It might be the only hike in the state to safely do barefoot! Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. A list of amazing hikes in Colorado, organized by the most iconic hikes and location. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. This list encompasses the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Its my mission to get you out on the best Colorado hiking trails like a local, not a tourist. Pictures don't do the lakes justice. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. As with all above-treeline routes, start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and be sure to pack appropriately with food, water, sunscreen and extra layers. Your body needs to acclimate to a higher elevation. Made famous as being one of the best rock climbing areas in Colorado, this area is also home to some amazing hikes. The majority of hiking on Mount Elbert is above the tree line. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. While hiking in snow or mud, gaiters can be great to throw over your pants as well. Be sure to have the right education and the right gear. Note that from mid-June through September between 8:30am 5:00pm, a shuttle is required to take to the trailhead. Cross-referencing that app with All-Trails, or the Outbound App can prove for some awesome adventures. 6. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this fire tower was one of seven built in the early 1900s. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). Snowshoes are recommended in the early season. Distance: 7.8 milesElevation Gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. 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. Enjoy the scenery from the trail to avoid tramping this beloved environment. However, if youve got a Colorado license plate from 2023 onwards and you opted into the Colorado State Parks Pass, your entry is free. : Morrison, CO, in Matthews/Winters Park, 15 miles west of Denver, : An easily accessible hike on Colorados Front Range. There is also a shuttle service in the summer and fall seasons. 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. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. 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. The next section will now include some of the best hiking in Colorado. A small, packable rain jacket can be great to throw in your pack. This area is also prone to lightning storms so be sure to start your hike early (like 4:00 am early) to avoid them. Distance: 6.0 milesElevation gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and best used between June and September. Colorado is known for its abundant sunny weather, mountain views and nearly year-round hiking opportunities. Fall is one of the best times to hike in Colorado. Regardless of the hike and weather conditions, you should always bring extra layers, extra food, and a first aid kit. Youll never know what you could find! When planning your trip, keep in mind that parking can be scarce at the eastern trailheads, especially in the summer. Difficulty: moderate to hard. The trails tend to be snow-free and the roads are open. This moderately easy trail works its way straight up to a scenic perch. 2236 Park Hill Dr, P. O. Check and double-check the weather. Segment 11 at the Mount Massive Trailhead. Evans as well. 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. : Deckers, CO, in Pike National Forest, 45 miles south of Denver, : 360-degree views from a historic fire tower. For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. The hiking in this area is challenging, but the views are stunning. How many trails have you hiked? Maroon Bells, near Aspen, are two of Colorado's most famous mountains and are well known for their views. : Granby, CO, in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, 103 miles northwest of Denver, : A long day hike or an overnight backpacking trip, 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. In Boulder, Colorado, the Chautauqua walking trails offer a variety of beautiful day hikes in Colorado. Afternoon thunderstorms are dangerous and kill hikers each year. Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. Rattlesnake Arches is a varied challenge that can be done in a day by an avid hiker. Please follow these rules when visiting and remember, when you're exploring to leave absolutely no trace. Waste does not break down this high up. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation gain: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. Expect this hiking area to be very busy. Explore the high country with a triple alpine lake ascent to Mowhawk Lakes via Spruce Creek Trail. Most segments fall within the moderate to upper end of difficult. You can learn more about avalanche forecasting and avalanche safety at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. Season: Memorial Day through mid-October. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the, , a flat, wide and easygoing path. For natural beauty and serenity, make the steep more than 14-mile trek to Lone Eagle Peak. For the purpose of this article, we will divide the state into different regions and look at some of the best hikes in different parts of the state. This is another great 14er hike to do in the I-70 area. 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. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. In fact, this is one of the best lake hikes in Colorado and hiking Lake Haiyaha is a real treat for winter. No dogs. Inside this guide youll find tons of info about the most scenic Colorado hikes and how to visit them without the crowds. ! In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. The Mount Evans wilderness areas have plenty of stunning views and great hikes. Continue on the Emerald Lake Trail, which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. Longs Peak (Estes Park) Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. In fact, this trail is so lovely that is popular among hikers, birders, and cross-country skiers alike. : 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. Much of this land has developed hiking trails, spanning 12 National Parks, 41 State Parks, and 58 mountains above 14,000 feet. (Stan Behal/Toronto Sun/Postmedia . Distance: 3.1Elevation Gain: 990Difficulty: easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. But Victoria's .SUNshine Girl Emily, a 5-foot-7, hazel-eyed Taurus who posed for us in 2018, loves yoga, hiking, writing in her journal and skiing. Pants will also be nice to have in case of a rogue thunderstorm. The hike then loops back north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead. This could be the most popular fall hike in Colorado. Blue Lakes Trail - Ridgway. Austin Bluffs Open Space If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the Palmer Trail, which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. Distance: 1.6 milesElevation Gain: 232 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes Trail. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. person will not be tolerated. Spanning 1.1 miles, the Perkins Central Garden . : Boulder, CO, in Chautauqua Park, 2 miles southwest of downtown Boulder, : A classic hike at the base of the Flatirons, Known as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Boulder could keep you occupied for weeks with its multitude of trails in close vicinity to downtown. This is a great way to have a visual look at all of the trails in the state. Also, try and do this trek after a rain so that the waterfall looks rad. Hike to the top of Colorado with this tough hike. It also serves as a highly visible landmark the notch in the ridge. This is the high country so be sure to bring extra layers and drink plenty of water. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. Photo Credit: klosfoto (iStock). Plan to get to the final destination by sunrise to beat the crowds and be treated to some breathtaking scenery. It is not a bad idea to wear a climbing helmet for the 3rd class scramble, as there are lots of loose rocks. "We home school in the morning or when the kids are up and go for afternoon hikes as a family. Evans. These sandstone tower formations are scattered around the park. This trail is dog-friendly, but dogs are not allowed past this point. 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. Please be sure to visit the RMNP website for more information on the current permitting process for parking and entrance to the park. Another unique feature is. Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). Hikers may opt for the trail or service road (shorter) to reach the lakes. The stairs are steep, and while there are railings the entire way, those who fear heights may choose to enjoy the view from the ground. The hike starts from Monarch Lake on the Cascade Trail on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. When it comes to hikes in Colorado, Chicago Lakes delivers on varied scenery. That doesnt mean this is an easy undertaking, though, and hikers should come prepared with plenty of food, water and extra clothing as hiking any 14er in Colorado involves some degree of risk due to elevation, weather and exposure. Read moreabout us. The trail is 18 miles out-and-back in length and climbs 2,719 feet in elevation as you weave through the lush landscapes of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. SAN LUIS PEAK 4. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to take a shuttle from town. Due to the popularity of the hike, you must have a permit to hike the trail between May and October. As you climb, keep your eyes open for yellow-bellied marmots and pikas. Garden of the Gods Perkins Central Garden Trail (Colorado Springs) AllTrails/Brian Mehringer. Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off toward. A quick look at what to pack for your Colorado hike. 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