This loop combines The Palmer Trail to Buckskin-Charlie, Niobrara, and the Bretang Trail to make a tour-de-garden. Thats why they call it breckenwind! Distance: 5.4 milesElevation Gain: 1,072Difficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. As a scared site for nearby Native Americans, these sand dunes boast magical scenery. Waste does not break down this high up. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Its also only 3.2 miles long and takes you past some gorgeous alpine lakes. Once you reach the base of Devils Head, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side of the large rock outcropping. 3. Hopefully by 2023 the park will have permission to start . 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. As one of Colorados best hiking destinations, youve got to scope out the Garden of the Gods. 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 14,148-foot summit of Democrat is often considered the most strenuous to climb. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. (Stan Behal/Toronto Sun/Postmedia . . There are plenty of hiking trails for all abilities from the parking lot at Chautauqua. 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. Located about one hour from Denver, this popular hike leads to an extraordinary destinationDevils Head Lookout. Some areas of the state obviously have better hiking options than others, but this will be a great way to understand the lay of the land. Be sure to arrive early to find a parking spot as space is limited and the trail is busy during the summer. Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. 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. 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. : 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 Dream Lake Trail continues to climb from Nymph Lake up into Tyndall Gorge, crossing Tyndall Creek before coming to the eastern edge of, . Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. This is a 7.8-mile with 1920-feet elevation gain. Blue Lakes Trail - Ridgway. Each alpine wonder offers a serene escape laced with captivating mountain beauty. This is one of the best fall hikes in Colorado that doesnt get smashed with people. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. : 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. 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 beautiful scenery passes by a few small lakes and ponds before the final push to Ptarmigan Lake. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. This hike is very challenging due to the high starting elevation, and its elevation gain of over 4,000 feet. There are plenty of amazing hikes in Colorado, but this one will be very different. Hike along the seven bridges and check out the beautiful waterfall. . After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. It might be the only hike in the state to safely do barefoot! You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. Photo: Jeff Richards. This leaves one exposed to lightning strikes, which causes about 2 fatalities per year in Colorado. Longs Peak (Estes Park) Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. 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. Towns like Telluride, Silverton, and Durango will be nearby for hiking in this region. Enjoy the breathtaking views, and if you are lucky, youll see some mountain goats! Therefore, hikers now have to pay $10 to enter 36 state parks in Colorado including Staunton, Roxborough, Golden Gate Canyon, and Saint Vrain. Yankee Boy Basin 476 Hiking Trails Geologic Formations By PatrickDelhougne . The city has narrowed down a new nature center in this area. 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. This wide and well-traveled trail leads south from Bear Lake through pine and aspen forests before skirting around the northeastern shore of Nymph Lake. If you time it right, you can even be at the lake to view the first snowfall on the Maroon bells, with the fall colors still bright down below. "We home school in the morning or when the kids are up and go for afternoon hikes as a family. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Evans as well. If you are looking for the quintessential Indian Peaks hike, the out-and-back to Crater Lake from Monarch Lake offers a great mix of scenery and terrain, as well as a stunning destination. The intense heat of the summer makes the high-altitude areas prime for late afternoon thunderstorms. Here comes the big question! From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. You'll find this 3.2-mile out-and-back adventure hidden right off of Monarch Pass. Distance: 6 milesElevation gain: 1,469 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Tucked between Interstate 70 and Colorado State Highway 470, Matthews/Winters Park is a surprising location for some beautiful Front Range trails. Generally speaking, areas above 9,000 feet in springtime are definitely still covered in snow. If you are traveling in or under avalanche terrain, be sure to be educated on avalanche safety. 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. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. The Royal Arch is a spectacular rock formation that forms an arch. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); great article will definitely try these hikes! Peak baggers up for the challenge can also summit Kit Carson and Challenger Point accessed along this same trail. Location: Northern Front Range. If you are looking for a shorter or easier outing, the. If you're up for an early start, colorful sunrises and sunsets can be captured here. Featuring hiking trails found throughout the state, theres a breathtaking hike virtually anywhere! As with any hiking day, it is especially important to drink lots of water and make sure you are eating enough. Sneffels allows one to get a great sense of just how vast the San Juans really are. Local Tip: If youre into gentle rock climbs, then check out the Longs Peak Cable Route. As with all above-treeline routes, start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and be sure to pack appropriately with food, water, sunscreen and extra layers. Upper Blue Lake from Quandary Peak. Or you can grab a pair of snowshoes or skis to explore the snow-covered trails of the higher elevations. When planning your trip, keep in mind that parking can be scarce at the eastern trailheads, especially in the summer. Some hikes may recommend hiking poles, or even a helmet while scrambling on more technical hiking trails. Distance: 8.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,860 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. It provides stunning views of three different lakes and Hallet Peak, a 11,000-foot mountain that is popular amongst rock climbers. Don't miss this trek deep in the heart of the Sangre De Cristo mountains to Willow Lake. Error! Be sure to check road conditions. Hike to the top of Colorado with this tough hike. Dont underestimate the difficulty of this route. 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. , a National Natural Landmark with preserved dinosaur tracks, to the east. This area will encompass Denver north to Fort Collins with hikes that are accessible from the eastern urban corridor. With two large enclosed dog parks, a beautiful pond and fountain, as well as sand volleyball courts, this park truly has something for everyone. 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. 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 best time to visit is from July through September. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. Mayflower Gulch is a spectacular wildflower hike in Colorado. Even in the winter, the Front Range sees plenty of mild and sunny days when the trails dry out enough for a hike. Local Tip: This trail has been undergoing restoration work and will re-open on June 25th, 2022. Theres a good reason for it: Hanging Lake LOOKS like a place where fairies and gnomes would live. Getting there is fairly easy with a relatively short hike that passes through twoother alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. Be Nice. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. 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. Location: Northern Front Range. The first mile of the trail climbs, at times steeply, through sparse forests that become progressively thinner as you climb. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. In Boulder, Colorado, the Chautauqua walking trails offer a variety of beautiful day hikes in Colorado. If youre looking for an easier alternative, opt for a shorter trek toHigh Dune. Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. 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. Beautiful Hikes - Colorado Bend State Park. Distance: 1.5 milesElevation gain: 406 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: no dogs allowed. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. You can learn more about avalanche forecasting and avalanche safety at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. This stunning hike brings one to one of the few remaining glaciers in Colorado. Thunderstorms can be incredibly dangerous, and even fatal. Million dollar highway loop. 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. 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. From Grays, continue down the north ridge across the saddle between the two peaks to climb Torreys. 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. Between the general region of the San Juans and the southern front range. Even for someone that lives in Colorado, anyone can get altitude sickness when hiking up high, most commonly above 8,000 feet. Most visitors enter through the east side of the park near the town of Estes Park. 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. I love to escape to the red sandstone canyons outside of Fruita, Colorado every winter. 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. Photo Credit: shaferaphoto (iStock). 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. This is an amazing hike in the San Juans that features two incredibly blue and green lakes that are surrounded by towering peaks. This beautiful alpine lake is tucked away at thebase of Longs Peak, one of the most iconic and dangerousfourteenersin the state. Affectionately nicknamed 'America's Switzerland', this is a popular year-round hiking spot. Now more than 100 years old, this is the one remaining fire tower in service. Tucked between Interstate 70 and Colorado State Highway 470, is a surprising location for some beautiful Front Range trails. The magnificent Maroon bell mountains tower over Maroon lake. 2022 5. Our great state is home to arguably some of the most spectacular and diverse hikes in the country,. The journey toChasm Lakeis a must for any hiker seeking the mountain's tranquil beauty. 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 best time of year to hike in Colorado. Location: San Juans, near the town of Telluride. The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the Perkins Central Garden Trail, a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. 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. 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. Note that from mid-June through September between 8:30am 5:00pm, a shuttle is required to take to the trailhead. Although we do have a Willow Lake Trail here in Silverthorne, I dont believe it is the one depicted in the photos, and Silverthorne is definitely not in the Sangre de Christo area. Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. Trailhead Location: Pandora Public Parking and Trailhead. The hike is fairly strenuous and takes anywhere from 10 to 15 hours to complete, so be sure to plan accordingly. South Colony Lakes holds a special place in my heart. Only about a 1-hour drive from downtown Denver. An overflow of alpine beauty awaits on a serene trek into the San Juan Mountains on the American Basin Trail near Lake City. For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. Be sure to admire the sunflowers in the summer. While you will have to watch your footing on the way back down, the views on the return hike are even more spectacular than on the way up. It's also one of the best spots in the state for capturingfall colors. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the, . Opt to get their early or make it an overnight to get more time. Most segments fall within the moderate to upper end of difficult. Beat the crowds and head to the beautiful Ptarmigan Lake. This is by far one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Located in the Tenmile Range, Quandary Peak tops out at 14,265 feet, making it the 13th highest peak in Colorado. Kristen is a native Coloradan and longtime runner who enjoys running on the track, roads and now on the trails. 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. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. Dependent on the seasonal opening of Independence Pass. From here, you briefly connect to the Red Rocks Trail before the serious climb starts on the Morrison Slide Trail. Its a popular, but challenging, 7.5-mile, out-and-back hike that will take you through the gorgeous, Mount Evans Wilderness area. : 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. The Mount Evans wilderness area is a great place to make for a full day of hiking and driving up to some spectacular exposed views. This hike is for experienced hikers only. Continue on the Emerald Lake Trail, which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. This guide includes: Get oriented with this map of Colorado Hikes. Fall is one of the best times to hike in Colorado. , Quandary makes a great first 14er to tackle. Even for such a short distance, expect this hike to take 3-4 hours. No dogs. Photo Credit: tonda (iStock). The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. 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. Chasm Lake is fishable from June to October. Not only is it a popular backpacking route in Colorado, but this hike will take you around 4 hours to complete and will take you past Timberline Falls by way of Glacier Gorge Trail. If you are looking for some of the most dramatic mountain views in the United States, the San Juans are the place to be. 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. Rise early to catch a mountain sunrise guaranteed to leave you speechless. Photo Credit: ablokhin (iStock). Photo Credit: John Fielder. Different public lands have different guidelines and restrictions, so it is important to be familiar with the area that you are hiking in. Distance: 7.8 milesElevation Gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Hikes here range from short walks in Boulders Chautauqua Park to hiking Longs peak, a 14er. 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. Acclimatize properly. 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. Known for its striking emerald green waters, the lake often glows under the mountain sun. For the purpose of this article, we will divide the state into different regions and look at some of the best hikes in different parts of the state. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. If you like rocks, this place fits the bill. Photo Credit: twildlife (iStock). Be prepared to not have cell service while you hike. If you arent cozy pooping in a bag and packing it out, stay home. Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 19. (Photo Credit: Steven Bratman under CC BY-SA). As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. a good rule of thumb is to be below treeline by noon. Also, try and do this trek after a rain so that the waterfall looks rad. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. Its $25 to enter the park. Mount Falcon Castle Loop Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Dont stop here, as another singletrack trail on the west side of Mirror Lake heads on to Crater Lake and reveals the even more stunning view of Lone Eagle Peak and Mount Achonee towering above the lake. This hike includes two different 14ers! Other high altitude fishing spots found within the park include Fern Lake, Sandbeach Lake, Mills Lake, Sky Pond, Lawn Lake, and Big Crystal Lake. The Great Sand Dunes rise almost randomly out of the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. 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. Distance: 4.6 milesElevation gain: 213 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. You won't be disappointed with this hike; especially if you love the wildflowers. Dog poop bags to carry out dog poop. 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