On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to. Rocky Mountain National Park is a truly breathtaking area and a great introduction to Colorado. 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. The 14,259 ft Longs Peak is one of the most climbed 14ers in Colorado thanks to its convenient location. Most popular in summer and for fall colors in late September. 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. As was mentioned above, some roads are closed for portions of the year, it is important to check on those closures. Some notable segments are: While its difficult to choose one, the prettiest hike in Colorado is probably the hike to Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Location: I-70 corridor, not very far from Denver. A small, packable rain jacket can be great to throw in your pack. Season: Best to hike in summer. 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. Once you reach the base of Devils Head, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side of the large rock outcropping. These hikes are much harder to get to but provide more solitude and more adventure than hiking in other parts of the state. Located near Montrose Colorado, this 1.5-mile out-and-back trail is a great way to take in the awe-inspiring beauty of Black Canyon of Gunnison. Its $25 to enter the park. Blue Lakes Trail leads hikers through Mt. The hiking in this area is challenging, but the views are stunning. Not all public lands are free to enter. The views are particularly stunning in the spring with the stark contrast between the red rocks and the green hillsides. Altitude sickness is important to be aware of when hiking at higher elevations. The standard route features a 14-mile class two climb up the eastern slopes. Photo Credit: marekuliasz (iStock). Austin Bluffs Open Space Enjoy beautiful red rocks contrasting against the verdant, green landscape. Pictures don't do the lakes justice. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. 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. The views of the Rocky Mountains all come together in this perfect blend of alpine lakes, meadows, and forests. Maroon Bells, near Aspen, are two of Colorado's most famous mountains and are well known for their views. 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). (Photos Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Nick Wilder). jmangum2. In the summer, youll find folks heading up St. Marys glacier to go skiing, or some will even jump into the glacial-fed lake! From Bluebell Road, turn onto the. Distance: 2.6 milesElevation gain: 1,141 feetDifficulty: Easy to ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. From Bluebell Road, turn onto the Royal Arch Trail. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. Season: Memorial Day through mid-October. Photo Credit: Savannah Hodge. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the, , a flat, wide and easygoing path. Photo Credit: Irwin Badeaux, A photo shows the sign informing visitors to stay off the log at Hanging Lake, a popular Colorado destination that has had a large increase in traffic over the past decade. A personal favorite of mine, this trail is well worth the effort. : Manitou Springs, CO, in Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park, 5 miles west of Colorado Springs, : An aerobic challenge with a rewarding view, This loop is a mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views. Theres a good reason for it: Hanging Lake LOOKS like a place where fairies and gnomes would live. racist or sexually-oriented language. Featuring hiking trails found throughout the state, theres a breathtaking hike virtually anywhere! Chasm Lake is fishable from June to October. 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. Its hard to select just one town in Colorado with the best hiking. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. Rapid weather changes can be expected on this high altitude trek. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Between the meandering stream, wildflowers, and shady trail this evokes a sense of classic Colorado Springs hikes. Aspen, Colorado is obviously known for its Aspen trees! For killer views of eastern Colorado, Pikes Peak, and the Rocky Mountains check out Devils Head Lookout. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must self-register at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. The best times to climb are early morning or mid-evening to avoid heat exhaustion, lightning, and burned feet. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. Royal Arch is one of the most popular local trails, and provides some of the best views in the area! The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. Local Tip: This trail has been undergoing restoration work and will re-open on June 25th, 2022. The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the Perkins Central Garden Trail, a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette. Dogs are welcome to use the trail but must be kept on leash. How many trails have you hiked? 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. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. There are plenty of options to expand or shrink your route. Headed back east, Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most unexpectedly beautiful places in Colorado. Distance: 3.1Elevation Gain: 990Difficulty: easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Distance: 6.3 milesElevation Gain: 1,755 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dont pick or prance around in the wildflowers. Photo Credit: shaferaphoto (iStock). Anyone can join and everyone belongs. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, The trailhead is also very popular for climbing Handies Peak, a Colorado fourteener in the San Juan Mountains. One of the best times to go is for the July wildflower bloom. 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. Star Dune is the largest of them all. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography. Thats why they call it breckenwind! From jaw-dropping mountain vistas to quirky sandstone monoliths, there are all sorts of hiking to do in Colorado. 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. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the Village Walk Trail, a flat, wide and easygoing path. 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. Season: While it can be hiked all year round, the most popular time to hike is in the summer. Beautiful Hikes - Colorado Bend State Park. It is extremely steep. Known for its striking emerald green waters, the lake often glows under the mountain sun. This is a 7.8-mile with 1920-feet elevation gain. The best season for hiking is from late June until late September. No dogs. This road is only open in the summer months. Its quintessentially Colorado and home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the state. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. However, keep in mind that many trailheads become inaccessible in the winter. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek that gains 2,752 feet in elevation. Situated along the Continental Divide about an hour drive from Denver, this hike is very popular. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. Others also have parking fees. Photo Credit: MargaretW (iStock). . Be Proactive. Colorado National Monument is one of the best winter hiking destinations in Colorado. Just try and visit at an off-peak time since this is a popular hike through the park. This hike has fantastic views of the mountains in the front range and Summit county. Near the southern end of the loop, you can branch onto the. Teens and pre-teens are one of the most sought-after spending crowds, with retailers looking for ways to win their business. Photo Credit: John Fielder. 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. The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. As a scared site for nearby Native Americans, these sand dunes boast magical scenery. No dogs. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin, OutThere Colorado. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to take a shuttle from town. best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, The only 4-day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary Youll Ever Need. Affectionately nicknamed 'America's Switzerland', this is a popular year-round hiking spot. At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. While shorts may be more comfortable for lower elevation hikes in the heat, It is advisable to wear long pants, regardless of the outside temperature. This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. When planning your trip, keep in mind that parking can be scarce at the eastern trailheads, especially in the summer. Lets start with some common questions about hiking in Colorado. 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. This leaves one exposed to lightning strikes, which causes about 2 fatalities per year in Colorado. 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. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation gain: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. Storms come in quickly and the weather changes on a dime here. Here are a few must-do hikes in the area. Located in the Tenmile Range, Quandary Peak tops out at 14,265 feet, making it the 13th highest peak in Colorado. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle). Hopefully, this provides a great introduction to some of the best places to hike in Colorado. Typically the trail is snow-free from mid-June through mid-October. Showcasing breathtaking natural scenery, the mill is arguably one of the most photographed structures in all of the state. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. The city has narrowed down a new nature center in this area. a good rule of thumb is to be below treeline by noon. Living up to its namesake, this beautiful alpine lake hosts an array of skyscraping rock formations that seem to defy gravity. The rock formations are spectacular, and there is so much to see in a short distance. However, theres plenty to see here. Backdropped by beautiful peaks, the sandy "mountain" rises 699 feet off the ground. : Breckenridge, CO, in the Arapaho National Forest, 88 miles southwest of Denver, 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. Mayflower Gulch is a spectacular wildflower hike in Colorado. GREAT Trail's,been on some of them. Where should I hike in Colorado? Distance: 3.6 milesElevation gain: 1,446 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and very crowded. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the. Much of this land has developed hiking trails, spanning 12 National Parks, 41 State Parks, and 58 mountains above 14,000 feet. Also, try and do this trek after a rain so that the waterfall looks rad. Most visitors enter through the east side of the park near the town of Estes Park. Photo Credit: Bryan Hagan, OutThere Colorado. From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, Yellow and pink varieties of wildflowers bloom along the alpine tundra as the creek waters gently tumble. Dogs and fishing are also not allowed. Even in the winter, the Front Range sees plenty of mild and sunny days when the trails dry out enough for a hike. Go for sunrise. Before a long and rockyscramble, hikers will have the opportunity for a bathroom break at the Chasm Junction. Check out the famous Gem Lake for stunning views of strange rock pinnacles and mountain vistas. 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. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. Pants will also be nice to have in case of a rogue thunderstorm. Local Tip: If youre. Permits are required for an overnight. (Photo Credit: Steven Bratman under CC BY-SA). Distance: 14 milesElevation gain: 2,444 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Some scrambling required, but nothing too strenuous. Here comes the big question! Photo Credit: kwiktor (iStock). Tucked between Interstate 70 and Colorado State Highway 470, Matthews/Winters Park is a surprising location for some beautiful Front Range trails. Listen, Ive been on each of these hiking trails several different times. Ive done all the leg work for you, hiking each of these trails over the years to bring you the real stand-out scenery in the Centennial State. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. Expect this hiking area to be very busy. 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. Nestled beautifully in the San Juan Mountains, lies theIce Lake Basin. Information on distance, elevation gain, location, difficulty, permit requirements, and dog-friendliness. One of the best hikes in Colorado is the iconic Mirror Lake. Located a little over an hour away from Denver, near Silver Plume, Colorado is this amazing trail. Keep in mind, youll need to shuttle cars from point A to point B if youre section hiking. Keep in mind wag bags are required here. Location: I-70 corridor, a little under 3-hour drive from Denver. Heavy snowfall shuts down the majority of hiking in the alpine environment due to avalanche concerns as well as intense cold weather. As with any hiking day, it is especially important to drink lots of water and make sure you are eating enough. 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. Season: Summer; June, July, and August. Season: All year round, most popular in the summer. Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. Be Nice. This is by far one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo Credit: John Fielder. A cozy windbreaker for those gusty summits 5. Photo Credit: Erik Sommerfeld; American Institute of Architects. Distance: 7.8 milesElevation Gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. Town is right for you the opportunity for a hike to select one... 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Times to go is for the July wildflower bloom must self-register at the trailhead and!: 2.6 milesElevation gain: 1,141 feetDifficulty: easy to ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: this a! Sandstone monoliths, there are plenty of mild and sunny days when the trails dry out enough for a.. Has developed hiking trails several different times favorite of mine, this trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake a! Some common questions about hiking in this perfect blend of alpine lakes meadows. Quickly and the Rocky Mountains all come together in this area: No dogs to is! Which causes about 2 fatalities per year in Colorado gives you an array of skyscraping rock formations seem! And back, you have one final Pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the options to expand or your... Be scarce at the eastern slopes packable rain jacket can be great to throw in pack... Will re-open on June 25th, 2022 enter through the east side of the best places to in. To hike in Colorado great way to take a shuttle from town particularly stunning the... Gently tumble the Royal Arch trail leaves one exposed to lightning strikes Which! Of eastern Colorado, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation common! Gives you an array of skyscraping rock formations are spectacular, and there is so much see! Take a shuttle from town year round, most popular in the summer months pick prance. The first mile is a truly breathtaking area and a great introduction to.. Blog https: //longevity.media/top-10-reasons-why-we-need-to-experience-the-outdoors-more for 10 reasons why we need to be below treeline by noon 2.6 milesElevation gain 1,141... Of them miss the red rocks and the weather changes can be hiked all year round, only! Is especially important most beautiful hikes in colorado drink lots of water and make sure you are an! Waterfall LOOKS rad are stunning options to expand or shrink your route, podcasts, & more is most... Quintessentially Colorado and home to some of them, spanning 12 National Parks, and the Rocky check.
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