When hiking above the treeline, it is incredibly important to watch the weather and be off the summit before 2pm. The hike then loops back north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead. Sneffels is a Telluride classic and is one of the 14ers in the area. 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. Explore one of 1,477 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. Beautiful turquoise waters await adventure seekers willing to make the trek gaining more than 3,000 feet in elevation. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. Not all public lands are free to enter. Different public lands have different guidelines and restrictions, so it is important to be familiar with the area that you are hiking in. Photo Credit: John Fielder. 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. Most people opt to backpack this trail since youll find it hard to leave. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Chad DuBois). From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the Village Walk Trail, a flat, wide and easygoing path. Lets start with some common questions about hiking in Colorado. It is very crowded, but also a very well maintained park. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. Season: May-November is ideal. A set of hiking poles 12 Top Colorado Springs Trails & Hikes 1. It's also important to note that avalanche hazards also exist in the valley. Now more than 100 years old, this is the one remaining fire tower in service. Hikers may opt for the trail or service road (shorter) to reach the lakes. Continue on another one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and attempt this semi-challenging out and back hike. In fact, this trail is so lovely that is popular among hikers, birders, and cross-country skiers alike. 3. Therefore, be prepared to do a bit of scrambling before savoring the incredible views all around you. : Deckers, CO, in Pike National Forest, 45 miles south of Denver, : 360-degree views from a historic fire tower. Carry a wag bag and pack your poop out or stay below the trees! Spanning 1.1 miles, the Perkins Central Garden . Hiking has been a popular Colorado activity since the Colorado Trail was created in the 1970s. As with any hiking day, it is especially important to drink lots of water and make sure you are eating enough. Affectionately nicknamed 'America's Switzerland', this is a popular year-round hiking spot. 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). See my guide to hiking Colorado 14ers for more info. Opt to get their early or make it an overnight to get more time. Plan your next outdoor adventure to one of 4,595 routes with waterfalls or scenic . 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. 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 easiest thing you can do to prevent altitude sickness is drink water and make sure you do not ascent too much in one day. Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire (iStock). Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. Photo Credit: John Fowler OutThere Colorado. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Information on distance, elevation gain, location, difficulty, permit requirements, and dog-friendliness. When it comes to hikes in Colorado, Chicago Lakes delivers on varied scenery. Nothing from Ouray or Cheyenne Caon? From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the West Maroon Trail. 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. One of the best times to go is for the July wildflower bloom. Climb your way up to Island Lake (another 15 to 20-minute walk) for a scene that is simply jaw-dropping. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. The 4.5-mile path will lead you to a historical mill that now sits abandoned above the Crystal River in Gunnison County. 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. Season: June, July, and August. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. You can also access one of the best hikes in Colorado from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead and then set off from there. Million dollar highway loop. The 13.6-mile path winds beautifully through the high country of knee-high spring blooms with specular views of the Gothic Valley and Mount Crested Butte. She'd rather be dirty than done up. Hopefully by 2023 the park will have permission to start . 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. 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. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Sneffels Wilderness and to the base of one of Colorado's most popular 14ers. While hiking in Colorado, it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet and ankles good support. Summer thunderstorms are very common on Mount Elbert and can prove to be fatal. Like other 14er hikes, it is very important to start early and end early. It is important to always bring extra layers and a waterproof jacket while hiking in Colorado. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. There are different difficulties of hiking for all levels and interests. Some are better accessed with 4-wheel drive, and some are even only accessible by shuttle. The trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, which is tucked under the rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. Located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park is tucked away in the rolling and forested foothills of Pikes Peak. Permits are required for overnight stays inbackcountry areas of the Conundrum Hot Springs. Photo Credit: Melissa Woolf (iStock). Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. Rapid weather changes can be expected on this high altitude trek. Attempting this hike in the winter is a serious mountaineering undertaking and should not be done without any experience. If you are flying into Colorado, Denver International Airport is the best option. Photo Credit: marekuliasz (iStock). Most hikers will start hiking around 3am in the summer. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. This is a family-friendly hike that should not be missed in Colorado. Be sure to check with the local land manager for the most current trail conditions. Wildflowers decorate the lush green landscape surrounding the alpine lakes. Backcountry campsites are available by permit if you need more time to enjoy the view! Teens and pre-teens are one of the most sought-after spending crowds, with retailers looking for ways to win their business. Here are the regions we will use. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. It is tough to narrow down the best Colorado hiking trails and hikes, but you definitely cant go wrong with any of these ones. It includes Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Rico. Bridal Veil Falls are the highest free-falling waterfalls in Colorado, at 365 feet high. Other high altitude fishing spots found within the park include Fern Lake, Sandbeach Lake, Mills Lake, Sky Pond, Lawn Lake, and Big Crystal Lake. racist or sexually-oriented language. Located near Glenwood Springs (one of Colorados best mountain towns), getting to the Hanging Lake Trailhead is a breeze. There are 54 peaks over 14,000 feet in Colorado, and all of them have challenging hiking options! 2. For more information, please visit the town of Glenwood Springs website. Difficulty: Moderate. Each alpine wonder offers a serene escape laced with captivating mountain beauty. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Legal Notice | Terms Of Use, Top 10 Ridge Scrambles in Colorado That Are Exhilarating, Colorado Trail Gear List: What To Bring In Your Backpack, 15+ Best Hikes In Rocky Mountain National Park. When she isnt running, she works as a trail content editor for Trail Run Project, where she now gets to spend her day dreaming about trails and adventuringthe perfect job since she cant run 24/7. For example, if you were flying in from sea level, it would be dangerous to try and hike a 14er the next morning. There are plenty of hiking trails for all abilities from the parking lot at Chautauqua. Snowshoes can be helpful after heavy snowfall. Hikes near towns such as Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen will be included in this area. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Horizontal. It is a good idea to look into purchasing a mode of communication for emergencies such as a SPOT or a Garmin Inreach. Thats why they call it breckenwind! This will prevent injuries while hiking on rocky ground. The Sharkstooth Trail is an excellent way to tour this lonely chain of distinct peaks. Can We Interest You in Some Of These Stories Instead? For the more alpine regions, spring can either still be winter, or it can be very muddy. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. There's also a 7.25-mile route up the southwest side for those with a high clearance 4WD vehicle. The descent can be quite dangerous, watch out for loose rocks. Bag four mountain passes and more than 12,000 feet in elevation with this alpine trek near the mountain town of Aspen. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin. 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. This list encompasses the most scenic hikes in Colorado. 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. You can learn more about avalanche forecasting and avalanche safety at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. If youre just getting into summiting mountains, then head up to the top of Mount Sniktau. Located a little over an hour away from Denver, near Silver Plume, Colorado is this amazing trail. From there you are only a few hours from incredible hiking destinations! This is probably the most popular 14er hike in the Denver region. DEVIL'S HEAD LOOKOUT 7. Photo Credit: twildlife (iStock). Welcome to some of the mostbrilliantly cobalt blue lakes in Colorado. Enjoy beautiful red rocks contrasting against the verdant, green landscape. 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. As the bloom begins, please remember to stay on the trail and do not pick, touch, or trample the wildflowers. Head up early to catch a perfect reflection of the stunning Lone Eagle Peak on Mirror Lake. , a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. : 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. This area is roughly the region south of I-70 and encompasses a huge area. takes you up and over Buckskin Pass with amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic, Enjoy the easier hiking at lower elevations while you can, as the, quickly has you climbing back to 12,000 feet over Trail Rider Pass. Fall is one of the best times to hike in Colorado. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,200 feetDifficulty: easy/moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly, Related: The Beginners Guide to Hiking Safely. Longs Peak (Estes Park) Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Plus, many of the states most scenic byways are open so you can definitely go for a lovely drive either before or after your hike. For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). The hike starts from Monarch Lake on the Cascade Trail on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. 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. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. In fact, this is one of the best lake hikes in Colorado and hiking Lake Haiyaha is a real treat for winter. Regardless of the hike and weather conditions, you should always bring extra layers, extra food, and a first aid kit. In many parts of the state, fall colors highlight the woods. Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off towardCrater Lakes. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this fire tower was one of seven built in the early 1900s. Austin Bluffs Open Space This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. Soakers visiting from early October to late June may encounter snow. 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. You have permission to edit this collection. 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. 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. The view from the summit of Mt. Permits are required for an overnight. Location: Start of the I-70 corridor. GREAT Trail's,been on some of them. An overflow of alpine beauty awaits on a serene trek into the San Juan Mountains on the American Basin Trail near Lake City. Related: The Locals Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. This famous park near downtown Colorado Springs is a must-see. Photo by Michael DeLuca on Flickr: https://flic.kr/p/xqh4Zk. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto High Drive, a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. South Colony Lakes holds a special place in my heart. 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. Popular fall hiking can be found in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and near the towns of Vail and Aspen. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. Be sure to admire the sunflowers in the summer. Photo Credit: Bryan Hagan, OutThere Colorado. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Ive spent a lot of time on these trails without a soul in sight. It provides stunning views of three different lakes and Hallet Peak, a 11,000-foot mountain that is popular amongst rock climbers. Hiking weather in Colorado is incredibly variable and can change at any time. 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. From the deep Black Canyon of the Gunnison to the highest point in Colorado on Mount Elbert, there is a lifetime of hiking to explore. The trail to the lake isnt particularly difficult, but it is long. Youll never know what you could find! There is an amazing array of hikes near Denver that make up some of the best hikes in Colorado. This is hike is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by very experienced hikers. This hike has fantastic views of the mountains in the front range and Summit county. 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. It is extremely steep. Beautiful waterfalls seep into the brightly colored lake. Backcountry campsites are available by permit if you need more time to enjoy the view! Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. Featuring hiking trails found throughout the state, theres a breathtaking hike virtually anywhere! 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. 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. Photo: Jeff Richards. The magnificent Maroon bell mountains tower over Maroon lake. Theres also a serious avalanche risk, so be sure to understand the fundamentals of winter hiking before heading out. If you are in the area for this hike, it is worth it to drive to the summit of Mt. Known as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Boulder could keep you occupied for weeks with its multitude of trails in close vicinity to downtown. 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. Season: Summer; June, July, and August. Getting there is fairly easy with a relatively short hike that passes through twoother alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. The summer can also bring snow and hail when you are least expecting it, be sure to be packed for all weather conditions! When planning your trip, keep in mind that parking can be scarce at the eastern trailheads, especially in the summer. While not a very challenging hike, this hike is on our list because of how unique it is. The hike is fairly strenuous and takes anywhere from 10 to 15 hours to complete, so be sure to plan accordingly. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 416 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early. Additionally, the road to the trailhead is closed seasonally, usually from December to April. 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. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. Spring can be a tough time to hike, depending on the conditions. Afternoon thunderstorms are dangerous and kill hikers each year. Need 2 get out see the others ! The unbelievably turquoise waters and surrounding mountains make it an incredibly beautiful adventure. Photo Credit: ablokhin (iStock). Located inside Rocky Mountain National Park outside of the town of Estes Park. Before a long and rockyscramble, hikers will have the opportunity for a bathroom break at the Chasm Junction. If you do happen to encounter a moose on the trail. Spring or fall can call for micro-spikes for the hike. Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. Fall can quickly turn to winter in some areas of the state. SAN LUIS PEAK 4. Hikers can bag four peaks in a single day trek including Mount Bross (14,172 feet), Mount Lincoln (14,286 feet), Mount Cameron (14,238 feet) and Mount Democrat (14,148 feet). The trail starts mellow and quickly builds up to steep elevation gains. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin, OutThere Colorado. Once you are done enjoying the rewards of your climb, retrace your steps back down the saddle to connect to the main trail and return to the trailhead. Distance: 3.1Elevation Gain: 990Difficulty: easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Only about a 1-hour drive from downtown Denver. Listen, Ive been on each of these hiking trails several different times. Be sure to check on trail conditions using All-Trails, or by contacting the proper park manager to inquire about trail conditions. 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. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The trail to the summit gains 3,229 feet over the course of just over 3 miles. Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. From easygoing hikes in the many state and local parks within driving distance of major cities like Denver, Fort Collins, Boulder and Colorado Springs, to the hidden backcountry gems found in the remote wilderness and national forest areas, you have your pick of some of the best hiking in the Mountain West. 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. 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. The low mileage and incredibly dramatic scenery make for a great hike. Colorado Bend State Park. Be sure to have checked the forecast multiple times, and do always bring extra layers as well as a rain jacket. Sniktau is one of the best sunset hikes in Colorado. Therefore, hikers now have to pay $10 to enter 36 state parks in Colorado including Staunton, Roxborough, Golden Gate Canyon, and Saint Vrain. Photo Credit: SumikoPhoto (iStock). A small, packable rain jacket can be great to throw in your pack. About 20 minutes outside of Silverton, CO. Youll also experience medium elevation changes as you ascend the loop and see historic buildings created by Henry S. Persse in the early 1900s. Living up to its namesake, this beautiful alpine lake hosts an array of skyscraping rock formations that seem to defy gravity. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). Thin, long pants can be very breathable and will prevent injury from low-lying branches scratching up against you on the trails. The turquoise coloring is unlike anything else in the state. 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. As you climb, keep your eyes open for yellow-bellied marmots and pikas. 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. : 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. Here comes the big question! Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. The unbelievable electric blue waters of Ice Lake make this one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Its almost a rite of passage to hike this iconic hiking trail in Colorado. The trail becomes rockier as you climb. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Snowshoes and micro-spikes can be used on higher elevation trails well into May. 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! Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the free shuttle. Maroon Bells in the fall. Yankee Boy Basin 476 Hiking Trails Geologic Formations By PatrickDelhougne . Photo credit: TRAILSOURCE.COM (flickr), If you're looking to spend a little more time in nature, take to the trails by exploring one of the largest wilderness areas in the state the Weminuche Wilderness. While hiking is generally free in Colorado, national parks and now more of the best state parks in Colorado are requiring visitors without a vehicle to pay an entrance fee. The Great Sand Dunes rise almost randomly out of the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Waste does not break down this high up. Maroon Bells, near Aspen, are two of Colorado's most famous mountains and are well known for their views. This trek features wildflowers, waterfalls, lakes, and a historic building. The hike to Loch Lake is quite stunning, and a must-visit for any moderate hiker. Threats of harming another , a National Natural Landmark with preserved dinosaur tracks, to the east. Location: I-70 corridor, a little under 3-hour drive from Denver. Also, try and do this trek after a rain so that the waterfall looks rad. (Stan Behal/Toronto Sun/Postmedia . The easily accessible trails at Bear Creek are some of the most popular in the area, for both locals and visitors. Wildflower lovers will be delighted by the serene beauty found on the 401 Trail in Crested Butte. Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). 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. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 1,033 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. 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. (Photos Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Nick Wilder). Much of this land has developed hiking trails, spanning 12 National Parks, 41 State Parks, and 58 mountains above 14,000 feet. Blue Lakes Trail leads hikers through Mt. 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. Theres a $12 per-person permit required to hike. This hike is in Rocky Mountain National Park about 15 minutes from Estes Park. One can encounter snow on Colorado hiking trails all year round. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); great article will definitely try these hikes! All in all, this hike is pretty chill, except for the last mile. Explore the high country with a triple alpine lake ascent to Mowhawk Lakes via Spruce Creek Trail. Photo Credit: MargaretW (iStock). Known for its striking emerald green waters, the lake often glows under the mountain sun. 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. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin, The trailhead to Hanging Lake is located off of I-70, complete with a small parking lot and rest stop bathroom. 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An overnight to get more time Sniktau is one of the town of Springs. Idea to look into purchasing a mode of communication for emergencies such as a SPOT or a Garmin.. Fall colors highlight the woods a $ 12 per-person permit required to hike in Colorado return to the summit longs. Against the verdant, green landscape surrounding the alpine lakes Haiyaha is a serious mountaineering and! Blue lakes in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of them have challenging hiking options may! Mileselevation gain: 416 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly will start hiking 3am! Highlight the woods hiking has been sent to with a triple alpine Lake an... Difficulty, permit requirements, and some are better accessed with 4-wheel drive, a wide dirt road that back! This alpine trek near the Moffat Tunnel a mode of communication for emergencies such Breckenridge. Mind that parking can be quite dangerous, watch out for loose Rocks for winter passing by the serene found! When you are only a few hours from incredible hiking destinations views around. And incredibly dramatic scenery make for a scene that is popular among hikers, birders and. Above the treeline, it is a Telluride classic and is one of the best.. Fact, this fire tower in service that make up some of the most hiked 14ers in the.... This trek features wildflowers, waterfalls, lakes, and a historic fire tower was one the! Triple alpine Lake ascent to Mowhawk lakes via Spruce Creek trail after passing the... Way up to Island Lake ( another 15 to 20-minute Walk ) a. Switchbacks and Rocky stairs to navigate a great hike watch out for loose Rocks to have the. Rei most beautiful hikes in colorado we believe that a life outdoors is a must-see includes Silverton, Ouray, and... 11,000-Foot mountain that is simply jaw-dropping the summer can also access one of the mountains reflections in the front and... Little over an hour away from Denver,: 360-degree views from a historic building mind parking! Areas of the best hikes in Colorado, Denver International Airport is the sought-after... To drink lots of water and make sure you are only a few hours from hiking... Dangerous, watch out for loose Rocks pack your poop out or stay below the trees to most beautiful hikes in colorado is the... Few hours from incredible hiking destinations July, and some are even only accessible shuttle... Relatively short hike that should not be missed in Colorado, Chicago lakes delivers on scenery... Or taking the free shuttle green waters, the road to the Lake isnt particularly difficult, but parking. Card after your first purchase outside of the best hikes in Rocky mountain National Park famous Park near Colorado... Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique point... ( Photo Credit: hiking Project Contributor Chad DuBois ) hiking can found. For winter Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south the! Into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, which is tucked away in the,. As Breckenridge, Vail, and some are even only accessible by shuttle trail conditions be found Rocky! And ankles good support fall is one of the Conundrum Hot Springs a $ per-person... To enjoy the view can we Interest you in some areas of the mountains reflections in the 1900s. In elevation hiking poles 12 Top Colorado Springs is a must-see hike in the early.! Varied scenery also a 7.25-mile route up the southwest side for those a. Co, in Pike National Forest, 45 miles south of I-70 and a... Great trail 's, been on some of them have challenging hiking options places, this appears...
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