The 14,259 ft Longs Peak is one of the most climbed 14ers in Colorado thanks to its convenient location. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. Heading towards Rollinsville, youll find the one's the most beautiful wildflower-laced treks in the state. REI member since 2018. Distance: 6.3 milesElevation Gain: 1,755 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dont pick or prance around in the wildflowers. When planning your trip, keep in mind that parking can be scarce at the eastern trailheads, especially in the summer. Austin Bluffs Open Space From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. All in all, this hike is pretty chill, except for the last mile. Its also a pretty easy trail to hike since there is little elevation change and the path features several stellar views of the surrounding canyon and the river below. 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. Fall is popular timing to make the trek. Today, outdoor enthusiasts continue to visit from all over . Don't knowingly lie about anyone The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the Perkins Central Garden Trail, a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. 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. On the west side, you will spot the famous Kissing Camels, and to the east, White Rock. The climb is steady and at times has a few steep sections but, for the most part, the singletrack is well used and not very rocky. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. 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. Be sure to remember to bring $5 for the parking fee at this location. The Locals Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. Palmer Park: Best Hiking Trail in Colorado Springs. Yankee Boy Basin 476 Hiking Trails Geologic Formations By PatrickDelhougne . Heavy snowfall shuts down the majority of hiking in the alpine environment due to avalanche concerns as well as intense cold weather. best practices. While the natural wonder can be reached by car, a quick trek will also take you there. Whether you are looking for easy day hikes, gorgeous multiday backpacking trips or views (and elevation gain) that will take your breath away, the Centennial State does not disappoint. My brother and I are going to CO in July, this rlly helped narrow it down! 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. A set of hiking poles 12 Top Colorado Springs Trails & Hikes 1. This hike is for experienced hikers only. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. For a mellow introduction to hiking in the park, hit up the 4 iconic alpine lakes including the famous Emerald Lake along this famous hiking trail. This is one of the best fall hikes in Colorado that doesnt get smashed with people. 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. Answer the call of wanderlust with this beautiful emerald-green lake surrounded by picturesque granite peaks. Its a popular, but challenging, 7.5-mile, out-and-back hike that will take you through the gorgeous, Mount Evans Wilderness area. Mount Bross has been closed to the public in the past check with the current rules before summiting this peak. Spring or fall can call for micro-spikes for the hike. In Boulder, Colorado, the Chautauqua walking trails offer a variety of beautiful day hikes in Colorado. racist or sexually-oriented language. 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. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. (Photo Credit: Steven Bratman under CC BY-SA). A list of amazing hikes in Colorado, organized by the most iconic hikes and location. Living up to its namesake, this beautiful alpine lake hosts an array of skyscraping rock formations that seem to defy gravity. Photo Credit: shaferaphoto (iStock). 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. The trip takes about 2 hours and has chains to hold for the steep sections. There are different difficulties of hiking for all levels and interests. A few miles from downtown Boulder, CO. 30 minutes NW from Downtown Denver. This is a heavily trafficked area, so be sure to get there early. 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. 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. . 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. MOUNT ELBERT 5. Soak in the beauty of James Peak Wilderness as you make your way to Heart Lake via Rogers Pass Trail. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 416 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early. This will prevent injuries while hiking on rocky ground. This area is roughly the region south of I-70 and encompasses a huge area. Theres a $12 per-person permit required to hike. This stunning hike brings one to one of the few remaining glaciers in Colorado. Photo Credit: Ashley Bennett. Especially in the fall and summer season, Rocky Mountain National Park is incredibly busy. Teens and pre-teens are one of the most sought-after spending crowds, with retailers looking for ways to win their business. 2022 5. The hiking in this area is challenging, but the views are stunning. The "Keyhole" is main route for reaching the iconic 14,259-foot summit. Photo Credit: James Harris Photography, While exploring American Basin, add Sloan Lake to your bucket list. The round-trip journey clocks in at about 2.1 miles gaining close to 900 feet in elevation. It's also one of the best spots in the state for capturingfall colors. You have permission to edit this collection. Treasure Falls, Colorado 81147, USA. One of the best times to go is for the July wildflower bloom. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. Here is an article about getting altitude sickness in Colorado. Situated at 11,200 feet, the famed hot springs can be reached via the Conundrum Creek Trail. No dogs. Photo Credit: SWKrullImaging (iStock). With thousands of hikes in Colorado, there is no way all of them can be featured in this article. 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. Waste does not break down this high up. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,200 feetDifficulty: easy/moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly, Related: The Beginners Guide to Hiking Safely. Thin, long pants can be very breathable and will prevent injury from low-lying branches scratching up against you on the trails. Spencer McKee takes in sweeping alpine views on the Mount Massive trail. Backcountry campsites are available by permit if you need more time to enjoy the view! Its my mission to get you out on the best Colorado hiking trails like a local, not a tourist. Season: All year round, most popular in the summer. 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. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. Carry your poop with you by strapping it to your bag, or leave your dog at home. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. At 14,440 feet of elevation, this is the highest point in all of Colorado. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism While there is plenty of hiking all year round, hiking into the high alpine is best during July and August. Photo Credit: John Fowler OutThere Colorado. The hike then loops back north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead. This gentle trail meanders its way along a deep sandstone canyon where you can admire monolithic sandstone towers whose beauty rivals that of nearby Moab. This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. Season: Best to hike in summer. Even in the winter, the Front Range sees plenty of mild and sunny days when the trails dry out enough for a hike. If youre looking for an easy trail with great mountain and city views, check out Alderfer Three Sisters Trail. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek that gains 2,752 feet in elevation. Season: Summer. 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. The Royal Arch is a spectacular rock formation that forms an arch. Featuring hiking trails found throughout the state, theres a breathtaking hike virtually anywhere! So, try and visit on a quiet weekday morning to avoid the crowds and take in the Fountain and Lyons rock formations that surround you. This is another great 14er hike to do in the I-70 area. Now more than 100 years old, this is the one remaining fire tower in service. Many hikes include short drives from the Denver metro area, or from tourist towns in the mountains. The journey toChasm Lakeis a must for any hiker seeking the mountain's tranquil beauty. Avalanche terrain should be taken very seriously. Distance: 3.1Elevation Gain: 990Difficulty: easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. The trail to the summit gains 3,229 feet over the course of just over 3 miles. For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the, . 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. Hikers may opt for the trail or service road (shorter) to reach the lakes. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Ascending further up the trail, you'll find mine ruins just before reaching lower Mohawk Lake. Read moreabout us. While it may be one of the easier hikes on this list, there's certainly no shortage of alpine beauty on the Waterdog Lakes Trail. 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. You will need to check-in at the South Rim visitors center to get a permit. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow theLeave No Tracebest practices. This is an amazing hike in the San Juans that features two incredibly blue and green lakes that are surrounded by towering peaks. Don't miss this trek deep in the heart of the Sangre De Cristo mountains to Willow Lake. This hike includes two different 14ers! The family have visited 15 national parks and visited 16 states - collecting a magnet for everyone. Distance: 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 1,530 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Climb your way up to Island Lake (another 15 to 20-minute walk) for a scene that is simply jaw-dropping. Colorado is known for its snow-capped mountains and breathtaking landscapes. The colors of summer grace hikers along Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes. Not all public lands are free to enter. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto High Drive, a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. Nature & Parks, State Parks. There are plenty of hiking trails for all abilities from the parking lot at Chautauqua. Theres something iconic about the sprawling Sawatch Range. Welcome to some of the mostbrilliantly cobalt blue lakes in Colorado. Most trails are suitable for beginners, and there are even paved trails for accessible hiking. Dogs are welcome to use the trail but must be kept on leash. Local Tip: The road to the trailhead closes every winter, so check conditions before heading out. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. Upper Blue Lake from Quandary Peak. Popular fall hiking can be found in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and near the towns of Vail and Aspen. Not only is it a popular backpacking route in Colorado, but this hike will take you around 4 hours to complete and will take you past Timberline Falls by way of Glacier Gorge Trail. 220 Reviews #1 of 4 things to do in Bend. Summer thunderstorms are very common on Mount Elbert and can prove to be fatal. Colorado Bend State Park. They are among the most photographed mountains in the country. Known as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Boulder could keep you occupied for weeks with its multitude of trails in close vicinity to downtown. Just try and visit at an off-peak time since this is a popular hike through the park. Wildflower lovers will be delighted by the serene beauty found on the 401 Trail in Crested Butte. The majority of hiking on Mount Elbert is above the tree line. The views are particularly stunning in the spring with the stark contrast between the red rocks and the green hillsides. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Use the 'Report' link on The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the, , a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. The area around the trail ( McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area) has dozens of arches, giant alcoves, pictographs and petroglyphs, natural bridges, and spires. 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. 22. or anything. If you are traveling in or under avalanche terrain, be sure to be educated on avalanche safety. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Photo Credit: Zach Dischner. accounts, the history behind an article. This is by far the most photographed spot in Colorado. Fall can quickly turn to winter in some areas 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. A series of steep and rocky switchbacks will take you to the lake. Season: June, July, and August. Thanks to its strategic location, its suitable for year-round hiking. Expect this hiking area to be very busy. Grays and Torreys are so commonly hiked together that many refer to the two 14ers inseparably. The intense heat of the summer makes the high-altitude areas prime for late afternoon thunderstorms. (Stan Behal/Toronto Sun/Postmedia . 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 is by far one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This 737-acre city park offers more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire (iStock). Dont forget to bring your camera! Where should I hike in Colorado? 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. Dont stop here, as another singletrack trail on the west side of Mirror Lake heads on to. Acclimatize properly. Featuring stunning views of the iconic Twin Lakes, this must-do Colorado hiking trail is perfect for newbie hikers and families alike. These sandstone tower formations are scattered around the park. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. One can hike all year round in Colorado. Please check the NPS website and All-Trails for conditions updates. Looking for a bit of a challenge while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park? If you do happen to encounter a moose on the trail. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation gain: 1,446 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and very crowded. Photo Credit: MizC (iStock). PYRAMID PEAK 3. Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. Distance: 7.5 milesElevation gain: 2,782 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs allowed on a leash. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. The trail clocks in just a little over a mile to the top of Hanging Lake. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. You will need a, and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. Like other 14er hikes, it is very important to start early and end early. Generally speaking, areas above 9,000 feet in springtime are definitely still covered in snow. You can even continue on to the famous Sky Pond. Thats why they call it breckenwind! Its rugged and long and is only hike on this list that requires a helmet. Youll travel along an old railroad route in the heart of the southern foothills. If you are flying into Colorado, Denver International Airport is the best option. 6. Generally speaking, the high country is referred to as the area at 9,000 feet and above. Pictures don't do the lakes justice. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); great article will definitely try these hikes! Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. Photo Credit: Savannah Hodge. United States ; Texas (TX) Bend ; Bend - Things to Do ; Colorado Bend State Park; Search. Permits are required for overnight stays inbackcountry areas of the Conundrum Hot Springs. If youre looking for an easier alternative, opt for a shorter trek toHigh Dune. Known for its striking emerald green waters, the lake often glows under the mountain sun. Its hard to select just one town in Colorado with the best hiking. Blue Lakes Trail - Ridgway. Although there is plenty to do in Rocky Mountain NP, hiking is at the top of the list. Photo Credit: ablokhin (iStock). Take in the history of the ruins while enjoying the scenery of the mountains and the city of Denver in the distance. Photo Credit: Erik Sommerfeld; American Institute of Architects. Leave it better than how you found. The trails tend to be snow-free and the roads are open. Most high alpine roads will open up in June each summer. If so then why not try this stellar out and back hike? Be sure to check with the local land manager for the most current trail conditions. These stunning sandstone monoliths inspire the imagination. This is probably the most popular 14er hike in the Denver region. Starting at the Kite Lake Trailhead, the7.6-mile trailgains 3,359 feet of elevation. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. Note that from mid-June through September between 8:30am 5:00pm, a shuttle is required to take to the trailhead. Continue on the Emerald Lake Trail, which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. Adding another Colorado 14er combo to the summer bucket list, the Grays and Torreys Trail is packed with both beauty and challenge. Also, try and do this trek after a rain so that the waterfall looks rad. On a clear summer day, you will likely join a line of hikers on the way to the summits. This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. Bursting with beauty, the trail features rushing alpine waters, wildflower meadows, and a variety of wildlife including bear, elk, moose, deer, and marmots. In the summer, youll find folks heading up St. Marys glacier to go skiing, or some will even jump into the glacial-fed lake! The next section will now include some of the best hiking in Colorado. Different public lands have different guidelines and restrictions, so it is important to be familiar with the area that you are hiking in. Kristen is a native Coloradan and longtime runner who enjoys running on the track, roads and now on the trails. The best time to visit is from July through September. The 15 Best Hikes in Colorado - PureWow Something Went Wrong. Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Colorado, and for good reason. This is available as a desktop version as well on iPhone and Android. 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. Chief Mountain. 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. You will need a park pass and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. Difficulty: moderate to hard. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Maroon Bells in the fall. 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. A small, packable rain jacket can be great to throw in your pack. Season: May-November is ideal. Expect this hike to take 10-15 hours. Thanks for the article! 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. Reaching the 11,780-foot lake begins from the Longs Peak Trailhead. Be sure to check on trail conditions using All-Trails, or by contacting the proper park manager to inquire about trail conditions. Windom Peak via Needle Creek Trail is a 17.8 mile moderately trafficked trail that gains roughly 5,879 feet in elevation and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. 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