Pro Tip: If youre into hiking up peaks, this trailhead offers access to some of the best 13ers in Colorado. Continue on the Emerald Lake Trail, which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. Another unique feature is. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. This is the high country so be sure to bring extra layers and drink plenty of water. 5 Must-Have Hiking Essentials 1. If you are planning to do the hike as a quick overnight backpacking trip, you will need a permit, and all visitors will need to pay the small fee to park at the Monarch Lake Trailhead. It covers more than 39,000 miles of trails on public land, as well as private land with public access. Near the southern end of the loop, you can branch onto the Sleeping Giant Trail, a short loop off the main paved path that leads to the base of the Sleeping Giant rock formation. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. Information on distance, elevation gain, location, difficulty, permit requirements, and dog-friendliness. Rise early to catch a mountain sunrise guaranteed to leave you speechless. This ultimate guide to the best hikes in Colorado gives you an array of local hiking recommendations for all abilities. This will prevent injuries while hiking on rocky ground. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). Hiking water bottle for hydration 4. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. This is my favorite place to take out-of-town visitors on a scenic jaunt. Emerald Lake Trail 550 Hiking Trails By pamt464 Threats of harming another Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. Plan to get to the final destination by sunrise to beat the crowds and be treated to some breathtaking scenery. Due to the popularity of the hike, you must have a permit to hike the trail between May and October. Also be aware of the fact that visitors are charged $25 per vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, and $15 per person to enter the park. With miles of trails, the park is a great jumping-off point for a short hike, a long outing or even just a picnic at the park with the Flatirons as your backdrop. The stairs are steep, and while there are railings the entire way, those who fear heights may choose to enjoy the view from the ground. Location: For the purpose of this article, this would be in the San Juan section, but Mount Elbert is really in the Sawatch Range. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. : Breckenridge, CO, in the Arapaho National Forest, 88 miles southwest of Denver, Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. Typically the trail is snow-free from mid-June through mid-October. Photo Credit: Bryan Hagan, OutThere Colorado. Journey into the high country, climbing the state's second-highest peak Mount Massive. See my guide to hiking Colorado 14ers for more info. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 416 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. Not only is it one of the most famous hikes in the state, but its also moderately difficult and suitable for families who are trying to get used to the altitude. 2022 5. Its quintessentially Colorado and home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the state. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. Use the 'Report' link on Colorado hiking trails have the best hiking sticks for kids to find and use. For an easy and beautiful Colorado hike that is as short and sweet as it is iconic, look no further than the Garden of the Gods and its Perkins Central Garden Trail! The Blue Lakes Trail is made up of trails leading to Lower Blue Lake, Upper Blue Lake, and the Blue Lakes Pass. How many trails have you hiked? Photo Credit: MargaretW (iStock). Dependent on the seasonal opening of Independence Pass. Many hikes include short drives from the Denver metro area, or from tourist towns in the mountains. A 44 vehicle is a must to get up to the trailhead. You'll need reservations to explore the iconic alpine wonder. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. Backcountry campsites are available by permit if you need more time to enjoy the view! Winding through spectacular wildflower meadows, scenic beauty awaits hikers and backpackers. (Stan Behal/Toronto Sun/Postmedia . As a Colorado local and writer for the outdoor industry, Im a total pro at hitting the most amazing hikes in Colorado without the crowds. Enjoy the easier hiking at lower elevations while you can, as the Geneva Lake Trail quickly has you climbing back to 12,000 feet over Trail Rider Pass. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. Elevation: 246 feet. Distance: 8.2 milesElevation Gain: 2,870Difficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This hike becomes impassible in winter due to avalanche terrain and steep ice. There are many different items one should bring hiking while in Colorado. Located in Roxborough State Park, this is one of the best easy hikes near Denver that takes you on a fun trek past some of the best scenery in the park. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. Distance: 10.3 milesElevation gain: 4,442 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Start early (like 4 am early) to beat afternoon thunderstorms. Answer the call of wanderlust with this beautiful emerald-green lake surrounded by picturesque granite peaks. Many hikers are turned around by high country weather. Peak baggers up for the challenge can also summit Kit Carson and Challenger Point accessed along this same trail. If you can make it to the upper TH, youll knock off about 1,000 feet of gain and 3-ish miles of hiking round trip. However, if you plan on adventuring above the trees, start early in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. There are several large waterfalls along the way including the trails namesake, Cascade Falls, a particularly scenic multitiered waterfall that you will get an up-close look at as the trail switchbacks from the base of the falls to the top. Avalanche terrain should be taken very seriously. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation gain: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. You will need to check-in at the South Rim visitors center to get a permit. Located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park is tucked away in the rolling and forested foothills of Pikes Peak. Prepare properly for scrambling a Colorado 14er and understand the risks you are getting into. A natural wonder of Rocky Mountain National Park, the 9.4-mile out-and-back trek to Chasm Lake features granite summits, a rushing waterfall, and alpine meadows. Season: All year round, most popular in the summer. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to take a shuttle from town. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the West Maroon Trail. The next section will now include some of the best hiking in Colorado. For the best photo ops though, hike along the 1.9-mile loop trail in fall and come just in time for sunrise to see the real magic of one of the best hikes in Colorado. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the, , a flat, wide and easygoing path. Distance: 14.5 milesElevation gain: 4,911 feetDifficulty: extremely difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is not a hike to be taken lightly. Upper Blue Lake from Quandary Peak. Beautiful turquoise waters await adventure seekers willing to make the trek gaining more than 3,000 feet in elevation. The best time of year to hike in Colorado. One such hike is the Ice Lake Trail which takes hikers on a 3.7-mile journey through beautiful trees to the lake, which has a mesmerizing blue color. Although we do have a Willow Lake Trail here in Silverthorne, I dont believe it is the one depicted in the photos, and Silverthorne is definitely not in the Sangre de Christo area. (Photo Credit: Steven Bratman under CC BY-SA). Most high alpine roads will open up in June each summer. There are two main lakes to visit on the ice lake basin trail hike. Success! 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. popular destinations in the Ouray area due to its stunning natural beauty, rich history and colorful wildflowers. and reveals the even more stunning view of Lone Eagle Peak and Mount Achonee towering above the lake. The hike starts from Monarch Lake on the Cascade Trail on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. , which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. Headed back east, Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most unexpectedly beautiful places in Colorado. While hiking in Colorado, it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet and ankles good support. : Estes Park, CO, in Rocky Mountain National Park, 50 miles northwest of Boulder, : A tour of three picturesque lakes in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, With more than 300 miles of trails and some of the best-known scenery in the state, Rocky Mountain National Park is a well-loved hiking destination for locals and visitors alike. Dont stop here, as another singletrack trail on the west side of Mirror Lake heads on to Crater Lake and reveals the even more stunning view of Lone Eagle Peak and Mount Achonee towering above the lake. You'll find this 3.2-mile out-and-back adventure hidden right off of Monarch Pass. Keep it Clean. Nothing from Ouray or Cheyenne Caon? Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. The 15 Best Hikes in Colorado - PureWow Something Went Wrong. 1. A small, packable rain jacket can be great to throw in your pack. Distance: 1.8 miles. This road is only open in the summer months. For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. Popular hiking trails include the Garden of the Gods Loop, Rocks and Vistas Garden of the Gods, Susan G. Bretag and Palmer Loop, and Siamese Twins Loop. A quick look at what to pack for your Colorado hike. A popular trail in this area is Seven Bridges Trail which is a 3.8 mile trail that is moderately difficult. Thanks for the article! Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. Where should I hike in Colorado? Be Truthful. If you are looking for the quintessential Indian Peaks hike, the out-and-back to Crater Lake from Monarch Lake offers a great mix of scenery and terrain, as well as a stunning destination. Towns like Telluride, Silverton, and Durango will be nearby for hiking in this region. Hike to the top of Colorado with this tough hike. 7. Photo Credit: twildlife (iStock). Although short, theres quite a bit of gain on this hike, making it moderate in difficulty. Only about a 1-hour drive from downtown Denver. For more information please visit the RNMP website. This is another great 14er hike to do in the I-70 area. Herman Gulch is one of the most accessible high alpine hiking trails in Colorado. Star Dune is the largest of them all. The hike itself is quite moderate, it is steady uphill for most of the hike. Box 118, Bend, TX 76824. (Mercury must be in retrograde.) PYRAMID PEAK 3. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. Ive done all the leg work for you, hiking each of these trails over the years to bring you the real stand-out scenery in the Centennial State. She is also known for being a bookworm and owning more running shoes than most people would consider socially acceptable. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must self-register at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. The turquoise coloring is unlike anything else in the state. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. up for the challenge, hiking to the bottom of the canyon is possible, but youll need to check in with the rangers at the visitor center first. Nestled beautifully in the San Juan Mountains, lies theIce Lake Basin. Some notable segments are: While its difficult to choose one, the prettiest hike in Colorado is probably the hike to Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Located near Montrose Colorado, this 1.5-mile out-and-back trail is a great way to take in the awe-inspiring beauty of Black Canyon of Gunnison. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. You have permission to edit this collection. Hike in the morning on a weekday for some solitude. Photo Credit: Ashley Bennett. Ascending further up the trail, you'll find mine ruins just before reaching lower Mohawk Lake. Colorado is the headquarters of hiking in the US, so it's not surprising that it has some of the most beautiful hikes in the country. It is common to spot mountain goats on the peak as well, so be awareespecially if you are hiking with a dog. In many parts of the state, fall colors highlight the woods. Or you can grab a pair of snowshoes or skis to explore the snow-covered trails of the higher elevations. Share with Us. Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. Error! Be prepared to not have cell service while you hike. The descent can be quite dangerous, watch out for loose rocks. According to the National Park Service, Star Dune hikers should plan for a five-hour round trip. 220 Reviews #1 of 4 things to do in Bend. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation Gain: 49 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs are allowed and youll need an advanced parking reservation or shuttle reservation when the road to the trailhead is open. From Grays, continue down the north ridge across the saddle between the two peaks to climb Torreys. There are plenty of amazing hikes in Colorado, but this one will be very different. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. : Colorado Springs, CO, in Garden of the Gods, 6 miles northwest of downtown Colorado Springs, : A family-friendly excursion to see the impressive red rocks of Garden of the Gods, The towering red rock formations of Garden of the Gods create a memorable backdrop for this easily accessible hike located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs. Do not run. The 8.7-mile out-and-back trail climbs steeply into the mountains starting from the base of the South Mineral Valley near Silverton. Its a popular, but challenging, 7.5-mile, out-and-back hike that will take you through the gorgeous, Mount Evans Wilderness area. Distance: 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 1,530 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. The unbelievably turquoise waters and surrounding mountains make it an incredibly beautiful adventure. For one of the best hikes in Colorado to get a flavor of the whole state, you need this hike It is located in White River National Park and the Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes trail offers one of the best hikes. The trail is 18 miles out-and-back in length and climbs 2,719 feet in elevation as you weave through the lush landscapes of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. No dogs. This could be the most popular fall hike in Colorado. Nearly every hiker who visits Rocky takes on the challenge of reaching Sky Pond. There are 54 peaks over 14,000 feet in Colorado, and all of them have challenging hiking options! Just outside of the main area of Rocky Mountain National Park, youll find the Lumpy Ridge area. 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. Photo Credit: ablokhin (iStock). From here, you briefly connect to the Red Rocks Trail before the serious climb starts on the Morrison Slide Trail. The weather is very unpredictable in Colorado. Altitude sickness is important to be aware of when hiking at higher elevations. Dog-friendly. Evans. Additionally, be sure to check the weather and plan to leave early enough to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which can move in rapidly at high elevations. In the spring, you may spot wildflowers like columbines, and there are a few groves of aspen that give a pop of golden color in the fall. 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. Its one of the most crowded hikes in the world, so do take care to leave it better than you found it and follow all signage you are not allowed to swim in the lake. Made famous as being one of the best rock climbing areas in Colorado, this area is also home to some amazing hikes. Even in the winter, the Front Range sees plenty of mild and sunny days when the trails dry out enough for a hike. This hike itself is rather short, but the views are impressive. Its also a pretty easy trail to hike since there is little elevation change and the path features several stellar views of the surrounding canyon and the river below. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs peak to their bucket list owning more running shoes most. Chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence enough for a round... This trailhead offers access to some amazing hikes aware of when hiking at elevations... 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