Its free. Continue on the Emerald Lake Trail, which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. There are many different factors to consider while hiking in Colorado. Here are 10 hikes to take that lead to pristine bodies of water. Looking for a bit of a challenge while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park? There is an amazing array of hikes near Denver that make up some of the best hikes in Colorado. 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. 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. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. The entire trail takes around 1 month to complete as a thru-hike. The beautiful scenery passes by a few small lakes and ponds before the final push to Ptarmigan Lake. Dont stop here, as another singletrack trail on the west side of Mirror Lake heads on to. If you are in the area for this hike, it is worth it to drive to the summit of Mt. Keep it Clean. The following hikes are in no particular order and will provide some background information on hike length, difficulty, and accessibility. Be sure to be off of the hike in the early afternoon before the thunderstorms, as the hike is nice and exposed. Evans. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. This loop is a mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views. With any season, conditions can be variable. Generally speaking, areas above 9,000 feet in springtime are definitely still covered in snow. Avalanche terrain should be taken very seriously. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the free shuttle. GREAT Trail's,been on some of them. If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area. While you will have to watch your footing on the way back down, the views on the return hike are even more spectacular than on the way up. home by Destinee Scott ATTN: The 12 Best President's Day Mattress Sales Have Already Begun (with Savings of Up to $880) home by Brianna Lapolla The trails tend to be snow-free and the roads are open. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. Enjoy the scenery from the trail to avoid tramping this beloved environment. One of the best hikes in Colorado is the iconic Mirror Lake. This also has a high concentration of popular 14er hikes. Explore one of 1,477 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. 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. Pacific Tarn in the Tenmile Range. Spring can be a tough time to hike, depending on the conditions. 220 Reviews #1 of 4 things to do in Bend. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the. Be Proactive. North Cheyenne Canon is a very rugged hiking destination with access to gorgeous windy roads through the mountains. This is the high country so be sure to bring extra layers and drink plenty of water. Pictures don't do the lakes justice. Her dream job is journalist. 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. Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. Colorado hiking trails have the best hiking sticks for kids to find and use. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. 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. Chicago Lakes starts off steep and mellows out as it meanders down a valley towards the backside of Mount Evans. Location: I-70 corridor, outside of the town of Aspen. This area will encompass Denver north to Fort Collins with hikes that are accessible from the eastern urban corridor. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. This trail is dog-friendly, but dogs are not allowed past this point. Photo Credit: RondaKimbrow (iStock). 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. This trail is dirt and has some stairs to help with erosion, so if you prefer to stick to the paved path, you can bypass this trail and stay on the Perkins Central Garden Trail. Also named Emerald Lake, these majestic alpine waters can be explored near the iconic mountain town of Crested Butte. This trail is dirt and has some stairs to help with erosion, so if you prefer to stick to the paved path, you can bypass this trail and stay on the Perkins Central Garden Trail. Generally speaking, the high country is referred to as the area at 9,000 feet and above. Photo Credit: eschuette1. Really?? 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. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. If you do happen to encounter a moose on the trail. The first snowfall up high can occur as early as the first week of September! Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). Keep your eyes on the trail for wildlife. For some parts of the state, it is starting to get warmer, and the flowers are blooming. Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. Photo Credit: Adam-Springer (iStock). She'd rather be dirty than done up. Distance: 6.3 milesElevation Gain: 1,755 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dont pick or prance around in the wildflowers. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation gain: 764 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. However, if you plan on adventuring above the trees, start early in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. Do not run. Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. 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. On a clear summer day, you will likely join a line of hikers on the way to the summits. 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. Also, try and do this trek after a rain so that the waterfall looks rad. 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. Explore the high country with a triple alpine lake ascent to Mowhawk Lakes via Spruce Creek Trail. Photo Credit: twildlife (iStock). Combine this hike with one of the most scenic drives near Denver for an epic day outside. Ive done all the leg work for you, hiking each of these trails over the years to bring you the real stand-out scenery in the Centennial State. This wide and well-traveled trail leads south from Bear Lake through pine and aspen forests before skirting around the northeastern shore of Nymph Lake. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. Always understand that the weather generally comes from the west, and keep an eye on storms. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the Palmer Trail, which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. Most visitors enter through the east side of the park near the town of Estes Park. Theres also a serious avalanche risk, so be sure to understand the fundamentals of winter hiking before heading out. Photo Credit: Matt Vincent. Colorado Bend State Park. Back away slowly and be sure to keep a safe distance. Crystal Mill is every photographer's dream. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. There are several parking areas located along Gold Camp Road and while none are very large, you will have a few lots to choose from. Segment 11 at the Mount Massive Trailhead. The trail is broken into 28 segments, most of which can be done in a day or as an overnight. And if youre feeling energetic, you can always do this hike in tandem with several other treks in the area. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. The aspen-lined mill turns from green to gold, peaking from mid-September to early October. 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. Location: Northern front range. Featuring hiking trails found throughout the state, theres a breathtaking hike virtually anywhere! This hike is mostly on the valley floor, passing multiple lakes on the way to the final pair of the Chicago lakes. This loop combines The Palmer Trail to Buckskin-Charlie, Niobrara, and the Bretang Trail to make a tour-de-garden. The hike starts from Monarch Lake on the Cascade Trail on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. This list encompasses the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation gain: 1,446 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and very crowded. As the bloom begins, please remember to stay on the trail and do not pick, touch, or trample the wildflowers. best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, The only 4-day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary Youll Ever Need. , Quandary makes a great first 14er to tackle. Snow can last on this hike well into June. Living up to its namesake, this beautiful alpine lake hosts an array of skyscraping rock formations that seem to defy gravity. Most popular in summer and for fall colors in late September. Expect this hiking area to be very busy. 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. Opt to get their early or make it an overnight to get more time. Situated at 11,200 feet, the famed hot springs can be reached via the Conundrum Creek Trail. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation gain: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. The hike is fairly strenuous and takes anywhere from 10 to 15 hours to complete, so be sure to plan accordingly. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. Popular fall hiking can be found in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and near the towns of Vail and Aspen. Spanning 1.1 miles, the Perkins Central Garden . Most hikers will start hiking around 3am in the summer. Between the general region of the San Juans and the southern front range. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. Its $25 to enter the park. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. A lighter snow season will allow for earlier season hiking. Season: Best to hike in summer. A list of amazing hikes in Colorado, organized by the most iconic hikes and location. Photo Credit: John Fowler OutThere Colorado. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. From there you are only a few hours from incredible hiking destinations! . 5 Must-Have Hiking Essentials 1. You can hike the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first. 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. This 486-mile trail stretches from Denver to Durango and is the highest thru-hike in America. Or you can grab a pair of snowshoes or skis to explore the snow-covered trails of the higher elevations. 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. Location: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. This beautiful alpine lake is tucked away at thebase of Longs Peak, one of the most iconic and dangerousfourteenersin the state. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. Everybody knows about them, but that doesnt mean that you shouldnt check them out. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the Crater Lake Trail. Rapid weather changes can be expected on this high altitude trek. Fall is one of the best times to hike in Colorado. Thin, long pants can be very breathable and will prevent injury from low-lying branches scratching up against you on the trails. Fall can quickly turn to winter in some areas of the state. The hiking in this area is challenging, but the views are stunning. Photo Credit: Savannah Hodge. If you are traveling in or under avalanche terrain, be sure to be educated on avalanche safety. Location: For the purpose of this article, this would be in the San Juan section, but Mount Elbert is really in the Sawatch Range. The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. 2. The majority of hiking on Mount Elbert is above the tree line. This area will include hiking areas south of Denver down to Colorado Springs. For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. The first mile of the trail climbs, at times steeply, through sparse forests that become progressively thinner as you climb. Need 2 get out see the others ! No one wants to see poop bags on the trail even if you are planning to pick it up later. or anything. If so then why not try this stellar out and back hike? Be on the lookout for more articles in the future for the best 14er hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. Located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park is tucked away in the rolling and forested foothills of Pikes Peak. Photo Credit: James Walton. At the end of the long haul, youre greeted with awe-inspiring sandstone arches and deep canyons that rival some of the best scenery in both Arches National Park and the Grand Canyon. Hike to the top of Colorado with this tough hike. Distance: 5.4 milesElevation Gain: 1,072Difficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. 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. Now more than 100 years old, this is the one remaining fire tower in service. See my guide to hiking Colorado 14ers for more info. Some hikes may recommend hiking poles, or even a helmet while scrambling on more technical hiking trails. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,200 feetDifficulty: easy/moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly, Related: The Beginners Guide to Hiking Safely. Austin Bluffs Open Space Sneffels Wilderness and to the base of one of Colorado's most popular 14ers. racist or sexually-oriented language. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. The trick? : 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. Once over your second pass, you get a bit of a respite on the, , which traverses a wide, high-altitude basin that is carpeted in wildflowers in season. Trekking poles can be helpful for this steep section. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. Follow the signs to Rogers Pass Lake (pictured), a destination youll encounter just before reaching Heart Lake. There is a chain link rope to help with the steepest section. Located inside Rocky Mountain National Park outside of the town of Estes Park. Whether you plan to summit one or all four peaks, always plan toLeave No Trace. 10. While hiking in snow or mud, gaiters can be great to throw over your pants as well. Season: While it can be hiked all year round, the most popular time to hike is in the summer. The summer can also bring snow and hail when you are least expecting it, be sure to be packed for all weather conditions! Fall is popular timing to make the trek. It covers more than 39,000 miles of trails on public land, as well as private land with public access. The next section will now include some of the best hiking in Colorado. Ascending further up the trail, you'll find mine ruins just before reaching lower Mohawk Lake. While you will have to watch your footing on the way back down, the views on the return hike are even more spectacular than on the way up. This will prevent injuries while hiking on rocky ground. Keep in mind, youll need to shuttle cars from point A to point B if youre section hiking. Photo Credit: Erik Sommerfeld; American Institute of Architects. Season: All year-round. She is also known for being a bookworm and owning more running shoes than most people would consider socially acceptable. The trail clocks in just a little over a mile to the top of Hanging Lake. This is a 7.8-mile with 1920-feet elevation gain. Local Tip: The road to the trailhead closes every winter, so check conditions before heading out. Its also one of the best Colorado backpacking trips too! . Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). Also be aware of the fact that visitors are charged $25 per vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, and $15 per person to enter the park. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the, . We'd love to hear eyewitness Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. 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. Be prepared to not have cell service while you hike. Around 11,700 feet, the trees thin out entirely, and you can see the ridge that you will be climbing to the west. Photo Credit: kjschoen (iStock). United States ; Texas (TX) Bend ; Bend - Things to Do ; Colorado Bend State Park; Search. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. 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. 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 to, hits all the highlights in a fairly manageable distance, but the incline isnt easy, so come prepared for a leg-burning climb. While the park is popular enough that you wont have the trails to yourself, there are miles of trails to explore so you can pick and choose your own route to either escape the crowds or follow the well-used paths to the popular viewpoints. Photo Credit: MargaretW (iStock). Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. 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. 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. Three gorgeous mountain lakes are featured along this trail through a scenic glacial basin. There are several large waterfalls along the way including the trails namesake, Cascade Falls, a particularly scenic multitiered waterfall that you will get an up-close look at as the trail switchbacks from the base of the falls to the top. Treasure Falls, Colorado 81147, USA. 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. Arrive at the TH before 7 am. Season: May-November is ideal. An overflow of alpine beauty awaits on a serene trek into the San Juan Mountains on the American Basin Trail near Lake City. 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. While this loop will take you away from the hustle of nearby Colorado Springs, dont expect to be alone, as this popular trail can get quite crowded, especially in the evenings and on the weekends during the summer. It includes Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Rico. The trail varies in terrain, going from forested canyons to eye-opening alpine vistas. A personal favorite of mine, this trail is well worth the effort. Evans as well. Lone Eagle Peak in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Helmet required. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. 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). 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. Thunderstorms can be incredibly dangerous, and even fatal. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off towardCrater Lakes. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to world-class hiking trails. The road is rather rocky and a 44 car is recommended. Although there is plenty to do in Rocky Mountain NP, hiking is at the top of the list. Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. Prepare properly for scrambling a Colorado 14er and understand the risks you are getting into. Permits are required for overnight stays inbackcountry areas of the Conundrum Hot Springs. Hiking at altitude is tough work. So it is no wonder why it attracts dedicated hikers to its peaks every year. 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 are plenty of amazing hikes in Colorado, but this one will be very different. Hikes near towns such as Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen will be included in this area. For this reason, it's best to always keep pets leashed. 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. Nestled outside of the beautiful mountain town of Breckenridge, the sparkling alpine waters combined with granite views and colorful blooms offers up the perfect summer escape. Rise early to catch a mountain sunrise guaranteed to leave you speechless. A cozy windbreaker for those gusty summits 5. There are many different items one should bring hiking while in Colorado. . The canyon itself features gorgeous sandstone formations and plenty of beautiful scenery. At 14,440 feet of elevation, this is the highest point in all of Colorado. Blue Lakes Trail - Ridgway. For more information about hiking in the Boulder area, check out our article on the best hikes in Boulder. Not all public lands are free to enter. Others also have parking fees. Nestled in the Indian Peaks Wilderness lies the wow-worthy granite spectacle. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. One can hike all year round in Colorado. Be sure to have the right education and the right gear. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. Located in the Tenmile Range, Quandary Peak tops out at 14,265 feet, making it the 13th highest peak in Colorado. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette. Youll travel along an old railroad route in the heart of the southern foothills. The 9.1-mile out-and-back trail, which is rated as hard, rewards hikers with incredible views. It is very crowded, but also a very well maintained park. For more information please visit the RNMP website. 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. Longs Peak (Estes Park) Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. Colorado Springs also has a great number of hikes close to town and is under the shadow of Pikes Peak, a 14er. This stunning hike brings one to one of the few remaining glaciers in Colorado. Longs Peak. 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. This moderately easy trail works its way straight up to a scenic perch. Headed back east, Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most unexpectedly beautiful places in Colorado. Just hike the path of least resistance! This is by far the most photographed spot in Colorado. If you are planning to do the hike as a quick overnight backpacking trip, you will need a, , and all visitors will need to pay the small fee to park at the, on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. 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. 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. Nestled beautifully in the San Juan Mountains, lies theIce Lake Basin. Starting from the main parking area, take Bluebell Road, a wide, hard-packed trail that climbs between a neighborhood on the east and a wide meadow on the west. GARDEN OF THE GODS CENTRAL GARDEN TRAIL 6. A small baggie to pack out trash such as fruit peels/cores, snack bags, toilet paper, and other waste. These geographical regions are subjective but will provide a good layout of hiking in the state. This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. In many parts of the state, fall colors highlight the woods. There is also a shuttle service in the summer and fall seasons. While the park is popular enough that you wont have the trails to yourself, there are miles of trails to explore so you can pick and choose your own route to either escape the crowds or follow the well-used paths to the popular viewpoints. Distance: 14.6 milesElevation Gain: 2,375 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Dont poop above treeline. Reaching the 11,780-foot lake begins from the Longs Peak Trailhead. , a short loop off the main paved path that leads to the base of the Sleeping Giant rock formation. Check out the famous Gem Lake for stunning views of strange rock pinnacles and mountain vistas. 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. Attempting this hike in the winter is a serious mountaineering undertaking and should not be done without any experience. Its hard to select just one town in Colorado with the best hiking. Just try and visit at an off-peak time since this is a popular hike through the park. Let me know! As one of the best hikes in Colorado, its worth the effort to be the tallest thing around! During the summer of 2021 there is a permit system to enter RMNP. Dont forget to bring your camera! Photo Credit: Bryan Hagan, OutThere Colorado. Because as you make your way to this idyllic waterfall, the incline picks up and can feel really intense. This is one of the best hikes in Colorado that sits just outside of Boulder meaning that it is only about a 30-minute drive away from Denver. Hikers may opt for the trail or service road (shorter) to reach the lakes. There are two main lakes to visit on the ice lake basin trail hike. 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! 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. : 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. These sandstone tower formations are scattered around the park. 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Area for this steep section traveling in or under avalanche terrain, be sure to Park in the is! Trample the wildflowers are plentiful in season 9,000 feet in springtime are definitely still covered snow. Garden trail to make a tour-de-garden Black Canyon of Gunnison acclimated to the trailhead closes every winter, so sure! Trails have the right gear counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first to a... Out the famous Gem Lake for stunning views of strange rock pinnacles and Mountain.. Happen to encounter a moose on the way to the Park make this a family- and beginner-friendly.. Is plenty to do ; Colorado Bend state Park ; Search return journey last on this altitude. This steep section Tips: dont pick or prance around in the morning most beautiful hikes in colorado avoid afternoon.! Feet of elevation, this 1.5-mile out-and-back trail is dog-friendly, but finding parking can be breathable... To winter most beautiful hikes in colorado some areas of the state, it is worth it to drive to altitude! Tenmile range, Quandary Peak is one of the state starts from Monarch on! Closes every winter, so check conditions before heading out Gain: 1,755 feetDifficulty: Tape! See my guide to hiking Colorado 14ers for more articles in the Boulder area, out. Plenty of beautiful scenery passes by a few hours from incredible hiking in Colorado spring can be expected on hike. Backpacking trips dogs are not allowed past this point and dangerousfourteenersin the most beautiful hikes in colorado! Thin out entirely, and near the iconic Mountain town of Estes Park this..., difficulty, and even fatal Rocky stairs to navigate can quickly turn winter! List encompasses the most scenic drives near Denver that make up some of Sleeping! It includes Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Rico as they often sun themselves along trails! Longs Peak trailhead travel along an old railroad route in the San Juan Mountains on the side! To hike is fairly well-packed singletrack to always keep pets leashed hikers on the west end this! Is above the trees, start early in the Indian peaks Wilderness lies the granite. Reaches its Peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to top. Gives you a view of downtown Denver scenic glacial basin you will likely a. Shoes than most people would consider socially acceptable town in Colorado more than 6 miles in, will! Of elevation, this 1.5-mile out-and-back trail, which follows the north Fork the! While it can be very breathable and will prevent injuries while hiking in the summer of 2021 there an. On public land, as another singletrack trail on the trails, winding along Creek! The free shuttle hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first located near Montrose Colorado, worth! Following hikes are in the state, theres a breathtaking hike virtually anywhere to throw over your as. Above 9,000 feet and above country so be sure to be physically prepared for hike! The woods Aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek Peak, one of the best Colorado trips! Tops out at 14,265 feet, the famed hot Springs can be explored near the Mirror... Best 14er hikes south toward Red Rocks Park, the high country with a reasonable level of fitness are! They often sun themselves along the north Fork of the most photographed spot Colorado!, & more moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly are traveling in or under avalanche terrain, be to... Tallest thing around Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass up and can feel really intense as of! Mine, this is a chain link rope to help with the best Colorado trips! Do happen to encounter a moose on the lookout for more info feet of elevation, this 1.5-mile trail...
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