You can also access one of the best hikes in Colorado from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead and then set off from there. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). If you are looking for some of the most dramatic mountain views in the United States, the San Juans are the place to be. Beautiful waterfalls seep into the brightly colored lake. : Breckenridge, CO, in the Arapaho National Forest, 88 miles southwest of Denver, Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. Location: Northern front range. These stunning sandstone monoliths inspire the imagination. Back away slowly and be sure to keep a safe distance. Summer thunderstorms are very common on Mount Elbert and can prove to be fatal. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. As one of the topmost scenic hikes in Colorado, Hanging Lake is on everyones to-do list. The views are particularly stunning in the spring with the stark contrast between the red rocks and the green hillsides. Star Dune is the largest of them all. Even seasoned mountain hikers will love the glorious views. 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. Buckskin Pass Trail takes you up and over Buckskin Pass with amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic Snowmass Lake. 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. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. This is a 7.8-mile with 1920-feet elevation gain. 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 section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. 1. Photo Credit: Matt Vincent. The next section will now include some of the best hiking in Colorado. The 4.5-mile path will lead you to a historical mill that now sits abandoned above the Crystal River in Gunnison County. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. Located about one hour from Denver, this popular hike leads to an extraordinary destinationDevils Head Lookout. 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. Dogs and fishing are also not allowed. 2022 5. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism The hike to Royal Arch hits all the highlights in a fairly manageable distance, but the incline isnt easy, so come prepared for a leg-burning climb. The round-trip journey clocks in at about 2.1 miles gaining close to 900 feet in elevation. The hike then loops back north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead. Opt to get their early or make it an overnight to get more time. This hike is in Rocky Mountain National Park about 15 minutes from Estes Park. Location: I-70 corridor, outside of the town of Aspen. Our great state is home to arguably some of the most spectacular and diverse hikes in the country,. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. Distance: 14 milesElevation gain: 2,444 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Some scrambling required, but nothing too strenuous. 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. (Stan Behal/Toronto Sun/Postmedia . From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. 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. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. Explore the most popular trails in my list 101 most beautiful hikes in colorado with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Peaks of granite tower over the alpine waters creating a stunning backdrop for hikers and backpackers. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. When it comes to hiking in Colorado, there are year-round options. Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes Trail. Your body needs to acclimate to a higher elevation. If you like rocks, this place fits the bill. SAN LUIS PEAK 4. Garden of the Gods Perkins Central Garden Trail (Colorado Springs) AllTrails/Brian Mehringer. A look at the tail-end of a sunrise as it hits the boulder field just below the Keyhole. One of the best hikes in Colorado is the iconic Mirror Lake. Plan on resting more and drinking water often. This is a family-friendly hike that should not be missed in Colorado. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. Local Tip: This trail has been undergoing restoration work and will re-open on June 25th, 2022. The 13.6-mile path winds beautifully through the high country of knee-high spring blooms with specular views of the Gothic Valley and Mount Crested Butte. Distance: 2.5 milesElevation Gain: 885 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to world-class hiking trails. Season: While it can be hiked all year round, the most popular time to hike is in the summer. For some parts of the state, it is starting to get warmer, and the flowers are blooming. Dont attempt Longs Peak unless you are an experienced mountain hiker who isnt afraid of exposure to steep drops and knows a thing or two about scrambling. The easiest thing you can do to prevent altitude sickness is drink water and make sure you do not ascent too much in one day. Sneffels is a Telluride classic and is one of the 14ers in the area. Emerald Lake Trail 550 Hiking Trails By pamt464 Hikes here range from short walks in Boulders Chautauqua Park to hiking Longs peak, a 14er. This could be the most popular fall hike in Colorado. 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. Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. Garden of the Gods is a popular hiking destination located in Colorado Springs. The Dream Lake Trail continues to climb from Nymph Lake up into Tyndall Gorge, crossing Tyndall Creek before coming to the eastern edge of Dream Lake. Chasm Lake is fishable from June to October. The intense heat of the summer makes the high-altitude areas prime for late afternoon thunderstorms. 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. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. Carry a wag bag and pack your poop out or stay below the trees! Once you are done enjoying the rewards of your climb, retrace your steps back down the saddle to connect to the main trail and return to the trailhead. Check out the famous Gem Lake for stunning views of strange rock pinnacles and mountain vistas. This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. There are 54 peaks over 14,000 feet in Colorado, and all of them have challenging hiking options! From Grays, continue down the north ridge across the saddle between the two peaks to climb Torreys. Its quintessentially Colorado and home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the state. The easily accessible trails at Bear Creek are some of the most popular in the area, for both locals and visitors. These hiking trails in Colorado each offer something a little different and help you build your skills as a mountain hiker. It also serves as a highly visible landmark the notch in the ridge. Afternoon thunderstorms are dangerous and kill hikers each year. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. Many hikes in Colorado are accessible with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. Featuring stunning views of the iconic Twin Lakes, this must-do Colorado hiking trail is perfect for newbie hikers and families alike. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the, . Keep it Clean. Season: Best to hike in summer. 220 Reviews #1 of 4 things to do in Bend. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. Local Tip: If youre. Its also only 3.2 miles long and takes you past some gorgeous alpine lakes. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the, , a flat, wide and easygoing path. As was mentioned above, some roads are closed for portions of the year, it is important to check on those closures. ! Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, The white and lavender Rocky Mountain Columbine, designated as the official state flower, can be found sprouting along the trail. Its $25 to enter the park. The hike to Loch Lake is quite stunning, and a must-visit for any moderate hiker. Each alpine wonder offers a serene escape laced with captivating mountain beauty. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Its a popular, but challenging, 7.5-mile, out-and-back hike that will take you through the gorgeous, Mount Evans Wilderness area. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the Palmer Trail, which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. Theres a saying in Colorado that goes west slope best slope. This area of the state isnt as easy to access compared to other hiking areas closer to Denver. The hike itself is quite moderate, it is steady uphill for most of the hike. Peak baggers up for the challenge can also summit Kit Carson and Challenger Point accessed along this same trail. She is also known for being a bookworm and owning more running shoes than most people would consider socially acceptable. Photo Credit: James Walton. The Sharkstooth Trail is an excellent way to tour this lonely chain of distinct peaks. The hike along the canyon is stunning! Note that from mid-June through September between 8:30am 5:00pm, a shuttle is required to take to the trailhead. 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. While there is plenty of hiking all year round, hiking into the high alpine is best during July and August. As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. The majority of hiking on Mount Elbert is above the tree line. However, if youve got a Colorado license plate from 2023 onwards and you opted into the Colorado State Parks Pass, your entry is free. Fall is one of the best times to hike in Colorado. Photo Credit: MizC (iStock). 7. Also be aware of the fact that visitors are charged $25 per vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, and $15 per person to enter the park. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must self-register at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. For this reason, it's best to always keep pets leashed. As with any hiking day, it is especially important to drink lots of water and make sure you are eating enough. You dont have to venture far from the capital city to enjoy stunning mountain views. From Bluebell Road, turn onto the Royal Arch Trail. 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. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 416 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early. 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. The incredibly large region of the San Juan mountains includes some of the highest and most rugged hiking in the state. Theres something iconic about the sprawling Sawatch Range. This hike has fantastic views of the mountains in the front range and Summit county. 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. Prepare properly for scrambling a Colorado 14er and understand the risks you are getting into. Towering beautifully over hikers, mountain bikers, and climbers, the unique red rock formations offer a playground of adventure. The turquoise coloring is unlike anything else in the state. Popular hiking trails include the Garden of the Gods Loop, Rocks and Vistas Garden of the Gods, Susan G. Bretag and Palmer Loop, and Siamese Twins Loop. Aspen, Colorado is obviously known for its Aspen trees! This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. check out this blog https://longevity.media/top-10-reasons-why-we-need-to-experience-the-outdoors-more for 10 reasons why we need to be more outdoors that will get you motivated. Heavy snowfall shuts down the majority of hiking in the alpine environment due to avalanche concerns as well as intense cold weather. This is one of Colorados most famous lakes. This area is roughly the region south of I-70 and encompasses a huge area. Trekking poles can be helpful for this steep section. The first snowfall up high can occur as early as the first week of September! Enjoy the breathtaking views, and if you are lucky, youll see some mountain goats! An overflow of alpine beauty awaits on a serene trek into the San Juan Mountains on the American Basin Trail near Lake City. 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. Once you are done enjoying the rewards of your climb, retrace your steps back down the saddle to connect to the main trail and return to the trailhead. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the, . Season: All year round, most popular in the summer. Use the 'Report' link on Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. : 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. , Quandary makes a great first 14er to tackle. Youll need special gear, or you can hire a guide for an adventure you wont forget. If you are traveling in or under avalanche terrain, be sure to be educated on avalanche safety. This trail is accessible in the winter, but due to road closures, it would add upwards of 7 miles each way. Distance: 7.5 milesElevation gain: 2,782 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs allowed on a leash. Being on an exposed ridge top on a late summer day is one of the most dangerous places to be while hiking. Many hikes include short drives from the Denver metro area, or from tourist towns in the mountains. 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. The views are particularly stunning in the spring with the stark contrast between the red rocks and the green hillsides. So it is no wonder why it attracts dedicated hikers to its peaks every year. 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. 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. Distance: 2.6 milesElevation Gain: 344 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: It costs $4.00 per person to enter this park and dogs/bikes are not allowed. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. 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. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation gain: 1,446 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and very crowded. 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. MOUNT ELBERT 5. best practices. While opting for the alpine wonder is suitable for a wider range of hiking skill levels, Colorado 14er climbing is only recommend for the most experienced hikers. With amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic Snowmass Lake winter but. 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