Photo Credit: Adam-Springer (iStock). Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. According to the National Park Service, Star Dune hikers should plan for a five-hour round trip. 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. For example, if you were flying in from sea level, it would be dangerous to try and hike a 14er the next morning. The first mile of the trail climbs, at times steeply, through sparse forests that become progressively thinner as you climb. The road is rather rocky and a 44 car is recommended. Photo Credit: eschuette1. Due to the low level of difficulty and its proximity to Denver, this hike can get very popular. The incredibly large region of the San Juan mountains includes some of the highest and most rugged hiking in the state. other alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. Be sure to check road conditions. Location: Northern front range. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. that is degrading to another person. 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. Generally speaking, the high country is referred to as the area at 9,000 feet and above. One of the best times to go is for the July wildflower bloom. Popular hiking trails include the Garden of the Gods Loop, Rocks and Vistas Garden of the Gods, Susan G. Bretag and Palmer Loop, and Siamese Twins Loop. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Mt. 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. Its rugged and long and is only hike on this list that requires a helmet. Theres something iconic about the sprawling Sawatch Range. The hike also starts off relatively easy and that gets progressively more intense once you get past Little Causeway Lake and the Chinese Wall. 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. Storms come in quickly and the weather changes on a dime here. Its $25 to enter the park. A popular trail in this area is Seven Bridges Trail which is a 3.8 mile trail that is moderately difficult. Here are a few must-do hikes in the area. This road is only open in the summer months. From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. Photo Credit: James Walton. The hike then loops back north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the Crater Lake Trail. 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. Location: Start of the I-70 corridor. This hike is mostly on the valley floor, passing multiple lakes on the way to the final pair of the Chicago lakes. From Bluebell Road, turn onto the Royal Arch Trail. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. The trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, which is tucked under the rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop. Evans. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Dont underestimate the difficulty of this route. Micro-spikes and snowshoes can be necessary during the winter months (October-April). Whether youre looking for hikes to a waterfall, a secluded walk in the woods, or a full day adventure up a 14er, there are endless options for all levels of hiking experiences. Snowshoes can be helpful after heavy snowfall. Maroon Bells, near Aspen, are two of Colorado's most famous mountains and are well known for their views. Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Legal Notice | Terms Of Use, Top 10 Ridge Scrambles in Colorado That Are Exhilarating, Colorado Trail Gear List: What To Bring In Your Backpack, 15+ Best Hikes In Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 4.6 milesElevation gain: 213 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. At just over 6 miles round-trip and located about a 90-minute drive from Denver, this peak is one of the more accessible 14ers in the state. : Breckenridge, CO, in the Arapaho National Forest, 88 miles southwest of Denver, Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. 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. Summer thunderstorms are very common on Mount Elbert and can prove to be fatal. The city has narrowed down a new nature center in this area. Check and double-check the weather. Sneffels is a Telluride classic and is one of the 14ers in the area. As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. 3. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 1,033 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Parts of this ecosystem are fragile. Crestone Peak and the Crestone Needle, two of Colorados most famous 14ers (peaks above 14,000 feet high), create a beautifully dramatic backdrop. This area will encompass Denver north to Fort Collins with hikes that are accessible from the eastern urban corridor. Be sure to check with the local land manager for the most current trail conditions. Hiking weather in Colorado is incredibly variable and can change at any time. Rapid weather changes can be expected on this high altitude trek. 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. The trail starts mellow and quickly builds up to steep elevation gains. Quick rainstorms and thunderstorms are also not uncommon up in the high country. From Grays, continue down the north ridge across the saddle between the two peaks to climb Torreys. For more information about hiking in the Boulder area, check out our article on the best hikes in Boulder. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the. Plan on resting more and drinking water often. Winding through spectacular wildflower meadows, scenic beauty awaits hikers and backpackers. This is an amazing hike in the San Juans that features two incredibly blue and green lakes that are surrounded by towering peaks. Distance: 7.5 milesElevation gain: 2,782 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs allowed on a leash. If you are looking for some of the most dramatic mountain views in the United States, the San Juans are the place to be. Explore the most popular trails in my list 101 most beautiful hikes in colorado with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Photo Credit: Savannah Hodge. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the Dream Lake Trail. There are several parking areas located along Gold Camp Road and while none are very large, you will have a few lots to choose from. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle). This is my favorite place to take out-of-town visitors on a scenic jaunt. Photo: Jeff Richards. Journey into the high country, climbing the state's second-highest peak Mount Massive. Hikers can bag four peaks in a single day trek including Mount Bross (14,172 feet), Mount Lincoln (14,286 feet), Mount Cameron (14,238 feet) and Mount Democrat (14,148 feet). Royal Arch is one of the most popular local trails, and provides some of the best views in the area! For natural beauty and serenity, make the steep more than 14-mile trek to Lone Eagle Peak. You won't be disappointed with this hike; especially if you love the wildflowers. Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Colorado is known for its snow-capped mountains and breathtaking landscapes. This is probably the most popular 14er hike in the Denver region. When it comes to finding the best hikes in Colorado, look no further, youve arrived. Please be sure to visit the RMNP website for more information on the current permitting process for parking and entrance to the park. With two large enclosed dog parks, a beautiful pond and fountain, as well as sand volleyball courts, this park truly has something for everyone. As I was researching lodging near Estes Park, CO, for our 6th trip to hike Rocky Mountain National Park, I came across this list. You can also access one of the best hikes in Colorado from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead and then set off from there. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. Austin Bluffs Open Space 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. (Stan Behal/Toronto Sun/Postmedia . The hike to Grays, and then onto Torreys gains a total of 3,479 feet in a little over four miles, following a section of the Continental Divide Trail. 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. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. Also, try and do this trek after a rain so that the waterfall looks rad. For the best experience, try visiting any time between May and October. If you can make it to the upper TH, youll knock off about 1,000 feet of gain and 3-ish miles of hiking round trip. Don't Threaten. Dog-friendly. One such hike is the Ice Lake Trail which takes hikers on a 3.7-mile journey through beautiful trees to the lake, which has a mesmerizing blue color. You have permission to edit this collection. There are many different items one should bring hiking while in Colorado. Its quintessentially Colorado and home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the state. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. The rock formations are spectacular, and there is so much to see in a short distance. There are two main lakes to visit on the ice lake basin trail hike. Its one of the easiest hikes near Denver and has plenty of stellar scenery to boot. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. The final climb is very rocky, and the going will be slow, but topping out at the official summit marker is well worth the effort. You'll find this 3.2-mile out-and-back adventure hidden right off of Monarch Pass. However, theres plenty to see here. If you are searching for a first-time hike or are visiting the park for a single day, look no further than the hike to Emerald Lake. This 737-acre city park offers more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. Fall is one of the best times to hike in Colorado. The 14,148-foot summit of Democrat is often considered the most strenuous to climb. A quick look at what to pack for your Colorado hike. 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. 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. If you are planning to do the hike as a quick overnight backpacking trip, you will need a, , and all visitors will need to pay the small fee to park at the, on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. Difficulty: Easy. ROYAL ARCH TRAIL 1. On a clear day you can see Longs Peak from Boulder and from some of the Denver suburbs. 2. Join once, enjoy forever. Looking for a bit of a challenge while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park? Related: The Locals Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. Therefore, hikers now have to pay $10 to enter 36 state parks in Colorado including Staunton, Roxborough, Golden Gate Canyon, and Saint Vrain. If you can, try to time your visit between late May and early June since this is when the waterfall is at its best. Towards the summit there may be a few rocky sections, be on the lookout for loose rocks. Peak baggers up for the challenge can also summit Kit Carson and Challenger Point accessed along this same trail. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Chad DuBois). Bridal Veil Falls are the highest free-falling waterfalls in Colorado, at 365 feet high. The lookout is accessible when staffed (typically mid-May through mid-September), and hikers can climb the 143 stairs up the side of Devils Head to the tower to enjoy jaw-dropping views of the Front Range and the Rocky Mountains. , a short loop off the main paved path that leads to the base of the Sleeping Giant rock formation. Getting there is fairly easy with a relatively short hike that passes through twoother alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. It covers more than 39,000 miles of trails on public land, as well as private land with public access. 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. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). This large area will include hiking near the popular ski resorts of Colorado. Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. Dogs and fishing are also not allowed. 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. Probably the most beautiful hiking trails in the state a small Lake with Lone Eagle Peak the... Photo Credit most beautiful hikes in colorado hiking Project Contributor Chad DuBois ) easiest hikes near Denver and has of. 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