The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. The "Keyhole" is main route for reaching the iconic 14,259-foot summit. 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:James Harris Photography, American Basin is best explored from mid-July to early August. Journey into the high country, climbing the state's second-highest peak Mount Massive. It might be the only hike in the state to safely do barefoot! Photo Credit: Steven Bratman. United States ; Texas (TX) Bend ; Bend - Things to Do ; Colorado Bend State Park; Search. BISON PEAK 2. The best time to visit is from July through September. This awesome, 6 mile out-and-back trail takes you through the exquisite Flat Tops Wilderness area near Yampa, Colorado. Season: Best to hike in summer. Most high alpine roads will open up in June each summer. Threats of harming another In the summer, youll find folks heading up St. Marys glacier to go skiing, or some will even jump into the glacial-fed lake! The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. This is another great 14er hike to do in the I-70 area. 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. Due to the high exposure of this hike, be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes with you, all year round! Spencer McKee takes in sweeping alpine views on the Mount Massive trail. These massive sand dunes rise out of the ground and lay low beneath the Rocky Mountains. The unbelievably turquoise waters and surrounding mountains make it an incredibly beautiful adventure. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. : Granby, CO, in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, 103 miles northwest of Denver, : A long day hike or an overnight backpacking trip, 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. Afternoon thunderstorms are dangerous and kill hikers each year. Most trails are suitable for beginners, and there are even paved trails for accessible hiking. Tucked into the Sangre de Cristo Range, the Grand Sand Dunes are the tallest dunes on the continent, with heights up to 755 feet sitting below a scenic mountain backdrop. Theres a good reason for it: Hanging Lake LOOKS like a place where fairies and gnomes would live. This ultimate guide to the best hikes in Colorado gives you an array of local hiking recommendations for all abilities. Be on the lookout for more articles in the future for the best 14er hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. 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. For some parts of the state, it is starting to get warmer, and the flowers are blooming. There are plenty of amazing hikes in Colorado, but this one will be very different. It is recommended to go early in the morning or late in the evening. 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. Its free. Upper Blue Lake from Quandary Peak. If so then why not try this stellar out and back hike? From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. 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. Snowshoes can be helpful after heavy snowfall. I was disappointed to not see FERN LAKE and other hikes in RMNP on the list. ROYAL ARCH TRAIL 1. 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. up for the challenge, hiking to the bottom of the canyon is possible, but youll need to check in with the rangers at the visitor center first. There are plenty of hiking trails for all abilities from the parking lot at Chautauqua. 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. (Photo Credit: Steven Bratman under CC BY-SA). Between the meandering stream, wildflowers, and shady trail this evokes a sense of classic Colorado Springs hikes. Her dream job is journalist. The 15 Best Hikes in Colorado - PureWow Something Went Wrong. One can encounter snow on Colorado hiking trails all year round. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 416 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early. Segment 11 at the Mount Massive Trailhead. Photo Credit: RondaKimbrow (iStock). The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the, , a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. This large area will include hiking near the popular ski resorts of Colorado. The canyon itself features gorgeous sandstone formations and plenty of beautiful scenery. Just outside of the main area of Rocky Mountain National Park, youll find the Lumpy Ridge area. It is important to always bring extra layers and a waterproof jacket while hiking in Colorado. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). DEVIL'S HEAD LOOKOUT 7. Location: Northern Front Range. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Be Truthful. The easily accessible trails at Bear Creek are some of the most popular in the area, for both locals and visitors. Lets start with some common questions about hiking in Colorado. The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. Beautiful Hikes - Colorado Bend State Park. 19. Clocking in over 27 miles, the Four Pass Loop climbs over four beautiful mountain passes. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle). This will prevent your legs from getting cold and dirty! Colorado National Monument is one of the best winter hiking destinations in Colorado. , which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin, The trailhead to Hanging Lake is located off of I-70, complete with a small parking lot and rest stop bathroom. Photo by Michael DeLuca on Flickr: https://flic.kr/p/xqh4Zk. Local Tip: The road to the trailhead closes every winter, so check conditions before heading out. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. Hiking has been a popular Colorado activity since the Colorado Trail was created in the 1970s. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. A cozy windbreaker for those gusty summits 5. Longs Peak. Heavy snowfall shuts down the majority of hiking in the alpine environment due to avalanche concerns as well as intense cold weather. The majority of the roads up to the high alpine backcountry do not open until June every season. The La Plata Mountains can be found in southern Colorado and are normally accessed from the small town of Mancos. This trail is accessible in the winter, but due to road closures, it would add upwards of 7 miles each way. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to take a shuttle from town. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. Dog poop bags to carry out dog poop. During the summer of 2021 there is a permit system to enter RMNP. 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 starts mellow and quickly builds up to steep elevation gains. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography. Plan your next outdoor adventure to one of 4,595 routes with waterfalls or scenic . 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 best hikes in Colorado are a great way to experience the state's terrain with 39,000 miles of trails of varying lengths, difficulty levels, and scenery. A popular trail in this area is Seven Bridges Trail which is a 3.8 mile trail that is moderately difficult. This trail is dog-friendly, but dogs are not allowed past this point. Breathtaking is an appropriate way to describe the loop in many ways, as the route gains more than 7,300 feet and climbs above 12,000 feet at four different passesBuckskin, Trail Rider, Frigid Airand West Maroon. The Sharkstooth Trail is an excellent way to tour this lonely chain of distinct peaks. Don't Threaten. The first snowfall up high can occur as early as the first week of September! Wildflower lovers will be delighted by the serene beauty found on the 401 Trail in Crested Butte. This 737-acre city park offers more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. Its one of the easiest hikes near Denver and has plenty of stellar scenery to boot. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. Just stay calm. . Seeing it dusted in snow is a true treat. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the, , a flat, wide and easygoing path. You dont have to venture far from the capital city to enjoy stunning mountain views. This is a heavily trafficked area, so be sure to get there early. The 8.7-mile out-and-back trail climbs steeply into the mountains starting from the base of the South Mineral Valley near Silverton. This 27-mile loop is most commonly backpacked as a three- or four-night trip. , a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. Be sure to admire the sunflowers in the summer. Distance: 14.6 milesElevation Gain: 2,375 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. The view from the summit of Mt. Get your fix of adventure by climbing one of the tallest sand dunes in North America (Star Dune), rising beautifully over 750 feet tall in the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Colorado, and for good reason. This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. You will need to check-in at the South Rim visitors center to get a permit. Located near Montrose Colorado, this 1.5-mile out-and-back trail is a great way to take in the awe-inspiring beauty of Black Canyon of Gunnison. The Dream Lake Trail continues to climb from Nymph Lake up into Tyndall Gorge, crossing Tyndall Creek before coming to the eastern edge of, . A set of hiking poles 12 Top Colorado Springs Trails & Hikes 1. Theres a saying in Colorado that goes west slope best slope. This area of the state isnt as easy to access compared to other hiking areas closer to Denver. Season: June, July, and August. Chasm Lake is fishable from June to October. Keep in mind, youll need to shuttle cars from point A to point B if youre section hiking. 2236 Park Hill Dr, P. O. These hiking trails in Colorado each offer something a little different and help you build your skills as a mountain hiker. Come spring, the trail explodes in color. It includes Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Rico. The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. These sandstone tower formations are scattered around the park. Head up early to catch a perfect reflection of the stunning Lone Eagle Peak on Mirror Lake. Location: I-70 corridor, a little under 3-hour drive from Denver. 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 trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. This area is known for its heavy winds. Featuring hiking trails found throughout the state, theres a breathtaking hike virtually anywhere! Explore one of 1,477 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. 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. Photo Credit: MargaretW (iStock). For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. Need 2 get out see the others ! From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the, . Difficulty - Easy Distance - 2.3 miles Elevation gain - 2,000 feet Duration - 1 to 2 hours 5: Garden of the Gods Dreamstime/Lisa Mckown Don't knowingly lie about anyone Not all public lands are free to enter. 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. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. Teens and pre-teens are one of the most sought-after spending crowds, with retailers looking for ways to win their business. person will not be tolerated. Thanks to its strategic location, its suitable for year-round hiking. 5 Must-Have Hiking Essentials 1. Distance: 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 1,530 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. The trail becomes rockier as you climb. Known for its striking emerald green waters, the lake often glows under the mountain sun. Royal Arch is one of the most popular local trails, and provides some of the best views in the area! Thanks for the article! As one of the classic Boulder hikes, youll get an up-close view of the famous Flatirons. The crown jewel of the front range is Longs Peak. Inside this guide youll find tons of info about the most scenic Colorado hikes and how to visit them without the crowds. Quick rainstorms and thunderstorms are also not uncommon up in the high country. accounts, the history behind an article. Distance: 14.5 milesElevation gain: 4,911 feetDifficulty: extremely difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is not a hike to be taken lightly. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. : 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. Easyred Tape and local Tips: dog-friendly and dirty then why not try this stellar out and back hike in. Warm clothes with you, all year round endless beauty, wonder and... Info about the most strenuous, and there are plenty of beautiful scenery thunderstorms... 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