This also has a high concentration of popular 14er hikes. You can hike the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first. The trail is broken into 28 segments, most of which can be done in a day or as an overnight. If you time it right, you can even be at the lake to view the first snowfall on the Maroon bells, with the fall colors still bright down below. The natural wonder can be found just below American Peak. Photo Credit: twildlife (iStock). The best season for hiking is from late June until late September. The views are particularly stunning in the spring with the stark contrast between the red rocks and the green hillsides. From Bluebell Road, turn onto 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. GARDEN OF THE GODS CENTRAL GARDEN TRAIL 6. The road is open all year round, but for best conditions, plan to do this hike in June, July, and August. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. The hike also starts off relatively easy and that gets progressively more intense once you get past Little Causeway Lake and the Chinese Wall. 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. Snowshoes can be helpful after heavy snowfall. Situated along the Continental Divide about an hour drive from Denver, this hike is very popular. You can learn more about avalanche forecasting and avalanche safety at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. This loop combines The Palmer Trail to Buckskin-Charlie, Niobrara, and the Bretang Trail to make a tour-de-garden. Photo Credit: John Fielder. While shorts may be more comfortable for lower elevation hikes in the heat, It is advisable to wear long pants, regardless of the outside temperature. 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. 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. Distance: 14.6 milesElevation Gain: 2,375 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. For the best experience, try visiting any time between May and October. 7. 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. I was disappointed to not see FERN LAKE and other hikes in RMNP on the list. Plan your next outdoor adventure to one of 4,595 routes with waterfalls or scenic . Keep it Clean. 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. Dont stop here, as another singletrack trail on the west side of Mirror Lake heads on to. Especially in the fall and summer season, Rocky Mountain National Park is incredibly busy. The majority of the roads up to the high alpine backcountry do not open until June every season. 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. Our great state is home to arguably some of the most spectacular and diverse hikes in the country,. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. A quick look at what to pack for your Colorado hike. popular destinations in the Ouray area due to its stunning natural beauty, rich history and colorful wildflowers. Chicago Lakes starts off steep and mellows out as it meanders down a valley towards the backside of Mount Evans. The hike starts on the Devils Head Trail #611, a steady uphill trail that gains around 850 feet as it climbs from the trailhead to the base of the stairs at Devils Head. It covers more than 39,000 miles of trails on public land, as well as private land with public access. Dog-friendly. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. It is important to always bring extra layers and a waterproof jacket while hiking in Colorado. Made famous as being one of the best rock climbing areas in Colorado, this area is also home to some amazing hikes. No dogs. Fall is one of the best times to hike in Colorado. It provides stunning views of three different lakes and Hallet Peak, a 11,000-foot mountain that is popular amongst rock climbers. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the. You will need a park pass and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. Just stay calm. And if youre feeling energetic, you can always do this hike in tandem with several other treks in the area. 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. For the more alpine regions, spring can either still be winter, or it can be very muddy. : Georgetown, CO, in the Roosevelt National Forest, 55 miles west of Denver, 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. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. Beautiful waterfalls seep into the brightly colored lake. Get outside this season with the best hiking trails in Colorado. Photo Credit: Steven Bratman. Hikers may opt for the trail or service road (shorter) to reach the lakes. While not a very challenging hike, this hike is on our list because of how unique it is. Its free. The area around the trail ( McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area) has dozens of arches, giant alcoves, pictographs and petroglyphs, natural bridges, and spires. The 8.7-mile out-and-back trail climbs steeply into the mountains starting from the base of the South Mineral Valley near Silverton. 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. Pro Tip: If youre into hiking up peaks, this trailhead offers access to some of the best 13ers in Colorado. Explore the high country with a triple alpine lake ascent to Mowhawk Lakes via Spruce Creek Trail. GREAT Trail's,been on some of them. Distance: 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 1,530 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Distance: 6.3 milesElevation Gain: 1,755 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dont pick or prance around in the wildflowers. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. The weather is very unpredictable in Colorado. Distance: 3.1Elevation Gain: 990Difficulty: easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Attempting this hike in the winter is a serious mountaineering undertaking and should not be done without any experience. Trailhead Location: Pandora Public Parking and Trailhead. There are a number of routes for reaching the 14,421-foot summit. Snow can last on this hike well into June. As you climb, keep your eyes open for yellow-bellied marmots and pikas. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. Related: The Locals Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. This is probably the most popular 14er hike in the Denver region. You won't be disappointed with this hike; especially if you love the wildflowers. 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. Once you reach the base of Devils Head, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side of the large rock outcropping. Photo Credit: SWKrullImaging (iStock). Season: All year round. Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). Keep in mind, youll need to shuttle cars from point A to point B if youre section hiking. This is the high country so be sure to bring extra layers and drink plenty of water. It includes Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Rico. My brother and I are going to CO in July, this rlly helped narrow it down! One can hike all year round in Colorado. The trail varies in terrain, going from forested canyons to eye-opening alpine vistas. Tucked between Interstate 70 and Colorado State Highway 470, is a surprising location for some beautiful Front Range trails. Because as you make your way to this idyllic waterfall, the incline picks up and can feel really intense. This famous park near downtown Colorado Springs is a must-see. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. An overflow of alpine beauty awaits on a serene trek into the San Juan Mountains on the American Basin Trail near Lake City. The descent can be quite dangerous, watch out for loose rocks. This is another great 14er hike to do in the I-70 area. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. 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. Distance: 10.3 milesElevation gain: 4,442 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Start early (like 4 am early) to beat afternoon thunderstorms. Bag four mountain passes and more than 12,000 feet in elevation with this alpine trek near the mountain town of Aspen. The Dream Lake Trail continues to climb from Nymph Lake up into Tyndall Gorge, crossing Tyndall Creek before coming to the eastern edge of, . Please check the NPS website and All-Trails for conditions updates. Its also one of the best Colorado backpacking trips too! 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. While summertime is the best time to venture into higher altitude hikes in the alpine, the summer also has its dangers. Distance: 14 milesElevation gain: 2,444 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Some scrambling required, but nothing too strenuous. This is hike is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by very experienced hikers. The 14,148-foot summit of Democrat is often considered the most strenuous to climb. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, No one wants to see poop bags on the trail even if you are planning to pick it up later. The trail ends at the natural rock arch of Royal Arch, which offers a unique vantage point of Boulder and views to the north and south along the Front Range. You'll find this 3.2-mile out-and-back adventure hidden right off of Monarch Pass. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a rather unknown gem of the state. Backdropped by beautiful peaks, the sandy "mountain" rises 699 feet off the ground. Colorado is known for its snow-capped mountains and breathtaking landscapes. From Grays, continue down the north ridge across the saddle between the two peaks to climb Torreys. Photo: Jeff Richards. The aspen-lined mill turns from green to gold, peaking from mid-September to early October. The colors of summer grace hikers along Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. 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. 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. The trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, which is tucked under the rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. 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. You have permission to edit this collection. 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. Adding another Colorado 14er combo to the summer bucket list, the Grays and Torreys Trail is packed with both beauty and challenge. REI member since 2018. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. With thousands of hikes in Colorado, there is no way all of them can be featured in this article. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 1,033 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. Here comes the big question! While there is plenty of hiking all year round, hiking into the high alpine is best during July and August. 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. Sniktau is one of the best sunset hikes in Colorado. At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Hikers will enjoy pleasant spring weather along the Front Range and stunning summers and autumns in the mountains. 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. Be sure to check with the local land manager for the most current trail conditions. Spring can be a tough time to hike, depending on the conditions. This 737-acre city park offers more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. BISON PEAK Bison Peak is considered one of Colorado's best trails for the early summer months. Top Beautiful Hikes In Colorado Quick View of the list: 1. Starting at the Kite Lake Trailhead, the7.6-mile trailgains 3,359 feet of elevation. Snowshoes and micro-spikes can be used on higher elevation trails well into May. The hiking in this area is challenging, but the views are stunning. Upper Blue Lake from Quandary Peak. Spring or fall can call for micro-spikes for the hike. Location: I-70 corridor, not very far from Denver. Some areas of the state obviously have better hiking options than others, but this will be a great way to understand the lay of the land. Hopefully, this provides a great introduction to some of the best places to hike in Colorado. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. Distance: 8.6 miles roundtrip. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow the. Photo Credit: MizC (iStock). Cross-referencing that app with All-Trails, or the Outbound App can prove for some awesome adventures. This could be the most popular fall hike in Colorado. The summer can also bring snow and hail when you are least expecting it, be sure to be packed for all weather conditions! Here are 10 hikes to take that lead to pristine bodies of water. Some hikes may recommend hiking poles, or even a helmet while scrambling on more technical hiking trails. Be sure to arrive early to find a parking spot as space is limited and the trail is busy during the summer. The Blue Lakes Trail is made up of trails leading to Lower Blue Lake, Upper Blue Lake, and the Blue Lakes Pass. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the Dream Lake Trail. Leave it better than how you found. Dogs and fishing are also not allowed. up for the challenge, hiking to the bottom of the canyon is possible, but youll need to check in with the rangers at the visitor center first. Regardless of the hike and weather conditions, you should always bring extra layers, extra food, and a first aid kit. 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. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the Ten Essentials, Quandary makes a great first 14er to tackle. PYRAMID PEAK 3. It is not a bad idea to wear a climbing helmet for the 3rd class scramble, as there are lots of loose rocks. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. Located in the mountains west of Boulder, Indian Peaks Wilderness is a remarkable wilderness area with miles of pristine trails and many access points on both sides of the Continental Divide. Plan on resting more and drinking water often. 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. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. Nothing from Ouray or Cheyenne Caon? Micro-spikes can useful when there is snow on the windswept trail. Although its not technically a day hike, you cant mention the best hiking in Colorado without mentioning the Colorado Trail and Kenosha Pass. As was mentioned above, some roads are closed for portions of the year, it is important to check on those closures. 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. Be sure to check road conditions. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin. Also be aware of the fact that visitors are charged $25 per vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, and $15 per person to enter the park. 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. Bridal Veil Falls are the highest free-falling waterfalls in Colorado, at 365 feet high. 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. Although short, theres quite a bit of gain on this hike, making it moderate in difficulty. You can even continue on to the famous Sky Pond. 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. 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. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation gain: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. Even seasoned mountain hikers will love the glorious views. Mt. Additionally, the road to the trailhead is closed seasonally, usually from December to April. Acclimatize properly. Dogs are welcome to use the trail but must be kept on leash. . Hiking water bottle for hydration 4. Located about one hour from Denver, this popular hike leads to an extraordinary destinationDevils Head Lookout. If you are looking for the quintessential Indian Peaks hike, the out-and-back to Crater Lake from Monarch Lake offers a great mix of scenery and terrain, as well as a stunning destination. Hike along the seven bridges and check out the beautiful waterfall. Be Nice. These stunning sandstone monoliths inspire the imagination. The hike then loops back north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead. Photo Credit: marekuliasz (iStock). Photo Credit: Matt Vincent. The trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, which is tucked under the rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop. ! It is recommended to go early in the morning or late in the evening. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Be sure to have the right education and the right gear. This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, The only 4-day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary Youll Ever Need. This ultimate guide to the best hikes in Colorado gives you an array of local hiking recommendations for all abilities. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. For more information, please visit the town of Glenwood Springs website. The round-trip journey clocks in at about 2.1 miles gaining close to 900 feet in elevation. Season: June, July, and August. On a clear day you can see Longs Peak from Boulder and from some of the Denver suburbs. 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