Youll need special gear, or you can hire a guide for an adventure you wont forget. However, theres plenty to see here. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Horizontal. Being on an exposed ridge top on a late summer day is one of the most dangerous places to be while hiking. Location: For the purpose of this article, this would be in the San Juan section, but Mount Elbert is really in the Sawatch Range. Located in the middle of the town and surrounded by neighborhoods and city sprawl, this magical wilderness is a very popular city park in Colorado Springs. Therefore, hikers now have to pay $10 to enter 36 state parks in Colorado including Staunton, Roxborough, Golden Gate Canyon, and Saint Vrain. 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. This also has a high concentration of popular 14er hikes. Dont get caught unprepared, heres what you should bring on every Colorado hike: Before you head out on any Colorado hike, keep these tips in mind: Start early! Colorado National Monument is one of the best winter hiking destinations in Colorado. Located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park is tucked away in the rolling and forested foothills of Pikes Peak. It is very crowded, but also a very well maintained park. Once over your second pass, you get a bit of a respite on the Fravert Basin Trail, which traverses a wide, high-altitude basin that is carpeted in wildflowers in season. Summer thunderstorms are very common on Mount Elbert and can prove to be fatal. Its also an iconic beginner Colorado 14er so if you can, come early (start before 5 am to beat the crowds, 6 am to hike safely and avoid summer storm cycles). That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. North Cheyenne Canon is a very rugged hiking destination with access to gorgeous windy roads through the mountains. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. The Mount Evans wilderness areas have plenty of stunning views and great hikes. The natural wonder can be found just below American Peak. Another unique feature is. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Theres a saying in Colorado that goes west slope best slope. This area of the state isnt as easy to access compared to other hiking areas closer to Denver. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. Season: June, July, and August. Do not run. Adding another Colorado 14er combo to the summer bucket list, the Grays and Torreys Trail is packed with both beauty and challenge. Photo Credit: RondaKimbrow (iStock). With a 14.5 mile round trip and over 5,000 ft elevation gain, this peak will challenge you in every way possible, but the end reward will be absolutely priceless. Due to the high exposure of this hike, be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes with you, all year round! The trip takes about 2 hours and has chains to hold for the steep sections. accounts, the history behind an article. Join once, enjoy forever. Evans. Near the southern end of the loop, you can branch onto the. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). Waste does not break down this high up. 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. Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes Trail. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 7. Most segments fall within the moderate to upper end of difficult. There is a fee to enter to the park and parking can be limited during peak season. One such hike is the Ice Lake Trail which takes hikers on a 3.7-mile journey through beautiful trees to the lake, which has a mesmerizing blue color. Most trails are suitable for beginners, and there are even paved trails for accessible hiking. Even seasoned mountain hikers will love the glorious views. There are many different factors to consider while hiking in Colorado. 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. Welcome to some of the mostbrilliantly cobalt blue lakes in Colorado. Some Colorado State parks and all National Parks have fees to enter the park. This is one of Colorados most famous lakes. Regardless of the hike and weather conditions, you should always bring extra layers, extra food, and a first aid kit. Plan on resting more and drinking water often. All in all, this hike is pretty chill, except for the last mile. Follow Leave No Trace and pick up after yourself (bonus points if you pick up others waste too!). Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. Rattlesnake Arches is a varied challenge that can be done in a day by an avid hiker. There are also great groups on Facebook that post trail conditions. Share with Us. Its $25 to enter the park. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow the. 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. No dogs. Segment 11 at the Mount Massive Trailhead. If you are traveling in or under avalanche terrain, be sure to be educated on avalanche safety. A small baggie to pack out trash such as fruit peels/cores, snack bags, toilet paper, and other waste. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. Micro-spikes can useful when there is snow on the windswept trail. Most hikers will start hiking around 3am in the summer. 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. Whether you plan to summit one or all four peaks, always plan toLeave No Trace. The views of the Rocky Mountains all come together in this perfect blend of alpine lakes, meadows, and forests. 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: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). Here are the regions we will use. Pro Tip: If youre into hiking up peaks, this trailhead offers access to some of the best 13ers in Colorado. Colorado hiking trails have the best hiking sticks for kids to find and use. 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 Continental Divide Trail. Climb your way up to Island Lake (another 15 to 20-minute walk) for a scene that is simply jaw-dropping. Chief Mountain. Its quintessentially Colorado and home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the state. Acclimatize properly. 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. Be sure to admire the sunflowers in the summer. Crestone Peak and the Crestone Needle, two of Colorados most famous 14ers (peaks above 14,000 feet high), create a beautifully dramatic backdrop. Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Colorado, and for good reason. Bursting with beauty, the trail features rushing alpine waters, wildflower meadows, and a variety of wildlife including bear, elk, moose, deer, and marmots. The hike starts from Monarch Lake on the Cascade Trail on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. The trail starts mellow and quickly builds up to steep elevation gains. Grays and Torreys are so commonly hiked together that many refer to the two 14ers inseparably. 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. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. Many hikers are turned around by high country weather. Listen, Ive been on each of these hiking trails several different times. These hiking trails in Colorado each offer something a little different and help you build your skills as a mountain hiker. Location: Northern Front Range. Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. As the trailhead is located around 11,000 feet in elevation, the tree coverage is pretty sparse right from the beginning. MOUNT ELBERT 5. In the summer, youll find folks heading up St. Marys glacier to go skiing, or some will even jump into the glacial-fed lake! Austin Bluffs Open Space Hikers will enjoy pleasant spring weather along the Front Range and stunning summers and autumns in the mountains. Dependent on the seasonal opening of Independence Pass. This guide includes: Get oriented with this map of Colorado Hikes. Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire (iStock). Local Tip: This trail has been undergoing restoration work and will re-open on June 25th, 2022. . Another unique feature is Dinosaur Ridge, a National Natural Landmark with preserved dinosaur tracks, to the east. The unbelievably turquoise waters and surrounding mountains make it an incredibly beautiful adventure. There is a chain link rope to help with the steepest section. Some of the most amazing landscape shots from Colorado occur during fall colors and that first snowfall. The trails tend to be snow-free and the roads are open. For example, if you were flying in from sea level, it would be dangerous to try and hike a 14er the next morning. 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. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the West Maroon Trail. Parts of this ecosystem are fragile. It is between the San Juans and the I-70 corridor. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. This road is only open in the summer months. Photo Credit: shaferaphoto (iStock). We use affiliate links in our content andmay receive a small commission on your purchases. When it comes to hikes in Colorado, Chicago Lakes delivers on varied scenery. You'll need reservations to explore the iconic alpine wonder. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. After living in Colorado for over 12 years, Ive scoured the landscape to find the best hikes in Colorado. Wildflower lovers will be delighted by the serene beauty found on the 401 Trail in Crested Butte. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. For more information about hiking in the Boulder area, check out our article on the best hikes in Boulder. Continue on another one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and attempt this semi-challenging out and back hike. (Photos Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Nick Wilder). Just outside of the main area of Rocky Mountain National Park, youll find the Lumpy Ridge area. This leaves one exposed to lightning strikes, which causes about 2 fatalities per year in Colorado. Mayflower Gulch is a spectacular wildflower hike in Colorado. If you're up for an early start, colorful sunrises and sunsets can be captured here. Colorado is known for its abundant sunny weather, mountain views and nearly year-round hiking opportunities. Reaching the 11,780-foot lake begins from the Longs Peak Trailhead. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. Seven Bridges Trail, North Cheyenne Canon Park. Here comes the big question! Really?? Keep your eyes on the trail for wildlife. Located in the Tenmile Range, Quandary Peak tops out at 14,265 feet, making it the 13th highest peak in Colorado. This hike has fantastic views of the mountains in the front range and Summit county. There are two main lakes to visit on the ice lake basin trail hike. Trailhead Location: Pandora Public Parking and Trailhead. Error! : Granby, CO, in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, 103 miles northwest of Denver, : A long day hike or an overnight backpacking trip, 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. Different public lands have different guidelines and restrictions, so it is important to be familiar with the area that you are hiking in. There's also a 7.25-mile route up the southwest side for those with a high clearance 4WD vehicle. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek that gains 2,752 feet in elevation. As one of the classic Boulder hikes, youll get an up-close view of the famous Flatirons. Check out the famous Gem Lake for stunning views of strange rock pinnacles and mountain vistas. 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. Please follow these rules when visiting and remember, when you're exploring to leave absolutely no trace. 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. I actually bumped into Devils Canyon by accident, but Im glad I found this diamond in the rough. 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. The low mileage and incredibly dramatic scenery make for a great hike. The 9.1-mile out-and-back trail, which is rated as hard, rewards hikers with incredible views. Thin, long pants can be very breathable and will prevent injury from low-lying branches scratching up against you on the trails. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. Distance: 6.3 milesElevation Gain: 1,755 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dont pick or prance around in the wildflowers. You can hike the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first. Its free. SIGN UP: Free daily newsletter + 20% off in the OTC gear shop, Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. No dogs. Photo Credit: Melissa Woolf (iStock). Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, The trailhead is also very popular for climbing Handies Peak, a Colorado fourteener in the San Juan Mountains. On the west side, you will spot the famous Kissing Camels, and to the east, White Rock. It is a good idea to look into purchasing a mode of communication for emergencies such as a SPOT or a Garmin Inreach. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. This article will mainly focus on some of the best day hikes. Pictures don't do the lakes justice. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. Located inside Rocky Mountain National Park outside of the town of Estes Park. This hike is for experienced hikers only. 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. Be on the lookout for more articles in the future for the best 14er hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. See my guide to hiking Colorado 14ers for more info. Local Tip: The road to the trailhead closes every winter, so check conditions before heading out. 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. For the best photo ops though, hike along the 1.9-mile loop trail in fall and come just in time for sunrise to see the real magic of one of the best hikes in Colorado. The unbelievable electric blue waters of Ice Lake make this one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Head up early to catch a perfect reflection of the stunning Lone Eagle Peak on Mirror Lake. As a Colorado local and writer for the outdoor industry, Im a total pro at hitting the most amazing hikes in Colorado without the crowds. Prepare properly for scrambling a Colorado 14er and understand the risks you are getting into. Photo credit: TRAILSOURCE.COM (flickr), If you're looking to spend a little more time in nature, take to the trails by exploring one of the largest wilderness areas in the state the Weminuche Wilderness. Also named Emerald Lake, these majestic alpine waters can be explored near the iconic mountain town of Crested Butte. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 416 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early. This famous park near downtown Colorado Springs is a must-see. 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. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. 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. A series of steep and rocky switchbacks will take you to the lake. 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. Where should I hike in Colorado? Season: All year round. Youll travel along an old railroad route in the heart of the southern foothills. You will need to check-in at the South Rim visitors center to get a permit. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. Some are better accessed with 4-wheel drive, and some are even only accessible by shuttle. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Vertical. Nature & Parks, State Parks. Towards the summit there may be a few rocky sections, be on the lookout for loose rocks. The 4.5-mile path will lead you to a historical mill that now sits abandoned above the Crystal River in Gunnison County. Pack out all your trash with you. If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area. The majority of hiking on Mount Elbert is above the tree line. Open today: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM. For killer views of eastern Colorado, Pikes Peak, and the Rocky Mountains check out Devils Head Lookout. Showcasing breathtaking natural scenery, the mill is arguably one of the most photographed structures in all of the state. It also serves as a highly visible landmark the notch in the ridge. I was disappointed to not see FERN LAKE and other hikes in RMNP on the list. At 14,440 feet of elevation, this is the highest point in all of Colorado. For natural beauty and serenity, make the steep more than 14-mile trek to Lone Eagle Peak. This hike is in Rocky Mountain National Park about 15 minutes from Estes Park. Sneffels is a Telluride classic and is one of the 14ers in the area. Season: Summer. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the, , a flat, wide and easygoing path. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. For more information please visit the RNMP website. This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. Some of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado include Mount Bierstadt, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Bison Peak, Star Dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park, Lion Lakes at Rocky Mountain National Park, San Luis Peak, Lost Man Lake, and Mount Elbert. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Difficulty: moderate to hard. 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. Season: While it can be hiked all year round, the most popular time to hike is in the summer. 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. 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. Keep in mind wag bags are required here. The best time to visit is from July through September. Wont forget over 12 years, Ive scoured the landscape to find the Lumpy ridge area mill that sits... Lake begins from the Longs Peak trailhead another Colorado 14er and understand risks! Goes west slope best slope to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly Rocky technical. 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