At 14,440 feet of elevation, this is the highest point in all of Colorado. Garden of the Gods is a popular hiking destination located in Colorado Springs. This is a family-friendly hike that should not be missed in Colorado. Sniktau is one of the best sunset hikes in Colorado. Chicago Lakes starts off steep and mellows out as it meanders down a valley towards the backside of Mount Evans. Depends on road conditions and the seasons snowpack. During the summer of 2021 there is a permit system to enter RMNP. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin. Like other 14er hikes, it is very important to start early and end early. (Photos Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Nick Wilder). For an easy, mellow hike, head to the Interlaken Trail. Be Nice. See my guide to hiking Colorado 14ers for more info. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. Join once, enjoy forever. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle). ROYAL ARCH TRAIL 1. With sandstone monoliths, tall peaks, and steep canyons, theres a lot to get exciting about when it comes to hiking in Colorado Springs. GREAT Trail's,been on some of them. As the bloom begins, please remember to stay on the trail and do not pick, touch, or trample the wildflowers. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, American Basin is best explored from mid-July to early August. Elevation: 246 feet. A quick look at what to pack for your Colorado hike. The best times to climb are early morning or mid-evening to avoid heat exhaustion, lightning, and burned feet. 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. Pack out all your trash with you. This is an amazing hike in the San Juans that features two incredibly blue and green lakes that are surrounded by towering peaks. 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. Dont poop above treeline. Dont stop here, as another singletrack trail on the west side of Mirror Lake heads on to. 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. Getting there is fairly easy with a relatively short hike that passes through twoother alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. 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. Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. Buckskin Pass Trail takes you up and over Buckskin Pass with amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic Snowmass Lake. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. If you are traveling in or under avalanche terrain, be sure to be educated on avalanche safety. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. For more information please visit the RNMP website. Distance: 3.1Elevation Gain: 990Difficulty: easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Adding another Colorado 14er combo to the summer bucket list, the Grays and Torreys Trail is packed with both beauty and challenge. 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). 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. No one wants to see poop bags on the trail even if you are planning to pick it up later. There was an error processing your request. Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. Weather, accessibility, hike difficulty, length, and elevation gain are all factors to consider when choosing a hike in Colorado. 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. If you are flying into Colorado, Denver International Airport is the best option. Photo by Michael DeLuca on Flickr: https://flic.kr/p/xqh4Zk. If you are in the area for this hike, it is worth it to drive to the summit of Mt. Grays and Torreys are so commonly hiked together that many refer to the two 14ers inseparably. 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. 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. Here are a few must-do hikes in the area. Distance: 5.1 milesElevation gain: 885 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. I actually bumped into Devils Canyon by accident, but Im glad I found this diamond in the rough. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. Photo Credit: RondaKimbrow (iStock). For some parts of the state, it is starting to get warmer, and the flowers are blooming. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 416 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early. Hike along the seven bridges and check out the beautiful waterfall. Location: For the purpose of this article, this would be in the San Juan section, but Mount Elbert is really in the Sawatch Range. Yankee Boy Basin 476 Hiking Trails Geologic Formations By PatrickDelhougne . In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. There are plenty of hiking trails for all abilities from the parking lot at Chautauqua. This area will encompass Denver north to Fort Collins with hikes that are accessible from the eastern urban corridor. The 14-mile route in Rocky Mountain National Park can be very dangerous, requiring class three climbing with the majority of the route exposed well above treeline. The summer can also bring snow and hail when you are least expecting it, be sure to be packed for all weather conditions! Sneffels Wilderness and to the base of one of Colorado's most popular 14ers. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. The crown jewel of the front range is Longs Peak. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. They are among the most photographed mountains in the country. Please be sure to visit the RMNP website for more information on the current permitting process for parking and entrance to the park. Difficulty: Easy. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation gain: 1,446 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and very crowded. Rocky Mountain National Park is a truly breathtaking area and a great introduction to Colorado. The hike also starts off relatively easy and that gets progressively more intense once you get past Little Causeway Lake and the Chinese Wall. 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. With two large enclosed dog parks, a beautiful pond and fountain, as well as sand volleyball courts, this park truly has something for everyone. Leave it better than how you found. Our great state is home to arguably some of the most spectacular and diverse hikes in the country,. One can hike all year round in Colorado. Difficulty - Easy Distance - 2.3 miles Elevation gain - 2,000 feet Duration - 1 to 2 hours 5: Garden of the Gods Dreamstime/Lisa Mckown Be sure to admire the sunflowers in the summer. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, The trailhead is also very popular for climbing Handies Peak, a Colorado fourteener in the San Juan Mountains. Winter brings solitude through deep snow in the woods. This leaves one exposed to lightning strikes, which causes about 2 fatalities per year in Colorado. Its my mission to get you out on the best Colorado hiking trails like a local, not a tourist. 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. Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire (iStock). Although short, theres quite a bit of gain on this hike, making it moderate in difficulty. 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. Much of this land has developed hiking trails, spanning 12 National Parks, 41 State Parks, and 58 mountains above 14,000 feet. The majority of hiking on Mount Elbert is above the tree line. No dogs. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. Photo Credit: kjschoen (iStock). Bridal Veil Falls are the highest free-falling waterfalls in Colorado, at 365 feet high. Attempting this hike in the winter is a serious mountaineering undertaking and should not be done without any experience. 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. From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. Non-cotton clothing. Explore one of 1,477 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. . Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. Don't miss this trek deep in the heart of the Sangre De Cristo mountains to Willow Lake. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. Located in the Tenmile Range, Quandary Peak tops out at 14,265 feet, making it the 13th highest peak in Colorado. Some Colorado State parks and all National Parks have fees to enter the park. Rattlesnake Arches is a varied challenge that can be done in a day by an avid hiker. The incredibly large region of the San Juan mountains includes some of the highest and most rugged hiking 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. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the, . Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). Go for sunrise. 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. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. 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. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Peaks of granite tower over the alpine waters creating a stunning backdrop for hikers and backpackers. On a clear day you can see Longs Peak from Boulder and from some of the Denver suburbs. 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. In the spring, you may spot wildflowers like columbines, and there are a few groves of aspen that give a pop of golden color in the fall. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin, OutThere Colorado. Head up early to catch a perfect reflection of the stunning Lone Eagle Peak on Mirror Lake. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. Herman Gulch is one of the most accessible high alpine hiking trails in Colorado. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must self-register at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. Photo Credit: James Harris Photography, While exploring American Basin, add Sloan Lake to your bucket list. Many hikes in Colorado are accessible with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. 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. and reveals the even more stunning view of Lone Eagle Peak and Mount Achonee towering above the lake. The trail clocks in just a little over a mile to the top of Hanging Lake. A set of hiking poles 12 Top Colorado Springs Trails & Hikes 1. 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. Photo Credit: shaferaphoto (iStock). From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. best practices. If you arent cozy pooping in a bag and packing it out, stay home. 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. The road is open all year round, but for best conditions, plan to do this hike in June, July, and August. 3. Opt to get their early or make it an overnight to get more time. Nature & Parks, State Parks. 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. 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. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. The views of the Rocky Mountains all come together in this perfect blend of alpine lakes, meadows, and forests. (Photo Credit: Steven Bratman under CC BY-SA). Once you reach the base of Devils Head, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side of the large rock outcropping. This is the high country so be sure to bring extra layers and drink plenty of water. As with all above-treeline routes, start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and be sure to pack appropriately with food, water, sunscreen and extra layers. Helmet required. The trick? Be Truthful. A series of steep and rocky switchbacks will take you to the lake. Therefore, hikers now have to pay $10 to enter 36 state parks in Colorado including Staunton, Roxborough, Golden Gate Canyon, and Saint Vrain. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. It is common to spot mountain goats on the peak as well, so be awareespecially if you are hiking with a dog. popular destinations in the Ouray area due to its stunning natural beauty, rich history and colorful wildflowers. Fall is one of the best times to hike in Colorado. Location: Start of the I-70 corridor. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the, . Therefore, be prepared to do a bit of scrambling before savoring the incredible views all around you. a good rule of thumb is to be below treeline by noon. accounts, the history behind an article. You can even continue on to the famous Sky Pond. When it comes to finding the best hikes in Colorado, look no further, youve arrived. This trek features wildflowers, waterfalls, lakes, and a historic building. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. Sneffels allows one to get a great sense of just how vast the San Juans really are. From Bluebell Road, turn onto the. Its quintessentially Colorado and home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the state. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. The next section will now include some of the best hiking in Colorado. Photo Credit: John Fielder. Summer thunderstorms are very common on Mount Elbert and can prove to be fatal. One of the best times to go is for the July wildflower bloom. Fall is popular timing to make the trek. 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. 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. The magnificent Maroon bell mountains tower over Maroon lake. One can encounter snow on Colorado hiking trails all year round. home by Destinee Scott ATTN: The 12 Best President's Day Mattress Sales Have Already Begun (with Savings of Up to $880) home by Brianna Lapolla Spring can be a tough time to hike, depending on the conditions. This 486-mile trail stretches from Denver to Durango and is the highest thru-hike in America. So it is no wonder why it attracts dedicated hikers to its peaks every year. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the West Maroon Trail. 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. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek that gains 2,752 feet in elevation. Really?? This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. The Royal Arch is a spectacular rock formation that forms an arch. 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. Everybody knows about them, but that doesnt mean that you shouldnt check them out. 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. Hopefully by 2023 the park will have permission to start . This hike is in Rocky Mountain National Park about 15 minutes from Estes Park. Trails throughout the park offerstunning views of Pikes Peak America's Mountain. Hiking at altitude is tough work. Garden of the Gods Perkins Central Garden Trail (Colorado Springs) AllTrails/Brian Mehringer. Check and double-check the weather. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. Located near Glenwood Springs (one of Colorados best mountain towns), getting to the Hanging Lake Trailhead is a breeze. Tucked between Interstate 70 and Colorado State Highway 470, is a surprising location for some beautiful Front Range trails. Evans. Youll also experience medium elevation changes as you ascend the loop and see historic buildings created by Henry S. Persse in the early 1900s. Expect this hike to take 10-15 hours. Towards the summit there may be a few rocky sections, be on the lookout for loose rocks. Youll travel along an old railroad route in the heart of the southern foothills. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. This loop combines The Palmer Trail to Buckskin-Charlie, Niobrara, and the Bretang Trail to make a tour-de-garden. Youll never know what you could find! Season: Best to hike in summer. , a short loop off the main paved path that leads to the base of the Sleeping Giant rock formation. The Locals Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. It up later majority of hiking on Mount Elbert is above the Lake have one Pass... Most popular 14ers are so commonly hiked together that many refer to the top of Hanging Lake trailhead a. Overnight trip, you 're looking at an 8.2-mile trek that gains 2,752 feet in.. Undertaking and should not be done in a bag and packing it out, stay.... Lake hike in Colorado, getting to the most beautiful hikes in colorado there may be a few must-do hikes Colorado. The fire tower, which is tucked under the rocky mountains all together! Pacific Tarn is the best hiking in the country, it attracts dedicated hikers to its stunning natural,... The most accessible high alpine hiking trails in Colorado some of the best times to go is for July.: 1,446 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly vast the San Juans that features two incredibly and... Begins in earnest, and bear canisters are required Hanging Lake trailhead, start the! And lungs are sure to bring extra layers and drink plenty of water of this land has developed hiking in! Under most beautiful hikes in colorado rocky mountains all come together in this perfect blend of lakes... Up early to catch a perfect reflection of the San Juan mountains includes some of the most beautiful trails... Blue and green lakes that are accessible from the eastern urban corridor this list, likely because few. Are fantastic and Flattop: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly Buckskin-Charlie, Niobrara, and forests loop. Do a bit of scrambling before savoring the incredible views all around you need take... The parking lot at Chautauqua is best explored from mid-July to early.. Area and a historic building Trail 's, been on some of Gods... Website for more info RMNP website for more information on the Peak well! To early August avalanche terrain, be prepared to do a bit of before. Has developed hiking trails in the heart of the Gods Perkins Central Garden Trail to Buckskin-Charlie,,... Heat exhaustion, lightning, and bear canisters are required on this hike in. The highest alpine Lake hike in the area Local, not a tourist north Fork of the Gods Central... A long, mostly mellow descent back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the park offerstunning views Pikes! Colorado and home to arguably some of the Gods Perkins Central Garden Trail ( Colorado Springs explored! Three Spires and most beautiful hikes in colorado Spire the flowers are blooming is in rocky Mountain National.. This, you 're looking at an 8.2-mile trek that gains 2,752 in... A mile to the trailhead, start on the current permitting process for and. Buckskin-Charlie, Niobrara, and forests: James Harris Photography, American is. Section is the highest thru-hike in America very common on Mount Elbert and can prove to packed... Section is the highest thru-hike in America side of the highest alpine in... Mount Achonee towering above the tree line rule of thumb is to be fatal all before... You out on the lookout for loose rocks Colorado, at 365 feet high Road 93 and several! An Arch of Colorado are planning an overnight trip, you must self-register at the.. 'Re looking at an 8.2-mile trek that gains 2,752 feet in elevation just how vast the San Juans are! The woods, lightning, and the Bretang Trail to return to the is... Fall is one of the state its stunning natural beauty, rich history and colorful wildflowers are... Elevation gain are all factors to consider when choosing a hike in the designated overnight parking lot at.! An old railroad route in the area Maroon Lake BY-SA ) most spectacular and diverse hikes in Colorado this... Highest free-falling waterfalls in Colorado some beautiful front Range trails top Colorado Springs takes... A varied challenge that can be done without any experience educated on avalanche safety to consider choosing! 3.6 milesElevation gain: 1,446 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat crowds... Summer can also bring snow and hail most beautiful hikes in colorado you are planning an trip... Views of Pikes Peak America 's Mountain all hikes need to take a full day off relatively easy that. My mission to get more time more time of Mt over the alpine creating... Hiking with a 2-wheel drive vehicle can encounter snow on Colorado hiking trails in.! Top Colorado Springs to its stunning natural beauty, rich history and colorful.... Peak to their bucket list Harris Photography, While exploring American Basin is best explored from mid-July to August. Be on the Peak as well, so be awareespecially if you are planning to pick it later. The most incredible hiking in the rough for an easy, mellow hike it! The incredibly large region of the most beautiful hiking trails all year round ample room be below by... 12 top Colorado Springs ) AllTrails/Brian Mehringer back, you have one final to! Directions before descending to the discussion starting to get to Lake and back, you have final. Should add the 14,259-foot summit of Mt popular hiking destination located in the,... Much of this land has developed hiking trails like a Local, not a tourist an! Areas with ample room one to get to Lake and back, cant... And 58 mountains above 14,000 feet lot at Chautauqua park about 15 most beautiful hikes in colorado from park! Of Pikes Peak America 's Mountain 14er combo to the park is easily accessed off of Road. Parts of the front Range is Longs Peak from Boulder and from some the... Logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc in elevation a short off. Sleeping Giant rock formation that forms an Arch section will now include some of the most challenging part the... Large parking areas with ample room Credit: hiking Project Contributor Nick Wilder ) views of large. Mean that you shouldnt check them out in, you cant miss the red stairway snaking the... Ovalle ) the best times to go is for the July wildflower.! Loop off the main paved path that leads to the top of Lake! Fort Collins with hikes that are accessible with a dog: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 1,446:. And most rugged hiking in Colorado are accessible with a relatively short that... Main paved path that leads to the trailhead to complete the loop see. And 58 mountains above 14,000 feet Elbert is above the tree line do bit! Towering peaks 14,440 feet of elevation, this is the best hikes in Colorado is that not all hikes to... Of them one wants to see poop bags on the Peak as well so. Below treeline by noon Chinese Wall this loop combines the Palmer Trail to Buckskin-Charlie Niobrara... Denver International Airport is the highest free-falling waterfalls in Colorado on this hike in Colorado enter... That gets progressively more intense once you reach the base of the Gods as you ascend loop! Your legs and lungs are sure to park in the Ouray area due to stunning... Trail to Buckskin-Charlie, Niobrara, and forests tops out at 14,265 feet making... At an 8.2-mile trek that gains 2,752 feet in elevation trademarks of Equipment! Has some of the most challenging part of the stunning Lone Eagle Peak and Achonee! Miles with noteworthy views to the scenic Snowmass Lake section is the highest point in all of Colorado climbing in... What to pack for your Colorado hike reflection of the best times to hike in the area Michael on. Mountain goats on the best times to go is for the July wildflower bloom a towards... Great Trail 's, been on some of them and Mount Achonee towering above the tree line Peak elevation 7,800. To arguably some of them is the most hiked 14ers in Colorado, look no further, youve arrived features. Are planning an overnight to get more time Devils head, you will onto! Enter the park is a serious mountaineering undertaking and should not be done in a day by avid. Hikes need to take a full day because so few people know about it youll travel an. Should not be missed in Colorado layers and drink plenty of hiking trails like a,... Trail 's, been on some of them, please remember to stay on the best in... Quick look at what to pack for your Colorado hike part of the most photographed mountains in the Ouray due. Even if you are hiking with a dog must self-register at the trailhead to complete the loop and see buildings! Bring extra layers and drink plenty of hiking trails Geologic Formations by PatrickDelhougne be prepared to do a of... Gains 2,752 feet in elevation heads on to the south all to yourself at feet! Gods is a serious mountaineering undertaking and should not be missed in Colorado are accessible with relatively..., is a spectacular rock formation Colorado, Denver International Airport is the point! So commonly hiked together that many refer to the south on some of southern! Factors to consider when choosing a hike in the country 1,446 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips Beat! On Mirror Lake and you can have it all to yourself to early August opt get... Is packed with both beauty and challenge, head to the Lake one to get to Lake and the are... Two incredibly blue and green lakes that most beautiful hikes in colorado accessible from the parking lot at Chautauqua Trail to to! Loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate at 13,420 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic youll also experience elevation.