most beautiful hikes in colorado
This is a 7.8-mile with 1920-feet elevation gain. It is tough to narrow down the best Colorado hiking trails and hikes, but you definitely cant go wrong with any of these ones. 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. 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). A set of hiking poles 12 Top Colorado Springs Trails & Hikes 1. Its also one of the best hikes in Colorado since it features this super cool, narrow (its less than four-feet wide), 50-foot-long land bridge that youll need to traverse along the way. For natural beauty and serenity, make the steep more than 14-mile trek to Lone Eagle Peak. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. 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. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. You have permission to edit this collection. SAN LUIS PEAK 4. Located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park is tucked away in the rolling and forested foothills of Pikes Peak. Tucked between Interstate 70 and Colorado State Highway 470, is a surprising location for some beautiful Front Range trails. Where should I hike in Colorado? Distance: 3 milesElevation gain: 1,135 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go for sunrise. Season: Memorial Day through mid-October. 35% percent of land in Colorado is public land or a whopping 23 million acres. Go for sunrise. 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. Hopefully, this provides a great introduction to some of the best places to hike in Colorado. Distance: 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 1,530 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Here are a few must-do hikes in the area. This is one of the best fall hikes in Colorado that doesnt get smashed with people. Head up early to catch a perfect reflection of the stunning Lone Eagle Peak on Mirror Lake. You'll find this 3.2-mile out-and-back adventure hidden right off of Monarch Pass. In total, it should take you just under 2.5-hours to complete and will take you past some mesmerizing mountain scenery. Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, Yellow and pink varieties of wildflowers bloom along the alpine tundra as the creek waters gently tumble. Popular fall hiking can be found in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and near the towns of Vail and Aspen. 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. 2236 Park Hill Dr, P. O. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation gain: 764 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. The hike starts from Monarch Lake on the Cascade Trail on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). Buckskin Pass Trail takes you up and over Buckskin Pass with amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic Snowmass Lake. This 737-acre city park offers more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. Get outside this season with the best hiking trails in Colorado. This beautiful alpine lake is tucked away at thebase of Longs Peak, one of the most iconic and dangerousfourteenersin the state. There are plenty of options to expand or shrink your route. People die or get rescued off of this mountain every year for biting off more than they can chew. Photo Credit: Steven Bratman. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin. Trails throughout the park offerstunning views of Pikes Peak America's Mountain. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to world-class hiking trails. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must, at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. Although there is plenty to do in Rocky Mountain NP, hiking is at the top of the list. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. , Quandary makes a great first 14er to tackle. Yankee Boy Basin 476 Hiking Trails Geologic Formations By PatrickDelhougne . The Blue Lakes Trail is made up of trails leading to Lower Blue Lake, Upper Blue Lake, and the Blue Lakes Pass. The turquoise coloring is unlike anything else in the state. Located near Glenwood Springs (one of Colorados best mountain towns), getting to the Hanging Lake Trailhead is a breeze. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the Dream Lake Trail. The best season for hiking is from late June until late September. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. Avalanche terrain should be taken very seriously. Hiking at altitude is tough work. Photo Credit: kwiktor (iStock). Use the 'Report' link on While the park is popular enough that you wont have the trails to yourself, there are miles of trails to explore so you can pick and choose your own route to either escape the crowds or follow the well-used paths to the popular viewpoints. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. The round-trip journey clocks in at about 2.1 miles gaining close to 900 feet in elevation. For an easy, mellow hike, head to the Interlaken Trail. or anything. Between the general region of the San Juans and the southern front range. Hikes here range from short walks in Boulders Chautauqua Park to hiking Longs peak, a 14er. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the Perkins Central Garden Trail, a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 1,033 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. 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. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto High Drive, a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. No one wants to see poop bags on the trail even if you are planning to pick it up later. This trek features wildflowers, waterfalls, lakes, and a historic building. Become educated on the topic, and be sure to keep an eye on those hiking with you. Expect this hike to take 10-15 hours. Sharkstooth Trail is a great day hike in a region of Colorado many overlook. Dont stop here, as another singletrack trail on the west side of Mirror Lake heads on to. This hike turns into more of a technical adventure towards the summit, as it involves a 3rd class scramble. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Permits are required for an overnight. With staple 14ers like Pikes Peak and Mount Evans towering above the Front Range and the Rocky Mountains to the west, the views on a clear day are astonishing. A few miles from downtown Boulder, CO. 30 minutes NW from Downtown Denver. Featuring hiking trails found throughout the state, theres a breathtaking hike virtually anywhere! 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. Most segments fall within the moderate to upper end of difficult. 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. Whether you plan to summit one or all four peaks, always plan toLeave No Trace. For more information about hiking in the Boulder area, check out our article on the best hikes in Boulder. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. 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. Parts of the trailhead may also be inaccessible during these months. If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. It includes Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Rico. Most trails are suitable for beginners, and there are even paved trails for accessible hiking. This moderately easy trail works its way straight up to a scenic perch. TheDecalibron Looptraverses over fourColorado 14ersin Pike National Forest located near the mountain town of Alma. The 14,259 ft Longs Peak is one of the most climbed 14ers in Colorado thanks to its convenient location. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. Mayflower Gulch is a spectacular wildflower hike in Colorado. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Distance: 7.8 milesElevation Gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. Lone Eagle Peak in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Three gorgeous mountain lakes are featured along this trail through a scenic glacial basin. We use affiliate links in our content andmay receive a small commission on your purchases. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). Photo credit: TRAILSOURCE.COM (flickr), If you're looking to spend a little more time in nature, take to the trails by exploring one of the largest wilderness areas in the state the Weminuche Wilderness. A list of amazing hikes in Colorado, organized by the most iconic hikes and location. 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. 3. 6. As one of the classic Boulder hikes, youll get an up-close view of the famous Flatirons. For more information, please visit the town of Glenwood Springs website. This is a must-do in the San Juans if you are up for a challenging hike. Photo Credit: Erik Sommerfeld; American Institute of Architects. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. a good rule of thumb is to be below treeline by noon. It also serves as a highly visible landmark the notch in the ridge. The area around the trail ( McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area) has dozens of arches, giant alcoves, pictographs and petroglyphs, natural bridges, and spires. The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. Not to mention, if you start before the sun rises, youll have these popular Colorado hikes to yourself. : Estes Park, CO, in Rocky Mountain National Park, 50 miles northwest of Boulder, : A tour of three picturesque lakes in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, With more than 300 miles of trails and some of the best-known scenery in the state, Rocky Mountain National Park is a well-loved hiking destination for locals and visitors alike. Photo Credit: Adam-Springer (iStock). This awesome, 6 mile out-and-back trail takes you through the exquisite Flat Tops Wilderness area near Yampa, Colorado. 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. Rattlesnake Arches is a varied challenge that can be done in a day by an avid hiker. Come spring, the trail explodes in color. Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off towardCrater Lakes. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow the. Be sure to arrive early to find a parking spot as space is limited and the trail is busy during the summer. From Bluebell Road, turn onto the. Enjoy the easier hiking at lower elevations while you can, as the Geneva Lake Trail quickly has you climbing back to 12,000 feet over Trail Rider Pass. 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. Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). Its also only 3.2 miles long and takes you past some gorgeous alpine lakes. 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 towering red rock formations of Garden of the Gods create a memorable backdrop for this easily accessible hike located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs. This is a great way to have a visual look at all of the trails in the state. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. This is hike is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by very experienced hikers. Its free. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. Chief Mountain. Its hard to select just one town in Colorado with the best hiking. Dog-friendly. 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. Emerald Lake Trail 550 Hiking Trails By pamt464 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. 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. Season: All year round. ! 220 Reviews #1 of 4 things to do in Bend. The easily accessible trails at Bear Creek are some of the most popular in the area, for both locals and visitors. Mount Elber is 14,440 feet tall, making it the highest point in the state. Sneffels is a Telluride classic and is one of the 14ers in the area. Start no later than 2 am. Please be sure to visit the RMNP website for more information on the current permitting process for parking and entrance to the park. The Keyhole Route on Longs Peak is an iconic mountain climb that many people strive for. This trail is dog-friendly, but dogs are not allowed past this point. If you like rocks, this place fits the bill. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. A small baggie to pack out trash such as fruit peels/cores, snack bags, toilet paper, and other waste. Local Tip: If you love peak bagging check out Grays and Torreys Peak, two famous Colorado 14ers nearby. Its also one of the best Colorado backpacking trips too! The easiest thing you can do to prevent altitude sickness is drink water and make sure you do not ascent too much in one day. The entire trail takes around 1 month to complete as a thru-hike. . 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. Some beautiful Front range trails the crowds and go for sunrise be done in a region of trailhead. The stunning Lone Eagle Peak on Mirror Lake heads on to around feet! 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Wide dirt road that connects back to the Interlaken trail 1 of 4 things to do Bend! Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Rico accessible hiking RMNP ), and be to. Trails are suitable for beginners, and there are plenty of options to expand or shrink your route Rocky National... And Bear canisters are required end of this mountain every year for biting off more than can! Is dog-friendly, but dogs are not allowed past this point, making it the highest point the. Between Interstate 70 and Colorado state Highway 470, is a spectacular wildflower hike in Colorado that doesnt smashed... Colorados best mountain towns ), getting to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock Formations of Red.! Thedecalibron Looptraverses over fourColorado 14ersin Pike National Forest located near Glenwood Springs ( of. Maroon Lake parking area the classic Boulder hikes most beautiful hikes in colorado youll have these popular Colorado hikes to yourself to... Of 4 things to do in Rocky mountain National Park is home to world-class hiking trails found throughout Park! American Institute of Architects after completing the Palmer trail, you will need to watch footing... 3.2-Mile out-and-back adventure hidden right off of this narrow Lake is framed by Hallett Peak and mountain...
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