For example, if you were flying in from sea level, it would be dangerous to try and hike a 14er the next morning. Micro-spikes and snowshoes can be necessary during the winter months (October-April). She is also known for being a bookworm and owning more running shoes than most people would consider socially acceptable. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the free shuttle. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, The trailhead is also very popular for climbing Handies Peak, a Colorado fourteener in the San Juan Mountains. Note that from mid-June through September between 8:30am 5:00pm, a shuttle is required to take to the trailhead. Palmer Park: Best Hiking Trail in Colorado Springs. Upper Blue Lake from Quandary Peak. According to the National Park Service, Star Dune hikers should plan for a five-hour round trip. Longs Peak. Emerald Lake Trail 550 Hiking Trails By pamt464 A set of hiking poles 12 Top Colorado Springs Trails & Hikes 1. 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. 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. Colorado Springs also has a great number of hikes close to town and is under the shadow of Pikes Peak, a 14er. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. Comfy pair of hiking boots 3. While you wont fully escape the traffic noise of the nearby highways, the park is still a pleasant and convenient getaway due to its proximity to Golden and the western suburbs of Denver. ROYAL ARCH TRAIL 1. Season: All year-round. This famous park near downtown Colorado Springs is a must-see. This beautiful alpine lake is tucked away at thebase of Longs Peak, one of the most iconic and dangerousfourteenersin the state. This area is known for its heavy winds. Due to the popularity of the hike, you must have a permit to hike the trail between May and October. My brother and I are going to CO in July, this rlly helped narrow it down! The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the, , a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. At just over 6 miles round-trip and located about a 90-minute drive from Denver, this peak is one of the more accessible 14ers in the state. Distance: 1.5 milesElevation gain: 406 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: no dogs allowed. Grays and Torreys are so commonly hiked together that many refer to the two 14ers inseparably. The Mount Evans wilderness areas have plenty of stunning views and great hikes. The Royal Arch is a spectacular rock formation that forms an arch. Don't miss this trek deep in the heart of the Sangre De Cristo mountains to Willow Lake. BISON PEAK 2. Known as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Boulder could keep you occupied for weeks with its multitude of trails in close vicinity to downtown. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the. Quick rainstorms and thunderstorms are also not uncommon up in the high country. Attempting this hike in the winter is a serious mountaineering undertaking and should not be done without any experience. It is between the San Juans and the I-70 corridor. Backcountry campsites are available by permit if you need more time to enjoy the view! The hike along the canyon is stunning! Do not run. There are a number of routes for reaching the 14,421-foot summit. Once over your second pass, you get a bit of a respite on the, , which traverses a wide, high-altitude basin that is carpeted in wildflowers in season. , a steady uphill trail that gains around 850 feet as it climbs from the trailhead to the base of the stairs at Devils Head. 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. While it may be one of the easier hikes on this list, there's certainly no shortage of alpine beauty on the Waterdog Lakes Trail. Be sure to have checked the forecast multiple times, and do always bring extra layers as well as a rain jacket. The round-trip journey clocks in at about 2.1 miles gaining close to 900 feet in elevation. Related Read: The 10 Best Hikes Near Grand Junction, Colorado. Photo Credit: Zach Dischner. There are plenty of hiking trails for all abilities from the parking lot at Chautauqua. This is available as a desktop version as well on iPhone and Android. Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire (iStock). Dog-friendly. 2236 Park Hill Dr, P. O. Treasure Falls, Colorado 81147, USA. Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. : Snowmass Village, CO, in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, 11 miles southwest of Aspen, : An immersive multiday experience in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, This 27-mile loop is most commonly backpacked as a three- or four-night trip. This also has a high concentration of popular 14er hikes. I actually bumped into Devils Canyon by accident, but Im glad I found this diamond in the rough. Dont forget to bring your camera! If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. racist or sexually-oriented language. It is very crowded, but also a very well maintained park. 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. Sand Canyon Mesa is one of the closest hiking trails to Colorado Springs. Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation gain: 1,446 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and very crowded. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the Dream Lake Trail. A cozy windbreaker for those gusty summits 5. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow the. One can encounter snow on Colorado hiking trails all year round. If you are looking for a shorter or easier outing, the Bear Lake Trail, which leaves from the same trailhead and loops around Bear Lake, is a family-friendly option. This ultimate guide to the best hikes in Colorado gives you an array of local hiking recommendations for all abilities. Million dollar highway loop. Between the meandering stream, wildflowers, and shady trail this evokes a sense of classic Colorado Springs hikes. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. While summertime is the best time to venture into higher altitude hikes in the alpine, the summer also has its dangers. Found in Rocky Mountain National Park, cross the natural wonder of Emerald Lakeoff your bucket list. Micro-spikes can useful when there is snow on the windswept trail. Hopefully by 2023 the park will have permission to start . Due to the low level of difficulty and its proximity to Denver, this hike can get very popular. From here, you briefly connect to the. Not to mention, if you start before the sun rises, youll have these popular Colorado hikes to yourself. Getting there is fairly easy with a relatively short hike that passes through twoother alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. No dogs. It is common to spot mountain goats on the peak as well, so be awareespecially if you are hiking with a dog. Come spring, the trail explodes in color. Dependent on the seasonal opening of Independence Pass. A lighter snow season will allow for earlier season hiking. 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. Youll need special gear, or you can hire a guide for an adventure you wont forget. Distance: 6.0 milesElevation gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and best used between June and September. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. Photo Credit: klosfoto (iStock). Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. Hikers may opt for the trail or service road (shorter) to reach the lakes. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the Crater Lake Trail. Prepare properly for scrambling a Colorado 14er and understand the risks you are getting into. Most visitors enter through the east side of the park near the town of Estes Park. Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the, , which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. Photo Credit: MargaretW (iStock). Additionally, the road to the trailhead is closed seasonally, usually from December to April. Box 118, Bend, TX 76824. Photo Credit: Matt Vincent. : 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. One of the best times to go is for the July wildflower bloom. The views of the Rocky Mountains all come together in this perfect blend of alpine lakes, meadows, and forests. This 27-mile loop is most commonly backpacked as a three- or four-night trip. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow theLeave No Tracebest practices. Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). Mount Bross has been closed to the public in the past check with the current rules before summiting this peak. The hiking in this area is challenging, but the views are stunning. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Being on an exposed ridge top on a late summer day is one of the most dangerous places to be while hiking. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Waterfalls of Minnesota: Your Guide to the Most Beautiful Waterfalls in the Stat at the best online prices at eBay! This hike has fantastic views of the mountains in the front range and Summit county. The unbelievable electric blue waters of Ice Lake make this one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin, OutThere Colorado. Season: All year round. The canyon itself features gorgeous sandstone formations and plenty of beautiful scenery. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, The only 4-day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary Youll Ever Need. Local Tip: The road to the trailhead closes every winter, so check conditions before heading out. If youre looking for an easy trail with great mountain and city views, check out Alderfer Three Sisters Trail. Don't Threaten. United States ; Texas (TX) Bend ; Bend - Things to Do ; Colorado Bend State Park; Search. Typically the trail is snow-free from mid-June through mid-October. Its my mission to get you out on the best Colorado hiking trails like a local, not a tourist. This stunning hike brings one to one of the few remaining glaciers in Colorado. Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. You can also access one of the best hikes in Colorado from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead and then set off from there. Be on the lookout for more articles in the future for the best 14er hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Some of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado include Mount Bierstadt, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Bison Peak, Star Dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park, Lion Lakes at Rocky Mountain National Park, San Luis Peak, Lost Man Lake, and Mount Elbert. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); great article will definitely try these hikes! These geographical regions are subjective but will provide a good layout of hiking in the state. Snowshoes can be helpful after heavy snowfall. Keep your eyes on the trail for wildlife. Everybody knows about them, but that doesnt mean that you shouldnt check them out. Bridal Veil Falls are the highest free-falling waterfalls in Colorado, at 365 feet high. Location: Northern Front Range. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. Mount Elber is 14,440 feet tall, making it the highest point in the state. Sniktau is one of the best sunset hikes in Colorado. Distance: 5.1 milesElevation gain: 885 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Photo Credit: James Harris Photography, While exploring American Basin, add Sloan Lake to your bucket list. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the West Maroon Trail. Looking for a bit of a challenge while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park? The trail climbs gradually for the first 2 miles, heading south around Kelso Mountain before turning west, where you will spot the two 14ers and the saddle connecting them. Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off towardCrater Lakes. 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. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. Photo Credit: twildlife (iStock). The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a rather unknown gem of the state. Once over your second pass, you get a bit of a respite on the Fravert Basin Trail, which traverses a wide, high-altitude basin that is carpeted in wildflowers in season. Even seasoned mountain hikers will love the glorious views. Hiking water bottle for hydration 4. With sandstone monoliths, tall peaks, and steep canyons, theres a lot to get exciting about when it comes to hiking in Colorado Springs. Location: I-70 corridor, a little under 3-hour drive from Denver. This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to take a shuttle from town. When it comes to finding the best hikes in Colorado, look no further, youve arrived. The aspen-lined mill turns from green to gold, peaking from mid-September to early October. The hike starts from Monarch Lake on the Cascade Trail on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. Keep in mind wag bags are required here. Weather, accessibility, hike difficulty, length, and elevation gain are all factors to consider when choosing a hike in Colorado. Thunderstorms can be incredibly dangerous, and even fatal. Photo Credit: ablokhin (iStock). Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off toward. If you are looking for a quick way to escape the city, this is a great region to hike in. The 9.1-mile out-and-back trail, which is rated as hard, rewards hikers with incredible views. Colorado is known for its abundant sunny weather, mountain views and nearly year-round hiking opportunities. Please check the NPS website and All-Trails for conditions updates. check out this blog https://longevity.media/top-10-reasons-why-we-need-to-experience-the-outdoors-more for 10 reasons why we need to be more outdoors that will get you motivated. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. Nothing from Ouray or Cheyenne Caon? Mount Falcon Castle Loop Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. The best time to visit is from July through September. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. . Moose are often spotted grazing with their young along the grassy meadows. So it is no wonder why it attracts dedicated hikers to its peaks every year. If you arent cozy pooping in a bag and packing it out, stay home. Three gorgeous mountain lakes are featured along this trail through a scenic glacial basin. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the, . When it comes to hikes in Colorado, Chicago Lakes delivers on varied scenery. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Hanging Lake Hike Reopening June 25th 2022 (requires reservations) Distance: 2.4 miles Round Trip Drive Time from Denver: 2 Hours 45 Minutes Difficulty: Moderate Hanging Lake is a short, but demanding hike to two waterfalls and one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Hike along the seven bridges and check out the beautiful waterfall. For this reason, it's best to always keep pets leashed. You will need a park pass and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. Colorado hiking trails have the best hiking sticks for kids to find and use. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek that gains 2,752 feet in elevation. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. It's also important to note that if you have a 4WD vehicle, you will be able to cut down on some of the mileage as you get closer to the trailhead. Some Colorado State parks and all National Parks have fees to enter the park. Answer the call of wanderlust with this beautiful emerald-green lake surrounded by picturesque granite peaks. Season: Summer; June, July, and August. You'll find this 3.2-mile out-and-back adventure hidden right off of Monarch Pass. The High Dune gives a spectacular view of this one-in-a-kind national park. Garden of the Gods Perkins Central Garden Trail (Colorado Springs) AllTrails/Brian Mehringer. 5 Must-Have Hiking Essentials 1. Open today: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. Soakers visiting from early October to late June may encounter snow. Hike to the top of Colorado with this tough hike. Distance: 2.6 milesElevation Gain: 344 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: It costs $4.00 per person to enter this park and dogs/bikes are not allowed. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. Be sure to be off of the hike in the early afternoon before the thunderstorms, as the hike is nice and exposed. Location: I-70 corridor, not very far from Denver. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Its almost a rite of passage to hike this iconic hiking trail in Colorado. The road is rather rocky and a 44 car is recommended. This spectacular out-and-back starts from Bear Lake before climbing to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake, two of the jewels of Rocky Mountain National Park. (Stan Behal/Toronto Sun/Postmedia . The trail climbs gradually for the first 2 miles, heading south around Kelso Mountain before turning west, where you will spot the two 14ers and the saddle connecting them. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to. 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. Check out 306 wheelchair-friendly trails with helpful accessibility guidance. Photo Credit: SWKrullImaging (iStock). To the south, you will have views of Blue Lakes and North Star Mountain across the valley. Swimming, dipping body parts into the water, standing under or on top of waterfalls, and walking on the fallen trees within the lake are strictly prohibited. Distance: 14 milesElevation gain: 2,444 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Some scrambling required, but nothing too strenuous. This hike comes into condition during July and August. Season: While it can be hiked all year round, the most popular time to hike is in the summer. This is one of the best hikes in Colorado that sits just outside of Boulder meaning that it is only about a 30-minute drive away from Denver. The view from the summit of Mt. : Manitou Springs, CO, in Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park, 5 miles west of Colorado Springs, : An aerobic challenge with a rewarding view, This loop is a mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views. (Photo Credit: Steven Bratman under CC BY-SA). 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. Located about one hour from Denver, this popular hike leads to an extraordinary destinationDevils Head Lookout. SAN LUIS PEAK 4. The road is open all year round, but for best conditions, plan to do this hike in June, July, and August. Many hikes in Colorado are accessible with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. There are 54 peaks over 14,000 feet in Colorado, and all of them have challenging hiking options! Star Dune is the largest of them all. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. Plan to get to the final destination by sunrise to beat the crowds and be treated to some breathtaking scenery. As one of Colorados best hiking destinations, youve got to scope out the Garden of the Gods. 10. 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. Distance: 14.6 milesElevation Gain: 2,375 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Share with Us. As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. Its also one of the best Colorado backpacking trips too! Rocky Mountain National Park is home to world-class hiking trails. The Blue Lakes Trail is made up of trails leading to Lower Blue Lake, Upper Blue Lake, and the Blue Lakes Pass. Photo Credit: John Fowler OutThere Colorado. It also depends on the snow year. Start no later than 2 am. jmangum2. "We home school in the morning or when the kids are up and go for afternoon hikes as a family. Peak baggers up for the challenge can also summit Kit Carson and Challenger Point accessed along this same trail. One can experience snowstorms in June, warm weather in February, or even a sunny summer day interrupted by intense thunderstorms. This route is one of the most popular hikes in the state with the stunning, as a backdrop, abundant wildflowers in spring and summer, hillsides of aspen in the fall, and four passes to climb and descend on this spectacular loop. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. 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