The trick? 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. A set of hiking poles 12 Top Colorado Springs Trails & Hikes 1. Due to the popularity of the hike, you must have a permit to hike the trail between May and October. Join once, enjoy forever. : Deckers, CO, in Pike National Forest, 45 miles south of Denver, : 360-degree views from a historic fire tower. This hike includes two different 14ers! A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the Crater Lake Trail. 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. Royal Arch is one of the most popular local trails, and provides some of the best views in the area! This area will encompass Denver north to Fort Collins with hikes that are accessible from the eastern urban corridor. The trail to the lake isnt particularly difficult, but it is long. I love to escape to the red sandstone canyons outside of Fruita, Colorado every winter. Season: While it can be hiked all year round, the most popular time to hike is in the summer. It's also one of the best spots in the state for capturingfall colors. jmangum2. The hike to Royal Arch hits all the highlights in a fairly manageable distance, but the incline isnt easy, so come prepared for a leg-burning climb. Location: Northern Front Range. Buckskin Pass Trail takes you up and over Buckskin Pass with amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic Snowmass Lake. The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. Distance: 1.8 miles. Million dollar highway loop. The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. Kristen is a native Coloradan and longtime runner who enjoys running on the track, roads and now on the trails. The hike along the canyon is stunning! As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. 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. It is very crowded, but also a very well maintained park. Winding through spectacular wildflower meadows, scenic beauty awaits hikers and backpackers. Sneffels allows one to get a great sense of just how vast the San Juans really are. 2236 Park Hill Dr, P. O. Starting at the Kite Lake Trailhead, the7.6-mile trailgains 3,359 feet of elevation. : Colorado Springs, CO, in Garden of the Gods, 6 miles northwest of downtown Colorado Springs, : A family-friendly excursion to see the impressive red rocks of Garden of the Gods, The towering red rock formations of Garden of the Gods create a memorable backdrop for this easily accessible hike located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs. As the bloom begins, please remember to stay on the trail and do not pick, touch, or trample the wildflowers. You can hike the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first. For the best experience, try visiting any time between May and October. The hiking in this area is challenging, but the views are stunning. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. This hike is mostly on the valley floor, passing multiple lakes on the way to the final pair of the Chicago lakes. And if youre feeling energetic, you can always do this hike in tandem with several other treks in the area. The first mile of the trail climbs, at times steeply, through sparse forests that become progressively thinner as you climb. The trail starts mellow and quickly builds up to steep elevation gains. 3. Where should I hike in Colorado? Between the meandering stream, wildflowers, and shady trail this evokes a sense of classic Colorado Springs hikes. However, if you plan on adventuring above the trees, start early in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. The majority of the roads up to the high alpine backcountry do not open until June every season. 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. Featured below will be some of the best hikes in Colorado for all different types of hikers that include some of the best views in the state. Season: All year round. Colorado Bend State Park. Opt to get their early or make it an overnight to get more time. Seven Bridges Trail, North Cheyenne Canon Park. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Found in Rocky Mountain National Park, cross the natural wonder of Emerald Lakeoff your bucket list. Distance: 8.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,860 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Different public lands have different guidelines and restrictions, so it is important to be familiar with the area that you are hiking in. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. Ive done all the leg work for you, hiking each of these trails over the years to bring you the real stand-out scenery in the Centennial State. For more information please visit the RNMP website. If youre just getting into summiting mountains, then head up to the top of Mount Sniktau. Leave it better than how you found. You'll find this 3.2-mile out-and-back adventure hidden right off of Monarch Pass. This loop is a mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views. 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. As with any hiking day, it is especially important to drink lots of water and make sure you are eating enough. : Breckenridge, CO, in the Arapaho National Forest, 88 miles southwest of Denver, Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. 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. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Therefore, hikers now have to pay $10 to enter 36 state parks in Colorado including Staunton, Roxborough, Golden Gate Canyon, and Saint Vrain. 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. Some of the best fall colors can be seen in this area. Rocky Mountain National Park is a truly breathtaking area and a great introduction to Colorado. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, American Basin is best explored from mid-July to early August. BISON PEAK 2. This hike is very challenging due to the high starting elevation, and its elevation gain of over 4,000 feet. Getting there is fairly easy with a relatively short hike that passes through twoother alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation gain: 764 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. The trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, which is tucked under the rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop. Location: Northern front range. The hikes in this area are commonly at higher altitudes and will often start at 9,000 or 10,000 feet above sea level. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. The 4.5-mile path will lead you to a historical mill that now sits abandoned above the Crystal River in Gunnison County. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. During the summer of 2021 there is a permit system to enter RMNP. Nestled in the Indian Peaks Wilderness lies the wow-worthy granite spectacle. Towns like Telluride, Silverton, and Durango will be nearby for hiking in this region. When it comes to finding the best hikes in Colorado, look no further, youve arrived. Featuring hiking trails found throughout the state, theres a breathtaking hike virtually anywhere! 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. Photo Credit: John Fielder. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. 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. When it comes to hikes in Colorado, Chicago Lakes delivers on varied scenery. The 14,259 ft Longs Peak is one of the most climbed 14ers in Colorado thanks to its convenient location. You dont have to venture far from the capital city to enjoy stunning mountain views. Wildflower lovers will be delighted by the serene beauty found on the 401 Trail in Crested Butte. Generally speaking, areas above 9,000 feet in springtime are definitely still covered in snow. Star Dune is the largest of them all. Micro-spikes can useful when there is snow on the windswept trail. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. Its my mission to get you out on the best Colorado hiking trails like a local, not a tourist. The trail is 18 miles out-and-back in length and climbs 2,719 feet in elevation as you weave through the lush landscapes of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Even for such a short distance, expect this hike to take 3-4 hours. From Bluebell Road, turn onto the. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Vertical. Its hard to select just one town in Colorado with the best hiking. Colorado is known for its abundant sunny weather, mountain views and nearly year-round hiking opportunities. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto. Rapid weather changes can be expected on this high altitude trek. The stairs are steep, and while there are railings the entire way, those who fear heights may choose to enjoy the view from the ground. , which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. In fact, this trail is so lovely that is popular among hikers, birders, and cross-country skiers alike. On the west side, you will spot the famous Kissing Camels, and to the east, White Rock. Be sure to have checked the forecast multiple times, and do always bring extra layers as well as a rain jacket. Some of the most amazing landscape shots from Colorado occur during fall colors and that first snowfall. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must self-register at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. The trail climbs gradually for the first 2 miles, heading south around Kelso Mountain before turning west, where you will spot the two 14ers and the saddle connecting them. 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: 1.5 milesElevation gain: 406 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: no dogs allowed. Carry a wag bag and pack your poop out or stay below the trees! Tucked between Interstate 70 and Colorado State Highway 470, is a surprising location for some beautiful Front Range trails. . Most trails are suitable for beginners, and there are even paved trails for accessible hiking. Be sure to arrive early to find a parking spot as space is limited and the trail is busy during the summer. Avalanche terrain should be taken very seriously. Photo Credit: Adam-Springer (iStock). Photo: Jeff Richards. Enjoy beautiful red rocks contrasting against the verdant, green landscape. Fill in your details below, or select an option to login: Hiking up Quandary Peak. Theres a good reason for it: Hanging Lake LOOKS like a place where fairies and gnomes would live. This 486-mile trail stretches from Denver to Durango and is the highest thru-hike in America. Thanks to its strategic location, its suitable for year-round hiking. The Locals Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. Plan to get to the final destination by sunrise to beat the crowds and be treated to some breathtaking scenery. Dog-friendly. Distance: 10.3 milesElevation gain: 4,442 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Start early (like 4 am early) to beat afternoon thunderstorms. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). This moderately easy trail works its way straight up to a scenic perch. 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. The hike to, hits all the highlights in a fairly manageable distance, but the incline isnt easy, so come prepared for a leg-burning climb. No dogs. Use the 'Report' link on Many hikes include short drives from the Denver metro area, or from tourist towns in the mountains. Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). Here comes the big question! If you like rocks, this place fits the bill. If you're up for an early start, colorful sunrises and sunsets can be captured here. Dogs and fishing are also not allowed. Share with Us. Distance: 3.1Elevation Gain: 990Difficulty: easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. For the purpose of this article, we will divide the state into different regions and look at some of the best hikes in different parts of the state. For the more alpine regions, spring can either still be winter, or it can be very muddy. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. The unbelievable electric blue waters of Ice Lake make this one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. 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. From there you are only a few hours from incredible hiking destinations! Location: I-70 corridor, outside of the town of Aspen. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Distance: 6 milesElevation gain: 1,469 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Most popular in summer and for fall colors in late September. Difficulty - Easy Distance - 2.3 miles Elevation gain - 2,000 feet Duration - 1 to 2 hours 5: Garden of the Gods Dreamstime/Lisa Mckown This 737-acre city park offers more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation gain: 1,446 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and very crowded. However, keep in mind that many trailheads become inaccessible in the winter. There are 54 peaks over 14,000 feet in Colorado, and all of them have challenging hiking options! 19. Photo Credit: kjschoen (iStock). Non-cotton clothing. A fantastic way to explore hiking trails on public land in Colorado is via the Colorado Trail Explorer App. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Therefore, be prepared to do a bit of scrambling before savoring the incredible views all around you. Theres also a serious avalanche risk, so be sure to understand the fundamentals of winter hiking before heading out. Tucked away in Rocky Mountain National Park, the hike to Alberta Falls is an easy, out and back trail that will take you to some stunning falls in the park with incredible views. No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best hiking trails in Colorado to suit your needs. Distance: 6.0 milesElevation gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and best used between June and September. Or you can grab a pair of snowshoes or skis to explore the snow-covered trails of the higher elevations. 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. This is hike is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by very experienced hikers. Hikers may opt for the trail or service road (shorter) to reach the lakes. Evans. There are plenty of hiking trails for all abilities from the parking lot at Chautauqua. You have permission to edit this collection. The majority of hiking on Mount Elbert is above the tree line. This trail is accessible in the winter, but due to road closures, it would add upwards of 7 miles each way. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this fire tower was one of seven built in the early 1900s. A natural wonder of Rocky Mountain National Park, the 9.4-mile out-and-back trek to Chasm Lake features granite summits, a rushing waterfall, and alpine meadows. Located in Roxborough State Park, this is one of the best easy hikes near Denver that takes you on a fun trek past some of the best scenery in the park. a good rule of thumb is to be below treeline by noon. Just hike the path of least resistance! The natural wonder can be found just below American Peak. There's also a 7.25-mile route up the southwest side for those with a high clearance 4WD vehicle. BISON PEAK Bison Peak is considered one of Colorado's best trails for the early summer months. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. Explore the high country with a triple alpine lake ascent to Mowhawk Lakes via Spruce Creek Trail. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Waterfalls of Minnesota: Your Guide to the Most Beautiful Waterfalls in the Stat at the best online prices at eBay! No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Dont stop here, as another singletrack trail on the west side of Mirror Lake heads on to. As one of Colorados best hiking destinations, youve got to scope out the Garden of the Gods.