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. 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. 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. There is also a shuttle service in the summer and fall seasons. Dont forget to bring your camera! Hike in the morning on a weekday for some solitude. Located in the Tenmile Range, Quandary Peak tops out at 14,265 feet, making it the 13th highest peak in Colorado. Even in the winter, the Front Range sees plenty of mild and sunny days when the trails dry out enough for a hike. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. Most people opt to backpack this trail since youll find it hard to leave. Waste does not break down this high up. 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. Photo: Jeff Richards. Don't knowingly lie about anyone To the south, you will have views of Blue Lakes and North Star Mountain across the valley. Be sure to be off of the hike in the early afternoon before the thunderstorms, as the hike is nice and exposed. This hike is in Rocky Mountain National Park about 15 minutes from Estes Park. Chasm Lake is fishable from June to October. Once you reach the base of Devils Head, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side of the large rock outcropping. and reveals the even more stunning view of Lone Eagle Peak and Mount Achonee towering above the lake. Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle). The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. Distance: 14 milesElevation gain: 2,444 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Some scrambling required, but nothing too strenuous. . A 44 vehicle is a must to get up to the trailhead. The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the Perkins Central Garden Trail, a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. This could be the most popular fall hike in Colorado. It might be the only hike in the state to safely do barefoot! Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to take a shuttle from town. A cozy windbreaker for those gusty summits 5. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. Near the southern end of the loop, you can branch onto the Sleeping Giant Trail, a short loop off the main paved path that leads to the base of the Sleeping Giant rock formation. Theres plenty of parking but if you cant find a spot in the lot, you can pay to park along any of the neighborhood roads. Dog-friendly. A quick look at what to pack for your Colorado hike. Most visitors enter through the east side of the park near the town of Estes Park. This trek features wildflowers, waterfalls, lakes, and a historic building. Be on the lookout for mountain goats in the summer. Season: All year-round. Being that is an overview of the best hiking in Colorado, this article could go on for days. It also depends on the snow year. 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. Carry a wag bag and pack your poop out or stay below the trees! One can hike all year round in Colorado. This is the high country so be sure to bring extra layers and drink plenty of water. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this fire tower was one of seven built in the early 1900s. As one of Colorados best hiking destinations, youve got to scope out the Garden of the Gods. Evans as well. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). The High Dune gives a spectacular view of this one-in-a-kind national park. Also, try and do this trek after a rain so that the waterfall looks rad. 2. The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. Due to the popularity of the hike, you must have a permit to hike the trail between May and October. Distance: 1.8 miles. 19. With thousands of hikes in Colorado, there is no way all of them can be featured in this article. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. One of the best times to go is for the July wildflower bloom. It's also important to note that if you have a 4WD vehicle, you will be able to cut down on some of the mileage as you get closer to the trailhead. There are different difficulties of hiking for all levels and interests. Be sure to have checked the forecast multiple times, and do always bring extra layers as well as a rain jacket. Photo Credit: tonda (iStock). 2236 Park Hill Dr, P. O. Location: I-70 corridor, not very far from Denver. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. Compared to the rest of the country, cell service in Colorado is not that great. 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. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. The summer can also bring snow and hail when you are least expecting it, be sure to be packed for all weather conditions! From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. 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. 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. Hiking weather in Colorado is incredibly variable and can change at any time. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the Crater Lake Trail. You will need a, and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. Colorado is known for its snow-capped mountains and breathtaking landscapes. The intense heat of the summer makes the high-altitude areas prime for late afternoon thunderstorms. Another unique feature is Dinosaur Ridge, a National Natural Landmark with preserved dinosaur tracks, to the east. It includes Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Rico. Difficulty: Easy. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. If you are traveling in or under avalanche terrain, be sure to be educated on avalanche safety. 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. Location: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. On the west side, you will spot the famous Kissing Camels, and to the east, White Rock. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to. Hiking has been a popular Colorado activity since the Colorado Trail was created in the 1970s. Yankee Boy Basin 476 Hiking Trails Geologic Formations By PatrickDelhougne . Dogs are welcome to use the trail but must be kept on leash. Photo Credit: Melissa Woolf (iStock). or anything. Chief Mountain. Expect this hike to take 10-15 hours. Local Tip: If youre. Generally speaking, areas above 9,000 feet in springtime are definitely still covered in snow. The hike then loops back north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the. This 737-acre city park offers more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. I actually bumped into Devils Canyon by accident, but Im glad I found this diamond in the rough. As the bloom begins, please remember to stay on the trail and do not pick, touch, or trample the wildflowers. As I was researching lodging near Estes Park, CO, for our 6th trip to hike Rocky Mountain National Park, I came across this list. While hiking in Colorado, it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet and ankles good support. : Georgetown, CO, in the Roosevelt National Forest, 55 miles west of 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. Backcountry campsites are available by permit if you need more time to enjoy the view! Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. 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. For natural beauty and serenity, make the steep more than 14-mile trek to Lone Eagle Peak. Not only is it a popular backpacking route in Colorado, but this hike will take you around 4 hours to complete and will take you past Timberline Falls by way of Glacier Gorge Trail. For more information please visit the RNMP website. Micro-spikes can useful when there is snow on the windswept trail. You can even continue on to the famous Sky Pond. 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. She is also known for being a bookworm and owning more running shoes than most people would consider socially acceptable. , which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. These hiking trails in Colorado each offer something a little different and help you build your skills as a mountain hiker. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. Distance: 2.6 milesElevation gain: 1,141 feetDifficulty: Easy to ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Thunderstorms can be incredibly dangerous, and even fatal. The trail starts mellow and quickly builds up to steep elevation gains. Be sure to have the right education and the right gear. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. With trails ranging from less than a mile (1.6 km) to as many as 12 miles (19 km), you can take either a point-to-point or a loop route to some of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. 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. Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. The natural wonder can be found just below American Peak. The Blue Lakes Trail is made up of trails leading to Lower Blue Lake, Upper Blue Lake, and the Blue Lakes Pass. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. Treasure Falls, Colorado 81147, USA. Nothing from Ouray or Cheyenne Caon? After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto High Drive, a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. 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. SAN LUIS PEAK 4. Hopefully by 2023 the park will have permission to start . Headed back east, Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most unexpectedly beautiful places in Colorado. For some parts of the state, it is starting to get warmer, and the flowers are blooming. Location: Northern Front Range. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the, . Starting at the Kite Lake Trailhead, the7.6-mile trailgains 3,359 feet of elevation. Head up early to catch a perfect reflection of the stunning Lone Eagle Peak on Mirror Lake. 22. Thats why they call it breckenwind! Herman Gulch is one of the most accessible high alpine hiking trails in Colorado. Much of this land has developed hiking trails, spanning 12 National Parks, 41 State Parks, and 58 mountains above 14,000 feet. The city has narrowed down a new nature center in this area. Afternoon thunderstorms are dangerous and kill hikers each year. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto. It is very important to be off of the summit in the early afternoon to prevent exposure to thunderstorms. Hikers will enjoy pleasant spring weather along the Front Range and stunning summers and autumns in the mountains. Backcountry campsites are available by permit if you need more time to enjoy the view! Its my mission to get you out on the best Colorado hiking trails like a local, not a tourist. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,200 feetDifficulty: easy/moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly, Related: The Beginners Guide to Hiking Safely. While hiking is generally free in Colorado, national parks and now more of the best state parks in Colorado are requiring visitors without a vehicle to pay an entrance fee. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. (Stan Behal/Toronto Sun/Postmedia . This is available as a desktop version as well on iPhone and Android. Some hikes may recommend hiking poles, or even a helmet while scrambling on more technical hiking trails. It is not a bad idea to wear a climbing helmet for the 3rd class scramble, as there are lots of loose rocks. This is my favorite place to take out-of-town visitors on a scenic jaunt. The Sharkstooth Trail is an excellent way to tour this lonely chain of distinct peaks. Living up to its namesake, this beautiful alpine lake hosts an array of skyscraping rock formations that seem to defy gravity. Afterward, check out the sights in nearby Dillon, Frisco, and Breckenridge. Crystal Mill is every photographer's dream. Hikes near towns such as Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen will be included in this area. 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. You'll find this 3.2-mile out-and-back adventure hidden right off of Monarch Pass. Located about one hour from Denver, this popular hike leads to an extraordinary destinationDevils Head Lookout. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. This awesome, 6 mile out-and-back trail takes you through the exquisite Flat Tops Wilderness area near Yampa, Colorado. Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). For example, if you were flying in from sea level, it would be dangerous to try and hike a 14er the next morning. 220 Reviews #1 of 4 things to do in Bend. Known for its striking emerald green waters, the lake often glows under the mountain sun. This trail is accessible in the winter, but due to road closures, it would add upwards of 7 miles each way. If you arent cozy pooping in a bag and packing it out, stay home. Cross-referencing that app with All-Trails, or the Outbound App can prove for some awesome adventures. This hike itself is rather short, but the views are impressive. 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. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. Hanging Lake Hike Reopening June 25th 2022 (requires reservations) Distance: 2.4 miles Round Trip Drive Time from Denver: 2 Hours 45 Minutes Difficulty: Moderate Hanging Lake is a short, but demanding hike to two waterfalls and one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. If you do happen to encounter a moose on the trail. Plan to get to the final destination by sunrise to beat the crowds and be treated to some breathtaking scenery. 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. From the base of Chautauqua Park, one has access to many trails that go up to the flatiron mountains and provide a wonderful view of Boulder and down to Denver. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must, at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. If you like rocks, this place fits the bill. Always understand that the weather generally comes from the west, and keep an eye on storms. The views are particularly stunning in the spring with the stark contrast between the red rocks and the green hillsides. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. If so then why not try this stellar out and back hike? As one of the best hikes in Colorado, its worth the effort to be the tallest thing around! Season: May-November is ideal. For the best photo ops though, hike along the 1.9-mile loop trail in fall and come just in time for sunrise to see the real magic of one of the best hikes in Colorado. 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. Pacific Tarn in the Tenmile Range. Please be sure to visit the RMNP website for more information on the current permitting process for parking and entrance to the park. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. Photo credit: TRAILSOURCE.COM (flickr), If you're looking to spend a little more time in nature, take to the trails by exploring one of the largest wilderness areas in the state the Weminuche Wilderness. (Photos Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Nick Wilder). This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. Distance: 14.5 milesElevation gain: 4,911 feetDifficulty: extremely difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is not a hike to be taken lightly. The journey toChasm Lakeis a must for any hiker seeking the mountain's tranquil beauty. The 15 Best Hikes in Colorado - PureWow Something Went Wrong. Rattlesnake Arches is a varied challenge that can be done in a day by an avid hiker. From here, you briefly connect to the Red Rocks Trail before the serious climb starts on the Morrison Slide Trail. Rise early to catch a mountain sunrise guaranteed to leave you speechless. If you are looking for a shorter or easier outing, the Bear Lake Trail, which leaves from the same trailhead and loops around Bear Lake, is a family-friendly option. Explore one of 1,477 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. Winter brings solitude through deep snow in the woods. Many hikers are turned around by high country weather. A lighter snow season will allow for earlier season hiking. Location: I-70 corridor, a little under 3-hour drive from Denver. 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