hiking trips in colorado

15 Best Hikes in Colorado

By Jack Barker

Updated: October 20, 2022

Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. From the deep Black Canyon of the Gunnison to the highest point in Colorado on Mount Elbert, there is a lifetime of hiking to explore.

The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. Many hikes include short drives from the Denver metro area, or from tourist towns in the mountains. Whether you’re looking for hikes to a waterfall, a secluded walk in the woods, or a full day adventure up a 14er, there are endless options for all levels of hiking experiences. There are 54 peaks over 14,000 feet in Colorado, and all of them have challenging hiking options!

There are different difficulties of hiking for all levels and interests. Being that is an overview of the best hiking in Colorado, this article could go on for days. Be on the lookout for more articles in the future for the best 14er hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. This article will mainly focus on some of the best day hikes.

There are many different factors to consider while hiking in Colorado. Weather, accessibility, hike difficulty, length, and elevation gain are all factors to consider when choosing a hike in Colorado. Hiking weather in Colorado is incredibly variable and can change at any time. One can experience snowstorms in June, warm weather in February, or even a sunny summer day interrupted by intense thunderstorms. It is important to always bring extra layers and a waterproof jacket while hiking in Colorado.

With thousands of hikes in Colorado, there is no way all of them can be featured in this article. 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.

Let’s start with some common questions about hiking in Colorado.

How much hiking does Colorado really have?

35% percent of land in Colorado is public land or a whopping 23 million acres. Much of this land has developed hiking trails, spanning 12 National Parks , 41 State Parks, and 58 mountains above 14,000 feet. Mountains above 14,000 feet are known as 14ers. Different public lands have different guidelines and restrictions, so it is important to be familiar with the area that you are hiking in.

Not all public lands are free to enter. Some Colorado State parks and all National Parks have fees to enter the park. Others also have parking fees. Generally speaking, if the hike is on National Forest land, there will not be any fees associated with accessing the hike.

A fantastic way to explore hiking trails on public land in Colorado is via the Colorado Trail Explorer App . This is available as a desktop version as well on iPhone and Android. This is a great way to have a visual look at all of the trails in the state. You’ll never know what you could find! This is a great resource released by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. It covers more than 39,000 miles of trails on public land, as well as private land with public access. Cross-referencing that app with All-Trails, or the Outbound App can prove for some awesome adventures.

When to hike in Colorado?

One can hike all year round in Colorado. Although, winter lasts a long time in the high country. Generally speaking, the “high country” is referred to as the area at 9,000 feet and above. One can encounter snow on Colorado hiking trails all year round. The majority of the roads up to the high alpine backcountry do not open until June every season. While there is plenty of hiking all year round, hiking into the high alpine is best during July and August.

Spring can be a tough time to hike, depending on the conditions. For some parts of the state, it is starting to get warmer, and the flowers are blooming. For the more alpine regions, spring can either still be winter, or it can be very muddy. Generally speaking, areas above 9,000 feet in springtime are definitely still covered in snow. Snowshoes and micro-spikes can be used on higher elevation trails well into May. With any season, conditions can be variable. Be sure to check on trail conditions using All-Trails, or by contacting the proper park manager to inquire about trail conditions. There are also great groups on Facebook that post trail conditions.

While summertime is the best time to venture into higher altitude hikes in the alpine, the summer also has its dangers. The intense heat of the summer makes the high-altitude areas prime for late afternoon thunderstorms. When hiking above the treeline, it is incredibly important to watch the weather and be off the summit before 2pm. Thunderstorms can be incredibly dangerous, and even fatal. Being on an exposed ridge top on a late summer day is one of the most dangerous places to be while hiking. This leaves one exposed to lightning strikes, which causes about 2 fatalities per year in Colorado. The summer can also bring snow and hail when you are least expecting it, be sure to be packed for all weather conditions!

Fall is one of the best times to hike in Colorado. In many parts of the state, fall colors highlight the woods. Popular fall hiking can be found in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) , and near the towns of Vail and Aspen. Fall can quickly turn to winter in some areas of the state. The first snowfall up high can occur as early as the first week of September! Some of the most amazing landscape shots from Colorado occur during fall colors and that first snowfall.

Winter brings solitude through deep snow in the woods. Heavy snowfall shuts down the majority of hiking in the alpine environment due to avalanche concerns as well as intense cold weather. If you are traveling in or under avalanche terrain, be sure to be educated on avalanche safety. You can learn more about avalanche forecasting and avalanche safety at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. Avalanche terrain should be taken very seriously. Be sure to have the right education and the right gear.

What to bring hiking in Colorado?

There are many different items one should bring hiking while in Colorado. Regardless of the hike and weather conditions, you should always bring extra layers, extra food, and a first aid kit. The weather is very unpredictable in Colorado. Be sure to have checked the forecast multiple times, and do always bring extra layers as well as a rain jacket. Some hikes may recommend hiking poles, or even a helmet while scrambling on more technical hiking trails. Compared to the rest of the country, cell service in Colorado is not that great. Be prepared to not have cell service while you hike. It is a good idea to look into purchasing a mode of communication for emergencies such as a SPOT or a Garmin Inreach .

What to wear while hiking in Colorado?

While hiking in Colorado, it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet and ankles good support. This will prevent injuries while hiking on rocky ground. 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. Thin, long pants can be very breathable and will prevent injury from low-lying branches scratching up against you on the trails. Pants will also be nice to have in case of a rogue thunderstorm. Quick rainstorms and thunderstorms are also not uncommon up in the high country. A small, packable rain jacket can be great to throw in your pack. While hiking in snow or mud, gaiters can be great to throw over your pants as well. This will prevent your legs from getting cold and dirty!

Will I get altitude sickness hiking in Colorado?

Even for someone that lives in Colorado, anyone can get altitude sickness when hiking up high, most commonly above 8,000 feet. As with any hiking day, it is especially important to drink lots of water and make sure you are eating enough. 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. For example, if you were flying in from sea level, it would be dangerous to try and hike a 14er the next morning. Your body needs to acclimate to a higher elevation. Altitude sickness is important to be aware of when hiking at higher elevations. Become educated on the topic, and be sure to keep an eye on those hiking with you. Here is an article about getting altitude sickness in Colorado.

Getting there

Many hikes in Colorado are accessible with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. Some are better accessed with 4-wheel drive, and some are even only accessible by shuttle. If you are flying into Colorado, Denver International Airport is the best option. From there you are only a few hours from incredible hiking destinations! As was mentioned above, some roads are closed for portions of the year, it is important to check on those closures. Most high alpine roads will open up in June each summer.

Where to hike in Colorado?

Here comes the big question! Where should I hike in Colorado? 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. 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. These geographical regions are subjective but will provide a good layout of hiking in the state. Here are the regions we will use.

Northern Front Range

This area will encompass Denver north to Fort Collins with hikes that are accessible from the eastern urban corridor. This has arguably the highest concentration of accessible hikes in the state due to the Boulder area as well as the Indian Peaks Wilderness , and Rocky Mountain National Park . If you are looking for a quick way to escape the city, this is a great region to hike in. Hikes here range from short walks in Boulder’s Chautauqua Park to hiking Longs peak, a 14er.

Southern Front Range

This area will include hiking areas south of Denver down to Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs also has a great number of hikes close to town and is under the shadow of Pikes Peak, a 14er.

I-70 Corridor

This large area will include hiking near the popular ski resorts of Colorado. Hikes near towns such as Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen will be included in this area. The hikes in this area are commonly at higher altitudes and will often start at 9,000 or 10,000 feet above sea level. Some of the best fall colors can be seen in this area. This also has a high concentration of popular 14er hikes.

The incredibly large region of the San Juan mountains includes some of the highest and most rugged hiking in the state. These hikes are much harder to get to but provide more solitude and more adventure than hiking in other parts of the state. This area is roughly the region south of I-70 and encompasses a huge area. Towns like Telluride, Silverton, and Durango will be nearby for hiking in this region.

The next section will now include some of the best hiking in Colorado. Hopefully, this provides a great introduction to some of the best places to hike in Colorado. The following hikes are in no particular order and will provide some background information on hike length, difficulty, and accessibility.

15 best hikes and hiking trails in Colorado

It is tough to narrow down the best Colorado hiking trails and hikes, but you definitely can’t go wrong with any of these ones.

1) Royal Arch Trail – Boulder, CO

Length: 4.0 miles

Difficulty: Easy/Medium

Elevation gain: ~1,492 feet

Season: All year round. Snowshoes can be helpful after heavy snowfall.

Location: Northern Front Range. A few miles from downtown Boulder, CO. 30 minutes NW from Downtown Denver.

This hike provides a great introduction to hiking in Colorado and the Boulder Open Space trails. 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. The Royal Arch is a spectacular rock formation that forms an arch. Expect this hiking area to be very busy. There are plenty of hiking trails for all abilities from the parking lot at Chautauqua. Royal Arch is one of the most popular local trails, and provides some of the best views in the area! For more information about hiking in the Boulder area, check out our article on the best hikes in Boulder .

2) Emerald Lake Trail – Estes Park, CO

Length: 3.1 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain: ~709 feet

Season: All year-round. Most popular in summer and for fall colors in late September. This is the high country so be sure to bring extra layers and drink plenty of water. Micro-spikes and snowshoes can be necessary during the winter months (October-April).

Location: Northern Front Range. Located inside Rocky Mountain National Park outside of the town of Estes Park.

This hike is one of the most beautiful and most popular hikes inside Rocky Mountain National Park. It provides stunning views of three different lakes and Hallet Peak, a 11,000-foot mountain that is popular amongst rock climbers. Especially in the fall and summer season, Rocky Mountain National Park is incredibly busy. There is a fee to enter to the park and parking can be limited during peak season. There is also a shuttle service in the summer and fall seasons. During the summer of 2021 there is a permit system to enter RMNP. For more information please visit the RNMP website.

3) Longs Peak via the Keyhole Trail – Allenspark, CO

Length: 15 miles

Difficulty: Hard

Elevation gain: ~5,000 feet

Season: Summer. This hike comes into condition during July and August. It also depends on the snow year. A lighter snow season will allow for earlier season hiking.

Location: Northern front range. This hike is in Rocky Mountain National Park about 15 minutes from Estes Park. Please be sure to visit the RMNP website for more information on the current permitting process for parking and entrance to the park.

The crown jewel of the front range is Longs Peak. This is one of the more difficult 14er hikes in the state. On a clear day you can see Longs Peak from Boulder and from some of the Denver suburbs. This is hike is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by very experienced hikers. Expect this hike to take 10-15 hours. Attempting this hike in the winter is a serious mountaineering undertaking and should not be done without any experience. Please check the NPS website and All-Trails for conditions updates. Most hikers will start hiking around 3am in the summer. This hike turns into more of a technical adventure towards the summit, as it involves a 3rd class scramble. It is not a bad idea to wear a climbing helmet for the 3rd class scramble, as there are lots of loose rocks. It is very important to be off of the summit in the early afternoon to prevent exposure to thunderstorms.

4) Saint Mary’s Glacier -Idaho Springs, CO

Length: 2 miles

Elevation gain: ~800 feet

Season: While it can be hiked all year round, the most popular time to hike is in the summer.

Location: Start of the I-70 corridor. Only about a 1-hour drive from downtown Denver.

This stunning hike brings one to one of the few remaining glaciers in Colorado. This hike itself is rather short, but the views are impressive. Be sure to remember to bring $5 for the parking fee at this location. In the summer, you’ll find folks heading up St. Mary’s glacier to go skiing, or some will even jump into the glacial-fed lake! Due to the low level of difficulty and its proximity to Denver, this hike can get very popular.

5) Gray’s and Torrey’s Peak – Idaho Springs, CO

Length: 8 miles

Elevation gain: 3,500 feet

Season: Summer; June, July, and August. The road is rather rocky and a 4×4 car is recommended. Snow can last on this hike well into June.

Location: I-70 corridor, not very far from Denver.

This hike has fantastic views of the mountains in the front range and Summit county. This hike includes two different 14ers! Snowshoes are recommended in the early season. This hike is for experienced hikers only. The altitude combined with lots of elevation gain makes for a tough hike. Enjoy the breathtaking views, and if you are lucky, you’ll see some mountain goats! This is probably the most popular 14er hike in the Denver region. Be sure to be off of the hike in the early afternoon before the thunderstorms, as the hike is nice and exposed.

6) Chicago Lakes Trail – Georgetown, CO

Length: 9 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain: ~2,100 feet

Season: Best to hike in summer. The road is open all year round, but for best conditions, plan to do this hike in June, July, and August.

Location: Off of the I-70 corridor.

The Mount Evans wilderness areas have plenty of stunning views and great hikes. 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. Evans. This hike is mostly on the valley floor, passing multiple lakes on the way to the final pair of the Chicago lakes. If you are in the area for this hike, it is worth it to drive to the summit of Mt. Evans as well. This road is only open in the summer months. The Mount Evans wilderness area is a great place to make for a full day of hiking and driving up to some spectacular exposed views.

7) Quandary Peak Trail – Breckenridge, CO

Length: 6.7 miles

Elevation gain: ~3,300 feet

Season: All year round, most popular in the summer.

Location: I-70 corridor.

This is another great 14er hike to do in the I-70 area. This is a heavily trafficked area, so be sure to get there early. Due to the high exposure of this hike, be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes with you, all year round! Micro-spikes can useful when there is snow on the windswept trail. This area is known for its heavy winds. That’s why they call it breckenwind! Be on the lookout for mountain goats in the summer.

8) Hanging Lake Trail -Glenwood Springs, CO

Length: 3 miles

Elevation gain: ~1100 feet

Season: May-November is ideal. Spring or fall can call for micro-spikes for the hike.

Location: I-70 corridor, a little under 3-hour drive from Denver.

This is one of Colorado’s most famous lakes. The turquoise coloring is unlike anything else in the state. Beautiful waterfalls seep into the brightly colored lake. The hike along the canyon is stunning! Due to the popularity of the hike, you must have a permit to hike the trail between May and October. For more information, please visit the town of Glenwood Springs website .

9) Crater Lake Trail – Aspen, CO

Length: 3.8 miles

Elevation gain: ~700 feet

Season: Memorial Day through mid-October. Dependent on the seasonal opening of Independence Pass.

Location: I-70 corridor, outside of the town of Aspen.

This is by far the most photographed spot in Colorado. The magnificent Maroon bell mountains tower over Maroon lake. This trail is accessible in the winter, but due to road closures, it would add upwards of 7 miles each way. Fall would be the best time to make this hike. This could be the most popular fall hike in Colorado. Aspen, Colorado is obviously known for its Aspen trees! If you time it right, you can even be at the lake to view the first snowfall on the Maroon bells, with the fall colors still bright down below. This is a family-friendly hike that should not be missed in Colorado. Note that from mid-June through September between 8:30am – 5:00pm, a shuttle is required to take to the trailhead. If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area.

10) Gunnison Route Trail – Montrose, CO

Length: 1.8 miles

Elevation gain: ~1700 feet

Season: Spring and summer.

Location: At the base of the San Juans.

Don’t underestimate the difficulty of this route. It is extremely steep. Even for such a short distance, expect this hike to take 3-4 hours. Trekking poles can be helpful for this steep section. The descent can be quite dangerous, watch out for loose rocks. There is a chain link “rope” to help with the steepest section. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a rather unknown gem of the state. You will need to check-in at the South Rim visitors center to get a permit.

11) Mount Sneffels – Telluride, CO

Length: 7 miles

Season: June, July, and August. Depends on road conditions and the seasons snowpack.

Location: San Juans, near the town of Telluride.

If you are looking for some of the most dramatic mountain views in the United States, the San Juans are the place to be. The hiking in this area is challenging, but the views are stunning. The view from the summit of Mt. Sneffels allows one to get a great sense of just how vast the San Juans really are. Mt. Sneffels is a Telluride classic and is one of the 14ers in the area. This is a must-do in the San Juans if you are up for a challenging hike. Be sure to check road conditions. A 4×4 vehicle is a must to get up to the trailhead.

12) Ice Lake Basin Trail – Ophir, CO

Location: San Juans. About 20 minutes outside of Silverton, CO.

There are two main lakes to visit on the ice lake basin trail hike. This is an amazing hike in the San Juans that features two incredibly blue and green lakes that are surrounded by towering peaks. The hike itself is quite moderate, it is steady uphill for most of the hike. Be sure to admire the sunflowers in the summer.

13) North Mount Elbert Trail – Buena Vista, CO

Length: 10 miles

Elevation gain: ~4,400 feet

Location: For the purpose of this article, this would be in the San Juan section, but Mount Elbert is really in the Sawatch Range. It is between the San Juans and the I-70 corridor.

At 14,440 feet of elevation, this is the highest point in all of Colorado. This hike is very challenging due to the high starting elevation, and its elevation gain of over 4,000 feet. Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. Like other 14er hikes, it is very important to start early and end early. Summer thunderstorms are very common on Mount Elbert and can prove to be fatal. The majority of hiking on Mount Elbert is above the tree line. Towards the summit there may be a few rocky sections, be on the lookout for loose rocks.

14) High Dune Trail – Mosca, Colorado

Elevation gain: ~600 feet

Location: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. Between the general region of the San Juans and the southern front range.

While not a very challenging hike, this hike is on our list because of how unique it is. These massive sand dunes rise out of the ground and lay low beneath the Rocky Mountains. The High Dune gives a spectacular view of this one-in-a-kind national park. Because the hiking is on the sand, there isn’t much of an established trail. Just hike the path of least resistance! There are plenty of amazing hikes in Colorado, but this one will be very different. It might be the only hike in the state to safely do barefoot!

15) Garden of the Gods Loop – Colorado Springs, CO

Length: 3.7 miles

Elevation gain: ~400 feet

Location: Southern front range

This famous park near downtown Colorado Springs is a must-see. The rock formations are spectacular, and there is so much to see in a short distance. These sandstone tower formations are scattered around the park. It is very crowded, but also a very well maintained park. It is recommended to go early in the morning or late in the evening.

Related content

The 10 Best States for Hiking + The 50 Best Hikes

Top 10 Ridge Scrambles in Colorado That Are Exhilarating

Colorado Trail Gear List: What To Bring In Your Backpack

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Home » North America » USA » Colorado

10 BEST Hikes in Colorado (LOCAL Tips • 2024)

Colorado has long been known as a hiker’s paradise. The state’s greatest treasures are the epic Rocky Mountains that practically engulf the entirety of it.

There is such an overwhelming amount of trails here that sorting through all of the  best hikes in Colorado  can actually be a bit of a pain. As someone who used to live in Colorado, I can attest that my biggest problem was almost always choosing where to go in the first place!

There is almost no end to the number of trails and backcountry treks in this part of the world, and most, if not all of them, are worthy of your attention.

In the end, I formulated my own list of top hikes in Colorado, which became my bucket list. These were the cream of the crop; the ones that I absolutely had to do. Through countless hours of research and speaking with other locals, I knew that these were hands-down the best of Colorado.

It is my pleasure to share this list of Colorado’s best hiking trails with you! I love nothing more than inspiring people to visit some of the most beautiful places in the world.

I am very confident that trekkers will be satisfied, nay astonished.

Let’s get hiking!

What to Pack for the Best Hikes in Colorado

The best hikes in colorado, faq’s about colorado’s best hikes, being a responsible hiker in colorado.

A great hike can quickly go south if your gear is not up to the challenge. Rain, thunder, wind, cold, heat; all of these could potentially ruin a great trek and leave you in a dangerous situation. It would be such a shame to start one of the best hikes in Colorado and have to turn back because you weren’t prepared for the elements.

In order to be prepared for adverse situations, you absolutely must have the right equipment . I cannot tell you how many times I’ve seen hikers with poor equipment (seriously, some have been barefoot) bail out early because the going was too tough.

At the Broke Backpacker, we take outdoor supplies very seriously. We’ve spent hundreds of hours testing, reviewing, and abusing a lot of gear, and have become pretty good at separating the heroes from the zeroes.

It is my pleasure to share my experiences with you so that you may become a better adventurer.

Below are a series of gear reviews that will put you in touch with everything you need to have a successful, enjoyable, and safe hiking adventure.

Don’t be a rook and bring a brand new pair of hiking boots or use your smartphone as a flashlight. Invest in quality items and you’ll find that your adventure will only get better.

Note: Most of these hikes are located in the Rocky Mountain National Park, which means that the best and maybe only months to hike them is from July to October.

You can attempt many of them during the winter with the proper gear and preparation, but I must remind you that the Rocky Mountains are very cold at this time. If you’re not well equipped enough, I’d recommend checking out the amazing road trips Colorado has to offer and come back at the right time next year.

Choose the Right Gear Before you Visit Colorado

Before you hit the hiking trails, you’re going to need to prepare yourself. Here are all the items I recommend you take with you on your hiking trip.

How to choose the right tent to take backpacking  – Every traveler needs a good tent. Period.

Best sleeping bags to take traveling  – Find the right sleeping bag for your journey.

Choosing the right backpack  – Your backpack is a god.

Best sleeping pads to take backpacking – Your back and weary bones will thank you.

Best Camping Hammocks – Get to know the amazing world of #hammocklife.

A Beginner’s Guide to Hiking – For those who are still getting their feet under themselves.

Best travel jackets for backpackers – Find the right jacket based on your intended outdoor activities.

How to choose a backpacking stove – If you want to save money and eat well at camp, you need a stove.

The USA is  blisteringly beautiful. It’s also blisteringly expensive! Visiting two national parks in day can run you $70+ in entry fees.

Orrrr… you kick those entry fees to the curb, buy an annual ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ for $79.99,  and get unlimited access to ALL 2000+ federally managed sites in the States totally FREE!

You do the math. 😉

Now you know what to pack for the hiking trails in Colorado, it’s time to take a look at the best hikes in the state.

From exploring one of the best national parks in the US (Rocky Mountain, of course!) to the challenging Royal Arch Hiking trail, you’ll find a Colorado hiking trail that caters to every level of fitness and experience on this list.

1. Four Passes Loop

Distance : 27 miles

Elevation gain: 8,000 feet

Days Required: 3-5 days

Type : Loop

Nearest Accommodation: Aspen

The Four Pass Loop is not unheard of – for years people have known that this is one of the top 10 hikes in Colorado. I know several hikers who have done this loop multiple times because once is never really enough to satiate them. It’s also one of the best scenic hikes in Colorado.

The Four Pass Loop starts at the extremely popular Maroon Bells Lake , which is already one of the most popular places in Colorado . Walk a bit down the Maroon Scenic Lake Trail and the crowds begin to thin a little.

The hike truly begins once you reach the West Maroon Trail/Snowmass Trail Fork.

Pick either trail at the fork (both form the loop and lead to one another) and start walking up. For the next 3-5 days, you’ll be circumnavigating the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness and the Elk Mountains . Via these four passes, you will be afforded astounding views of the Rocky Mountains.

Most of the time, you will have up close and very personal views of mountains like Trail Rider , Snowmass , and Maroon Peak .

There are several waterfalls along the way and, depending on the time of year, endless fields of wildflowers. There are several geologic wonders in this area so expect all sorts of hues from red to blue to green.

I’d recommend finding a nice place to stay overnight before you start your travels. Note that you must arrive very early to Maroon Lake if you wish to use the parking lot. The lot is closed in the summer from 8am-5pm due to heavy traffic.

There is a shuttle bus otherwise which departs every 20min from the Aspen Highlands Ski area. If you don’t want to drive to the pick-up point yourself, you can take the bus from Downtown Aspen directly to the Ski area. You can find out more details about the Loop Pass online – make your you do your research before you start your adventure.

2. Ice Lakes Basin

Distance: 8 miles

Elevation gain:  3,000 feet

Days Required: 1 day

Nearest Accommodation: Silverton or Ouray

The Ice Lakes Basin is a very popular hike for a very good reason – the eponymous Ice Lake is arguably the bluest in the entire Rocky Mountains.

Many people gasp at the sight of such pure azul colors and remark that this is the best scenic hike in Colorado, period. The lake itself is worth the relatively moderate hike; throw in some spectacular wildflowers and a theater of 13ers and you’ve got yourself a no-brainer.

The hike starts near South Mineral Campground , which is located near Silverton, at a manageable grade before leveling at Lower Ice Lake . By now, you will see why people consider this one of the best wildflower hikes as the basin is often carpeted with local flora.

You will be impressed by this lake but don’t stop pushing on to the ultimate goal, Upper Ice Lake . The trail into the upper basin steepens considerably, but give it a good push and you’ll make it soon enough.

Upper Ice Lake is the crown jewel of the trail. It is an extremely deep shade of blue, surrounded by a number of gorgeous peaks.

I suggest that you consider spending the night here and maybe even hike up to Grant/Swamp Pass. This high point offers amazing views of the surrounding landscape, but reaching it is not for the faint-hearted.

The closest cities to this trail are Silverton and Ouray. If you’re staying in Ouray and want to get to the trail, drive south on Highway 550, make a right turn at Country Road 7 and head down this gravel road for almost 5 miles.

From Silverton, you’ll head towards Highway 550 and drive north until the Country Road 7 turn. Take a left and follow the road until the parking lot.

3. Sky Pond

Elevation gain: 1,780 feet

Type: Out-and-back

Nearest Accommodation: Estes Park

Rocky Mountain National Park offers several superlative hikes. While I love the likes of Dream Lake and Emerald Lake (the Emerald Lake trail is quite scenic, to say the least), I just can’t help but love the hike up to Sky Pond a little bit more.

The rocky trail is quieter than most others in the near vicinity, with several excellent landmarks along the way, and the Sky Pond itself is rad as hell.

The hike to Sky Pond begins at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, which is located on the extremely busy Bear Lake Road. If you’re visiting during the busy season and can’t make it early in the morning, you should probably rely on the local Rocky Mountain shuttle then.

Once you’ve started walking, the first point you’ll reach is Albert Falls . This is one of the most popular waterfall hikes near Denver and, as such, is very crowded.

The crowds will begin to thin a bit beyond here and many will head to Mills Lake . You’re heading for The Loch and once you arrive, you’ll have probably forgotten about the hordes. The picturesque Loch is the largest of the many crystal clear alpine lakes in the area.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Beyond The Loch, the trail continues to the Lake of Glass and Sky Pond . The trail becomes rough at this point and you’ll have to do a bit of scrambling, notably at Timberline Falls , but once you overcome these obstacles, you’re gravy.

Both the Lake of Glass and Sky Pond will be before you; although the former is worthwhile, the latter is a real stunner. Sky Pond is known for its jagged geography, the likes of which have inspired names like The Sharkstooth.

The nearest city is Estes Park. If you drive up early enough, you can score a parking spot for your car. If you’re staying in Denver or Boulder, plan in 2 hours of driving until you reach the trailhead. If the Glacier George trail parking lot is full, you can also drive to Bear Lake.

There you can find a short connector trail that brings you back to the original Sky Pond Trail.

4. Longs Peak

Distance: 13 miles

Elevation gain:  4,875 feet

Days Required: 1-2 days

Type: Climb

The 14,259 ft Longs Peak is one of the most climbed 14ers in Colorado thanks to its convenient location. 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 climb to the top of Longs Peak is certainly one of the best “hikes” near Denver and arguably one of the most gratifying in the state.

As a 14er, Longs Peak comes with its own set of risks and should never be taken lightly. Avalanches, thunderstorms, rockslides, and all sorts of other dangerous unknowns can pose a fatal situation for hikers. Furthermore, serious endurance and stamina are needed to complete it.

On that note, it is always recommended that you make an alpine start to avoid getting caught in an afternoon storm. Be wary, always.

Longs Peak is essentially a glorified hike though, not so much a technical climb. Most people with good fitness and a fair amount of outdoor experience will be able to finish this climb. The Keyhole , a distinct landmark, is the only non-technical way to the peak and, though there’s a fair bit of boulder hopping and exposure, many still make it to the top via this route.

If you should make it to the top of Longs Peak, then congratulations; you just knocked out one of Colorado’s great 14ers. Views will abound and, on a clear day, you’ll see deep into the state. I recommend bringing supplies and a backpacking tent if you’re going all the way up though.

If you have no desire to make the summit, Chasm Lake  – at the base of the peak – is an excellent alternative. This is one of the most spectacular crystal clear alpine lakes in the region and totally worth the hike alone.

The closest accommodation options can be found in Estes Park. From here, drive south on Highway 7 until you reach the turnoff for the Longs Peak Ranger Station. It’s another mile from the turnoff to the parking lot. Note that the day-hikers usually arrive at the lot between 3-5am. So if you want to score a spot for your car, you better get up early.

5. Crater Lake via Monarch Lake (Indian Peaks)

Distance: 15 miles

Elevation gain:  2,507 feet

Nearest Accommodation : Around Monarch Lake

The Indian Peaks Wilderness is the perfect alternative to Rocky Mountain National Park – it’s quieter, wilder, more remote, and just as beautiful. The area’s flagship trail is the one to Crater Lake from Monarch, hands down one of the best hikes in Colorado.

Note that sleeping overnight in the Indian Peaks Wilderness requires an overnight permit. You can organize one of these at a ranger station nearby or in the Denver-Boulder area. Because of the permitting situation, this has become one of the more popular day hikes.

The hike officially starts at the Cascade Creek Trailhead , which is on the other side of Monarch Lake. Monarch Lake is beyond Lake Granby and Elkdale . The trail is manageable most of the time though there are some steep sections and forks that you’ll have to be aware of.

Along the way, you’ll pass waterfalls, wildflowers, and the occasional rushed day hiker.

The beautiful body of water known as Mirror Lake is the first lake in the series. By this point, you should have a clear view of the most prominent feature in Indian Peaks: Lone Eagle Peak .

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This peak quite literally soars above the surrounding topography and is very eye-catching. Although Mirror Lake is a tempting place to stop, Crater Lake is just ahead and even more desirable due in part to its close proximity to Lone Eagle.

I’d recommend finding a nice accommodation around Monarch Lake before you start the hike. There are quite a few camping options too if you’re more of an outdoor person.

Start the hike by checking in at the Ranger Station at the parking lot and heading out on the north side of the Monarch Lake Loop (a flat, easy 4-mile loop around Monarch Lake). On the far side of the lake at ~ 1.5 miles, stay left on Cascade Trail to start the climb.

6. Missouri Lakes

Distance: 7 miles

Elevation gain:  1,00 feet

Nearest Accommodation: Leadville or Vai

The Missouri Lakes Basin is one of the best day hikes and one of the prettiest hikes in Colorado! With scenery like this, one would think that they’d have to go on an enormous thru-hike; alas, this trail is only 7 miles roundtrip.

Factor in that the trailhead is only a reasonable 2.5 hours away from Denver, and what you have is one of the finest weekend road trips in Colorado!

Starting at the Fancy Lake Trailhead , this trek begins high and ends high. There are few portions that are actually difficult; most of the incline is quite gentle.

Depending on what your idea of a reasonable drive is, the Missouri Lakes is certainly one of the easiest hikes near Denver, at least if you’re looking for scenery like this.

The Missouri Lakes is a gorgeous group of high alpine bodies set in a wonderful cirque of Rocky Mountain peaks.

The basin hosting these alpine lakes is quite large and there is plenty of room to explore and make camp. On that note, I highly recommend staying the night here; all you need to do is fill out a free overnight permit at the trailhead.

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The Missouri Lakes are admittedly pretty busy at times. Though given the expansiveness of the region, there are plenty of opportunities for making little excursions. Missouri Pass and Fancy Pass are two great ways to get off the beaten path but there is a lot more to see in the Holy Cross Wilderness.

The closest cities to this hike are Leadville and Vai. Note that you need to have your own car to get to the trailhead.

I’d suggest using google maps to get to the Homestake Road #704. Once you’re there, continue 3 miles on this dirt road to a T intersection at 10,200 ft. Turn right and the trailhead will be on the left.

7. South Colony Lakes and Crestone Group

Distance: 8.5 miles

Elevation gain:  2,286 feet

Days Required:  1 – 2 days

Type: Out and Back

Nearest Accommodation:  Denver

The South Colony Lakes Trail is the most popular hike near Denver that no one has ever heard about. Infamous among outdoor junkies for its alpine scenery and the legendary Crestone Needle, there are few hikes in the state that are as complete as this one.

The Crestone Group is located near the border of New Mexico in the Sangre de Cristo Range . Many people have already seen the western flank of the Crestone Group from the Great Sand Dunes National Park ; you’re going to be climbing up the eastern flank.

I’d recommend staying in Denver before you start your hike. The South Colony Lakes Trailhead is located on a rough dirt road that may require a 4×4 vehicle.

The road is almost more harrowing than the hike itself as there are large ruts and sometimes washouts. Cautious drivers may want to park down the trail a bit and walk.

The trail itself is lovely. There is a waterfall along the way and quite a few wildflowers in the summer. However, to complete it does take some real stamina and good endurance.

As you arrive at the alpine lakes, overnight camp spots will be clearly obvious. Most camp here in order to make summit pushes to either Crestone Needle or Humboldt Peak early the next morning.

Regardless if you intend to climb or not (you must be prepared to), the area is still stunning, and spending an evening here is a great experience.

8. Lost Creek Loop

Distance:   28 miles

Elevation gain: 11,905 feet

Days Required: 3-4 days

Nearest Accomodation:  Jefferson

The Lost Creek Loop is a very different hike than the rest on this list. Whereas many of Colorado’s hikes are about mountain vista and epic views, Lost Creek is a far more intimate experience.

You’ll be trading in climbing mountains for navigating gulches, but regardless of these differences Lost Creek is still one of the coolest hikes in Colorado.

The Lost Creek Loop starts at the Lost Creek Trailhead , which is near the Spruce Grove Campground. As you begin walking on the trail you may feel like the trail itself is not as well-laid as other trails.

Many hikers have said that Lost Creek feels a bit rougher than other Colorado hikes and that the trail is more of a web of smaller trails. Even when this is the case, rangers regularly come through and make waymarkers so you don’t get lost.

Campsites and water, although numerous, are sometimes tedious to find. You’ll need to do a bit of searching while backpacking in Lost Creek, but that’s half the fun of it!

In fact, many people fall in love with Lost Creek because it offers such a different experience. Along with this trail, you’ll see lots of unique landmarks, like great stone towers, huge meadows, and winding creeks.

All-in-all, this hike is a great way to mix up things up when pursuing the best Colorado hikes.

The closest accommodations can be found in Jefferson, CO. From here, drive 28 miles on Highway 77 until you reach the Lost Creek Trailhead on the left. You can leave your car there and start the hike through the Spruce Grove Campground.

9. Huron Peak

Elevation gain:  3,800 feet

Nearest Accommodation: Leadville or Bueno Vista

The Collegiate Peaks Wilderness hosts one of the densest collections of 14ers in the state. At 14,102 ft, Huron Peak is not the highest peak in the region (it’s 9th) but it’s certainly one of the most accessible if not most scenic.

For anyone looking to bag their first 14er, Huron Peak is a great introductory mountain. Thanks to its relative proximity to Denver as well as ease, Huron Peak is also one of the best day hikes in the state.

There are two trailheads to the start Huron Peak: a lower one and an upper one. The lower one is accessible to all types of vehicles; the upper one will require 4-wheel drive.

The climb up to the summit of Huron Peak is straightforward and well-trafficked. There’s very little in the way of bushwalking or scrambling, but there is a pretty steep section at the very end.

The average hiker completes this hike in about 5-7 hours. Take note that you’ll want to be off the mountain before 1 or 2 pm. During the summer an early start at the trailhead is necessary to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.

The summit of Huron Peak is what you’d expect from a Colorado 14er – epic. You will have unchecked views of the Collegiate Wilderness. The Apostles will be smack dab in front of you and I can only imagine how many photos have been taken here. Most spend 30-60 minutes on the summit.

The best accommodation can be found in Leadville or Bueno Vista. Both cities are less than 20miles from the trailhead.

Head towards Chaffee County 390. From here, drive 11.8 miles to Winfield Ghost Town. After making a left turn, just past the old mining town, the parking area for 2WD vehicles is roughly 0.1 miles away. The trailhead is located just past the main parking area, roughly 2.1 miles from Winfield.

10. Elk Park/Needleton Loop

Distance: 45 miles

Elevation gain: 17,000 feet

Days Required: 5-7 days

Nearest Accommodation: Close to the Train Station

The Weminuche Wilderness, found between Durango and Silverton, is probably the finest portion of the entire Colorado Rocky Mountains. It is an unparalleled beauty with rugged peaks, hidden alpine lakes, and a number of 14ers – making it one of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado.

Although there are several shorter treks in this area, no one route is better than the mighty Needleton Loop. This loop leads you through most of the Weminuche’s finest portions and is not only one of the backpacking trips in Colorado, but one of the best trails in the entire USA as well.

Hiking anywhere in the Weminuche is not going to be easy. There are lots of logistics involved with this region; getting to the trailhead (Elk Park) requires a ride on the local historical train and there is no way around this, unfortunately.

Luckily, there are quite a few accommodations really close to the train station where you can rest your head before the hike.

The trail itself is often hard to discern and frequently merges with and diverges into others in the area. Only experienced hikers should attempt this one.

You will be amazed as you make into the Weminuche and start the Needleton Loop.

This is true Rocky Mountain National Park backcountry, the likes of which hides countless treasures like the gorgeous Twins Lakes, climbing Winsom Peak, and even visiting the Chicago Basin – the premier destination in the wilderness. Color me jealous, you lucky bastards.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Best Colorado Hikes – Honorable Mentions

Below is a list of excellent trails in Colorado that just barely missed the cut. While I would love to talk about all of these trails (Colorado Springs was a tough exclusion), there are just too many great adventures in Colorado .

Research some of these further for more ideas on finding the best hiking trails.

• Boulder Trails – Flatirons, Royal Arch Trail, Lake Isabelle
• Colorado Springs Trails – Seven Falls, Garden of the Gods, Fountain Valley Trail, Upper Fish Creek Falls
• Rocky Mountain NP Trails – Colorado Trail, Dream Lake, Emerald Lake Trail, Ouzel Falls
• Telluride Trails – Bridal Veil Falls, Sneffels Skyline, Blue Lakes Basin
• Breckenridge Trails – Mohawk Lakes, Quandary Peak
• Glenwood Springs Trails – Hanging Lake
• Grand Junction Trails – Devil’s Kitchen, Rattlesnake Arch
• San Juan Mountains – Warner Point Nature trail
• Ridgway, Ouray, Telluride – Blue Lakes Trail

Further Reading for more Colorado Hiking Trails

Want to read more about the best hikes in Colorado? Then check out this Colorado reading list to dive deeper into the state’s backcountry and to blaze your own hiking trails!

• Best Summit Hikes in Colorado – A guidebook outlining the 80 best summit hikes in Colorado! Includes many of the states 14ers and countless more. Written in an engaging way.
• The Best Front Range Hikes – A compendium of the best hikes in Colorado’s Front Range, which is where most of the state’s population lies.
• 100 Classic Hikes Colorado – A more generic exposition of some popular hikes in Colorado. Covers a wide variety of hikes in the state including, but not limited to, some 14ers and waterfall hikes near Denver.
• 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of Denver – One of the greatest things about Denver and Boulder is the sheer amount of hiking trails around them. There are countless hikes near Denver and this book makes sure that you don’t drive more than an hour to find them!

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

What are the best hikes in Colorado?

The best trails in Colorado vary in difficulty and terrain, but the good news is you can find them all over the country. Some of my favorites include: -Four Passes Loop -Ice Lakes Basin -Sky Pond

When should I go hiking in Colorado?

June-September is the period with the best weather in Colorado, though you can also hike in May, October and early November.

What is the prettiest hike in Colorado?

No Colorado trail is prettier than the one that leads to the iconic Sky Pond.

Do your part to help keep these hiking trails clean and beautiful, and always practice  leave no trace principles  when camping or trekking in the backcountry.

Wherever your hiking path will lead you, please be respectful to the environment along the way. Always hike out your own trash and reduce (or eliminate!) the amount of single-use plastic. Pick up a water bottle and/or a water filter  and use them!

Leaving no trace also means respecting the surrounding nature. Often times there is a reason you must stick to the trails, especially in protected reserves, parks, and lands. Don’t trample all over the vegetation, etc.

Most backpackers understand this, but it may bear repeating. If you love, respect, and spend a lot of time in the outdoors, do your part to keep it pristine and maybe even consider volunteering your time or dollars towards causes that help protect it.

Now get out there and crush the best hikes in Colorado!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Hi Ralph Cope Thank you for sharing your informative outdoor activities travel guide around Colorado. Similarly, we listed the travel guide to Himalayas. Which is an information site for hikers. https://acevisiontreks.com/trekking-in-nepal-a-complete-travel-guide/

I think it’s irresponsible to have Longs and the Crestones on here without more of a warning. Incredible endurance is needed for Longs and many people attempt it thinking it’s easy because it’s close to Denver. It’s not easy. It’s a long, grueling hike with many high exposure spots. And the Crestones are among the most difficult climbs in the state. And you recommend that people start from Denver?!?! S Colony lakes is 3.5 hrs south of Denver. So that gets some tourist to the trailhead at noon and they get caught up in a storm trying to get to the lakes. Even worse would be if they attempted the needle and got lost up there. Irresponsible article.

We appreciate your feedback but do not entirely agree. Firstly, we did include some warnings about both trails and made it clear how long they will take to complete and therefore, how much stamina is needed. As for Crestones, we didn’t actually suggest pepple set of walking from Denver but rather that they stay in Denver, and get a jeep to the trail head.

Thanks for the inspiration. For future readers, it would definitely be helpful if you mentioned the closest city to each trail because I had to google each one and see if it would be anywhere near where I was going (e.g. #1 Four Passes is near Aspen). Fabulous photos though!

Great suggestion. We are going to implement this shortly. Aiden

I was just looking for some inspiration for places to visit when the whole COVID-19 crisis is over. Colorado is top of my list. There are some great ideas in this article, thanks. Also, I love the photographs!

Hi! I like the selection here, but the photo used for your no. 2, Ice Lakes Basin, is not in the Ice Lakes Basin. It’s actually Blue Lake, in the Sneffels Wilderness.

You’re absolutely right – good shout! Those Colorado lakes can be confusing sometimes lol

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6 Outstanding Overnight Backpacking Hikes in Colorado

July 28, 2021 By //  by  Matt Thomas

Colorado is a hiker’s paradise, full of hidden overnight treks and magnificent multi-day trails. It’s among the best places in the world to be for stunning hiking trails.

Whether you’re looking for a simple day hike to do with your family or a longer jaunt for you and your pals, you’ll find it here. East to west, north to south, Colorado is covered in scenic hikes , some connecting to larger national trails. Summer is no doubt the most common time to hike, with the most popular trails usually being covered in visitors. But don’t let that deter you from visiting, there are plenty of fantastic trails that are could be yours, and yours alone. Colorado’s a big place after all.

Colorado’s Best Multi-Day Hiking Trails

Thanks to a varied topography and the highest average elevation in the nation, Colorado provides a one-of-a-kind destinations for families and hikers from all over. You can stand on the Earth as high 14,400 if you’re atop Mount Elbert, our highest 14er . Or walk around at 3,315 feet if you’re probably not wading in the Arikaree River in Yuma County. We have ancient Anasazi ruins to explore, deep natural alpine lakes, forest teaming with wildlife, historic dinosaur and tree fossils. It’s an interesting place that keep’s you on your toes.

Easy day hikes in Denver and seemingly anywhere here are as easy to find as walking out your front door. Keep in mind too that nearly every single campsite I can think of has a hiking trail by it, so overnight hiking is also not too complicated. However, you must treat it with the utmost respect .

• Start out early each day, afternoon storms are common.
• If you are injured and solo, it’s best to stay on the trail and wait.
• Cell phone coverage is spotty at best.
• Be in a good shape.
• Trekking poles can help tired knees.
• Purchase a CO Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue Card, CORSAR , if you don’t have a hunting or fishing license. It’s only $3 for a year or $12 for 5 years.

Backpacking is a worldwide passion, with people from all walks of life enjoying wonderful nights under the stars, coupled with early morning departures. Everywhere from the Swiss Alps to South America, you’ll find outstanding multi-day hikes. Oftentimes it’s beneficial to take a backpacking group tour and Colorado offers its fair share of choices for guided overnight hikes.

Here’s a look at the lesser strolled, multi-day hikes for your overnight pleasure. These are among the top multi-day hiking trails in Colorado:

Colorado Trail

Day hikers will be able to access 28 segments of the Colorado Trail , each with check-in points. This state wide trail runs from Metro Denver’s Waterton Canyon to Durango . Elevations and difficulties of the sections vary. Backpackers too will have a splendid time hiking any bit of the 486 miles.

Allow yourself 4 to 6 weeks if you’re actually looking to conquer this life-changing hike. The average elevation is 10,300 feet to give you an idea. Optimal time to go is summer, late June to early September, and you should be relatively snow free. You’ll still see the white fluffy stuff on the mountain peaks. It’s also possible to choose any in-between segment for a two day or longer jaunt. It’s best to take a couple cars so you can park at the finish, just don’t forget your keys.

Continental Divide Trail

This nationally scenic trail is not for the feint of heart. It’s called the Continental Divide Trail for a reason, it traverses the spine of the United States. Traveling south to north or north to south, the choice is yours while your climbing high over some of Colorado’s tallest peaks. Established in 1978, it covers 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada, passing 5 states.

The average through hike time for the whole shebang is 6 months at 17 miles per day. 740 of those miles of CDT are available in central Colorado . It’s highest point in the trail is Grays Peak in CO at 14,270 feet. Waterton Lake in Montana is its lowest point at 4,200 feet. More than 1,000 summits in Colorado top 10,000 feet on the CTD, making it one of the route’s best. It passes geological feature after feature, with a lot of historic ruins, like the Hancock ghost town .

Chicago Basin in Weminuche Wilderness

For a wild memory, consider this southwest hike that combines a trip on the Durango train . The destination is the Chicago Basin, which offers access to 3 area 14’ers. It’s unofficially called the backpacking train, which allows you to backpack from the train mid way to Silverton. At 499,771 acres, the Weminuche Wilderness is the biggest if the state.

Most overnight hikers to Chicago Basin will camp in the basin. It provides simple access to Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Eolus, Sunlight and Wisdom peaks. So how does this work? Reservations should be made through the Durango Train ticket office to ensure seating. Let them know what you are doing. You can also save time and money by boarding form Silverton. If you have no reservations, you can may still be able to buy directly from the conductor at either Needleton or Elk Park drop offs.

How to flag the train:

The correct method is by waving your hands horizontally across your knees. When flagging the train in either direction, you must be on the east side of the tracks.

Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop

This is one of the best shorter multi-day hikes in the state. It begins from the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Area in Aspen Highlands. From here, it’s 28 miles roundtrip, with 8,000 feet of elevation gain between all the peaks. There is a special overnight parking area below Maroon Lake to start the hike. Take Maroon Creek Road past the Forest Station, after 8:30am requires a stop for a permit, to the parking area.

You can choose either way, clockwise or counter-clockwise, when you come to the fork in the road, AKA Maroon Lake. Backpackers generally take 3 to 4 days to complete the Four Pass Loop , which is best during summer. It’s rated as a difficult hike, beginning at 9,580 feet and peaking at 12,500 feet. Every party needs to self-register at the Trailhead and carry a copy of their free receipt. Good campsites are found on the hike.

Lost Creek Wilderness Loop

South Park is often overlooked at a hiking destination, especially multi-day treks. Upon first inspection descending from Kenosha Pass this high-elevation basin seems like a barren alpine desert. However, drive into it and you’ll soon realize its treasures, including elaborate rock formations at Lost Creek Wilderness , a myriad of rolling mountains forests, and Tarryall Reservoir, another gem for another day. Allow yourself at least a couple days to discover this magical place.

Situated close to Fairplay , you’ll begin from Goose Creek Trail, which winds through aspen groves and colorful meadows. Looking west affords splendid views of the Collegiate Peaks and Mosquito Range. Since it’s a loop you have a choice of going direction. One highlight is the Goose Creek drainage, which has granite spires and huge boulders. The total length is 34 miles, although you have the option of shaving off 10 miles or so with the McCurdy Park cutoff. Free dispersed camping is prevalent.

Devil’s Thumb to King Lake Loop

Denverites will enjoy this relatively easy-to-reach hike in Nederland . At only 16 miles many folks day trek this one too. The option is yours if you’ll spend the night, although once you see the views of the Indian Peaks Wilderness you’ll likely want to stick around for another day.

Begin your day at the Hessie Trail, which due to its Front Range proximity, does fill up quickly. The town of Nederland accommodates with a free shuttle to the trailhead. Remember to make the last bus home before it departs, if going this route. The first main point of interest, at over 5 miles up, is Devil’s Thumb Lake. If you do the whole loop, you’ll continue on Lonesome Trail to King Lake, then Devil’s Thumb Pass, completing the journey in 11 miles.

As you can probably guess, the list of Colorado’s top multi-day hiking trails could go on a longer time than we got. For a unique time, and probably better digs than you tent, consider hiking to the 10th Mountain backcountry hut system . These rental cabins are located throughout the national forest around Leadville, ranging in size and amenities, most fairly bare bones.

Do you have a favorite multi-day hiking trails in Colorado that you care to share? Please do in our comments. Thanks for reading!

About Matt Thomas

Matt is an avid writer and explorer, who loves to showcase this wild, wondrous world. His favorite place to be is right here in the Centennial State.

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Best Summit Hikes in Colorado Springs

Local guidebook author susan joy paul explores the best summit hikes in and around colorado springs, colorado..

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

The Front Range defines the Colorado Springs skyline with mountains from 7,232 to 14,109 feet above sea level. You can reach the tops on off-trail routes that vary as wildly as their elevations — or set your sights on the handful of peaks with paths from trailhead to lofty summit. Each of these seven mountains can be day-hiked, though the “difficult” and “very difficult” ones require an early start (4 a.m. or even earlier).

Note: Distances are out-and-back total mileage. Elevation gain is from trailhead to summit and does not include regained or lost elevation. Summit elevations are based on LiDAR and may differ from elevations shown on maps.

Mount Cutler – 7,232′

Location: North Cheyenne Cañon Park

Distance & Elevation Gain to Summit: 2 miles and 491 feet of elevation

Difficulty : Easy

From the Mount Cutler Trailhead (6,741′), located 1.4 miles past Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center on North Cheyenne Cañon Road, hike east up the steep trail. At 0.4 miles arrive at an overlook above the canyon, and at 0.5 miles reach a saddle between Mount Cutler and Mount Muscoco. (Climbing Mount Muscoco from a different trailhead is described later in this article.) Continue on Mount Cutler Trail as it edges around the southwest side of the mountain above South Cheyenne Cañon, then bends left and climbs to the rounded summit at 1 mile. For extra views, descend the trail and take a side trail on the left to the lower, eastern summit. This area is exposed, so keep kids and pets close at hand.

Mays Peak – 8,284′

Location: Pike National Forest

Distance & Elevation Gain to Summit: 3.2 miles and 778 feet of elevation

Difficulty:  Easy

From the High Drive Trailhead (7,506′) on the east side of Powell Parking Lot, located 3.2 miles past Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center at the top of North Cheyenne Cañon Road, hike northeast on High Drive. The closed dirt road curves around Mount Buckhorn and reaches a clearing with Mays Peak on the right. Locate the unsigned Mays Peak Trail on your right, at the southeast corner of the clearing and right of a post. Follow the trail as it wraps around the southern slopes, avoiding social trails used by mountain bikers. Climb the trail up the northeast side of the peak to the expansive, flat summit at 1.6 miles, and take in 360-degree views of more North Cheyenne Cañon peaks.

Mount Muscoco – 8,023′

Distance & Elevation Gain to Summit: 3.8 miles and 961 feet of elevation

Difficulty: Moderate

This hike to the high point of North Cheyenne Cañon Park begins at the Daniel’s Pass Trailhead (7,062′), located 2 miles past Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center on North Cheyenne Cañon Road. Hike Daniel’s Pass Trail for 0.7 miles and keep left at the junction with Bruin Trail to stay on Daniel’s Pass Trail. At 1.1 miles, go left onto Sweetwater Canyon Trail, and at 1.4 miles turn left onto Mount Muscoco Trail. At 1.65 miles, turn right onto Mount Muscoco Summit Trail and continue to the summit and the trail’s end at 1.9 miles. The summit rocks are to your right, but continue a few steps to an overlook and more views.

Gray Back Peak – 9,358′

Location: Pike National Forest.

Distance & Elevation Gain to Summit: 3.8 miles and 622 feet of elevation

Limited parking makes this hike a good midweek option, but the scenery and views pay off big time. From Gray Back Peak Trailhead (8,736′) on FR #371 off Old Stage Road, hike east up gravelly Gray Back Peak Trail. At 1.1 miles, reach an overlook with views south to Gray Back Peak. Descend to a junction at 1.3 miles, keep right on the main trail, and hike south with views west of Emerald Valley. At a saddle at 1.6 miles, climb switchbacks through a conifer forest to the summit at 1.9 miles. Enjoy views of the southern Front Range, Wet Mountains, and in the distance, the twin summits of Spanish Peaks. The toughest part of this hike may be getting to the trailhead. Old Stage Road is a dirt road that’s steep and exposed in places and not recommended after snowfall and during inclement weather.

Dragon’s Backbone – 9,164′

Location: Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Distance & Elevation Gain to Summit: 15.2 miles and 3,121 feet of elevation

Difficulty: Challenging

The true high point of Cheyenne Mountain requires off-trail hiking and leads to poor views. This hike, though not a true summit hike, follows a steep trail to an airy overlook with spectacular views. From Limekiln Trailhead (6,043′), hike west on Talon Trail past junctions with North Talon Trail and South Talon Trail. At 2.7 miles and the next junction with North and South Talon Trails, bear right onto North Talon Trail. (The first cutoff to North Talon Trail shaves some distance off the hike but is not worth it due to the added steepness.) At 3.4 miles, turn left and hike west on Dixon Trail. At 5.9 miles, the trail becomes rugged and steepens considerably. Pass the wreckage of a 1957 plane crash that killed two military pilots. (Do not touch or remove any artifacts from the site.) Cross a meadow, and at 7.2 miles, turn right onto the signed Dragon’s Backbone Trail.

Arrive at Dragon’s Backbone, overlooking Colorado Springs, at 7.6 miles. Make this your turnaround point or, alternatively, continue up the scenic trail past rocky Robber’s Roost (9,232′), turn left onto Mountain Loop Trail, and rejoin Dixon Trail at 8.4 miles. Continue down the trail to the trailhead or take the North Talon Trail shortcut at 12.2 miles and hike to Talon Trail at 13.1 miles, go left, and return to the trailhead. Adding the loop at the top of the hike and taking the descent shortcut makes for a slightly longer hike—15.4 miles total, and a bit more elevation.

Much of this hike is south-facing and is not recommended in high temperatures. There is no water available on the trail, so carry more than you think you need. Cheyenne Mountain State Park is a fee area so pay for the day or buy an annual Colorado State Parks Pass or Keep Colorado Wild Pass.

Mount Rosa – 11,503′

Locations: Pike National Forest

Distance & Elevation Gain to Summit: 13.4 miles and 3,992 feet of elevation

Difficulty:  Challenging

Mount Rosa’s pyramid shape is easily identified among the Colorado Springs skyline’s peaks. From the Powell Trailhead (7,511′) on the northwest side of the Powell Lot, 3.2 miles past Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center at the top of North Cheyenne Cañon Road, hike west on closed Gold Camp Road. At 1.1 miles, pass a closed tunnel and bear right up Gold Camp Road Trail to an overlook with views of Mount Muscoco and Mount Cutler. At 1.2 miles, bear right at a signed junction and hike south along Buffalo Creek on St. Marys Falls Trail. At 2.5 miles and a sign for St. Marys Falls, switchback right and ascend the trail.

At 2.8 miles reach another sign for St. Marys Falls (this is the cutoff trail to the waterfall) and switchback right again. The trail continues up switchbacks, bends south, climbs past a rocky area, levels out, and contours southwest above Buffalo Creek. At 4.7 miles, pass through a cowboy gate and turn right onto Mount Rosa Road. Hike north for a couple hundred feet and turn left onto Nelson’s Trail. Climb steep switchbacks, gaining about 1,000 feet in the next mile, and at 5.8 miles, enjoy an excellent view of Pikes Peak. At 5.95 miles, go left at a signed junction and hike south on Mount Rosa Trail. The trail follows the north ridge of the peak and reaches the rocky summit at 6.7 miles.

Pikes Peak – 14,109′

Distance & Elevation Gain to Summit: 24 miles and 7,459 feet of elevation

Difficulty:  Very Challenging

The classic Barr Trail route up Pikes Peak begins west of Colorado Springs in neighboring Manitou Springs. From Barr Trailhead (6,650′) at the top of Hydro Street, hike Barr Trail on switchbacks up the lower slopes of Mount Manitou. At 0.3 miles, keep right at a junction to stay on Barr Trail and at 1.8 miles, reach an overlook with views into Engelmann Canyon. Continue west across the slopes of Rocky Mountain and at the junction with a trail on top of the Mt. Manitou Incline, keep left on Barr Trail. Reach No Name Creek at 3.0 miles and keep left on Barr Trail. After some switchbacks, go right onto a singletrack trail. Pass the junction to Lightning Overlook at 5.3 miles and after 6.5 miles, arrive at Barr Camp (10,160′). Hike west on Barr Trail, past the junction with Elk Park Trail, to a sharp switchback at 7.7 miles. Pass the junction with Bottomless Pit Trail and stay left on Barr Trail to hike 14 switchbacks to the A-Frame shelter at 8.8 miles. After more switchbacks on Pikes Peak’s east face, reach the 16 Golden Stairs (“Golden Staircase”) below the summit at 11.3 miles. Stride up 32 more switchbacks to easier terrain that leads to a sprawling parking lot and the signed high point at 12 miles.

Barr Trailhead is a fee area with limited parking, but you can take a free shuttle from Hiawatha Gardens in Manitou Springs or have a friend drop you off. If you do the hike over two days, consider reserving a cabin, campsite, and meal at Barr Camp. You can also camp off the trail or lay your sleeping bag in the A-Frame. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway runs trains to the top, and one-way tickets can be pre-booked for your descent. The Summit House is open from 9 am to 3 p.m. (weather permitting), and in 2023, a 24-hour “hiker safe room” was installed to provide temporary shelter during bad weather.

Tips for Summit Hiking in Colorado Springs

• Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.
• Dress for changing weather and carry the Ten Essentials. Colorado Springs trails can be icy from fall through spring, so pack EXOspikes, MICROspikes, or other traction for your boots.
• Avoid hiking peaks in bad weather. If a lightning storm approaches descend to the trailhead.
• If you are coming from a lower elevation, expect mild to severe altitude sickness. Drink and eat to lessen the effects. If symptoms persist, descend to the trailhead.
• Leave nothing behind but footprints on your summit hikes. Take nothing but photos and memories.
• For hikes that start at trailheads on North Cheyenne Cañon Road, the road is closed from 9 pm until 5 am, so plan accordingly.

Read about more great hikes in Colorado Springs from Backpacker here. 

About the Author – Susan Joy Paul

Susan Joy Paul is a Colorado Springs local and author of several Colorado guidebooks, including Trails to the Top: 50 Colorado Front Range Mountain Hikes . Besides her own writing work, she is also a highly respected writing coach. You visit her personal website here . 

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One Week Colorado Itinerary: 7 Days of Fabulous Hiking and the Gorgeous Outdoors

• May 27, 2022

Colorado is a gorgeous state with many spectacular outdoor features. From rivers, mountains, and canyons, to hiking and skiing, Colorado has a ton of outdoor adventures for all. It also has a history tied to Native Americans. This one week Colorado itinerary will feature some of the best outdoor sites and things to do on a Colorado vacation. 

Since this trip includes a couple of National Parks, I highly recommend getting the America the Beautiful Pass . This pass covers admission into all US National Parks for a year. 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no cost to you! 

Table of Contents

History of Colorado

The Colorado region was once inhabited by Native Americans for 13,000 years. The Ancient Pueblo people, the Ute Nation, the Apache, and the Cheyenne, were some of the main groups that lived in the area during that time. 

In the 1800s, the Spanish Empire took over a portion of Colorado while the United States controlled another part of it. The area switched hands between the US and Mexico a few times before the area officially all became part of the United States in the late 1800s. 

Best Time to Visit Colorado

The best time to visit Colorado depends on what activities interest you. For this itinerary, it is best done in the summertime or early fall. Many of the roads are closed in the wintertime due to snow. However, if you are a skier, Colorado is best visited in the wintertime. 

How to Get to Colorado

Colorado has several airports including Denver, Colorado Springs, Montrose, and Grand Junction. Denver is the cheapest airport to fly into and all major US airlines fly into Denver International Airport. You can frequently get some insane deals on certain airlines. For this one week Colorado itinerary, you will want to fly into Denver.   

One Week Colorado Itinerary

Day 1: denver to estes park, colorado.

Drive Time: 1.5 hours

Cost: $0 and up depending on activity

Hotel Option: Murphy’s River Lodge

Today, to start this one week Colorado itinerary, fly into Denver and begin to make your way to Estes Park. If you have time, you can use the morning to explore what Denver has to offer. Start the morning with breakfast at HashTAG , a fun and delicious place for brunch. 

Then, head to the Colorado State Capitol to learn about the history of Colorado. Visitors can opt to go on a guided tour or do a self-guided tour. On the top floor is a museum where you can learn about the history of Colorado. 

After the capitol, take a quick stop at the Denver Mint to see how US coins are made and drive by the RiNo District to see some murals. You can also make a quick stop at the Denver Central Market for some food if you are hungry. 

Next, spend the afternoon exploring Boulder, Colorado. Boulder is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and is a fun town to explore. There are several options of activities you can do this afternoon. If you are into hiking, head to El Dorado Canyon State Park with 885 acres to explore. 

Another option is to wander around the shops on Pearl Street. Boulder is known for its breweries, so you can also opt to head over to one of the 150 breweries in town. Boulder Beer is a super popular option. 

Tonight, grab dinner at Santo, a Northern New Mexican Cuisine Restaurant. They have a ton of fun salsas and margarita flavors. You can opt to split some small plates or order your own entree. No matter what, everything we tried was delicious. After dinner, drive the last hour to spend the night in Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. 

Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park

Cost: $25 or free with the America the Beautiful Pass

Today is all about exploring Rocky Mountain National Park . If you have more time to add to your one week Colorado itinerary, opt to spend two to three days exploring the park. If not, you can still get a good sampling of what the park has to offer. 

Start the morning with the Emerald Lake trail, my personal favorite in the park. This 4.2-mile trail crosses four lakes throughout the hike. The trail has a bit of an elevation change throughout, but the views make it worth it! Plan to get here early to beat the crowds. The hike ends at Emerald Lake before you turn around a hike back. 

In the afternoon, opt to hike to Alberta Falls. This 1.7-mile hike takes you to a gorgeous 30-foot waterfall. You could also opt to hike to Bierstadt Lake instead which provides you with 360-degree views of the park. This hike is a bit longer at 2.8-miles but it is worth the views. 

Tonight, opt to grab dinner at Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ and Brews . They have a ton of delicious barbeque options. I recommend getting a tray and sharing it. The pulled pork was my favorite. Make sure to rest up for a long drive tomorrow.   

Day 3: Estes Park to Grand Junction, Colorado

Drive Time: 5 hours

Cost: $10 and up

Hotel Option: Tru by Hilton Grand Junction Downtown or Hampton Inn Montrose

Today, you have a bit of a drive on this one week Colorado itinerary. However, you have a few options on what to stop along the way. 

First, you can opt to stop in Golden, home to the Coors Brewery. You can opt to take a tour or just try some samples. Visitors could also visit the history or railroad museum or go hiking on one of the many trails. 

If those are not your thing, you can opt to stop in Vail or Breckenridge on the way as well. Both of these towns are popular winter sports areas in the wintertime but have plenty to do other times of the year as well. 

You can also opt to add in some time in Steamboat Springs , a fun Colorado resort town. Steamboat Springs lies at 12,000 feet and has a ton of hiking options in the state parks as well as some hot springs.

Make sure to arrive in Grand Junction by the afternoon. This afternoon, you can opt to spend some time hiking at Colorado National Monument or choose to hit up some of the wineries in the area. 

At Colorado National Monument, opt to hike the Canyon Rim Trail to the Window Rock Trail. These trails offer great views of the canyon. You can also opt to drive the 23-mile rim rock drive to take in some of the viewpoints. 

After the National Monument, head to some wineries for some wine tasting. We really enjoyed Hermosa Vineyards and Restoration Vineyards . Both had some fun wines to try and wine tasting was only $10. 

Then tonight, grab dinner at Peche Restaurant . The owner and the head chef had a lot of experiences at high-end restaurants around the world prior to opening his restaurant. You can opt to spend the night in Grand Junction, or drive another hour to spend an extra night in Montrose. 

Day 4: Grand Junction to Montrose to Durango, Colorado

Drive Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes

Cost: $20 or free with the America the Beautiful Pass

Hotel Option: Holiday Inn Express Durango Downtown or Hampton Inn Durango

For today in your one week Colorado itinerary, head to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, a hidden gem in western Colorado. This park has a similar feel to the Grand Canyon but is much smaller. If you stayed in Grand Junction, you will have a little bit over an hours drive to the park. From Montrose, the park is about 20 minutes.  

To start off, head to Gunnison Point to get your first view of the canyon, and check in on the conditions at the visitor’s center. Then, hike the Oak Flat Trail which offers more unique views of the canyon and takes you along the rim. If the Oak Flat trail is too strenuous for you, you can hike the Uplands trail or the Rim Rock trail. 

After that, drive the 7-mile South Rim road for more viewpoints of the Black Canyon. In total, there are 11 different points you can stop at. If you have time, hike to warner point at the end of the trail to take in other views of the canyon. 

Once you have had your fill of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, head to Durango where you will spend the night. If you want to eat dinner in Montrose, opt to eat at Fiesta Guadalajara or Horsefly Brewing Company. 

Day 5: Durango to Colorado Springs, Colorado

Drive Time: 5.5 hours

Cost: $20+ of free with the America the Beautiful Pass

Hotel Option: Hampton Inn Colorado Springs Central

Today you have a few options on what you can do on this one week Colorado itinerary. It is a long drive to Colorado Springs but you can make a few stops to break things up. 

First, opt to spend some time at Mesa Verde National Park. This park is famous for its infamous cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans. 

At Mesa Verde, you can opt to go on a guided or self-guided tour of the dwellings. You can spend anywhere from a couple of hours to all day exploring the area. The Mesa Top Loop Road is one of the most popular roads to follow. 

After getting your fill of Mesa Verde, you can opt to head straight to Colorado Springs or stop in Canon City for a ride on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad . This train takes you through some of the scenic beauty of Colorado. You can even opt to add a meal to your ticket to fully experience the ride. 

If you want to add to your one week Colorado itinerary, you could head to Great Sand Dunes National Park from Durango instead of going straight to Colorado Springs. Opt to spend at least one night in the area of the park. 

Day 6: Colorado Springs to Denver, Colorado

Drive Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Cost: Free and Up -Depends on Activities 

Hotel Option: Hampton Inn West Federal Center or Hilton Garden Inn Denver/Thornton

Today, spend the day exploring what Colorado Springs has to offer. There are so many fun outdoorsy places to go to. Start the morning with a hike through the Garden of the Gods, known for its massive red rocks. It has six different trails you can take, so you will want to spend at least two hours here. 

Afterward, head to Cave of the Winds , a massive cave in the Pikes Peak range. Visitors can opt to go on a cave tour or partake in one of the many other adventurous activities in the area such as the bat-a-pult or the TERROR-dactyl. 

During the summertime, make sure to head up Pikes Peak on your one week Colorado itinerary. It is the highest summit in the Rocky Mountains and offers impressive views of the area. Note the tram usually runs from May to October. 

This afternoon, head to visit the Air Force Academy where you can learn about what the Academy has to offer as well as the history of the Air Force. Make sure not to miss the gorgeous chapel and the exhibit in the visitor’s center. 

You can also opt to visit the Olympic Training Center , where the Olympic athletes are often housed and trained prior to the Olympics. Inside is information about the Olympics, a gift shop, or you can take a tour of the complex. 

This evening, spend time at the Broadmoor Hotel and eat at the Golden Bee. They have some yummy things on their menu and everyone leaves with a “golden bee!” After dinner, head to grab a drink at Ivywild School. An old public school building has been turned into a series of bars. They sometimes even have live music. 

It is up to you if you want to spend another night in Colorado Springs or drive to Denver tonight. 

Day 7: Denver, Colorado

Today, spend some time exploring the capital of Colorado, the mile-high city of Denver . There is so much to do in Denver, you could easily spend two days here as part of a one week Colorado itinerary. Depending on what you did the first day, opt to do the following things today in Denver. 

Start the day with breakfast at the Denver Biscuit Company. They have the best breakfast sandwiches and they are huge! Then, opt to head to one of the many museums in Denver. The Clyfford Still Museum or the Denver Art Museum are two awesome options. 

If art is not your thing, head to the Denver Botanical Gardens, a 23-acre park where you can admire various flora and fauna. Once hungry, grab lunch at the Denver Milk Market or the Denver Central Market. Both have a wide variety of food options. 

After lunch, head to Denver’s Highest Bar, 54Thirty. They offer delicious cocktails with the best view in Denver. You could also opt to head to one of the many Denver breweries such as the Great Divide Barrel Bar. If it is baseball season, catch a Rockies game this afternoon. 

Tonight, grab dinner at Safta, a small plates Israeli restaurant and one of my favorites in Denver. The food has lots of influences from North Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranian. You will leave so full and it is the perfect way to end your one week Colorado itinerary. 

Day 8: Fly Home

Today, opt to end your one week in Colorado and fly home. You could also opt to fly home the previous night if you want to save on a hotel room. 

Total Costs for One Week Colorado Itinerary

Flights: $125/person

Hotels: ≈$700 total ($350/person)

Rental Car: ≈$268 total ($134/person)

Total: $1218 total or $609/person

More than One Week in Colorado?

If you have more than one week in Colorado, add these places to your itinerary or combine it with a week in one of the surrounding states such as Utah , New Mexico , or Arizona . 

Great Sand Dunes National Park

The fourth National Park in Colorado not included in the above one week Colorado itinerary is Great Sand Dunes National Park. It is located pretty much in the middle of nowhere, but a good addition to the itinerary if you have the time and enjoy National Parks. At the park, you can sled down the sand dunes, go hiking, and wade in the water. It is truly a unique park. 

If you have more than one week in Colorado, opt to add Moab, Utah to your itinerary. You can visit Arches and Canyonlands National Park as well as there are a ton of other outdoor activities to do. It is well worth a visit to Moab. 

Day Trip to Cheyenne, Wyoming 

Cheyenne, Wyoming is such a fun and easy day trip from Denver. You can easily spend a day exploring the capital city of Wyoming. I also felt it was seriously underrated. You can opt to visit the capital and government buildings, visit one of the several museums, or head to the distillery. Make sure to grab a bite to eat at The Albany. 

Final Thoughts on a One Week Colorado Itinerary

No matter what, there are a ton of fun things to do as part of a one week Colorado itinerary. Colorado has a ton of outdoorsy things to do and a great brewery scene. You can also always stay more days at any of the stops on this itinerary. 

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Guided Hiking in Colorado & Arizona

Week-long trips in arizona.

Choose one of the sections below for more information and details on how to register.

Week-Long Trips on the Colorado Trail

Week-long trips in winter park and san juan mountains .

Choose one of the sections below for more information and details on how to register.

A Brief History of the Colorado Trail Trekking Program

The Colorado Trail was conceived in the 1970’s by a collaboration of private citizens and USFS personnel as a way to link the state together and give backcountry enthusiasts a way to see the best and most remote parts of Colorado.  It was completed in the 1980’s, although it is still a work in progress (as all the best things in life are).  The Trekking Program began informally in the 1990’s when Gudy Gaskill, referred to by many as the “Mother of the Colorado Trail” started to lead through-hikes.  Within a few years, this had morphed into a rudimentary supported hike program, allowing hikers to hike with only a daypack, although still quite a rugged, no-frills approach.

Run on a shoe-string, Mac & Cheese and broken down trucks were the norm for this original program.  However, the program had soon become quite popular and upgrades were made continually.  Since 2000, the Trek Program has been run by Colorado Mountain Expeditions, in conjunction with the CTF.  Improvements over the years include gourmet meals, increased dietary choices, more spacious tents and camping arrangements, and professionally trained, certified guides and support staff.  The Treks now offer all the amenities and safety standards that other professional guide services do, with a high focus on customer satisfaction and safety.

What People are Saying:

"It was a most excellent experience! This CME trip afforded me an extended stay in the back country that I would not be able to do on my own.  CME gives aging backpackers a great alternative to remain out in the wilderness."

"Of all the vacations I have taken, the Colorado Trail trips have always been my favorite and most memorable. I look forward to seeing you next year."

"Without reservation I would recommend CME for any fit hiker. The diversity of the group was a big plus and CME does a good job of making sure that the participant hikers know what they are undertaking when they sign up."

Newslet ter Sign Up

Sign up for our newsletter to receive special offers, discount codes, insider information, and more, $(document).on('submit','#tform_5174', function(event) { var response = grecaptcha.getresponse(); if (response) { event.preventdefault(); //prevent form submit $(this).attr('data-submit-please', 'true'); grecaptcha.execute(); } else { var $thefield = $(this).find('input[name="g-recaptcha-response"]'); $thefield.val(response); $(this).append($thefield); } }); function recaptcha_submit(token) { var $form = $('form[data-submit-please="true"]'); $form.find('input[name="g-recaptcha-response"]').val(token) $form.submit(); } submit, required reading, welcome to the colorado trail trekking program.

The Colorado Trail Trekking Program treks allow you to hike 10-20 miles a day on The Colorado Trail while carrying only a daypack.  Your tent and personal gear are transported to the next campsite where crewmembers set up camp including; a kitchen tent, toilet tent and shower tent.  All meals are planned and cooked for you.

Helpful Links

The Colorado Trail Foundation Osprey Packs in SW Colorado Colorado Search and Rescue Fund Backcountry Experience in Durango Chinook Medical Gear in Durango

Getting to the Trailhead

We will pick you and your gear up on Sunday (prior to the first day of hiking) at one of the central locations as described below. We will transport the entire group (who signed up for that week) to Sunday night’s base camp (trailhead where the hike will begin on Monday).

The driving time in the van from the central meeting location to the first nights base camp (Sunday night) varies from one hour to two and a half hours depending on which section.

You are responsible to arrange your own transportation to and from the central meeting location. Some suggestions are offered below. Please call Dan & Emily at 970.726.0963 if you need some directions or the suggestions explained. We will be happy to answer any questions.

Everyone must meet at the central meeting location on Sunday at the specified time.

The exact time at which you must arrive on Sundays central location will be available on the website the end of April. (For approximate planning purposes, most of the meeting times have been after 1pm with the exceptions of sections 6 and 7 whereupon the meeting times have been around 11 am.)

No lunch is provided at the Sunday meeting location. Please bring your own lunch (or eat prior) for that day.

An evening meal is provided for Sunday (prior to the hike on Monday).

Sunday's Central Meeting Locations for each week section:

• Section 1 - Jefferson County: Jefferson Countey Community Center - Map it
• Section 2 - Leadville:  Colorado Mountain College -  Map it
• Section 3 - Leadville: Colorado Mountain College -   Map it
• Section 4 - Poncha Springs:  Visitor's Center -   Map it
• Section 5 - Southfork:  Visitor's Center -  Map it
• Section 6 - Durango:  Colorado Mountain Expeditions -  Map it
• Section 7 - Durango: Colorado Mountain Expeditions -   Map it

Your vehicle (owned or rented) will remain at this central location for the duration of the week. Vehicles have been left at these locations in past years without theft or damage. We hope this trend will continue, but we cannot guarantee ultimate security since these parking locations are not in a totally secure environment. To be on the safe side, we recommend not leaving valuable items in the vehicle. You will be brought back to this central location as scheduled after the week’s trekking.

How Do I Get To The Various Meeting Locations? You can drive your own vehicle, rent a car, or take a shuttle (shuttle available for sections 2, 3, 6 and 7).

Driving Time to the various meeting locations:

From Denver to:

• Leadville: 3.5 hours
• Poncha Springs: 3.5 hours (Salida Colorado is just ten minutes away)
• South Fork: 4.5 hours (Creede is an additional 30 minutes)
• Durango: 6.5 hours

From Colorado Springs to:

• Leadville: 2.5 hours
• Poncha Springs: 2 hours (Salida is just ten minutes away from Poncha Springs)
• South Fork: 3.5 hours (Creede is an additional 30 minutes)
• Durango: 5.5 hours

From Durango to:

• SouthFork (section 5): 2 hours

From Albuquerque N.M. to:

• SouthFork (section 5): 3 to 4 hours

What if I Live Outside the State of Colorado? You need to arrive at least four days early to get acclimated to the higher altitude. If you do not arrive four days early, it will be most likely that you will get altitude sickness, which will prohibit you from hiking.

Travel Suggestions Close

Sample Food Menu

Sample appetizers

• Griddled Polenta with Pesto and Tomato
• Cheese Quesadillas with Olives, Green Chiles and Green Onions

Sample side dish

• Edamame Salad
• Wild Rice Salad
• Creamy Parmesan and Spinach Orzo
• Ceci Bean Salad

Sample main dish

• Chicken Tenderloin with Cheddar Cheese, Sautéed Peppers, and Onions
• Pasta served with Rose Sauce and Ground Turkey and Sausage

Sample dessert

• Luscious Lemon Bars
• Double Chocolate Rum Cake

What to Bring

Advice for the colorado mountains.

The following list is intended to help you understand the gear and supplies you will need for safety and comfort on the Colorado Trail.

MOUNTAIN WEATHER IS BE EXTREME!  BE PREPARED FOR COLD, WET WEATHER! When packing, remember that it may be sweltering at your house, but the mountains will certainly be different!   Pack warm, fast-drying clothes.  Weather is something we cannot predict. Be prepared for all extremes; sunny and hot, or cold, wet, windy and stormy.

SPACE IS LIMITED ON THE TRUCKS We need to fit a week’s worth of camp gear, food, water and personal belongings for eighteen people onto two trucks.  There is not an abundance of room for extra “stuff”. We want you to pack what you will need to be comfortable for the week but PLEASE only bring what you need.

You will be limited to TWO soft duffel bags (up to 35 lbs each) and your day pack.  Please don’t bring hard suitcases.  This would be a good week to use dry bags if you own them.  We will do everything in our power to keep you gear dry, but wet weather can be insidious!

PERSONAL FOOD We supply and prepare large, healthy breakfasts and dinners.  Lunches are packed buffet style, with many options from sandwiches to fruit to candy!  If there is a specialty food item that you really need or enjoy, feel free to bring it and we can store it for you.  Please notify us (via Health Form) if you have dietary restrictions.

BEVERAGES We provide an assortment of beverages; coffee, tea, soft drinks, Gatorade, juices, milk and of course potable water.  We encourage you to increase your water consumption a few days prior to the trip and during the entire trip.

Alcohol is not provided. However, you may bring your own alcohol and keep it in our coolers. Cans and box wines are preferred rather than bottles.

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Foot Care Basics

By John Vonhof Author of “Fixing your Feet: Prevention and Treatment for Athletes”

Being Proactive or Reactive Every hiker, from the first-timer to the experienced, must make the choice to be either reactive or proactive in managing blisters. Being reactive means taping hot spots and fixing blisters when they develop. It means making fixes under less than ideal conditions, with less than adequate materials and in a manner that does not work for your particular foot problem. Being proactive, on the other hand, means discovering before a trip, what works for your feet and knowing how to treat any potential problems before they develop. This means knowing what resources are available to use and trying out blister fixes before the hike. It can also include pre-hike taping of your feet where hot spots and blisters typically develop. Being proactive means doing your homework.

It is essential to have shoes that fit properly, are broken in, and are appropriate for the terrain and weather you will encounter. Find the best socks for your feet, preferably ones that wick moisture away from the skin. Some racers like single-layer socks, others like double-layer, and still others use a two-sock combination.

Preventing hot spots and blisters requires knowledge of what is best for your feet. Some feet respond well to lubricants while others are best when powders keep them dry. Others require taping to protect hot spots and blister prone areas. There are several types of tape to use on the feet and there are several combinations of products that make the feet more resistant to blisters. All of these must be tried before a hike.

The First Line of Blister Defense There are several blister-reducing options that should be our first line of defense. The first goes without saying - good proper fitting shoes or boots. This is more important than anything else. Secondly, do not go on a long hike with new boots that are not broken in!

Proper socks are next. Moisture-wicking socks are available from almost every sock manufacturer, and given a choice, should always be picked before an all-cotton sock. We recommend two pair of socks or double-layer socks offer an inner layer that moves against the outer layer, reducing friction to the skin. Try several different types of socks of various weights and fabrics.

Lubricants are next on the list. Most hikers grew up using a lubricant, usually the age-old standby, Vaseline. Another favorite is Bag Balm, a salve with healing properties. Newer, state-of-the-art lubricants may contain silicone, pain-relieving benzocaine, or antifriction polymers. The trick with lubricants is to reapply them frequently, being sure to clean off the old layer before another application. Remember that lubricants and grit don’t mix. The grit will quickly become an irritant, then a hot spot, and finally a blister. If your skin becomes too tender from the softening effects of the lubricant, then powders may be better for your feet.

Powders can help reduce friction by absorbing moisture. This reduces friction between the feet and the socks. Dry skin is more resistant to blister formation than skin that has been softened by moisture. Beware of powders that cake up and cause blisters. A good powder, like Zeasorb, will absorb many times its weight in moisture. Simple and readily available cornstarch also works.

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Getting Into Shape

Thank you for your interest in the treks on The Colorado Trail. We would like to remind you that all of our trekking sections are relatively arduous. You need to be serious about getting in condition to hike! This letter offers some guidelines to achieve that objective.

We want you to enjoy your trek on The Colorado Trail, but in order to do that you MUST be in good physical shape. The better shape you are in, the happier your body will be and the more fun you will have. You will not be able to “get in shape on the trail”. That doesn’t work well and it’s hard on your body, spirit and hiking companions. We have had hikers arriving at camp after dark, exhausted, in pain and unhappy. This creates a dangerous situation for you, the other trekkers, and the staff.

Please plan ahead and get in good hiking condition NOW! Every section on The Colorado Trail has at least one advanced day, so you need to be prepared. Remember that most of The Colorado Trail starts at 9,000 ft. and goes UP!!! If you are coming from a lower altitude, try to come to Colorado two to three days early to become acclimated. At high altitude, your heart and lungs must work harder to get enough oxygen into your body. You tire more quickly, your body slows down, and your muscles can stiffen. This can easily ruin what was to be a good experience.

We all have busy schedules, and sometimes it is hard to fit in a workout, but it can be accomplished. Walk as much as you can on a daily basis. Find a co-worker who would like to walk with you on your lunch hour. Take an aerobics or spin class. Ride a bike. Jog. Swim. Be as active as you can! Every little bit helps. Work out at least 4 days a week for 6 weeks prior to your trek departure. Devote your weekends or days off to longer workouts. Make sure you can comfortably hike as many miles as the longest day on your CT week. Put your day hiking gear and 3 liters of water into your day pack and climb hills, exposing yourself to as much altitude as possible. Your Colorado Trail trek will be a fun, yet physically demanding adventure. Please do your part to help make your trek as safe as possible for everyone involved.

Your Action Plan For A Well-Prepared Week:

• WATER: Drink plenty of water during all of these activities. Being hydrated will help you think clearly and alleviate sore muscles. Do not wait until you are thirsty before drinking. Take a drink of water at regular intervals. By the time you are thirsty, you could already be in trouble.
• FOOTWARE: One of the first things to do is to break in your boots/trail shoes. If you have a pair you are planning to use, check them carefully. If you need to replace them, do it now. Hiking in a pair of fairly new boots can be painful and blister producing. You can wear them around the house, on your lunch hour walk, or at any other time. Gradually wear them for longer and longer periods. Get your boots soaking wet and then walk in them. This will help them to form to your feet. You MAY choose to bring 2 pairs of boots, to use on alternating days.
• SPEED: Your goal is to be able to hike at a 2 to 3 miles per hour rate, carrying weight and going up and down hills. Start slowly so you do not get sore or pull muscles. Be pleasantly tired, but not exhausted. Push your limits every day and you will be surprised how quickly you expand your hiking ability.
• DURATION: Start out hiking one hour a day and build up to 3-4 hours a day, with more hours on weekends. Most treks are 6 to 8 hours each day, so you must be prepared for longer hikes. Note: you should be working out four days a week for 6 weeks prior to your trek departure.
• WEIGHT: Put about 10 pounds in your backpack when beginning your conditioning schedule. Gradually build the weight up to 20 lbs.
• CONSISTENCY: Walk EVERY day. Hike EVERY weekend. Consistency and frequently builds stamina gradually so you do not injure yourself.
• HIKE HILLS! Train on hills, stairs, or whatever is available. For Section 6 or 7, increase your pack weight to 25 lbs. Plan more extended climbs with steeper inclines.

If you would like to take a rest day during your trek week, just let us know. You are welcome to ride with the crew. It is best to not hike a day if you feel overtired, have foot problems or need a break. You do not want to become a danger to yourself or others.

Finally, enjoy your hike. Don’t feel rushed if others hike faster than you. This is not a competition. Hike at a comfortable pace, but don’t plan to take a nap on the trail, especially on a long day. We get an early start in order to avoid afternoon thunder and lightening storms. It is nice to get to camp early enough to relax, have a shower, socialize, and set up your tent before dinner.

Welcome Package

Mornings: The mornings can be the most hectic part of the day. We will usually do a wake-up call around 5:30 am. The time of the wake-up call depends on the length and difficulty of the hiking day.

At this time, you have four major challenges: eat breakfast, pack your daypack, take down your tent, and pack personal gear for us to load onto the truck. Lunch will be prepared the evening before and stored in a cooler. Please remember to grab your lunch… or you’ll have to beg for scraps from your new friends on the trail! You can avoid some of the morning chaos by doing some ‘evening prep’. Fill your water bottles, pack your daypack, have your next day’s clothes ready, and pack all unneeded items in your duffle.

A hot breakfast is served between 6:00 and 6:30. French toast, hot cereal, pancakes, scrambled eggs or omelet will be some of the offerings during the week. Also available every morning are cold cereals, fresh fruit, yogurt, bagels, cream cheese, instant oatmeal, milk, juice, coffee, teas and hot chocolate.

After breakfast, the crew will be loading up the community camp. If you haven’t already taken your tent down and packed, do it NOW! If your neighbor is running late, consider lending a helping hand. We give extra brownie points to those who help the crew tear down camp and load the trucks.

If mornings seem a bit rushed, it’s because they are! The faster the trucks are loaded and ready to move to the next camp, the faster we can start our hike. Early starts means less likelihood of being caught in late afternoon thunderstorms or arriving in camp after dark! Before the hike can begin, all hikers and crew need to sweep the camp for trash and forgotten items. We want the hike to begin between 7:00 and 7:30 am. The hiking leader for the day will assemble you and give you some final instructions and maybe words of wisdom. The hike cannot begin until everything is loaded and the trucks have their engines running. The reason for this is on one trek the hikers left camp before the trucks were ready to roll and it was discovered that a crewmember had truck keys in his pocket. Another crew member had to RUN up the trail to retrieve the keys!

Hiking: On your hike, there will be 2 crew members on the trail with you; a ‘leader’ and a ‘sweep’. Each will carry radios to keep in contact with each other and with camp. You are encouraged to hike at the pace that is comfortable for you, but you cannot dawdle. Since we are all of different hiking abilities, we may become quite spread out during the course of the hiking day. We encourage hikers to find at least one ‘buddy’ with whom their hiking style is compatible. In general, the trail is well marked and easy to follow, but the leader will mark any uncertainties on the trail with brightly colored flagging or arrows in the dirt. If at any time you and your buddy become confused or are uncertain that you are on the correct trail, stop and wait for more of the group to catch up to you. Be responsible and aware of your route. If you need to leave the trail for any reason (call of nature, etc.), leave your pack on the trail so you are not overlooked and passed by the sweep guide.

Drink plenty of water! Drink often! Down a quart before you even leave camp in the morning! The importance of hydrating cannot be overstated!!! Do not drink from a stream without a filter or iodine tablets. Eat several snacks in between actual meals. You are burning plenty of calories. Do not wait until you are uncomfortably hungry or thirsty before eating or drinking. Take care of your body before it asks for it and you will feel a lot better.

Hopefully, your hiking shoes are well broken in. Put a blister care product on any known pressure points and stop immediately on the trail to add more if you feel any new ‘hot spots’. It’s easier to prevent blisters than it is to deal with them once they have arrived. Ask for help early before blisters become a serious problem. **See the other printouts for more information on boot and blister care.

Be liberal with sunscreen, and always carry rain gear. In other words, be prepared for any kind of weather--this is Colorado! Your daypack should contain: extra warm clothing (wool or polypropylene are better than cotton), hat, gloves, extra socks, rain pants and jacket, sunscreen, lip balm, camera, lunch, snacks, water, and blister care kit. Don’t bother to bring a cell phone as experience has shown that they do not work well in our mountains. A cap or visor and UV protective sunglasses should help shield your face. Some hikers find a walking stick or hiking poles extremely useful. Finally, enjoy your hike! Don’t feel rushed if others hike faster than you. If you would like to take a rest day, just let your leader know and you can ride with the crew.

When you get into camp, the community tent will be up, the crew will be preparing the evening meal, and there will be snacks or hot soup to refresh you. The shower tent will be up and you will be provided with 2 ½ gallons of warm water to clean up with. We provide a mechanism that pumps warm water through a hose and out of a small plastic showerhead. While you are awaiting your turn to shower, this is the time to set up your tent, relax, eat, and get to know your fellow trekkers.

Dinner/Evening Activities: Dinner will be served about 6:00 pm. Please try to be on time so no one misses out. If there is more food left after everyone has served himself or herself, then please have seconds. We do not like to have leftovers. We want everyone to be well fed, so please let us know if you have any special needs. Most of the menus have the meat separate to accommodate those who are vegetarians or have special dietary needs.

After breakfast and dinner, the crew sets out a row of dishpans for you to wash your dishes. These dishpans contain: #1: soap, #2: soap, and #3: bleach water rinse. There will be drying racks at the end of row. When you are finished with your dishes, the crew will do their personal dishes and then clean the cooking pots and pans..

Lunch fixings will be spread out on a separate table. These will include: assorted breads, peanut butter, jelly, cookies, fruit, cheese, carrot sticks, chicken or tuna salad, summer sausage and snacks. Fix a yourself a generous lunch with plenty of snacks. Take a few candies to help with your energy level and to moisten your mouth. Remember, you are burning extra calories. If there are any additional foods you would like, let us know and we will try to accommodate you. (We do draw the line at live lobster though.) By the time the dishes are finished and lunch has been fixed, people are starting to head to their tents for a well deserved rest. If you stay up later than most, please respect others’ need for sleep.

Other Camp Details:

• There is a hand washing station available at all times. We strongly encourage its use!
• We have plenty of potable water available for drinking.

Colorado Mountain Expeditions recommends that you purchase travel insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen incidents such as injury or family emergencies.  Here are a few travel insurances that we recommend:

• www.allianztravelinsurance.com
• www.csatravelpro.com
• www.travelguard.com
• www.travelinsured.com

Payment Terms, Cancellation and Refund Policies

Refund policy for all colorado mountain expeditions trips.

Arrow Adventures LLC (dba CME) reserves the right to cancel any trip because of inadequate enrollment, making it economically infeasible to operate. In this situation, we will offer a full refund, including the ordinarily non-refundable deposit. CME reserves the right to cancel any trip because of good-faith concerns towards the participants' safety, health, or welfare or for any Force Majeure. "Force Majeure" means any circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including, but not limited to, acts of nature, flood, forest fires, extreme weather, sickness, quarantine, pandemic, diseases, and unforeseen circumstances. Arrow Adventures LLC will not be deemed in breach of these terms or otherwise liable to you because of delay in performance or nonperformance of any of its obligations under this agreement to the extent that any such delay or nonperformance is due to any Force Majeure. In these instances, a full trip credit will be issued minus any reasonable expenses incurred by CME related to your booking. Refunds are not offered in these situations. CME is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by preparing for the trip (for example, non-refundable airline tickets, rental cars, clothing & equipment, visa fees, medical expenses, etc.). *We highly recommend Travel Protection Insurance if you are uncomfortable with any aspect of these policies.

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The Mt. Rainier Inn trip with Wildland was perfect. The Inn was comfortable; the guide was an expert in his field; the pacing was just right to accommodate all those on the trip; the scenery was ideal. If you can go please do.

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Hiking with an experienced, trained guide helps to maximize the safety and enjoyment of your trekking adventure. This is especially true if your trip is in an unfamiliar area, which guided trips often are.

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A specific hiking or backpacking trip may be on your "life list" and you don't want to purchase all the gear and equipment to do a single trip. In this situation going with a guide service where everything is included provides a tremendous benefit.

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Some guests are most interested in learning as much as they can about the area(s) they're hiking through. Guides can bring places to life by sharing stories, knowledge, observations, context and personal passion.

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For the last 15+ years Wildland has been awing guests with the professional and inspiring service our exceptional guides and staff provide. The secret sauce to our award winning trips is our staff (guides, managers, adventure consultants, drivers and more) who are deeply passionate about wilderness, about adventure, and about sharing those loves with others.

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If you want to truly experience the grandeur and thrill of walking through the Grand Canyon, the 4 day Hermit hiking journey is the best way to achieve this once in a lifetime experience. Our guide Josh was first rate and managed our hiking group with skill and flexibility!

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For desert hiking destinations like Joshua Tree and Death Valley, the best seasons are spring, fall and winter. In mountain destinations like Yellowstone, Iceland, the Pacific Northwest, the Alps and others, the best seasons to hike are late spring, summer and early fall. Some destinations are great year round, regardless of whether they are in the desert or mountains; examples are Grand Canyon, Sedona, the Smoky Mountains, Yosemite, Yellowstone (ski and snowshoe tours), Peru, and Ecuador. Winter is, generally, the most underrated season for hiking and backpacking tours in many areas, as it’s a spectacular time of year to hike but largely skipped over by many people.

When choosing your next destination, it’s important to consider more than just the time of year. You can call us 7 days a week at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to speak with our Adventure Consultant Team.

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