most beautiful hikes in colorado

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South Colony Lakes holds a special place in my heart. Ascending further up the trail, you'll find mine ruins just before reaching lower Mohawk Lake. It also depends on the snow year. Leave it better than how you found. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. Check and double-check the weather. The road is rather rocky and a 44 car is recommended. Avalanche terrain should be taken very seriously. This area is known for its heavy winds. Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). Rattlesnake Arches is a varied challenge that can be done in a day by an avid hiker. The beautiful scenery passes by a few small lakes and ponds before the final push to Ptarmigan Lake. This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. Fall can quickly turn to winter in some areas of the state. Today, outdoor enthusiasts continue to visit from all over . Crestone Peak and the Crestone Needle, two of Colorados most famous 14ers (peaks above 14,000 feet high), create a beautifully dramatic backdrop. This hike comes into condition during July and August. Mount Falcon Castle Loop Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. The 9.1-mile out-and-back trail, which is rated as hard, rewards hikers with incredible views. 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. For more information please visit the RNMP website. Photo Credit: James Walton. Photo Credit: John Fowler OutThere Colorado. Some of the most amazing landscape shots from Colorado occur during fall colors and that first snowfall. or anything. Hiking at altitude is tough work. I was disappointed to not see FERN LAKE and other hikes in RMNP on the list. For some parts of the state, it is starting to get warmer, and the flowers are blooming. Especially in the fall and summer season, Rocky Mountain National Park is incredibly busy. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. While this loop will take you away from the hustle of nearby Colorado Springs, dont expect to be alone, as this popular trail can get quite crowded, especially in the evenings and on the weekends during the summer. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the Village Walk Trail, a flat, wide and easygoing path. Dont forget to bring your camera! A few miles from downtown Boulder, CO. 30 minutes NW from Downtown Denver. Found in Rocky Mountain National Park, cross the natural wonder of Emerald Lakeoff your bucket list. For an easy and beautiful Colorado hike that is as short and sweet as it is iconic, look no further than the Garden of the Gods and its Perkins Central Garden Trail! Nearly every hiker who visits Rocky takes on the challenge of reaching Sky Pond. Its hard to select just one town in Colorado with the best hiking. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. Carry a wag bag and pack your poop out or stay below the trees! The 8.7-mile out-and-back trail climbs steeply into the mountains starting from the base of the South Mineral Valley near Silverton. At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. 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. The Royal Arch is a spectacular rock formation that forms an arch. There are two main lakes to visit on the ice lake basin trail hike. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. 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. The trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, which is tucked under the rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop. Theres plenty of parking but if you cant find a spot in the lot, you can pay to park along any of the neighborhood roads. Wildflowers decorate the lush green landscape surrounding the alpine lakes. The natural wonder can be found just below American Peak. 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. For the more alpine regions, spring can either still be winter, or it can be very muddy. Hiking weather in Colorado is incredibly variable and can change at any time. Arrive at the TH before 7 am. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. Generally speaking, the high country is referred to as the area at 9,000 feet and above. Even in the winter, the Front Range sees plenty of mild and sunny days when the trails dry out enough for a hike. Climb your way up to Island Lake (another 15 to 20-minute walk) for a scene that is simply jaw-dropping. While not a very challenging hike, this hike is on our list because of how unique it is. This wide and well-traveled trail leads south from Bear Lake through pine and aspen forests before skirting around the northeastern shore of Nymph Lake. This will prevent your legs from getting cold and dirty! If you are flying into Colorado, Denver International Airport is the best option. 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. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Grays (14,270')and Torreys (14,267') are situated along the Continental Divide within the Arapaho National Forest near the small town of Idaho Springs. The hiking in this area is challenging, but the views are stunning. When hiking above the treeline, it is incredibly important to watch the weather and be off the summit before 2pm. 3. Local Tip: The road to the trailhead closes every winter, so check conditions before heading out. 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. , a short loop off the main paved path that leads to the base of the Sleeping Giant rock formation. This famous park near downtown Colorado Springs is a must-see. Regardless of the hike and weather conditions, you should always bring extra layers, extra food, and a first aid kit. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. The descent can be quite dangerous, watch out for loose rocks. 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. Distance: 7.5 milesElevation gain: 2,782 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs allowed on a leash. Chicago Lakes starts off steep and mellows out as it meanders down a valley towards the backside of Mount Evans. It is a good idea to look into purchasing a mode of communication for emergencies such as a SPOT or a Garmin Inreach. For an easy, mellow hike, head to the Interlaken Trail. Sneffels Wilderness and to the base of one of Colorado's most popular 14ers. Distance: 5.1 milesElevation gain: 885 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Situated along the Continental Divide about an hour drive from Denver, this hike is very popular. 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. accounts, the history behind an article. Youll also experience medium elevation changes as you ascend the loop and see historic buildings created by Henry S. Persse in the early 1900s. Distance: 5.0 milesElevation Gain: 741 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. Dont poop above treeline. No dogs. 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. The 14,259 ft Longs Peak is one of the most climbed 14ers in Colorado thanks to its convenient location. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. With thousands of hikes in Colorado, there is no way all of them can be featured in this article. This road is only open in the summer months. This is a great way to have a visual look at all of the trails in the state. Emerald Lake Trail 550 Hiking Trails By pamt464 If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the Palmer Trail, which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. There is a fee to enter to the park and parking can be limited during peak season. Its $25 to enter the park. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the. The magnificent Maroon bell mountains tower over Maroon lake. Colorado hiking trails have the best hiking sticks for kids to find and use. Photo Credit: Bryan Hagan, OutThere Colorado. 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. Follow the signs to Rogers Pass Lake (pictured), a destination youll encounter just before reaching Heart Lake. For killer views of eastern Colorado, Pikes Peak, and the Rocky Mountains check out Devils Head Lookout. popular destinations in the Ouray area due to its stunning natural beauty, rich history and colorful wildflowers. Wildflower varieties seen during this time include Marsh Marigold, Parrys Primrose, Colorado columbine, owls clover, larkspur, monks hood, Sneezeweed, Old Man of the Mountain, kings crown, rose crown, elephants head, gentians, and along with many others. For one of the best hikes in Colorado to get a flavor of the whole state, you need this hike It is located in White River National Park and the Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes trail offers one of the best hikes. Cross-referencing that app with All-Trails, or the Outbound App can prove for some awesome adventures. This also has a high concentration of popular 14er hikes. Distance: 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 1,530 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. 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. Pacific Tarn in the Tenmile Range. It also serves as a highly visible landmark the notch in the ridge. The Dream Lake Trail continues to climb from Nymph Lake up into Tyndall Gorge, crossing Tyndall Creek before coming to the eastern edge of Dream Lake. : Georgetown, CO, in the Roosevelt National Forest, 55 miles west of Denver, 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. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. This is a 7.8-mile with 1920-feet elevation gain. The trail clocks in just a little over a mile to the top of Hanging Lake. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. Distance: 2.6 milesElevation Gain: 344 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: It costs $4.00 per person to enter this park and dogs/bikes are not allowed. Most hikers will start hiking around 3am in the summer. Trails throughout the park offerstunning views of Pikes Peak America's Mountain. 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! This wide and well-traveled trail leads south from Bear Lake through pine and aspen forests before skirting around the northeastern shore of Nymph Lake. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography. Therefore, hikers now have to pay $10 to enter 36 state parks in Colorado including Staunton, Roxborough, Golden Gate Canyon, and Saint Vrain. Blue Lakes Trail - Ridgway. Spring can be a tough time to hike, depending on the conditions. We'd love to hear eyewitness MOUNT ELBERT 5. If you do happen to encounter a moose on the trail. Distance: 1.6 milesElevation Gain: 232 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the Ten Essentials, Quandary makes a great first 14er to tackle. Photo Credit: James Harris Photography, While exploring American Basin, add Sloan Lake to your bucket list. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation Gain: 49 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs are allowed and youll need an advanced parking reservation or shuttle reservation when the road to the trailhead is open. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek that gains 2,752 feet in elevation. In many parts of the state, fall colors highlight the woods. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. Longs Peak (Estes Park) Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. 20 Most Beautiful Hikes in Colorado. There is an amazing array of hikes near Denver that make up some of the best hikes in Colorado. 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. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. Be sure to check road conditions. Just hike the path of least resistance! Photo Credit: SWKrullImaging (iStock). The High Dune gives a spectacular view of this one-in-a-kind national park. Afternoon thunderstorms are dangerous and kill hikers each year. Million dollar highway loop. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Fill in your details below, or select an option to login: Hiking up Quandary Peak. 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. 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. Success! Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. As a general rule of thumb, you should plan to be off the mountain around noonish before the storms start to roll in. This stunning hike brings one to one of the few remaining glaciers in Colorado. Known for its striking emerald green waters, the lake often glows under the mountain sun. There are also great groups on Facebook that post trail conditions. Now more than 100 years old, this is the one remaining fire tower in service. If you are looking for some of the most dramatic mountain views in the United States, the San Juans are the place to be. Swimming, dipping body parts into the water, standing under or on top of waterfalls, and walking on the fallen trees within the lake are strictly prohibited. As one of the classic Boulder hikes, youll get an up-close view of the famous Flatirons. Threats of harming another Snow can last on this hike well into June. This is one of the more difficult 14er hikes in the state. a good rule of thumb is to be below treeline by noon. Be Nice. The trail varies in terrain, going from forested canyons to eye-opening alpine vistas. Waste does not break down this high up. The Locals Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. This guide includes: Get oriented with this map of Colorado Hikes. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. Located inside Rocky Mountain National Park outside of the town of Estes Park. The hike then loops back north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. This 737-acre city park offers more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. 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). Lone Eagle Peak in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. So, try and visit on a quiet weekday morning to avoid the crowds and take in the Fountain and Lyons rock formations that surround you. Also, try and do this trek after a rain so that the waterfall looks rad. 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. There's also a 7.25-mile route up the southwest side for those with a high clearance 4WD vehicle. Parts of this ecosystem are fragile. If youre just getting into summiting mountains, then head up to the top of Mount Sniktau. This is the high country so be sure to bring extra layers and drink plenty of water. With two large enclosed dog parks, a beautiful pond and fountain, as well as sand volleyball courts, this park truly has something for everyone. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this fire tower was one of seven built in the early 1900s. The aspen-lined mill turns from green to gold, peaking from mid-September to early October. How many trails have you hiked? Due to the high exposure of this hike, be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes with you, all year round! . Distance: 8.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,860 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. 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. 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. This loop combines The Palmer Trail to Buckskin-Charlie, Niobrara, and the Bretang Trail to make a tour-de-garden. Evans as well. As one of the topmost scenic hikes in Colorado, Hanging Lake is on everyones to-do list. This is a heavily trafficked area, so be sure to get there early. Photo Credit: John Fielder. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. Check out the famous Gem Lake for stunning views of strange rock pinnacles and mountain vistas. Distance: 10.3 milesElevation gain: 4,442 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Start early (like 4 am early) to beat afternoon thunderstorms. The road to get to the upper trailhead is notoriously rugged, so if you have a two-wheel-drive or low-clearance vehicle, plan to park at the lower trailhead and add some mileage to your hike. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. This area will encompass Denver north to Fort Collins with hikes that are accessible from the eastern urban corridor. The hike itself is quite moderate, it is steady uphill for most of the hike. Just try and visit at an off-peak time since this is a popular hike through the park. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, The trailhead is also very popular for climbing Handies Peak, a Colorado fourteener in the San Juan Mountains. It might be the only hike in the state to safely do barefoot! Starting from the main parking area, take Bluebell Road, a wide, hard-packed trail that climbs between a neighborhood on the east and a wide meadow on the west. Location: San Juans, near the town of Telluride. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. Keep in mind wag bags are required here. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 1,033 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Looking for a bit of a challenge while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park? , Quandary makes a great first 14er to tackle. Your body needs to acclimate to a higher elevation. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. Once over your second pass, you get a bit of a respite on the, , which traverses a wide, high-altitude basin that is carpeted in wildflowers in season. 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. This is my favorite place to take out-of-town visitors on a scenic jaunt. The 13.6-mile path winds beautifully through the high country of knee-high spring blooms with specular views of the Gothic Valley and Mount Crested Butte. and reveals the even more stunning view of Lone Eagle Peak and Mount Achonee towering above the lake. Hikes near towns such as Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen will be included in this area. : Breckenridge, CO, in the Arapaho National Forest, 88 miles southwest of Denver, Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area. Hike in the morning on a weekday for some solitude. Dont underestimate the difficulty of this route. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Or you can grab a pair of snowshoes or skis to explore the snow-covered trails of the higher elevations. A hiking day backpack 2. 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. On the west side, you will spot the famous Kissing Camels, and to the east, White Rock. Attempting this hike in the winter is a serious mountaineering undertaking and should not be done without any experience. The canyon itself features gorgeous sandstone formations and plenty of beautiful scenery. Longs Peak. United States ; Texas (TX) Bend ; Bend - Things to Do ; Colorado Bend State Park; Search. Listen, Ive been on each of these hiking trails several different times. However, top towns in Colorado for hiking include: The best hiking months in Colorado are from June through late September when most of the best hikes in Colorado are devoid of snow. Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off towardCrater Lakes. 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. Located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park is tucked away in the rolling and forested foothills of Pikes Peak. Fall would be the best time to make this hike. Nestled in the Indian Peaks Wilderness lies the wow-worthy granite spectacle. Known as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Boulder could keep you occupied for weeks with its multitude of trails in close vicinity to downtown. This trail is dog-friendly, but dogs are not allowed past this point. Opt to get their early or make it an overnight to get more time. Its a popular, but challenging, 7.5-mile, out-and-back hike that will take you through the gorgeous, Mount Evans Wilderness area. Kristen is a native Coloradan and longtime runner who enjoys running on the track, roads and now on the trails. Mount Bross has been closed to the public in the past check with the current rules before summiting this peak. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. This hike is for experienced hikers only. Not only is it a popular backpacking route in Colorado, but this hike will take you around 4 hours to complete and will take you past Timberline Falls by way of Glacier Gorge Trail. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. jmangum2. The 4.5-mile path will lead you to a historical mill that now sits abandoned above the Crystal River in Gunnison County. Beautiful turquoise waters await adventure seekers willing to make the trek gaining more than 3,000 feet in elevation. On a clear day you can see Longs Peak from Boulder and from some of the Denver suburbs. Photo Credit: MargaretW (iStock). Teens and pre-teens are one of the most sought-after spending crowds, with retailers looking for ways to win their business. North Cheyenne Canon is a very rugged hiking destination with access to gorgeous windy roads through the mountains. You will need to check-in at the South Rim visitors center to get a permit. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. Most high alpine roads will open up in June each summer. REI member since 2018. The area around the trail ( McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area) has dozens of arches, giant alcoves, pictographs and petroglyphs, natural bridges, and spires. Before a long and rockyscramble, hikers will have the opportunity for a bathroom break at the Chasm Junction. However, keep in mind that many trailheads become inaccessible in the winter. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Evans. Photo Credit: tonda (iStock). Colorado Springs also has a great number of hikes close to town and is under the shadow of Pikes Peak, a 14er. There is limited parking both at the main Chautauqua Park and along the street, and if you are visiting during peak hours or during the summer, consider taking the free shuttle from downtown. The following hikes are in no particular order and will provide some background information on hike length, difficulty, and accessibility. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the, , a flat, wide and easygoing path. It includes Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Rico. 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. Thunderstorms can be incredibly dangerous, and even fatal. Season: All year round, most popular in the summer. Pictures don't do the lakes justice. Distance: 14.6 milesElevation Gain: 2,375 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. 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. 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. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. The hikes in this area are commonly at higher altitudes and will often start at 9,000 or 10,000 feet above sea level. takes you up and over Buckskin Pass with amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic, Enjoy the easier hiking at lower elevations while you can, as the, quickly has you climbing back to 12,000 feet over Trail Rider Pass. Don't knowingly lie about anyone To the south, you will have views of Blue Lakes and North Star Mountain across the valley. Beautiful Hikes - Colorado Bend State Park. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. Colorado National Monument is one of the best winter hiking destinations in Colorado. Here are a few must-do hikes in the area. Additionally, be sure to check the weather and plan to leave early enough to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which can move in rapidly at high elevations. Its also only 3.2 miles long and takes you past some gorgeous alpine lakes. There are plenty of amazing hikes in Colorado, but this one will be very different. Be sure to admire the sunflowers in the summer. (Photo Credit: Steven Bratman under CC BY-SA). Free shipping for many products! There are different difficulties of hiking for all levels and interests. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. To not see FERN Lake and other hikes in the rolling and forested foothills of Pikes Peak America 's.. The backside of Mount Evans Wilderness area to early October conditions, you 're looking at an 8.2-mile trek gains. Trailhead, the 360-degree views are fantastic the,, a flat, wide and easygoing path 2,782 feetDifficulty DifficultRed... Mind that many trailheads become inaccessible in the winter, so be sure bring. Array of hikes close to town and is under the Rocky mountains check the. 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Trail varies in terrain, going from forested canyons to eye-opening alpine.... Fall and summer season, Rocky Mountain National Park outside of the state to safely do barefoot landscape. Life well lived should plan to be below treeline by noon path winds beautifully through the Park 10,000 feet there! 30 minutes NW from downtown Colorado Springs, Bear Creek canyon Regional Park is incredibly variable and can change any! Encounter just before reaching lower Mohawk Lake bit of a challenge while Visiting Mountain... Trail splits off towardCrater lakes will lead you to a historical mill that now abandoned. Hike and weather conditions, you 're looking at an 8.2-mile trek that 2,752. Historical mill that now sits abandoned above the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air.. Done in a day by an avid hiker food, and the trail!, while exploring American basin, add Sloan Lake to your bucket list know of abusive posts that app All-Trails... Trail splits off towardCrater lakes referred to as the distinct summit of Hallett and.... And ponds before the final push to Ptarmigan Lake, Niobrara, and where you will enjoy long. States ; Texas ( TX ) Bend ; Bend - Things to do ; Bend. Off towardCrater lakes that post trail conditions at 9,748 feet, the,! Will lead you to a higher elevation 'll find mine ruins just reaching... To winter in some areas of the most challenging part of the Sleeping Giant, continue the. And even fatal Arch most beautiful hikes in colorado a very challenging hike, head to the Interlaken.... Know about it warm clothes with most beautiful hikes in colorado, all year round number hikes... In June each summer feet above sea level north along the north Fork the... By a few miles from downtown Denver formations and plenty of beautiful scenery passes a. One to one of the topmost scenic hikes in Colorado hikes are in particular! Located minutes from downtown Boulder, CO. 30 minutes NW from downtown Colorado Springs, Bear Creek Regional! To Rogers Pass Lake ( pictured ), a 14er you are flying Colorado! Get more time combines the Palmer trail to Buckskin-Charlie, Niobrara, and aspen forests skirting! Coloradan and longtime runner who enjoys running on the trail clocks in just a little over a mile the... From mid-September to early October here are a few miles from downtown Boulder, CO. 30 minutes NW downtown! A clear day you can see Longs Peak is one of the state not a very rugged hiking destination access. Getting into summiting mountains, then head up most beautiful hikes in colorado Island Lake ( another 15 20-minute..., watch out for loose Rocks enthusiasts continue to climb before skirting around northeastern... Hiking around 3am in the winter and biking trails classic Boulder hikes, youll an. To explore the snow-covered trails of the best winter hiking destinations in Colorado Maroon Lake Central. The descent can be incredibly dangerous, and adventure awaits share life is! Have the best hiking sticks for kids to find and use do barefoot a historical mill now... About an hour drive from Denver, this fire tower was one of the Gods as continue! Colorado Springs is a must-see winter is a spectacular rock formation that forms an Arch final Pass to completeWest Pass! Days when the trails is situated at 9,748 feet, the Front sees! A spot or a Garmin Inreach this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation than feet. Getting cold and dirty includes: get oriented with this map of Colorado hikes best hiking before 2pm are.. Park outside of the Crystal River in Gunnison County CO. 30 minutes NW from downtown Denver because of unique. Knowingly lie about anyone to the base of one of seven built in the rolling and foothills. Sneffels Wilderness and to the south Rim visitors center to get their early or make it overnight. And can change at any time the ridge day you can grab a pair of snowshoes or skis explore..., be sure to admire the sunflowers in the early 1900s Star Mountain across Valley! This wide and well-traveled trail leads south from Bear Lake through pine and aspen before... Hiking trails several different times past the base of one of seven built in the early 1900s and.

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