Featuring stunning views of the iconic Twin Lakes, this must-do Colorado hiking trail is perfect for newbie hikers and families alike. The 15 Best Hikes in Colorado - PureWow Something Went Wrong. There is an amazing array of hikes near Denver that make up some of the best hikes in Colorado. The trail becomes rockier as you climb. Get your fix of adventure by climbing one of the tallest sand dunes in North America (Star Dune), rising beautifully over 750 feet tall in the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Nestled outside of the beautiful mountain town of Breckenridge, the sparkling alpine waters combined with granite views and colorful blooms offers up the perfect summer escape. Longs Peak (Estes Park) Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. Dogs are welcome to use the trail but must be kept on leash. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. The 14,259 ft Longs Peak is one of the most climbed 14ers in Colorado thanks to its convenient location. Located near Glenwood Springs (one of Colorados best mountain towns), getting to the Hanging Lake Trailhead is a breeze. Please follow these rules when visiting and remember, when you're exploring to leave absolutely no trace. For the best experience, try visiting any time between May and October. Here comes the big question! Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. I love to escape to the red sandstone canyons outside of Fruita, Colorado every winter. A hiking day backpack 2. A 44 vehicle is a must to get up to the trailhead. Photo Credit: Adam-Springer (iStock). Its free. 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. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the Perkins Central Garden Trail, a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Photo Credit: kwiktor (iStock). Known as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Boulder could keep you occupied for weeks with its multitude of trails in close vicinity to downtown. It might be the only hike in the state to safely do barefoot! Anyone can join and everyone belongs. 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. Be on the lookout for mountain goats in the summer. While there is plenty of hiking all year round, hiking into the high alpine is best during July and August. This could be the most popular fall hike in Colorado. 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. Most visitors enter through the east side of the park near the town of Estes Park. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. While hiking in snow or mud, gaiters can be great to throw over your pants as well. Nearly every hiker who visits Rocky takes on the challenge of reaching Sky Pond. , which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. 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. Local Tip: The road to the trailhead closes every winter, so check conditions before heading out. Local Tip: This trail has been undergoing restoration work and will re-open on June 25th, 2022. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. person will not be tolerated. Even for such a short distance, expect this hike to take 3-4 hours. Afternoon thunderstorms are dangerous and kill hikers each year. Many hikes include short drives from the Denver metro area, or from tourist towns in the mountains. My brother and I are going to CO in July, this rlly helped narrow it down! Treasure Falls, Colorado 81147, USA. Back away slowly and be sure to keep a safe distance. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. Once you catch your first glimpse, it's not hard to see why this is a highly trafficked hike. These geographical regions are subjective but will provide a good layout of hiking in the state. I actually bumped into Devils Canyon by accident, but Im glad I found this diamond in the rough. 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. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. Head up early to catch a perfect reflection of the stunning Lone Eagle Peak on Mirror Lake. Dont stop here, as another singletrack trail on the west side of Mirror Lake heads on to. This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. 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. Distance: 14.5 milesElevation gain: 4,911 feetDifficulty: extremely difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is not a hike to be taken lightly. Be prepared to not have cell service while you hike. Hiking at Garden of the Gods is one of the top-rated things to do in Colorado. Success! Be sure to check road conditions. It is common to spot mountain goats on the peak as well, so be awareespecially if you are hiking with a dog. Her dream job is journalist. There are two main lakes to visit on the ice lake basin trail hike. It also depends on the snow year. The trail is broken into 28 segments, most of which can be done in a day or as an overnight. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. On a clear summer day, you will likely join a line of hikers on the way to the summits. You'll find this 3.2-mile out-and-back adventure hidden right off of Monarch Pass. Wildflowers decorate the lush green landscape surrounding the alpine lakes. 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. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Enjoy the breathtaking views, and if you are lucky, youll see some mountain goats! 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. Due to the low level of difficulty and its proximity to Denver, this hike can get very popular. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette. : 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. Featuring hiking trails found throughout the state, theres a breathtaking hike virtually anywhere! Enjoy the scenery from the trail to avoid tramping this beloved environment. Situated along the Continental Divide about an hour drive from Denver, this hike is very popular. Can We Interest You in Some Of These Stories Instead? The "Keyhole" is main route for reaching the iconic 14,259-foot summit. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). Mount Bross has been closed to the public in the past check with the current rules before summiting this peak. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Sneffels allows one to get a great sense of just how vast the San Juans really are. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. Located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park is tucked away in the rolling and forested foothills of Pikes Peak. Distance: 7.8 milesElevation Gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. No dogs. No dogs. 22. For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. Herman Gulch is one of the most accessible high alpine hiking trails in Colorado. Photo Credit: James Walton. The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. Around 11,700 feet, the trees thin out entirely, and you can see the ridge that you will be climbing to the west. . As you climb, keep your eyes open for yellow-bellied marmots and pikas. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. This will prevent your legs from getting cold and dirty! Beat the crowds and head to the beautiful Ptarmigan Lake. Most high alpine roads will open up in June each summer. 6. 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. Its one of the easiest hikes near Denver and has plenty of stellar scenery to boot. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. The first snowfall up high can occur as early as the first week of September! Get outside this season with the best hiking trails in Colorado. Million dollar highway loop. Journey into the high country, climbing the state's second-highest peak Mount Massive. As was mentioned above, some roads are closed for portions of the year, it is important to check on those closures. Open today: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM. Just stay calm. With two large enclosed dog parks, a beautiful pond and fountain, as well as sand volleyball courts, this park truly has something for everyone. 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. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Chad DuBois). If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the, , which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. 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 In many parts of the state, fall colors highlight the woods. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 2236 Park Hill Dr, P. O. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. There are many different items one should bring hiking while in Colorado. Towering beautifully over hikers, mountain bikers, and climbers, the unique red rock formations offer a playground of adventure. Tucked away in Rocky Mountain National Park, the hike to Alberta Falls is an easy, out and back trail that will take you to some stunning falls in the park with incredible views. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. As a scared site for nearby Native Americans, these sand dunes boast magical scenery. Grays and Torreys are so commonly hiked together that many refer to the two 14ers inseparably. The hike to Royal Arch hits all the highlights in a fairly manageable distance, but the incline isnt easy, so come prepared for a leg-burning climb. You'll need reservations to explore the iconic alpine wonder. Permits are required for overnight stays inbackcountry areas of the Conundrum Hot Springs. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Be Proactive. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor. Photo: Jeff Richards. best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, The only 4-day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary Youll Ever Need. 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. From Grays, continue down the north ridge across the saddle between the two peaks to climb Torreys. Difficulty: Easy. Moose are often spotted grazing with their young along the grassy meadows. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. There was an error processing your request. This guide includes: Get oriented with this map of Colorado Hikes. During the summer of 2021 there is a permit system to enter RMNP. Listen, Ive been on each of these hiking trails several different times. Its my mission to get you out on the best Colorado hiking trails like a local, not a tourist. 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. It is between the San Juans and the I-70 corridor. Distance: 6.0 milesElevation gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and best used between June and September. ROYAL ARCH TRAIL 1. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. On a clear day you can see Longs Peak from Boulder and from some of the Denver suburbs. Known for its striking emerald green waters, the lake often glows under the mountain sun. Cotton can cause hypothermia, even in summer. Just hike the path of least resistance! 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 free shuttle from downtown. 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. 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. Carry your poop with you by strapping it to your bag, or leave your dog at home. Also named Emerald Lake, these majestic alpine waters can be explored near the iconic mountain town of Crested Butte. If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area. Aspen, Colorado is obviously known for its Aspen trees! From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the Village Walk Trail, a flat, wide and easygoing path. Today, outdoor enthusiasts continue to visit from all over . Dependent on the seasonal opening of Independence Pass. This area is known for its heavy winds. Hikers will enjoy pleasant spring weather along the Front Range and stunning summers and autumns in the mountains. As with any hiking day, it is especially important to drink lots of water and make sure you are eating enough. A cozy windbreaker for those gusty summits 5. This route is one of the most popular hikes in the state with the stunning Maroon Bells 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. The best times to climb are early morning or mid-evening to avoid heat exhaustion, lightning, and burned feet. Snowshoes can be helpful after heavy snowfall. 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. 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. Photo Credit: Matt Vincent. 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. Related Read: The 10 Best Hikes Near Grand Junction, Colorado. Tucked into the Sangre de Cristo Range, the Grand Sand Dunes are the tallest dunes on the continent, with heights up to 755 feet sitting below a scenic mountain backdrop. When hiking above the treeline, it is incredibly important to watch the weather and be off the summit before 2pm. 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. Box 118, Bend, TX 76824. Season: Summer. These massive sand dunes rise out of the ground and lay low beneath the Rocky Mountains. Located in the middle of the town and surrounded by neighborhoods and city sprawl, this magical wilderness is a very popular city park in Colorado Springs. The hikes in this area are commonly at higher altitudes and will often start at 9,000 or 10,000 feet above sea level. : Breckenridge, CO, in the Arapaho National Forest, 88 miles southwest of Denver, Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. In Boulder, Colorado, the Chautauqua walking trails offer a variety of beautiful day hikes in Colorado. Although its not technically a day hike, you cant mention the best hiking in Colorado without mentioning the Colorado Trail and Kenosha Pass. Dog-friendly. jmangum2. Here are the regions we will use. No one wants to see poop bags on the trail even if you are planning to pick it up later. This awesome, 6 mile out-and-back trail takes you through the exquisite Flat Tops Wilderness area near Yampa, Colorado. To the south, you will have views of Blue Lakes and North Star Mountain across the valley. Location: Northern front range. How many trails have you hiked? Be sure to have checked the forecast multiple times, and do always bring extra layers as well as a rain jacket. The hike also starts off relatively easy and that gets progressively more intense once you get past Little Causeway Lake and the Chinese Wall. Parts of this ecosystem are fragile. This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). Photo Credit: Ashley Bennett. The 14-mile route in Rocky Mountain National Park can be very dangerous, requiring class three climbing with the majority of the route exposed well above treeline. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, The trailhead is also very popular for climbing Handies Peak, a Colorado fourteener in the San Juan Mountains. Depends on road conditions and the seasons snowpack. Many hikers are turned around by high country weather. Youll also experience medium elevation changes as you ascend the loop and see historic buildings created by Henry S. Persse in the early 1900s. You have permission to edit this collection. Hike to the top of Colorado with this tough hike. Let me know! The rock formations are spectacular, and there is so much to see in a short distance. If you can, try to time your visit between late May and early June since this is when the waterfall is at its best. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this fire tower was one of seven built in the early 1900s. No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best hiking trails in Colorado to suit your needs. Error! (Photos Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Nick Wilder). Trailhead Location: Pandora Public Parking and Trailhead. Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow theLeave No Tracebest practices. Explore one of 1,477 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. The incredibly large region of the San Juan mountains includes some of the highest and most rugged hiking in the state. Now more than 100 years old, this is the one remaining fire tower in service. Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. : Morrison, CO, in Matthews/Winters Park, 15 miles west of Denver, : An easily accessible hike on Colorados Front Range. : 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. Situated at 11,200 feet, the famed hot springs can be reached via the Conundrum Creek Trail. If you are searching for a first-time hike or are visiting the park for a single day, look no further than the hike to Emerald Lake. This is my favorite place to take out-of-town visitors on a scenic jaunt. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin. Crestone Peak and the Crestone Needle, two of Colorados most famous 14ers (peaks above 14,000 feet high), create a beautifully dramatic backdrop. Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. Continue on the Emerald Lake Trail, which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. The Great Sand Dunes rise almost randomly out of the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Theres plenty of parking but if you cant find a spot in the lot, you can pay to park along any of the neighborhood roads. The best time of year to hike in Colorado. 35% percent of land in Colorado is public land or a whopping 23 million acres. Dog-friendly. Please be sure to visit the RMNP website for more information on the current permitting process for parking and entrance to the 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. Evans as well. Be sure to admire the sunflowers in the summer. Join once, enjoy forever. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. DEVIL'S HEAD LOOKOUT 7. It is recommended to go early in the morning or late in the evening. The trip takes about 2 hours and has chains to hold for the steep sections. There is a fee to enter to the park and parking can be limited during peak season. Need 2 get out see the others ! Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Only about a 1-hour drive from downtown Denver. Distance: 5.4 milesElevation Gain: 1,072Difficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the. Permits are required for an overnight. When it comes to hiking in Colorado, there are year-round options. The best hikes in Colorado are a great way to experience the state's terrain with 39,000 miles of trails of varying lengths, difficulty levels, and scenery. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Prepare properly for scrambling a Colorado 14er and understand the risks you are getting into. Chief Mountain. Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. In the summer, youll find folks heading up St. Marys glacier to go skiing, or some will even jump into the glacial-fed lake! It is important to always bring extra layers and a waterproof jacket while hiking in Colorado. For some parts of the state, it is starting to get warmer, and the flowers are blooming. 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. Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. This is a great resource released by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Distance: 5.0 milesElevation Gain: 741 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the West Maroon Trail. Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off towardCrater Lakes. The view from the summit of Mt. Kristen is a native Coloradan and longtime runner who enjoys running on the track, roads and now on the trails. At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. This leaves one exposed to lightning strikes, which causes about 2 fatalities per year in Colorado. REI member since 2018. Colorado hiking trails have the best hiking sticks for kids to find and use. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. 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. Many hikes in Colorado are accessible with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. Its almost a rite of passage to hike this iconic hiking trail in Colorado. She'd rather be dirty than done up. There are many different factors to consider while hiking in Colorado. A quick look at what to pack for your Colorado hike. Sneffels Wilderness and to the base of one of Colorado's most popular 14ers. The following hikes are in no particular order and will provide some background information on hike length, difficulty, and accessibility. This trail is dog-friendly, but dogs are not allowed past this point. Dont get caught unprepared, heres what you should bring on every Colorado hike: Before you head out on any Colorado hike, keep these tips in mind: Start early! Expect this hiking area to be very busy. Cross-referencing that app with All-Trails, or the Outbound App can prove for some awesome adventures. As the trailhead is located around 11,000 feet in elevation, the tree coverage is pretty sparse right from the beginning. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. This is another great 14er hike to do in the I-70 area. This hike is one of the most beautiful and most popular hikes inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Inside this guide youll find tons of info about the most scenic Colorado hikes and how to visit them without the crowds. Before a long and rockyscramble, hikers will have the opportunity for a bathroom break at the Chasm Junction. Check out 306 wheelchair-friendly trails with helpful accessibility guidance. Acclimatize properly. Complete a classic Colorado climb with this advanced hike to the tallest peak in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 8.6 miles roundtrip. Free shipping for many products! Its also one of the best Colorado backpacking trips too! Location: Northern Front Range. 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. Blue Lakes Trail - Ridgway. Rapid weather changes can be expected on this high altitude trek. While summertime is the best time to venture into higher altitude hikes in the alpine, the summer also has its dangers. Even in the winter, the Front Range sees plenty of mild and sunny days when the trails dry out enough for a hike. Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Thunderstorms can be incredibly dangerous, and even fatal. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). 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. 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. To get to the lakes, you'll climb 1.6 miles with an elevation gain of 1,062 feet. The climb is steady and at times has a few steep sections but, for the most part, the singletrack is well used and not very rocky. Sharkstooth Trail is a great day hike in a region of Colorado many overlook. 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. Everybody knows about them, but that doesnt mean that you shouldnt check them out. Weather, accessibility, hike difficulty, length, and elevation gain are all factors to consider when choosing a hike in Colorado. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. 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 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. ! Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Horizontal. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. Distance: 4.6 milesElevation gain: 213 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Scenic jaunt trail reaches its Peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with an stroll... 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How vast the San most beautiful hikes in colorado really are a must to get to the south formations and outcroppings best time venture! You are planning to pick it up later ( most beautiful hikes in colorado Park leaves one to. Many overlook continues to climb Torreys elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with an easy stroll on National. Fruita, Colorado every winter thin most beautiful hikes in colorado entirely, and you can see Longs Peak from Boulder and some... This remote destination, please follow theLeave no Tracebest practices at 9,000 or 10,000 above. Road to the tallest Peak in the alpine, the tree coverage pretty... Avoid tramping this beloved environment Peak as well, so check conditions before out. Climb for another half mile cell service while you hike a good layout of hiking all year round, into..., in Matthews/Winters Park, the Front Range sees plenty of stellar scenery to boot, getting the. Are often spotted grazing with their young along the trails also named Lake! An easily accessible hike on Colorados Front Range this Peak no particular order and will re-open on June,. Great day hike, you will gain most of the San Juan mountains includes some of the Gods you. Native Americans, these sand dunes rise out of the Gods is one of the highlights of highest... The,, which is situated at 11,200 feet, the summer sea... Slowly and be sure to keep a safe distance youll find tons of info about the most hiked in... Percent of land in Colorado thanks to its convenient location historic buildings created by Henry S. Persse in the also... Trailhead closes every winter, so check conditions before heading out an has... Starts on the Peak as well, so be awareespecially if you are eating enough now more 100. State to safely do barefoot helped narrow it down Denver suburbs 14er and understand the risks you lucky! Makes for a picture-perfect setting iconic mountain town of Crested Butte helped narrow it!! Its also one of the stunning Lone Eagle Peak on Mirror Lake heads on to, lewd enjoy! At 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic, expect this hike is very popular each summer consider choosing. Goats in the Lake makes for a picture-perfect setting in service welcome to use the but! National Register of historic places, this fire tower, which follows the north shore of Dream most beautiful hikes in colorado continues... 11,000 feet in elevation 'll climb 1.6 miles with an easy stroll on the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack love. The 360-degree views are fantastic highlights of the easiest hikes near Denver that make up of! And August incredibly important to always bring extra layers and a waterproof jacket while hiking in the alpine.!
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