Additionally, the road to the trailhead is closed seasonally, usually from December to April. Season: All year round. 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. There are also great groups on Facebook that post trail conditions. This is one of Colorados most famous lakes. Where should I hike in Colorado? Tucked between Interstate 70 and Colorado State Highway 470, Matthews/Winters Park is a surprising location for some beautiful Front Range trails. Hiking has been a popular Colorado activity since the Colorado Trail was created in the 1970s. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. One such hike is the Ice Lake Trail which takes hikers on a 3.7-mile journey through beautiful trees to the lake, which has a mesmerizing blue color. 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. BISON PEAK 2. 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. Photo Credit: Mariah Hoffman. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. The Royal Arch is a spectacular rock formation that forms an arch. 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. She is also known for being a bookworm and owning more running shoes than most people would consider socially acceptable. Although, winter lasts a long time in the high country. 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. Plan on resting more and drinking water often. Its hard to select just one town in Colorado with the best hiking. Elevation: 246 feet. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek that gains 2,752 feet in elevation. The journey toChasm Lakeis a must for any hiker seeking the mountain's tranquil beauty. Read moreabout us. The unbelievably turquoise waters and surrounding mountains make it an incredibly beautiful adventure. Photo Credit: Adam-Springer (iStock). 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). 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. Photo Credit: MizC (iStock). Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. 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. The final climb is very rocky, and the going will be slow, but topping out at the official summit marker is well worth the effort. Snowshoes and micro-spikes can be used on higher elevation trails well into May. Three gorgeous mountain lakes are featured along this trail through a scenic glacial basin. The altitude combined with lots of elevation gain makes for a tough hike. Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off toward. This area is known for its heavy winds. 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. Featuring hiking trails found throughout the state, theres a breathtaking hike virtually anywhere! You can even continue on to the famous Sky Pond. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. No dogs. However, theres plenty to see here. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, American Basin is best explored from mid-July to early August. 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. Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. Thanks to its strategic location, its suitable for year-round hiking. 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. Local Tip: The road to the trailhead closes every winter, so check conditions before heading out. We use affiliate links in our content andmay receive a small commission on your purchases. This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. Carry your poop with you by strapping it to your bag, or leave your dog at home. Its $25 to enter the park. Be Truthful. During the summer of 2021 there is a permit system to enter RMNP. Rattlesnake Arches is a varied challenge that can be done in a day by an avid hiker. The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. 2. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. From Bluebell Road, turn onto the. Opt to get their early or make it an overnight to get more time. 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. The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. Keep in mind wag bags are required here. This hike is for experienced hikers only. Much of this land has developed hiking trails, spanning 12 National Parks, 41 State Parks, and 58 mountains above 14,000 feet. Follow the signs to Rogers Pass Lake (pictured), a destination youll encounter just before reaching Heart Lake. Can We Interest You in Some Of These Stories Instead? Most hikers will start hiking around 3am in the summer. Threats of harming another 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: 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. Parts of this ecosystem are fragile. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. 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. Check out 306 wheelchair-friendly trails with helpful accessibility guidance. It's also one of the best spots in the state for capturingfall colors. Spanning 1.1 miles, the Perkins Central Garden . Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). Blue Lakes Trail leads hikers through Mt. Mountains above 14,000 feet are known as 14ers. DEVIL'S HEAD LOOKOUT 7. Location: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. Just outside of the main area of Rocky Mountain National Park, youll find the Lumpy Ridge area. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. Photo Credit: Matt Vincent. This area will encompass Denver north to Fort Collins with hikes that are accessible from the eastern urban corridor. Hikers will enjoy pleasant spring weather along the Front Range and stunning summers and autumns in the mountains. Photo: Jeff Richards. Some of the best fall colors can be seen in this area. Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. 35% percent of land in Colorado is public land or a whopping 23 million acres. Generally speaking, areas above 9,000 feet in springtime are definitely still covered in snow. On a clear day you can see Longs Peak from Boulder and from some of the Denver suburbs. As one of Colorados best hiking destinations, youve got to scope out the Garden of the Gods. The best time to visit is from July through September. Head up early to catch a perfect reflection of the stunning Lone Eagle Peak on Mirror Lake. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. Near the southern end of the loop, you can branch onto the Sleeping Giant Trail, a short loop off the main paved path that leads to the base of the Sleeping Giant rock formation. 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 is probably the most popular 14er hike in the Denver region. There is also a shuttle service in the summer and fall seasons. This is hike is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by very experienced hikers. Fall is popular timing to make the trek. Be sure to check with the local land manager for the most current trail conditions. Free shipping for many products! , which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. For the best experience, try visiting any time between May and October. When hiking above the treeline, it is incredibly important to watch the weather and be off the summit before 2pm. Made famous as being one of the best rock climbing areas in Colorado, this area is also home to some amazing hikes. Arrive at the TH before 7 am. The first mile of the trail climbs, at times steeply, through sparse forests that become progressively thinner as you climb. The trail clocks in just a little over a mile to the top of Hanging Lake. Really?? Between the meandering stream, wildflowers, and shady trail this evokes a sense of classic Colorado Springs hikes. The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. Leave it better than how you found. Season: May-November is ideal. A quick look at what to pack for your Colorado hike. The Mount Evans wilderness areas have plenty of stunning views and great hikes. It also serves as a highly visible landmark the notch in the ridge. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. 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. Hike in the morning on a weekday for some solitude. The road is open all year round, but for best conditions, plan to do this hike in June, July, and August. Your body needs to acclimate to a higher elevation. No one wants to see poop bags on the trail even if you are planning to pick it up later. For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). Attempting this hike in the winter is a serious mountaineering undertaking and should not be done without any experience. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. Photo Credit: John Fielder. Here is an article about getting altitude sickness 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. 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. The views of the Rocky Mountains all come together in this perfect blend of alpine lakes, meadows, and forests. To get to the lakes, you'll climb 1.6 miles with an elevation gain of 1,062 feet. Austin Bluffs Open Space Photo Credit: John Fielder. Popular fall hiking can be found in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and near the towns of Vail and Aspen. 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. Hopefully by 2023 the park will have permission to start . Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. Enjoy the breathtaking views, and if you are lucky, youll see some mountain goats! One of the best hikes in Colorado is the iconic Mirror Lake. As one of the best hikes in Colorado, its worth the effort to be the tallest thing around! Be sure to remember to bring $5 for the parking fee at this location. MOUNT ELBERT 5. Between the general region of the San Juans and the southern front range. Season: Summer. A popular trail in this area is Seven Bridges Trail which is a 3.8 mile trail that is moderately difficult. For the purpose of this article, we will divide the state into different regions and look at some of the best hikes in different parts of the state. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. Be sure to arrive early to find a parking spot as space is limited and the trail is busy during the summer. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. 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. Today, outdoor enthusiasts continue to visit from all over . The weather is very unpredictable in Colorado. Seeing it dusted in snow is a true treat. Pants will also be nice to have in case of a rogue thunderstorm. A series of steep and rocky switchbacks will take you to the lake. 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. 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! People die or get rescued off of this mountain every year for biting off more than they can chew. This famous park near downtown Colorado Springs is a must-see. Although short, theres quite a bit of gain on this hike, making it moderate in difficulty. A stunning hike near Glenwood Springs (also declared a National Natural Landmark), Hanging Lake features incredible alpine views and a fascinating trek through the rugged wilderness. Cotton can cause hypothermia, even in summer. Trailhead Location: Pandora Public Parking and Trailhead. This leaves one exposed to lightning strikes, which causes about 2 fatalities per year in Colorado. 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. As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). Distance: 14.5 milesElevation gain: 4,911 feetDifficulty: extremely difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is not a hike to be taken lightly. When planning your trip, keep in mind that parking can be scarce at the eastern trailheads, especially in the summer. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. This is one of the best fall hikes in Colorado that doesnt get smashed with people. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Vertical. Generally speaking, if the hike is on National Forest land, there will not be any fees associated with accessing the hike. Climb your way up to Island Lake (another 15 to 20-minute walk) for a scene that is simply jaw-dropping. For more information please visit the RNMP website. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. A fantastic way to explore hiking trails on public land in Colorado is via the Colorado Trail Explorer App. This loop combines The Palmer Trail to Buckskin-Charlie, Niobrara, and the Bretang Trail to make a tour-de-garden. Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. 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. When it comes to hikes in Colorado, Chicago Lakes delivers on varied scenery. ROYAL ARCH TRAIL 1. The low mileage and incredibly dramatic scenery make for a great hike. Snow can last on this hike well into June. If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area. Mayflower Gulch is a spectacular wildflower hike 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. 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. Dog-friendly. The area around the trail ( McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area) has dozens of arches, giant alcoves, pictographs and petroglyphs, natural bridges, and spires. 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. Season: All year-round. Affectionately nicknamed 'America's Switzerland', this is a popular year-round hiking spot. Even in the winter, the Front Range sees plenty of mild and sunny days when the trails dry out enough for a hike. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. 1. You have permission to edit this collection. Thanks for the article! Many hikes in Colorado are accessible with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). 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. Although we do have a Willow Lake Trail here in Silverthorne, I dont believe it is the one depicted in the photos, and Silverthorne is definitely not in the Sangre de Christo area. 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