In the spring, you may spot wildflowers like columbines, and there are a few groves of aspen that give a pop of golden color in the fall. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. Hike to the top of Colorado with this tough hike. GREAT Trail's,been on some of them. Box 118, Bend, TX 76824. Location: Northern Front Range. Follow Leave No Trace and pick up after yourself (bonus points if you pick up others waste too!). Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Youll also experience medium elevation changes as you ascend the loop and see historic buildings created by Henry S. Persse in the early 1900s. Colorado is the headquarters of hiking in the US, so it's not surprising that it has some of the most beautiful hikes in the country. Ascending further up the trail, you'll find mine ruins just before reaching lower Mohawk Lake. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. Beautiful waterfalls seep into the brightly colored lake. The road is open all year round, but for best conditions, plan to do this hike in June, July, and August. Come spring, the trail explodes in color. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. 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). The trail becomes rockier as you climb. 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. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. Be Proactive. Season: May-November is ideal. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 1,033 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Lone Eagle Peak in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. Its hard to select just one town in Colorado with the best hiking. If you do happen to encounter a moose on the trail. For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. One can hike all year round in Colorado. Some Colorado State parks and all National Parks have fees to enter the park. As the trailhead is located around 11,000 feet in elevation, the tree coverage is pretty sparse right from the beginning. The trick? The first mile of the trail climbs, at times steeply, through sparse forests that become progressively thinner as you climb. Emerald Lake Trail 550 Hiking Trails By pamt464 Beat the crowds and head to the beautiful Ptarmigan Lake. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the Perkins Central Garden Trail, a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. A set of hiking poles 12 Top Colorado Springs Trails & Hikes 1. Back away slowly and be sure to keep a safe distance. Trekking poles can be helpful for this steep section. Sneffels Wilderness and to the base of one of Colorado's most popular 14ers. As with any hiking day, it is especially important to drink lots of water and make sure you are eating enough. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. Not to mention, if you start before the sun rises, youll have these popular Colorado hikes to yourself. Mount Bross has been closed to the public in the past check with the current rules before summiting this peak. My brother and I are going to CO in July, this rlly helped narrow it down! The trail to the lake isnt particularly difficult, but it is long. Evans as well. Don't knowingly lie about anyone 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. Plan to start your hike early to avoid storms. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. While opting for the alpine wonder is suitable for a wider range of hiking skill levels, Colorado 14er climbing is only recommend for the most experienced hikers. Today, outdoor enthusiasts continue to visit from all over . The Locals Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. It is a good idea to look into purchasing a mode of communication for emergencies such as a SPOT or a Garmin Inreach. : Breckenridge, CO, in the Arapaho National Forest, 88 miles southwest of Denver, Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. Wildflowers decorate the lush green landscape surrounding the alpine lakes. At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. This spectacular out-and-back starts from Bear Lake before climbing to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake, two of the jewels of Rocky Mountain National Park. The majority of the roads up to the high alpine backcountry do not open until June every season. This area is known for its heavy winds. Welcome to some of the mostbrilliantly cobalt blue lakes in Colorado. From Grays, continue down the north ridge across the saddle between the two peaks to climb Torreys. The unbelievable electric blue waters of Ice Lake make this one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Compared to the rest of the country, cell service in Colorado is not that great. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin, OutThere Colorado. These sandstone tower formations are scattered around the park. Mt. 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. Be sure to check on trail conditions using All-Trails, or by contacting the proper park manager to inquire about trail conditions. 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. With sandstone monoliths, tall peaks, and steep canyons, theres a lot to get exciting about when it comes to hiking in Colorado Springs. The 8.7-mile out-and-back trail climbs steeply into the mountains starting from the base of the South Mineral Valley near Silverton. Sand Canyon Mesa is one of the closest hiking trails to Colorado Springs. The views are particularly stunning in the spring with the stark contrast between the red rocks and the green hillsides. Not only is it one of the most famous hikes in the state, but its also moderately difficult and suitable for families who are trying to get used to the altitude. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire (iStock). As one of Colorados best hiking destinations, youve got to scope out the Garden of the Gods. Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. Photo Credit: Irwin Badeaux, A photo shows the sign informing visitors to stay off the log at Hanging Lake, a popular Colorado destination that has had a large increase in traffic over the past decade. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. The first snowfall up high can occur as early as the first week of September! Photo by Michael DeLuca on Flickr: https://flic.kr/p/xqh4Zk. that is degrading to another person. Teens and pre-teens are one of the most sought-after spending crowds, with retailers looking for ways to win their business. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation gain: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. Most popular in summer and for fall colors in late September. Its $25 to enter the park. The hike to Loch Lake is quite stunning, and a must-visit for any moderate hiker. If you are flying into Colorado, Denver International Airport is the best option. One can encounter snow on Colorado hiking trails all year round. 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. Colorado hiking trails have the best hiking sticks for kids to find and use. Million dollar highway loop. Local Tip: This trail has been undergoing restoration work and will re-open on June 25th, 2022. Its one of the easiest hikes near Denver and has plenty of stellar scenery to boot. These geographical regions are subjective but will provide a good layout of hiking in the state. Go for sunrise. Additionally, the road to the trailhead is closed seasonally, usually from December to April. It might be the only hike in the state to safely do barefoot! Distance: 5.0 milesElevation Gain: 741 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. Theres something iconic about the sprawling Sawatch Range. Nothing from Ouray or Cheyenne Caon? Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. : 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. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. You will need a, and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. Opt to get their early or make it an overnight to get more time. Listen, Ive been on each of these hiking trails several different times. 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. For one of the best hikes in Colorado to get a flavor of the whole state, you need this hike It is located in White River National Park and the Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes trail offers one of the best hikes. Here is an article about getting altitude sickness in Colorado. This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. Dont stop here, as another singletrack trail on the west side of Mirror Lake heads on to Crater Lake and reveals the even more stunning view of Lone Eagle Peak and Mount Achonee towering above the lake. 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. Take in the history of the ruins while enjoying the scenery of the mountains and the city of Denver in the distance. It also depends on the snow year. Join once, enjoy forever. Colorado is known for its snow-capped mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Horizontal. Don't Threaten. One can experience snowstorms in June, warm weather in February, or even a sunny summer day interrupted by intense thunderstorms. Be sure to check road conditions. The canyon itself features gorgeous sandstone formations and plenty of beautiful scenery. Once you are done enjoying the rewards of your climb, retrace your steps back down the saddle to connect to the main trail and return to the trailhead. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,200 feetDifficulty: easy/moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly, Related: The Beginners Guide to Hiking Safely. Even seasoned mountain hikers will love the glorious views. Only about a 1-hour drive from downtown Denver. Distance: 5.1 milesElevation gain: 885 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Therefore, be prepared to do a bit of scrambling before savoring the incredible views all around you. Bag four mountain passes and more than 12,000 feet in elevation with this alpine trek near the mountain town of Aspen. Located inside Rocky Mountain National Park outside of the town of Estes Park. Permits are required for overnight stays inbackcountry areas of the Conundrum Hot Springs. 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. A lighter snow season will allow for earlier season hiking. 2. However, keep in mind that many trailheads become inaccessible in the winter. Heavy snowfall shuts down the majority of hiking in the alpine environment due to avalanche concerns as well as intense cold weather. If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area. A personal favorite of mine, this trail is well worth the effort. If you are looking for a quick way to escape the city, this is a great region to hike in. Like other 14er hikes, it is very important to start early and end early. Aspen, Colorado is obviously known for its Aspen trees! Headed back east, Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most unexpectedly beautiful places in Colorado. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. A few miles from downtown Boulder, CO. 30 minutes NW from Downtown Denver. Attempting this hike in the winter is a serious mountaineering undertaking and should not be done without any experience. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Garden of the Gods is a popular hiking destination located in Colorado Springs. Distance: 10.3 milesElevation gain: 4,442 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Start early (like 4 am early) to beat afternoon thunderstorms. 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. The 15 Best Hikes in Colorado - PureWow Something Went Wrong. This beautiful alpine lake is tucked away at thebase of Longs Peak, one of the most iconic and dangerousfourteenersin the state. Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). 2236 Park Hill Dr, P. O. Star Dune is the largest of them all. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the Palmer Trail, which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. This stunning hike brings one to one of the few remaining glaciers in Colorado. No one wants to see poop bags on the trail even if you are planning to pick it up later. Upper Blue Lake from Quandary Peak. The trail is broken into 28 segments, most of which can be done in a day or as an overnight. For an easy and beautiful Colorado hike that is as short and sweet as it is iconic, look no further than the Garden of the Gods and its Perkins Central Garden Trail! Before a long and rockyscramble, hikers will have the opportunity for a bathroom break at the Chasm Junction. Peaks of granite tower over the alpine waters creating a stunning backdrop for hikers and backpackers. Theres a good reason for it: Hanging Lake LOOKS like a place where fairies and gnomes would live. If you are looking for some of the most dramatic mountain views in the United States, the San Juans are the place to be. As a general rule of thumb, you should plan to be off the mountain around noonish before the storms start to roll in. SAN LUIS PEAK 4. This is a must-do in the San Juans if you are up for a challenging hike. 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. There are plenty of hiking trails for all abilities from the parking lot at Chautauqua. Difficulty: Moderate. Be sure to check with the local land manager for the most current trail conditions. Complete a classic Colorado climb with this advanced hike to the tallest peak in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Looking for a bit of a challenge while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park? 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