The Sharkstooth Trail is an excellent way to tour this lonely chain of distinct peaks. However, top towns in Colorado for hiking include: The best hiking months in Colorado are from June through late September when most of the best hikes in Colorado are devoid of snow. This is one of Colorados most famous lakes. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. Although short, theres quite a bit of gain on this hike, making it moderate in difficulty. This hike turns into more of a technical adventure towards the summit, as it involves a 3rd class scramble. It is extremely steep. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). REI member since 2018. Be Proactive. 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. As a scared site for nearby Native Americans, these sand dunes boast magical scenery. For this reason, it's best to always keep pets leashed. Free shipping for many products! Do not run. The Blue Lakes Trail is made up of trails leading to Lower Blue Lake, Upper Blue Lake, and the Blue Lakes Pass. 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. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. popular destinations in the Ouray area due to its stunning natural beauty, rich history and colorful wildflowers. There are plenty of options to expand or shrink your route. If you are traveling in or under avalanche terrain, be sure to be educated on avalanche safety. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Also be aware of the fact that visitors are charged $25 per vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, and $15 per person to enter the park. 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. Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire (iStock). Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off toward. Known as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Boulder could keep you occupied for weeks with its multitude of trails in close vicinity to downtown. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. In Boulder, Colorado, the Chautauqua walking trails offer a variety of beautiful day hikes in Colorado. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the Village Walk Trail, a flat, wide and easygoing path. 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. Its my mission to get you out on the best Colorado hiking trails like a local, not a tourist. Hopefully, this provides a great introduction to some of the best places to hike in Colorado. SIGN UP: Free daily newsletter + 20% off in the OTC gear shop, Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. Theres also a serious avalanche risk, so be sure to understand the fundamentals of winter hiking before heading out. Situated along the Continental Divide about an hour drive from Denver, this hike is very popular. Photo Credit: marekuliasz (iStock). , which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. 1. 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. Dogs are welcome to use the trail but must be kept on leash. 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). Found in Rocky Mountain National Park, cross the natural wonder of Emerald Lakeoff your bucket list. 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. Photo Credit: SWKrullImaging (iStock). Location: I-70 corridor, outside of the town of Aspen. Plan your next outdoor adventure to one of 4,595 routes with waterfalls or scenic . Take in the history of the ruins while enjoying the scenery of the mountains and the city of Denver in the distance. Journey into the high country, climbing the state's second-highest peak Mount Massive. Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. Colorado is a hiking mecca thats filled with unbelievably beautiful trails. Once over your second pass, you get a bit of a respite on the, , which traverses a wide, high-altitude basin that is carpeted in wildflowers in season. It provides stunning views of three different lakes and Hallet Peak, a 11,000-foot mountain that is popular amongst rock climbers. Now more than 100 years old, this is the one remaining fire tower in service. Before a long and rockyscramble, hikers will have the opportunity for a bathroom break at the Chasm Junction. This is one of the best hikes in Colorado that sits just outside of Boulder meaning that it is only about a 30-minute drive away from Denver. Its quintessentially Colorado and home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the state. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. And if youre feeling energetic, you can always do this hike in tandem with several other treks in the area. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. Error! There are a number of routes for reaching the 14,421-foot summit. Season: Summer. Share with Us. This large area will include hiking near the popular ski resorts of Colorado. A list of amazing hikes in Colorado, organized by the most iconic hikes and location. 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. Regardless of the hike and weather conditions, you should always bring extra layers, extra food, and a first aid kit. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. 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. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Vertical. This 737-acre city park offers more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. 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. Trailhead Location: Pandora Public Parking and Trailhead. Photo Credit: kwiktor (iStock). The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. 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. This is a great way to have a visual look at all of the trails in the state. On the west side, you will spot the famous Kissing Camels, and to the east, White Rock. Some areas of the state obviously have better hiking options than others, but this will be a great way to understand the lay of the land. Much of this land has developed hiking trails, spanning 12 National Parks, 41 State Parks, and 58 mountains above 14,000 feet. 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. Fall is popular timing to make the trek. Join once, enjoy forever. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow theLeave No Tracebest practices. Its almost a rite of passage to hike this iconic hiking trail in Colorado. 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. Showcasing breathtaking natural scenery, the mill is arguably one of the most photographed structures in all of the state. Get outside this season with the best hiking trails in Colorado. You'll find this 3.2-mile out-and-back adventure hidden right off of Monarch Pass. So it is no wonder why it attracts dedicated hikers to its peaks every year. These massive sand dunes rise out of the ground and lay low beneath the Rocky Mountains. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the, , a flat, wide and easygoing path. 2. Non-cotton clothing. Hikes here range from short walks in Boulders Chautauqua Park to hiking Longs peak, a 14er. The trip takes about 2 hours and has chains to hold for the steep sections. 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. If you time it right, you can even be at the lake to view the first snowfall on the Maroon bells, with the fall colors still bright down below. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Waterfalls of Minnesota: Your Guide to the Most Beautiful Waterfalls in the Stat at the best online prices at eBay! Hikers may opt for the trail or service road (shorter) to reach the lakes. Hike along the seven bridges and check out the beautiful waterfall. There are different difficulties of hiking for all levels and interests. While not a very challenging hike, this hike is on our list because of how unique it is. To get to the lakes, you'll climb 1.6 miles with an elevation gain of 1,062 feet. Only about a 1-hour drive from downtown Denver. Pictures don't do the lakes justice. Today, outdoor enthusiasts continue to visit from all over . That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the Ten Essentials, Quandary makes a great first 14er to tackle. Weather, accessibility, hike difficulty, length, and elevation gain are all factors to consider when choosing a hike in Colorado. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. This hike comes into condition during July and August. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. Royal Arch is one of the most popular local trails, and provides some of the best views in the area! Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Distance: 8.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,860 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. When hiking above the treeline, it is incredibly important to watch the weather and be off the summit before 2pm. A small, packable rain jacket can be great to throw in your pack. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. While this loop will take you away from the hustle of nearby Colorado Springs, dont expect to be alone, as this popular trail can get quite crowded, especially in the evenings and on the weekends during the summer. When planning your trip, keep in mind that parking can be scarce at the eastern trailheads, especially in the summer. This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. Dont attempt Longs Peak unless you are an experienced mountain hiker who isnt afraid of exposure to steep drops and knows a thing or two about scrambling. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. Nestled outside of the beautiful mountain town of Breckenridge, the sparkling alpine waters combined with granite views and colorful blooms offers up the perfect summer escape. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. The Keyhole Route on Longs Peak is an iconic mountain climb that many people strive for. Distance: 7.8 milesElevation Gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. Be Nice. As you climb, keep your eyes open for yellow-bellied marmots and pikas. Dont forget to bring your camera! Even in the winter, the Front Range sees plenty of mild and sunny days when the trails dry out enough for a hike. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. You can learn more about avalanche forecasting and avalanche safety at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. A fantastic way to explore hiking trails on public land in Colorado is via the Colorado Trail Explorer App. 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! Living up to its namesake, this beautiful alpine lake hosts an array of skyscraping rock formations that seem to defy gravity. Most visitors enter through the east side of the park near the town of Estes Park. Local Tip: If youre. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. Distance: 8.6 miles roundtrip. Some of the best fall colors can be seen in this area. Kristen is a native Coloradan and longtime runner who enjoys running on the track, roads and now on the trails. There are also great groups on Facebook that post trail conditions. Please be sure to visit the RMNP website for more information on the current permitting process for parking and entrance to the park. United States ; Texas (TX) Bend ; Bend - Things to Do ; Colorado Bend State Park; Search. Winding through spectacular wildflower meadows, scenic beauty awaits hikers and backpackers. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. These hiking trails in Colorado each offer something a little different and help you build your skills as a mountain hiker. 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. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. Photo Credit: shaferaphoto (iStock). Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. Photo Credit: Bryan Hagan, OutThere Colorado. This area is roughly the region south of I-70 and encompasses a huge area. Hopefully by 2023 the park will have permission to start . Distance: 10.3 milesElevation gain: 4,442 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Start early (like 4 am early) to beat afternoon thunderstorms. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the Palmer Trail, which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. Photo Credit: RondaKimbrow (iStock). Open today: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. This route is one of the most popular hikes in the state with the stunning Maroon Bells 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. This is hike is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by very experienced hikers. Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. : 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. The Mount Evans wilderness area is a great place to make for a full day of hiking and driving up to some spectacular exposed views. 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