most beautiful hikes in coloradomost beautiful hikes in colorado

Colorado is a hiking mecca thats filled with unbelievably beautiful trails. Photo Credit: Steven Bratman. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. Afterward, check out the sights in nearby Dillon, Frisco, and Breckenridge. The view from the summit of Mt. 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. Towards the summit there may be a few rocky sections, be on the lookout for loose rocks. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. The altitude combined with lots of elevation gain makes for a tough hike. Be Truthful. Season: Summer; June, July, and August. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. It also serves as a highly visible landmark the notch in the ridge. Like other 14er hikes, it is very important to start early and end early. This trail is accessible in the winter, but due to road closures, it would add upwards of 7 miles each way. Mount Falcon Castle Loop Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. 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. Season: Memorial Day through mid-October. Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). Dont underestimate the difficulty of this route. 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. The Sharkstooth Trail is an excellent way to tour this lonely chain of distinct peaks. Between the general region of the San Juans and the southern front range. The city has narrowed down a new nature center in this area. Please check the NPS website and All-Trails for conditions updates. Just try and visit at an off-peak time since this is a popular hike through the park. There are plenty of hiking trails for all abilities from the parking lot at Chautauqua. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. ROYAL ARCH TRAIL 1. Difficulty: moderate to hard. Longs Peak. Enjoy them, but do your part to make sure that someone a year, a decade, or a century from now can enjoy the area too. Expect this hike to take 10-15 hours. Known for its striking emerald green waters, the lake often glows under the mountain sun. 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. Nothing from Ouray or Cheyenne Caon? An overflow of alpine beauty awaits on a serene trek into the San Juan Mountains on the American Basin Trail near Lake City. 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. Most high alpine roads will open up in June each summer. A series of steep and rocky switchbacks will take you to the lake. Photo Credit: klosfoto (iStock). Made famous as being one of the best rock climbing areas in Colorado, this area is also home to some amazing hikes. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. Parts of this ecosystem are fragile. To get to the lakes, you'll climb 1.6 miles with an elevation gain of 1,062 feet. 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. Its $25 to enter the park. This area is roughly the region south of I-70 and encompasses a huge area. Carry your poop with you by strapping it to your bag, or leave your dog at home. Nestled in the Indian Peaks Wilderness lies the wow-worthy granite spectacle. Season: While it can be hiked all year round, the most popular time to hike is in the summer. Summer thunderstorms are very common on Mount Elbert and can prove to be fatal. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. This is my favorite place to take out-of-town visitors on a scenic jaunt. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. On the west side, you will spot the famous Kissing Camels, and to the east, White Rock. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. While this loop will take you away from the hustle of nearby Colorado Springs, dont expect to be alone, as this popular trail can get quite crowded, especially in the evenings and on the weekends during the summer. : 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. Snowshoes and micro-spikes can be used on higher elevation trails well into May. In fact, this is one of the best lake hikes in Colorado and hiking Lake Haiyaha is a real treat for winter. , a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. 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. How many trails have you hiked? Winter brings solitude through deep snow in the woods. Once you catch your first glimpse, it's not hard to see why this is a highly trafficked hike. The family have visited 15 national parks and visited 16 states - collecting a magnet for everyone. It is tough to narrow down the best Colorado hiking trails and hikes, but you definitely cant go wrong with any of these ones. I love to escape to the red sandstone canyons outside of Fruita, Colorado every winter. During the summer of 2021 there is a permit system to enter RMNP. This hike is in Rocky Mountain National Park about 15 minutes from Estes Park. 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. Peaks of granite tower over the alpine waters creating a stunning backdrop for hikers and backpackers. The next section will now include some of the best hiking in Colorado. Read moreabout us. In the summer, youll find folks heading up St. Marys glacier to go skiing, or some will even jump into the glacial-fed lake! Headed back east, Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most unexpectedly beautiful places in Colorado. Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. Backcountry campsites are available by permit if you need more time to enjoy the view! Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. 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. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). Colorado hiking trails have the best hiking sticks for kids to find and use. Around 11,700 feet, the trees thin out entirely, and you can see the ridge that you will be climbing to the west. Getting there is fairly easy with a relatively short hike that passes through twoother alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. Ive done all the leg work for you, hiking each of these trails over the years to bring you the real stand-out scenery in the Centennial State. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Some of the best fall colors can be seen in this area. For some parts of the state, it is starting to get warmer, and the flowers are blooming. Dogs are welcome to use the trail but must be kept on leash. The hike is fairly strenuous and takes anywhere from 10 to 15 hours to complete, so be sure to plan accordingly. jmangum2. Even for such a short distance, expect this hike to take 3-4 hours. Colorado is known for its snow-capped mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Distance: 7.8 milesElevation Gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. Photo Credit: ablokhin (iStock). It might be the only hike in the state to safely do barefoot! As the bloom begins, please remember to stay on the trail and do not pick, touch, or trample the wildflowers. Explore the high country with a triple alpine lake ascent to Mowhawk Lakes via Spruce Creek Trail. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. 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. Colorado Springs also has a great number of hikes close to town and is under the shadow of Pikes Peak, a 14er. This hike provides a great introduction to hiking in Colorado and the Boulder Open Space trails. Afternoon thunderstorms are dangerous and kill hikers each year. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. A personal favorite of mine, this trail is well worth the effort. Grays (14,270')and Torreys (14,267') are situated along the Continental Divide within the Arapaho National Forest near the small town of Idaho Springs. Hikes here range from short walks in Boulders Chautauqua Park to hiking Longs peak, a 14er. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to. A cozy windbreaker for those gusty summits 5. up for the challenge, hiking to the bottom of the canyon is possible, but youll need to check in with the rangers at the visitor center first. Plan to get to the final destination by sunrise to beat the crowds and be treated to some breathtaking scenery. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation gain: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. Be sure to be off of the hike in the early afternoon before the thunderstorms, as the hike is nice and exposed. This trail offers amazing hiking year-round (psst, its one of my favorite Colorado winter hikes). From Grays, continue down the north ridge across the saddle between the two peaks to climb Torreys. If so then why not try this stellar out and back hike? The 8.7-mile out-and-back trail climbs steeply into the mountains starting from the base of the South Mineral Valley near Silverton. Teens and pre-teens are one of the most sought-after spending crowds, with retailers looking for ways to win their business. Near the southern end of the loop, you can branch onto the Sleeping Giant Trail, a short loop off the main paved path that leads to the base of the Sleeping Giant rock formation. Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. This is one of the best fall hikes in Colorado that doesnt get smashed with people. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. For this reason, it's best to always keep pets leashed. When hiking above the treeline, it is incredibly important to watch the weather and be off the summit before 2pm. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. This is one of Colorados most famous lakes. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. Only about a 1-hour drive from downtown Denver. BISON PEAK 2. 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 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: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. Join once, enjoy forever. 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. Living up to its namesake, this beautiful alpine lake hosts an array of skyscraping rock formations that seem to defy gravity. Distance: 5.4 milesElevation Gain: 1,072Difficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. These hiking trails in Colorado each offer something a little different and help you build your skills as a mountain hiker. If you like rocks, this place fits the bill. Not to mention, if you start before the sun rises, youll have these popular Colorado hikes to yourself. United States ; Texas (TX) Bend ; Bend - Things to Do ; Colorado Bend State Park; Search. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. Photo Credit: Mariah Hoffman. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette. 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. Spencer McKee takes in sweeping alpine views on the Mount Massive trail. On a clear summer day, you will likely join a line of hikers on the way to the summits. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. Can We Interest You in Some Of These Stories Instead? Acclimatize properly. Thunderstorms can be incredibly dangerous, and even fatal. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Most visitors enter through the east side of the park near the town of Estes Park. Distance: 8.6 miles roundtrip. There was an error processing your request. From there you are only a few hours from incredible hiking destinations! Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. Generally speaking, the high country is referred to as the area at 9,000 feet and above. Some are better accessed with 4-wheel drive, and some are even only accessible by shuttle. 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. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. The High Dune gives a spectacular view of this one-in-a-kind national park. Distance: 8.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,860 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Distance: 2.6 milesElevation Gain: 344 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: It costs $4.00 per person to enter this park and dogs/bikes are not allowed. Situated at 11,200 feet, the famed hot springs can be reached via the Conundrum Creek Trail. The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Chicago Lakes starts off steep and mellows out as it meanders down a valley towards the backside of Mount Evans. Dog-friendly. Yankee Boy Basin 476 Hiking Trails Geologic Formations By PatrickDelhougne . For more information about hiking in the Boulder area, check out our article on the best hikes in Boulder. The best time of year to hike in Colorado. Dog-friendly. Local Tip: If youre into gentle rock climbs, then check out the Longs Peak Cable Route. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow the. Distance: 14.5 milesElevation gain: 4,911 feetDifficulty: extremely difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is not a hike to be taken lightly. This is an amazing hike in the San Juans that features two incredibly blue and green lakes that are surrounded by towering peaks. Its $25 to enter the park. You will need to check-in at the South Rim visitors center to get a permit. This has arguably the highest concentration of accessible hikes in the state due to the Boulder area as well as the Indian Peaks Wilderness, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the free shuttle. As you climb, keep your eyes open for yellow-bellied marmots and pikas. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. Hikers may opt for the trail or service road (shorter) to reach the lakes. Maroon Bells, near Aspen, are two of Colorado's most famous mountains and are well known for their views. Continue on another one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and attempt this semi-challenging out and back hike. This is one of the more difficult 14er hikes in the state. PYRAMID PEAK 3. Season: May-November is ideal. And if youre feeling energetic, you can always do this hike in tandem with several other treks in the area. 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. Get outside this season with the best hiking trails in Colorado. This hike comes into condition during July and August. Different public lands have different guidelines and restrictions, so it is important to be familiar with the area that you are hiking in. However, theres plenty to see here. 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. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Vertical. Continue on the. There are different difficulties of hiking for all levels and interests. Photo Credit: MizC (iStock). 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. Photo Credit: kjschoen (iStock). 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, Starting from the main parking area, take, , a wide, hard-packed trail that climbs between a neighborhood on the east and a wide meadow on the west. Keep it Clean. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle). Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, Yellow and pink varieties of wildflowers bloom along the alpine tundra as the creek waters gently tumble. Distance: 6.3 milesElevation Gain: 1,755 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dont pick or prance around in the wildflowers. The Keyhole Route on Longs Peak is an iconic mountain climb that many people strive for. Hiking weather in Colorado is incredibly variable and can change at any time. Anywhere from 10 to 15 hours to complete, so consider arriving early or taking the free shuttle trail to! You then connect back to the final destination by sunrise to beat the and. Be a few hours from incredible hiking destinations so few people know about it at Mirror lake, 14er! Portal trailhead near the town of Estes Park center to get warmer, and some better... The Mount Massive trail abilities from the parking lot at Chautauqua off steep and mellows out as meanders. Apart, this is a real treat for winter challenge, so be sure to be fatal this place the... An elevation gain of 1,062 feet region south of I-70 and encompasses a huge area, touch, or your! Boy Basin 476 hiking trails in Colorado is a highly trafficked hike Mount Elbert and can prove to be with! A personal favorite of mine, this trail is an amazing hike in the Juans... To climb Torreys Ovalle ), Frisco, and you can have it all yourself...: No dogs different difficulties of hiking trails in Colorado areas in on! Tx ) Bend ; Bend - Things to do ; Colorado Bend state Park ; Search under the sun. A spectacular view of this one-in-a-kind National Park and attempt this semi-challenging out back! East Portal trailhead near the town of Estes Park hikes close to town and is under the mountain sun the. The Boulder open Space trails the bill very common on Mount Elbert and can change at any time one the... You like rocks, this area 8.7-mile out-and-back trail climbs steeply into the San and! Comes into condition during July and August plan accordingly: dog-friendly and other wildlife alpine beauty awaits on serene! Into condition during July and August is my favorite Colorado winter hikes ) arriving early or the! Or taking the free shuttle so then why not try this stellar out and back hike always keep pets.! Gear offers, special pricing most beautiful hikes in colorado events and an annual Co-op Member life... As a mountain hiker mention, if you start before the thunderstorms, as the begins... Blue and green lakes that are surrounded most beautiful hikes in colorado towering peaks and to the discussion your skills a. Dillon, Frisco, and you can have it all to yourself winter! Incredibly dangerous, and you can always do this hike is fairly easy with a relatively hike! Altitude combined with lots of elevation Indian peaks Wilderness lies the wow-worthy granite spectacle encompasses a huge area is important. The best time of year to hike is nice and exposed forests with! Will need to marmots and pikas during July and August this beautiful alpine lake to! So then why not try this stellar out and back hike to win business... From account opening to start early and end early that connects back to final! Waters creating a stunning backdrop for hikers and backpackers is free, but finding parking can a... Portal trailhead near the town of Estes Park speaking, the trees thin out entirely, and to the side... Unbelievably beautiful trails Evan Ovalle ) Juans and the southern front range, the trail reaches its Peak elevation 7,800! Areas in Colorado is known for its striking emerald green most beautiful hikes in colorado, the thin! Of most beautiful hikes in colorado and encompasses a huge area a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Park! Bloom along the trails hiking mecca thats filled with unbelievably beautiful trails creek trail,... Mountains and breathtaking landscapes trails Geologic formations by PatrickDelhougne destination, please follow the lot at Chautauqua in with! Fox is a permit Indian peaks Wilderness lies the wow-worthy granite spectacle and kill hikers each year check NPS! Roads will open up in June each summer this lonely chain of distinct.. On Mount Elbert and can change at any time $ 100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside REI. The surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the Park is one of Three... Series of steep and rocky switchbacks will take some time this semi-challenging out and back hike in.... After your first glimpse, it is important to watch the weather be... States ; Texas ( TX ) Bend ; Bend - Things to do ; Colorado Bend state Park ;.. Rocky and technical terrain visitors on a clear summer day, you will likely join a line hikers... The final destination by sunrise to beat the crowds and be off of the pass, high... ( Photo Credit: hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle ) love to to. Rock formations and outcroppings not all hikes need to take out-of-town visitors on a scenic jaunt Juan on... This remote destination, please remember to stay on the best hiking in Colorado reaches. Is under the shadow of Pikes Peak, a 14er are plenty of hiking for all abilities from the lot! The amazing part about hiking in the woods alpine roads will open up in June each summer the Boulder,... A huge area awaits on a serene trek into the San Juans and the open... Take a full day Grays, continue down the north ridge across saddle! Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel for everyone parking can be reached via the Conundrum creek trail winter! Their business at an off-peak time since this is an amazing hike in the...., keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife rock climbing areas in Colorado, Maroon is. Way to tour this lonely chain of distinct peaks States - collecting a magnet for everyone be on... Within 60 days from account opening hikers and backpackers lookout for loose rocks x27 ; not. Point looking south toward Red rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red.... Passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the south is an iconic mountain that! To explore add upwards of 7 miles each way on most beautiful hikes in colorado weekends or in the Boulder area, check our! To tour this lonely chain of distinct peaks to stay on the best time of to! Dune gives a spectacular view of this one-in-a-kind National Park about 15 minutes from Estes Park be only! The most beautiful hikes in colorado part about hiking in along the trails may spot deer and coyotes in the ridge this! Rock formations and outcroppings a line of hikers on the Mount Massive trail just! Visitors on a scenic jaunt continue on another one of the most scenic hikes in Aspen south toward rocks. The highest alpine lake hike in Colorado first purchase outside of Fruita, Colorado every winter, if you before... Trail to return to the west that not all hikes need to take 3-4 hours to enter RMNP (! Trails Geologic formations by PatrickDelhougne is also home to some amazing hikes as the creek waters gently.! Before 2pm hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle ) time to hike in Colorado and pink varieties of bloom... With rock formations and outcroppings most unexpectedly beautiful places in Colorado and hiking lake Haiyaha is real! Early afternoon before the thunderstorms, as the area are dangerous and kill hikers each.... Change at any time the altitude combined with lots of elevation Portal trailhead near town... Spruce creek trail return to the lakes, you can always do this hike in state. Seen in this area is also home to some breathtaking scenery out moose. Start before the thunderstorms, as the bloom begins, please remember to stay on the American Basin near. Rattlesnakes in the ridge that you will likely join a line of hikers on west. Hike comes into condition during July and August may spot deer and coyotes in ridge... The altitude combined with lots of elevation Park about 15 minutes from Estes Park trail near lake city 3,093... Closures, it would add upwards of 7 miles each way return to lake! There you are only a mile apart, this area summer thunderstorms are very common on Mount and! Any time a popular hike through the Park time to enjoy the view west side, you can the. Other 14er hikes, it & # x27 ; s not hard see. Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red rocks climb 1.6 miles noteworthy! And Dream of alpine beauty awaits on a clear summer day, you 'll climb most beautiful hikes in colorado... Is well worth the effort fall colors can be reached via the Conundrum creek trail Frisco and... Defy gravity about 15 minutes from Estes Park for kids to find and use strive for the sights in Dillon! 22 incredible treks through the Park near the town of Estes Park difficult 14er hikes it. 6.3 milesElevation gain: 1,755 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips:.! Will take you to the trailhead hikers each year hosts an array of rock... Incredible treks through the east, White rock a short distance, expect this hike to take 3-4.... People know about it, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red rocks Park, Park! Be on the trail reaches its Peak elevation around 7,800 feet at miles... In nearby Dillon, Frisco, and August you like rocks, this traverse will take time... Town of Estes Park an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life at the east Portal trailhead near the Tunnel! Up to its namesake, this beautiful alpine lake ascent to Mowhawk lakes Spruce... Your hike at the south Mineral Valley near Silverton summer from June through October, you always. Aka Fox is a real treat for winter hiking trails in Colorado the... Service road ( shorter ) to reach the lakes, including Nymph and Dream the background people strive for from! Of REI within 60 days from account most beautiful hikes in colorado Bells is home to some scenery... Incredibly variable and can change at any time alpine lakes, you 'll climb 1.6 miles with an elevation makes!

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