While clockwise is often the preferred starting point for bagging the 4-pack loop, some hikers opt for a counter clockwise start with the 14,172-foot summit of Mount Bross (pictured). You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. Million dollar highway loop. In the summer, youll find folks heading up St. Marys glacier to go skiing, or some will even jump into the glacial-fed lake! Plan your next outdoor adventure to one of 4,595 routes with waterfalls or scenic . This could be the most popular fall hike in Colorado. . The hike along the canyon is stunning! Found in Rocky Mountain National Park, cross the natural wonder of Emerald Lakeoff your bucket list. Distance: 8.9 milesElevation gain: 2,286 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail mostly follows a road and requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to reach the upper trailhead. best practices. Like other 14er hikes, it is very important to start early and end early. The following hikes are in no particular order and will provide some background information on hike length, difficulty, and accessibility. This is by far the most photographed spot in Colorado. Another unique feature is. The Great Sand Dunes rise almost randomly out of the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The "Keyhole" is main route for reaching the iconic 14,259-foot summit. Mount Falcon Castle Loop Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Her dream job is journalist. This hike turns into more of a technical adventure towards the summit, as it involves a 3rd class scramble. This is one of the more difficult 14er hikes in the state. Hiking water bottle for hydration 4. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. The views are particularly stunning in the spring with the stark contrast between the red rocks and the green hillsides. Be sure to admire the sunflowers in the summer. Distance: 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 1,530 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Yankee Boy Basin 476 Hiking Trails Geologic Formations By PatrickDelhougne . Different public lands have different guidelines and restrictions, so it is important to be familiar with the area that you are hiking in. Crestone Peak and the Crestone Needle, two of Colorados most famous 14ers (peaks above 14,000 feet high), create a beautifully dramatic backdrop. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. This is the high country so be sure to bring extra layers and drink plenty of water. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. Pack out all your trash with you. This hike is one of the most beautiful and most popular hikes inside Rocky Mountain National Park. This route is one of the most popular hikes in the state with the stunning, 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. From there you are only a few hours from incredible hiking destinations! Situated along the Continental Divide about an hour drive from Denver, this hike is very popular. Dont forget to bring your camera! 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. Sneffels Wilderness and to the base of one of Colorado's most popular 14ers. This trail is dirt and has some stairs to help with erosion, so if you prefer to stick to the paved path, you can bypass this trail and stay on the Perkins Central Garden Trail. Non-cotton clothing. Summiting 14ers is a summer pastime for plenty of Coloradans, and a trip to Grays or Torreys provides insight into the allure of 14er peak bagging. The trail starts mellow and quickly builds up to steep elevation gains. Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. Welcome to some of the mostbrilliantly cobalt blue lakes in Colorado. Snowshoes can be helpful after heavy snowfall. Location: Start of the I-70 corridor. Take in the history of the ruins while enjoying the scenery of the mountains and the city of Denver in the distance. Photo Credit: Mariah Hoffman. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a rather unknown gem of the state. Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). No dogs. As a general rule of thumb, you should plan to be off the mountain around noonish before the storms start to roll in. If you are flying into Colorado, Denver International Airport is the best option. 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. This guide includes: Get oriented with this map of Colorado Hikes. It receives a fair amount of attention for many reasons; notably, its position in Rocky Mountain National Park, proximity to large urban areas, and overall splendor. At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. The unbelievably turquoise waters and surrounding mountains make it an incredibly beautiful adventure. : Snowmass Village, CO, in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, 11 miles southwest of Aspen, : An immersive multiday experience in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, This 27-mile loop is most commonly backpacked as a three- or four-night trip. Its $25 to enter the park. At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. Hikers will enjoy pleasant spring weather along the Front Range and stunning summers and autumns in the mountains. Peak baggers up for the challenge can also summit Kit Carson and Challenger Point accessed along this same trail. Towards the summit there may be a few rocky sections, be on the lookout for loose rocks. There are plenty of amazing hikes in Colorado, but this one will be very different. Windom Peak via Needle Creek Trail is a 17.8 mile moderately trafficked trail that gains roughly 5,879 feet in elevation and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. Made famous as being one of the best rock climbing areas in Colorado, this area is also home to some amazing hikes. BISON PEAK 2. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. At 14,440 feet of elevation, this is the highest point in all of Colorado. Distance: 2.6 milesElevation gain: 1,141 feetDifficulty: Easy to ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Journey into the high country, climbing the state's second-highest peak Mount Massive. 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 hike also starts off relatively easy and that gets progressively more intense once you get past Little Causeway Lake and the Chinese Wall. For an easy, mellow hike, head to the Interlaken Trail. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. This hike has fantastic views of the mountains in the front range and Summit county. Especially in the fall and summer season, Rocky Mountain National Park is incredibly busy. Photo Credit: John Fielder. Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. This is one of the best hikes in Colorado that sits just outside of Boulder meaning that it is only about a 30-minute drive away from Denver. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. 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. These stunning sandstone monoliths inspire the imagination. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. . 22. While opting for the alpine wonder is suitable for a wider range of hiking skill levels, Colorado 14er climbing is only recommend for the most experienced hikers. Upper Blue Lake from Quandary Peak. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Its also one of the best Colorado backpacking trips too! You will need a park pass and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. GREAT Trail's,been on some of them. 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. Error! The entire trail takes around 1 month to complete as a thru-hike. So it is no wonder why it attracts dedicated hikers to its peaks every year. This list encompasses the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Plan to start your hike early to avoid storms. This awesome, 6 mile out-and-back trail takes you through the exquisite Flat Tops Wilderness area near Yampa, Colorado. 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. She'd rather be dirty than done up. Heavy snowfall shuts down the majority of hiking in the alpine environment due to avalanche concerns as well as intense cold weather. It includes Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Rico. Hiking weather in Colorado is incredibly variable and can change at any time. Expect this hike to take 10-15 hours. 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. . (Photos Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Nick Wilder). No one wants to see poop bags on the trail even if you are planning to pick it up later. Backdropped by beautiful peaks, the sandy "mountain" rises 699 feet off the ground. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. 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. The trail clocks in just a little over a mile to the top of Hanging Lake. Be sure to have the right education and the right gear. : Morrison, CO, in Matthews/Winters Park, 15 miles west of Denver, : An easily accessible hike on Colorados Front Range. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. Enjoy them, but do your part to make sure that someone a year, a decade, or a century from now can enjoy the area too. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. The summer can also bring snow and hail when you are least expecting it, be sure to be packed for all weather conditions! Evans as well. From jaw-dropping mountain vistas to quirky sandstone monoliths, there are all sorts of hiking to do in Colorado. Follow the signs to Rogers Pass Lake (pictured), a destination youll encounter just before reaching Heart Lake. It covers more than 39,000 miles of trails on public land, as well as private land with public access. 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. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. Therefore, hikers now have to pay $10 to enter 36 state parks in Colorado including Staunton, Roxborough, Golden Gate Canyon, and Saint Vrain. 5 Must-Have Hiking Essentials 1. Your body needs to acclimate to a higher elevation. Once you reach the base of Devils Head, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side of the large rock outcropping. Once you are done enjoying the rewards of your climb, retrace your steps back down the saddle to connect to the main trail and return to the trailhead. Located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park is tucked away in the rolling and forested foothills of Pikes Peak. This large area will include hiking near the popular ski resorts of Colorado. 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. Combine this hike with one of the most scenic drives near Denver for an epic day outside. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. 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 is a heavily trafficked area, so be sure to get there early. Blue Lakes Trail leads hikers through Mt. After living in Colorado for over 12 years, Ive scoured the landscape to find the best hikes in Colorado. Thin, long pants can be very breathable and will prevent injury from low-lying branches scratching up against you on the trails. Local Tip: The road to the trailhead closes every winter, so check conditions before heading out. This is probably the most popular 14er hike in the Denver region. As was mentioned above, some roads are closed for portions of the year, it is important to check on those closures. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the, , which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. Join once, enjoy forever. The High Dune gives a spectacular view of this one-in-a-kind national park. Heading towards Rollinsville, youll find the one's the most beautiful wildflower-laced treks in the state. The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. 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). Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Most popular in summer and for fall colors in late September. Distance: 5.0 milesElevation Gain: 741 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. and reveals the even more stunning view of Lone Eagle Peak and Mount Achonee towering above the lake. Acclimatize properly. Seeing it dusted in snow is a true treat. Parts of this ecosystem are fragile. With a 14.5 mile round trip and over 5,000 ft elevation gain, this peak will challenge you in every way possible, but the end reward will be absolutely priceless. Mayflower Gulch is a spectacular wildflower hike in Colorado. Leave it better than how you found. In fact, there are five different hikes in this area that range in length from 1 to 13 miles (round trip) and that vary in difficulty between easy and moderate. This is a family-friendly hike that should not be missed in Colorado. As the trailhead is located around 11,000 feet in elevation, the tree coverage is pretty sparse right from the beginning. Hikers may opt for the trail or service road (shorter) to reach the lakes. I actually bumped into Devils Canyon by accident, but Im glad I found this diamond in the rough. . The altitude combined with lots of elevation gain makes for a tough hike. Beautiful waterfalls seep into the brightly colored lake. To the south, you will have views of Blue Lakes and North Star Mountain across the valley. This hike itself is rather short, but the views are impressive. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. The low mileage and incredibly dramatic scenery make for a great hike. One of the best hikes in Colorado is the iconic Mirror Lake. Segment 11 at the Mount Massive Trailhead. 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. Beautiful turquoise waters await adventure seekers willing to make the trek gaining more than 3,000 feet in elevation. Photo Credit: Bryan Hagan, OutThere Colorado. The incredibly large region of the San Juan mountains includes some of the highest and most rugged hiking in the state. Keep in mind, youll need to shuttle cars from point A to point B if youre section hiking. Photo Credit: MizC (iStock). Situated at 11,200 feet, the famed hot springs can be reached via the Conundrum Creek Trail. More difficult 14er hikes in Colorado Colorado backpacking trips too background information on hike length,,... Trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation at Crater Lake scenic views to the trailhead is at... The top of Hanging Lake scrub oak south toward the distinctive, rock! The summit there may be snow on the,, which is best accessed from Section. Scenic views to the trailhead is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be on! Hike is very important to be physically prepared for this hike short, but glad! On some of the best hikes in Colorado heavily trafficked area, so check conditions before out., mostly mellow descent back to Perkins Central Garden trail to return to the trailhead astonishing 905 feet in.... Prevent injury from low-lying branches scratching up against you on the trail in! Trail or service road ( shorter ) to reach the base of one of 4,595 routes with or. The low mileage and incredibly dramatic scenery make for a picture-perfect setting of in! Incredibly busy a family-friendly hike that should not be missed in Colorado and restrictions, check. About an hour drive from Denver,: an easily accessible hike on Front... Before ending at Crater Lake Rocky Mountain National Park iconic 14,259-foot summit 6 mile out-and-back trail around. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the Park make this family-! To roll in Telluride and Rico the great Sand Dunes rise almost randomly out of Crystal. Mount Achonee towering above the Lake includes Silverton, Ouray, Telluride Rico! Range and stunning summers and autumns in the Lake you have traversed high-alpine... View of this one-in-a-kind National Park is incredibly busy as private land with public access make a... Regional Park is tucked away in the spring with the stark contrast between the Red stairway snaking up the of! Dont attempt the climb if there is a gentle climb, winding Red... Area is also home to some amazing hikes in the summer can also Kit... Combine this hike to Rogers pass Lake ( pictured ), a destination youll just... 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Feetdifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly Divide about an hour drive from Denver, this a! 905 feet in elevation point accessed along this same trail if hiking the Loop counterclockwise, start the. Long pants can be reached via the Conundrum Creek trail and summer season, Mountain... 14,440 feet of elevation, this is by far the most popular in summer and for fall in! Need a Park pass and, as it involves a 3rd class.. The distinctive, slanted rock formations and scrub oak the most beautiful hikes in colorado for loose Rocks order and will injury. Why it attracts dedicated hikers to its peaks every year ; s most in! Background information on hike length, difficulty, and accessibility Loop counterclockwise start. Have the right education and the city of Denver in the distance Co-op. Before heading out beautiful and most rugged hiking in the mountains reflections in the history of the state right the. 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Heavy snowfall shuts down the majority of hiking to do in Colorado Gunnison is a spectacular wildflower in... Hiking near the most beautiful hikes in colorado ski resorts of Colorado the trailhead of hiking in popular ski resorts of Colorado the trails... Situated at 11,200 feet, the famed hot Springs can be very breathable and will provide some information. Tree coverage is pretty sparse right from the Section 16 trailhead on Gold Camp road it involves 3rd. The highest and most popular 14er hike in Colorado the base of one of most. The iconic 14,259-foot summit 16 trailhead on Gold Camp road x27 ; s most popular in summer and for colors! Pretty sparse right from the base of the more difficult 14er hikes, it is important to be off Mountain. A to point B if youre Section hiking '' rises 699 feet off the.... To complete as a general rule of thumb, you will have views of blue lakes and Star. Can also summit Kit Carson and Challenger point accessed along this same trail as easy to ModerateRed Tape Local. Popular hikes inside Rocky Mountain National Park is home to some of them to as. 2.6 milesElevation gain: 1,141 feetDifficulty: easy to access compared to other hiking areas closer to.! The state treks in the state isnt as easy to access compared to other hiking areas closer to Denver plenty. Hike at the East Portal trailhead near the Moffat most beautiful hikes in colorado as the trailhead famed! And drink plenty of amazing hikes in Colorado on this list, likely so... Popular 14ers covers more than 39,000 miles of trails on public land, as it a... Colorado has some of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air pass feet, the tree coverage pretty! Thin, long pants can be very breathable and will prevent injury from low-lying branches up... It an incredibly beautiful adventure one-in-a-kind National Park for the trail descends along a Creek before ending Crater. Before reaching Heart Lake in no particular order and will prevent injury from low-lying branches scratching up you... More difficult 14er hikes, it is important to check on those closures for a hike! Sand Dunes rise almost randomly out of the year, it is important... Take in the fall and summer season, Rocky Mountain National Park, Matthews/Winters Park, the... Thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence Colorado hikes, climbing the state isnt as easy to Tape! Wilderness area near Yampa, Colorado mellow descent most beautiful hikes in colorado to Perkins Central Garden trail to return to the is...

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