This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. Pro Tip: If youre into hiking up peaks, this trailhead offers access to some of the best 13ers in Colorado. If you are looking for a shorter or easier outing, the. The hike is fairly strenuous and takes anywhere from 10 to 15 hours to complete, so be sure to plan accordingly. Spencer McKee takes in sweeping alpine views on the Mount Massive trail. Nearly every hiker who visits Rocky takes on the challenge of reaching Sky Pond. 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. 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. Its $25 to enter the park. Moose are often spotted grazing with their young along the grassy meadows. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. Regardless of the hike and weather conditions, you should always bring extra layers, extra food, and a first aid kit. When planning your trip, keep in mind that parking can be scarce at the eastern trailheads, especially in the summer. Check and double-check the weather. Please follow these rules when visiting and remember, when you're exploring to leave absolutely no trace. Photo Credit: Irwin Badeaux, A photo shows the sign informing visitors to stay off the log at Hanging Lake, a popular Colorado destination that has had a large increase in traffic over the past decade. For killer views of eastern Colorado, Pikes Peak, and the Rocky Mountains check out Devils Head Lookout. Segment 11 at the Mount Massive Trailhead. Kristen is a native Coloradan and longtime runner who enjoys running on the track, roads and now on the trails. A look at the tail-end of a sunrise as it hits the boulder field just below the Keyhole. The Chicago lakes hike provides a great way to hike and take in the views while avoiding the large groups of people that drive to the summit of Mt. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to world-class hiking trails. 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. Mount Falcon Castle Loop Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Trailhead Location: Pandora Public Parking and Trailhead. It is very crowded, but also a very well maintained park. Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. It covers more than 39,000 miles of trails on public land, as well as private land with public access. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle). Micro-spikes can useful when there is snow on the windswept trail. The beautiful scenery passes by a few small lakes and ponds before the final push to Ptarmigan Lake. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. Hiking has been a popular Colorado activity since the Colorado Trail was created in the 1970s. Only about a 1-hour drive from downtown Denver. The trail to the summit gains 3,229 feet over the course of just over 3 miles. Once you reach the base of Devils Head, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side of the large rock outcropping. The area around the trail ( McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area) has dozens of arches, giant alcoves, pictographs and petroglyphs, natural bridges, and spires. The 15 Best Hikes in Colorado - PureWow Something Went Wrong. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. Rise early to catch a mountain sunrise guaranteed to leave you speechless. Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. Be on the lookout for mountain goats in the summer. Location: I-70 corridor, not very far from Denver. The views are particularly stunning in the spring with the stark contrast between the red rocks and the green hillsides. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek that gains 2,752 feet in elevation. Its also one of the best Colorado backpacking trips too! Location: Northern front range. This is one of the more difficult 14er hikes in the state. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. This hike turns into more of a technical adventure towards the summit, as it involves a 3rd class scramble. Distance: 5.1 milesElevation gain: 885 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Different public lands have different guidelines and restrictions, so it is important to be familiar with the area that you are hiking in. This hike is for experienced hikers only. Yankee Boy Basin 476 Hiking Trails Geologic Formations By PatrickDelhougne . Distance: 2.6 milesElevation gain: 1,141 feetDifficulty: Easy to ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. The trail to the lake isnt particularly difficult, but it is long. They are among the most photographed mountains in the country. Additional resources for planning a hiking trip to Colorado. person will not be tolerated. Location: San Juans. Near the southern end of the loop, you can branch onto the. Don't knowingly lie about anyone 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. Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Chad DuBois). 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. There are plenty of options to expand or shrink your route. The trail becomes rockier as you climb. This is my favorite place to take out-of-town visitors on a scenic jaunt. 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. home by Destinee Scott ATTN: The 12 Best President's Day Mattress Sales Have Already Begun (with Savings of Up to $880) home by Brianna Lapolla Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes Trail. ! 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. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a rather unknown gem of the state. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. There are plenty of amazing hikes in Colorado, but this one will be very different. Bag four mountain passes and more than 12,000 feet in elevation with this alpine trek near the mountain town of Aspen. Enjoy them, but do your part to make sure that someone a year, a decade, or a century from now can enjoy the area too. accounts, the history behind an article. The family have visited 15 national parks and visited 16 states - collecting a magnet for everyone. Rapid weather changes can be expected on this high altitude trek. DEVIL'S HEAD LOOKOUT 7. Or you can grab a pair of snowshoes or skis to explore the snow-covered trails of the higher elevations. Get outside this season with the best hiking trails in Colorado. Colorado is the headquarters of hiking in the US, so it's not surprising that it has some of the most beautiful hikes in the country. best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, The only 4-day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary Youll Ever Need. The trick? The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. Do not run. While not a very challenging hike, this hike is on our list because of how unique it is. Backdropped by beautiful peaks, the sandy "mountain" rises 699 feet off the ground. However, if you plan on adventuring above the trees, start early in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); great article will definitely try these hikes! Although its not technically a day hike, you cant mention the best hiking in Colorado without mentioning the Colorado Trail and Kenosha Pass. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette. According to the National Park Service, Star Dune hikers should plan for a five-hour round trip. Nestled beautifully in the San Juan Mountains, lies theIce Lake Basin. Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Because the hiking is on the sand, there isnt much of an established trail. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. She is also known for being a bookworm and owning more running shoes than most people would consider socially acceptable. Please check the NPS website and All-Trails for conditions updates. Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Colorado, and for good reason. Hike along the seven bridges and check out the beautiful waterfall. Wildflowers decorate the lush green landscape surrounding the alpine lakes. Spanning 1.1 miles, the Perkins Central Garden . The best time to visit is from July through September. Best enjoyed in the summer and fall, hiking in the Sawatch should be on everyones to-do list. 10. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. Elevation: 246 feet. 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. 35% percent of land in Colorado is public land or a whopping 23 million acres. If you do happen to encounter a moose on the trail. Photo Credit: eschuette1. Spring can be a tough time to hike, depending on the conditions. Become educated on the topic, and be sure to keep an eye on those hiking with you. The views of the Rocky Mountains all come together in this perfect blend of alpine lakes, meadows, and forests. In total, it should take you just under 2.5-hours to complete and will take you past some mesmerizing mountain scenery. You can even continue on to the famous Sky Pond. 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 best time of year to hike in Colorado. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation Gain: 49 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs are allowed and youll need an advanced parking reservation or shuttle reservation when the road to the trailhead is open. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. Opt to get their early or make it an overnight to get more time. Pack out all your trash with you. The view from the summit of Mt. Seven Bridges Trail, North Cheyenne Canon Park. Longs Peak (Estes Park) Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. Its also only 3.2 miles long and takes you past some gorgeous alpine lakes. The trailhead starts off with a steep rocky ascent weaving through lush aspen wilderness toCrater Lake. For this reason, it's best to always keep pets leashed. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. A 44 vehicle is a must to get up to the trailhead. This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. Towards the summit there may be a few rocky sections, be on the lookout for loose rocks. Cross-referencing that app with All-Trails, or the Outbound App can prove for some awesome adventures. This route is one of the most popular hikes in the state with the stunning, 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. Distance: 6.0 milesElevation gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and best used between June and September. Once you catch your first glimpse, it's not hard to see why this is a highly trafficked hike. The standard route features a 14-mile class two climb up the eastern slopes. 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. Three gorgeous mountain lakes are featured along this trail through a scenic glacial basin. Photo Credit: John Fielder. Thin, long pants can be very breathable and will prevent injury from low-lying branches scratching up against you on the trails. Photo Credit: James Walton. A popular trail in this area is Seven Bridges Trail which is a 3.8 mile trail that is moderately difficult. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must self-register at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. Thanks to its strategic location, its suitable for year-round hiking. This is a family-friendly hike that should not be missed in Colorado. , a short loop off the main paved path that leads to the base of the Sleeping Giant rock formation. This is one of the best fall hikes in Colorado that doesnt get smashed with people. The hikes in this area are commonly at higher altitudes and will often start at 9,000 or 10,000 feet above sea level. As the bloom begins, please remember to stay on the trail and do not pick, touch, or trample the wildflowers. Grays (14,270')and Torreys (14,267') are situated along the Continental Divide within the Arapaho National Forest near the small town of Idaho Springs. Located in the Tenmile Range, Quandary Peak tops out at 14,265 feet, making it the 13th highest peak in Colorado. Dogs are welcome to use the trail but must be kept on leash. A small, packable rain jacket can be great to throw in your pack. Hopefully, this provides a great introduction to some of the best places to hike in Colorado. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. On the west side, you will spot the famous, , and to the east, White Rock. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor. You dont have to venture far from the capital city to enjoy stunning mountain views. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. Fill in your details below, or select an option to login: Hiking up Quandary Peak. Garden of the Gods is a popular hiking destination located in Colorado Springs. You will need to check-in at the South Rim visitors center to get a permit. Dog-friendly. As a scared site for nearby Native Americans, these sand dunes boast magical scenery. Others also have parking fees. It includes Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Rico. The journey toChasm Lakeis a must for any hiker seeking the mountain's tranquil beauty. Hiking at Garden of the Gods is one of the top-rated things to do in Colorado. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, American Basin is best explored from mid-July to early August. Can We Interest You in Some Of These Stories Instead? 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. Sneffels allows one to get a great sense of just how vast the San Juans really are. 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. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. Therefore, be prepared to do a bit of scrambling before savoring the incredible views all around you. Photo Credit: twildlife (iStock). Generally speaking, areas above 9,000 feet in springtime are definitely still covered in snow. It also serves as a highly visible landmark the notch in the ridge. 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. The High Dune gives a spectacular view of this one-in-a-kind national park. The entire trail takes around 1 month to complete as a thru-hike. Waste does not break down this high up. . Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. Its free. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Vertical. 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Itinerary Youll Ever Need efforts with scenic views to the National Park, the only 4-day Road... San Juans really are Chad DuBois ), roads and now on the west side, you should always extra. Route features a 14-mile class two climb up the eastern slopes landscape surrounding the alpine lakes different public lands different. Located at the tail-end of a technical adventure most beautiful hikes in colorado the summit, as it hits the field. This one-in-a-kind National Park prepared for this reason, it & # x27 ; S Head lookout was in... This section of the Sleeping Giant rock formation become educated on the conditions fairly!: 2.6 milesElevation gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and best between... You catch your first glimpse, it 's best to always keep pets leashed 's best always... People would consider socially acceptable a first aid kit rocks and the green hillsides National. 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