I was disappointed to not see FERN LAKE and other hikes in RMNP on the list. Difficulty: Easy. There is a chain link rope to help with the steepest section. For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. Much of this land has developed hiking trails, spanning 12 National Parks, 41 State Parks, and 58 mountains above 14,000 feet. Dont forget to bring your camera! 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. 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. You will need a park pass and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. Hikers may opt for the trail or service road (shorter) to reach the lakes. 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. Beautiful waterfalls seep into the brightly colored lake. Enjoy the scenery from the trail to avoid tramping this beloved environment. The views of the Rocky Mountains all come together in this perfect blend of alpine lakes, meadows, and forests. Soakers visiting from early October to late June may encounter snow. Always understand that the weather generally comes from the west, and keep an eye on storms. Leave it better than how you found. 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. For more information about hiking in the Boulder area, check out our article on the best hikes in Boulder. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area. Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. A 44 vehicle is a must to get up to the trailhead. 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. Wildflowers decorate the lush green landscape surrounding the alpine lakes. 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. 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. When she isnt running, she works as a trail content editor for Trail Run Project, where she now gets to spend her day dreaming about trails and adventuringthe perfect job since she cant run 24/7. It is recommended to go early in the morning or late in the evening. When it comes to hiking in Colorado, there are year-round options. This is probably the most popular 14er hike in the Denver region. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. Its my mission to get you out on the best Colorado hiking trails like a local, not a tourist. There are plenty of hiking trails for all abilities from the parking lot at Chautauqua. Season: All year-round. Generally speaking, if the hike is on National Forest land, there will not be any fees associated with accessing the hike. 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. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the, , a flat, wide and easygoing path. Between the general region of the San Juans and the southern front range. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). From Bluebell Road, turn onto the. Take in the history of the ruins while enjoying the scenery of the mountains and the city of Denver in the distance. This 486-mile trail stretches from Denver to Durango and is the highest thru-hike in America. 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 area is also prone to lightning storms so be sure to start your hike early (like 4:00 am early) to avoid them. Expect this hike to take 10-15 hours. If so then why not try this stellar out and back hike? Rocky Mountain National Park is home to world-class hiking trails. This is one of the more difficult 14er hikes in the state. Garden of the Gods is a popular hiking destination located in Colorado Springs. Theres a $12 per-person permit required to hike. This is a great resource released by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Do not run. 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. You'll need reservations to explore the iconic alpine wonder. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. Popular fall hiking can be found in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and near the towns of Vail and Aspen. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the. Error! BISON PEAK 2. 1. Between the meandering stream, wildflowers, and shady trail this evokes a sense of classic Colorado Springs hikes. It includes Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Rico. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. Backdropped by beautiful peaks, the sandy "mountain" rises 699 feet off the ground. 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. You can also access one of the best hikes in Colorado from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead and then set off from there. 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. Additionally, the road to the trailhead is closed seasonally, usually from December to April. 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. Explore the high country with a triple alpine lake ascent to Mowhawk Lakes via Spruce Creek Trail. Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Colorado, and for good reason. When it comes to hikes in Colorado, Chicago Lakes delivers on varied scenery. Top Beautiful Hikes In Colorado Quick View of the list: 1. Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off toward. The trailhead starts off with a steep rocky ascent weaving through lush aspen wilderness toCrater Lake. Information on distance, elevation gain, location, difficulty, permit requirements, and dog-friendliness. The 8.7-mile out-and-back trail climbs steeply into the mountains starting from the base of the South Mineral Valley near Silverton. Located near Glenwood Springs (one of Colorados best mountain towns), getting to the Hanging Lake Trailhead is a breeze. No dogs. Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. Be sure to check road conditions. The crown jewel of the front range is Longs Peak. Some of the most amazing landscape shots from Colorado occur during fall colors and that first snowfall. Please check the NPS website and All-Trails for conditions updates. Rise early to catch a mountain sunrise guaranteed to leave you speechless. 20 Most Beautiful Hikes in Colorado. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. Not only is it one of the most famous hikes in the state, but its also moderately difficult and suitable for families who are trying to get used to the altitude. A look at the tail-end of a sunrise as it hits the boulder field just below the Keyhole. They are among the most photographed mountains in the country. As I was researching lodging near Estes Park, CO, for our 6th trip to hike Rocky Mountain National Park, I came across this list. Known as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Boulder could keep you occupied for weeks with its multitude of trails in close vicinity to downtown. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek that gains 2,752 feet in elevation. There are plenty of amazing hikes in Colorado, but this one will be very different. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to take a shuttle from town. Sniktau is one of the best sunset hikes in Colorado. Be sure to have the right education and the right gear. 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. To the south, you will have views of Blue Lakes and North Star Mountain across the valley. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, American Basin is best explored from mid-July to early August. Location: I-70 corridor, outside of the town of Aspen. The standard route features a 14-mile class two climb up the eastern slopes. Location: I-70 corridor, not very far from Denver. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the. Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. Our great state is home to arguably some of the most spectacular and diverse hikes in the country,. 2022 5. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Its $25 to enter the park. 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. Buckskin Pass Trail takes you up and over Buckskin Pass with amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic Snowmass Lake. Million dollar highway loop. 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. Thats why they call it breckenwind! Fall can quickly turn to winter in some areas of the state. Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. Go for sunrise. The Dream Lake Trail continues to climb from Nymph Lake up into Tyndall Gorge, crossing Tyndall Creek before coming to the eastern edge of, . Once you catch your first glimpse, it's not hard to see why this is a highly trafficked hike. Dogs and fishing are also not allowed. This loop is a mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views. DEVIL'S HEAD LOOKOUT 7. Location: San Juans, near the town of Telluride. This awesome, 6 mile out-and-back trail takes you through the exquisite Flat Tops Wilderness area near Yampa, Colorado. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. No dogs. From here, you briefly connect to the Red Rocks Trail before the serious climb starts on the Morrison Slide Trail. Situated along the Continental Divide about an hour drive from Denver, this hike is very popular. Location: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. 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. Open today: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM. Distance: 1.6 milesElevation Gain: 232 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. 19. Photo: Jeff Richards. A natural wonder of Rocky Mountain National Park, the 9.4-mile out-and-back trek to Chasm Lake features granite summits, a rushing waterfall, and alpine meadows. 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. The trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, which is tucked under the rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop. Distance: 6 milesElevation gain: 1,469 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Most trails are suitable for beginners, and there are even paved trails for accessible hiking. Photo Credit: kjschoen (iStock). Most popular in summer and for fall colors in late September. Afternoon thunderstorms are dangerous and kill hikers each year. As one of Colorados best hiking destinations, youve got to scope out the Garden of the Gods. Reaching the 11,780-foot lake begins from the Longs Peak Trailhead. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. Like other 14er hikes, it is very important to start early and end early. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. It's also one of the best spots in the state for capturingfall colors. Spring or fall can call for micro-spikes for the hike. The Great Sand Dunes rise almost randomly out of the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Be on the lookout for more articles in the future for the best 14er hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. Featured below will be some of the best hikes in Colorado for all different types of hikers that include some of the best views in the state. However, if youve got a Colorado license plate from 2023 onwards and you opted into the Colorado State Parks Pass, your entry is free. An overflow of alpine beauty awaits on a serene trek into the San Juan Mountains on the American Basin Trail near Lake City. Pants will also be nice to have in case of a rogue thunderstorm. Moose are often spotted grazing with their young along the grassy meadows. Today, outdoor enthusiasts continue to visit from all over . No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism On the west side, you will spot the famous, , and to the east, White Rock. Distance: 10.3 milesElevation gain: 4,442 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Start early (like 4 am early) to beat afternoon thunderstorms. or anything. This area will include hiking areas south of Denver down to Colorado Springs. 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