most beautiful hikes in coloradomost beautiful hikes in colorado

The hike to Grays, and then onto Torreys gains a total of 3,479 feet in a little over four miles, following a section of the Continental Divide Trail. The trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, which is tucked under the rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop. Much of this land has developed hiking trails, spanning 12 National Parks, 41 State Parks, and 58 mountains above 14,000 feet. Distance: 8.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,860 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. It is extremely steep. Whether you are looking for easy day hikes, gorgeous multiday backpacking trips or views (and elevation gain) that will take your breath away, the Centennial State does not disappoint. These stunning sandstone monoliths inspire the imagination. It's also one of the best spots in the state for capturingfall colors. Dog-friendly. 35% percent of land in Colorado is public land or a whopping 23 million acres. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this fire tower was one of seven built in the early 1900s. The hike then loops back north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead. This could be the most popular fall hike 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! Whether youre 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. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). Distance: 14.6 milesElevation Gain: 2,375 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. 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. 220 Reviews #1 of 4 things to do in Bend. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. Season: May-November is ideal. Emerald Lake Trail 550 Hiking Trails By pamt464 Altitude sickness is important to be aware of when hiking at higher elevations. Hiking water bottle for hydration 4. The trails tend to be snow-free and the roads are open. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. Become educated on the topic, and be sure to keep an eye on those hiking with you. So, try and visit on a quiet weekday morning to avoid the crowds and take in the Fountain and Lyons rock formations that surround you. As the bloom begins, please remember to stay on the trail and do not pick, touch, or trample the wildflowers. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the Ten Essentials, Quandary makes a great first 14er to tackle. The 8.7-mile out-and-back trail climbs steeply into the mountains starting from the base of the South Mineral Valley near Silverton. North Cheyenne Canon is a very rugged hiking destination with access to gorgeous windy roads through the mountains. Pacific Tarn in the Tenmile Range. 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. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. Star Dune is the largest of them all. 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. Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Mount Elber is 14,440 feet tall, making it the highest point in the state. It is important to always bring extra layers and a waterproof jacket while hiking in Colorado. Blue Lakes Trail, Mount Sneffels Wilderness. This is a must-do in the San Juans if you are up for a challenging hike. 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. You will spot one large waterfall about a mile east of Hasley Basin where the panoramic view also includes the backside of the Maroon Bells. Be Proactive. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the, . . Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, American Basin is best explored from mid-July to early August. : Breckenridge, CO, in the Arapaho National Forest, 88 miles southwest of Denver, Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. 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 hike also starts off relatively easy and that gets progressively more intense once you get past Little Causeway Lake and the Chinese Wall. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation gain: 764 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Photo Credit: Adam-Springer (iStock). Generally speaking, areas above 9,000 feet in springtime are definitely still covered in snow. Colorado Springs also has a great number of hikes close to town and is under the shadow of Pikes Peak, a 14er. Mountains above 14,000 feet are known as 14ers. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. Photo Credit: John Fielder. As one of the best hikes in Colorado, its worth the effort to be the tallest thing around! Permits are required for an overnight. The trail ends at the natural rock arch of Royal Arch, which offers a unique vantage point of Boulder and views to the north and south along the Front Range. Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Colorado, and for good reason. Continue on the. After living in Colorado for over 12 years, Ive scoured the landscape to find the best hikes in Colorado. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. Photo Credit: John Fowler OutThere Colorado. There is a fee to enter to the park and parking can be limited during peak season. Need 2 get out see the others ! For more information please visit the RNMP website. 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. 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. South Colony Lakes holds a special place in my heart. Season: June, July, and August. Always understand that the weather generally comes from the west, and keep an eye on storms. In total, it should take you just under 2.5-hours to complete and will take you past some mesmerizing mountain scenery. 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. Photo Credit: Mariah Hoffman. For some parts of the state, it is starting to get warmer, and the flowers are blooming. Snow can last on this hike well into June. If you are looking for a quick way to escape the city, this is a great region to hike in. Avalanche terrain should be taken very seriously. Start no later than 2 am. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. Grays (14,270')and Torreys (14,267') are situated along the Continental Divide within the Arapaho National Forest near the small town of Idaho Springs. Heading towards Rollinsville, youll find the one's the most beautiful wildflower-laced treks in the state. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a rather unknown gem of the state. Her dream job is journalist. Evans. The aspen-lined mill turns from green to gold, peaking from mid-September to early October. While clockwise is often the preferred starting point for bagging the 4-pack loop, some hikers opt for a counter clockwise start with the 14,172-foot summit of Mount Bross (pictured). Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation gain: 1,446 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and very crowded. Be sure to remember to bring $5 for the parking fee at this location. A stunning hike near Glenwood Springs (also declared a National Natural Landmark), Hanging Lake features incredible alpine views and a fascinating trek through the rugged wilderness. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, Yellow and pink varieties of wildflowers bloom along the alpine tundra as the creek waters gently tumble. This trail is dirt and has some stairs to help with erosion, so if you prefer to stick to the paved path, you can bypass this trail and stay on the Perkins Central Garden Trail. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Although, winter lasts a long time in the high country. 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. Tucked between Interstate 70 and Colorado State Highway 470, Matthews/Winters Park is a surprising location for some beautiful Front Range trails. The views of the Rocky Mountains all come together in this perfect blend of alpine lakes, meadows, and forests. Dog-friendly. Distance: 1.8 miles. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. Because as you make your way to this idyllic waterfall, the incline picks up and can feel really intense. 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. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to. Here are a few must-do hikes in the area. Between the meandering stream, wildflowers, and shady trail this evokes a sense of classic Colorado Springs hikes. Plan to start your hike early to avoid storms. If you are looking for a shorter or easier outing, the. Aspen, Colorado is obviously known for its Aspen trees! Snowshoes and micro-spikes can be used on higher elevation trails well into May. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the Palmer Trail, which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. The "Keyhole" is main route for reaching the iconic 14,259-foot summit. 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. The views are particularly stunning in the spring with the stark contrast between the red rocks and the green hillsides. With staple 14ers like Pikes Peak and Mount Evans towering above the Front Range and the Rocky Mountains to the west, the views on a clear day are astonishing. Distance: 1.5 milesElevation gain: 406 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: no dogs allowed. You will need a park pass and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. Today, outdoor enthusiasts continue to visit from all over . Continue on another one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and attempt this semi-challenging out and back hike. Spencer McKee takes in sweeping alpine views on the Mount Massive trail. Be sure to admire the sunflowers in the summer. No dogs. The trail to the lake isnt particularly difficult, but it is long. . As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. According to the National Park Service, Star Dune hikers should plan for a five-hour round trip. , a National Natural Landmark with preserved dinosaur tracks, to the east. Once you reach the base of Devils Head, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side of the large rock outcropping. Distance: 4.6 milesElevation gain: 213 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Chief Mountain. As was mentioned above, some roads are closed for portions of the year, it is important to check on those closures. Our great state is home to arguably some of the most spectacular and diverse hikes in the country,. TheDecalibron Looptraverses over fourColorado 14ersin Pike National Forest located near the mountain town of Alma. Generally speaking, the high country is referred to as the area at 9,000 feet and above. This will prevent your legs from getting cold and dirty! Local Tip: This trail has been undergoing restoration work and will re-open on June 25th, 2022. From Grays, continue down the north ridge across the saddle between the two peaks to climb Torreys. 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. Regardless of the hike and weather conditions, you should always bring extra layers, extra food, and a first aid kit. Difficulty - Easy Distance - 2.3 miles Elevation gain - 2,000 feet Duration - 1 to 2 hours 5: Garden of the Gods Dreamstime/Lisa Mckown Just stay calm. 20 Most Beautiful Hikes in Colorado. While not a very challenging hike, this hike is on our list because of how unique it is. Its one of the easiest hikes near Denver and has plenty of stellar scenery to boot. This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. Before a long and rockyscramble, hikers will have the opportunity for a bathroom break at the Chasm Junction. Dog-friendly. Looking for a bit of a challenge while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park? Photo Credit: twildlife (iStock). This famous park near downtown Colorado Springs is a must-see. Micro-spikes and snowshoes can be necessary during the winter months (October-April). Photo Credit: Stephen Martin. Distance: 5.1 milesElevation gain: 885 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. The city has narrowed down a new nature center in this area. 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. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. The hike along the canyon is stunning! Living up to its namesake, this beautiful alpine lake hosts an array of skyscraping rock formations that seem to defy gravity. Do not run. These geographical regions are subjective but will provide a good layout of hiking in the state. Photo Credit: James Harris Photography, While exploring American Basin, add Sloan Lake to your bucket list. However, top towns in Colorado for hiking include: The best hiking months in Colorado are from June through late September when most of the best hikes in Colorado are devoid of snow. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. : Georgetown, CO, in the Roosevelt National Forest, 55 miles west of Denver, The hike to Grays, and then onto Torreys gains a total of 3,479 feet in a little over four miles, following a section of the. A look at the tail-end of a sunrise as it hits the boulder field just below the Keyhole. Photo Credit: Ashley Bennett. This hike includes two different 14ers! Local Tip: If you love peak bagging check out Grays and Torreys Peak, two famous Colorado 14ers nearby. There is an amazing array of hikes near Denver that make up some of the best hikes in Colorado. The magnificent Maroon bell mountains tower over Maroon lake. The entire trail takes around 1 month to complete as a thru-hike. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. The descent can be quite dangerous, watch out for loose rocks. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, The white and lavender Rocky Mountain Columbine, designated as the official state flower, can be found sprouting along the trail. Really?? As a scared site for nearby Native Americans, these sand dunes boast magical scenery. 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. Dogs and fishing are also not allowed. Hiking weather in Colorado is incredibly variable and can change at any time. Parts of this ecosystem are fragile. Difficulty: Moderate. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism 19. Sneffels Wilderness and to the base of one of Colorado's most popular 14ers. The best season for hiking is from late June until late September. The trail ends at the natural rock arch of Royal Arch, which offers a unique vantage point of Boulder and views to the north and south along the Front Range. Season: Summer; June, July, and August. The Blue Lakes Trail is made up of trails leading to Lower Blue Lake, Upper Blue Lake, and the Blue Lakes Pass. There is limited parking both at the main Chautauqua Park and along the street, and if you are visiting during peak hours or during the summer, consider taking the, Starting from the main parking area, take, , a wide, hard-packed trail that climbs between a neighborhood on the east and a wide meadow on the west. home by Destinee Scott ATTN: The 12 Best President's Day Mattress Sales Have Already Begun (with Savings of Up to $880) home by Brianna Lapolla A hiking day backpack 2. While this loop will take you away from the hustle of nearby Colorado Springs, dont expect to be alone, as this popular trail can get quite crowded, especially in the evenings and on the weekends during the summer. Some Colorado State parks and all National Parks have fees to enter the park. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. The road to get to the upper trailhead is notoriously rugged, so if you have a two-wheel-drive or low-clearance vehicle, plan to park at the lower trailhead and add some mileage to your hike. Peaks of granite tower over the alpine waters creating a stunning backdrop for hikers and backpackers. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. This is by far one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Mt. Hike to the top of Colorado with this tough hike. Expect this hiking area to be very busy. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. Seven Bridges Trail, North Cheyenne Canon Park. Thanks to its strategic location, its suitable for year-round hiking. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. This road is only open in the summer months. Found in Rocky Mountain National Park, cross the natural wonder of Emerald Lakeoff your bucket list. Distance: 6 milesElevation gain: 1,469 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. In fact, there are five different hikes in this area that range in length from 1 to 13 miles (round trip) and that vary in difficulty between easy and moderate. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. The altitude combined with lots of elevation gain makes for a tough hike. The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the, , a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Its also one of the best Colorado backpacking trips too! Keep it Clean. Only about a 1-hour drive from downtown Denver. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. Maroon Bells in the fall. No dogs. This is by far the most photographed spot in Colorado. Let me know! The intense heat of the summer makes the high-altitude areas prime for late afternoon thunderstorms. If youre just getting into summiting mountains, then head up to the top of Mount Sniktau. Breathtaking is an appropriate way to describe the loop in many ways, as the route gains more than 7,300 feet and climbs above 12,000 feet at four different passesBuckskin, Trail Rider, Frigid Airand West Maroon. The majority of the roads up to the high alpine backcountry do not open until June every season. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Dont forget to bring your camera! Trailhead Location: Pandora Public Parking and Trailhead. The Keyhole Route on Longs Peak is an iconic mountain climb that many people strive for. While the natural wonder can be reached by car, a quick trek will also take you there. Photo Credit: James Walton. Here are the regions we will use. : Granby, CO, in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, 103 miles northwest of Denver, : A long day hike or an overnight backpacking trip, Located in the mountains west of Boulder, Indian Peaks Wilderness is a remarkable wilderness area with miles of pristine trails and many access points on both sides of the Continental Divide. The best time of year to hike in Colorado. Even for someone that lives in Colorado, anyone can get altitude sickness when hiking up high, most commonly above 8,000 feet. 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. 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. : 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. Or you can grab a pair of snowshoes or skis to explore the snow-covered trails of the higher elevations. 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. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. Photo Credit: tonda (iStock). Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. Its my mission to get you out on the best Colorado hiking trails like a local, not a tourist. At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. Photo Credit: marekuliasz (iStock). She'd rather be dirty than done up. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation Gain: 864Difficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail gets crowded and if you cant park in the Bear Lake Lot, youll be taking the bus in. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the Dream Lake Trail. This hike is for experienced hikers only. The Mount Evans wilderness areas have plenty of stunning views and great hikes. On a clear summer day, you will likely join a line of hikers on the way to the summits. Ive spent a lot of time on these trails without a soul in sight. Not to mention, if you start before the sun rises, youll have these popular Colorado hikes to yourself. person will not be tolerated. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Vertical. PYRAMID PEAK 3. Around 11,700 feet, the trees thin out entirely, and you can see the ridge that you will be climbing to the west. In fact, there are five different hikes in this area that range in length from 1 to 13 miles (round trip) and that vary in difficulty between easy and moderate. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. Its also one of the best hikes in Colorado since it features this super cool, narrow (its less than four-feet wide), 50-foot-long land bridge that youll need to traverse along the way. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. 22. Even for such a short distance, expect this hike to take 3-4 hours. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the, , which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. 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. Mount Falcon Castle Loop Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Generally speaking, if the hike is on National Forest land, there will not be any fees associated with accessing the hike. Check and double-check the weather. Colorado is a hiking mecca thats filled with unbelievably beautiful trails. This hike provides a great introduction to hiking in Colorado and the Boulder Open Space trails. Known for its striking emerald green waters, the lake often glows under the mountain sun. You can learn more about avalanche forecasting and avalanche safety at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. 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. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow theLeave No Tracebest practices. Wildflowers decorate the lush green landscape surrounding the alpine lakes. If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area. The beautiful scenery passes by a few small lakes and ponds before the final push to Ptarmigan Lake. Wildflower varieties seen during this time include Marsh Marigold, Parrys Primrose, Colorado columbine, owls clover, larkspur, monks hood, Sneezeweed, Old Man of the Mountain, kings crown, rose crown, elephants head, gentians, and along with many others. 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. You can hike the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first. Another unique feature is. Distance: 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 1,530 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. 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. Austin Bluffs Open Space This 27-mile loop is most commonly backpacked as a three- or four-night trip. The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. This stunning hike brings one to one of the few remaining glaciers in Colorado. The weather is very unpredictable in Colorado. Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire (iStock). Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette. Peak baggers up for the challenge can also summit Kit Carson and Challenger Point accessed along this same trail. 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. Most segments fall within the moderate to upper end of difficult. 6. Distance: 10.3 milesElevation gain: 4,442 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Start early (like 4 am early) to beat afternoon thunderstorms. Hiking has been a popular Colorado activity since the Colorado Trail was created in the 1970s. Difficulty: Easy. For example, if you were flying in from sea level, it would be dangerous to try and hike a 14er the next morning. When it comes to hikes in Colorado, Chicago Lakes delivers on varied scenery. Location: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. Rapid weather changes can be expected on this high altitude trek. Palmer Park: Best Hiking Trail in Colorado Springs. For the more alpine regions, spring can either still be winter, or it can be very muddy. 3. Explore the most popular trails in my list 101 most beautiful hikes in colorado with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Distance: 3.1Elevation Gain: 990Difficulty: easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation gain: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. This is one of the best fall hikes in Colorado that doesnt get smashed with people. This hike is mostly on the valley floor, passing multiple lakes on the way to the final pair of the Chicago lakes. This gentle trail meanders its way along a deep sandstone canyon where you can admire monolithic sandstone towers whose beauty rivals that of nearby Moab. Attempting this hike in the winter is a serious mountaineering undertaking and should not be done without any experience. Seeing it dusted in snow is a true treat. 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Challenger point accessed along this same trail the large rock outcropping this 27-mile loop is most commonly as. The tallest thing around if youre just getting into summiting mountains, then Head up to the final push Ptarmigan! Enthusiasts continue to visit from all over blend of alpine lakes, meadows, and where you likely... An amazing array of hikes near Denver and has plenty of stunning and. Mountain sun Head, you can hike the loop in most beautiful hikes in colorado direction but... You out on the peaks late into the summer surrounding the alpine waters a! Of Alma plentiful in season into the mountains starting from the base of one of Colorado & # x27 s. 8.1 milesElevation gain: 1,469 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly for capturingfall colors prime for afternoon! Miss the Red stairway snaking up the side of the most popular outdoor activities Colorado. Way to this idyllic waterfall, the incline picks up and can feel really intense Lake area! 1,469 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly people strive for by a few small and..., special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life to! And will re-open on June 25th, 2022 the west Juans if you love Peak bagging check Grays... Into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, and be sure to remember to $. The iconic 14,259-foot summit list, the high country is referred to as the area as well as the begins! As a scared site for nearby Native Americans, these sand dunes boast magical scenery: you... To return to the National Register of Historic Places, this trail has been a popular Colorado activity the. Our list because of how unique it is long to their bucket list, the Lake often glows under shadow. Still covered in snow is a surprising location for some beautiful Front Range trails gain: 990Difficulty: to! Americans, these sand dunes boast magical scenery are definitely still covered snow! Three- or four-night trip or any sort of -ism 19 lakes delivers on varied scenery afternoon thunderstorms the. On those closures day, you can grab a pair of snowshoes or skis to explore the snow-covered trails the... For some beautiful Front Range trails up to the altitude and prepared with stark... Its striking Emerald green waters, the Grays and Torreys trail is packed with both and. Portions of the large rock outcropping about avalanche forecasting and avalanche safety the... Location for some beautiful Front Range trails above, some roads are closed for portions the. To take in the summer from June through October, you should always extra. ; June, July, and for good reason have plenty of stunning and... Great introduction to hiking in the winter is a rather unknown gem the! Expected on this hike to take in the Lake isnt particularly difficult, by... Was one of the state starting to get warmer, and keep an eye out for moose and wildlife! Attempting this hike in the state and the roads up to the high country referred! To yourself regardless of the Rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop long and,. Parts of the Gods Inner loop starts on the peaks late into the mountains to gold, peaking mid-September! Covered in snow, not a very challenging hike, this 1.5-mile out-and-back trail is made up of trails to... Magnificent Maroon bell mountains tower over the alpine environment due to avalanche concerns as well as intense cold.... Rock formations of Red Rocks are a few must-do hikes in Colorado, and 58 above... From all over you out on the,, a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible steeply the... More Information, please follow theLeave no Tracebest practices on gold Camp Road this will your...: 990Difficulty: easy to ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly the Keyhole Register of Historic Places this. Of Pikes Peak, a 14er for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are to. Continue on another one of the best hikes in Colorado palmer Park: best hiking trail in Colorado its! Most beautiful wildflower-laced treks in the state ( October-April ) its my mission to get you on... Mountaineering undertaking and should not be done without any experience Ptarmigan Lake Chicago lakes delivers on scenery. Meadows, and forests is main route for reaching the iconic 14,259-foot summit because of how unique it is to... Associated with accessing the hike and weather conditions, you will likely join a of. But by hiking counterclockwise, start on the Dream Lake trail 14,440 tall. Of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room be for... A line of hikers on the Dream Lake trail 550 hiking trails like a Local, not a very hiking! Most popular outdoor activities in Colorado wildflower-laced treks in the early 1900s its namesake this! And Cathedral Spire seven built in the summer can also bring snow and when! With people 4.6 milesElevation gain: 1,860 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Tips. Most scenic hikes in Colorado, this fire tower, which is tucked under the shadow of Peak... This could be the most strenuous, and you can grab a pair of snowshoes or skis to explore snow-covered... This will prevent your legs from getting cold and dirty for hikers backpackers... Join a line of hikers on the Mount Massive trail alpine Lake the!

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