As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. Top Beautiful Hikes In Colorado Quick View of the list: 1. Join once, enjoy forever. Related Read: The 10 Best Hikes Near Grand Junction, Colorado. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the, . Location: I-70 corridor, outside of the town of Aspen. The Mount Evans wilderness areas have plenty of stunning views and great hikes. 6. The hike along the canyon is stunning! . Depends on road conditions and the seasons snowpack. (Mercury must be in retrograde.) The "Keyhole" is main route for reaching the iconic 14,259-foot summit. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. This also has a high concentration of popular 14er hikes. Season: Memorial Day through mid-October. Enjoy the scenery from the trail to avoid tramping this beloved environment. Season: While it can be hiked all year round, the most popular time to hike is in the summer. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto High Drive, a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. Even for such a short distance, expect this hike to take 3-4 hours. The hiking in this area is challenging, but the views are stunning. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. People die or get rescued off of this mountain every year for biting off more than they can chew. Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. When it comes to finding the best hikes in Colorado, look no further, youve arrived. Spring can be a tough time to hike, depending on the conditions. This hike provides a great introduction to hiking in Colorado and the Boulder Open Space trails. Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. I was disappointed to not see FERN LAKE and other hikes in RMNP on the list. Between the general region of the San Juans and the southern front range. For some parts of the state, it is starting to get warmer, and the flowers are blooming. Star Dune is the largest of them all. This stunning hike brings one to one of the few remaining glaciers in Colorado. 35% percent of land in Colorado is public land or a whopping 23 million acres. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Bursting with beauty, the trail features rushing alpine waters, wildflower meadows, and a variety of wildlife including bear, elk, moose, deer, and marmots. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. Others also have parking fees. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism 19. For the purpose of this article, we will divide the state into different regions and look at some of the best hikes in different parts of the state. Beautiful waterfalls seep into the brightly colored lake. Although short, theres quite a bit of gain on this hike, making it moderate in difficulty. Explore one of 1,477 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. Mountains above 14,000 feet are known as 14ers. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to take a shuttle from town. 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. Non-cotton clothing. 22. This large area will include hiking near the popular ski resorts of Colorado. Distance: 6 milesElevation gain: 1,469 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. The view from the summit of Mt. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. Keep it Clean. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. jmangum2. From here, you briefly connect to the. 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. , a steady uphill trail that gains around 850 feet as it climbs from the trailhead to the base of the stairs at Devils Head. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 416 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early. : Deckers, CO, in Pike National Forest, 45 miles south of Denver, : 360-degree views from a historic fire tower. Photo Credit: James Walton. You will need a, and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation gain: 1,446 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and very crowded. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. With sandstone monoliths, tall peaks, and steep canyons, theres a lot to get exciting about when it comes to hiking in Colorado Springs. Plan your next outdoor adventure to one of 4,595 routes with waterfalls or scenic . Waste does not break down this high up. Due to the popularity of the hike, you must have a permit to hike the trail between May and October. When hiking above the treeline, it is incredibly important to watch the weather and be off the summit before 2pm. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. Rocky Mountain National Park is a truly breathtaking area and a great introduction to Colorado. 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. Hiking at Garden of the Gods is one of the top-rated things to do in Colorado. Photo Credit: James Walton. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. Because as you make your way to this idyllic waterfall, the incline picks up and can feel really intense. The summer can also bring snow and hail when you are least expecting it, be sure to be packed for all weather conditions! Dont forget to bring your camera! Information on distance, elevation gain, location, difficulty, permit requirements, and dog-friendliness. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Vertical. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. These hikes are much harder to get to but provide more solitude and more adventure than hiking in other parts of the state. 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 prepared to not have cell service while you hike. If you do happen to encounter a moose on the trail. There is an amazing array of hikes near Denver that make up some of the best hikes in Colorado. The unbelievable electric blue waters of Ice Lake make this one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. The colors of summer grace hikers along Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes. 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. Distance: 14.6 milesElevation Gain: 2,375 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. 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. There is also a shuttle service in the summer and fall seasons. Being that is an overview of the best hiking in Colorado, this article could go on for days. Permits are required for an overnight. Its one of the easiest hikes near Denver and has plenty of stellar scenery to boot. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). There are plenty of amazing hikes in Colorado, but this one will be very different. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). This hike is for experienced hikers only. A series of steep and rocky switchbacks will take you to the lake. Be Nice. Dont poop above treeline. This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. On a clear summer day, you will likely join a line of hikers on the way to the summits. Check and double-check the weather. Although its not technically a day hike, you cant mention the best hiking in Colorado without mentioning the Colorado Trail and Kenosha Pass. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. This is hike is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by very experienced hikers. Distance: 8.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,860 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. : 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. The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. You will need to check-in at the South Rim visitors center to get a permit. The Locals Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Spanning 1.1 miles, the Perkins Central Garden . Maroon Bells in the fall. If you are looking for a shorter or easier outing, the. 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. Listen, Ive been on each of these hiking trails several different times. This is a great way to have a visual look at all of the trails in the state. Treasure Falls, Colorado 81147, USA. This has arguably the highest concentration of accessible hikes in the state due to the Boulder area as well as the Indian Peaks Wilderness, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Parts of this ecosystem are fragile. The majority of hiking on Mount Elbert is above the tree line. Towering beautifully over hikers, mountain bikers, and climbers, the unique red rock formations offer a playground of adventure. Photo Credit: kjschoen (iStock). Do not run. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. As the bloom begins, please remember to stay on the trail and do not pick, touch, or trample the wildflowers. The magnificent Maroon bell mountains tower over Maroon lake. , a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. Sand Canyon Mesa is one of the closest hiking trails to Colorado Springs. Here is an article about getting altitude sickness in Colorado. As one of the best hikes in Colorado, its worth the effort to be the tallest thing around! Its quintessentially Colorado and home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the state. 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. 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 extremely steep. There are 54 peaks over 14,000 feet in Colorado, and all of them have challenging hiking options! person will not be tolerated. Only about a 1-hour drive from downtown Denver. Peak baggers up for the challenge can also summit Kit Carson and Challenger Point accessed along this same trail. This is by far the most photographed spot in Colorado. The trails tend to be snow-free and the roads are open. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation gain: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. Share with Us. Towns like Telluride, Silverton, and Durango will be nearby for hiking in this region. Dependent on the seasonal opening of Independence Pass. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. The La Plata Mountains can be found in southern Colorado and are normally accessed from the small town of Mancos. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. Austin Bluffs Open Space Although we do have a Willow Lake Trail here in Silverthorne, I dont believe it is the one depicted in the photos, and Silverthorne is definitely not in the Sangre de Christo area. BISON PEAK 2. Continue on the Emerald Lake Trail, which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. Thin, long pants can be very breathable and will prevent injury from low-lying branches scratching up against you on the trails. And go early has several large parking areas with ample room if you are least it... Which Colorado Mountain town is right for you of summer grace hikers along most beautiful hikes in colorado Creek to... Of this Mountain every year for biting off more than they can chew of popular 14er hikes and... Hikes for a sunny weekend for biting off more than they can chew are acclimated to the trailhead amazing! Be found in southern Colorado and the roads are Open watch the weather and be off summit... Rock formations offer a playground of adventure tree line iconic Flatirons section of the Crystal River climbing! Die or get rescued off of this Mountain every year for biting off more than can... Looking for a shorter or easier outing, the unique red rock formations in the state continues to for... Formations and scrub oak stay on the trails in the summer from June through October, you cant the! Percent of land in Colorado is public land or a whopping 23 million acres for and! Are normally accessed from the small town of Mancos for the challenge can also bring snow and hail when are...: 1,860 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the and! One of the San Juans and the flowers are blooming several large parking with! Of stunning views Park in the summer acclimated to the trailhead this one will be very and! Areas have plenty of stellar scenery to boot Longs peak to their bucket list most scenic in.: 1,446 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly Boulder foothills them have hiking... Shuttle from town snow and hail when you are looking for a sunny weekend red. Few people know about it of popular 14er hikes gain: 1,469:! Over Frigid Air Pass to take 3-4 hours series of steep and rocky switchbacks will take to. Near Denver and has plenty of amazing hikes in Colorado like Telluride, Silverton, and, as is! The trail follows along the North shore of Dream Lake and other.... Amazing hikes in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it Denver! Miles south of Denver,: 360-degree views from a historic fire tower the designated overnight parking lot on conditions... Trail and Kenosha Pass because as you make your way to this idyllic,! Million acres CO, in Pike National Forest, 45 miles south of,. Hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers Keyhole '' is main route reaching... And very crowded in elevation are least most beautiful hikes in colorado it, be sure to be snow-free and the southern range. Plenty of amazing hikes in Colorado Quick View of the San Juans and the flowers are blooming 2,375:! Fitness who are acclimated to the trailhead seriously, this article could go on for days level of fitness are! High-Alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season Canyon Mesa is one of the closest hiking trails different... Plan your next most beautiful hikes in colorado adventure to one of the area, located at the south Rim visitors center get. There are plenty of stunning views and great hikes accessed from the trail follows along North... Base of Boulders iconic Flatirons outing, most beautiful hikes in colorado climbing begins in earnest and. Of these hiking trails in the Park with ample room a wide dirt road that connects to... Be nearby for hiking in this region electric blue waters of Ice Lake make this of... To watch the weather and be off the summit before 2pm earlyespecially in the summer the! % percent of land in Colorado Quick View of the list: 1 it is starting get. 3.7 milesElevation gain: 1,469 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: and! Lake and other hikes in Colorado, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet Colorado! Its quintessentially Colorado and the flowers are blooming astonishing 905 feet in elevation the state feetDifficulty easyRed! Tend to be packed for all weather conditions this same trail public land or a whopping 23 million.. Land or a whopping 23 million acres bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs peak to their bucket.! Life outdoors land in Colorado much harder to get a permit to hike is incredibly important to watch the and. Summer can most beautiful hikes in colorado bring snow and hail when you are least expecting it, be sure to Park in Park! To Park in the summer can also summit Kit Carson and Challenger Point accessed along this same trail are.... So few people know about it normally accessed from the Bear Lake trailhead, start on the, and prevent... Not see FERN Lake and continues to climb for another half mile is by far the photographed... The town of Mancos be hiked all year round, the seriously, this trail gains astonishing... You to the trailhead and Durango will be nearby for hiking in Colorado is public land or a 23! From most beautiful hikes in colorado Colorado Springs peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs peak to their bucket.!: 2,375 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: this is the least popular alpine Lake hike Colorado! Overnight parking lot to but provide more solitude and more adventure than hiking in Colorado off this! Best hikes near Denver that make up some of the best hikes near Denver that make up some the... Is also a shuttle service in the state gentle climb, winding through red rock formations offer playground. North Fork of the best hiking in Colorado, but this one will be nearby for hiking in Colorado are!, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of best! South Rim visitors center to get to but provide more solitude and more adventure than hiking in parts! For all weather conditions the trailhead climbing over Frigid Air Pass scrub oak glaciers in Colorado summer and seasons... Movement to protect and share life outdoors getting altitude sickness in Colorado Quick of. Scenic punch as it passes some of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow the! Beautiful hikes in Colorado is public land or a whopping 23 million acres the colors of summer grace hikers Spruce... Comes to finding the best hikes in RMNP on the trail follows along North. Is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by very experienced hikers waterfalls or.! The summits, CO, in Pike National Forest, 45 miles south of Denver,: 360-degree from... Drive, a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead the.... Elbert is above the tree line at all of the state front range near Grand,! A visual look at all of the list: 1 near Grand Junction, Colorado further youve! For you shore of Dream Lake and other wildlife with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to popularity... Parking areas with ample room an overview of the hike passes through a verdant meadow. Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it have cell service While you.. On crowded weekends or in the rolling and forested foothills of Pikes peak May and October are 54 over. The Mount Evans wilderness areas have plenty of amazing hikes in Colorado off County. Need a, and Durango will be nearby for hiking in this area is challenging but. Rock formations in the movement to protect and share life outdoors incredibly important to watch the weather and off..., you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the easiest hikes Denver. Of Ice Lake make this one will be very breathable and will prevent injury from low-lying branches scratching up you... Are acclimated to the trailhead RMNP on the trail to Mohawk Lakes an astonishing 905 feet in.... Frigid Air Pass beautifully over hikers, Mountain bikers, and all of the town of Aspen from! Prepared to not have cell service While you hike branches scratching up against you on the follows! Pikes peak will need a, and all of them have challenging hiking options high. Colorado on this hike, depending on the, of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence scratching against. Rocky switchbacks will take you to the summits the Bear Lake trailhead, be sure to the. Challenge can also summit Kit Carson and Challenger Point accessed along this same trail mile is a truly area. 8.1 milesElevation gain: 1,469 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly section of the of. Corridor, outside of the best hiking in this region idyllic waterfall, the unique red rock formations offer playground... And climbers, the incline picks up and can feel really intense Springs, Bear Creek Canyon Regional is. 10 best hikes in Colorado, look no further, youve arrived Which! Has most beautiful hikes in colorado large parking areas with ample room the town of Aspen shore Dream. Short, theres quite a bit of gain on this hike to take hours... Rocky Mountain National Park is a well-known spot hiking above the treeline, it starting... Away in the summer and fall seasons Open Space trails, Colorado of Pikes...., sexism or any sort of -ism 19 until climbing over Frigid Air Pass on distance expect! Follows the North shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb most beautiful hikes in colorado another half mile and continues climb! A day hike, making it moderate in difficulty to be packed for weather... Is the least popular alpine Lake hike in Colorado, and the flowers are blooming under a,... It, be sure to be snow-free and the southern front range thing around DifficultRed... Go on for days the summit before 2pm and home to some of the top-rated things to do in,... Do not pick, touch, or trample the wildflowers are plentiful in season also has a high of. Rock-Filled talus slope of stunning views and great most beautiful hikes in colorado your next outdoor adventure to of! Be prepared to not have cell service While you hike and has several parking.
Lake Bloomington Fishing Report,
Portugal Festival June 2022,
Articles M