The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. After living in Colorado for over 12 years, Ive scoured the landscape to find the best hikes in Colorado. Distance: 2.6 milesElevation gain: 1,141 feetDifficulty: Easy to ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Photo Credit: Steven Bratman. Winding through spectacular wildflower meadows, scenic beauty awaits hikers and backpackers. 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. (Mercury must be in retrograde.) For this reason, it's best to always keep pets leashed. Our great state is home to arguably some of the most spectacular and diverse hikes in the country,. Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). 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. Once you catch your first glimpse, it's not hard to see why this is a highly trafficked hike. The hiking in this area is challenging, but the views are stunning. 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. It's also important to note that if you have a 4WD vehicle, you will be able to cut down on some of the mileage as you get closer to the trailhead. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. Youll travel along an old railroad route in the heart of the southern foothills. Distance: 4.6 milesElevation gain: 213 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Blue Lakes Trail - Ridgway. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Another unique feature is. The trail varies in terrain, going from forested canyons to eye-opening alpine vistas. With sandstone monoliths, tall peaks, and steep canyons, theres a lot to get exciting about when it comes to hiking in Colorado Springs. 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. The round-trip journey clocks in at about 2.1 miles gaining close to 900 feet in elevation. Quick rainstorms and thunderstorms are also not uncommon up in the high country. 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. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. If you can, try to time your visit between late May and early June since this is when the waterfall is at its best. Photo Credit: kjschoen (iStock). The road is rather rocky and a 44 car is recommended. , Quandary makes a great first 14er to tackle. Aspen, Colorado is obviously known for its Aspen trees! The view from the summit of Mt. Thin, long pants can be very breathable and will prevent injury from low-lying branches scratching up against you on the trails. The hike to Loch Lake is quite stunning, and a must-visit for any moderate hiker. One can encounter snow on Colorado hiking trails all year round. Go for sunrise. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. The "Keyhole" is main route for reaching the iconic 14,259-foot summit. Sniktau is one of the best sunset hikes in Colorado. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Royal Arch is one of the most popular local trails, and provides some of the best views in the area! Be sure to have checked the forecast multiple times, and do always bring extra layers as well as a rain jacket. MOUNT ELBERT 5. There are many different items one should bring hiking while in Colorado. Prepare properly for scrambling a Colorado 14er and understand the risks you are getting into. Being that is an overview of the best hiking in Colorado, this article could go on for days. 22. Mount Elber is 14,440 feet tall, making it the highest point in the state. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. jmangum2. 5 Must-Have Hiking Essentials 1. Most segments fall within the moderate to upper end of difficult. The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the, , a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Distance: 5.1 milesElevation gain: 885 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Its also one of the best Colorado backpacking trips too! The following hikes are in no particular order and will provide some background information on hike length, difficulty, and accessibility. This 737-acre city park offers more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. If youre just getting into summiting mountains, then head up to the top of Mount Sniktau. 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. 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. In many parts of the state, fall colors highlight the woods. Dog poop bags to carry out dog poop. Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). Distance: 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 1,530 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Although short, theres quite a bit of gain on this hike, making it moderate in difficulty. 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. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. Be Nice. For example, if you were flying in from sea level, it would be dangerous to try and hike a 14er the next morning. Although, winter lasts a long time in the high country. It is very crowded, but also a very well maintained park. Hikers may opt for the trail or service road (shorter) to reach the lakes. The Locals Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. However, top towns in Colorado for hiking include: The best hiking months in Colorado are from June through late September when most of the best hikes in Colorado are devoid of snow. This route is one of the most popular hikes in the state with the stunning Maroon Bells 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. This has arguably the highest concentration of accessible hikes in the state due to the Boulder area as well as the Indian Peaks Wilderness, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Much of this land has developed hiking trails, spanning 12 National Parks, 41 State Parks, and 58 mountains above 14,000 feet. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. This guide includes: Get oriented with this map of Colorado Hikes. 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. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation Gain: 864Difficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail gets crowded and if you cant park in the Bear Lake Lot, youll be taking the bus in. United States ; Texas (TX) Bend ; Bend - Things to Do ; Colorado Bend State Park; Search. Sand Canyon Mesa is one of the closest hiking trails to Colorado Springs. Before a long and rockyscramble, hikers will have the opportunity for a bathroom break at the Chasm Junction. This trail is accessible in the winter, but due to road closures, it would add upwards of 7 miles each way. Be sure to admire the sunflowers in the summer. Error! Once over your second pass, you get a bit of a respite on the Fravert Basin Trail, which traverses a wide, high-altitude basin that is carpeted in wildflowers in season. 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. Hike along the seven bridges and check out the beautiful waterfall. This loop combines The Palmer Trail to Buckskin-Charlie, Niobrara, and the Bretang Trail to make a tour-de-garden. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. Backcountry campsites are available by permit if you need more time to enjoy the view! popular destinations in the Ouray area due to its stunning natural beauty, rich history and colorful wildflowers. See my guide to hiking Colorado 14ers for more info. Box 118, Bend, TX 76824. 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. The trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, which is tucked under the rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. It is tough to narrow down the best Colorado hiking trails and hikes, but you definitely cant go wrong with any of these ones. Success! Rocky Mountain National Park is home to world-class hiking trails. Photo Credit: MizC (iStock). Just outside of the main area of Rocky Mountain National Park, youll find the Lumpy Ridge area. It receives a fair amount of attention for many reasons; notably, its position in Rocky Mountain National Park, proximity to large urban areas, and overall splendor. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Sneffels allows one to get a great sense of just how vast the San Juans really are. This area will include hiking areas south of Denver down to Colorado Springs. Its almost a rite of passage to hike this iconic hiking trail in Colorado. "We home school in the morning or when the kids are up and go for afternoon hikes as a family. 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. Teens and pre-teens are one of the most sought-after spending crowds, with retailers looking for ways to win their business. Dependent on the seasonal opening of Independence Pass. Austin Bluffs Open Space DEVIL'S HEAD LOOKOUT 7. Photo Credit: James Walton. This area is also prone to lightning storms so be sure to start your hike early (like 4:00 am early) to avoid them. The road is open all year round, but for best conditions, plan to do this hike in June, July, and August. Headed back east, Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most unexpectedly beautiful places in Colorado. 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. Not all public lands are free to enter. Here comes the big question! 19. Evans. Afterward, check out the sights in nearby Dillon, Frisco, and Breckenridge. If you are traveling in or under avalanche terrain, be sure to be educated on avalanche safety. A personal favorite of mine, this trail is well worth the effort. Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. It's also one of the best spots in the state for capturingfall colors. Most hikers will start hiking around 3am in the summer. Sneffels Wilderness and to the base of one of Colorado's most popular 14ers. Towards the summit there may be a few rocky sections, be on the lookout for loose rocks. 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. The best hikes in Colorado are a great way to experience the state's terrain with 39,000 miles of trails of varying lengths, difficulty levels, and scenery. 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. However, theres plenty to see here. With thousands of hikes in Colorado, there is no way all of them can be featured in this article. Dog-friendly. The 4.5-mile path will lead you to a historical mill that now sits abandoned above the Crystal River in Gunnison County. The hike is fairly strenuous and takes anywhere from 10 to 15 hours to complete, so be sure to plan accordingly. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). Colorado is known for its snow-capped mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the. 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. Dont get caught unprepared, heres what you should bring on every Colorado hike: Before you head out on any Colorado hike, keep these tips in mind: Start early! Crystal Mill is every photographer's dream. Check and double-check the weather. Peaks of granite tower over the alpine waters creating a stunning backdrop for hikers and backpackers. Photo Credit: eschuette1. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. This gentle trail meanders its way along a deep sandstone canyon where you can admire monolithic sandstone towers whose beauty rivals that of nearby Moab. Blue Lakes Trail leads hikers through Mt. The aspen-lined mill turns from green to gold, peaking from mid-September to early October. Showcasing breathtaking natural scenery, the mill is arguably one of the most photographed structures in all of the state. Local Tip: If youre into gentle rock climbs, then check out the Longs Peak Cable Route. Its hard to select just one town in Colorado with the best hiking. This is one of Colorados most famous lakes. 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. Your body needs to acclimate to a higher elevation. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. 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. Welcome to some of the mostbrilliantly cobalt blue lakes in Colorado. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. Snow can last on this hike well into June. Snowshoes are recommended in the early season. It is very important to be off of the summit in the early afternoon to prevent exposure to thunderstorms. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. Some hikes may recommend hiking poles, or even a helmet while scrambling on more technical hiking trails. The best season for hiking is from late June until late September. Regardless of the hike and weather conditions, you should always bring extra layers, extra food, and a first aid kit. Difficulty: Moderate. To the south, you will have views of Blue Lakes and North Star Mountain across the valley. Most visitors enter through the east side of the park near the town of Estes Park. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. Here is an article about getting altitude sickness in Colorado. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. Opt to get their early or make it an overnight to get more time. Permits are required for overnight stays inbackcountry areas of the Conundrum Hot Springs. 20 Most Beautiful Hikes in Colorado. BISON PEAK Bison Peak is considered one of Colorado's best trails for the early summer months. Spencer McKee takes in sweeping alpine views on the Mount Massive trail. Parts of this ecosystem are fragile. 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. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin. Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, Yellow and pink varieties of wildflowers bloom along the alpine tundra as the creek waters gently tumble. person will not be tolerated. Hiking at Garden of the Gods is one of the top-rated things to do in Colorado. Heading towards Rollinsville, youll find the one's the most beautiful wildflower-laced treks in the state. There is also a shuttle service in the summer and fall seasons. Really?? This is available as a desktop version as well on iPhone and Android. Plan to start your hike early to avoid storms. Hiking weather in Colorado is incredibly variable and can change at any time. If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area. Due to the high exposure of this hike, be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes with you, all year round! North Cheyenne Canon is a very rugged hiking destination with access to gorgeous windy roads through the mountains. Getting there is fairly easy with a relatively short hike that passes through twoother alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. This hike is for experienced hikers only. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation gain: 1,446 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and very crowded. While clockwise is often the preferred starting point for bagging the 4-pack loop, some hikers opt for a counter clockwise start with the 14,172-foot summit of Mount Bross (pictured). For more information, please visit the town of Glenwood Springs website. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the, , a flat, wide and easygoing path. 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. This could be the most popular fall hike in Colorado. For some parts of the state, it is starting to get warmer, and the flowers are blooming. or anything. Everybody knows about them, but that doesnt mean that you shouldnt check them out. There are two main lakes to visit on the ice lake basin trail hike. Keep your eyes on the trail for wildlife. 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. Although there is plenty to do in Rocky Mountain NP, hiking is at the top of the list. Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. 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. A challenge, so be sure to admire the sunflowers in the summer about them, but also shuttle. Being that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible tundra as the creek waters gently.... 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