most beautiful hikes in colorado

This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Mount Falcon Castle Loop Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. In fact, this is one of the best lake hikes in Colorado and hiking Lake Haiyaha is a real treat for winter. 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: James Walton. The canyon itself features gorgeous sandstone formations and plenty of beautiful scenery. Many hikes include short drives from the Denver metro area, or from tourist towns in the mountains. Distance: 3 milesElevation gain: 629 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This isnt so much of a trail, as it is walking up a steep, squishy sand hill hence the difficulty. For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. Micro-spikes can useful when there is snow on the windswept trail. The best season for hiking is from late June until late September. There are plenty of amazing hikes in Colorado, but this one will be very different. 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. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a rather unknown gem of the state. The colors of summer grace hikers along Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes. The hike starts on the Devils Head Trail #611, a steady uphill trail that gains around 850 feet as it climbs from the trailhead to the base of the stairs at Devils Head. 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. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. Distance: 8.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,860 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. 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. Distance: 10.3 milesElevation gain: 4,442 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Start early (like 4 am early) to beat afternoon thunderstorms. This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. However, if youve got a Colorado license plate from 2023 onwards and you opted into the Colorado State Parks Pass, your entry is free. These geographical regions are subjective but will provide a good layout of hiking in the state. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. Storms come in quickly and the weather changes on a dime here. 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. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle). From Bluebell Road, turn onto the Royal Arch Trail. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. These massive sand dunes rise out of the ground and lay low beneath the Rocky Mountains. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Get outside this season with the best hiking trails in Colorado. For more information please visit the RNMP website. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. Its a popular, but challenging, 7.5-mile, out-and-back hike that will take you through the gorgeous, Mount Evans Wilderness area. Can We Interest You in Some Of These Stories Instead? Hikes here range from short walks in Boulders Chautauqua Park to hiking Longs peak, a 14er. The first snowfall up high can occur as early as the first week of September! This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. The standard route features a 14-mile class two climb up the eastern slopes. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor. Rise early to catch a mountain sunrise guaranteed to leave you speechless. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Just try and visit at an off-peak time since this is a popular hike through the park. 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. Its hard to select just one town in Colorado with the best hiking. Top Beautiful Hikes In Colorado Quick View of the list: 1. The altitude combined with lots of elevation gain makes for a tough hike. According to the National Park Service, Star Dune hikers should plan for a five-hour round trip. Towns like Telluride, Silverton, and Durango will be nearby for hiking in this region. The trailhead starts off with a steep rocky ascent weaving through lush aspen wilderness toCrater Lake. Many hikes in Colorado are accessible with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. See my guide to hiking Colorado 14ers for more info. All in all, this hike is pretty chill, except for the last mile. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this fire tower was one of seven built in the early 1900s. 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. With thousands of hikes in Colorado, there is no way all of them can be featured in this article. best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, The only 4-day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary Youll Ever Need. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Vertical. From there you are only a few hours from incredible hiking destinations! 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. There are a number of routes for reaching the 14,421-foot summit. In total, it should take you just under 2.5-hours to complete and will take you past some mesmerizing mountain scenery. Plan your next outdoor adventure to one of 4,595 routes with waterfalls or scenic . Distance: 1.8 miles. Photo Credit: eschuette1. This is a must-do in the San Juans if you are up for a challenging hike. As one of Colorados best hiking destinations, youve got to scope out the Garden of the Gods. 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. Peaks of granite tower over the alpine waters creating a stunning backdrop for hikers and backpackers. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. The trails tend to be snow-free and the roads are open. Most hikers will start hiking around 3am in the summer. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. Clocking in over 27 miles, the Four Pass Loop climbs over four beautiful mountain passes. Plus, many of the states most scenic byways are open so you can definitely go for a lovely drive either before or after your hike. The hike starts from Monarch Lake on the Cascade Trail on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. It is important to always bring extra layers and a waterproof jacket while hiking in Colorado. Elevation: 246 feet. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. Season: All year round. Its also one of the best Colorado backpacking trips too! Popular fall hiking can be found in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and near the towns of Vail and Aspen. The next section will now include some of the best hiking in Colorado. Need 2 get out see the others ! This is another great 14er hike to do in the I-70 area. Near the southern end of the loop, you can branch onto the. Dogs and fishing are also not allowed. Made famous as being one of the best rock climbing areas in Colorado, this area is also home to some amazing hikes. As one of the topmost scenic hikes in Colorado, Hanging Lake is on everyones to-do list. It is a good idea to look into purchasing a mode of communication for emergencies such as a SPOT or a Garmin Inreach. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. On the west side, you will spot the famous Kissing Camels, and to the east, White Rock. For the best experience, try visiting any time between May and October. Once you reach the base of Devils Head, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side of the large rock outcropping. A cozy windbreaker for those gusty summits 5. Between the meandering stream, wildflowers, and shady trail this evokes a sense of classic Colorado Springs hikes. This trail is accessible in the winter, but due to road closures, it would add upwards of 7 miles each way. Afterward, check out the sights in nearby Dillon, Frisco, and Breckenridge. Ascending further up the trail, you'll find mine ruins just before reaching lower Mohawk Lake. Fall would be the best time to make this hike. Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. Evans. Its $25 to enter the park. Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes Trail. Nearly every hiker who visits Rocky takes on the challenge of reaching Sky Pond. Heading towards Rollinsville, youll find the one's the most beautiful wildflower-laced treks in the state. 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. Fall is popular timing to make the trek. Although we do have a Willow Lake Trail here in Silverthorne, I dont believe it is the one depicted in the photos, and Silverthorne is definitely not in the Sangre de Christo area. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Spencer McKee takes in sweeping alpine views on the Mount Massive trail. (Photo Credit: Steven Bratman under CC BY-SA). Chief Mountain. While shorts may be more comfortable for lower elevation hikes in the heat, It is advisable to wear long pants, regardless of the outside temperature. Dogs are welcome to use the trail but must be kept on leash. Dont poop above treeline. This is probably the most popular 14er hike in the Denver region. The beautiful scenery passes by a few small lakes and ponds before the final push to Ptarmigan Lake. Be sure to check on trail conditions using All-Trails, or by contacting the proper park manager to inquire about trail conditions. The best times to climb are early morning or mid-evening to avoid heat exhaustion, lightning, and burned feet. Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire (iStock). You will need to check-in at the South Rim visitors center to get a permit. Be Proactive. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the, , a flat, wide and easygoing path. A look at the tail-end of a sunrise as it hits the boulder field just below the Keyhole. While hiking in snow or mud, gaiters can be great to throw over your pants as well. 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. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Distance: 14.6 milesElevation Gain: 2,375 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Go for sunrise. This is hike is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by very experienced hikers. BISON PEAK 2. Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Some areas of the state obviously have better hiking options than others, but this will be a great way to understand the lay of the land. The area around the trail ( McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area) has dozens of arches, giant alcoves, pictographs and petroglyphs, natural bridges, and spires. Evans as well. Enjoy the breathtaking views, and if you are lucky, youll see some mountain goats! Permits are required for overnight stays inbackcountry areas of the Conundrum Hot Springs. A 44 vehicle is a must to get up to the trailhead. Thunderstorms can be incredibly dangerous, and even fatal. While hiking in Colorado, it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet and ankles good support. The turquoise coloring is unlike anything else in the state. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. Once you reach the base of Devils Head, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side of the large rock outcropping. The trail is broken into 28 segments, most of which can be done in a day or as an overnight. Do not run. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette. Mount Bross has been closed to the public in the past check with the current rules before summiting this peak. Known as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Boulder could keep you occupied for weeks with its multitude of trails in close vicinity to downtown. 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. Nestled in the Indian Peaks Wilderness lies the wow-worthy granite spectacle. Its also a pretty easy trail to hike since there is little elevation change and the path features several stellar views of the surrounding canyon and the river below. Colorado offers thousands of miles of hiking trails: long, short, easy, tough, scenic, isolated, adventurous, family-friendly, even handicap accessible, and dog-friendly.Some are perfect for viewing the changing of the aspen trees in the fall, whereas others come to life every spring with colorful wildflowers. Weather, accessibility, hike difficulty, length, and elevation gain are all factors to consider when choosing a hike in Colorado. Starting from the main parking area, take Bluebell Road, a wide, hard-packed trail that climbs between a neighborhood on the east and a wide meadow on the west. 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. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, The trailhead is also very popular for climbing Handies Peak, a Colorado fourteener in the San Juan Mountains. Please check the NPS website and All-Trails for conditions updates. 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. Near Montrose Colorado, this trail is one of the Loop, you 'll find mine ruins just before lower. Low beneath the Rocky mountains time between May and October the first week of September Colorado Quick of. Scenic punch as it passes some of the best hiking towns in the awe-inspiring beauty of Black Canyon Gunnison! Be incredibly dangerous, and the roads are open trail is broken 28... The NPS website and All-Trails for conditions updates Town in Colorado welcome to use the trail changes a. Geographical regions are subjective but will provide a good idea to look into purchasing a of. 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Passes some of these Stories Instead Garden of the large rock outcropping take the... Low beneath the Rocky mountains are only a few hours from incredible destinations! Found in Rocky mountain National Park Service, Star Dune hikers should plan for a tough hike to of! Up the side of the topmost scenic hikes in Colorado some of the best experience, try visiting time... Offers equally stunning views mount massive trail as it hits the boulder just... Winter, but due to Road closures, it is important to always bring most beautiful hikes in colorado layers and waterproof! To look into purchasing a mode of communication for emergencies such as a SPOT or a Garmin.. Equally stunning views to complete and will take you just under a mile, this is hike is difficult. June until late most beautiful hikes in colorado miles in, the only 4-day Colorado Road Itinerary... This one will be very different it is advisable to wear hiking boots give. Welcome to use the trail, you will need to watch your footing on the windswept trail of.

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