With thousands of hikes in Colorado, there is no way all of them can be featured in this article. Location: I-70 corridor, a little under 3-hour drive from Denver. Generally speaking, the high country is referred to as the area at 9,000 feet and above. 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. At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the free shuttle. Hiking weather in Colorado is incredibly variable and can change at any time. Local Tip: If you love peak bagging check out Grays and Torreys Peak, two famous Colorado 14ers nearby. Austin Bluffs Open Space Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette. The lookout is accessible when staffed (typically mid-May through mid-September), and hikers can climb the 143 stairs up the side of Devils Head to the tower to enjoy jaw-dropping views of the Front Range and the Rocky Mountains. If you can, try to time your visit between late May and early June since this is when the waterfall is at its best. This is a must-do in the San Juans if you are up for a challenging hike. The 14,259 ft Longs Peak is one of the most climbed 14ers in Colorado thanks to its convenient location. The "Keyhole" is main route for reaching the iconic 14,259-foot summit. I was disappointed to not see FERN LAKE and other hikes in RMNP on the list. You have permission to edit this collection. From jaw-dropping mountain vistas to quirky sandstone monoliths, there are all sorts of hiking to do in Colorado. 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. Also named Emerald Lake, these majestic alpine waters can be explored near the iconic mountain town of Crested Butte. The summer can also bring snow and hail when you are least expecting it, be sure to be packed for all weather conditions! Many hikes in Colorado are accessible with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. Dont attempt Longs Peak unless you are an experienced mountain hiker who isnt afraid of exposure to steep drops and knows a thing or two about scrambling. A hiking day backpack 2. Hiking has been a popular Colorado activity since the Colorado Trail was created in the 1970s. This is hike is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by very experienced hikers. 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 beautiful alpine lake is tucked away at thebase of Longs Peak, one of the most iconic and dangerousfourteenersin the state. This is a heavily trafficked area, so be sure to get there early. Its also one of the best hikes in Colorado since it features this super cool, narrow (its less than four-feet wide), 50-foot-long land bridge that youll need to traverse along the way. Photo: Jeff Richards. However, top towns in Colorado for hiking include: The best hiking months in Colorado are from June through late September when most of the best hikes in Colorado are devoid of snow. Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). Need 2 get out see the others ! If you are looking for some of the most dramatic mountain views in the United States, the San Juans are the place to be. 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 Continental Divide Trail. This is the high country so be sure to bring extra layers and drink plenty of water. Acclimatize properly. The best season for hiking is from late June until late September. There are many different factors to consider while hiking in Colorado. This trail is dog-friendly, but dogs are not allowed past this point. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, American Basin is best explored from mid-July to early August. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); great article will definitely try these hikes! This could be the most popular fall hike in Colorado. Located in the middle of the town and surrounded by neighborhoods and city sprawl, this magical wilderness is a very popular city park in Colorado Springs. Photo Credit: kwiktor (iStock). Many hikers are turned around by high country weather. The hike then loops back north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead. You won't be disappointed with this hike; especially if you love the wildflowers. This is a great resource released by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. However, if youve got a Colorado license plate from 2023 onwards and you opted into the Colorado State Parks Pass, your entry is free. Theres a $12 per-person permit required to hike. The Great Sand Dunes rise almost randomly out of the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This article will mainly focus on some of the best day hikes. Swimming, dipping body parts into the water, standing under or on top of waterfalls, and walking on the fallen trees within the lake are strictly prohibited. Enjoy the breathtaking views, and if you are lucky, youll see some mountain goats! You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. Pants will also be nice to have in case of a rogue thunderstorm. 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. Its also a pretty easy trail to hike since there is little elevation change and the path features several stellar views of the surrounding canyon and the river below. On the west side, you will spot the famous, , and to the east, White Rock. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this fire tower was one of seven built in the early 1900s. , Quandary makes a great first 14er to tackle. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. Free shipping for many products! Top Beautiful Hikes In Colorado Quick View of the list: 1. The unbelievably turquoise waters and surrounding mountains make it an incredibly beautiful adventure. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,200 feetDifficulty: easy/moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly, Related: The Beginners Guide to Hiking Safely. This will prevent injuries while hiking on rocky ground. Youll never know what you could find! Beautiful turquoise waters await adventure seekers willing to make the trek gaining more than 3,000 feet in elevation. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the. We'd love to hear eyewitness Ive spent a lot of time on these trails without a soul in sight. Treasure Falls, Colorado 81147, USA. When hiking above the treeline, it is incredibly important to watch the weather and be off the summit before 2pm. For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. Mount Bross has been closed to the public in the past check with the current rules before summiting this peak. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. The journey toChasm Lakeis a must for any hiker seeking the mountain's tranquil beauty. Check and double-check the weather. Not only is it a popular backpacking route in Colorado, but this hike will take you around 4 hours to complete and will take you past Timberline Falls by way of Glacier Gorge Trail. Chief Mountain. PYRAMID PEAK 3. For example, if you were flying in from sea level, it would be dangerous to try and hike a 14er the next morning. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. The La Plata Mountains can be found in southern Colorado and are normally accessed from the small town of Mancos. 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. Located a little over an hour away from Denver, near Silver Plume, Colorado is this amazing trail. Snow can last on this hike well into June. Distance: 6.3 milesElevation Gain: 1,755 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dont pick or prance around in the wildflowers. The turquoise coloring is unlike anything else in the state. Please check the NPS website and All-Trails for conditions updates. This is available as a desktop version as well on iPhone and Android. Nearly every hiker who visits Rocky takes on the challenge of reaching Sky Pond. Parts of this ecosystem are fragile. Location: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. Even for someone that lives in Colorado, anyone can get altitude sickness when hiking up high, most commonly above 8,000 feet. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle). Just outside of the main area of Rocky Mountain National Park, youll find the Lumpy Ridge area. There was an error processing your request. South Colony Lakes holds a special place in my heart. Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. You will need a, and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the Perkins Central Garden Trail, a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. If you are planning to do the hike as a quick overnight backpacking trip, you will need a permit, and all visitors will need to pay the small fee to park at the Monarch Lake Trailhead. a good rule of thumb is to be below treeline by noon. This is one of Colorados most famous lakes. Come spring, the trail explodes in color. Wildflower varieties seen during this time include Marsh Marigold, Parrys Primrose, Colorado columbine, owls clover, larkspur, monks hood, Sneezeweed, Old Man of the Mountain, kings crown, rose crown, elephants head, gentians, and along with many others. Rapid weather changes can be expected on this high altitude trek. 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. Keep your eyes on the trail for wildlife. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. Season: Memorial Day through mid-October. From Bluebell Road, turn onto the. From there you are only a few hours from incredible hiking destinations! Whether you plan to summit one or all four peaks, always plan toLeave No Trace. Location: Northern Front Range. Box 118, Bend, TX 76824. Although there is plenty to do in Rocky Mountain NP, hiking is at the top of the list. From Grays, continue down the north ridge across the saddle between the two peaks to climb Torreys. It is between the San Juans and the I-70 corridor. Due to the low level of difficulty and its proximity to Denver, this hike can get very popular. . 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