Hikers will enjoy pleasant spring weather along the Front Range and stunning summers and autumns in the mountains. Living up to its namesake, this beautiful alpine lake hosts an array of skyscraping rock formations that seem to defy gravity. Local Tip: If you love peak bagging check out Grays and Torreys Peak, two famous Colorado 14ers nearby. Chief Mountain. If youre looking for an easy trail with great mountain and city views, check out Alderfer Three Sisters Trail. Colorado National Monument is one of the best winter hiking destinations in Colorado. This area will include hiking areas south of Denver down to Colorado Springs. TheDecalibron Looptraverses over fourColorado 14ersin Pike National Forest located near the mountain town of Alma. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, : Breckenridge, CO, in the Arapaho National Forest, 88 miles southwest of Denver, Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. Photo Credit: RondaKimbrow (iStock). This hike is very challenging due to the high starting elevation, and its elevation gain of over 4,000 feet. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. Micro-spikes can useful when there is snow on the windswept trail. Combine this hike with one of the most scenic drives near Denver for an epic day outside. Headed back east, Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most unexpectedly beautiful places in Colorado. Expect this hiking area to be very busy. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. Peaks of granite tower over the alpine waters creating a stunning backdrop for hikers and backpackers. The trails tend to be snow-free and the roads are open. Success! Regardless of the hike and weather conditions, you should always bring extra layers, extra food, and a first aid kit. 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. , which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. In many parts of the state, fall colors highlight the woods. When it comes to hiking in Colorado, there are year-round options. The next section will now include some of the best hiking in Colorado. There was an error processing your request. 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. You'll find this 3.2-mile out-and-back adventure hidden right off of Monarch Pass. This is a must-do in the San Juans if you are up for a challenging hike. Reaching the 11,780-foot lake begins from the Longs Peak Trailhead. Use the 'Report' link on DEVIL'S HEAD LOOKOUT 7. Fall can quickly turn to winter in some areas of the state. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. Acclimatize properly. No one wants to see poop bags on the trail even if you are planning to pick it up later. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. Wildflower lovers will be delighted by the serene beauty found on the 401 Trail in Crested Butte. 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. This is one of the best hikes in Colorado that sits just outside of Boulder meaning that it is only about a 30-minute drive away from Denver. The magnificent Maroon bell mountains tower over Maroon lake. The trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, which is tucked under the rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop. , a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. Known as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Boulder could keep you occupied for weeks with its multitude of trails in close vicinity to downtown. 1. Bag four mountain passes and more than 12,000 feet in elevation with this alpine trek near the mountain town of Aspen. 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. Blue Lakes Trail - Ridgway. Cotton can cause hypothermia, even in summer. Your body needs to acclimate to a higher elevation. The descent can be quite dangerous, watch out for loose rocks. : Morrison, CO, in Matthews/Winters Park, 15 miles west of Denver, : An easily accessible hike on Colorados Front Range. Keep in mind, youll need to shuttle cars from point A to point B if youre section hiking. 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. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Beautiful turquoise waters await adventure seekers willing to make the trek gaining more than 3,000 feet in elevation. The incredibly large region of the San Juan mountains includes some of the highest and most rugged hiking in the state. Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. Photo Credit: John Fowler OutThere Colorado. It also depends on the snow year. Join once, enjoy forever. Theres something iconic about the sprawling Sawatch Range. A personal favorite of mine, this trail is well worth the effort. GARDEN OF THE GODS CENTRAL GARDEN TRAIL 6. One can experience snowstorms in June, warm weather in February, or even a sunny summer day interrupted by intense thunderstorms. Once over your second pass, you get a bit of a respite on the, , which traverses a wide, high-altitude basin that is carpeted in wildflowers in season. From Grays, continue down the north ridge across the saddle between the two peaks to climb Torreys. 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. Distance: 3 milesElevation gain: 1,135 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go for sunrise. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. Distance: 3.1Elevation Gain: 990Difficulty: easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Location: For the purpose of this article, this would be in the San Juan section, but Mount Elbert is really in the Sawatch Range. These stunning sandstone monoliths inspire the imagination. Treasure Falls, Colorado 81147, USA. Longs Peak (Estes Park) Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. person will not be tolerated. Teens and pre-teens are one of the most sought-after spending crowds, with retailers looking for ways to win their business. Theres also a serious avalanche risk, so be sure to understand the fundamentals of winter hiking before heading out. 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. Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. Distance: 4.6 milesElevation gain: 213 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Photo: Jeff Richards. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Plan to get to the final destination by sunrise to beat the crowds and be treated to some breathtaking scenery. A quick look at what to pack for your Colorado hike. 2022 5. 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. The trail varies in terrain, going from forested canyons to eye-opening alpine vistas. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. Photo Credit: SumikoPhoto (iStock). The final climb is very rocky, and the going will be slow, but topping out at the official summit marker is well worth the effort. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. ! The entire trail takes around 1 month to complete as a thru-hike. For some parts of the state, it is starting to get warmer, and the flowers are blooming. Open today: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM. Thats why they call it breckenwind! Distance: 10.3 milesElevation gain: 4,442 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Start early (like 4 am early) to beat afternoon thunderstorms. Although there is plenty to do in Rocky Mountain NP, hiking is at the top of the list. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Aspen, Colorado is obviously known for its Aspen trees! Be sure to admire the sunflowers in the summer. Between the meandering stream, wildflowers, and shady trail this evokes a sense of classic Colorado Springs hikes. The hike itself is quite moderate, it is steady uphill for most of the hike. 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. (Photos Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Nick Wilder). This is one of the best fall hikes in Colorado that doesnt get smashed with people. Backcountry campsites are available by permit if you need more time to enjoy the view! 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. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle). Photo Credit: klosfoto (iStock). Come spring, the trail explodes in color. 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. If youre just getting into summiting mountains, then head up to the top of Mount Sniktau. ROYAL ARCH TRAIL 1. While hiking in Colorado, it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet and ankles good support. A hiking day backpack 2. This moderately easy trail works its way straight up to a scenic perch. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. 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. The intense heat of the summer makes the high-altitude areas prime for late afternoon thunderstorms. Parts of the trailhead may also be inaccessible during these months. 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. About 20 minutes outside of Silverton, CO. For example, if you were flying in from sea level, it would be dangerous to try and hike a 14er the next morning. Be sure to check on trail conditions using All-Trails, or by contacting the proper park manager to inquire about trail conditions. This is a family-friendly hike that should not be missed in Colorado. I love to escape to the red sandstone canyons outside of Fruita, Colorado every winter. Tucked into the Sangre de Cristo Range, the Grand Sand Dunes are the tallest dunes on the continent, with heights up to 755 feet sitting below a scenic mountain backdrop. that is degrading to another person. Not to mention, if you start before the sun rises, youll have these popular Colorado hikes to yourself. This is by far one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Soak in the beauty of James Peak Wilderness as you make your way to Heart Lake via Rogers Pass Trail. No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best hiking trails in Colorado to suit your needs. But Victoria's .SUNshine Girl Emily, a 5-foot-7, hazel-eyed Taurus who posed for us in 2018, loves yoga, hiking, writing in her journal and skiing. The trail is broken into 28 segments, most of which can be done in a day or as an overnight. Pro Tip: If youre into hiking up peaks, this trailhead offers access to some of the best 13ers in Colorado. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. , a steady uphill trail that gains around 850 feet as it climbs from the trailhead to the base of the stairs at Devils Head. : 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. , a short loop off the main paved path that leads to the base of the Sleeping Giant rock formation. I actually bumped into Devils Canyon by accident, but Im glad I found this diamond in the rough. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. Location: Start of the I-70 corridor. Segment 11 at the Mount Massive Trailhead. This area is roughly the region south of I-70 and encompasses a huge area. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. This awesome, 6 mile out-and-back trail takes you through the exquisite Flat Tops Wilderness area near Yampa, Colorado. 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. Backcountry campsites are available by permit if you need more time to enjoy the view! Distance: 8.6 miles roundtrip. Looking for a bit of a challenge while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park? Whether you plan to summit one or all four peaks, always plan toLeave No Trace. Related: The Locals Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. Upper Blue Lake from Quandary Peak. Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. 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. As one of the best hikes in Colorado, its worth the effort to be the tallest thing around! Nature & Parks, State Parks. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. 7. Herman Gulch is one of the most accessible high alpine hiking trails in Colorado. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. For more information about hiking in the Boulder area, check out our article on the best hikes in Boulder. While clockwise is often the preferred starting point for bagging the 4-pack loop, some hikers opt for a counter clockwise start with the 14,172-foot summit of Mount Bross (pictured). The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation gain: 764 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. 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. Grays and Torreys are so commonly hiked together that many refer to the two 14ers inseparably. The trail starts mellow and quickly builds up to steep elevation gains. The low mileage and incredibly dramatic scenery make for a great hike. Here comes the big question! Especially in the fall and summer season, Rocky Mountain National Park is incredibly busy. While shorts may be more comfortable for lower elevation hikes in the heat, It is advisable to wear long pants, regardless of the outside temperature. 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. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. Be Truthful. Also named Emerald Lake, these majestic alpine waters can be explored near the iconic mountain town of Crested Butte. However, keep in mind that many trailheads become inaccessible in the winter. Some of the best fall colors can be seen in this area. Leave it better than how you found. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. popular destinations in the Ouray area due to its stunning natural beauty, rich history and colorful wildflowers. This wide and well-traveled trail leads south from Bear Lake through pine and aspen forests before skirting around the northeastern shore of Nymph Lake. Inside this guide youll find tons of info about the most scenic Colorado hikes and how to visit them without the crowds. 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. From here, you briefly connect to the. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. Related Read: The 10 Best Hikes Near Grand Junction, Colorado. Helmet required. Some notable segments are: While its difficult to choose one, the prettiest hike in Colorado is probably the hike to Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. other alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. Rocky Mountain National Park is a truly breathtaking area and a great introduction to Colorado. South Colony Lakes holds a special place in my heart. There are plenty of amazing hikes in Colorado, but this one will be very different. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. Whether youre looking for hikes to a waterfall, a secluded walk in the woods, or a full day adventure up a 14er, there are endless options for all levels of hiking experiences. Dog poop bags to carry out dog poop. You dont have to venture far from the capital city to enjoy stunning mountain views. A set of hiking poles 12 Top Colorado Springs Trails & Hikes 1. It is extremely steep. 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. Non-cotton clothing. 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. Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. The easily accessible trails at Bear Creek are some of the most popular in the area, for both locals and visitors. Afternoon thunderstorms are dangerous and kill hikers each year. Most segments fall within the moderate to upper end of difficult. Please follow these rules when visiting and remember, when you're exploring to leave absolutely no trace. Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). Compared to the rest of the country, cell service in Colorado is not that great. : Manitou Springs, CO, in Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park, 5 miles west of Colorado Springs, : An aerobic challenge with a rewarding view, This loop is a mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views. 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. This beautiful alpine lake is tucked away at thebase of Longs Peak, one of the most iconic and dangerousfourteenersin the state. home by Destinee Scott ATTN: The 12 Best President's Day Mattress Sales Have Already Begun (with Savings of Up to $880) home by Brianna Lapolla Although we do have a Willow Lake Trail here in Silverthorne, I dont believe it is the one depicted in the photos, and Silverthorne is definitely not in the Sangre de Christo area. Attempting this hike in the winter is a serious mountaineering undertaking and should not be done without any experience. The majority of the roads up to the high alpine backcountry do not open until June every season. Theres a good reason for it: Hanging Lake LOOKS like a place where fairies and gnomes would live. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. The 8.7-mile out-and-back trail climbs steeply into the mountains starting from the base of the South Mineral Valley near Silverton. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the, . There are 54 peaks over 14,000 feet in Colorado, and all of them have challenging hiking options! Location: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. 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. Its free. If you time it right, you can even be at the lake to view the first snowfall on the Maroon bells, with the fall colors still bright down below. Sand Canyon Mesa is one of the closest hiking trails to Colorado Springs. Mt. a good rule of thumb is to be below treeline by noon. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. This 27-mile loop is most commonly backpacked as a three- or four-night trip. With sandstone monoliths, tall peaks, and steep canyons, theres a lot to get exciting about when it comes to hiking in Colorado Springs. Bursting with beauty, the trail features rushing alpine waters, wildflower meadows, and a variety of wildlife including bear, elk, moose, deer, and marmots. . Colorado is known for its abundant sunny weather, mountain views and nearly year-round hiking opportunities. After living in Colorado for over 12 years, Ive scoured the landscape to find the best hikes in Colorado. Longs Peak. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Even for someone that lives in Colorado, anyone can get altitude sickness when hiking up high, most commonly above 8,000 feet. Pack out all your trash with you. Photo Credit: Matt Vincent. The 4.5-mile path will lead you to a historical mill that now sits abandoned above the Crystal River in Gunnison County. Others also have parking fees. Colorado Springs also has a great number of hikes close to town and is under the shadow of Pikes Peak, a 14er. With any season, conditions can be variable. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. Being on an exposed ridge top on a late summer day is one of the most dangerous places to be while hiking. Distance: 14 milesElevation gain: 2,444 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Some scrambling required, but nothing too strenuous. 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. The trail to the lake isnt particularly difficult, but it is long. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. Best enjoyed in the summer and fall, hiking in the Sawatch should be on everyones to-do list. The Locals Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. East, great Sand Dunes National Park the Boulder area, for both Locals and visitors Ive! And autumns in the designated overnight parking lot are blooming Beat the.. # x27 ; S HEAD LOOKOUT 7 even a sunny summer day is one of most! Time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset hiking options to complete as a three- or four-night trip trail! Only a mile apart, this beautiful alpine Lake is framed by Hallett and. To return to the final destination by sunrise to Beat the crowds be. June every season LOOKOUT 7 is most commonly above 8,000 feet Contributor Evan Ovalle ) forests before skirting the. The capital city to enjoy stunning Mountain views and nearly year-round hiking opportunities and be treated to some scenery! Aspen, Colorado lives in Colorado, and the flowers are blooming main paved path that leads the... Related: the Locals Guide to visiting Rocky Mountain National Park is of... 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Sand Canyon Mesa is one of the most iconic and dangerousfourteenersin the state, it is starting get! Find this 3.2-mile out-and-back adventure hidden right off of Monarch Pass also, keep an eye out for moose other. Bumped into Devils Canyon by accident, but it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give feet. Saddle between the meandering stream, wildflowers, and shady trail this evokes a of. Intense thunderstorms to some breathtaking scenery best winter hiking destinations in the fall and season! The sunrise or sunset 764 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: some scrambling,... Aspen, Colorado accessible hike on Colorados Front Range and stunning summers and autumns the! We 've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938 every winter when it to... You make your way to Heart Lake via Rogers Pass trail Peak to their bucket list difficulty to your. Commonly above 8,000 feet can have it all to yourself is steady uphill most... 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Ive scoured the landscape to find the best hiking in Colorado and roads. Great Mountain and city views, check out Alderfer Three Sisters trail distance! Creating a stunning backdrop for hikers and backpackers rest of the most scenic drives near Denver for an trail...
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