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. 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. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,200 feetDifficulty: easy/moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly, Related: The Beginners Guide to Hiking Safely. Be Proactive. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. There is also a shuttle service in the summer and fall seasons. Distance: 6.0 milesElevation gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and best used between June and September. Season: Best to hike in summer. , which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. This hike is in Rocky Mountain National Park about 15 minutes from Estes Park. Distance: 7.8 milesElevation Gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. This hike comes into condition during July and August. Local Tip: If you love peak bagging check out Grays and Torreys Peak, two famous Colorado 14ers nearby. Its also one of the best Colorado backpacking trips too! Garden of the Gods is a popular hiking destination located in Colorado Springs. This 737-acre city park offers more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. Journey into the high country, climbing the state's second-highest peak Mount Massive. This trail is dog-friendly, but dogs are not allowed past this point. 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. It covers more than 39,000 miles of trails on public land, as well as private land with public access. , Quandary makes a great first 14er to tackle. Spring can be a tough time to hike, depending on the conditions. The unbelievable electric blue waters of Ice Lake make this one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. ROYAL ARCH TRAIL 1. 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! I was disappointed to not see FERN LAKE and other hikes in RMNP on the list. 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. This is one of Colorados most famous lakes. Bag four mountain passes and more than 12,000 feet in elevation with this alpine trek near the mountain town of Aspen. This beautiful alpine lake is tucked away at thebase of Longs Peak, one of the most iconic and dangerousfourteenersin the state. Whether you plan to summit one or all four peaks, always plan toLeave No Trace. Hike in the morning on a weekday for some solitude. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the, , a flat, wide and easygoing path. Also named Emerald Lake, these majestic alpine waters can be explored near the iconic mountain town of Crested Butte. Pacific Tarn in the Tenmile Range. 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. Towering beautifully over hikers, mountain bikers, and climbers, the unique red rock formations offer a playground of adventure. The Keyhole Route on Longs Peak is an iconic mountain climb that many people strive for. Peak baggers up for the challenge can also summit Kit Carson and Challenger Point accessed along this same trail. Nestled beautifully in the San Juan Mountains, lies theIce Lake Basin. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. Maroon Bells, near Aspen, are two of Colorado's most famous mountains and are well known for their views. Dont forget to bring your camera! Distance: 3.6 milesElevation gain: 1,446 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and very crowded. Fall can quickly turn to winter in some areas of the state. The low mileage and incredibly dramatic scenery make for a great hike. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. There was an error processing your request. Photo Credit: twildlife (iStock). 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. Waste does not break down this high up. , a National Natural Landmark with preserved dinosaur tracks, to the east. 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. Be sure to check on trail conditions using All-Trails, or by contacting the proper park manager to inquire about trail conditions. This hike is mostly on the valley floor, passing multiple lakes on the way to the final pair of the Chicago lakes. Photo Credit: Ashley Bennett. Austin Bluffs Open Space A 44 vehicle is a must to get up to the trailhead. All in all, this hike is pretty chill, except for the last mile. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. Colorado is a hiking mecca thats filled with unbelievably beautiful trails. Photo Credit: tonda (iStock). A small, packable rain jacket can be great to throw in your pack. Elevation: 246 feet. The 8.7-mile out-and-back trail climbs steeply into the mountains starting from the base of the South Mineral Valley near Silverton. You can learn more about avalanche forecasting and avalanche safety at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. Adding another Colorado 14er combo to the summer bucket list, the Grays and Torreys Trail is packed with both beauty and challenge. Tucked between Interstate 70 and Colorado State Highway 470, is a surprising location for some beautiful Front Range trails. For this reason, it's best to always keep pets leashed. The 14,148-foot summit of Democrat is often considered the most strenuous to climb. 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. It is recommended to go early in the morning or late in the evening. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. Best enjoyed in the summer and fall, hiking in the Sawatch should be on everyones to-do list. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. The hike is fairly strenuous and takes anywhere from 10 to 15 hours to complete, so be sure to plan accordingly. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle). The easily accessible trails at Bear Creek are some of the most popular in the area, for both locals and visitors. Dog-friendly. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Photo Credit: Steven Bratman. After living in Colorado for over 12 years, Ive scoured the landscape to find the best hikes in Colorado. Distance: 6 milesElevation gain: 1,469 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. The city has narrowed down a new nature center in this area. The hike to Loch Lake is quite stunning, and a must-visit for any moderate hiker. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. Each alpine wonder offers a serene escape laced with captivating mountain beauty. jmangum2. There is an amazing array of hikes near Denver that make up some of the best hikes in Colorado. The hike then loops back north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead. The trail clocks in just a little over a mile to the top of Hanging Lake. 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. The 4.5-mile path will lead you to a historical mill that now sits abandoned above the Crystal River in Gunnison County. You have permission to edit this collection. Storms come in quickly and the weather changes on a dime here. Whether you are looking for easy day hikes, gorgeous multiday backpacking trips or views (and elevation gain) that will take your breath away, the Centennial State does not disappoint. Helmet required. On the west side, you will spot the famous Kissing Camels, and to the east, White Rock. Carry a wag bag and pack your poop out or stay below the trees! Don't knowingly lie about anyone Pictures don't do the lakes justice. Afternoon thunderstorms are dangerous and kill hikers each year. Listen, Ive been on each of these hiking trails several different times. Season: May-November is ideal. Attempting this hike in the winter is a serious mountaineering undertaking and should not be done without any experience. 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. One can hike all year round in Colorado. This is available as a desktop version as well on iPhone and Android. The Mount Evans wilderness areas have plenty of stunning views and great hikes. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. Just outside of the main area of Rocky Mountain National Park, youll find the Lumpy Ridge area. 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. Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Colorado, and for good reason. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. Generally speaking, areas above 9,000 feet in springtime are definitely still covered in snow. 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. 220 Reviews #1 of 4 things to do in Bend. Inside this guide youll find tons of info about the most scenic Colorado hikes and how to visit them without the crowds. This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. , a short loop off the main paved path that leads to the base of the Sleeping Giant rock formation. From easygoing hikes in the many state and local parks within driving distance of major cities like Denver, Fort Collins, Boulder and Colorado Springs, to the hidden backcountry gems found in the remote wilderness and national forest areas, you have your pick of some of the best hiking in the Mountain West. The round-trip journey clocks in at about 2.1 miles gaining close to 900 feet in elevation. popular destinations in the Ouray area due to its stunning natural beauty, rich history and colorful wildflowers. 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. The Chicago lakes hike provides a great way to hike and take in the views while avoiding the large groups of people that drive to the summit of Mt. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. Dont underestimate the difficulty of this route. This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. This loop is a mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views. This is my favorite place to take out-of-town visitors on a scenic jaunt. Dont poop above treeline. Be Truthful. 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. 5 Must-Have Hiking Essentials 1. Photo Credit: John Fowler OutThere Colorado. Trails throughout the park offerstunning views of Pikes Peak America's Mountain. The best time to visit is from July through September. Location: I-70 corridor, not very far from Denver. This large area will include hiking near the popular ski resorts of Colorado. Distance: 6.3 milesElevation Gain: 1,755 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dont pick or prance around in the wildflowers. 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. Her dream job is journalist. The view from the summit of Mt. : 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. (Photos Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Nick Wilder). Local Tip: The road to the trailhead closes every winter, so check conditions before heading out. The canyon itself features gorgeous sandstone formations and plenty of beautiful scenery. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. Difficulty - Easy Distance - 2.3 miles Elevation gain - 2,000 feet Duration - 1 to 2 hours 5: Garden of the Gods Dreamstime/Lisa Mckown Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. If youre just getting into summiting mountains, then head up to the top of Mount Sniktau. The turquoise coloring is unlike anything else in the state. "We home school in the morning or when the kids are up and go for afternoon hikes as a family. Youll never know what you could find! GARDEN OF THE GODS CENTRAL GARDEN TRAIL 6. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism North Cheyenne Canon is a very rugged hiking destination with access to gorgeous windy roads through the mountains. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor. 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. Nearly every hiker who visits Rocky takes on the challenge of reaching Sky Pond. : 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. Even for such a short distance, expect this hike to take 3-4 hours. You will need a park pass and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. Season: All year-round. Be on the lookout for more articles in the future for the best 14er hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. Free shipping for many products! Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. The colors of summer grace hikers along Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. It also depends on the snow year. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Legal Notice | Terms Of Use, Top 10 Ridge Scrambles in Colorado That Are Exhilarating, Colorado Trail Gear List: What To Bring In Your Backpack, 15+ Best Hikes In Rocky Mountain National Park. The family have visited 15 national parks and visited 16 states - collecting a magnet for everyone. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Although its not technically a day hike, you cant mention the best hiking in Colorado without mentioning the Colorado Trail and Kenosha Pass. 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. Royal Arch is one of the most popular local trails, and provides some of the best views in the area! 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. Getting there is fairly easy with a relatively short hike that passes through twoother alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. 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. Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire (iStock). Photo Credit: MizC (iStock). 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. Most hikers will start hiking around 3am in the summer. Distance: 10.3 milesElevation gain: 4,442 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Start early (like 4 am early) to beat afternoon thunderstorms. Photo credit: TRAILSOURCE.COM (flickr), If you're looking to spend a little more time in nature, take to the trails by exploring one of the largest wilderness areas in the state the Weminuche Wilderness. The summer can also bring snow and hail when you are least expecting it, be sure to be packed for all weather conditions! Read moreabout us. Heading towards Rollinsville, youll find the one's the most beautiful wildflower-laced treks in the state. Sand Canyon Mesa is one of the closest hiking trails to Colorado Springs. The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. 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. Today, outdoor enthusiasts continue to visit from all over . The altitude combined with lots of elevation gain makes for a tough hike. There are plenty of hiking trails for all abilities from the parking lot at Chautauqua. Do not run. Regardless of the hike and weather conditions, you should always bring extra layers, extra food, and a first aid kit. For killer views of eastern Colorado, Pikes Peak, and the Rocky Mountains check out Devils Head Lookout. 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. 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. 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. Tucked away in Rocky Mountain National Park, the hike to Alberta Falls is an easy, out and back trail that will take you to some stunning falls in the park with incredible views. The Dream Lake Trail continues to climb from Nymph Lake up into Tyndall Gorge, crossing Tyndall Creek before coming to the eastern edge of, . Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off toward. With staple 14ers like Pikes Peak and Mount Evans towering above the Front Range and the Rocky Mountains to the west, the views on a clear day are astonishing. The standard route features a 14-mile class two climb up the eastern slopes. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. Windom Peak via Needle Creek Trail is a 17.8 mile moderately trafficked trail that gains roughly 5,879 feet in elevation and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best hiking trails in Colorado to suit your needs. This is a 7.8-mile with 1920-feet elevation gain. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 416 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early. The next section will now include some of the best hiking in Colorado. Photo Credit: RondaKimbrow (iStock). : 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. It includes Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Rico. The best time of year to hike in Colorado. The trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, which is tucked under the rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop. 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. Get outside this season with the best hiking trails in Colorado. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. Before a long and rockyscramble, hikers will have the opportunity for a bathroom break at the Chasm Junction. Don't miss this trek deep in the heart of the Sangre De Cristo mountains to Willow Lake. Youll travel along an old railroad route in the heart of the southern foothills. Where should I hike in Colorado? This area will encompass Denver north to Fort Collins with hikes that are accessible from the eastern urban corridor. Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. If you time it right, you can even be at the lake to view the first snowfall on the Maroon bells, with the fall colors still bright down below. Combine this hike with one of the most scenic drives near Denver for an epic day outside. Soakers visiting from early October to late June may encounter snow. 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