Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. 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. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. Keep it Clean. The trail becomes rockier as you climb. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. 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. Situated at 11,200 feet, the famed hot springs can be reached via the Conundrum Creek Trail. 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. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. There are plenty of amazing hikes in Colorado, but this one will be very different. The hike to Loch Lake is quite stunning, and a must-visit for any moderate hiker. Maroon Bells in the fall. Photo: Jeff Richards. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. Mount Falcon Castle Loop Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. Being that is an overview of the best hiking in Colorado, this article could go on for days. Nearly every hiker who visits Rocky takes on the challenge of reaching Sky Pond. Be Proactive. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. However, if youve got a Colorado license plate from 2023 onwards and you opted into the Colorado State Parks Pass, your entry is free. Colorado Bend State Park. Attempting this hike in the winter is a serious mountaineering undertaking and should not be done without any experience. racist or sexually-oriented language. Dont forget to bring your camera! Location: Start of the I-70 corridor. 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. South Colony Lakes holds a special place in my heart. 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. The rock formations are spectacular, and there is so much to see in a short distance. 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. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. Hiking has been a popular Colorado activity since the Colorado Trail was created in the 1970s. The first snowfall up high can occur as early as the first week of September! Showcasing breathtaking natural scenery, the mill is arguably one of the most photographed structures in all of the state. Mountains above 14,000 feet are known as 14ers. Enjoy beautiful red rocks contrasting against the verdant, green landscape. A personal favorite of mine, this trail is well worth the effort. However, keep in mind that many trailheads become inaccessible in the winter. Peak baggers up for the challenge can also summit Kit Carson and Challenger Point accessed along this same trail. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto High Drive, a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. The standard route features a 14-mile class two climb up the eastern slopes. Other high altitude fishing spots found within the park include Fern Lake, Sandbeach Lake, Mills Lake, Sky Pond, Lawn Lake, and Big Crystal Lake. Can We Interest You in Some Of These Stories Instead? I was disappointed to not see FERN LAKE and other hikes in RMNP on the list. Seven Bridges Trail, North Cheyenne Canon Park. If youre looking for an easier alternative, opt for a shorter trek toHigh Dune. 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. Expect this hike to take 10-15 hours. Always understand that the weather generally comes from the west, and keep an eye on storms. When it comes to finding the best hikes in Colorado, look no further, youve arrived. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. So, try and visit on a quiet weekday morning to avoid the crowds and take in the Fountain and Lyons rock formations that surround you. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow theLeave No Tracebest practices. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. Photo Credit: MizC (iStock). You won't be disappointed with this hike; especially if you love the wildflowers. Youll travel along an old railroad route in the heart of the southern foothills. , a National Natural Landmark with preserved dinosaur tracks, to the east. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. From the base of Chautauqua Park, one has access to many trails that go up to the flatiron mountains and provide a wonderful view of Boulder and down to Denver. Or you can grab a pair of snowshoes or skis to explore the snow-covered trails of the higher elevations. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. 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. If you are looking for a shorter or easier outing, the Bear Lake Trail, which leaves from the same trailhead and loops around Bear Lake, is a family-friendly option. Its hard to select just one town in Colorado with the best hiking. There is also a shuttle service in the summer and fall seasons. At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. This is the high country so be sure to bring extra layers and drink plenty of water. The Locals Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. Afterward, check out the sights in nearby Dillon, Frisco, and Breckenridge. 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. Distance: 2.5 milesElevation Gain: 885 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. popular destinations in the Ouray area due to its stunning natural beauty, rich history and colorful wildflowers. The easily accessible trails at Bear Creek are some of the most popular in the area, for both locals and visitors. Here are the regions we will use. Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). 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. If you are looking for some of the most dramatic mountain views in the United States, the San Juans are the place to be. Once you reach the base of Devils Head, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side of the large rock outcropping. 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. Photo Credit: Melissa Woolf (iStock). Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, 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. 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. Just hike the path of least resistance! The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. Snowshoes and micro-spikes can be used on higher elevation trails well into May. Nestled beautifully in the San Juan Mountains, lies theIce Lake Basin. While not a very challenging hike, this hike is on our list because of how unique it is. The road to get to the upper trailhead is notoriously rugged, so if you have a two-wheel-drive or low-clearance vehicle, plan to park at the lower trailhead and add some mileage to your hike. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Chad DuBois). 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. The hike starts from Monarch Lake on the Cascade Trail on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. Location: For the purpose of this article, this would be in the San Juan section, but Mount Elbert is really in the Sawatch Range. (Stan Behal/Toronto Sun/Postmedia . Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, American Basin is best explored from mid-July to early August. 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. If you are traveling in or under avalanche terrain, be sure to be educated on avalanche safety. Bursting with beauty, the trail features rushing alpine waters, wildflower meadows, and a variety of wildlife including bear, elk, moose, deer, and marmots. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. Hikers may opt for the trail or service road (shorter) to reach the lakes. Let me know! Photo Credit: ablokhin (iStock). This famous park near downtown Colorado Springs is a must-see. 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. As one of Colorados best hiking destinations, youve got to scope out the Garden of the Gods. Heavy snowfall shuts down the majority of hiking in the alpine environment due to avalanche concerns as well as intense cold weather. Segment 11 at the Mount Massive Trailhead. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. There is an amazing array of hikes near Denver that make up some of the best hikes in Colorado. Distance: 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 1,530 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. The beautiful scenery passes by a few small lakes and ponds before the final push to Ptarmigan Lake. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. The road is open all year round, but for best conditions, plan to do this hike in June, July, and August. Use the 'Report' link on Some of the best fall colors can be seen in this area. If you are looking for a quick way to escape the city, this is a great region to hike in. Continue on another one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and attempt this semi-challenging out and back hike. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the Crater Lake Trail. 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. My brother and I are going to CO in July, this rlly helped narrow it down! Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. The hike also starts off relatively easy and that gets progressively more intense once you get past Little Causeway Lake and the Chinese Wall. The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. Kristen is a native Coloradan and longtime runner who enjoys running on the track, roads and now on the trails. Thunderstorms can be incredibly dangerous, and even fatal. This leaves one exposed to lightning strikes, which causes about 2 fatalities per year in Colorado. The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the, , a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. Winter brings solitude through deep snow in the woods. Dog-friendly. SIGN UP: Free daily newsletter + 20% off in the OTC gear shop, Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. Here are a few must-do hikes in the area. best practices. Thin, long pants can be very breathable and will prevent injury from low-lying branches scratching up against you on the trails. Even for such a short distance, expect this hike to take 3-4 hours. : Colorado Springs, CO, in Garden of the Gods, 6 miles northwest of downtown Colorado Springs, : A family-friendly excursion to see the impressive red rocks of Garden of the Gods, 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. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. You'll need reservations to explore the iconic alpine wonder. Theres plenty of parking but if you cant find a spot in the lot, you can pay to park along any of the neighborhood roads. Combine this hike with one of the most scenic drives near Denver for an epic day outside. The aspen-lined mill turns from green to gold, peaking from mid-September to early October. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. With two large enclosed dog parks, a beautiful pond and fountain, as well as sand volleyball courts, this park truly has something for everyone. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 1,033 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. A 44 vehicle is a must to get up to the trailhead. Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. 1. 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. Trekking poles can be helpful for this steep section. It is tough to narrow down the best Colorado hiking trails and hikes, but you definitely cant go wrong with any of these ones. To the south, you will have views of Blue Lakes and North Star Mountain across the valley. Photo Credit: Zach Dischner. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Nestled in the Indian Peaks Wilderness lies the wow-worthy granite spectacle. Being on an exposed ridge top on a late summer day is one of the most dangerous places to be while hiking. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. Rocky Mountain National Park is a truly breathtaking area and a great introduction to Colorado. Your body needs to acclimate to a higher elevation. Additionally, the road to the trailhead is closed seasonally, usually from December to April. Follow the signs to Rogers Pass Lake (pictured), a destination youll encounter just before reaching Heart Lake. Towns like Telluride, Silverton, and Durango will be nearby for hiking in this region. Be sure to have the right education and the right gear. Situated along the Continental Divide about an hour drive from Denver, this hike is very popular. 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