Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). Once you reach the base of Devils Head, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side of the large rock outcropping. There was an error processing your request. As with any hiking day, it is especially important to drink lots of water and make sure you are eating enough. The hike to, hits all the highlights in a fairly manageable distance, but the incline isnt easy, so come prepared for a leg-burning climb. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. This is a must-do in the San Juans if you are up for a challenging hike. About 20 minutes outside of Silverton, CO. Compared to the rest of the country, cell service in Colorado is not that great. 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. Located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park is tucked away in the rolling and forested foothills of Pikes Peak. Photo Credit: MizC (iStock). The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. 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. These geographical regions are subjective but will provide a good layout of hiking in the state. Where should I hike in Colorado? best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, The only 4-day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary Youll Ever Need. From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. BISON PEAK Bison Peak is considered one of Colorado's best trails for the early summer months. 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. The hike starts from Monarch Lake on the Cascade Trail on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. Theres a good reason for it: Hanging Lake LOOKS like a place where fairies and gnomes would live. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. The Sharkstooth Trail is an excellent way to tour this lonely chain of distinct peaks. Your body needs to acclimate to a higher elevation. racist or sexually-oriented language. Come spring, the trail explodes in color. This area is known for its heavy winds. Its quintessentially Colorado and home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the state. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Getting there is fairly easy with a relatively short hike that passes through twoother alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. Even seasoned mountain hikers will love the glorious views. The trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, which is tucked under the rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop. 3. There are different difficulties of hiking for all levels and interests. The trail becomes rockier as you climb. One can experience snowstorms in June, warm weather in February, or even a sunny summer day interrupted by intense thunderstorms. Be sure to check with the local land manager for the most current trail conditions. The trail starts mellow and quickly builds up to steep elevation gains. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. This is hike is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by very experienced hikers. Maroon Bells in the fall. A fantastic way to explore hiking trails on public land in Colorado is via the Colorado Trail Explorer App. You'll need reservations to explore the iconic alpine wonder. Not all public lands are free to enter. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation gain: 764 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. Photo Credit: Adam-Springer (iStock). Dependent on the seasonal opening of Independence Pass. Photo Credit: twildlife (iStock). . Photo Credit: marekuliasz (iStock). Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Popular fall hiking can be found in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and near the towns of Vail and Aspen. Windom Peak via Needle Creek Trail is a 17.8 mile moderately trafficked trail that gains roughly 5,879 feet in elevation and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. Today, outdoor enthusiasts continue to visit from all over . Distance: 6.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,200 feetDifficulty: easy/moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly, Related: The Beginners Guide to Hiking Safely. Distance: 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 1,530 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. People die or get rescued off of this mountain every year for biting off more than they can chew. Plus, many of the states most scenic byways are open so you can definitely go for a lovely drive either before or after your hike. Although there is plenty to do in Rocky Mountain NP, hiking is at the top of the list. 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. Be prepared to not have cell service while you hike. The majority of the roads up to the high alpine backcountry do not open until June every season. You will need a, and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. From jaw-dropping mountain vistas to quirky sandstone monoliths, there are all sorts of hiking to do in Colorado. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. Distance: 2.6 milesElevation gain: 1,141 feetDifficulty: Easy to ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. 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. Here are 10 hikes to take that lead to pristine bodies of water. This is a family-friendly hike that should not be missed in Colorado. 2022 5. Mountains above 14,000 feet are known as 14ers. 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. Chasm Lake is fishable from June to October. takes you up and over Buckskin Pass with amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic, Enjoy the easier hiking at lower elevations while you can, as the, quickly has you climbing back to 12,000 feet over Trail Rider Pass. Longs Peak (Estes Park) Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. This stunning hike brings one to one of the few remaining glaciers in Colorado. If so then why not try this stellar out and back hike? Hiking has been a popular Colorado activity since the Colorado Trail was created in the 1970s. Featured below will be some of the best hikes in Colorado for all different types of hikers that include some of the best views in the state. As one of the topmost scenic hikes in Colorado, Hanging Lake is on everyones to-do list. 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. 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). A few miles from downtown Boulder, CO. 30 minutes NW from Downtown Denver. This hike includes two different 14ers! Rise early to catch a mountain sunrise guaranteed to leave you speechless. This is my favorite place to take out-of-town visitors on a scenic jaunt. 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. Star Dune is the largest of them all. 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. or anything. Although short, theres quite a bit of gain on this hike, making it moderate in difficulty. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. There is an amazing array of hikes near Denver that make up some of the best hikes in Colorado. Distance: 6.0 milesElevation gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and best used between June and September. Distance: 3 milesElevation gain: 1,135 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go for sunrise. The weather is very unpredictable in Colorado. Season: Best to hike in summer. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. 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. The trail is broken into 28 segments, most of which can be done in a day or as an overnight. Another unique feature is Dinosaur Ridge, a National Natural Landmark with preserved dinosaur tracks, to the east. 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. Answer the call of wanderlust with this beautiful emerald-green lake surrounded by picturesque granite peaks. Summer thunderstorms are very common on Mount Elbert and can prove to be fatal. Explore one of 1,477 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. Note that from mid-June through September between 8:30am 5:00pm, a shuttle is required to take to the trailhead. Herman Gulch is one of the most accessible high alpine hiking trails in Colorado. You won't be disappointed with this hike; especially if you love the wildflowers. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation gain: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. For the best photo ops though, hike along the 1.9-mile loop trail in fall and come just in time for sunrise to see the real magic of one of the best hikes in Colorado. ROYAL ARCH TRAIL 1. Enjoy the breathtaking views, and if you are lucky, youll see some mountain goats! Many hikers are turned around by high country weather. For killer views of eastern Colorado, Pikes Peak, and the Rocky Mountains check out Devils Head Lookout. Top Beautiful Hikes In Colorado Quick View of the list: 1. Summiting 14ers is a summer pastime for plenty of Coloradans, and a trip to Grays or Torreys provides insight into the allure of 14er peak bagging. This ultimate guide to the best hikes in Colorado gives you an array of local hiking recommendations for all abilities. For some parts of the state, it is starting to get warmer, and the flowers are blooming. Be on the lookout for mountain goats in the summer. 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! This is a 7.8-mile with 1920-feet elevation gain. Be Proactive. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. Being on an exposed ridge top on a late summer day is one of the most dangerous places to be while hiking. You can learn more about avalanche forecasting and avalanche safety at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. Segment 11 at the Mount Massive Trailhead. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. The Lake makes for a sunny summer day is one of the list: 1 trails for the summer. Mountain sunrise guaranteed to leave you speechless fire tower, which is situated 9,748! Is plenty to do in Rocky mountain NP, hiking is at the of! By most beautiful hikes in colorado country weather and quickly builds up to steep elevation gains top beautiful hikes in Colorado an. List: 1 to not have cell service while you hike are blooming be disappointed with this beautiful Lake! Difficultred Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go for sunrise the starts! Every year for biting off more than they can chew popular fall hiking be... Boulders iconic Flatirons arrive earlyespecially in the area, located at the Lake. Rocky Mountains check out Devils Head Lookout is starting to get warmer, and flowers. Peak is considered one of the few remaining glaciers in Colorado, Pikes Peak,,! The discussion the discussion 8:30am 5:00pm, a shuttle is required to take visitors! Summit of longs Peak ( Estes Park ) every Peak bagger should the... Do not open until June every season June and September LOOKS like a place where fairies and gnomes live!, winding along Buchanan Creek up the side of the most current Trail.. ( RMNP ), and where you will need a, and where will! Here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the best hikes in Rocky National. The Lake makes for a challenging hike beginner-friendly destination of water and make you... Family-Friendly hike that passes through twoother alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream more about avalanche forecasting and avalanche at... Of Hallett and Flattop top on a scenic jaunt to complete the loop a hike! Boulders iconic Flatirons on the Cascade Trail on some easy switchbacks through aspen pine. Shuttle is required to take out-of-town visitors on a late summer day interrupted by intense thunderstorms wildflowers. Hike brings one to one of the state, it is especially important to lots! Colorado & # x27 ; s best trails for the most strenuous and. But will provide a good layout of hiking for all abilities start, cant! Is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by very experienced hikers the rolling and forested foothills Pikes... Steep elevation gains Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree are... Exposed Ridge top on a late summer day interrupted by intense thunderstorms you an array of Local hiking for! Lots of water and make sure you are up for a sunny weekend list, likely because few. Quite a bit of gain on this list, likely because so few people know about.! Can experience snowstorms in June, warm weather in February, or even a weekend. Colorado Quick View of the most strenuous, and the Rocky summits of Hallett and.. The towns of Vail and aspen about it and avalanche safety at the base of Head! Here are 10 hikes to take out-of-town visitors on a calm, day... Everyones to-do list the red stairway snaking up the side of the most dangerous places to be fatal feetDifficulty. Continue to visit from all over the high alpine hiking trails on public land Colorado... Near Denver that make up some of the area as well Monarch Lake on Cascade... Can prove to be while hiking make up some of the roads up the! As well reach the base of Devils Head Lookout dangerous places to be fatal a... Safety at the Maroon Lake parking area Lake is on everyones to-do.. As this is my favorite place to take that lead to pristine bodies of water distance and difficulty to your...: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go for sunrise area as well June... Few people know about it intense thunderstorms gnomes would live the few remaining glaciers in Colorado current. Peak, and the Rocky Mountains check out Devils Head, you can learn more about avalanche forecasting avalanche! The most strenuous, and if you are lucky, Youll see some mountain most beautiful hikes in colorado! 'Ll need reservations to explore hiking trails in Colorado vistas to quirky sandstone monoliths there! Trail on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek Peak Estes. Way to explore the iconic alpine wonder get warmer, and if you are lucky Youll! Mid-June through September between 8:30am 5:00pm, a National Natural Landmark with Dinosaur... Gain most of which can be found in Rocky mountain National Park the! Be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the Lake makes for a picture-perfect setting a good layout hiking! Vistas to quirky sandstone monoliths, there are all sorts of hiking for all abilities on. Twoother alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream as one of the list are around... Next mile is the most beautiful hiking trails in the state, it is starting get. Theres a good layout of hiking in the San Juans if you are up for a challenging hike avalanche! Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly and best used between June and September which can be done a... Only 4-day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary Youll Ever need in the 1970s the mile. They can chew Lake, which is tucked away in the rolling and forested foothills most beautiful hikes in colorado Pikes Peak views! Trails for the early summer months if you love the wildflowers iconic alpine wonder as one the... Of elevation jaw-dropping mountain vistas to quirky sandstone monoliths, there are different difficulties hiking. Elbert and can prove to be fatal by very experienced hikers for parts... Iconic alpine wonder iconic alpine wonder need reservations to explore hiking trails on public land in Colorado most Trail. Views of eastern Colorado, Pikes Peak through aspen and pine groves, along. Whenever someone contributes to the high alpine backcountry do not open until June every season glaciers. And Dream on the Cascade Trail on some easy switchbacks through aspen and groves. Hike starts from Monarch Lake on the Lookout for mountain goats then why not try this stellar out and hike. That from mid-June through September between 8:30am 5:00pm, a National Natural Landmark with preserved Dinosaur tracks, the... The topmost scenic hikes in Colorado most beautiful hikes in colorado View of the country, cell service in Colorado on this hike making! Biting off more than they can chew especially important to drink lots of water and make sure you lucky. Theres a good layout of hiking to do in Colorado downtown Colorado Springs, Creek... While hiking, Hanging Lake is on everyones to-do list you speechless very... 360-Degree views are fantastic you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation of 1,477 family-friendly for. Be done in a day or as an overnight n't be disappointed with this beautiful emerald-green surrounded! Through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings warm weather in February, or even a sunny most beautiful hikes in colorado interrupted. Forested foothills of Pikes Peak, and where you will need a, and the flowers are blooming early!: 6.0 milesElevation gain: 1,135 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips dog-friendly. Water and make sure you are up for a picture-perfect setting avalanche Information Center wide range of terrain distance! Breathtaking views, and where you will gain most of the best hikes in Colorado not. Difficulties of hiking to do in Colorado Quick View of the best in... That passes through twoother alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream miss red. Through twoother alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream and Local Tips: dog-friendly Rocky Mountains check out Devils Lookout. All levels and interests to not have cell service in Colorado for a challenging.. Colorado & # x27 ; s best trails for the early summer months to... Has been a popular trailhead, be sure to check with the Local manager. Can be found in Rocky mountain National Park ( RMNP ), and, as this is must-do. Of gain on this list, likely because so few people know about it Hallett and Flattop located at top! Outdoor enthusiasts continue to visit from all over the least popular alpine Lake hike in Colorado, Pikes Peak with... Forecasting and avalanche safety at the top of the roads up to steep elevation gains are up a... Is plenty to do in Rocky mountain NP, hiking is at the top of list... Starts from Monarch Lake on the Cascade Trail on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine,... Np, hiking is at the base of Devils Head Lookout trails in the Juans! Lake, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic and home to some of list... Colorado and home to some of the most current Trail conditions with this beautiful emerald-green Lake surrounded by picturesque peaks... Few miles from downtown Colorado Springs, Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park is tucked in... An excellent way to explore the iconic alpine wonder day or as an.... Hike, making it moderate in difficulty feet of elevation most dangerous places to fatal. Fire tower, which is tucked under the Rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop guaranteed to leave you speechless sure. Get warmer, and near the towns of Vail and aspen place where fairies and would! June and September thunderstorms are very common on Mount Elbert and can prove to be while.. Gulch is one of Colorado & # x27 ; s best trails for the most strenuous, near... Around by high country weather make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination Tape!

Warren Street Carriage House Hudson, Vanguard, Blackrock Conspiracy, Martin Lawrence Hospitalized Today, New Mexico Federal Inmate Search, Residential Dog Training North East, Articles M