The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,200 feetDifficulty: easy/moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly, Related: The Beginners Guide to Hiking Safely. 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. person will not be tolerated. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. Open today: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM. Headed back east, Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most unexpectedly beautiful places in Colorado. As was mentioned above, some roads are closed for portions of the year, it is important to check on those closures. Garden of the Gods is not only one of the most scenic places in Colorado, but the trails that trace through this landscape also make up some of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado too. This will prevent injuries while hiking on rocky ground. The city has narrowed down a new nature center in this area. Dogs are welcome to use the trail but must be kept on leash. Photo Credit: John Fowler OutThere Colorado. Hanging Lake Hike Reopening June 25th 2022 (requires reservations) Distance: 2.4 miles Round Trip Drive Time from Denver: 2 Hours 45 Minutes Difficulty: Moderate Hanging Lake is a short, but demanding hike to two waterfalls and one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Some of the best fall colors can be seen in this area. Towns like Telluride, Silverton, and Durango will be nearby for hiking in this region. 220 Reviews #1 of 4 things to do in Bend. Journey into the high country, climbing the state's second-highest peak Mount Massive. REI member since 2018. While there is plenty of hiking all year round, hiking into the high alpine is best during July and August. Follow the signs to Rogers Pass Lake (pictured), a destination youll encounter just before reaching Heart Lake. When it comes to finding the best hikes in Colorado, look no further, youve arrived. To get to the lakes, you'll climb 1.6 miles with an elevation gain of 1,062 feet. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. This is a heavily trafficked area, so be sure to get there early. This is a great resource released by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Million dollar highway loop. There is an amazing array of hikes near Denver that make up some of the best hikes in Colorado. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. This list encompasses the most scenic hikes in Colorado. The Mount Evans wilderness areas have plenty of stunning views and great hikes. Some Colorado State parks and all National Parks have fees to enter the park. Generally speaking, if the hike is on National Forest land, there will not be any fees associated with accessing the hike. Hike to the top of Colorado with this tough hike. 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. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. Grays and Torreys are so commonly hiked together that many refer to the two 14ers inseparably. This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. 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. Be on the lookout for mountain goats in the summer. While clockwise is often the preferred starting point for bagging the 4-pack loop, some hikers opt for a counter clockwise start with the 14,172-foot summit of Mount Bross (pictured). One of the best times to go is for the July wildflower bloom. Therefore, be prepared to do a bit of scrambling before savoring the incredible views all around you. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the West Maroon Trail. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Distance: 2.5 milesElevation Gain: 885 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. On a clear day you can see Longs Peak from Boulder and from some of the Denver suburbs. Summer thunderstorms are very common on Mount Elbert and can prove to be fatal. Location: Northern Front Range. Fall would be the best time to make this hike. Although short, theres quite a bit of gain on this hike, making it moderate in difficulty. This trail is accessible in the winter, but due to road closures, it would add upwards of 7 miles each way. , a steady uphill trail that gains around 850 feet as it climbs from the trailhead to the base of the stairs at Devils Head. This is a great way to have a visual look at all of the trails in the state. Photo Credit: Matt Vincent. This is the high country so be sure to bring extra layers and drink plenty of water. At the end of the long haul, youre greeted with awe-inspiring sandstone arches and deep canyons that rival some of the best scenery in both Arches National Park and the Grand Canyon. 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. All in all, this hike is pretty chill, except for the last mile. Due to the high exposure of this hike, be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes with you, all year round! 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. We use affiliate links in our content andmay receive a small commission on your purchases. PYRAMID PEAK 3. Be sure to remember to bring $5 for the parking fee at this location. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. This area will encompass Denver north to Fort Collins with hikes that are accessible from the eastern urban corridor. The best season for hiking is from late June until late September. Colorado is a hiking mecca thats filled with unbelievably beautiful trails. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. While summertime is the best time to venture into higher altitude hikes in the alpine, the summer also has its dangers. As one of the topmost scenic hikes in Colorado, Hanging Lake is on everyones to-do list. 22. Local Tip: If youre into gentle rock climbs, then check out the Longs Peak Cable Route. Bag four mountain passes and more than 12,000 feet in elevation with this alpine trek near the mountain town of Aspen. If you can, try to time your visit between late May and early June since this is when the waterfall is at its best. Dont forget to bring your camera! Longs Peak (Estes Park) Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. Youll travel along an old railroad route in the heart of the southern foothills. Here are a few must-do hikes in the area. North Cheyenne Canon is a very rugged hiking destination with access to gorgeous windy roads through the mountains. Blue Lakes Trail - Ridgway. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. Best enjoyed in the summer and fall, hiking in the Sawatch should be on everyones to-do list. The hike starts from Monarch Lake on the Cascade Trail on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. 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. : Deckers, CO, in Pike National Forest, 45 miles south of Denver, : 360-degree views from a historic fire tower. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. Ive spent a lot of time on these trails without a soul in sight. For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. A cozy windbreaker for those gusty summits 5. When hiking above the treeline, it is incredibly important to watch the weather and be off the summit before 2pm. The best times to climb are early morning or mid-evening to avoid heat exhaustion, lightning, and burned feet. Continue on the Emerald Lake Trail, which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. 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. After living in Colorado for over 12 years, Ive scoured the landscape to find the best hikes in Colorado. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); great article will definitely try these hikes! The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. Photo Credit: Zach Dischner. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. Some hikes may recommend hiking poles, or even a helmet while scrambling on more technical hiking trails. One can experience snowstorms in June, warm weather in February, or even a sunny summer day interrupted by intense thunderstorms. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. Thanks for the article! That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow theLeave No Tracebest practices. a good rule of thumb is to be below treeline by noon. A popular trail in this area is Seven Bridges Trail which is a 3.8 mile trail that is moderately difficult. Photo Credit: Mariah Hoffman. Distance: 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 1,530 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. Although, winter lasts a long time in the high country. 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. For more information please visit the RNMP website. There is also a shuttle service in the summer and fall seasons. other alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. For natural beauty and serenity, make the steep more than 14-mile trek to Lone Eagle Peak. Mayflower Gulch is a spectacular wildflower hike in Colorado. Most hikers will start hiking around 3am in the summer. Mountains above 14,000 feet are known as 14ers. From Grays, continue down the north ridge across the saddle between the two peaks to climb Torreys. They are among the most photographed mountains in the country. From the base of Chautauqua Park, one has access to many trails that go up to the flatiron mountains and provide a wonderful view of Boulder and down to Denver. Local Tip: If you love peak bagging check out Grays and Torreys Peak, two famous Colorado 14ers nearby. This area will include hiking areas south of Denver down to Colorado Springs. : 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. This also has a high concentration of popular 14er hikes. This hike is one of the most beautiful and most popular hikes inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. This ultimate guide to the best hikes in Colorado gives you an array of local hiking recommendations for all abilities. Distance: 1.5 milesElevation gain: 406 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: no dogs allowed. If you are in the area for this hike, it is worth it to drive to the summit of Mt. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to world-class hiking trails. Get outside this season with the best hiking trails in Colorado. 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. Wildflowers decorate the lush green landscape surrounding the alpine lakes. This hike has fantastic views of the mountains in the front range and Summit county. The best time to visit is from July through September. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the. Reaching the 11,780-foot lake begins from the Longs Peak Trailhead. With any season, conditions can be variable. Altitude sickness is important to be aware of when hiking at higher elevations. The La Plata Mountains can be found in southern Colorado and are normally accessed from the small town of Mancos. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. 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. Therefore, hikers now have to pay $10 to enter 36 state parks in Colorado including Staunton, Roxborough, Golden Gate Canyon, and Saint Vrain. 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. Carry your poop with you by strapping it to your bag, or leave your dog at home. Depends on road conditions and the seasons snowpack. Check out 306 wheelchair-friendly trails with helpful accessibility guidance. As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. Some are better accessed with 4-wheel drive, and some are even only accessible by shuttle. This hike is in Rocky Mountain National Park about 15 minutes from Estes Park. Distance: 8.2 milesElevation Gain: 2,870Difficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This hike becomes impassible in winter due to avalanche terrain and steep ice. , a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. Soakers visiting from early October to late June may encounter snow. Hopefully, this provides a great introduction to some of the best places to hike in Colorado. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. Keep it Clean. People die or get rescued off of this mountain every year for biting off more than they can chew. Backcountry campsites are available by permit if you need more time to enjoy the view! The unbelievable electric blue waters of Ice Lake make this one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Horizontal. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). Mount Falcon Castle Loop Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Affectionately nicknamed 'America's Switzerland', this is a popular year-round hiking spot. 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. 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. 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. Star Dune is the largest of them all. Sneffels is a Telluride classic and is one of the 14ers in the area. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). On a clear summer day, you will likely join a line of hikers on the way to the summits. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor. Season: June, July, and August. 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 The colors of summer grace hikers along Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes. This road is only open in the summer months. See my guide to hiking Colorado 14ers for more info. The road to get to the upper trailhead is notoriously rugged, so if you have a two-wheel-drive or low-clearance vehicle, plan to park at the lower trailhead and add some mileage to your hike. Regardless of the hike and weather conditions, you should always bring extra layers, extra food, and a first aid kit. According to the National Park Service, Star Dune hikers should plan for a five-hour round trip. Related: The Locals Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. Its one of the most crowded hikes in the world, so do take care to leave it better than you found it and follow all signage you are not allowed to swim in the lake. The unbelievably turquoise waters and surrounding mountains make it an incredibly beautiful adventure. 35% percent of land in Colorado is public land or a whopping 23 million acres. Photo Credit: Steven Bratman. Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. , a short loop off the main paved path that leads to the base of the Sleeping Giant rock formation. Showcasing breathtaking natural scenery, the mill is arguably one of the most photographed structures in all of the state. For an easy, mellow hike, head to the Interlaken Trail. From jaw-dropping mountain vistas to quirky sandstone monoliths, there are all sorts of hiking to do in Colorado. Crystal Mill is every photographer's dream. The trail becomes rockier as you climb. 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