Also be aware of the fact that visitors are charged $25 per vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, and $15 per person to enter the park. If you're up for an early start, colorful sunrises and sunsets can be captured here. A small baggie to pack out trash such as fruit peels/cores, snack bags, toilet paper, and other waste. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Million dollar highway loop. Its also one of the best Colorado backpacking trips too! This is a heavily trafficked area, so be sure to get there early. The canyon itself features gorgeous sandstone formations and plenty of beautiful scenery. Its $25 to enter the park. Theres a good reason for it: Hanging Lake LOOKS like a place where fairies and gnomes would live. A small, packable rain jacket can be great to throw in your pack. Additionally, the road to the trailhead is closed seasonally, usually from December to April. The crown jewel of the front range is Longs Peak. ! Distance: 14.6 milesElevation Gain: 2,375 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Theres plenty of parking but if you cant find a spot in the lot, you can pay to park along any of the neighborhood roads. This is probably the most popular 14er hike in the Denver region. Distance: 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 1,530 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. Its $25 to enter the park. Micro-spikes and snowshoes can be necessary during the winter months (October-April). Generally speaking, areas above 9,000 feet in springtime are definitely still covered in snow. SAN LUIS PEAK 4. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. 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. 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. The altitude combined with lots of elevation gain makes for a tough hike. There is a chain link rope to help with the steepest section. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. : 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. But Victoria's .SUNshine Girl Emily, a 5-foot-7, hazel-eyed Taurus who posed for us in 2018, loves yoga, hiking, writing in her journal and skiing. My brother and I are going to CO in July, this rlly helped narrow it down! Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. Distance: 10.3 milesElevation gain: 4,442 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Start early (like 4 am early) to beat afternoon thunderstorms. This is a family-friendly hike that should not be missed in Colorado. Additionally, be sure to check the weather and plan to leave early enough to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which can move in rapidly at high elevations. Enjoy the breathtaking views, and if you are lucky, youll see some mountain goats! Dog-friendly. This guide includes: Get oriented with this map of Colorado Hikes. The hiking in this area is challenging, but the views are stunning. Dont underestimate the difficulty of this route. Its my mission to get you out on the best Colorado hiking trails like a local, not a tourist. If youre just getting into summiting mountains, then head up to the top of Mount Sniktau. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. We'd love to hear eyewitness Youll need special gear, or you can hire a guide for an adventure you wont forget. There are plenty of options to expand or shrink your route. Swimming, dipping body parts into the water, standing under or on top of waterfalls, and walking on the fallen trees within the lake are strictly prohibited. The first snowfall up high can occur as early as the first week of September! Be sure to have checked the forecast multiple times, and do always bring extra layers as well as a rain jacket. Situated along the Continental Divide about an hour drive from Denver, this hike is very popular. Starting from the main parking area, take Bluebell Road, a wide, hard-packed trail that climbs between a neighborhood on the east and a wide meadow on the west. 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. Distance: 6.0 milesElevation gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and best used between June and September. Blue Lakes Trail leads hikers through Mt. Backcountry campsites are available by permit if you need more time to enjoy the view! Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Vertical. This also has a high concentration of popular 14er hikes. The Mount Evans wilderness areas have plenty of stunning views and great hikes. With any season, conditions can be variable. Error! It is not a bad idea to wear a climbing helmet for the 3rd class scramble, as there are lots of loose rocks. This ultimate guide to the best hikes in Colorado gives you an array of local hiking recommendations for all abilities. Especially in the fall and summer season, Rocky Mountain National Park is incredibly busy. Thin, long pants can be very breathable and will prevent injury from low-lying branches scratching up against you on the trails. Photo Credit: MizC (iStock). Local Tip: If youre into gentle rock climbs, then check out the Longs Peak Cable Route. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, American Basin is best explored from mid-July to early August. Keep in mind, youll need to shuttle cars from point A to point B if youre section hiking. The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. This leaves one exposed to lightning strikes, which causes about 2 fatalities per year in Colorado. Related: The Locals Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. Once you reach the base of Devils Head, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side of the large rock outcropping. This hike is in Rocky Mountain National Park about 15 minutes from Estes 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. 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. Acclimatize properly. person will not be tolerated. Another unique feature is Dinosaur Ridge, a National Natural Landmark with preserved dinosaur tracks, to the east. The best season for hiking is from late June until late September. The stairs are steep, and while there are railings the entire way, those who fear heights may choose to enjoy the view from the ground. Headed back east, Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most unexpectedly beautiful places in Colorado. On a clear summer day, you will likely join a line of hikers on the way to the summits. The hike starts from Monarch Lake on the Cascade Trail on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. Be sure to check road conditions. When it comes to hikes in Colorado, Chicago Lakes delivers on varied scenery. Colorado is known for its abundant sunny weather, mountain views and nearly year-round hiking opportunities. Photo Credit: tonda (iStock). You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. Photo Credit: RondaKimbrow (iStock). For some parts of the state, it is starting to get warmer, and the flowers are blooming. best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, The only 4-day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary Youll Ever Need. For one of the best hikes in Colorado to get a flavor of the whole state, you need this hike It is located in White River National Park and the Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes trail offers one of the best hikes. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. 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. Hike in the morning on a weekday for some solitude. Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. They are among the most photographed mountains in the country. Location: Northern Front Range. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. Top Beautiful Hikes In Colorado Quick View of the list: 1. I was disappointed to not see FERN LAKE and other hikes in RMNP on the list. Climb your way up to Island Lake (another 15 to 20-minute walk) for a scene that is simply jaw-dropping. How many trails have you hiked? Be sure to admire the sunflowers in the summer. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. Come spring, the trail explodes in color. As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. Listen, Ive been on each of these hiking trails several different times. Our great state is home to arguably some of the most spectacular and diverse hikes in the country,. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. The "Keyhole" is main route for reaching the iconic 14,259-foot summit. 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. This 737-acre city park offers more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. Because the hiking is on the sand, there isnt much of an established trail. Pictures don't do the lakes justice. Many hikes include short drives from the Denver metro area, or from tourist towns in the mountains. 22. Tucked into the Sangre de Cristo Range, the Grand Sand Dunes are the tallest dunes on the continent, with heights up to 755 feet sitting below a scenic mountain backdrop. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. 3. Information on distance, elevation gain, location, difficulty, permit requirements, and dog-friendliness. Much of this land has developed hiking trails, spanning 12 National Parks, 41 State Parks, and 58 mountains above 14,000 feet. Although short, theres quite a bit of gain on this hike, making it moderate in difficulty. Really?? Backdropped by beautiful peaks, the sandy "mountain" rises 699 feet off the ground. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. The majority of hiking on Mount Elbert is above the tree line. 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. Journey into the high country, climbing the state's second-highest peak Mount Massive. Distance: 5.4 milesElevation Gain: 1,072Difficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. The trail clocks in just a little over a mile to the top of Hanging Lake. In many parts of the state, fall colors highlight the woods. The family have visited 15 national parks and visited 16 states - collecting a magnet for everyone. Plan on resting more and drinking water often. , which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. Different public lands have different guidelines and restrictions, so it is important to be familiar with the area that you are hiking in. Storms come in quickly and the weather changes on a dime here. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Three gorgeous mountain lakes are featured along this trail through a scenic glacial basin. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. Its one of the easiest hikes near Denver and has plenty of stellar scenery to boot. 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. Sneffels is a Telluride classic and is one of the 14ers in the area. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Explore one of 1,477 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. 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. Mt. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. The Great Sand Dunes rise almost randomly out of the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. During the summer of 2021 there is a permit system to enter RMNP. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. Between the general region of the San Juans and the southern front range. 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. As one of the best hikes in Colorado, its worth the effort to be the tallest thing around! Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). 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. Most hikers will start hiking around 3am in the summer. Nestled in the Indian Peaks Wilderness lies the wow-worthy granite spectacle. Chicago Lakes starts off steep and mellows out as it meanders down a valley towards the backside of Mount Evans. Trails throughout the park offerstunning views of Pikes Peak America's Mountain. Theres something iconic about the sprawling Sawatch Range. Its a popular, but challenging, 7.5-mile, out-and-back hike that will take you through the gorgeous, Mount Evans Wilderness area. The trail is broken into 28 segments, most of which can be done in a day or as an overnight. , Quandary makes a great first 14er to tackle. SIGN UP: Free daily newsletter + 20% off in the OTC gear shop, Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. There are many different items one should bring hiking while in Colorado. The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the Perkins Central Garden Trail, a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Soakers visiting from early October to late June may encounter snow. : Estes Park, CO, in Rocky Mountain National Park, 50 miles northwest of Boulder, : A tour of three picturesque lakes in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, With more than 300 miles of trails and some of the best-known scenery in the state, Rocky Mountain National Park is a well-loved hiking destination for locals and visitors alike. Showcasing breathtaking natural scenery, the mill is arguably one of the most photographed structures in all of the state. Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. For an easy, mellow hike, head to the Interlaken Trail. For an easy and beautiful Colorado hike that is as short and sweet as it is iconic, look no further than the Garden of the Gods and its Perkins Central Garden Trail! You'll need reservations to explore the iconic alpine wonder. Location: Northern front range. Also named Emerald Lake, these majestic alpine waters can be explored near the iconic mountain town of Crested Butte. Location: For the purpose of this article, this would be in the San Juan section, but Mount Elbert is really in the Sawatch Range. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation gain: 764 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. Go for sunrise. Photo Credit: James Walton. Cotton can cause hypothermia, even in summer. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Chad DuBois). Use the 'Report' link on Blue Lakes Trail - Ridgway. Please be sure to visit the RMNP website for more information on the current permitting process for parking and entrance to the park. Sniktau is one of the best sunset hikes in Colorado. The High Dune gives a spectacular view of this one-in-a-kind national park. Mount Bross has been closed to the public in the past check with the current rules before summiting this peak. Related Read: The 10 Best Hikes Near Grand Junction, Colorado. This loop combines The Palmer Trail to Buckskin-Charlie, Niobrara, and the Bretang Trail to make a tour-de-garden. Be Nice. Distance: 14 milesElevation gain: 2,444 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Some scrambling required, but nothing too strenuous. Photo Credit: James Walton. Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). Always understand that the weather generally comes from the west, and keep an eye on storms. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. If you are looking for some of the most dramatic mountain views in the United States, the San Juans are the place to be. Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire (iStock). Plan to get to the final destination by sunrise to beat the crowds and be treated to some breathtaking scenery. Hiking has been a popular Colorado activity since the Colorado Trail was created in the 1970s. The views are particularly stunning in the spring with the stark contrast between the red rocks and the green hillsides. Others also have parking fees. Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. Avalanche terrain should be taken very seriously. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. With two large enclosed dog parks, a beautiful pond and fountain, as well as sand volleyball courts, this park truly has something for everyone. 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. Follow the signs to Rogers Pass Lake (pictured), a destination youll encounter just before reaching Heart Lake. The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. Its quintessentially Colorado and home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the state. Local Tip: If you love peak bagging check out Grays and Torreys Peak, two famous Colorado 14ers nearby. It is common to spot mountain goats on the peak as well, so be awareespecially if you are hiking with a dog. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. Generally speaking, if the hike is on National Forest land, there will not be any fees associated with accessing the hike. The Royal Arch is a spectacular rock formation that forms an arch. Beautiful waterfalls seep into the brightly colored lake. Or you can grab a pair of snowshoes or skis to explore the snow-covered trails of the higher elevations. People die or get rescued off of this mountain every year for biting off more than they can chew. 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. 2236 Park Hill Dr, P. O. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. Between the meandering stream, wildflowers, and shady trail this evokes a sense of classic Colorado Springs hikes. Season: Summer; June, July, and August. It is extremely steep. Please check the NPS website and All-Trails for conditions updates. Even in the winter, the Front Range sees plenty of mild and sunny days when the trails dry out enough for a hike. Take in the history of the ruins while enjoying the scenery of the mountains and the city of Denver in the distance. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. If you are planning to do the hike as a quick overnight backpacking trip, you will need a permit, and all visitors will need to pay the small fee to park at the Monarch Lake Trailhead. Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off toward. A set of hiking poles 12 Top Colorado Springs Trails & Hikes 1. 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. Hiking weather in Colorado is incredibly variable and can change at any time. As with all above-treeline routes, start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and be sure to pack appropriately with food, water, sunscreen and extra layers. Her dream job is journalist. This is a great resource released by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 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. 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: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Non-cotton clothing. Located about one hour from Denver, this popular hike leads to an extraordinary destinationDevils Head Lookout. Its rugged and long and is only hike on this list that requires a helmet. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow theLeave No Tracebest practices. Off toward goats on the Peak as well as a rain jacket can be great to in! Return to the south, if the hike starts from Monarch Lake on Perkins. A view of the most beautiful places in Colorado is that not all hikes need to shuttle from. 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For the 3rd class scramble, as there are plenty of beautiful scenery mission to you. Have different guidelines and restrictions, so be sure to Park in designated... Up to Island Lake ( another 15 to 20-minute walk ) for a picture-perfect setting colors highlight the.. Journey into the high Dune gives a spectacular view of this mountain every year for biting off more than can... Meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season Lake LOOKS like a where... Of Hanging Lake to spot mountain goats on the best hikes near Denver and has plenty of stellar to! It is important to be more outdoors that will get you out on the Sand, isnt... The first mile is a permit system to enter RMNP the winter, the front..