This road is only open in the summer months. The views are particularly stunning in the spring with the stark contrast between the red rocks and the green hillsides. 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. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must, at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. Popular fall hiking can be found in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and near the towns of Vail and Aspen. As I was researching lodging near Estes Park, CO, for our 6th trip to hike Rocky Mountain National Park, I came across this list. For natural beauty and serenity, make the steep more than 14-mile trek to Lone Eagle Peak. As one of the classic Boulder hikes, youll get an up-close view of the famous Flatirons. Each alpine wonder offers a serene escape laced with captivating mountain beauty. Always understand that the weather generally comes from the west, and keep an eye on storms. . 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. , which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. Especially in the fall and summer season, Rocky Mountain National Park is incredibly busy. A look at the tail-end of a sunrise as it hits the boulder field just below the Keyhole. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the, , which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. The canyon itself features gorgeous sandstone formations and plenty of beautiful scenery. Location: Northern front range. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to take a shuttle from town. ROYAL ARCH TRAIL 1. The standard route features a 14-mile class two climb up the eastern slopes. The hike is fairly strenuous and takes anywhere from 10 to 15 hours to complete, so be sure to plan accordingly. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation Gain: 864Difficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail gets crowded and if you cant park in the Bear Lake Lot, youll be taking the bus in. Photo Credit: SumikoPhoto (iStock). Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. Its one of the most crowded hikes in the world, so do take care to leave it better than you found it and follow all signage you are not allowed to swim in the lake. The beautiful scenery passes by a few small lakes and ponds before the final push to Ptarmigan Lake. 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. 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. Mount Falcon Castle Loop Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes Trail. Distance: 5.0 milesElevation Gain: 741 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. If youre looking for an easy trail with great mountain and city views, check out Alderfer Three Sisters Trail. This is by far the most photographed spot in Colorado. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Enjoy beautiful red rocks contrasting against the verdant, green landscape. Distance: 14.6 milesElevation Gain: 2,375 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. In fact, this is one of the best lake hikes in Colorado and hiking Lake Haiyaha is a real treat for winter. Location: Northern Front Range. From here, you briefly connect to the. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation gain: 1,446 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and very crowded. 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. 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. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Its $25 to enter the park. For example, if you were flying in from sea level, it would be dangerous to try and hike a 14er the next morning. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. 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. Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. Your body needs to acclimate to a higher elevation. I love to escape to the red sandstone canyons outside of Fruita, Colorado every winter. Expect this hike to take 10-15 hours. Its also one of the best Colorado backpacking trips too! The Great Sand Dunes rise almost randomly out of the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. and reveals the even more stunning view of Lone Eagle Peak and Mount Achonee towering above the lake. 20 Most Beautiful Hikes in Colorado. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the, , a flat, wide and easygoing path. Seven Bridges Trail, North Cheyenne Canon Park. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. As one of the topmost scenic hikes in Colorado, Hanging Lake is on everyones to-do list. After living in Colorado for over 12 years, Ive scoured the landscape to find the best hikes in Colorado. Segment 11 at the Mount Massive Trailhead. Best enjoyed in the summer and fall, hiking in the Sawatch should be on everyones to-do list. Expect this hiking area to be very busy. And if youre feeling energetic, you can always do this hike in tandem with several other treks in the area. The trail to the summit gains 3,229 feet over the course of just over 3 miles. 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. As one of Colorados best hiking destinations, youve got to scope out the Garden of the Gods. If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area. Distance: 7.5 milesElevation gain: 2,782 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs allowed on a leash. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the Palmer Trail, which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. 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. Treasure Falls, Colorado 81147, USA. The colors of summer grace hikers along Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. Tucked between Interstate 70 and Colorado State Highway 470, Matthews/Winters Park is a surprising location for some beautiful Front Range trails. Others also have parking fees. Distance: 2.6 milesElevation gain: 1,141 feetDifficulty: Easy to ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. The La Plata Mountains can be found in southern Colorado and are normally accessed from the small town of Mancos. Explore the most popular trails in my list 101 most beautiful hikes in colorado with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. TheDecalibron Looptraverses over fourColorado 14ersin Pike National Forest located near the mountain town of Alma. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. The hike along the canyon is stunning! Journey into the high country, climbing the state's second-highest peak Mount Massive. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Plan your next outdoor adventure to one of 4,595 routes with waterfalls or scenic . Evans as well. The turquoise coloring is unlike anything else in the state. Theres something iconic about the sprawling Sawatch Range. Keep it Clean. Come spring, the trail explodes in color. This list encompasses the most scenic hikes in Colorado. While hiking in snow or mud, gaiters can be great to throw over your pants as well. This is one of the more difficult 14er hikes in the state. 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 in the area for this hike, it is worth it to drive to the summit of Mt. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. There was an error processing your request. Information on distance, elevation gain, location, difficulty, permit requirements, and dog-friendliness. Youll travel along an old railroad route in the heart of the southern foothills. 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. Need 2 get out see the others ! Winter brings solitude through deep snow in the woods. Photo Credit: Bryan Hagan, OutThere Colorado. 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. This is one of the best fall hikes in Colorado that doesnt get smashed with people. The 14,148-foot summit of Democrat is often considered the most strenuous to climb. It is extremely steep. Mt. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. These stunning sandstone monoliths inspire the imagination. Colorado Springs also has a great number of hikes close to town and is under the shadow of Pikes Peak, a 14er. It is important to always bring extra layers and a waterproof jacket while hiking in Colorado. Photo Credit: James Walton. Photo Credit: Savannah Hodge. 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. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Sniktau is one of the best sunset hikes in Colorado. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, The white and lavender Rocky Mountain Columbine, designated as the official state flower, can be found sprouting along the trail. For the best experience, try visiting any time between May and October. Headed back east, Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most unexpectedly beautiful places in Colorado. The low mileage and incredibly dramatic scenery make for a great hike. 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. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. Location: I-70 corridor, not very far from 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 Continental Divide Trail. Mount Elber is 14,440 feet tall, making it the highest point in the state. This 486-mile trail stretches from Denver to Durango and is the highest thru-hike in America. There are several large waterfalls along the way including the trails namesake, Cascade Falls, a particularly scenic multitiered waterfall that you will get an up-close look at as the trail switchbacks from the base of the falls to the top. Million dollar highway loop. Location: Northern Front Range. Photo Credit: Zach Dischner. 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, Starting from the main parking area, take, , a wide, hard-packed trail that climbs between a neighborhood on the east and a wide meadow on the west. Pack out all your trash with you. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. There are several large waterfalls along the way including the trails namesake, Cascade Falls, a particularly scenic multitiered waterfall that you will get an up-close look at as the trail switchbacks from the base of the falls to the top. Box 118, Bend, TX 76824. There are two main lakes to visit on the ice lake basin trail hike. Adding another Colorado 14er combo to the summer bucket list, the Grays and Torreys Trail is packed with both beauty and challenge. 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. However, if you plan on adventuring above the trees, start early in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Showcasing breathtaking natural scenery, the mill is arguably one of the most photographed structures in all of the state. Therefore, be prepared to do a bit of scrambling before savoring the incredible views all around you. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. The Sharkstooth Trail is an excellent way to tour this lonely chain of distinct peaks. While hiking in Colorado, it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet and ankles good support. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto. Hikes here range from short walks in Boulders Chautauqua Park to hiking Longs peak, a 14er. Photo Credit: RondaKimbrow (iStock). Cotton can cause hypothermia, even in summer. Season: June, July, and August. Location: San Juans, near the town of Telluride. The trip takes about 2 hours and has chains to hold for the steep sections. 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. Plan to get to the final destination by sunrise to beat the crowds and be treated to some breathtaking scenery. Difficulty: Moderate. While you will have to watch your footing on the way back down, the views on the return hike are even more spectacular than on the way up. 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 admire the sunflowers in the summer. popular destinations in the Ouray area due to its stunning natural beauty, rich history and colorful wildflowers. The easiest thing you can do to prevent altitude sickness is drink water and make sure you do not ascent too much in one day. Dog-friendly. There are plenty of amazing hikes in Colorado, but this one will be very different. Beautiful turquoise waters await adventure seekers willing to make the trek gaining more than 3,000 feet in elevation. Only about a 1-hour drive from downtown Denver. Some are better accessed with 4-wheel drive, and some are even only accessible by shuttle. : Breckenridge, CO, in the Arapaho National Forest, 88 miles southwest of Denver, Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. Photo Credit: Melissa Woolf (iStock). This famous park near downtown Colorado Springs is a must-see. Photo Credit: SWKrullImaging (iStock). Follow Leave No Trace and pick up after yourself (bonus points if you pick up others waste too!). Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. Winding through spectacular wildflower meadows, scenic beauty awaits hikers and backpackers. Bursting with beauty, the trail features rushing alpine waters, wildflower meadows, and a variety of wildlife including bear, elk, moose, deer, and marmots. Photo Credit: shaferaphoto (iStock). Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 2. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 416 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early. Can We Interest You in Some Of These Stories Instead? This guide includes: Get oriented with this map of Colorado Hikes. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. 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