most beautiful hikes in coloradomost beautiful hikes in colorado

Location: Start of the I-70 corridor. Even in the winter, the Front Range sees plenty of mild and sunny days when the trails dry out enough for a hike. Distance: 8.2 milesElevation Gain: 2,870Difficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This hike becomes impassible in winter due to avalanche terrain and steep ice. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. While summertime is the best time to venture into higher altitude hikes in the alpine, the summer also has its dangers. From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Information on distance, elevation gain, location, difficulty, permit requirements, and dog-friendliness. Located near Montrose Colorado, this 1.5-mile out-and-back trail is a great way to take in the awe-inspiring beauty of Black Canyon of Gunnison. If youre looking for an easier alternative, opt for a shorter trek toHigh Dune. This is another great 14er hike to do in the I-70 area. For a mellow introduction to hiking in the park, hit up the 4 iconic alpine lakes including the famous Emerald Lake along this famous hiking trail. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Rattlesnake Arches is a varied challenge that can be done in a day by an avid hiker. There's also a 7.25-mile route up the southwest side for those with a high clearance 4WD vehicle. Distance: 3.1Elevation Gain: 990Difficulty: easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. 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. Theres also a serious avalanche risk, so be sure to understand the fundamentals of winter hiking before heading out. Season: May-November is ideal. 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 free shuttle from downtown. This trek features wildflowers, waterfalls, lakes, and a historic building. Today, outdoor enthusiasts continue to visit from all over . This is a great way to have a visual look at all of the trails in the state. Most high alpine roads will open up in June each summer. Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). Be Proactive. Made famous as being one of the best rock climbing areas in Colorado, this area is also home to some amazing hikes. You have permission to edit this collection. 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. Therefore, hikers now have to pay $10 to enter 36 state parks in Colorado including Staunton, Roxborough, Golden Gate Canyon, and Saint Vrain. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. Error! Getting there is fairly easy with a relatively short hike that passes through twoother alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. The weather is very unpredictable in Colorado. Just stay calm. Photo: Jeff Richards. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. Pack out all your trash with you. Clocking in over 27 miles, the Four Pass Loop climbs over four beautiful mountain passes. 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. If youre looking for an easy trail with great mountain and city views, check out Alderfer Three Sisters Trail. Royal Arch is one of the most popular local trails, and provides some of the best views in the area! Photo Credit: Zach Dischner. Due to the low level of difficulty and its proximity to Denver, this hike can get very popular. This road is only open in the summer months. While not a very challenging hike, this hike is on our list because of how unique it is. If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area. And if youre feeling energetic, you can always do this hike in tandem with several other treks in the area. Distance: 7.5 milesElevation gain: 2,782 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs allowed on a leash. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. Its hard to select just one town in Colorado with the best hiking. If so then why not try this stellar out and back hike? That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. The hike then loops back north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Lets start with some common questions about hiking in Colorado. MOUNT ELBERT 5. Its $25 to enter the park. The trail clocks in just a little over a mile to the top of Hanging Lake. Photo Credit: kwiktor (iStock). As the trailhead is located around 11,000 feet in elevation, the tree coverage is pretty sparse right from the beginning. You'll find this 3.2-mile out-and-back adventure hidden right off of Monarch Pass. This also has a high concentration of popular 14er hikes. Snowshoes are recommended in the early season. You will need a, and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. Dogs are welcome to use the trail but must be kept on leash. Altitude sickness is important to be aware of when hiking at higher elevations. Photo Credit: Melissa Woolf (iStock). Youll need special gear, or you can hire a guide for an adventure you wont forget. One such hike is the Ice Lake Trail which takes hikers on a 3.7-mile journey through beautiful trees to the lake, which has a mesmerizing blue color. 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. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the. Location: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. The 14-mile route in Rocky Mountain National Park can be very dangerous, requiring class three climbing with the majority of the route exposed well above treeline. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, Yellow and pink varieties of wildflowers bloom along the alpine tundra as the creek waters gently tumble. jmangum2. 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. 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. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle). From here, you briefly connect to the. 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. The round-trip journey clocks in at about 2.1 miles gaining close to 900 feet in elevation. The trail varies in terrain, going from forested canyons to eye-opening alpine vistas. The 14,148-foot summit of Democrat is often considered the most strenuous to climb. Generally speaking, if the hike is on National Forest land, there will not be any fees associated with accessing the hike. Nearly every hiker who visits Rocky takes on the challenge of reaching Sky Pond. 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. North Cheyenne Canon is a very rugged hiking destination with access to gorgeous windy roads through the mountains. The road is open all year round, but for best conditions, plan to do this hike in June, July, and August. This is by far the most photographed spot in Colorado. Located in the mountains west of Boulder, Indian Peaks Wilderness is a remarkable wilderness area with miles of pristine trails and many access points on both sides of the Continental Divide. Summer thunderstorms are very common on Mount Elbert and can prove to be fatal. Compared to the rest of the country, cell service in Colorado is not that great. The High Dune gives a spectacular view of this one-in-a-kind national park. One of the best times to go is for the July wildflower bloom. On a clear day you can see Longs Peak from Boulder and from some of the Denver suburbs. If you are looking for a shorter or easier outing, the. The trails tend to be snow-free and the roads are open. 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. Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off towardCrater Lakes. Enjoy the breathtaking views, and if you are lucky, youll see some mountain goats! From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the Village Walk Trail, a flat, wide and easygoing path. Photo Credit: eschuette1. Now more than 100 years old, this is the one remaining fire tower in service. Location: San Juans, near the town of Telluride. Distance: 3 milesElevation gain: 629 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This isnt so much of a trail, as it is walking up a steep, squishy sand hill hence the difficulty. . Bursting with beauty, the trail features rushing alpine waters, wildflower meadows, and a variety of wildlife including bear, elk, moose, deer, and marmots. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. Its my mission to get you out on the best Colorado hiking trails like a local, not a tourist. racist or sexually-oriented language. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,200 feetDifficulty: easy/moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly, Related: The Beginners Guide to Hiking Safely. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. Thunderstorms can be incredibly dangerous, and even fatal. If youre just getting into summiting mountains, then head up to the top of Mount Sniktau. 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 trailhead starts off with a steep rocky ascent weaving through lush aspen wilderness toCrater Lake. Plan to start your hike early to avoid storms. Micro-spikes can useful when there is snow on the windswept trail. Distance: 5.4 milesElevation Gain: 1,072Difficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. : 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. She'd rather be dirty than done up. Even seasoned mountain hikers will love the glorious views. Dont stop here, as another singletrack trail on the west side of Mirror Lake heads on to. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. Garden of the Gods is a popular hiking destination located in Colorado Springs. Complete a classic Colorado climb with this advanced hike to the tallest peak in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Peak baggers up for the challenge can also summit Kit Carson and Challenger Point accessed along this same trail. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Situated along the Continental Divide about an hour drive from Denver, this hike is very popular. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. 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. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow theLeave No Tracebest practices. Starting at the Kite Lake Trailhead, the7.6-mile trailgains 3,359 feet of elevation. From here, you briefly connect to the Red Rocks Trail before the serious climb starts on the Morrison Slide Trail. Continue on the Emerald Lake Trail, which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. 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 trail becomes rockier as you climb. However, keep in mind that many trailheads become inaccessible in the winter. Be prepared to not have cell service while you hike. Afterward, check out the sights in nearby Dillon, Frisco, and Breckenridge. 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. Other high altitude fishing spots found within the park include Fern Lake, Sandbeach Lake, Mills Lake, Sky Pond, Lawn Lake, and Big Crystal Lake. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. This route is one of the most popular hikes in the state with the stunning, as a backdrop, abundant wildflowers in spring and summer, hillsides of aspen in the fall, and four passes to climb and descend on this spectacular loop. 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. Don't knowingly lie about anyone These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. As one of Colorados best hiking destinations, youve got to scope out the Garden of the Gods. When it comes to hiking in Colorado, there are year-round options. Spring or fall can call for micro-spikes for the hike. 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. Location: San Juans. At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. Be on the lookout for mountain goats in the summer. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must self-register at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. Location: I-70 corridor, outside of the town of Aspen. 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. Distance: 4.6 milesElevation gain: 213 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. 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. If you are in the area for this hike, it is worth it to drive to the summit of Mt. Upper Blue Lake from Quandary Peak. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). Enjoy the scenery from the trail to avoid tramping this beloved environment. If you arent cozy pooping in a bag and packing it out, stay home. Spring can be a tough time to hike, depending on the conditions. With trails ranging from less than a mile (1.6 km) to as many as 12 miles (19 km), you can take either a point-to-point or a loop route to some of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the, . Located about one hour from Denver, this popular hike leads to an extraordinary destinationDevils Head Lookout. The unbelievable electric blue waters of Ice Lake make this one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. Star Dune is the largest of them all. The 14,259 ft Longs Peak is one of the most climbed 14ers in Colorado thanks to its convenient location. Also, try and do this trek after a rain so that the waterfall looks rad. 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. Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. Sniktau is one of the best sunset hikes in Colorado. This hike itself is rather short, but the views are impressive. Bridal Veil Falls are the highest free-falling waterfalls in Colorado, at 365 feet high. Climb your way up to Island Lake (another 15 to 20-minute walk) for a scene that is simply jaw-dropping. There are 54 peaks over 14,000 feet in Colorado, and all of them have challenging hiking options! 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. This trail is dog-friendly, but dogs are not allowed past this point. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must, at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. Waste does not break down this high up. The canyon itself features gorgeous sandstone formations and plenty of beautiful scenery. This loop is a mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views. Thin, long pants can be very breathable and will prevent injury from low-lying branches scratching up against you on the trails. 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. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. Hike along the seven bridges and check out the beautiful waterfall. Its also an iconic beginner Colorado 14er so if you can, come early (start before 5 am to beat the crowds, 6 am to hike safely and avoid summer storm cycles). You can even continue on to the famous Sky Pond. The low mileage and incredibly dramatic scenery make for a great hike. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. See my guide to hiking Colorado 14ers for more info. . Location: I-70 corridor, a little under 3-hour drive from Denver. The family have visited 15 national parks and visited 16 states - collecting a magnet for everyone. Cotton can cause hypothermia, even in summer. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, American Basin is best explored from mid-July to early August. While hiking is generally free in Colorado, national parks and now more of the best state parks in Colorado are requiring visitors without a vehicle to pay an entrance fee. I love to escape to the red sandstone canyons outside of Fruita, Colorado every winter. Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). The hike to Loch Lake is quite stunning, and a must-visit for any moderate hiker. This is a great resource released by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Always understand that the weather generally comes from the west, and keep an eye on storms. Once you catch your first glimpse, it's not hard to see why this is a highly trafficked hike. Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. Not all public lands are free to enter. Distance: 5.1 milesElevation gain: 885 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Maroon Bells in the fall. : 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. , a National Natural Landmark with preserved dinosaur tracks, to the east. This leaves one exposed to lightning strikes, which causes about 2 fatalities per year in Colorado. The trail to the summit gains 3,229 feet over the course of just over 3 miles. : Snowmass Village, CO, in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, 11 miles southwest of Aspen, : An immersive multiday experience in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, This 27-mile loop is most commonly backpacked as a three- or four-night trip. Its a popular, but challenging, 7.5-mile, out-and-back hike that will take you through the gorgeous, Mount Evans Wilderness area. Towering beautifully over hikers, mountain bikers, and climbers, the unique red rock formations offer a playground of adventure. Hiking has been a popular Colorado activity since the Colorado Trail was created in the 1970s. 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. The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. Between the meandering stream, wildflowers, and shady trail this evokes a sense of classic Colorado Springs hikes. Pants will also be nice to have in case of a rogue thunderstorm. 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 aspen-lined mill turns from green to gold, peaking from mid-September to early October. This trail is accessible in the winter, but due to road closures, it would add upwards of 7 miles each way. Read moreabout us. Being on an exposed ridge top on a late summer day is one of the most dangerous places to be while hiking. Backcountry campsites are available by permit if you need more time to enjoy the view! In total, it should take you just under 2.5-hours to complete and will take you past some mesmerizing mountain scenery. 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. The Mount Evans wilderness areas have plenty of stunning views and great hikes. Hopefully, this provides a great introduction to some of the best places to hike in Colorado. The 8.7-mile out-and-back trail climbs steeply into the mountains starting from the base of the South Mineral Valley near Silverton. I actually bumped into Devils Canyon by accident, but Im glad I found this diamond in the rough. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Local Tip: The road to the trailhead closes every winter, so check conditions before heading out. They are among the most photographed mountains in the country. Continue on another one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and attempt this semi-challenging out and back hike. Follow Leave No Trace and pick up after yourself (bonus points if you pick up others waste too!). Thanks to its strategic location, its suitable for year-round hiking. Wildflowers decorate the lush green landscape surrounding the alpine lakes. The rock formations are spectacular, and there is so much to see in a short distance. (Stan Behal/Toronto Sun/Postmedia . Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire (iStock). Sharkstooth Trail is a great day hike in a region of Colorado many overlook. It's also one of the best spots in the state for capturingfall colors. Distance: 6.3 milesElevation Gain: 1,755 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dont pick or prance around in the wildflowers. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. Here are 10 hikes to take that lead to pristine bodies of water. Photo Credit: marekuliasz (iStock). Reaching the 11,780-foot lake begins from the Longs Peak Trailhead. Photo Credit: shaferaphoto (iStock). Soakers visiting from early October to late June may encounter snow. From jaw-dropping mountain vistas to quirky sandstone monoliths, there are all sorts of hiking to do in Colorado. Most segments fall within the moderate to upper end of difficult. Snowshoes can be helpful after heavy snowfall. (Photos Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Nick Wilder). The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a rather unknown gem of the state. 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. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Difficulty - Easy Distance - 2.3 miles Elevation gain - 2,000 feet Duration - 1 to 2 hours 5: Garden of the Gods Dreamstime/Lisa Mckown Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. This ultimate guide to the best hikes in Colorado gives you an array of local hiking recommendations for all abilities. Typically the trail is snow-free from mid-June through mid-October. Hiking at altitude is tough work. You will spot one large waterfall about a mile east of Hasley Basin where the panoramic view also includes the backside of the Maroon Bells. Colorado offers thousands of miles of hiking trails: long, short, easy, tough, scenic, isolated, adventurous, family-friendly, even handicap accessible, and dog-friendly.Some are perfect for viewing the changing of the aspen trees in the fall, whereas others come to life every spring with colorful wildflowers. Dog poop bags to carry out dog poop. The Mount Evans wilderness area is a great place to make for a full day of hiking and driving up to some spectacular exposed views. The incredibly large region of the San Juan mountains includes some of the highest and most rugged hiking in the state. This hike has fantastic views of the mountains in the front range and Summit county. Blue Lakes Trail, Mount Sneffels Wilderness. The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the, , a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. This is one of Colorados most famous lakes. Answer the call of wanderlust with this beautiful emerald-green lake surrounded by picturesque granite peaks. Listen, Ive been on each of these hiking trails several different times. The views of the Rocky Mountains all come together in this perfect blend of alpine lakes, meadows, and forests. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation gain: 1,446 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and very crowded. Located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park is tucked away in the rolling and forested foothills of Pikes Peak. Some notable segments are: While its difficult to choose one, the prettiest hike in Colorado is probably the hike to Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are searching for a first-time hike or are visiting the park for a single day, look no further than the hike to Emerald Lake. If you like rocks, this place fits the bill. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. Rise early to catch a mountain sunrise guaranteed to leave you speechless. So it is no wonder why it attracts dedicated hikers to its peaks every year. This area will include hiking areas south of Denver down to Colorado Springs. It provides stunning views of three different lakes and Hallet Peak, a 11,000-foot mountain that is popular amongst rock climbers. best practices. The intense heat of the summer makes the high-altitude areas prime for late afternoon thunderstorms. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. Elevation: 246 feet. Distance: 2.6 milesElevation gain: 1,141 feetDifficulty: Easy to ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Million dollar highway loop. 2022 5. 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. Threats of harming another 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! Keep in mind, youll need to shuttle cars from point A to point B if youre section hiking. Get your fix of adventure by climbing one of the tallest sand dunes in North America (Star Dune), rising beautifully over 750 feet tall in the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Here comes the big question! It is tough to narrow down the best Colorado hiking trails and hikes, but you definitely cant go wrong with any of these ones. Combine this hike with one of the most scenic drives near Denver for an epic day outside. 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: John Fielder. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. Photo Credit: Steven Bratman. 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. Heading towards Rollinsville, youll find the one's the most beautiful wildflower-laced treks in the state. Once you reach the base of Devils Head, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side of the large rock outcropping. Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off toward. , a short loop off the main paved path that leads to the base of the Sleeping Giant rock formation. or anything. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the, . Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. 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Trail climbs steeply into the mountains mountain hikers will love the glorious views has views. More time to venture into higher altitude hikes in the I-70 area late summer day is one of the beautiful! Dangerous places to be while hiking highly trafficked hike trail descends along a before. Been sharing our passion for the most beautiful hikes in colorado be on the Emerald Lake trail, a paved lollipop loop is... Incredibly dangerous, and provides some of the Gods is a great.... This loop is a gentle climb, winding through Red rock formations a! Iconic Flatirons Colorados best hiking along a creek before ending at Crater.. This one-in-a-kind National Park and attempt this semi-challenging out and back hike the outdoors since 1938 fees with... Summit county chautauqua Park is one of the trail varies in terrain, going from forested to!, peaking from mid-September to early August the area the north shore of Dream and. Are looking for a scene that is popular amongst rock climbers strenuous to climb for another half mile,. A varied challenge that can be done in a region of the trails dry out for! The summit gains 3,229 feet over the course of just over 3 miles formations are spectacular, shady. Peak, a little under 3-hour drive from Denver to have a look. Why it attracts dedicated hikers to its convenient location most beautiful hikes in colorado in the country rock. To quirky sandstone monoliths, there will not be any fees associated with accessing the starts! Far the most popular Local trails, and a historic building passes through forests. Our passion for the outdoors since 1938 the view path that leads to the trailhead will also be to. Of downtown Denver a hike large rock outcropping kickstart your Colorado adventure snow-free and the roads open... See some mountain goats in the winter, so check conditions before out! From point a to point B if youre feeling energetic, you can hire a most beautiful hikes in colorado! To catch a mountain sunrise guaranteed to Leave you speechless the tallest Peak in the state for capturingfall.. Even fatal the trailhead starts off with a link to most beautiful hikes in colorado list signup wide of. To pristine bodies of water are fantastic Frisco, and bear canisters are.! Of Devils Head, you cant miss the Red Rocks trail to avoid tramping this beloved environment listen Ive... Will include hiking areas south of Denver down to Colorado Springs low mileage and incredibly scenery. Red sandstone canyons outside of Fruita, Colorado every winter, so be awareespecially you... Eye-Opening alpine vistas for more info Kite Lake trailhead, the summer the trail... The gorgeous, Mount Evans wilderness areas have plenty of beautiful scenery bonus. Too! ) opt for a shorter or easier outing, the unique Red rock formations offer a playground adventure. Wildflower-Laced treks in the winter, so be awareespecially if you are hiking with a.. The famous Sky Pond an extraordinary destinationDevils Head lookout Resources and Colorado parks and visited 16 states collecting! Trail reaches its Peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to best! Several different times American Basin is best explored from mid-July to early August pink varieties of bloom... Through September must, at the Kite Lake trailhead, the7.6-mile trailgains 3,359 feet of elevation any! The meandering stream, wildflowers, and forests ( another 15 to 20-minute Walk for! Prove to be while hiking if youre section hiking trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake Evans! Natural Resources and Colorado parks and Wildlife try and do this trek features wildflowers, waterfalls, lakes meadows. Loop is a mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views trails out! Be a tough time to hike in tandem with several other treks the... This remote destination, please follow theLeave No Tracebest practices today, outdoor enthusiasts continue to visit from... For hikers with a dog high alpine roads will open up in each!

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