best hiking trips 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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25 Best Colorado Hiking Trails

With options for all abilities, ages, and seasons, the best Colorado hiking trails show off the state’s stunning diversity. In this article, we compiled the best hikes in Colorado to inspire you to hit the trails.

Colorado, unofficially coined “the Mountain State,” is one of the most phenomenal hiking destinations anywhere. 

Known for its mountain ranges, desert canyons, dense forests, and four national parks, Colorado is a hiker’s paradise. To help plan your next outing, we’ve rounded up 25 of the best hikes in Colorado.

We included short, flat trails, high-altitude summits, and multi-day treks, so there’s a Colorado hiking trail here for everyone!

Article contents

• Best time to go hiking in Colorado

What to pack for hiking in Colorado

Best colorado hiking trails.

Best time for hiking in Colorado

Summer and fall are the best times to hike in Colorado. Trails are generally accessible and (mostly) snow-free from June on. However, as July and August are peak tourism season, you may prefer to visit in June or fall. 

The best hikes in Colorado are usually accessible until mid-October. Once winter sweeps away the fall foliage, many trails are subject to closure. Advanced hikers may tackle the routes with the help of snowshoes or crampons.

• Get your first week of using Alltrails+ for FREE when you  sign up using our link !
• Hiking daypack
• We take our insulated Hydroflask water bottles with us everywhere, but for hiking, we especially love the Grayl water purifying bottles  
• Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
• Bug spray (we prefer the natural stuff )
• Camera and tripod ( this is our favorite for hiking)
• Hiking boots/shoes or Chacos if you prefer
• Comfortable hiking clothes (always wear layers!)
• Swimwear (if you’re visiting in the summer and plan to take a dip!)
• Headlamp (if you plan to do any sunset or sunrise hikes)
• Hiking snacks

Be sure to grab our ultimate hiking packing list includes our must-have gear for any hiking trail!

While there are seemingly endless hiking opportunities with incredible views around every corner, we’ve rounded up a few of our all time favorites in this list of best Colorado hiking trails. 

1. Dream Lake Trail 

• Distance: 2 miles, out and back
• Elevation gain: 427 ft
• Difficulty Rating: Easy
• View the trail notes

Starting at Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, Dream Lake Trail is one of the best hikes in Colorado for families. This easy trail weaves through aspens and pines, and passes Nymph Lake before reaching magical Dream Lake. 

2. Emerald Lake Trail

• Distance: 3.2 miles, out and back
• Elevation gain: 698 ft
• View the trail notes  

From Dream Lake, you can extend your hike to Emerald Lake. The longer route takes you deeper into RMNP with vistas of Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak, Glacier Gorge, and Tyndall Glacier. 

Dress in layers, as this area is notorious for high winds. 

Psst! Check out some of the best hikes in Rock Mountain National Park to help you plan your visit!

3. Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail 

• Distance: 1.9-mile loop
• Elevation gain: 160 ft

Short, sweet, and incredibly scenic, this loop trail in the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness is one of the best Colorado hiking trails. With minimal elevation gain, larger-than-life mountains, and moose and deer sightings, this trail is ideal for everyone. 

4. Mount Cutler Trail

• Distance: 1.7 miles, out and back
• Elevation gain: 472 ft

Located in North Cheyenne Cañon Park near Colorado Springs, this short uphill hike rewards hikers with views of Mount Cutler and Cheyenne Canyon. Also considered one of the best hikes near Denver , it’s a great choice to take kiddos or a dog. Just note that there are steep drop-offs along the narrow path at several points.

Being that it’s relatively short and easy, hiking Mount Cutler Trail is one of the best things to do in Colorado Springs with kids !

5. Perkins Central Gardens Loop Trail 

• Distance: 1.1-mile loop
• Elevation gain: 88.5 ft

This short, easy hike offers an eyeful of White Rock and Kissing Camels in Garden of the Gods. The Perkins Central Loop is paved, making it one of the best Colorado hiking trails for wheelchair users and those with strollers. It’s also dog-friendly as long as pups are leashed. 

6. Sapphire Point Overlook Trail

• Distance: 0.6-mile loop  
• Elevation gain: 36 ft

One of the shortest, easiest hikes in Colorado offers up tremendous views — literally. This loop through Swan Mountain Recreation Area (between Keystone and Breckenridge) sits at 9,500 ft in elevation and is gorgeous year-round, overlooking Dillon Reservoir. 

7. Hanging Lake Trail 

• Distance: 3.1 miles, out and back
• Elevation gain: 1,188 ft
• Difficulty Rating: Moderate
• View the trail notes 

A stone’s throw from Glenwood Springs, Hanging Lake is arguably one of the best hikes in Colorado overall. Hanging Lake itself is a striking National Natural Monument with numerous waterfalls plunging into an emerald green pool.

Getting to it is tough, as the trail gains over 1,000 ft in just over one mile. Permits are required to hike Hanging Lake, and they go FAST. Grab one ASAP! 

• Hanging Lake Colorado Trail Guide

8. Crystal City Road 

• Distance: 9 miles, out and back
• Elevation gain: 1,391 ft

Crystal Mill is one of the most photographed places in Colorado, and this hike gets you there. 4X4 vehicles are recommended, and there’s a $10 fee to get close to and photograph the mill.

This is one of the best Colorado hiking trails during peak fall foliage, but is also excellent for swimming in Crystal River. 

9. Saint Mary’s Glacier 

• Distance: 2.4 miles, out and back
• Elevation gain: 1,030 ft

Despite being short, this glacier hike near Idaho Springs requires a couple of hours to complete. You’ll have to navigate rocks and boulders that are particularly challenging for children. 

At Saint Mary’s Lake, you have the option to climb parts of the glacier itself or continue onto James Peak. However, the trail becomes hard to navigate and much more difficult. 

10. Rustler’s Gulch

• Elevation gain: 1,496 ft

Carving its way through the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness near Crested Butte, Rustler’s Gulch starts with a steep incline before flattening out. Expect several water crossings before reaching the waterfalls at 3.5 miles. 

Insider tip: time this one for wildflower season (June through August).

11. Copper Creek Trail to Copper Lake

• Distance: 12 miles, out and back
• Elevation gain: 2,431 ft

Another hike near Crested Butte, this one takes you through beautiful aspen groves. It’s pretty easy for the first three quarters, but involves steep, swift elevation gain over the final two miles. 

Parts of the trail require ankle-deep water crossings, and there’s a campground on the shore of Copper Lake for those who want to overnight it.

12. Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass

• Distance: 10.3 miles, point to point  
• Elevation gain: 2,241 ft
• Difficulty Rating: Challenging

Teeming with summer wildflowers or glowing aspens in fall, this hike offers unforgettable views of the peaks framing West Maroon Pass. 

You can also do this hike in reverse, starting at Aspen and concluding at Crested Butte. At either end, a shuttle is available to bring you back to the start, or you could turn it into an out-and-back camping excursion.   

13. The Keyhole and Longs Peak via Longs Peak Trail

• Distance: 13.3 miles, out and back
• Elevation gain: 4,960 ft

This is one of the best Colorado hiking trails in RMNP for pros with rock climbing experience. You’ll deal with narrow ledges, steep drop-offs, and loose rock, but once at the Longs Peak summit (14,259 ft), the lookout from the keyhole makes you want to do it all over again!

14. Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail 

• Distance: 9.4 miles, out and back
• Elevation gain: 1,759 ft

Widely regarded as having some of the best views in RMNP, this trail takes you past Alberta Falls, Loch Vale, and Lake of Glass. You’ll even scramble up through Timberline Falls at one point! Start early, as this trail can take anywhere from 4.5 to 7 hours. 

15. Grays and Torreys Peak

• Distance: 8.1 miles, out and back
• Elevation gain: 3,606 ft

Grays Peak (14,275 ft) and Torreys Peak (14,272 ft) constitute two of Colorado’s 50+ 14ers. As they’re adjacent, you can check both off together with one of the best hikes in Colorado for experienced mountaineers. 

Most hikers opt to tackle Grays first, then hike across the saddle, but you can do either.

16. Grays Peak

• Distance: 7.3 miles, out and back
• Elevation gain: 3,005 ft

Grays Peak is considered a “beginners” 14er (as if there were such a thing!), so many people tackle this summit instead of both. Conditions are still very challenging, so you’ll need to be reasonably fit, but this is a great peak to start with.

17. Ice Lake Basin

• Distance: 8.3 miles, out and back
• Elevation gain: 2,877 ft

Heading into the pines and alpine tundra of the rugged San Juans, the views are non-stop on this scenic hike. Highlights include creeks and waterfalls before finishing at high-altitude lakes the colors of emerald and sapphire. 

18. Isabelle Glacier Trail Full Loop

• Distance: 8.4-mile loop
• Elevation gain: 1,660 ft

The trail to Isabelle Glacier is one of the best hikes in Colorado, especially in the summer when the meadows are covered in wildflowers. The glacier rests in a saddle between peaks, with the route passing Lake Isabelle. 

19. Pikes Peak via Crags Campground 

• Distance: 14.5 miles, out and back
• Elevation gain: 4,402 ft

This route up to iconic Pikes Peak is more manageable than the more popular Barr trail (and less crowded, with better views!). Being a 14er, there are of course some aggressive sections and the final leg is a steep, rocky scramble. 

20. Mount Bierstadt Trail 

• Distance: 7.8 miles, out and back
• Elevation gain: 2,766 ft

Near Idaho Springs, this demanding trail is another of Colorado’s iconic 14ers. From the summit of Mount Bierstadt, you’ll experience the full might of the Rockies with views of Grays and Torreys Peak, and Mount Evans.

21. Cascade Creek Trail to Mirror Lake and Crater Lake 

• Distance: 16 miles, out and back
• Elevation gain: 2,322 ft

One of the best hikes in Colorado overall, this route includes waterfalls, alpine lakes, aspen groves, glaciers, and sheer cliffs. At Crater Lake, you can turn around or spend a night in the lakeside campground. 

22. Four Pass Loop

• Distance: 25.7-mile loop
• Elevation gain: 7,753 ft

Given the length, this loop trail near the Maroon Bells requires an average of 3-4 days to complete. While the counter-clockwise route is more common, the loop can be tackled in either direction. 

23. Mount Sanitas Loop Trail

• Distance: 3.2-mile loop
• Elevation gain: 1,256 ft

For its steep elevation gain in a short distance, this is one of the best Colorado hiking trails near Denver . From the Centennial Trailhead, this loop hike deposits you at the summit of Mount Sanitas with panoramic views over Boulder. Parking is notoriously limited, so arrive early.

24. Royal Arch Trail

• Distance: 3.4 miles, out and back
• Elevation gain: 1,479 ft

Another short, challenging Boulder hike, Royal Arch, is in Chautauqua Park. It starts off following the Bluebird Trail, but pay attention to the trail split near the flagstone staircase. It gets noticeably tougher here, but is worth it for the scenery – particularly during wildflower season.

25. Mount Audubon Trail 

• Distance: 7.4 miles, out and back
• Elevation gain: 2,670 ft

Another 14er to wrap up the best hikes in Colorado! This is typically the first trail to open in the spring west of Brainard Lake. The elevation gain is gradual, with a couple of steep bursts as you approach the summit, and wildflowers are fantastic in the summer.

You may also like…

• National Parks in Colorado: Guide + Tips
• Best Hikes Near Denver
• Hiking in Winter: Essential Guide + Tips

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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.

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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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Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you

The Best Colorado Hikes to Add to Your Bucket List

• February 4, 2023
• By foxintheforest

Last Updated on April 3, 2024 by foxintheforest

After living in Colorado for over 15 years, I’ve scoured the landscape to find the best hikes in Colorado. From jaw-dropping mountain vistas to quirky sandstone monoliths, there are all sorts of hiking to do in Colorado.

This ultimate guide to the best hikes in Colorado gives you an array of local hiking recommendations for all abilities. These hiking trails in Colorado each offer something a little different and help you build your skills as a mountain hiker.

I’ve decided to organize this post a little bit differently. I want you to have access to on-the-ground, local knowledge (hello beating the crowds), so you’ll find this list broken up so that you know which popular hikes are worth your time, and which aren’t

I’ve been on each of these hiking trails several different times. As a Colorado local and writer for the outdoor industry, I’m a total pro at hitting the most amazing hikes in Colorado without the crowds.

It’s my mission to get you out on the best Colorado hiking trails like a local, not a tourist. Inside this guide you’ll find tons of info about the most scenic Colorado hikes and how to visit them without the crowds.

The Most Scenic Hikes in Colorado That Are Worth the Hassle

There are over 17,000 named trails in Colorado and here are the standouts. But here’s the catch – EVERYONE knows these are beautiful, so they are insanely popular.

I’ve done each of these hikes multiple times over many years. I keep coming back either for the unique nature of the hike, multiple options for side trips, or simply because I love them!

However, I’m often the only one here when I go (yes, I’ve been to all of these, multiple times). Planning to arrive at the highlight of the hike usually brings fewer crowds in my experience.

Garden of the Gods Loop

So the Garden of the Gods isn’t so much a hike as it is a trip to a city park, but it’s worth mentioning because this is not your average city park.

I’ve been on this trail a bunch, I have friends in Colorado Springs so I usually opt to do a quick trail run early in the morning before I go see them. Honestly, early in the morning is the only way you should see this spot. Just set your expectations correctly – this isn’t totally a hike, but it’s not a walk either.

Hiking at Garden of the Gods is one of the top-rated things to do in Colorado. These stunning sandstone monoliths inspire the imagination.

Most trails are suitable for beginners, and there are even paved trails for accessible hiking. As one of Colorado’s best hiking destinations, you’ve got to scope out the Garden of the Gods and enjoy one of the fun things to do in Colorado Springs .

Distance: 3.7 miles Elevation gain: 416 feet Difficulty: easy Red Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early. Dog-friendly. Crowds : Extremely crowded. Plan for a sunrise walk or visit during the week to avoid the crowds. Location : Colorado Springs

Fountain Valley Trail

Roxborough State Park is arguably the prettiest state park in Colorado . If you want to hike this trail, get here early because once the parking is full in the park, you’ll have to wait to get in!

When I do this hike it’s usually during the week later in spring, early in the morning. I love to run this one, but I’d never venture here on a weekend. After work isn’t a bad time to swing by either.

This trail is so lovely that is popular among hikers, birders, and cross-country skiers alike.

Along the hike, take in the Fountain and Lyons rock formations that surround you.

You’ll also experience medium elevation changes as you ascend the loop and see historic buildings created by Henry S. Persse in the early 1900s.

Distance: 2.6 miles Elevation Gain: 344 feet Difficulty: Easy Red Tape and Local Tips: It costs $4.00 per person to enter this park and dogs/bikes are not allowed. Crowds : Extremely crowded. The park does fill up on weekends and wait times are long. Be here by 8 am to avoid crowds. Location : Roxborough State Park

Mayflower Gulch

This is my favorite place to take out-of-town visitors on a scenic jaunt. I’ve been here probably 6 or so times during all seasons of the year. In fact, I’ve actually climbed all of the mountains you see along this hike too – so I’ve thoroughly explored Mayflower Gulch. My favorite time to go is early in the morning in July on a weekday.

Mayflower Gulch is a spectacular wildflower hike in Colorado and is home to some of the best Colorado wildflowers of them all.

The low mileage and incredibly dramatic scenery make for a great hike. Afterward, check out the sights in nearby Dillon, Frisco, and Breckenridge.

Pro Tip: If you’re into hiking up peaks, this trailhead offers access to some of the best 13ers in Colorado.

Distance: 2.6 miles Elevation gain: 1,141 feet Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Red Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly Crowds : Busy throughout the year. Start by 8 am. Location: Near Copper Mountain

Dream Lake, Nymph Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha

I’ve done this loop probably close to 10 times at this point in one way, shape, or form. There is a lot of alpine climbing in the area and I’m usually here before the sun comes up so I can climb all the mountains that make up the backdrop of these stunning lakes.

Typically I’m passing by around sunrise, and no one is around. So if you want to see what many claim is one of the busiest trails in the country without 100s of people, sunrise is the way to go.

It’s a stunning area. My advice would be to go to Emerald Lake for sunrise, then swing back down to dream and head up to Haiyaha before returning to your car.

If that’s too much, then skip Haiyaha.

One of my favorite times I’ve ever been out hiking was when we experienced a sunrise on a windless day at Dream Lake in the winter.

For a mellow introduction to hiking in the park, hit up the 4 iconic alpine lakes – including the famous Emerald Lake along this famous hiking trail. In fact, this is one of the best lake hikes in Colorado and hiking Lake Haiyaha is a real treat for winter.

Distance: 3.6 miles Elevation Gain: 864 Difficulty: easy Red Tape and Local Tips: This trail gets crowded and if you can’t park in the Bear Lake Lot, you’ll be taking the bus in. Arrive at the TH before 7 am. No dogs. It’s $25 to enter the park. Crowds : Extremely crowded. This is one of the most popular trails in the state and the lake of parking doesn’t stop anyone. If you want any sense of solitude, start by 4:30 am and see a sunrise here. Even still, expect people, but you’ll be hanging out with handfuls instead of hundreds. Location: Rocky Mountain National Park

Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail

The Maroon Bells is one of those places that took me far too long to see. I’ve since been back a few times for burly trail runs and backpacking trips – there’s a lot to do here.

The area is easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado , and as such there is a confusing permit system to access the area.

We had this place to ourselves when we arrived at 5:30 am on the 4th of July. Yes, you read that correctly – totally crazy and unexpected I’m not going to lie.

Parking and figuring out how to visit is a bit of a pain, so see my guide to the various Maroon Bells hikes .

In my opinion, it’s worth it to continue on to Crater Lake and a bit beyond on the West Maroon Pass trail to get a top-down view of the lake.

Distance: 1.9 miles with options for more challenging hikes. Elevation Gain: 49 feet Difficulty: Easy Red Tape and Local Tips : No dogs are allowed and you’ll need an advanced parking reservation or shuttle reservation when the road to the trailhead is open. Crowds : Crowded with permits. The reservations make this not-so-bad, but it can be extremely crowded with tourists if you’re here in the middle of the day when the busses are running. Location: Aspen

Alderfer Three Sisters Trail

So I run this trail almost every week and I’ve probably been here close to 70 times by now. It’s in my back yard so it’s kinda strange to include it on this list, but it’s my favorite hike in Evergreen and a really great hike to do if you don’t want to go too far from Denver.

I really love checking out the rocky outcrop lookout point. You’ll get great views of the foothills here.

It’s one of the easiest hikes near Denver which makes it really accessible and great for afterward or a quick trail run!

Distance : 6.7 miles Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet Difficulty: easy/moderate Red Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly Crowds : Extremely crowded. Visit during the week if you want to avoid crowds. Location: Evergreen

South Colony Lakes

This is one of my favorite beginner backpacking trips to recommend to folks. I’ve spent many nights here, mostly to climb the nearby 14ers, but we love to soak up the views at South Colony Lakes too.

Every time I’ve been here we’ve encountered aggressive mountain sheep, so keep your head on a swivel!

What I love so much about South Colony Lakes are the views of the Crestones – which is one of the prettiest mountain cirques in the state.

South Colony Lakes holds a special place in my heart. Crestone Peak and the Crestone Needle, two of Colorado’s most famous 14ers (peaks above 14,000 feet high), create a beautifully dramatic backdrop. Most people opt to backpack this trail since you’ll find it hard to leave.

Distance: 8.9 miles Elevation gain: 2,286 feet Difficulty: easy to difficult depending on the trailhead you use. Red Tape and Local Tips: This trail mostly follows a road and requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to reach the upper trailhead. Busy to crowded: If you’re backpacking here, it’s considered crowded. Location : South of Westcliffe

Local Tip: If you can make it to the upper TH, you’ll knock off about 1,000 feet of gain and 3-ish miles of hiking round trip.

Keep in mind wag bags are required here. If you aren’t cozy pooping in a bag and packing it out, stay home.

Loch Lake Hike

I really love the Loch – it doesn’t get enough love. Although it’s well-known and crowded, many people use it as a stepping stone to other areas of the park. But if you don’t want to hike a whole ton and still want to enjoy some of the best scenery in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Loch is the way to go.

I alpine climb (that’s climbing cliff faces with ropes) in Rocky and I frequently visit the Loch. In fact, it’s one of my favorite spots to stop and take a break later in the afternoon after a long day of climbing.

The hike to Loch Lake is quite stunning, and a must-visit for any moderate hiker. The trail varies in terrain, going from forested canyons to eye-opening alpine vistas. You can even continue on to the famous Sky Pond.

Distance: 5.4 miles Elevation Gain: 1,072 Difficulty: Moderate Red Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. It’s $25 to enter the park. Crowds : Extremely crowded. Plan a pre-dawn hike if you want solitude. However, if you want to do this, I’d suggest linking the Loch with a few other points of interest in the neighborhood! Location: Glacier Gorge, Rocky Mountain National Park

Hanging Lake

As one of the topmost scenic hikes in Colorado, Hanging Lake is on everyone’s to-do list. There’s a good reason for it: Hanging Lake LOOKS like a place where fairies and gnomes would live.

And I’ll admit it, I actually kept this one off my list for a long time because of the crowds. Once the hike got permitted, I finally decided to check it out.

The first time I went was during a 6 am timeslot on a Tuesday in May. My friend and I had the entire place to ourselves. It was absolute magic.

I’ve been back 3 times since during different times of the year. Even when it’s busy during the day in the summer, it never really feels totally packed thanks to the permits.

Drones and dogs are NOT allowed, and there’s no swimming at the lake. You can only access this trail via a gated highway exit and you must have a permit in order to be let in the gate.

Distance: 3 miles Elevation gain: 1,135 feet Difficulty: Moderate Red Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go for sunrise. There’s a $12 per-person permit required to hike. No dogs. Crowds : Busy with permits. I’ve done this multiple times – the 6 am timeslot is best. Location: Near Glenwood Springs

Local Tip: Hanging Lake has been experiencing temporary closures in 2024 due to trail maintenance from the 2021 landslides. Always check on the permit website for the most accurate and up-to-date info!

Cascade Creek to Mirror Lake

So this might actually be my all-time favorite hike on this list. The Indian Peaks Wilderness is stunning and nothing quite captures that like the dramatic Lone Eagle Peak.

We started at 5 am from the trailhead and had this place to ourselves. Moose are frequent visitors on the trail – I’ve seen up to 5 in one day here – so if you do bring your dog, make sure they are on a leash.

When we went early we got to see that perfect reflection on the lake before the morning breeze picked up. There were quite a few people heading up when we left.

One of the best hikes in Colorado is the iconic Mirror Lake. Head up early to catch a perfect reflection of the stunning Lone Eagle Peak on Mirror Lake. The trail to the lake isn’t particularly difficult, but it is long.

Distance : 14.6 miles Elevation Gain: 2,375 feet Difficulty: moderate/difficult Red Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Permits are required for an overnight. Crowds : Busy to crowded. Start by 8 am. Location : Indian Peaks Wilderness

Mount Bierstadt Trail

I have a soft spot in my heart for Mt Bierstadt. This was my first Colorado 14er (almost a decade ago – wow!). It’s also a beautiful hike. If you want to beat the crowds, start at 3 AM or go for a sunset summit. Super awesome!

Don’t be like me – I forgot to pack gloves and a hat. It was well below freezing at the top – in July!

I’ve done every route on Bierstadt and they are all great, but the standard route is a classic hiking summit.

Located a little over an hour away from Denver, near Silver Plume, Colorado is this amazing trail. It’s a popular, but challenging, 7.5-mile, out-and-back hike that will take you through the gorgeous, Mt Blue Sky (formerly Mt Evans) Wilderness area.

It’s also an iconic beginner Colorado 14er so if you can, come early (6 am to hike safely and avoid summer storm cycles).

Local Tip : The road to the trailhead closes every winter, so check conditions before heading out. Typically the trail is snow-free from mid-June through mid-October.

Distance: 7.5 miles Elevation gain: 2,782 feet Difficulty: Difficult Red Tape and Local Tips : Dogs allowed on a leash Crowds : Extremely crowded. In my opinion, Bierstadt is better than Quandary overall as a 14er, but this peak boarders on over-rated. Location : Guanella Pass

Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail

I’ve climbed a lot in the Sky Pond basin and it still never ceases to amaze me. Lots of people don’t know it, but the spires that make up that iconic view? Home to some of the best alpine rock climbing in the country.

The hike can be a bit slick towards the top, but if you take your time, it’s very doable. Don’t stop at the first lake – keep going. Once you get to the second lake that’s Sky Pond!

Nearly every hiker who visits Rocky takes on the challenge of reaching Sky Pond . This is by far one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park .

Living up to its namesake, this beautiful alpine lake hosts an array of skyscraping rock formations that seem to defy gravity.

Distance: 8.2 miles Elevation Gain: 2,870 Difficulty: Difficult Red Tape and Local Tips: This hike becomes impassible in winter due to avalanche terrain and steep ice. No dogs. It’s $25 to enter the park. Crowds : Extremely crowded. Start at 3:30 am if you want solitude (and parking). The early start is for parking, the lot will fill, then you’ll be forced to wait for the bus or start at the Bear Lake Trail, which adds quite a bit of mileage. Location : Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado Trail

I included this trail here because if you’re hiking many of the mountain ranges in Colorado, chances are you’ll spend at least a little bit of time on the CT (Colorado Trail).

I’ve actually hiked over 130 miles of this 486-mile-thru hike. In fact, I have a tattoo of the trail symbol. Inside the symbol, I have a scene of my dog and I hiking the trail together. It’s a great way to remember her.

Most segments should be done as a backpack or shuttling cars. It’s a pretty cool way to see the state, so if you’re an intrepid hiker, you can tick off segments, take it on in full, or backpack chunks of this trail.

Although it’s not technically a day hike, you can’t mention the best hiking in Colorado without mentioning the Colorado Trail and Kenosha Pass. This 486-mile trail stretches from Denver to Durango and is the highest thru-hike in America.

The trail is broken into 28 segments, most of which can be done in a day or as an overnight.

The entire trail takes around 1 month to complete as a thru-hike. Keep in mind that you’ll need to shuttle cars from point A to point B if you’re section hiking. Most segments fall within the moderate to upper end of difficult. Some notable segments are:

• Segment 1 near Denver (no dogs allowed)
• Segment 6 over Kenosha Pass
• Segment 7 in the Tenmile Range
• Segment 11 at the Mount Massive Trailhead
• Segment 24 at Stony Pass
• Segment 25 at Molas Pass

Crowds : Varies GREATLY. Anything that’s near the Front Range is busy to crowded. Most of the trail is at least busy, especially anything within the day-tripping range. Location : Denver to Durango

Lesser-Known Hikes I Love

These are still pretty popular trails, but they aren’t always on the tourist radar or they have far more popular counterparts nearby.

(If you’re looking for a list of secret hikes in Colorado , I’ve got you covered though).

Gem Lake via Lumpy Ridge

This one has gotten busier over the years, but I still love a good hike to Gem Lake. Yet another spot frequented by my climbing antics, I’ve been here a few times.

Fun fact: My partner proposed to me not too far from Gem Lake.

It’s a great alternative to the main area of RMNP, Lumpy Ridge – where you’ll find Gem Lake – has a different feel.

Made famous for being one of the best rock climbing areas in Colorado , this area is also home to some amazing hikes. Check out the famous Gem Lake for stunning views of strange rock pinnacles and mountain vistas.

Distance: 3.1 Elevation Gain: 990 Difficulty: easy to moderate Red Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. It’s free, but you need a timed entry. Crowds : Crowded. Plan to start your hike by 7 am if you want to avoid crowds. Location : Lumpy Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park

Mount Sniktau

So long-time locals might roll their eyes at me saying Mt Sniktau is lesser-known, but compared to nearby Grays and Torreys , this one sees less traffic.

I hike Sniktau every year. I’ve done it in all of the seasons, but a late summer sunset jaunt is my personal favorite. We love to pack a picnic burrito and head up here to watch the sunset. It’s worth it to ramble around on the other side of Loveland Pass too if this hike isn’t enough for you.

If you’re just getting into summiting mountains, then head up to the top of Mount Sniktau. Even seasoned mountain hikers will love the glorious views.

Distance : 3.5 miles Elevation Gain: 1,530 feet Difficulty: moderate/difficult Red Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Crowds : Busy to crowded. It can be packed at the start of the trail, but most people are just venturing a few hundred yards from their car. If you want some solitude, consider a sunset jaunt. Location : Loveland Pass

Ptarmigan Lake

People do know about Ptarmigan Lake, but it doesn’t show up on many best-of lists, which is why I included it here.

We stumbled across this gem of a hike and it was such a beautiful discovery. One of my fondest memories was from this hike – the water color and the dusting of snow made for a magical scene!

This is one of the best fall hikes in Colorado that doesn’t get smashed with people. The beautiful scenery passes by a few small lakes and ponds before the final push to Ptarmigan Lake.

Distance: 6 miles Elevation gain: 1,469 feet Difficulty: Moderate Red Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly Crowds : Busy to crowded. Plan an 8 am start. Location : Sawatch Range

Devil’s Canyon

I actually bumped into Devil’s Canyon by accident, but I’m glad I found this diamond in the rough. We hiked this after a snowy night and seeing the red sandstone cliffs dusted in snow was just magic.

Devil’s Canyon is one of my favorite Winter hikes in Colorado because it’s a break from dangerous, cold, snow-filled mountains. We try to come out here at least once a year. The canyon itself features gorgeous sandstone formations and plenty of beautiful scenery. Seeing it dusted in snow is a true treat.

Distance: 6.7 miles Elevation gain: 764 feet Difficulty: Moderate Red Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly Crowds : Busy Location : Outside of Grand Junction

Classic Colorado Hikes that Appear on Best-of Lists, but Aren’t Worth the Hype

Alright – admittedly, these are pretty hot takes since this is a bit subjective, but hear me out. Each of these hikes often appears on other generic “best of” lists you’ll find on the internet, but I think that there’s something seriously lacking in each one.

Of course, you may enjoy them and that’s totally okay, but my experiences here weren’t great. I’ll explain why each of these is over-rated in their descriptions, but I definitely encourage you to get out there and see for yourself. These are still beautiful hikes.

Star Dune in Great Sand Dunes National Park

So my idea of a good time is NOT walking up a giant sand hill. Personally, I think that the Great Sand Dunes National Park is stunning, but Star Dune is a huge pain in the ass. In my opinion, there are better ways to enjoy the dunes. But if you REALLY like suffering, this one is for you.

The Great Sand Dunes rise almost randomly out of the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. As a sacred site for nearby Native Americans, these sand dunes boast magical scenery. Star Dune is the largest of them all.

Distance: 3 miles Elevation gain: 629 feet Difficulty: Difficult Red Tape and Local Tips: This isn’t so much of a trail, as it is walking up a steep, squishy sand hill – hence the difficulty. This trail is dog-friendly, but dogs are not allowed past this point. Crowds : Not too busy. Climbing sand hills kind of sucks.

Herman Gulch

Herman Gulch used to be really great like 6 years ago. Again, another hike I’ve had plenty of experience with (I’ve climbed the Citadel and the other nearby peaks you see along the hike). But with such easy access from Denver, this place is PACKED with people year-round at all hours of the day.

I’m talking about expecting to park on the highway off-ramp, even early in the morning. The throngs of folks have REALLY ruined this place. Not to mention, people love to pick the wildflowers (don’t, it’s horrible for the alpine environment) and act disrespectfully.

Herman Gulch is one of the most accessible high-alpine hiking trails in Colorado. This trail offers amazing hiking year-round. One of the best times to go is for the July wildflower bloom, but you’ll be dealing with hordes of humans.

Distance : 6.3 miles Elevation Gain: 1,755 feet Difficulty: Moderate Red Tape and Local Tips: Don’t pick or prance around in the wildflowers. Enjoy the scenery from the trail to avoid tramping this beloved environment. Dog-friendly. Crowds : Extremely crowded (year-round at this point). This is one of the most crowded trailheads in all of Colorado. Plan a pre-dawn hike if you want a sense of solitude, otherwise this trail is over-rated. Location: Near Silver Plume

Ice Lake in the San Juan Mountains

Okay, so I’m probably going to catch a lot of hate for this one, but I thought Ice Lake was overrated. Yes, it’s gorgeous – not going to argue that at all.

BUT Instagram has completely ruined this spot. First, you’re not allowed to camp at the lake and lots of people do.

I saw so much trash on the trail, people ignoring signs, going unprepared, people influencing everywhere, etc. It was just awful and it ruined the experience for me. Personally, I prefer nearby Columbine Lake.

It’s probably worth doing once but get to the trailhead by 4 am to miss the riff-raff.

The unbelievable electric blue waters of Ice Lake are impressive to see.

Climb your way up to Island Lake (another 15 to 20-minute walk) for a scene that is simply jaw-dropping.

Distance: 8.1 miles Elevation gain: 3,093 feet Difficulty: Difficult Red Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. Opt to get their early or make it an overnight to get more time. Crowds : Extreme crowds. Honestly, it’s a shame. It’s a lovely hike – super beautiful, but the Insta-hungry, disrespectful visitors make this hike pretty overrated. We started at 6 am and the parking lot was almost full. Plan to start before dawn if you want to miss the bad behavior. Location : Near Ouray

First and Second Flatiron

I do NOT see the appeal of the Flatirons. First, you hike up to get a view of Boulder – which is a sprawling suburb with a university campus in the middle of it.

Second, I really hate that Boulder makes you pay to park at all of their parks unless you’re from Boulder. It’s really not a great look.

And third, it’s stupidly crowded here. Maybe I’m missing something, but I’ve climbed, soloed, trail ran, etc here and I just can’t get into it.

However, it is only about a 30-minute drive away from Denver and has bus access so I get why people come.

As one of the classic Boulder hikes, you’ll get an up-close view of the famous Flatirons, which are cool, but not worth the crowds in my opinion.

The trail starts mellow and quickly builds up to steep elevation gains. Therefore, be prepared to do a bit of scrambling before savoring the incredible views all around you.

Distance: 3.6 miles Elevation gain: 1,446 feet Difficulty: Moderate Red Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and very crowded. Hike in the morning on a weekday for some solitude. Crowds : Extremely crowded. I really don’t get the hype for this one, but people love it! Don’t expect to find any solitude here as it’s pretty much always got plenty of people on it.

Chicago Lakes Trail

I can name about 15 alpine lakes in Colorado that are prettier than Chicago Lakes. I’ve hiked this trail in the winter and the summer and found it to be mediocre.

I much prefer heading to Crystal Lakes one basin over. Father Dyer is an awesome peak, and it’s a quieter experience, which is saying something because there’s a 4×4 road that goes to the lakes.

But a TON of people love this one, so check it out and see for yourself.

Chicago Lakes starts off steep and mellows out as it meanders down a valley toward the backside of Mount Blue Sky. When it comes to hikes in Colorado, Chicago Lakes delivers varied scenery.

Combine this hike with one of the most scenic drives near Denver for an epic day outside.

Distance : 8.7 miles Elevation Gain: 1,860 feet Difficulty: moderate/difficult Red Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Crowds : Extremely crowded. Start by 6 am.

Tips for Hiking in Colorado: Important Safety Info

Hiking safely and responsibly in the mountains is your responsibility. I have a complete guide to hiking in Colorado that gives you the inside scoop on everything you need to know, including when it’s safe to hike, how to time your hike, and more. So certainly check that out if you’re new to hiking in Colorado (yes, other mountains are different).

But if you’re too lazy to read another post, here are a few quick tips:

Start early! Afternoon thunderstorms are dangerous and kill hikers each year. Not to mention, if you start before the sun rises, you’ll have these popular Colorado hikes to yourself.

Acclimatize properly . Hiking at altitude is tough work. Plan on resting more and drinking water often.

Follow Leave No Trace and pick up after yourself (bonus points if you pick up other’s waste too!).

Don’t poop above treeline. Waste does not break down this high up. Carry a wag bag and pack your poop out or stay below the trees!

Check and double-check the weather . Storms come in quickly and the weather changes on a dime here. Always understand that the weather generally comes from the west, and keep an eye on storms.

Map of Colorado Hikes You’ve Got to Check Out

Since I organized this post in a way that helps you choose which trail is right for you, I wanted you to get oriented. Here’s a may of the top Colorado hikes I’ve mentioned in this post, and a few extras.

What to Bring

Don’t get caught unprepared, here’s what you should bring with you:

What to wear:

• Noncotton socks
• Hiking footwear with good traction that you are comfortable wearing all day. 
• Non-cotton shorts for hiking
• Or non-cotton, pants for hiking. Convertible pants are great too!
• Non-cotton shirt for hiking

What to bring:

• Hiking day pack. I love the REI Flash 22 for an affordable day pack.
• Water and snacks for the car – it’s always nice to have a treat at the end!
• Sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses
• First Aid Kit  
• Electrolyte powder – optional but nice to have!
• A water bladder capable of carrying at least 2 liters of water.
• Camera clip to strap to your back
• Glove liners
• Fleece layer
• Puffy layer
• Hiking poles (optional)
• A toilet kit: shovel, WAG Bag (if you plan to travel above treeline), hand sanitizer, TP/baby wipes, a small plastic baggy to pack out TP and sanitary items
• Pee funnel – optional
• Pee rag – optional.
• GPS navigation
• emergency communication device
• Wind/rain layer
• Pocket knife

Planning a trip to Colorado? Check out these kick-ass resources:

• The only 4-day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary You’ll Ever Need
• Where to Camp in Colorado
• Tips for Visiting Colorado
• Fantastic hot springs in Colorado
• The most scenic drives in Colorado

Meg Atteberry

Meg is a long-time Colorado local and outdoor industry professional. She's spent the last 15 years hiking, climbing, mountaineering, and canyoneering all over Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada in search of the best views. She's written for Outside Magazine, REI, Backpacker Magazine, and appeared on the Weather Channel.

Let’s connect!

Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Toddler mom, queer, and neuro-spicy her favorite things to do are climb in the alpine and camp in the desert. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure.

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The 20 Best Hikes in Colorado, Through Alpine Meadows and Otherworldly Rock Formations

By Sarah Kuta

The best hikes in Colorado are so much more than a chance to get some exercise . They’re also immersive experiences that invite travelers to slow down, be mindful, and engage all of their senses—like pausing to hear the call of a white-breasted nuthatch or breathing deeply to inhale the scent of pine.

And whether you’re an experienced mountaineer or more of a casual ambler , you’ll find plenty of routes that meet your criteria in Colorado , which is home to more than 39,000 miles of trails. The best hikes in the state are as diverse as the landscape itself, taking travelers through colorful and ever-changing terrain—from wildflower-dotted meadows and craggy red rock formations to golden-hued aspen groves and cerulean alpine lakes.

Before your next trip to the Centennial State, toss a pair of sturdy hiking boots (and a few pairs of hiking socks ) into your bag. Then, dig into this list of the best hikes in Colorado. Enjoy exploring on two feet.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

1- to 3-mile hikes

Colorado’s Mount Sanitas is easily accessible from downtown Boulder.

Mount Sanitas

Easily accessible from downtown Boulder , this popular out-and-back route is short, at just 2.4 miles round trip, but still very difficult because it gains 1,323 feet of elevation. As you pass by striking rock formations and through grassy open meadows on the way to Mount Sanitas’s 6,843-foot summit, you’ll have expansive views of Boulder’s cityscape and the plains beyond. Turn this into a longer loop by taking the East Ridge and Sanitas Valley trails back to the trailhead.

Cedar Gulch

Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Denver , Mount Galbraith Park in Golden is home to more than 5 miles of trails, including the 2.6-mile round trip Cedar Gulch route. It’s a steep hike, but one that offers sweeping views of Golden, Denver, and Colorado’s eastern plains. For a longer adventure, tack on the 1.6-mile Mount Galbraith Loop at the top of this 7,260-foot peak. The park’s trails are only open to hikers, meaning you won’t have to worry about dodging speedy mountain bikers on the way up or down.

For a route that suits all seasons, Fish Creek Falls is perfect for beginners and experts alike.

Fish Creek Falls

The hike to Fish Creek Falls in Steamboat Springs is a popular all-seasons route for beginner to intermediate hikers. The hike to the base of the falls is only a half-mile round trip, so plan to extend your trek to a second waterfall, Upper Fish Creek Falls (around 5 miles round trip), or beyond to Long Lake (13 miles round trip).

Petroglyph Point

In the far southwest corner of Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park protects more than 52,000 acres of land inhabited by ancestral Pueblo people starting around 1,400 years ago. The park is best known for its 600 cliff dwellings, but it also has plenty of ancient rock carvings—including those visible from the Petroglyph Point Trail. This 2.4-mile loop is short but challenging, since it gains more than 220 feet of elevation and requires careful maneuvering among boulders and sandstone staircases. But, about halfway in, you’ll be able to marvel at a large petroglyph panel showing handprints, spirals, and animals.

3- to 6-mile hikes

Shrine Ridge offers views that can compete with Switzerland's greenest dales.

Shrine Ridge

Get acclimated to Vail ’s altitude by slowly meandering to the 11,899-foot summit of Shrine Mountain. First used by Ute Native Americans, then later adopted by settlers and silver miners, this four-mile round trip trail climbs through meadows dotted with pine trees until it reaches the top of the impressive peak in Colorado’s Sawatch Range. Before heading back down, stop and catch your breath while taking in the panoramic views of Mount of the Holy Cross, Uneva Peak, and the ski runs at Copper Mountain resort.

Strawberry Lake

A glassy, alpine lake awaits at the top of the 3.6-mile round trip Strawberry Lake Trail near Granby . The first section is a steep suffer-fest, but just keep putting one foot in front of the other and, eventually, you’ll reach the picturesque payoff. In the summer, lily pads dot the water’s surface and colorful dragonflies flit about.

Anna Borges

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Karthika Gupta

On a hike through Homestead Meadows, you may chance upon a moose or two.

Homestead Meadows

Estes Park is the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park . But some of the region’s best hiking routes are actually outside of the park, including this 2.8-mile out-and-back route (5.6 miles round trip) through the towering aspens and pines of Lion Gulch. Wander past the crumbling remains of eight homesteads built between 1889 and 1923 and keep an eye out for moose, which are frequent visitors to this area.

Hidden Valley

This easy, out-and-back trek is the perfect way to start a day in Loveland, a charming city that’s roughly an hour north of Denver . Located within the 3,007-acre Devil’s Backbone Open Space, the Hidden Valley Trail is just 3.2 miles round trip, so it makes for a good warm-up. But if your legs—and lungs—are feeling good, you can easily extend your hike by continuing on to other connecting trails, like the Hunter Loop and the Laughing Horse Loop. As the name of this open space suggests, you’ll be hiking alongside spiky rock formations that look like vertebrae (or dinosaur back plates) sticking out of the ground.

Green Mountain

Wander among the 100-plus-year-old buildings of Independence Ghost Town before setting off on this challenging, lightly traveled route to the 12,791-foot summit of Green Mountain. The 5.4-mile round trip trail south of Aspen crosses the Roaring Fork River and climbs past the remains of mining log cabins before opening onto wildflower-speckled meadows. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of Colorado’s Elk Range and the river valleys below. Tap a guide from Aspen Alpine Guides for help making the trek.

The iconic rock formations of Colorado offer picturesque rest stops along the Royal Arch hike.

Boulder is a quick, easy shot out of Denver , and no visit to this quirky college town is complete without a hike at Chautauqua , a historic park and cultural center that dates back to 1898. A favorite among locals is the hike up to Royal Arch, which offers views of Boulder’s iconic Flatirons and ends at an arched rock formation. Hikers can connect to the Royal Arch Trail from a handful of other trails, all departing from the Chautauqua Trailhead, but the most direct way is 3.4 miles round trip and is an intermediate/difficult route.

Cathedral Lake

This out-and-back hike south of Aspen is hard, but relatively short at 5.6 miles round trip. Plus, the stunning views are worth it, no matter what time of year you’re hiking. The route gains nearly 2,000 feet of elevation through the alpine meadows, forests, and scree fields of Pine Creek Canyon before arriving at an Instagram-worthy alpine lake (though be sure to read up on Aspen’s “ Tag Responsibly ” campaign before posting a photo, which encourages travelers not to geotag lesser-visited areas to prevent overtourism).

A variety of landscapes greet intrepid travelers hiking Arthur's Rock Trail.

Arthur’s Rock

Just west of Fort Collins, the 3.4-mile round trip Arthur’s Rock Trail inside Lory State Park climbs 1,100 feet and offers views of Horsetooth Reservoir and the Front Range beyond. The route travels through grassy meadows, evergreen trees, craggy rock formations, and massive, smooth boulders.

6-plus-mile hikes

Purgatory, in fact, is not as the name implies—it's a true slice of hiking heaven.

The name is a bit misleading, as Purgatory is actually an easy to moderate four-mile one-way (eight-mile round trip) route near Durango in southwest Colorado . After winding through aspen and fir forests, the trail runs along Cascade Creek, where fly-fishers try to reel in brown, brook, and rainbow trout. It opens onto the Purgatory Flats area, where hikers can gaze out at the West Needle Mountains and Spud Mountain. Link this route with the Animas River Trail for a longer journey.

Located inside Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction on Colorado’s Western Slope , this route once served as a toll road for transporting livestock and timber starting in the 1880s. Today, it’s a scenic but aerobically challenging hiking trail that’s also open to horseback riders. The 4-mile one-way (8-mile round trip) path starts at the Devils Kitchen Picnic Area, then gradually ascends 1,600 feet over mostly slick rock through colorful cacti, rugged sagebrush, and scrubby pinyon-juniper trees.

This route between Mohawk Lakes goes through alpine tundras and scenes of verdant evergreens.

Mohawk Lakes

Located south of Breckenridge , this alpine tundra route starts at the Spruce Creek Trailhead and traverses 6.8 miles round trip through evergreen forests past Lower Mohawk Lake and Upper Mohawk Lake. This intermediate trail climbs nearly 2,000 feet of elevation and offers views of the 13,164-foot Mt. Helen and the towering Tenmile Range.

Ouray Perimeter

The 6.5-mile round trip Ouray Perimeter Trail has it all: Panoramic views of Ouray below (nicknamed the “Switzerland of America” for its picturesque environs), waterfalls, bridges, natural “bathtub” pools, cliffs, and caves. This intermediate hike gains 1,600 feet of elevation and, since it’s a loop around town, it can easily be broken into smaller sections if you’re short on time or feeling the altitude.

If you're looking for striking red rocks, get over to the Rattlesnake Canyon Arches Trail.

Rattlesnake Canyon Arches

The 6.2-mile round trip Rattlesnake Canyon Arches Trail outside of Grand Junction is literally off the beaten path—it requires driving a rough-and-tumble 4X4 road or hiking a connector trail—but the views are completely worth it. The high-desert route travels through reddish-orange, Mars-esque rock formations, and arches with colorful sandstone layers.

Ruple Point

There’s a good chance you won’t see a soul on the Ruple Point Trail, a 9.2-mile round trip trek in the state’s far northwest corner. This secluded route is inside Dinosaur National Monument, a 210,000-acre preserve that spans the Colorado-Utah border. After meandering through rolling sagebrush prairie dotted with juniper trees (and, in early summer, colorful wildflowers ), you’ll reach the top of a cliff and see the Green River below. Book a campsite so that, after the hike, you can stay up late and stargaze—the national monument is an International Dark Sky Park .

Maroon Bells is one of Aspen's most photographed sites—and for good reason.

Aspen to Crested Butte

For a more adventurous hike, consider trekking from Aspen to Crested Butte (or vice versa) via the West Maroon Creek Trail and the West Maroon Pass Trail. Though these two mountain towns are more than 100 miles apart by car, you can hike between them in less than a day.

From Aspen, this 10.5-mile one-way thru-hike starts at the iconic Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area (home to one of North America’s most photographed vistas) and heads up over Maroon Pass at 12,465 feet. The route then winds down through high alpine meadows and open valleys before arriving on the Crested Butte side. Many backpackers camp out along the trail before turning around and hiking back. There are also shuttles from the trailhead to several Crested Butte hotels, if you could use a hot shower and a night off your feet before making the return trip.

Coloradans are obsessed with hiking 14ers (mountains that stand more than 14,000 feet tall). But because of this fascination with peak-bagging, the trails that climb them also tend to be more crowded, which is why summiting a 12er or 13er can be more enjoyable. Located near Breckenridge, Peak 10 stands at 13,639 feet and can be accessed via a handful of different routes depending on the season (including some that take you through the ski resort ). For a longer, more challenging day, connect Peak 10 to other summits like Crystal Peak or Peak 9.

More Colorado hikes

Looking for more of the best hikes in Colorado? The state has mapped all public trails and compiled them into an easy-to-use app and website called COTREX . Users can sift through Colorado trails with an array of helpful filters, including wheelchair accessibility .

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The Best Hikes in Colorado

Lace up your boots for a hiking destination that includes rocky mountain vistas, alpine lakes, wind-swept sand dunes, and memorable urban parks..

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 .

Colorado is home to more than 50 peaks measuring over 14,000 feet, 10 national parks, monuments, and recreation areas, and dozens of wildernesses and state and regional parks. Though Rocky Mountain National Park garners plenty of international attention, you’ll find memorable dayhikes in downtown Colorado Springs and in the woods outside of Durango, in the outskirts of Pueblo and among the Ancestral Puebloan dwellings in Mesa Verde .  

Are we biased? Maybe a little: Backpacker is based in Colorado, after all, and more of our editors call it home than anywhere else. But take the time to enjoy a few of these trails, and we think you’ll agree: It doesn’t get better than this. 

  Best Dayhikes Near Denver 

Within easy access to Colorado’s premier museums, cultural attractions and airport lie plenty of opportunities for memorable dayhikes. 

Skyscraper Reservoir

• Length: 10.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 2,263 feet
• Trail Type: Out and back
• Difficulty: Moderate

Located within the Indian Peaks Wilderness , the Woodland Lake Trail to Skyscraper Reservoir meanders through thick evergreen and aspen forest, a boon on hot summer days. Several small waterfalls and wildflowers line the path, and you may even spy the occasional moose. The rocky trail rewards hikers’ efforts with two glassy lakes: Woodland Lake, half a mile from the trail’s end, and Skyscraper Reservoir, which sits in the shadow of Skyscraper Peak. 

Find the route on Gaia GPS here .

South Boulder Creek Trail to Rogers Pass

• Length: 9 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,952 feet
• Difficulty: Hard

This challenging hike in the James Peak Wilderness offers sweeping views from Boulder to Winter Park. South Boulder Creek Trail steadily climbs along the stream of the same name en route to the base of Haystack Mountain. Rogers Pass Lake marks your first major milestone, a cold, snow-fed lake surrounded by three smaller lakes. Power forward up the steep final quarter mile to Heart Lake, sitting beneath high, snowy peaks. 

Castle Trail

• Length: 6.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,601 feet

Located just 30 minutes from downtown Denver, Castle Trail sits within Mt. Falcon Open Space park. Red rock formations, the ridge of Mt. Glennon, and the Red Rocks Amphitheater are visible from this trail, which leads ultimately to Walker House Ruins, the remains of a stately 1909 mansion (hence the trail’s name) built by a Colorado conservationist but destroyed less than a decade later by lightning. The grounds at trail’s end are so lovely, Woodrow Wilson once considered them for his Summer White House. 

Best Dayhikes Near Colorado Springs 

The dramatic rock formations and canyons of the Garden of the Gods, Royal Gorge and Pikes Peak are crisscrossed by scenic hiking trails just a short distance from Colorado’s second largest city.

Palmer Trail Loop

• Length: 4 miles
• Elevation Gain: 597 feet
• Trail Type: Loop

Winding its way around Colorado Springs’ most popular park, the Garden of the Gods , the Palmer Trail Loop is filled with views of the park’s most spectacular rock formations. Red rock monoliths burst above the landscape in enormous slabs, with names like the Siamese Twins, Balanced Rock, and Kissing Camels. The Palmer Trail includes a small stretch of paved pathway before branching out on a hard-packed trail into more natural areas overlooking the park’s Central Garden and Colorado Springs below. 

Seven Bridges Trail

• Length: 3.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 912 feet

Pretty North Cheyenne Creek gurgles along the Seven Bridges Trail, which takes its name from the seven attractive wooden bridges that lead hikers back and forth across the water. The path follows a rocky cut near the base of Kineo Mountain through North Cheyenne Cañon Park over small boulders, twisted tree roots, and those little bridges. Continue onward to connect the Seven Bridges Trail with other area trails, or head back to your car after the seventh bridge. 

The Crags Trail

• Length: 5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 820 feet

This popular Front Range route is a good choice for flatlanders who haven’t fully accustomed themselves to Colorado’s altitude but still want to enjoy a beautiful mountain hike. The Crags Trail makes its way through colorful wildflowers and stands of towering aspens and bristlecone pines to reward hikers with expansive Rocky Mountain views. The Crags Trail also connects to the Devil’s Playground Trail, from which hikers can embark on a rewarding, if challenging, ascent of Pikes Peak .  

Best Dayhikes Near Fort Collins 

Live music, craft beer breweries and the cultural institutions of Colorado State University are surrounded by the natural beauty of national forest land, wildlife preserves, state and public parks. And Fort Collins lies just one hour from Rocky Mountain National Park. 

Coyote Ridge Trail

• Elevation Gain: 564 feet
• Difficulty: Easy

The perfect trail for those not yet acclimated to Colorado’s elevation or those with young children, the Coyote Ridge Trail is a favorite spring hike, with its wide-open grassland and abundant wildflowers. After a brief stretch along an abandoned roadway, the trail heads up the ridge, with views of the plains to the east and Milner Mountain to the west.  

Horsetooth Falls and Horsetooth Rock Trail 

• Elevation Gain: 1,584 feet

Varied landscapes, from conifer and deciduous forests to exposed rock promontories and wildflower meadows, make this trail a popular destination for visitors to Fort Collins’ Horsetooth Mountain Open Space . For those looking for a less strenuous hike, the 2-mile route to Horseshoe Falls follows an easy, reasonably flat trail to the falls. Continue along the more arduous Horsetooth Rock Trail to the peak of Horsetooth Mountain for broad views of Fort Collins and the Front Range. 

Best Dayhikes Near Grand Junction 

Impressive hoodoos, rock formations and a landscape of red- and gold-colored rock provide an enjoyable hiking destination in an area known for its wineries. 

Mica Mines Trail

• Length: 2.5 miles 
• Elevation Gain: 291 feet
• Difficulty: Easy 

Fabulous sandstone cliff faces, towering hoodoos and a historic abandoned mica and quartz mining operation combine on a trail that is accessible for hikers of any age and ability. The circuitous route leads through Rough and Ladder Canyons, ending at a mica mine that was used only briefly in the late 1800s. 

Liberty Cap Trail

• Length: 13 miles
• Elevation Gain: 2,004 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate 

Spanning Colorado National Monument from east to west, the Liberty Cap Trail quickly ascends the monument’s dominant mesa with tight switchbacks and rock scrambles to approach the trail’s namesake. The 160-million-year-old remnant sand dune, the Liberty Cap, stands in stark contrast to the surrounding landscape of russet- and golden-colored rock. Once you’ve reached altitude, the trail flattens out and continues west through pinyon-juniper forest and prickly pear habitat among the steep rock faces. Turn back at Rim Rock Drive or continue on Black Ridge Trail for a multi-day excursion.

Best Dayhikes Near Durango 

Set in an area known for its ancient culture ( Mesa Verde National Park is the best known), gold mining history and Hollywood-worthy scenery (think “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and “City Slickers”), this city in southwestern Colorado also includes hiking trails for all abilities. 

Fourmile Falls, Wenimuche Wilderness  

• Length: 6 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,112 feet
• Trail Type: Out and Back

Located within Colorado’s largest wilderness area, this trail winds its way beneath aspen trees and through meadows, squeezing between Pagosa and Eagle Mountain, which measure 12,556 and 11,766 feet high respectively. Beyond the beauty of the San Juan Mountains, the hike offers views of rocky cliff faces on its way past two waterfalls and fields of brilliant wildflowers. 

Highland Mary Lakes Trail, Wenimuche Wilderness

• Length: 8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,690 feet

The ascent into this subalpine basin begins quickly as the trail heads steadily upward over hard-packed earth and a series of boulder scrambles over Cunningham Creek. The payoff: spectacular wildflower meadows, views of the San Juans and, as the trail name promises, the sparkling Highland Mary and Verde Lakes. Fuse the Highland Mary Lakes Trail with the Whitehead and Continental Divide Trails to create a stunning 8-mile loop. 

Best Dayhikes Near Pueblo 

Set on the edge Colorado’s Front Range and home to the Pueblo Reservoir, popular for fishing and boating, Pueblo lies one hour east of Royal Gorge and offers a variety of hiking trails within Lake Pueblo State Park .

Stonehenge and Rock Canyon Loop 

• Length: 2.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 230 feet
• Trail Type: Lollipop

Located west of Pueblo on the eastern side of Lake Pueblo State Park, this loop trail begins flat, through open scrub that can be hot in summer. The trail’s highlights appear one mile in, when the path begins to wind its way through stacked layers of shale (some natural, some human-made cairns) and the wind- and water-sculpted rock formations that give this trail its name. At the midpoint of the hike the path reaches the banks of the Pueblo Reservoir. Take a side trip along the South Shore trail (1 mile each way) to enjoy the lake views. 

Find the route on Gaia GPS here.

Voodoo Trail 

• Length: 8.7 miles
• Elevation Gain: 456 feet

This trail follows a twisting route along the southern banks of the sprawling Pueblo Reservoir. Part of Lake Pueblo State Park, the trail offers nice views of the Front Range of the Rockies and the Sangre de Cristo Range beyond. Reasonably flat, the trail traces the water’s edge over a landscape of shale and limestone. Hike early, to avoid the midday heat and to take in sunrise over the lake. 

Best Dayhikes Near Aspen and Vail

Set high in the Rocky Mountains, traversed by the Continental Divide Trail and known for its premier ski resorts, Aspen and Vail offer first-rate opportunities for memorable hiking. 

Mount of the Holy Cross Loop

• Length: 12 miles
• Elevation Gain: 6,134 feet

Named for the snowy cross visible on the mountain’s slopes into the early summer months, the Mount of the Holy Cross ranks as one of the most beautiful in the Sawatch Range. At 14,005 feet, the summit just barely qualifies as a 14er, but the peak looks more dramatic than many that are taller. The large elevation gain, boulder scrambling and steep final steps to the top make this a challenging hike, but you’ll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular mountain views in Colorado. 

Grays and Torreys Peaks 

• Elevation Gain: 3,622 feet

Bag two 14ers in one day on this challenging but beautiful hike midway between Vail and Denver. The trail passes near several abandoned mining camps from the early 1900s before winding upward, connecting to the Continental Divide Trail atop Grays Peak (at 14,270 feet the highest point along the CDT). Enjoy stellar views of the Rocky Mountains to the west. 

Maroon Bells Scenic Loop

• Length: 2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 160 feet

Considered one of the most photographed scenes in all of Colorado, the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop offers a spectacular hiking opportunity even for those with limited hiking experience. Located within an easy drive of Aspen and Snowmass Village, the route provides views of the iconic pyramid-shaped peaks mirrored in the waters of Maroon Lake. The 26-mile F our Pass Loop is a good option for fit hikers who want a challenging multi-day adventure. 

Best Long-Distance Hikes in Colorado 

The colorado trail.

• Length: 485 miles
• Trail Type: Point to point
• Difficulty: Hard 

Running diagonally through Colorado from Denver to Durango, the Colorado Trail is a classic high-alpine hike linking eight mountain ranges. The challenge takes hikers across 13,000+-foot peaks and through mountain valleys on a month-long journey often used as preparation for hiking the longer Continental Divide Trail (which piggybacks on the Colorado Trail for some 200 miles). But the Colorado Trail is worth exploring for its own sake, in its entirety or piecemeal, with its snow-capped mountain vistas and wildflower meadows, historic mining towns, starlit skies and, not least, its bragging rights. Highlights include the ascent of Mt. Elbert, the views at Hope Pass and throughout the San Juans, and a hot meal and shower at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort.   

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail

• Length: 3,100 miles

Considered one of America’s best long trails, the Continental Divide Trail stretches from the Canadian border in Montana to the Mexican border in New Mexico, with 800 of its 3,100 miles passing through Colorado. The Colorado leg of the trail ranks as a true Rocky Mountain adventure, entering Colorado in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest north of Steamboat Springs and leaving the state in the South San Juan Wilderness north of Chama, New Mexico. 

Best Hikes in Colorado National Parks 

Best hikes in rocky mountain national park  .

With more than 415 square miles of mountains within its boundaries, it’s no wonder that Rocky Mountain National Park is home to some of America’s finest hiking trails.

• Elevation Gain: 6,300 feet

Longs Peak ranks as Rocky Mountain National Park’s lone 14er, and its shear rock Diamond face is popular material for picture postcards and Instagram posts, particularly when illuminated by the morning sun. Those factors combine to make this mountain a target for hiking- and climbing-minded park visitors. At first a well-marked path, the Keyhole Route up Longs Peak transforms into a scramble over boulders and through slots with aptly descriptive names like the namesake Keyhole, The Ledges, The Trough and The Narrows. The trail’s final stretch, a smooth granite wall known as The Homestretch, leads to the summit, with remarkable 360-degree Rocky Mountain views. 

Cub Lake Trail

• Elevation Gain: 744 feet

The Big Thompson River (a fly-fishing nirvana), abundant mule deer, elk and moose and the relative accessibility of this Rocky Mountain trail make the Cub Lake Trail a popular one for average hikers. The route culminates at the lily pad-strewn lake, framed by the Rockies, the most dramatic being Stones Peak at the lake’s far end. 

Never Summer Wilderness

• Length: 19 miles
• Elevation Gain: 4,757 feet

This multi-day hike from Baker Gulch to Bowen Gulch Lake offers a spectacular mountain getaway just two hours northwest of Denver. The route loops through the 21,000-acre Never Summer Range, through tree-covered ridges to open tundra. 17 peaks rise above the trail, all measuring more than 12,000 feet and boasting their height with names like Cirrus, Nimbus, Stratus and Cumulus. You can fish for trout at Parika Lake. 

Best Hikes in Great Sand Dunes National Park

The continent’s tallest sand dunes are located not on the seashore, but in the heart of Colorado, where an assortment of trails allow hikers to explore their stark beauty.

High and Star Dune Loop

• Length: 7 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,309 feet

The loose sands of the monumental High and Star Dunes (the latter tied with nearby Hidden Dune as the tallest in North America at 741 feet) makes this hike more challenging than it would seem. Summit the slopes in hiking boots or barefoot and enjoy a sweeping view of the dunes and the Sangre de Cristo peaks. Carry a rented sand sled or sandboard for a thrilling trip back downhill.

Mosca Pass Trail 

• Elevation Gain: 1,459 feet

Varied hiking terrain, from shady forest to exposed rock outcroppings, accompany hikers up a steady but gradual climb and provide a break from hiking in the sand. Look for views of the park’s famous dunes two miles into the route. 

Best Hikes in Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Home to some of the steepest and most highly-weathered rock faces in North America, this largely vertical national park offers trails that are short on distance, but long on drama. 

Exclamation Point

• Elevation Gain: 364 feet

Easy on your feet and accessible to all members of the family, Exclamation Point promises some of the Black Canyon’s most awe-inspiring views. Expect remarkable photo ops of the canyon’s steep rock walls and the silver glimmer of the Gunnison River some 2,000 feet below. 

Deadhorse Loop Trail

• Elevation Gain: 561 feet

Starting from Kneeling Camel Overlook, the Deadhorse Loop leads briefly away from the Black Canyon to wind past an old ranger station and into a steep, rocky side canyon, Deadhorse Gulch. Power back to the top of the gulch where the trail loops back to the Black Canyon for awe-inspiring views before returning to your car. 

Best Hikes in Mesa Verde National Park  

Hikers to Mesa Verde enjoy remarkable scenery and a window into the centuries-old past of the Pueblo people. 

Petroglyph Point Trail 

• Elevation Gain: 587 feet
• Trail Type: out-and-back

A juniper forest trail with some boulder scrambles leads to remarkable views of Mesa Verde’s canyon and the mountainous wilderness beyond. The route also leads past postcard views of the cliffside dwellings where Ancestral Puebloan people lived for more than 700 years. A sign directs hikers to a wall of petroglyphs. 

Spruce Canyon Trail

• Elevation Gain: 675 feet

Follow this route on the Chapin Mesa, descending into the cool, shady Spruce Tree Canyon for a look at rock walls eroded into fantastical shapes by wind and water. Lush green plant life grows along the seasonal creek bed, a strong contrast to the browns and grays of the surrounding cliff faces. Combine the Spruce Canyon Trail with Petroglyph Trail for a memorable 5-mile dayhike.

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The 6 best hikes in Colorado for Rocky Mountain adventures

Sep 11, 2023 • 8 min read

With terrain to suit every kind of hiker, Colorado is an outdoors paradise © John P Kelly / Getty Images

Famous for its fresh mountain air, Colorado is a place to get high – in more ways than one. The mighty spine of the Rocky Mountains cuts through the west of the Centennial State, lifting the landscape up into a rugged tumult of towering mountains, high desert mesa and slot canyons. 

Colorado boasts the country’s highest concentration of peaks above 14,000ft – more than 50 in total – but in the east, the landscape flattens out into rolling grasslands which have their own special appeal. Whether you have your heart set on bagging a 'fourteener' or fancy a more gentle stroll in the wilds, there's a trail in Colorado to suit every kind of hiker.

The state's excellent trail system includes routes for all fitness levels, offering year-round access to almost impossibly beautiful landscapes and close encounters with some of the nation's most iconic wildlife. With so many routes to choose from, picking a definitive list of top Colorado hikes is hopelessly subjective. But to get you started, here is our shortlist, with hikes that showcase the state’s impressive variety of landscapes.

1. Longs Peak

Best hard hike.

14.5 miles round trip, 10 to 15 hours, difficult Driving time from Denver: 1¾ hours

Topping out at 14,259ft, Longs Peak towers over magnificent Rocky Mountain National Park , rising high above the Denver skyline. With soaring cliff faces, steep boulder fields and an uber-challenging final ascent, this hike is hugely popular – about 15,000 people attempt to summit it each year – but don’t let that fool you: this is a serious hike, no matter how you approach it.

Most hikers tackle the summit via the so-called Keyhole Route, which begins at the Longs Peak trailhead, between Allenspark and Estes Park on State Highway 7. The first 6 miles are on a moderate trail to a broad boulder field at 12,760ft, where the trail steepens as you pick up the path of the Keyhole Route, marked with yellow-and-red bull’s-eyes painted on the rock.

Even seasoned hikers will be slowed by the thinning air and the route’s precarious ascent over a series of rocky ledges that resemble a narrow cliff-side stairway with no handrails. From there, hikers scramble up a steep final home stretch to reach the boulder-strewn summit. The view from the top – with snow-kissed granite stretching out to the curved horizon – is dizzyingly beautiful.

To avoid afternoon lightning storms, you must summit before noon, so plan on an early morning start at around 4am. Alternatively, make a two-day summit bid; you can detour south just above the tree line to camp at Chasm Lake, a high-alpine wonder that sits below the jagged rock face known as the Diamond, where rock climbing gods and goddesses test their mettle.

2. Mayflower Gulch

Best easy hike.

5.2 miles round trip, 2-3 hours, easy Driving time from Denver:  1½ hours

Located in the White River National Forest near Frisco, the Mayflower Gulch trail takes hikers back in time. Climbing gradually to 12,018ft, this out and back trail traces an old mining road deep in the forest, following Mayflower Creek and snaking uphill past crumbling log cabins, rusty mining equipment and an abandoned ore chute – the remains of a failed gold mining town.

The trail ends in a scenic basin that erupts into a riot of wildflowers in summer, and is perfect for snow-shoeing in the winter, with 180-degree views of the sawtooth peaks of Fletcher Mountain. Take time to poke around the ghost town ruins, and consider extending the hike to nearby Gold Hill, a tundra ridge with grand views of the basin below and the pocketed slopes above.

3. West Maroon Trail

Best wildflowers hike.

10.2 miles one way, 6 to 8 hours, difficult Driving time from Denver: 5 hours

A spectacular carpet of summer wildflowers is the trademark landscape on this dreamy hike between Crested Butte and Aspen , usually tackled during the warmer summer months. Leaving Crested Butte, the opening few miles climb steadily through a mountain valley of flowers, with 2,350ft of elevation gain. Look out for Colorado columbine, Indian paintbrush, lupine, larkspur, Parry’s primrose and more, and look up occasionally to admire the epic vistas of snowcapped peaks and lush forests beyond. The trail steepens near the West Maroon Pass (12,480ft), becoming narrow and rocky as you approach Aspen.

The final push skirts past Crater Lake – dip your toes in its cool waters for a much-deserved rest stop – and climbs through an aspen forest to end at Maroon Lake. This is the most photographed lake in Colorado, thanks to the dramatic backdrop of the Maroon Bells peaks. From the top, you can ride a shuttle back to Crested Butte (4.5 to 5.5 hours) or stay overnight at one of the nearby campgrounds (reservations only) before heading back over the pass on foot.

4. The Flatirons (First and Second Flatirons Trail)

Best hike near denver.

2.6 miles round trip, 2 hours, moderate Driving time from Denver: 40 minutes

The towering slabs of angled rock known as the Flatirons emerge like the scales of a buried dragon to the south of laid-back Boulder . Several moderate but rewarding trails around the Flatirons can be easily reached from Boulder or Denver, just 30 miles southeast.

The most accessible route here offers instant rewards. An out-and-back trail crosses varying landscapes – floral meadows, patches of forest and a short talus slope – before climbing to a notch between First Flatiron and Second Flatiron, with sweeping views over Boulder and the terracotta-roofed campus of the University of Colorado below.

Switchbacks lead on to the end of the trail on the western side of First Flatiron, where rocky shelves provide the perfect place to pause for a breather, have lunch and enjoy sublime Rocky Mountain views. The trailhead starts at the Ranger Cottage in historic Chautauqua Park , accessible by public transport from Boulder .

5. Rattlesnake Arches Trail

Best hike with an unexpected view.

6.2 miles round trip, 5 hours, moderate Driving time from Denver: 4 hours

Located in the stunning high desert terrain of McKinnis Canyons National Conservation Area , Rattlesnake Arches Trail is all about sunset red canyons, sandstone pinnacles and nearly three dozen natural arches – the only place you'll find more rock arches is Utah’s Arches National Park .

The trail begins on a sagebrush-covered mesa before getting up close and personal with eight of the largest arches, including Cedar Arch, which measures 76ft across at its widest point. Some daredevils scramble up through its 43ft-tall opening to cut mileage from the return hike. Be sure to take plenty of water on this hike, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as mule deer, desert bighorn sheep and golden eagles.

The trail’s namesake critter, the midget faded rattler, is venomous but rarely seen; it's still worth making noise as you hike and being cautious in the undergrowth. The access road to Rattlesnake Arches is rough, especially the last 2 miles. Visitors with 4x4s or high-clearance vehicles can continue all the way to the main trailhead; most drive as far as they can, and walk once the road becomes impassable.

6. Grays and Torrey’s

Most accessible fourteener hike.

8 miles, 6 hours, strenuous Driving time from Denver:  1¼ hours

Ever wanted to bag a fourteener? How about two in one day? For bragging rights to die for, this heavily trafficked hike starts just an hour outside Denver, climbing up the 14,000ft peaks of Grays Peak and Torrey's Peak in one long, sustained push from the trailhead at the end of Steven’s Gulch Road, near Idaho Springs. Start early in the morning, and head back down to your car before mid-afternoon to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.

The first part of the trail meanders through a high alpine valley, garlanded with gorgeous wildflowers in the early summer. You’ll hit the switchbacks soon enough and then it’s a fairly straightforward climb all the way to the top of Grays Peak. After bagging your first summit, follow the trail as it leads down into a gully, and then climb straight up Torrey’s Peak for a second epic view across the Front Range.

Tips for Hiking in Colorado

• Take time to acclimate to the altitude, especially if you’re coming from sea level – take things slowly for the first few days and pace your climbs.
• Stay hydrated! Carry plenty of water and water-purification equipment. Dehydration will tire you out and can speed the progression of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
• Keep your fuel cells full – bring snacks packed with protein and carbs for the trails.
• Weather conditions can change quickly year-round, so carry layers, rain gear and a hat.
• Afternoon lighting above the timberline is a real danger, especially in the summer. Start hikes early and plan to be away from mountain peaks and high passes by early afternoon. Don’t hesitate to turn back if gray clouds appear – it could save your life.
• Be sure to bring a trail map, compass and flashlight for signaling (don’t depend on your cell phone).
• Make plenty of noise on the trail to avoid unexpected encounters with moose, bears, cougars and rattlesnakes.

You may also like: Things you need to know to have a great time in Colorado Colorado on a budget Top ski resorts in Colorado for beginners to powder hounds

This article was first published March 2021 and updated September 2023

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Hiking in Colorado: 17 Best Hikes in Colorado with Scenic Trails

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Narrowing down a list of the best hikes in Colorado is no easy task.

There are literally hundreds of hiking destinations and bucket list trails near pretty much every city in Colorado.

From springtime hiking to winter trails and every season in between, there is never a shortage of places to hike.

You can enjoy the great outdoors, see some gorgeous blue lakes, and spend time hiking in this beautiful state.

There are endless hiking spots, trails and open spaces available in Colorado! You can’t really go wrong with any of them.

Even if you’re just pulling off on a side road, you’re bound to find a trail that goes into the woods or up the mountain.

Here are the best trails for hiking in Colorado and how to experience each one to the fullest.

1. Red Rocks and Morrison Slide Trail, Red Rocks Park

Red Rocks Park near Morrison, Colorado is known for the famous concert venue known as Red Rocks Amphitheater . 

Thinking of living in Colorado? This guide will help you avoid costly mistakes and remove the stress of planning so you can experience the joys of mountain living.

Whether visiting in the day time or at night, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater is a beautiful place to sightsee but also to hike. 

Watch the sun rise and set the stones aglow, or stay late and see the city of Denver sparkle to life.

Red Rocks Park has 868 acres of sandstone, rolling hills and meadows that feature stunning views and geological marvels. 

The park is situated at 6,450 feet and represents the intersection between the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains .

With only a handful of hiking trails in the area, my favorite is the Red Rocks and Morrison Slide Trail. 

These trails form a 3-mile loop that features carved sandstone and towering red rocks for which the park is named. 

This hike is moderately difficult and takes about 1.5 hours to complete. Along the way you’ll see epic views of Denver on one side and the Rocky Mountains on the other. 

Be sure to bring your camera!

Difficulty: moderate

2. Crystal Mill Trail, Marble

Just outside the sparsely populated town of Marble, Colorado sits the historic Crystal Mill. 

Built in 1892 this mill sits in the middle of the pine forests and operated as a “powerhouse”. It contained a turbine that was driven by the nearby Crystal River.

The hike to Crystal Mill is a moderately challenging 8-9 mile hike that can take 3-4 hours to reach the destination. 

Or if you have an off-road vehicle with 4-wheel drive you can drive right up the mill’s location.

The Crystal Mill sits high atop the rushing river, surrounded by lush, rich forest, with the near-perfect background of the surrounding mountains. 

It is a popular hike for tourists and photographers looking to capture a little bit of nature’s serenity.

When you arrive, you’ll find that there are basically two main areas from which to see and photograph the mill. 

The most popular location is to the right of the mill from the cliffside vantage point. This spot is fairly small and can only fit three to four people at a time.

Difficulty: hard

3. Perkins Central Garden Trail, Garden of the Gods 

This magnificent natural wonder is a National Natural Landmark and is most well-known as one of Colorado’s most photographed views .

Plus, the park is completely free to visit & explore nearly all year round.

The Perkins Central Garden Trail is a 1.5 mile paved trail that is an easy route that’s relatively flat and takes about 26 minutes to complete. 

Due to the paved trails and well-maintained paths the hike is kid-friendly, wheelchair friendly, and stroller friendly. 

Designated parking for this trail is located at the Main Parking Lot with accessibility spaces and restrooms near the trail.

And don’t forget to stop at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center to grab an iconic photo. 

The towering red rock sandstone formations rise up before the mountainous backdrop of the famous Pikes Peak and all along the Front Range.

Difficulty: very easy

4. Emerald Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is an expansive and rugged wilderness with  more than 250 hiking and biking trails. 

Located near Estes Park, Colorado there are limitless areas to see and explore here. Visiting it at certain times of the year will yield a completely different, and amazing, experience.

And one of the most famous Colorado hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park is the Emerald Lake Trail. 

With only a moderate level of difficulty this trail is nice for active families or those who aren’t used to the altitude yet. 

This 3.2 mile hike goes out-and-back for about an hour and a half and is easy to follow thanks to the marked trails. 

The path passes a series of crystal clear alpine lakes with the smallest of the pools being Nymph Lake. Then it’s onto Dream Lake which is one of the most beautiful lakes in all of Colorado.

Depending on the time of year, hiking the Emerald Lake Trail means seeing epic views of the Rocky Mountains, wildflowers, and even some wildlife. 

In the summer it’s perfect for hiking and mountain biking, and during the winter this trail is a great spot for snowshoeing.

To get into the park you will have to buy a day pass (fees vary) or you can invest in an annual Rocky Mountain National Park pass.

Difficulty: moderate 

5. Hidden & Star Dune Loop, Great Sand Dunes National Park

Another epic place to hike in Colorado is the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Located near Alamosa, the hike to the Star Dune is a personal favorite.

The Star Dune is over 700 feet tall and is currently tied with the Hidden Dune (it’s neighbor!) as the two tallest dunes in North America. 

The hike up the Hidden & Star Dune Loop is 8-miles long and is considered a challenging hike that takes about 3.5 hours to complete.

There is a fee to enter the National Park as well as annual passes that are available for purchase via the national park website.

It’s quite unique to see a miniature Sahara desert pressed up against iconic Colorado mountains. 

And the Sand Dunes exist here because long ago there was a lake that covered almost the entire San Luis Valley (where the dunes are). But the lake suddenly disappeared and all that was left was lots and lots of sand!

6. Maroon Bells Lake Scenic Loop Trail, Aspen 

In the Elk Mountains, the two peaks and crystal clear waters of the Maroon Lake form a picturesque destination known as the Maroon Bells . 

Regarded as one of the most classic hiking spots in Colorado, the area can be reached via the Maroon Lake Scenic Loop Trail. 

This iconic 1.9 mile loop surrounds the Maroon Bells Lake, showing off scenic landscapes including alpine waters, wildflowers and plenty of wildlife.

If you’ve seen photos of Colorado, you have likely seen a pic of Maroon Bells. In fact, Maroon Bells is one of the most photographed locations in Colorado. 

Because of the popularity of this destination, access is limited during high-traffic seasons like summer and fall. 

And reservations are required to visit the Maroon Bells. I recommend visiting on a weekday if possible to reduce congestion. 

The Maroon Bells wilderness area is located about 10 miles outside Aspen, Colorado.

7. First and Second Flatirons Loop, Boulder

Chautauqua Park in Boulder is absolutely amazing and is a must-visit when crafting your list of the best hikes in Colorado!

When you see a photo of Boulder, Colorado you are most likely seeing a picture of the Flatirons at Chautauqua Park.

The First and Second Flatirons Loop is widely considered one of the best hiking trails in Boulder. 

With views of the Flatirons and lots of trails and paths to take, this hike is one of a kind.

The trail is rated moderate with some areas being rather difficult and gains more than 1,400 feet in elevation.  

In other words, it’s not for the faint of heart! However, the incredible views of the city of Boulder and the Front Range stretch on for miles and miles.

You can choose from lesser known trails that are a bit more difficult, or easier but more trafficked paths.

If you want to hike other trails in the area, there are 10 trailheads accessible from Chautauqua Park, all with varying views of the iconic Flatirons and ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous. 

But not all trails permit dogs, and the trails that do allow dogs require that they be leashed.

The trail’s close proximity to town makes Chautauqua Park easy to access, but for the same reason it’s often very busy. 

To find parking in the lot, consider visiting during the off-season or on a weekday. Otherwise, parking is available in nearby neighborhoods. 

8. Warner Point Nature Trail, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

About 5 hours from Denver is one of the least visited National Parks called, Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

But for Colorado locals it’s considered a hidden gem that’s less crowded and none-the-less stunning. 

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is typically visited by extreme athletes who enjoy rock climbing the sheer cliffs or pro kayakers taking on the Colorado River. 

However, even everyday hikers can enjoy the beauty of the area thanks to the Warner Point Nature Trail.

This easy 1.5 mile hike goes out-and-back for about a 45-minute hike. 

It gains little elevation and meanders along the rim of the towering canyons below. The Warner Point Nature Trail offers panoramic views of both the inner canyons and surrounding mountain ranges.

To enter the Black Canyon of the Gunnison a National Park pass is recommended (for an annual fee) or you can purchase a day pass to access the area. 

During the snowy winter months there are seasonal closures so be sure to check the national park’s website for more info.

Difficulty: easy

9. Hanging Lake Trail, Glenwood Canyon

Hanging Lake Trail is arguably the most scenic hike in all of Colorado. This 1.5 mile trail has an elevation gain of nearly 1,200 and requires a bit of climbing and traversing rocky terrain.

On this hike, you’ll cross a series of wooden bridges then take a short trail extension to see Spouting Rock, a waterfall gushing through the rock face. 

As you continue on the hike you’ll see a short handrail section that will lead you to Hanging Lake.

It’s hard to miss thanks to multiple waterfalls that trickle into the aquamarine pool, creating a breathtaking scene. 

To the south of Hanging Lake, you’ll see gorgeous views of Glenwood Canyon, which is one of the most beautiful drives along I-70 (and my personal favorite).

Depending on the time of year, access to Hanging Lake may be closed to the public due to damage from wildfires or mudslides. 

However the state of Colorado is constantly in the process of preserving Hanging Lake and the Glenwood Springs area.

Set alongside the Colorado River, the roadside pull-offs and rest stops in Glenwood Canyon are like nothing else you have seen. I can’t recommend this hike enough.

Difficulty: moderate to hard

10. Seven Bridges Trail, North Cheyenne Canon Park

North Cheyenne Canon is a very rugged hiking destination with access to gorgeous windy roads through the mountains.

A popular trail in this area is Seven Bridges Trail which is a 3.8 mile trail that is moderately difficult.

It features a waterfall and breathtaking views of the city below.

Some areas tend to get a little bit steep so the best times to visit are between March and November.

Located near Colorado Springs, North Cheyenne Canon Park offers many of the trails on the side of the mountain.

So, practice safety, and don’t hike this area if you’re afraid of heights.

One of the easier hikes in the area is Mount Cutler Trail, which is a 1.7 mile hike that is good for all skill levels.

Difficulty: easy to moderate

11. The Manitou Incline, Manitou Springs

If you’re looking for an intense hike to test your physical abilities, then the Manitou Incline is the hike for you.

The Incline at Manitou Springs is one of the most challenging hikes on this list.

Located near Colorado Springs this intense hike will test your physical abilities so you may want to train before going on this hike. 

In fact, most people train for months before climbing this trail, so hike with caution. 

The Incline has over 2,700 steps with a 2,000 foot elevation gain that is less than one mile straight up the mountain. 

The views from the top of the mountain are unmatched, and the hike down the mountain is equally picturesque.

The main way to climb down the Manitou Incline is via the Barr Trail which is a 12.5 mile trail.

It intersects from Pikes Peak to Manitou Springs and is a very difficult hike that takes about 2.5 hours to descend. 

Hiking the Manitou Incline is extremely hard and should only be attempted if you are in good physical shape. 

We do not recommend this hike for dogs or families with small children.

If you start hiking the Incline trail and feel that you can not finish the hike to the summit, there is a “bale out point” about halfway. 

Here you can catch the Barr Trail and continue heading down to the bottom of the mountain.

Difficulty: extremely hard

12. Sloan’s Lake Park, Denver

If you live in the city of Denver Sloan’s Lake is the perfect little getaway for a scenic walk.

Located right in the middle of the city, Sloan’s Lake is over 177 acres and is the city’s second largest park.

The walking and biking path around the lake is just over 2.5 miles one-way.

It offers picturesque views of downtown Denver in one direction, and the Rocky Mountains from the other direction.

Since this is a city park there are nice facilities nearby including two playgrounds, picnic areas, tennis courts, restrooms and more.

13. Ute Valley Park Loop Trail, Colorado Springs

Ute Valley Park is another one of our absolutely favorite hiking spots in Colorado!

And within the park is the Ute Valley Park Loop Trail. It’s nestled in the center of the city but still very secluded and quiet.

The trail is a loop that is nearly 4 miles long that starts and ends at the parking lot.

It features a gorgeous overlook, a small creek, plus lots of birds and wildlife that are native to the area.

The path is moderate with some relatively easy climbs, and is considered good for many skill levels.

Dogs are also able to use the trail but must be kept on a leash.

Once near the top of the climb you’ll be able to see the entire city of Colorado Springs and surrounding areas for miles.

14. The Trollstigen Trail, Breckenridge

Even though the Trollstigen Trail in Breckenridge is less than a mile long, it’s still considered a true Colorado gem. 

Why? Because at the end of the trail is something you never expect; a 15-foot tall Troll made out of recycled wood and scraps.

This sculpture was custom made in 2018 and was named Isak Heartstone. He permanently lives in Breckenridge on his own custom trail, called the Trollstigen Trail. 

The path starts right at the parking lot and is about a half mile loop getting there and back to see the Troll. 

The trail is flat and paved by elevated wooden planks or stone pavers making the hike very easy and accessible by any skill level, even small children and pets.

It’s hard to miss Isak himself at the end of the trail. I mean, afterall he is a 15ft tall troll. 

Once you are there, feel free to stop, pose and take pictures with him. Plus, visiting the Breck Troll is easy and completely free all year long. 

Check out our guide to the Breckenridge Troll for more info.

15. Garden of the Gods Loop Trail, Colorado Springs

Garden of the Gods tops many bucket lists and hiking guides in Colorado for good reason.

It has over 12 designated trails in the park, so we had to add another one that is very popular! 

You could fill a few hours or a whole weekend just exploring the many trails, wandering the visitor’s center, and dining on site.

It truly is an epic destination for being one of the most picturesque and photographed places in the state.

And Garden of the Gods Loop Trail will take your breath away.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or are a native to Colorado, this hiking spot is fairly easy.

The Loop can be customized for how long you want to walk and can be as long as 4 miles in length.

It crosses over other popular paths like Palmer Trail and Scotsman Trail so you can explore the garden at your own pace.

16. Timberline Falls Hike, Rocky Mountain National Park

There are so many trails to explore in Rocky Mountain National Park that we had to add one more!

One of the best places for hiking in Colorado is Timberline Falls .

The trailhead is located on Bear Lake Road about 8 miles from Highway 36.

Due to the popularity of this trail in peak tourist season, you may want to consider parking and taking the free shuttle to the trailhead.

The entire trail is about a 9 mile-long loop that features Sky Pond and lots of bird watching.

The hike is moderate to difficult so you may not want to hike this with small children or if you are not at this fitness level.

It’s also important to know that you may be limited to which trails you can hike on depending on the time of year.

Rocky Mountain National Park is a very wild place, and there are lots of animals that you’ll probably cross paths with.

Stay out of the animals’ way and practice smart safety tips.

17. The Colorado Trail

For anyone who likes thru-hikes, check out the Colorado Trail .

It’s over 567 miles through the entire state, from Denver to Durango.

This is for more advanced hikers and backpackers who want to challenge themselves to an outdoor adventure.

Some honorable mentions for best hikes in Colorado are also the Grand Junction and Salida areas.

They offer a wide array of trails and outdoor activities for the southern areas of the state.

Beware when hiking on any trails in the mountains, specifically in Vail or Breckenridge, as the restrooms can be pretty awful.

5 tips for safe hiking in Colorado

Before heading out on a hike in Colorado, there are few important things you should know.

Here are some tips for safe hiking outdoors, anytime of year.

1. Verify current weather conditions

Check current trail conditions and weather before going out on your hike.

The Colorado weather can change rapidly , because the altitude changes what the weather will be.

Know what the weather is projected to be and bring lots of layers , even if it’s the summer or spring time.

We’ve had massive snow storms blow in even during months like April or May.

2. Follow the signs

Stay on the trail and don’t go into the restricted boundary areas.

Colorado is constantly trying to protect nature and the wildlife so a path you took last year may be closed off for preservation.

3. Keep wildlife wild

Do not approach wildlife, they can get scared and hurt you, or even kill you.

Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially in the summer when the dry air is even drier and hotter.

It’s easy to get dehydrated and experience a heat stroke.

4. Pay attention to your body

Take care of your body if you’re visiting Colorado and are not used to the altitude.

Altitude sickness is a real thing and it can dramatically hamper the amount of oxygen your body is taking in.

5. Take breaks and go slow

Get a lot of rest and take it easy with your first bit of physical exertion when arriving in Colorado.

We recommend avoiding a major hike within a day or two of visiting the state.

If you plan on hiking at high elevations during the winter months, you should expect the trails to be covered with snow and ice.

Wear the proper shoes and layer your clothing to stay warm.

Colorado’s weather can be very warm and very cold all in the same day, especially as you ascend and descend on the mountains.

10 essential items for every hike

Here is a quick checklist of the top 10 essential items you need for every hike.

• First-aid Supplies
• Firestarter
• Sunglasses & Sunscreen
• Headlamp & Flashlight
• Extra Clothing

Check out the top hiking essentials kit on Amazon.

Colorado Native & Personal Chef

Ryan Nicholson is a homegrown born and raised Colorado native. Being a rare unicorn to have grown up in CO, he has a unique perspective on the changes here and knows all the hidden spots to get outside in this state. Ryan's a classically French trained chef so he LOVES to try new foods and places to eat. When he's not experimenting in the kitchen or working as a personal chef along the Front Range, he loves to get outdoors and away from it all hiking, camping and backpacking.

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The 10 Best Hikes in Colorado

Karen Desjardin/Moment/Getty Images

Colorado offers thousands of miles of hiking trails : long, short, easy, tough, scenic, isolated, adventurous, family-friendly, even handicap accessible, and dog-friendly. Some are perfect for viewing the changing of the aspen trees in the fall, whereas others come to life every spring with colorful wildflowers. Or for a serene mountain escape, some trails are suitable for exploring in winter, while sporting snowshoes.

Truly, pick a trail and go. Colorado won't disappoint. There are no bad trails.

But if you're looking for the quintessential Colorado experience - with that famous scenery or prestige - there are a few hikes that stand out from the rest. These are the most iconic hikes , trails that Colorado is famous for. That means they're often heavily trafficked by other hikers, so beware; leave early and prepare for mountainside congestion . Yes, we can get traffic jams on our trails. 

Missouri Lakes

Jacobs Stock Photography Ltd/DigitalVision/Getty Images 

Considered one of the top day hikes in the state, Missouri Lakes is for every skill level. It's only about two and a half hours from Denver and only seven miles roundtrip. This is the perfect starter hike for those looking to get out for the day and see if hiking is for them.

This starts at Fancy Lake Trailhead, starting high and ending high. Only a few sections are difficult, but for most, these can be navigated with slow walking and taking your time. Fellow hikers are always happy to help a beginner get the hang of these points on the trail.

Missouri Lakes sits above Alpine trees and has a gorgeous view of the Rocky Mountains. The basin is huge, letting you camp, picnic, or spend a few days away from it all. Camping here is a wonderful experience, especially during the spring and summer months.

Missouri Lakes and the surrounding area can be very busy because of how easy the hike is and how quick of a drive it is from Denver. If you want to stay the night, make sure to get a free overnight pass to do so – this is a great way to camp, take a few days, and try to avoid the crowds by going early morning instead of later in the day.

Hanging Lake

Adventure_Photo/E+/Getty Images 

This trail is located about 10 miles from Glenwood Springs, making it a popular day hike for travelers visiting the famous hot springs off Interstate 70.

The trail itself is pretty short — over two and a half miles round trip — but don't be fooled. This isn't a quick-and-dirty, in-and-out hike. Hanging Lake trail is steep, rocky, and can take two to four hours, depending on your fitness level, the time of day, how you do with the altitude, and how crowded the trail is.

Hanging Lake trail, through canyons and along a creek, is rated as moderate. If you're not wearing good shoes and prepared, it can feel harder than that.

As with all Colorado's famous hikes, Hanging Lake can be really crowded, especially in the summer season (although it is open year-round and the frozen waterfalls are as incredible, although the trail is even trickier when it's snowy and icy). Your best bet: Leave way early, before the crowds get up, so you can get a parking spot and get in and out before 9 or 10 AM when the crowds arrive.

Crater Lake

Robin Wilson Photography/Moment/Getty Images 

If you're looking for a quieter hike and are away from Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park – Crater Lake is it. The Indian Peaks Wilderness is a lesser-visited area of Colorado. For first time hikers and those looking to gain experience, something a little slower in pace will help build your endurance.

If you want to get started early in the morning, you'll require an overnight permit to sleep in the area. It's worth it to get started at sunrise for a beautiful view and lead into making it to Crater Lake. This does make the hike more popular during the day vs. those who want to get an early start, so keep that in mind when planning your hike.

Starting at Cascade Creek Trailhead – the other side of Monarch Lake – you'll face some steep sections and forks that'll take a little longer than normal in different parts. You'll walk by wildflowers and waterfalls before making it to Mirror Lake and a view of Lone Eagle Peak – one of the most beautiful sights in all Colorado. Keep pushing to make it to Crater Lake to enjoy majestic views and rest before crossing this one off your bucket list.

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The Longs Peak Trail is 13.6 miles and takes on average 14 hours to complete. The goal is to get up and down the mountain before noon (or at least far from the top), when the afternoon storms roll in and will make the hike even more dangerous (and miserable). Longs Peak is known for its lightning. You don't want to get to know that side of Longs firsthand. It can also get quite windy and is frigid at the top, even in August.

This means you need to start your hike well before the sun rises. Start around 2 AM (at the latest) in the pitch black; you want to try to hit the summit by 10 AM. Night hiking creates a whole different kind of adventure and brings up added difficulties. You will be surprised by how many other hikers are out at that time of night.

The view at the top will be one of the most amazing experiences of your life. Highlights along the way include Chasm Lake, the Keyhole, Glacier Gorge, and views of the Rocky Mountain National Park .

Daniel Milchev/DigitalVision/Getty Images 

Rocky Mountain National Parks offers hikers something for everyone and every skill level. We're highlighting Sky Pond because it is somewhere people travel to, but few really hike the area as they should.

Sky Pond is a slower-paced hike, a lot quieter than other hikes around the park. You'll start at Glacier Gorge Trailhead on Bear Lake Road – the busiest part of the park's hiking trails. Use the local shuttle to get there if you get a late start; you'll want to be there as the sun rises if you're walking to the trailhead to get started.

Albert Falls is the first viewpoint you'll cross. A gorgeous start as you make your way to Mills Lake and The Loch. The Loch is the perfect place for lunch and getting some rest before continuing on to Sky Pond itself. Its jagged geography and beauty make for a remarkable close to your hike. Make sure to take some pictures, take in the fresh air, and head back before it gets dark to catch that shuttle back to your car.

Conundrum Hot Springs

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Conundrum Hot Springs is a popular backcountry hike not far from Aspen that ends with a beautiful, natural, alpine hot springs: two main pools and four smaller swimming holes.

The hike will take up the majority of your day, because it's about 17 miles round trip and moderately difficult (maybe a bit more than moderate in some parts). In response to the demand, you must first purchase an overnight permit before your visit and carry it during your stay. Get a permit at recreation.gov. This may also help spread out the visits.

Expect to trek through the forest, up the valley, and across meadows. The trail will bring you up high to 11,200 feet above sea level. Along the way, expect bright flowers, stream crossings, aspen groves, wildlife, and mountain scenery.

This trail, in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, is pretty busy (and growing in popularity; officials say it's the busiest trail in the area), due to the views and hot spring novelty, so visit during the slower weekdays.

Ice Lakes Basin

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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 blue colors and remark that this is the best 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 in Colorado as the basin is often carpeted with local flora.

You will be impressed by this lake, but don't stop pushing on to our 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.

We 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.

Mount Elbert

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

If you're looking to cross another "fourteener" off your bucket list, make it Mount Elbert. This is the highest point in Colorado. It's not only the state's highest mountain, but it's also the second-highest peak in the lower 48 states.

Hike Mount Elbert for bragging rights. You'll be surprised to know it's not as tough as it sounds. In fact, you'll regularly see school field trips scheduled here. If you're in good shape and you plan wisely (i.e., are acclimated to the high altitude), you can likely conquer Elbert's 14,433 feet. It's not easy, but it's not as extreme as some of the other "fourteeners." Still, take precautions, especially making sure to be down before the afternoon storms roll in around noon, and lightning is a danger.

Five different routes will get you up top, past the tree line. The views at the top are otherworldly. Mount Elbert is not far from the small Victorian town of Leadville. 

Maroon Bells

The Maroon Bells, near Aspen, are two of Colorado's most famous mountains and one of the most photographed views in the nation. Needless to say, this national landmark is popular and can get busy. There are several different ways to hike the Maroon Bells:

• Easiest: Get up early (before 8 AM) and drive to Maroon Lake for $10 a car. Walk around the lake. This drive closes between 8 AM and 5 PM. Then, you'll need to take a public bus to the lake.
• Easy: Maroon Lake Scenic Trail is a simple walk around the lake. It's only a mile round trip. You still get the views without the sweat.
• Medium: The Maroon Creek Trail is still not too tough, but it's longer, making it more ideal for hikers who want to put in some work and see a little bit more. This hike along the creek is 3.2 miles each way.
• Harder: Hikers who want a challenge should take Crater Lake Trail up to Crater Lake. The climb gets steep and rocky (it's considered "moderate"), but it's only 3.6 miles round trip, so it's a great day hike. This hike is less crowded than the others, too, making it a local favorite. We love Crater Lake Trail in the fall because it winds through a golden aspen grove. Plus, the classic photo of the mountains towering above an alpine lake is postcard-worthy.

Four Pass Loop

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Four Pass Loop is a hidden gem among Colorado hikers. It's called "loop," because it takes multiple hikes to see everything. It starts at Maroon Bells Like and veers off the Scenic Lake Trail there to become a hike of its own. When you reach the Snowmass Trail Fork, you've reached the pinnacle of hiking this trail.

This is a three to five-day hike, depending on your pace. You'll venture into the Elk Mountains, visiting four passes, to get some of the most photographed views in all Colorado and the west. Waterfalls dot the landscape as will fields of wildflowers in all colors of the rainbow.

This hike is very popular, and while you can drive in to park yourself, consider taking a shuttle to avoid the traffic and frustration of finding a parking space.

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Best backpacking trips in Colorado: 8 epic overnights in the high country

The best backpacking trips in Colorado serve up unforgettable overnight adventure through untouched alpine landscape

Backpacking is one of the most immersive ways to commune with nature, offering you the gratifying experience of setting off from civilization and venturing into the wilderness for a night or longer. With overnight trips you can take in more than you might on a day hike and you’ll often have swaths of nature all to yourself. The best backpacking trips in Colorado range in length from a few miles to epic treks that guide you through untouched alpine landscapes. 

The trails in Colorado are certainly some of the best, but they can also be busy. However, you usually find that only the first couple of miles of any trail are clogged up before the crowds thin out. It’s worth venturing a little further to lose the crowds and to see some of the gems that aren’t easily reachable on a day hike, and one of the best ways to do this is to turn your hike into an overnight trip. In this article, we take a look at some of the best backpacking trips in Colorado to whet your whistle for some overnight adventure in the backcountry.

You’ll want to take a look at our articles on different types of backpacking and how to plan a backpacking trip before you set off. Colorado is blessed with lots of dry weather so it’s a great place to dip your toe into backpacking, though be prepared with a good 3-season sleeping bag because overnights in the high country are always cold. For all Colorado hiking you’ll of course want to have a good pair of boots – though the trails in this state are well-maintained, they get rocky up above the treeline which is where many of these trips take you. 

Best backpacking trip near Denver: Crater Lakes 

Distance: 6.8 miles Difficulty: Challenging

It might be Colorado’s urban center, but you don’t have to travel far from Denver to reach some impressive heights. Crater Lakes are three high alpine lakes in the James Peak Wilderness that feature waterfalls and wildflowers along the way. Crater Lakes is definitely short enough to be done as a day hike, but add a heavy pack and it will make for a satisfying overnight trip.

The trailhead is near Black Hawk, about an hour’s drive from Denver. From Black Hawk, travel north Highway 119 to Rollinsville. Turn west onto Gilpin County Road 16 and continue eight miles to the Moffat Tunnel, and park at the East Portal Trailhead.

Follow the South Boulder Creek trail for 1.2 miles before turning right at the junction onto the Crater Lakes Trail. This takes you through a wide forested valley then onto a narrow strip of land between the two beautiful main lakes. The third lake is found via the steep climb to the west of the lakes.

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Best backpacking trip near Boulder: Caribou Lake 

Distance: 9.3 miles Difficulty: Challenging

You’re certainly spoilt for choice in the Boulder area, which boasts access to a variety of wilderness areas from Chautaqua Park in the city limits to nearby Rocky Mountain National Park. Our favorite is beautiful Caribou Lake via the Arapahoe Trail, which boasts a high alpine climb to the Continental Divide followed by a descent for your overnight stay in the attractive bowl forming Caribou Lake.

This trail is accessed from the Fourth of July Trailhead in the Indian Peaks Wilderness near Nederland, about an hour from Boulder. From Nederland, go south on Highway 72 for 0.5 miles to County Road 130 and make a right. Go through the town of Eldora, just past which it becomes a dirt road. Continue on the dirt road another 4.8 miles and take the right fork at the Buckingham Campground to park.

Begin on the North Fork of Middle Boulder Creek trail which takes you up above treeline to the Continental Divide via expanses of wildflowers, steep waterfalls, glacier-fed streams and the historic Fourth of July Mine. After you reach the Divide, there’s a steep switchback descent down to the lake. Be aware that in the morning, you’ll have another steep climb to get back out.

Best backpacking trip in Rocky Mountain National Park: Tonahutu Creek Loop Trail 

Distance: 25 miles Difficulty: Moderate

Within Rocky Mountain National Park ’s 355 miles of hiking trails, the Tonahutu Creek Loop Trail takes in most of the fabulous North Inlet Trail as well as the Continental Divide and takes you across the rugged alpine tundra of the high country.

Park at the North Inlet trailhead and head north on the Tonahutu Trail. This trail takes you across tundra topped flats, up to Ptarmigan Point on the Continental Divide and back down to Hallett Creek. There’s even a side option to detour up Flattop Mountain and enjoy the view down to sparkling Emerald Lake. This route is dotted with campsites along the way so you can take several nights to enjoy the journey.

Best backpacking trip near Vail: Gore Lake 

Distance : 12.1 miles Difficulty : Difficult

If you’re in Vail, there’s nothing quite like hanging your hat in the dramatic bowl of Gore Lake for the night and waking up to see the sun rise over the Gore Range. The hike to Gore Lake makes for a pretty serious day hike, but it’s a good challenge for an overnight trip.

Take the free bus from town or park at the trailhead on Vail Pass - 10 Mile road. Gore Lake shares a trailhead with Deluge Lake, but both trails are well signposted.

The trail begins with almost a mile of strenuous climbing and has many more steep sections as you wind your way up the valley. You’ll be treated to all the high alpine features of cool forests and alpine meadows, but one unusual feature of this hike is a set of two graves about four miles in. The graves are of the Recen brothers, two Swedish immigrants who came to the area to mine for precious metals in the late 1800s and had a cabin nearby. Keep going to finally arrive at this idyllic alpine lake nestled in a granite bowl, a gorgeous spot to camp.

Best backpacking trip near Leadville: The Colorado Trail Section 10 

Distance : 12.4 miles Difficulty : Difficult

The Colorado Trail is a 567 mile trail stretching from Denver to Durango and section 10 takes you through the Leadville area from the Timberline Pass trailhead to the Mount Massive trailhead over 12 miles with views of some of the highest peaks in the state.

From Leadville, follow the signs for Turquoise Lake and park at the Timberline Lake trailhead at the western end of the lake.

This wooded trail takes you along the base of Mount Massive, the state’s second highest peak. The trail begins where The Colorado Trail and Continental Divide Trail overlap and takes you into the Mount Massive Wilderness via a moderate climb then levels out along the contours of Bald Eagle Mountain. There is good camping about five miles in at Twin Mounds saddle and again a little over six miles in at Rock Creek. The trail then climbs steadily to the intersection with Highline Trail before descending down to the Mount Massive trailhead. For a longer trip you could camp here and tackle Mount Massive the next day.

Best backpacking trip near Breckenridge: Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes  

Distance : 8.4 miles Difficulty : Difficult

Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes offers some of the best views of Colorado’s high country with lots of great backcountry camping spots along the way.

The Spruce Creek trailhead is less than five miles from Breckenridge. Just follow Highway 9 south then take a right onto Spruce Creek Road.

Follow the creek for about a mile and a half then join the Mohawk Lakes trail at the junction. After a couple more miles you’ll reach lovely Mayflower Lakes. Camp here or continue on up the steep climb to Lower Mohawk Lake passing Continental Falls on the way. There are several more stunning alpine lakes past Lower Mohawk so pitch your tent and go and explore them if there’s time before sunset. 

Best backpacking trip near Aspen: Aspen to Crested Butte 

Distance : 11 miles Difficulty : Difficult

The drive from Aspen to Crested Butte is 100 miles, but go on foot and it’s 11 glorious miles over West Maroon Pass. This unforgettable trip takes you through aspen groves and wildflower meadows and treats you to some of the country’s most photographed mountain vistas.

To begin this hike from Aspen, park at Maroon Lake about ten miles south of town.

From spectacular Maroon Lake, hike through the forest to Crater Lake and pass the base of the iconic Maroon Bells. There’s a steep and strenuous climb up Maroon Creek to West Maroon Pass at 12,490ft of elevation – rest here for incredible views – then a steep descent down into more wildflower fields and old mining cabins as you follow Crystal River through the forest to Crested Butte. You can camp here and return on foot the way you came, or book a shuttle to take you back to Aspen. Needless to say, you can do this trip in either direction.

Best backpacking trip near Telluride: Blue Lakes Trail 

Distance : 8.6 miles Difficulty : Difficult

The San Juan and San Miguel Mountain ranges surrounding Telluride are quite possibly the most picturesque in the state. The Blue Lakes trail takes you to a turquoise lake via Mount Sneffels wilderness, cascades and wildflowers galore.

Blue Creek trailhead is very close to town as the crow flies, but since it’s on the other side of Mount Sneffels it requires a little over an hour of driving. Take Highway 62 towards Ridgewary and turn onto Dallas Creek Road then drive 9 miles south to the trailhead.

The hike takes you up the Dallas Creek drainage with spectacular mountain views all the way. You will pass an incredible waterfall before spending the night next to the turquoise waters of Blue Lake.

Julia Clarke is a staff writer for Advnture.com and the author of the book  Restorative Yoga for Beginners . She loves to explore mountains on foot, bike, skis and belay and then recover on the the yoga mat. Julia graduated with a degree in journalism in 2004 and spent eight years working as a radio presenter in Kansas City, Vermont, Boston and New York City before discovering the joys of the Rocky Mountains. She then detoured west to Colorado and enjoyed 11 years teaching yoga in Vail before returning to her hometown of Glasgow, Scotland in 2020 to focus on family and writing.  

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COLORADO HIKING & BACKPACKING Trips

Our hiking trips in Colorado offer exceptional trekking and backpacking adventures in stunning, diverse mountains

You don’t need to be an expert or own special equipment to go on one of our Colorado hiking trips. Wildland Trekking excursions are all-inclusive! You’ll hike with an expert guide, enjoy delicious food, use the best gear and stay in wonderful accommodations, whether you’re at an inn or a camp. When you book a trip with us, it’s a one-and-done deal. We’ll work out all the details, so you don’t have to. We offer a variety of trips that vary based on the destination, difficulty, length of time, cost and type. Choose a Colorado hiking trip for your next great adventure!

World-Class Hiking Destinations

Flat Tops Hiking Tours

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All colorado hikes & tours trips ( 25 results), filter trips.

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Wildland Trekking offers trips in two Unique Colorado destinations:

• Rocky Mountain National Park : This national park is in many ways the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. On a hiking trip to this beautiful park, you can see wildlife, waterfalls, pristine rivers, lakes and creeks, sweeping views, snowy mountain peaks, glaciers and much more. During every moment of a hiking or backpacking trip in Rocky Mountain National Park, you will be captivated by the incredible landscapes around you.
• Flat Tops Wilderness : You’ll become familiar with this Colorado secret gem if you join one of our Flat Tops backpacking trips. This destination is home to more than 100 lakes, volcanic peaks, waterfalls and more.

Whichever destination you choose, you’ll have an unforgettable experience exploring the sweeping beauty of Colorado.

types of colorado hiking tours

At Wildland Trekking, we know everyone is a little different. To make sure we have a trip that anyone can enjoy, we offer a variety of different types of hikes and tours in Colorado. Here are some of the options you can choose from:

• Colorado Backpacking Trips : With so many beautiful trails and sites, you’ll feel like a part of the scenery during a backpacking trip. These trips are best for guests looking for a demanding, adventurous wilderness experience.
• Colorado Basecamp Hiking Tours : we have one basecamp tour in Colorado – our Rocky Mountain National Park Basecamp Tour. This trip combines a series of adventurous day hikes with comfortable frontcountry camping, fantastic outdoor cooking, and access to showers.
• Colorado Inn-Based Hiking Tours : Similar to the basecamp tour, these trips combine adventurous day hikes with accommodations and meals on a multi-day tour, except that these are based in lodges, hotels and inns instead of camping. Meals are a combination of restaurant/lodge meals and picnic meals prepared by your guide.
• Rocky Mountain Snowshoe Tours : Hiking isn’t just for warmer weather. Available only in Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll see the park in a whole new light, covered in pristine snow! You can even take a snowshoe tour over several days or experience the fun during a day hike.
• Rocky Mountain National Park Day Hike Tours : Finally, we offer day hike tours in Rocky Mountain National Park. With several options ranging from easy to moderate hikes all the way up to a highly adventurous 1-day summit attempt of Longs Peak (12-14 hours), we have offerings for all skill and fitness levels. All of our day hike tours are private, so they are exclusively limited to your group and a guide.

When to Hike Colorado

The state of Colorado offers a diversity of hiking opportunities, from high in the Rocky Mountains to low down in the deserts of Western Colorado, near the Utah border. We are focusing this information on when to do trips that Wildland Trekking offers in Rocky Mountain National Park and the Flat Tops. Both of these areas are high up in the mountains, where the scenery that Colorado is most famous for is at its best.

The short answer of when to hike Colorado is “summer.” But it is more nuanced than that because the summer months each offer a different experience. And winter months offer snowshoeing and skiing opportunities that are magnificent. To help understand the nuances of when to visit, we have provided descriptions below of the primary hiking/snowshoeing months in Colorado:

• June marks the beginning of the summer hiking season in the Rocky Mountain State. It is great for hikes below treeline, but above treeline there can often be quite a bit of snow. Also, the creeks and rivers that drain the Rockies can be swollen in June, making river crossings more difficult. All in all, June is an excellent month to get your walking legs under you in Colorado.
• July is the first month of the year when the alpine snowpack is mostly gone, rivers and creeks are back to lower levels, all trails are open, and the hiking is at its peak. Think about alpine treks this time of year, hikes to the tops of 14ers like Longs Peak , and long wilderness hikes like our Alpine Peaks, Lakes and Waterfalls Thru-Hike .
• August is arguably the best month of the year to explore the Rockies on foot. Warm days and cool nights make for excellent hiking and sleeping, so a Rocky Mountain backpacking trip is a great option. Day hiking is also fantastic though. By mid August the crowds (especially on weekdays) are thinning out, most bugs are gone, and the mountains are at their prime.
• September is perhaps the most under-appreciated month for hiking the Rockies and for Colorado backpacking trips. The days are still warm, and the nights are getting cooler which can be lovely. Fewer people are in the mountains since schools are in full swing. By late September the elk can be “in the rut” and bugling, which is a joy to hear. Finally, also by late September, the Aspen are often beginning to show the first signs of fall colors.
• October is good for hiking through the first week or possibly into mid October. Days and nights are cool, the backcountry will be quite empty, and the Aspen will will be in their full autumn glory with yellows, reds and oranges exploding across the mountains.
• November-March , i.e. winter months in the mountains, are of course not good months for hiking. But they offer the joys of skiing and snowshoeing instead. The mountains in winter are quiet, peaceful and astonishingly beautiful with frozen lakes and creeks and active winter wildlife (never guaranteed of course.) We offer half-day, full-day and multi-day snowshoe tours in Rocky Mountain National Park .

I’ve Never Heard of the Flat Tops – Are They Worth It?

Yes! The Flat Tops Wilderness is a remote, off-the-beaten-path range in northwestern Colorado. The Flat Tops rise out of the lower country as a magnificent plateau with an abundance of alpine lakes, high ridges and summits above treeline, pristine creeks and wonderful mountain solitude. If you’re looking for a more unique experience with fewer people, the Flat Tops offer a wonderful opportunity.

Safety Considerations in Colorado

As mentioned above, our Colorado hiking and backpacking tours feature both backcountry trips (backpacking, portered and llama treks) and frontcountry trips (inn-based and basecamp tours.) The safety considerations will vary depending on which option you go with.

On backcountry trips the primary safety considerations are black bears , lightning storms when above treeline, and river crossings. Of these 3, lightning is the main one that also applies to frontcountry trips. We use bear cannisters to securely store food, and we keep very clean camps to avoid attracting bears into camp. We have never had a serious bear incident in Colorado. To avoid lightning storms, we leave camp early when we know we are going to be hiking above treeline. Thunderstorms often form in the afternoons, so the key is being up and over any high passes or plateau before the storms set in. And river crossings on our trips tend to be quite manageable; the main consideration is using your trekking poles effectively to avoid slipping on wet rocks. If needed, your guide can also ferry your backpack across the river so you can cross less encumbered.

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9 Best Road Trips From Denver, Colorado

R eady for an unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes? If so, you’re ready to embark on discovering some of the best road trips from Denver.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff , or simply seeking a memorable getaway, Denver has some incredible road trips that promise to leave you awestruck.

As one of the top outdoor hubs in the western United States, Denver serves as the perfect base camp for unforgettable road trips through the majestic Rocky Mountains and beyond.

From national parks and monuments to charming mountain towns and winding scenic byways, some of the best road trips from Denver lead to diverse landscapes and adventures.

Here is an expert-crafted list of the best road trips from Denver, Colorado:

• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Great Sand Dunes National Park
• Colorado Springs
• Yellowstone National Park
• Monument Valley, Utah
• Zion National Park
• Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills

Let’s find out why these drives are perfect for your next escapade.

The Best Road Trips From Denver, Colorado

Rocky mountain national park: a natural wonder.

This road trip takes you from Denver to Estes Park, where you’ll discover awe-inspiring beauty at every turn. The journey itself is a visual delight, but the real magic begins when you step into the park.

Hiking enthusiasts can conquer the trails leading to Dream Lake or Emerald Lake and be rewarded with mirror-like waters reflecting the surrounding peaks. Also, the drive along Trail Ridge Road offers vistas that will leave you breathless.

If you’re keen on wildlife, don’t miss a wildlife safari. EK, bighorn sheep, and other animals call this park home. To delve deeper into the park’s geology and history, you can make a stop at the Alpine Visitor Centre.

A trip to Rocky Mountain National Park typically lasts two to three days.

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Santa Fe, New Mexico:  A Taste of Southwest Charm

As you head south from Denver to Santa Fe, you’ll be immersed in the rich culture and history of the Southwest.

The road to Santa Fe is a journey through time. The ancient cultures of the Southwest come to life as you explore the city’s historic center. The Santa Fe Plaza, the heart of the city, offers a glimpse into its Spanish colonial past.

Art lovers will be in heaven on Canyon Road, where over 200 galleries and boutiques showcase the talents of local artists. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, dedicated to one of New Mexico’s most famous artists, provides insight into the region’s artistic heritage.

A road trip to Santa Fe typically lasts two to three days.

Moab, Utah: Adventure In The Red Rocks

Located in the red rock wonderland of Utah, Moab offers thrilling outdoor activities and breathtaking vistas that will leave you in awe.

The drive from Denver to Moab is a transition from the lush landscapes of Colorado to the rugged terrain of Utah. Upon your arrival, the striking arches of Arches National Park will welcome you.

For a challenging but rewarding experience, you can hike to Delicate Arch, one of the world’s most iconic natural landmarks. And if you’re interested in the prehistoric past, the Moab Giants Dinosaur Park will transport you back in time.

Moab typically demands three to four days of your time.

Great Sand Dunes National Park: A Sandy Paradise 

Just when you thought you’d seen it all, Great Sand Dunes National Park offers a unique experience.

These surreal sand dunes rise against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, creating a mesmerizing contrast that you won’t find anywhere else.

The drive to Great Sand Dunes National Park takes you through a diverse landscape, from rolling hills to the first glimpse of those towering dunes.

Once there, you’ll have the opportunity to climb the tallest sand dunes in North America.

There are plenty of opportunities for offroading if you’ve got the right vehicle. Make sure your tires are set to the right pressure for sand driving before hitting the trails.

To understand the park’s geology and ecology, you can consider joining a ranger-led tour. And on a hot day, a refreshing dip in Medano Creek is pure bliss.

Great Sand Dunes National Park can be explored in one to two days.

Colorado Springs: Where Mountains Meet Military 

Colorado Springs is where natural beauty meets military prestige. You can explore majestic mountains, delve into history, and get up close with wildlife, all in one captivating destination.

A drive up Pikes Peak, one of Colorado’s “Fourteeners” (mountains over 14,000 feet tall), offers a breathtaking panorama. 

For animal lovers, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to over 750 animals from around the globe. And if you’re not afraid of the dark, explore the Cave of the Winds Mountains Park’s underground caves.

A visit to Colorado Springs typically takes one to two days.

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Yellowstone National Park: America’s First National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a wonderland of geothermal features, wildlife, and rugged landscapes. 

The drive to Yellowstone is an adventure in itself, passing through Wyoming and Montana. As you enter the park, you’ll soon encounter Old Faithful, the most famous geyser in the world.

The Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States, is a colorful marvel you won’t soon forget. Hiking to Yellowstone Canyon rewards you with views of the Lower Yellowstone Falls and the Upper Yellowstone Falls.

Yellowstone is a wildlife lover’s paradise where bison, elk, wolves, and other animals roam freely. And for a night of luxury in the heart of the park, the Yellowstone Lake Hotel offers a perfect retreat.

This road trip typically lasts four to five days.

Monument Valley, Utah: A Desert Dreamscape

Monument Valley is a cinematic dreamscape known for its iconic sandstone formations featured in many Western films.

The drive from Denver to Monument Valley is a transition from the greenery of Colorado to the arid beauty of Utah. Upon entering the valley, towering sandstone buttes and mesas will welcome you, crafting a surreal landscape.

A scenic drive through the valley is a must, allowing you to witness these natural wonders up close. Guided tours offer insights into the history and culture of the Navajo people. 

Sunrise and sunset in Monument Valley are magical moments, with the sandstone formations bathed in golden light.

A trip to Monument Valley typically lasts two to three days.

ANOTHER FAVORITE: Best Hidden Gems in Denver

Zion National Park: A Canyon Wonderland

Zion National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with dramatic canyons and breathtaking vistas. The journey from Denver to Zion is a transition from cityscapes to natural wonders.

The adventurous can tackle the famous Angel’s Landing hike for an adrenaline rush or simply soak in the stunning scenery.

The Zion Human History Museum provides insight into the park’s history and the people who have called it home. You can join guided tours if you are eager to learn about the park’s geology and ecology.

A trip to Zion National Park typically lasts two to three days.

Mount Rushmore In The Black Hills: Faces In Stone

Mount Rushmore awaits you in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The drive from Denver to Mount Rushmore is a journey through the heart of America’s Midwest.

The iconic faces of four U.S. presidents emerging from the granite mountainside are a symbol of the nation’s history and democracy.

The Crazy Horse Memorial pays homage to the Lakota warrior Crazy Horse. Witnessing this massive carving in the making is a testament to human ambition.

A wildlife safari through Custer State Park allows you to see wild bison and their natural habitat. Serene beauty will embrace you as you traverse the scenic Black Hills.

A trip to Mount Rushmore typically takes two to three days.

Denver is a great place to start your adventure, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy along the way.

If you’re looking for a short and easy road trip, consider visiting Rocky Mountain National Park or Colorado Springs . Both destinations are within a two-hour drive of Denver and offer a variety of activities to enjoy.

For the more adventurous traveler, Moab, Utah, and Yellowstone National Park offer stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and unique cultural experiences that will leave you in awe.

In the end, it’s not just about the destinations; it’s about the experiences, the landscapes, and the stories you’ll gather along the way.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the beauty of the American West on these unforgettable journeys.

This is a post by Guest Contributor Louis

Author’s Bio: Louis is an outdoors enthusiast who doesn’t miss an opportunity to get out and go camping, hiking, or road tripping. When he isn’t out travelling, he’s planning his next adventure.

The post 9 Best Road Trips From Denver, Colorado appeared first on Dreams in Heels - Travel and Lifestyle Blog by a Latina Abroad .

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3 Spectacular Beginner Hiking Trails in Colorado

September 4, 2021 By //  by  Tim Landers

Whether you’re a newbie or an avid backpacker, here are some of the most interesting trails that don’t have much elevation gain and are only a few miles. If you’ll be in the Mile High area consider these best Denver hikes under 3 miles .

Of all US states, Colorado offers a particularly interesting mixture of geographic elements . It’s a captivating patch of Americana to hike through. With spectacular landscapes that provide an immensely rewarding experience, you’ll be astonished with every step. It can be a peaceful adventure, something akin to a pilgrimage and an introspective journey.

What To Pack for Your Hike

Naturally, what you take depends on where you’re going and for how long you could be gone. Sunglasses and hats come in particularly handy and don’t forget to pack a sunscreen lotion for the journey. It should be a part of your first aid kit, which also includes pain-killers, antihistamines, mosquito spray, disinfectants, bandages, gauze, and sterile dressing pads. These are only the basics, of course.

The first aid kit is only one aspect of your ‘safety net’ that should be prioritized over needless clothing and accessories for the hiking trip. A working compass, reliable lighter, knife, at least two light sources, a detailed map of the Colorado region or park you’re visiting, along with extra food and water – these are other crucial aspects of that safety net.

If you don’t know what to pack for a backpacking trip without dragging half of your household along, just start with the basics and take it from there. Take at least a comfortable shirt and shorts (or better pants at altitude), hiking shoes, couple pair of wicking socks and underpants.

If backpacking overnight there are additional considerations to take, like shelter. Apart from a backpacking tent with a comfy sleeping bag, your gear assembly should include a portable stove and at least some basic utensils. For example, a spork can go a long way, even though it gets a bad rap.

Where to find the Best Beginner Hiking Trails in Colorado

Luckily as a beginner, you don’t need to go far or high to find a simple hiking trail, even if you’re looking for an overnight backpacking hike . There are easy treks in your own backyard. From city parks in nearly every notable town, to larger state and national parks , as well as millions of acres of federal land in the backcountry, Colorado is one hiker friendly state.

There are a myriad of public parks and open spaces available year round for the public’s enjoyment. Because everybody wants to spend their time hiking something truly amazing, we’ve assembled just a few of the finer gems. Keep in mind there are countless beginner hikes available in all parts of the Centennial State.

Fountain Valley Trail in Roxborough Park, CO

Located around 45 minutes from Denver by car, Roxborough State Park’s topography is truly a sight to behold. The Fountain Valley Trail that cuts through the park is not particularly long, but it is well worth the trip. Due to its short length, it can be an opportune experience for families with children.

Gigantic slabs of orange rock protrude out of the slopes like the scales on the back of some chthonic dragon. The way they contrast with eucalypts blue haze of the skies and distant ranges is truly a breathtaking natural composition. It will make you feel as if you are transported to an enchanted realm akin to the one from the Middle Earth films.

Length: 2.3 miles

Maroon Bells in Aspen

You’ll have to delve deeper into the Colorado Rockies to reach the iconic Maroon Bells mountain peaks. Located only a few miles from downtown Aspen, Maroon Bells Scenic Area is an picturesque hiking experience that you should take up simply due to the iconic beauty. The surrounding nature and chance to visit the Roaring Fork Valley add to the reason to visit.

From summer through fall you can access the lush landscapes in the Maroon Bells Wilderness. You can expect cascades, aspens, and lakes on the assembly of trails, which vary in length depending on your preferences. Three campsites are available at the start, perfect for both RVs and tent camping.

Length: 1 mile to 13 miles

Four Lakes and Waterfall Loop

It’s worth noting that because of the length this is rated a moderate hike, though it’s fine for beginners in shape. Rocky Mountain National Park boasts over 200 wonderful trails, so if you’d be forced to pick one out of the bunch, you should embark on Four Lakes and Waterfall Loop hike.

It’s not a challenging trail by any stretch of the imagination, but be prepared for a quality leg exercise as you gawk at the titular four lakes and their diverse appearance. Waterfalls , set against fir trees and rugged rocky peaks that cut across the sky, is the showcase here. You’ll finally get a chance to witness why Alberta Falls are so widely lauded by the people that visited the park before.

Length: 6.4 miles

The backcountry is positively brimming with diverse topographical features and legendary sites that are world renowned. As long as you (and your group) are well-prepared , this should be one of the most enjoyable escapades of your lifetime. If you are a newcomer to Colorado, hardly any track will disappoint you.

About Tim Landers

Tim is an outdoorsman and bookworm from the Western Slope. He enjoys traveling to all corners of Colorado and camping under the stars.

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