footing on the way back down, the views on the return hike are even more spectacular than on the way up. On the west side, you will spot the famous, , and to the east, White Rock. Hikers may opt for the trail or service road (shorter) to reach the lakes. Sneffels is a Telluride classic and is one of the 14ers in the area. Photo Credit: kjschoen (iStock). Enjoy the easier hiking at lower elevations while you can, as the Geneva Lake Trail quickly has you climbing back to 12,000 feet over Trail Rider Pass. While you wont fully escape the traffic noise of the nearby highways, the park is still a pleasant and convenient getaway due to its proximity to Golden and the western suburbs of Denver. Fall would be the best time to make this hike. The 13.6-mile path winds beautifully through the high country of knee-high spring blooms with specular views of the Gothic Valley and Mount Crested Butte. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin, The trailhead to Hanging Lake is located off of I-70, complete with a small parking lot and rest stop bathroom. Photo Credit: Zach Dischner. This is by far one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). Altitude sickness is important to be aware of when hiking at higher elevations. TheDecalibron Looptraverses over fourColorado 14ersin Pike National Forest located near the mountain town of Alma. Many hikes in Colorado are accessible with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. Distance: 6.0 milesElevation gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and best used between June and September. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. If you are in the area for this hike, it is worth it to drive to the summit of Mt. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). It also serves as a highly visible landmark the notch in the ridge. The Mount Evans wilderness areas have plenty of stunning views and great hikes. Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. The trick? Its hard to select just one town in Colorado with the best hiking. She is also known for being a bookworm and owning more running shoes than most people would consider socially acceptable. Photo Credit: kwiktor (iStock). Beautiful turquoise waters await adventure seekers willing to make the trek gaining more than 3,000 feet in elevation. Hiking water bottle for hydration 4. The hike to Loch Lake is quite stunning, and a must-visit for any moderate hiker. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Difficulty: Easy. People die or get rescued off of this mountain every year for biting off more than they can chew. Her dream job is journalist. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,200 feetDifficulty: easy/moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly, Related: The Beginners Guide to Hiking Safely. Carry your poop with you by strapping it to your bag, or leave your dog at home. Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off towardCrater Lakes. Kristen is a native Coloradan and longtime runner who enjoys running on the track, roads and now on the trails. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a rather unknown gem of the state. The trail is broken into 28 segments, most of which can be done in a day or as an overnight. When planning your trip, keep in mind that parking can be scarce at the eastern trailheads, especially in the summer. 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. Royal Arch is one of the most popular local trails, and provides some of the best views in the area! News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire (iStock). Lone Eagle Peak in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. 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. Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). This is probably the most popular 14er hike in the Denver region. With thousands of hikes in Colorado, there is no way all of them can be featured in this article. Dogs and fishing are also not allowed. Photo by Michael DeLuca on Flickr: https://flic.kr/p/xqh4Zk. 19. There are plenty of hiking trails for all abilities from the parking lot at Chautauqua. 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. A few miles from downtown Boulder, CO. 30 minutes NW from Downtown Denver. 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. With two large enclosed dog parks, a beautiful pond and fountain, as well as sand volleyball courts, this park truly has something for everyone. Explore one of 1,477 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. : Snowmass Village, CO, in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, 11 miles southwest of Aspen, : An immersive multiday experience in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, This 27-mile loop is most commonly backpacked as a three- or four-night trip. 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. South Colony Lakes holds a special place in my heart. Fall is popular timing to make the trek. From here, you briefly connect to the Red Rocks Trail before the serious climb starts on the Morrison Slide Trail. : Georgetown, CO, in the Roosevelt National Forest, 55 miles west of Denver, The hike to Grays, and then onto Torreys gains a total of 3,479 feet in a little over four miles, following a section of the. 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