If you’ve ever set your desktop wallpaper to magical blue-green waters wishing you possibly can be transported there, you’ll be completely satisfied to know the very best hikes in Colorado will do this. Colorado is thought for its gorgeous pure magnificence in addition to its abundance of out of doors adventures together with some epic hikes. With its rugged mountains, speeding rivers, and pristine forests, Colorado gives among the most scenic and difficult hikes in the USA. Whether you’re a newbie or an skilled hiker, there are mountaineering trails for you in Colorado.
Hiking in Colorado is an expertise not like every other. The state is dwelling to 53 peaks that rise above 14,000 ft, often called “14ers,” and over 40 state parks with lots of of miles of trails.
Top Colorado Hikes
In this text, we are going to discover among the finest hikes in Colorado, from straightforward family-friendly hikes to tougher multi-day hikes. We may even present ideas for planning your journey and staying secure whereas on the paths. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a newbie, mountaineering in Colorado is an journey you’ll always remember.
At the middle of the very best hikes in Colorado are the Rocky Mountains, which stay pristine regardless of no matter else is occurring in different elements of the US. The Rocky Mountain National Park is dwelling to gems of the visible variety. And surrounding these mountains are many different Colorado parks which are equally as gorgeous. We embody all of them in this checklist.
1. Bear Lake Trail
Estes Park
This is a half-mile traditional hike for the entire household in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is among the finest hikes in Colorado for households with younger kids because it provides them an opportunity to expertise the wilderness whereas additionally guaranteeing they’re secure and on pretty degree floor.
The path has an elevation achieve of simply 50 ft. Despite being a reasonably straightforward and flat hike you get completely gorgeous views of the encompassing mountains, together with Hallett Peak and Longs Peak. You can attain the trailhead from the Beaver Meadows entrance of the park. This is certainly a Colorado mountaineering path you need to add to your checklist if you’re on the lookout for a pleasant straightforward hike with the household. It can be used as a jumping-off level for different mountaineering trails in the realm together with the Emerald Lake Trail.
Book this highly-rated non-public tour of Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver the place your information will discover the very best spots for wildlife, images, elective quick hikes, and walks.
2. Chasm Lake Trail
Estes Park
If you need to expertise one of the crucial lovely crystal clear alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park, you must take a look at the Chasm Lake Trail. The path is 8.5 miles lengthy and has an elevation achieve of 2500 ft. It is taken into account a tough path as you’ll be beginning out the path at an elevation of virtually 9500 ft, which suggests it’s going to be chilly and you possibly can even be in for lightning.
You can attain the trailhead to Chasm Lake on the Longs Peak Ranger Station, which is positioned on the east facet of Rocky Mountain National Park, close to the city of Allenspark. From there, you’re going to be handled to 360 levels of the attractive surroundings of the Rockies. The path can have you exploring the tallest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park, Long’s Peak. On high of that, you get to take a look at one of many United States’ most gorgeous alpine lakes, Chasm Lake, which is nestled beneath Long’s Peak.
3. Emerald Lake Trail
Estes Park
To rise up shut and private with blue-green water that can have you ever feeling such as you’re in a Disney film you should do the Emerald Lake Trail. This Rocky Mountain National Park path is simple at simply 3.6 miles with an elevation change of 650 ft.
The path winds via aspen groves and pine forests, alongside mountain streams, and previous a number of different smaller lakes earlier than reaching the gorgeous Emerald Lake. Along the best way, you’re going to see Nymph Lake, and Dream Lake and undergo a gorge alongside Tyndall Creek. Once you attain Emerald Lake itself your jaw will drop. The lake is surrounded by towering peaks and gives unimaginable picture alternatives, particularly in the course of the fall when the aspen timber are altering colours.
If you’re a fisherman you possibly can attempt your hand at fishing for trout, or just calm down and luxuriate in a picnic lunch, which is what we did. There is a motive this is among the hottest Colorado mountaineering trails. Getting to the path is simple as a result of it’s on Bear Lake Road and also you begin the hike on the Bear Lake Trailhead.
If you might be visiting throughout excessive season, attempt to arrive earlier than sundown or take the park’s shuttle service because the parking zone on the trailhead fills up quick.
4. Glacier Gorge Trail – Sky Pond Trail
Estes Park
This is among the finest hikes in the Rocky Mountains for severe hikers. It is a 9-mile loop with a 2162-foot elevation change. You’ll see unimaginable views at Sky Pond in addition to from Glass Lake and Timberline Falls is the piece de resistance.
You can get to the hike from the Bear Lake Trailhead, however the parking zone is small so arrive early. Also, observe that you could find snow proper into June and July so it’s a good suggestion to deliver poles and snowshoes.
Visiting Denver, Colorado? This half-day tour takes you to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains to see the Red Rocks Amphitheater, Evergreen Lake, and a scenic drive across the Lariat Route. Book it right here and really feel comfy with straightforward cancellation inside 24 hours of the tour.
5. Alberta Falls Trail
Estes Park
The Alberta Falls Trail is among the most gorgeous waterfalls in the Rocky Mountains and that’s saying quite a bit as there are numerous while you go to Colorado. The Alberta Falls path is a 1.7-mile out-and-back hike with elevation modifications of 232 ft which are tender and gradual.
Along the best way, you see beautiful aspens and expertise the winding and musical Chaos Creek. The falls themselves drop about 30 ft and as you stand there surrounded by the Rockies, it actually provides you an appreciation for the facility of Mother Nature. You can attain the path by heading out on Bear Lake Road to the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. That’s about 12 miles from Estes Park and makes for probably the greatest day hikes while you’re staying in city.
6. The Rocky Mountains Colorado Trail
Denver
Do you even hike in the event you’ve by no means been on the Colorado Trail? The Colorado Trail is an nearly 500-mile hike that crosses via the state. The path runs from Durango to the Waterton Canyon Trailhead in Durango and is among the most tough trails in Colorado.
This is the mom of all of the mountaineering trails in Colorado. When you get on this path, relaxation assured that you’re going to see a big swath of Colorado full with rolling hills and rocky inclines. Along the path, you’re experiencing 8 mountain ranges and can be hitting a excessive of greater than 13,000 ft in the San Juan Mountains in your uphill climbing. The Colorado Trail is a extremely popular hike since you get the very best mountaineering in Colorado alongside one route.
Most individuals sort out this hike in segments. If you had been to do the complete hike it could take you anyplace from 4 to six weeks. Luckily, it’s damaged up into 28 segments and you’ll hike many of those individually. Some of probably the most lovely sections are Segments 5-8. For extra info on every section take a look at The Colorado Trail Foundation.
Along the best way, you’re going to see wildlife like bighorn sheep simply moseying round. You’re additionally going to be leaping over tiny creeks and strolling alongside rivers because the Rockies watch on. The parking space in the south finish in addition to the final word north finish can replenish quick.
That means you’ll have plenty of individuals on the hike with you on the high and backside of the path. However, you’ll get the very best mountaineering in while you’re in the center. Doing the entire path is finest for skilled hikers as the center elements can get a little bit tough.
7. Blue Lakes Trail
This is probably going the very best hike in Colorado to see mountain goats as a herd is thought to roam the realm. The hike is simply 1 mile lengthy with an elevation achieve of simply 108 ft however getting there is usually a problem as you’ve received to rise up a steep gravel street to get to the Blue Lakes trailhead which is best for 4WD automobiles. Alternatively, you’ll be able to simply stroll the gravel street as much as the trailhead. Just observe this hike is to not be confused with the Blue Lakes Hike close to Telluride. They are 2 completely different hikes.
This place can get fairly busy and the parking zone is small so, we advocate carpooling and visiting mid-week, when the crowds are at their lowest.
More individuals report seeing mountain goats in the afternoon than in the morning, however each occasions are doable. In addition to the goats, you’ll the attractive Blue Lakes and wonderful wildflowers when in season. Do observe that there’s scrambling required.
8. Hanging Lake Trail
Glenwood Springs
Surely the title alone entices many. What precisely is a dangling lake? Well, this hanging lake is a results of some geological actions that pushed the lake mattress off the cliff it was on. The results of that may be a lake sitting just under the cliff with remnants of its lake mattress nonetheless on high of the cliff from which a waterfall drops into it.
The lake itself is a crayon blue-green and all of that magnificence has made the Hanging Lake Trail a preferred hike in Colorado. This is a 3-mile hike in White River National Forest, taking you proper into the thick of the park. You can get to the path through the Glenwood Springs trailhead. Hike early to keep away from crowds.
9. Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes Trail
Breckenridge
For probably the greatest hikes in Colorado to get a taste of the entire state, you want this hike It is positioned in White River National Park, and the Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes path gives probably the greatest hikes. This is a 7.8-mile hike with a 1920-foot elevation achieve. This is among the finest hikes in Colorado if you’re touring along with your canine as many trails don’t let permit your pooch on the paths.
You can begin your hike on the Spruce Creek Trailhead which is discovered simply exterior of Breckenridge on Spruce Creek Road. You’ll be crossing streams and trying out waterfalls alongside the best way. The starting of the path is reasonable alongside the Mohawk Lakes however will get steep midway via at Mayflower Lake. The views of Lower Mohawk Lake after which Upper Mohawk Lake are gorgeous.
10. First and Second Flatirons Loop Trail
Boulder
This 2.7-mile path goes to take you thru among the most gorgeous surroundings in Colorado, nevertheless it actually isn’t going to be straightforward. You should do some mountain climbing if you wish to see Boulder’s iconic flat irons. This flatirons path is concrete and steep in the start however then softens out while you get to the grime path portion.
When you get to the highest you’ll be able to completely spectacular views of the Rocky Mountain vary. To get to the path you’ll be able to take Baseline Road to the Gregory Canyon trailhead the place you’ll be able to park and begin your journey. You can do the path in about 2 hours at a leisurely tempo.
11. Fountain Valley Trail (Garden of the Gods)
Colorado Springs
The Fountain Valley Trail is 2.2 miles lengthy with a 324 elevation change. The path is positioned in Roxborough State Park, close to Colorado Springs, which is taken into account the Garden of the Gods and consists of the Gods trails, and is taken into account fairly straightforward. Despite being a straightforward hike, there’s a whole lot of journey available alongside the best way with pink rock formations abound.
If you’re fortunate, you may even see a fox or mule deer poke their head up from behind a type of formations. You can get to the trailhead from Willow Creek Trail close to the doorway of Roxborough State Park.
12. Monarch Lake Loop Trail
Granby
This 4.2-mile path in Arapaho National Forest is tremendous straightforward and tremendous fashionable and makes it probably the greatest hikes in Colorado for households. It takes you round Monarch Lake and makes for a pleasant solution to spend time with household. Some animals do frequent the realm with a majority of the sitings being of moose. The trailhead is positioned on Highway 125 close to Monarch Lake. Here you can find loos and parking.
13. Pawnee Pass Trail
Boulder
You can take a look at a glacier as you make your approach alongside Pawnee Pass Trail to Isabelle Lake. After that, you’re performing some switchbacks to get to gorgeous views. You’ll see Mount Audobon and Apache Peak. The Pawnee Pass Trail is 10 miles lengthy with an elevation change of near 3000 ft so it’s not precisely a family-fit journey in case you have younger kids.
It is a superb journey for each intermediate hikers and avid hikers alike with alpine meadows, lovely surroundings, and enjoyable rock scrambles. You will expertise snow and icy patches for a lot of the yr past the July and August months. You can get to the Pawnee Pass trailhead from Brainard Lake Road to the Brainard Lake Conservation Area. The precise trailhead inside Brainard Lake is on the Long Lake trailhead which is in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area.
14. Ice Lakes Basin Trail
Silverton
First and foremost, you should have mountaineering boots if you wish to do an out of doors journey on the Ice Lakes Basin Trail mountaineering trails. This path sits in San Juan Forest and also you’re going to have an incline of 3000- ft which is quite a bit for common Colorado hikes. You ought to have poles in the event you selected going to this mountaineering vacation spot.
There are steep climbs however you might be additionally rewarded with views of ice lakes, together with an island lake, and even an previous stone constructing you’ll be able to discover. There are switchbacks and as we talked about, steep inclines, however this is among the finest mountaineering trails in Colorado in the event you like an journey.
15. Crater Lake Trail
Granby
This 3.5-mile path is among the finest hikes in Colorado and doubtless the very best in Aspen. It is positioned in the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Area. It was shaped from geological processes that occurred 1000’s of years in the past when glaciers began floating away and left what we all know as Crater Lake.
If you’re staying in Aspen then there’s a shuttle that may take you to the trailhead from Rubey Park. Alternatively, you’ll be able to drive there on Highway 82 and get off on Maroon Creek Road to park in the parking space.
16. Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail
Aspen
The Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail is a picturesque mountaineering path that can be positioned in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, close to Aspen, Colorado. The path spans roughly 3.3 miles and takes hikers via among the most gorgeous pure landscapes in the nation.
The trailhead for the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail is located at Maroon Lake. From there, hikers can observe the path because it winds via the wilderness space, passing by groves of aspen timber, cascading waterfalls, and fields of wildflowers.
One of the highlights of the path is the chance to catch breathtaking views of the Maroon Bells themselves. These majestic peaks are among the most iconic in the Rocky Mountains, and their towering presence is a sight to behold particularly as they’re mirrored in the lake beneath. They are also called probably the most photographed mountains in North America.
The Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail is rated as reasonable problem, making it accessible to hikers of all talent ranges. The path does get actually busy in the excessive season, however the views are price it. This can be the kicking-off level for the hike to Crater Lake and we might recommend incorporating that into your day as effectively.
17. South Colony Lakes Trail
Canon City
The South Colony Lakes Trail is a difficult mountaineering path positioned in the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rocky Mountains, close to Westcliffe, Colorado. The path is about 12 miles and takes you thru among the most gorgeous pure landscapes in the realm.
The trailhead for the South Colony Lakes Trail is positioned on the finish of a dust street, and the primary few miles of the path are comparatively straightforward, passing via a forest of aspen and pine timber. However, because the path progresses, it turns into steeper and tougher, with switchbacks and rocky terrain.
One of the highlights of the South Colony Lakes Trail is the chance to view a number of peaks which are over 14,000 ft in elevation, together with Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle. These majestic peaks are among the most difficult to climb in Colorado, and their towering presence is awe-inspiring.
The South Colony Lakes Trail is rated as tough, making it appropriate for skilled hikers who’re in good bodily situation. The path is well-maintained and clearly marked, however hikers needs to be ready for steep climbs and doubtlessly difficult climate circumstances.
18. Fish Creek Falls Trail
Steamboat Springs
Fish Creek Falls Trail is a well-liked mountaineering vacation spot positioned close to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The trailhead for Fish Creek Falls could be accessed from Fish Creek Falls Road, which is positioned roughly three miles from downtown Steamboat Springs.
The path is roughly 4.7 miles spherical journey and gives gorgeous views of the 283-foot Fish Creek Falls. The rocky path is strenuous, with an elevation achieve of roughly 1,450 ft, so be ready for a exercise. Lots of people flip round at Upper Fish Creek Falls, however if you’re extra adventurous you’ll be able to proceed on to Long Lake (this provides one other 7.6 miles to your journey, so be ready).
If you might be on the lookout for a better route you’ll be able to take the straightforward, 0.3-mile paved path to the falls viewing space. Make positive to test the web site as this path is usually closed because of avalanche threat in the winter and early spring.
Rocky Mountain National Park Entrance Fees
The first half of this information to the very best hikes in Colorado focuses on among the finest Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes. We then department out to discover extra of Colorado in the second half of the information. Read this whole information to the very best Rocky Mountain National Park hikes
Note: Reservations Required for Rocky Mountain National Park: From May 26 via October 22, 2023, guests to Rocky Mountain National Park will want a timed entry allow and an entrance cross to recreate in the park. Visit the RM National Park web site for extra particulars and path closures.
Get your Pocket Guide to the Best Easy Day Hikes of Rocky Mountain National Park Pick up your map of the Rocky Mountain National Park Trails on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
What is probably the most scenic hike in Colorado?
One of probably the most scenic hikes in Colorado is the Alberta Falls Trail which supplies you views of beyond-real inexperienced waters and a waterfall that’s magical. If you need to really feel like an actual explorer out on the mountaineering trails, take a look at the Continental Divide at Wolf Creek Pass. That’s positioned in the San Juan Mountain vary and offers you gorgeous views.
What’s the toughest hike in Colorado?
The Classic Colorado Trail might be one of many hardest hikes in Colorado as a result of it’s lengthy and takes you over many geographical landscapes. To do that hike, you’ve received to dig in for the lengthy haul and be ready to camp and expertise incremental climate.
The Square Top Mountain Trail gives you an elevation achieve of 2500 ft with rock scrambles, and steep climbs, and in flip, is taken into account tough.
How many hikes are in Colorado?
There are lots of of hikes in Colorado. You can’t put a quantity to it as a result of many are mixed and others are off-trail.
Where can I hike in Colorado proper now?
You can do a number of completely different hikes however a fantastic place to start out a hike in your street journey in Colorado proper now can be to go to Rocky Mountain National Park. There you might have plenty of selections and you’ll ask the park ranger which is finest to go on proper now relying on the season and closures.
Map of Colorado Hiking Trails
In Conclusion
There is little question that mountaineering in Colorado is one thing that needs to be added to any outside lover’s bucket checklist. With one of the crucial lovely National Parks in the US, well-maintained trails, contemporary mountain air, and the chance for backcountry mountaineering there is no such thing as a doubt you’re going to like it right here. So seize your sturdy mountaineering boots, do your analysis, and plan your subsequent mountaineering journey in Colorado.
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