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. Segment 11 at the Mount Massive Trailhead. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. The Great Sand Dunes rise almost randomly out of the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Distance: 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 1,530 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto High Drive, a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. There is a chain link rope to help with the steepest section. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. Hike in the morning on a weekday for some solitude. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. It is recommended to go early in the morning or late in the evening. There is also a shuttle service in the summer and fall seasons. This ultimate guide to the best hikes in Colorado gives you an array of local hiking recommendations for all abilities. 1. PYRAMID PEAK 3. Between the general region of the San Juans and the southern front range. It is between the San Juans and the I-70 corridor. The Dream Lake Trail continues to climb from Nymph Lake up into Tyndall Gorge, crossing Tyndall Creek before coming to the eastern edge of Dream Lake. Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. 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. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the free shuttle. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. Now more than 100 years old, this is the one remaining fire tower in service. Its $25 to enter the park. Peaks of granite tower over the alpine waters creating a stunning backdrop for hikers and backpackers. 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. Fall would be the best time to make this hike. Photo Credit: eschuette1. Distance: 5.0 milesElevation Gain: 741 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); great article will definitely try these hikes! This route is one of the most popular hikes in the state with the stunning, 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. One can experience snowstorms in June, warm weather in February, or even a sunny summer day interrupted by intense thunderstorms. 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. The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. 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. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. Rocky Mountain National Park is a truly breathtaking area and a great introduction to Colorado. Depends on road conditions and the seasons snowpack. There are two main lakes to visit on the ice lake basin trail hike. It is tough to narrow down the best Colorado hiking trails and hikes, but you definitely cant go wrong with any of these ones. This list encompasses the most scenic hikes in Colorado. If you like rocks, this place fits the bill. Afternoon thunderstorms are dangerous and kill hikers each year. Garden of the Gods is a popular hiking destination located in Colorado Springs. If you can, try to time your visit between late May and early June since this is when the waterfall is at its best. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. , a short loop off the main paved path that leads to the base of the Sleeping Giant rock formation. Its hard to select just one town in Colorado with the best hiking. If so then why not try this stellar out and back hike? Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. Its also an iconic beginner Colorado 14er so if you can, come early (start before 5 am to beat the crowds, 6 am to hike safely and avoid summer storm cycles). 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. Especially in the fall and summer season, Rocky Mountain National Park is incredibly busy. Looking for a bit of a challenge while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park? It is important to always bring extra layers and a waterproof jacket while hiking in Colorado. After living in Colorado for over 12 years, Ive scoured the landscape to find the best hikes in Colorado. Afterward, check out the sights in nearby Dillon, Frisco, and Breckenridge. As the bloom begins, please remember to stay on the trail and do not pick, touch, or trample the wildflowers. In many parts of the state, fall colors highlight the woods. According to the National Park Service, Star Dune hikers should plan for a five-hour round trip. Parts of this ecosystem are fragile. REI member since 2018. At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow theLeave No Tracebest practices. Enjoy beautiful red rocks contrasting against the verdant, green landscape. This guide includes: Get oriented with this map of Colorado Hikes. If youre just getting into summiting mountains, then head up to the top of Mount Sniktau. Colorado is known for its abundant sunny weather, mountain views and nearly year-round hiking opportunities. Being that is an overview of the best hiking in Colorado, this article could go on for days. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. The trails tend to be snow-free and the roads are open. Cotton can cause hypothermia, even in summer. It's also important to note that avalanche hazards also exist in the valley. You can also access one of the best hikes in Colorado from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead and then set off from there. Photo Credit: Bryan Hagan, OutThere Colorado. 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. Dog-friendly. 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. Local Tip: If youre. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. : Deckers, CO, in Pike National Forest, 45 miles south of Denver, : 360-degree views from a historic fire tower. From the base of Chautauqua Park, one has access to many trails that go up to the flatiron mountains and provide a wonderful view of Boulder and down to Denver. The city has narrowed down a new nature center in this area. Its $25 to enter the park. Like other 14er hikes, it is very important to start early and end early. Even seasoned mountain hikers will love the glorious views. 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. For the more alpine regions, spring can either still be winter, or it can be very muddy. Dont stop here, as another singletrack trail on the west side of Mirror Lake heads on to. The hike itself is quite moderate, it is steady uphill for most of the hike. Even for someone that lives in Colorado, anyone can get altitude sickness when hiking up high, most commonly above 8,000 feet. 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. 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. 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 round-trip journey clocks in at about 2.1 miles gaining close to 900 feet in elevation. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. If you are traveling in or under avalanche terrain, be sure to be educated on avalanche safety. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. Chicago Lakes starts off steep and mellows out as it meanders down a valley towards the backside of Mount Evans. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 1,033 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Theres a saying in Colorado that goes west slope best slope. This area of the state isnt as easy to access compared to other hiking areas closer to Denver. People die or get rescued off of this mountain every year for biting off more than they can chew. Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire (iStock). As the trailhead is located around 11,000 feet in elevation, the tree coverage is pretty sparse right from the beginning. 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. A hiking day backpack 2. That doesnt mean this is an easy undertaking, though, and hikers should come prepared with plenty of food, water and extra clothing as hiking any 14er in Colorado involves some degree of risk due to elevation, weather and exposure. This is my favorite place to take out-of-town visitors on a scenic jaunt. The "Keyhole" is main route for reaching the iconic 14,259-foot summit. Others also have parking fees. This is by far the most photographed spot in Colorado. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the Village Walk Trail, a flat, wide and easygoing path. (Photo Credit: Steven Bratman under CC BY-SA). The descent can be quite dangerous, watch out for loose rocks. 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. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. Colorado National Monument is one of the best winter hiking destinations in Colorado. Hike along the seven bridges and check out the beautiful waterfall. Located near Montrose Colorado, this 1.5-mile out-and-back trail is a great way to take in the awe-inspiring beauty of Black Canyon of Gunnison. Season: Best to hike in summer. 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. Difficulty - Easy Distance - 2.3 miles Elevation gain - 2,000 feet Duration - 1 to 2 hours 5: Garden of the Gods Dreamstime/Lisa Mckown This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. Many hikers are turned around by high country weather. , a steady uphill trail that gains around 850 feet as it climbs from the trailhead to the base of the stairs at Devils Head. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. Photo Credit: SumikoPhoto (iStock). With sandstone monoliths, tall peaks, and steep canyons, theres a lot to get exciting about when it comes to hiking in Colorado Springs. Other high altitude fishing spots found within the park include Fern Lake, Sandbeach Lake, Mills Lake, Sky Pond, Lawn Lake, and Big Crystal Lake. Generally speaking, areas above 9,000 feet in springtime are definitely still covered in snow. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. check out this blog https://longevity.media/top-10-reasons-why-we-need-to-experience-the-outdoors-more for 10 reasons why we need to be more outdoors that will get you motivated. Its one of the easiest hikes near Denver and has plenty of stellar scenery to boot. Near the southern end of the loop, you can branch onto the. Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. A set of hiking poles 12 Top Colorado Springs Trails & Hikes 1. This is probably the most popular 14er hike in the Denver region. . The trick? 2236 Park Hill Dr, P. O. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. Teens and pre-teens are one of the most sought-after spending crowds, with retailers looking for ways to win their business. Read moreabout us. These massive sand dunes rise out of the ground and lay low beneath the Rocky Mountains. 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. From there you are only a few hours from incredible hiking destinations! 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. best practices. While hiking in snow or mud, gaiters can be great to throw over your pants as well. This hike is very challenging due to the high starting elevation, and its elevation gain of over 4,000 feet. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. A few miles from downtown Boulder, CO. 30 minutes NW from Downtown Denver. Beat the crowds and head to the beautiful Ptarmigan Lake. Season: Summer; June, July, and August. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. While the park is popular enough that you wont have the trails to yourself, there are miles of trails to explore so you can pick and choose your own route to either escape the crowds or follow the well-used paths to the popular viewpoints. 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. Dogs and fishing are also not allowed. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Distance: 6.3 milesElevation Gain: 1,755 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dont pick or prance around in the wildflowers. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the, , a flat, wide and easygoing path. When it comes to hiking in Colorado, there are year-round options. Once you reach the base of Devils Head, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side of the large rock outcropping. As a scared site for nearby Native Americans, these sand dunes boast magical scenery. Photo Credit: Steven Bratman. Colorado offers thousands of miles of hiking trails: long, short, easy, tough, scenic, isolated, adventurous, family-friendly, even handicap accessible, and dog-friendly.Some are perfect for viewing the changing of the aspen trees in the fall, whereas others come to life every spring with colorful wildflowers. A popular trail in this area is Seven Bridges Trail which is a 3.8 mile trail that is moderately difficult. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. : Breckenridge, CO, in the Arapaho National Forest, 88 miles southwest of Denver, Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. , Quandary makes a great first 14er to tackle. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this fire tower was one of seven built in the early 1900s. Popular fall hiking can be found in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and near the towns of Vail and Aspen. Difficulty: Easy. At the end of the long haul, youre greeted with awe-inspiring sandstone arches and deep canyons that rival some of the best scenery in both Arches National Park and the Grand Canyon. Distance: 1.5 milesElevation gain: 406 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: no dogs allowed. The beautiful scenery passes by a few small lakes and ponds before the final push to Ptarmigan Lake. Distance: 3.1Elevation Gain: 990Difficulty: easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. A personal favorite of mine, this trail is well worth the effort. This is a heavily trafficked area, so be sure to get there early. Let me know! Location: Northern front range. Bursting with beauty, the trail features rushing alpine waters, wildflower meadows, and a variety of wildlife including bear, elk, moose, deer, and marmots. Around 11,700 feet, the trees thin out entirely, and you can see the ridge that you will be climbing to the west. With any season, conditions can be variable. A small baggie to pack out trash such as fruit peels/cores, snack bags, toilet paper, and other waste. This beautiful alpine lake is tucked away at thebase of Longs Peak, one of the most iconic and dangerousfourteenersin the state. Distance: 4.6 milesElevation gain: 213 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. Distance: 3 milesElevation gain: 629 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This isnt so much of a trail, as it is walking up a steep, squishy sand hill hence the difficulty. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to take a shuttle from town. For the best experience, try visiting any time between May and October. Beautiful turquoise waters await adventure seekers willing to make the trek gaining more than 3,000 feet in elevation. The crown jewel of the front range is Longs Peak. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Nestled in the Indian Peaks Wilderness lies the wow-worthy granite spectacle. Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. Here is an article about getting altitude sickness in Colorado. One can encounter snow on Colorado hiking trails all year round. Heavy snowfall shuts down the majority of hiking in the alpine environment due to avalanche concerns as well as intense cold weather. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. 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