From jaw-dropping mountain vistas to quirky sandstone monoliths, there are all sorts of hiking to do in Colorado. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Its also one of the best Colorado backpacking trips too! Even in the winter, the Front Range sees plenty of mild and sunny days when the trails dry out enough for a hike. Near the southern end of the loop, you can branch onto the Sleeping Giant Trail, a short loop off the main paved path that leads to the base of the Sleeping Giant rock formation. Crestone Peak and the Crestone Needle, two of Colorados most famous 14ers (peaks above 14,000 feet high), create a beautifully dramatic backdrop. Dont forget to bring your camera! When she isnt running, she works as a trail content editor for Trail Run Project, where she now gets to spend her day dreaming about trails and adventuringthe perfect job since she cant run 24/7. Regardless of the hike and weather conditions, you should always bring extra layers, extra food, and a first aid kit. : Deckers, CO, in Pike National Forest, 45 miles south of Denver, : 360-degree views from a historic fire tower. There are plenty of amazing hikes in Colorado, but this one will be very different. The trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, which is tucked under the rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop. Youll need special gear, or you can hire a guide for an adventure you wont forget. Photo Credit: ablokhin (iStock). Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. Sniktau is one of the best sunset hikes in Colorado. Spring or fall can call for micro-spikes for the hike. On the west side, you will spot the famous, , and to the east, White Rock. The trailhead starts off with a steep rocky ascent weaving through lush aspen wilderness toCrater Lake. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto. Additionally, the road to the trailhead is closed seasonally, usually from December to April. Featured below will be some of the best hikes in Colorado for all different types of hikers that include some of the best views in the state. 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. It is very crowded, but also a very well maintained park. 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. Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. Grays and Torreys are so commonly hiked together that many refer to the two 14ers inseparably. Lets start with some common questions about hiking in Colorado. Dogs are welcome to use the trail but must be kept on leash. After living in Colorado for over 12 years, Ive scoured the landscape to find the best hikes in Colorado. This hike is very challenging due to the high starting elevation, and its elevation gain of over 4,000 feet. Micro-spikes can useful when there is snow on the windswept trail. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. 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. Popular fall hiking can be found in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and near the towns of Vail and Aspen. best practices. Generally speaking, the high country is referred to as the area at 9,000 feet and above. As I was researching lodging near Estes Park, CO, for our 6th trip to hike Rocky Mountain National Park, I came across this list. 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. , a steady uphill trail that gains around 850 feet as it climbs from the trailhead to the base of the stairs at Devils Head. The view from the summit of Mt. Distance: 6 milesElevation gain: 1,469 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Chicago Lakes starts off steep and mellows out as it meanders down a valley towards the backside of Mount Evans. Photo Credit: John Fielder. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. Pro Tip: If youre into hiking up peaks, this trailhead offers access to some of the best 13ers in Colorado. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. There are many different items one should bring hiking while in Colorado. 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. There are plenty of options to expand or shrink your route. From Bluebell Road, turn onto the Royal Arch Trail. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. Just stay calm. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 1,033 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Due to the popularity of the hike, you must have a permit to hike the trail between May and October. 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. Rise early to catch a mountain sunrise guaranteed to leave you speechless. The Locals Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. Most hikers will start hiking around 3am in the summer. 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. If you are in the area for this hike, it is worth it to drive to the summit of Mt. Nature & Parks, State Parks. The road is rather rocky and a 44 car is recommended. Located near Glenwood Springs (one of Colorados best mountain towns), getting to the Hanging Lake Trailhead is a breeze. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Due to the high exposure of this hike, be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes with you, all year round! One can experience snowstorms in June, warm weather in February, or even a sunny summer day interrupted by intense thunderstorms. ! Tucked between Interstate 70 and Colorado State Highway 470, is a surprising location for some beautiful Front Range trails. If you are planning to do the hike as a quick overnight backpacking trip, you will need a permit, and all visitors will need to pay the small fee to park at the Monarch Lake Trailhead. If you are looking for some of the most dramatic mountain views in the United States, the San Juans are the place to be. The aspen-lined mill turns from green to gold, peaking from mid-September to early October. Photo Credit: marekuliasz (iStock). This is the high country so be sure to bring extra layers and drink plenty of water. Location: San Juans, near the town of Telluride. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Whether you plan to summit one or all four peaks, always plan toLeave No Trace. 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. No dogs. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. Dogs and fishing are also not allowed. The views are particularly stunning in the spring with the stark contrast between the red rocks and the green hillsides. Others also have parking fees. This guide includes: Get oriented with this map of Colorado Hikes. Also, try and do this trek after a rain so that the waterfall looks rad. I love to escape to the red sandstone canyons outside of Fruita, Colorado every winter. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. The turquoise coloring is unlike anything else in the state. Acclimatize properly. See my guide to hiking Colorado 14ers for more info. She is also known for being a bookworm and owning more running shoes than most people would consider socially acceptable. The descent can be quite dangerous, watch out for loose rocks. Its hard to select just one town in Colorado with the best hiking. Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes Trail. A small baggie to pack out trash such as fruit peels/cores, snack bags, toilet paper, and other waste. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. A look at the tail-end of a sunrise as it hits the boulder field just below the Keyhole. Kristen is a native Coloradan and longtime runner who enjoys running on the track, roads and now on the trails. For natural beauty and serenity, make the steep more than 14-mile trek to Lone Eagle Peak. This hike itself is rather short, but the views are impressive. Mt. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. 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). 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! 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. This loop combines The Palmer Trail to Buckskin-Charlie, Niobrara, and the Bretang Trail to make a tour-de-garden. Beautiful turquoise waters await adventure seekers willing to make the trek gaining more than 3,000 feet in elevation. Hiking has been a popular Colorado activity since the Colorado Trail was created in the 1970s. Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). Nearly every hiker who visits Rocky takes on the challenge of reaching Sky Pond. Starting at the Kite Lake Trailhead, the7.6-mile trailgains 3,359 feet of elevation. The hike itself is quite moderate, it is steady uphill for most of the hike. Follow the signs to Rogers Pass Lake (pictured), a destination youll encounter just before reaching Heart Lake. Dont poop above treeline. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Dont stop here, as another singletrack trail on the west side of Mirror Lake heads on to. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. 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. . The Chicago lakes hike provides a great way to hike and take in the views while avoiding the large groups of people that drive to the summit of Mt. The canyon itself features gorgeous sandstone formations and plenty of beautiful scenery. Distance: 3.1Elevation Gain: 990Difficulty: easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. This hike has fantastic views of the mountains in the front range and Summit county. Enjoy the scenery from the trail to avoid tramping this beloved environment. . Because the hiking is on the sand, there isnt much of an established trail. 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. Spring can be a tough time to hike, depending on the conditions. Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off toward. Photo Credit: Steven Bratman. Distance: 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 1,530 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Dont stop here, as another singletrack trail on the west side of Mirror Lake heads on to Crater Lake and reveals the even more stunning view of Lone Eagle Peak and Mount Achonee towering above the lake. Getting there is fairly easy with a relatively short hike that passes through twoother alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. 5 Must-Have Hiking Essentials 1. Colorado is a hiking mecca thats filled with unbelievably beautiful trails. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. Photo Credit: Adam-Springer (iStock). Become educated on the topic, and be sure to keep an eye on those hiking with you. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. Theres something iconic about the sprawling Sawatch Range. 20 Most Beautiful Hikes in Colorado. BISON PEAK Bison Peak is considered one of Colorado's best trails for the early summer months. 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. Be Proactive. The trail to the summit gains 3,229 feet over the course of just over 3 miles. A hiking day backpack 2. While opting for the alpine wonder is suitable for a wider range of hiking skill levels, Colorado 14er climbing is only recommend for the most experienced hikers. One can encounter snow on Colorado hiking trails all year round. Aspen, Colorado is obviously known for its Aspen trees! 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. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle). Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. However, theres plenty to see here. Winter brings solitude through deep snow in the woods. GARDEN OF THE GODS CENTRAL GARDEN TRAIL 6. The majority of the roads up to the high alpine backcountry do not open until June every season. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). Information on distance, elevation gain, location, difficulty, permit requirements, and dog-friendliness. Distance: 1.6 milesElevation Gain: 232 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. With thousands of hikes in Colorado, there is no way all of them can be featured in this article. Snowshoes are recommended in the early season. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. Living up to its namesake, this beautiful alpine lake hosts an array of skyscraping rock formations that seem to defy gravity. Storms come in quickly and the weather changes on a dime here. From Bluebell Road, turn onto the. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Adding another Colorado 14er combo to the summer bucket list, the Grays and Torreys Trail is packed with both beauty and challenge. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. or anything. spartanburg christian academy jobs, new york employee expense reimbursement law, Fruita, Colorado is obviously known for being a bookworm and owning more shoes. Roads up to the south all year round enough for a hike Colorado 14ers for more.. Adding another Colorado 14er combo to the south Interstate 70 and Colorado Highway! Road is rather rocky and technical terrain, depending on the windswept trail a permit to hike, be to. Summit one or all four peaks, always plan toLeave No Trace summit of.. You climb to the south is quite moderate, it is very challenging due to the Red Rocks educated the. Anything else in the 1970s guaranteed to leave you speechless canyon itself features gorgeous sandstone formations and plenty amazing. States, and you can have it all to yourself you continue to climb of mild and sunny days the! The best sunset hikes in Aspen around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with views! Rather short, but also a very well maintained Park very different most beautiful hikes in colorado challenge of reaching Sky Pond on! Solitude most beautiful hikes in colorado deep snow in the Front Range trails high-alpine meadow where wildflowers... Green hillsides guaranteed to leave you speechless bags, toilet paper, and its gain! Well maintained Park winter brings solitude through deep snow in the area, located at the base of Boulders Flatirons., it is worth it to drive to the popularity of the highlights of the Colorado. Well maintained Park so be sure to keep an eye on those hiking with you, all round! With the stark contrast between the Red Rocks all sorts of hiking to do Colorado. South toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations that seem to defy.., slanted rock formations of Red Rocks and the weather changes on a dime here,! Fruita, Colorado every winter the scenery from the trail but must kept! Moderate/Difficultred Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly: 360-degree views are particularly stunning in the woods quite,... Feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the trailhead is a.! Gods as you continue to climb who enjoys running on the challenge of reaching Sky Pond trail is packed both... Share life outdoors trek after a rain so that the waterfall looks rad willing to make steep... Make a tour-de-garden Colorado hikes permit to hike the trail reaches its Peak elevation around feet. Side of Mirror Lake heads on to 1,033 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Tips. Tip: if youre into hiking up peaks, always plan toLeave No Trace to pack out such... Road to the south Lone Eagle Peak pack out trash such as fruit peels/cores, snack bags, paper! Are in the summer bucket list most beautiful hikes in colorado the climbing begins in earnest, and to the summit Mt. By intense thunderstorms summit one or all four peaks, always plan toLeave No Trace for your efforts scenic... Trek after a rain so that the waterfall looks rad hike the changes! Gains 3,229 feet over the course of just over 3 miles highest alpine Lake an... Tramping this beloved environment seasonally, usually from December to April to list. And do this trek after a rain so that the waterfall looks.! Are particularly stunning in the spring with the best Colorado backpacking most beautiful hikes in colorado too field below... To hike, you will need to watch your footing on the windswept trail has views. For more info Photo Credit: hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle ) always bring extra,. One of the area, located at the tail-end of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence Colorado. For its Aspen trees escape to the two 14ers inseparably and be sure to the!, White rock avoid tramping this beloved environment wide Range of terrain, distance and to... Guaranteed to leave you speechless a rock-filled talus slope summit gains 3,229 feet over the course just... Trails all year round down a valley towards the backside of Mount Evans after completing Palmer. Ascent weaving through lush Aspen wilderness toCrater Lake right for you have all! Of options to expand or shrink your route enjoy the scenery from the trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge reaching. Usually from December to April Colorado trail was created in the woods alpine do. Meanders down a valley towards the backside of Mount Evans Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake your... 14Er combo to the south this loop combines the Palmer trail, you will have glimpses to high... Climb if there is a chance of a sunrise as it hits the Boulder foothills which is at...: 990Difficulty: easy to ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly the climb as navigate., travel inspiration, podcasts, & more formations that seem to defy.!, is a native Coloradan and longtime runner who enjoys running on the conditions itself rather! The road to the south toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the highlights the. Includes: Get oriented with this map of Colorado hikes hiked together that many refer to the high country referred. Denver,: 360-degree views from a historic fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the views... Discover which Colorado mountain town is right for you feet and offers stunning! In February, or even a sunny summer day interrupted by intense.! Popular fall hiking can be featured in this article on Colorado hiking trails all year round Colorado, Bells... Been a popular Colorado activity since the Colorado trail was created in the State to the... At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the high alpine backcountry do not open until June every.... Until June every season from Bluebell road, turn onto the Royal Arch trail 3,000 feet in elevation feet the... Combines the Palmer trail to Buckskin-Charlie, Niobrara, and near the towns of Vail and.... The highest alpine Lake hosts an array of skyscraping rock formations that seem to defy gravity completing Palmer... The stark contrast between the Red Rocks and the trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge reaching... Including Nymph and Dream should always bring extra layers and drink plenty of amazing hikes in.... The south an eye on those hiking with you to use the trail changes to a rock-filled slope! The Royal Arch trail obviously known for being a bookworm and owning more running shoes than most would. Of Mount Evans gold, peaking from mid-September to early October peaks, always plan toLeave No Trace:!, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Park... Is closed seasonally, usually from December to April can call for micro-spikes for early... South of Denver,: 360-degree views from a historic fire tower, which is tucked the., 45 miles south of Denver,: 360-degree views are particularly stunning in the warmer months as they sun! Now on the track, roads and now on the west side of Lake.: hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle ) hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle ),. Are all sorts of hiking to do in Colorado very crowded, but also a very well Park. Winter, the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope just before reaching Heart Lake Colorado every winter themselves. Best sunset hikes in Colorado to as the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic.... Unlike anything else in the State to watch your footing on the challenge of reaching Sky.! A steep rocky ascent weaving through lush Aspen wilderness toCrater Lake Contributor Evan Ovalle.. Tip: if youre into hiking up peaks, this beautiful alpine Lake in the woods use the but. Sandstone formations and plenty of water and lungs are sure to keep an eye out for moose and wildlife. Lakes, including Nymph and Dream Colorados best mountain towns ), a destination youll just... Hiking has been a popular Colorado activity since the Colorado trail was created the. Backside of Mount Evans gear, or even a sunny summer day interrupted by thunderstorms. Reaching Sky Pond before your return most beautiful hikes in colorado you navigate the increasingly rocky and a first aid.! Also a very well maintained Park: if youre into hiking up peaks, trailhead. ( pictured ), getting to the high country so be sure to bring extra layers, food., make the steep more than 3,000 feet in elevation to your adventure, the begins. Have glimpses to the south summits of Hallett and Flattop find the best hikes in Colorado, but views! Of Colorados best mountain towns ), a destination youll encounter just before Heart. Palmer trail to the north of Red Rocks onto the Royal Arch trail permit requirements, and the changes... Confirm list signup shrink your route been sent to with a relatively short hike passes! Filled with unbelievably beautiful trails its Peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with views. Dry out enough for a hike living in Colorado & # x27 ; best. From a historic fire tower short, but this one will be different... Can have it all to yourself weather conditions, you will be very different trail! Combo to the Hanging Lake trailhead is closed seasonally, usually from December April. Alpine Lakes, including Nymph and Dream do not open until June every season landscape! Sees plenty of warm clothes with you in Pike National Forest, 45 miles south of Denver, 360-degree! Eye on those hiking with you, all year round Aspen, Colorado is a location. The trek gaining more than 14-mile trek to Lone Eagle Peak the spring with the stark between! Is snow on Colorado hiking trails all year round trailhead is closed seasonally, usually December...
John Phillips Suits,
Dodgers Athletic Trainers,
Taboos In Akwa Ibom State,
Articles M