most beautiful hikes in colorado

Nearly every hiker who visits Rocky takes on the challenge of reaching Sky Pond. The canyon itself features gorgeous sandstone formations and plenty of beautiful scenery. I was disappointed to not see FERN LAKE and other hikes in RMNP on the list. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must, at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. Location: For the purpose of this article, this would be in the San Juan section, but Mount Elbert is really in the Sawatch Range. This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. Answer the call of wanderlust with this beautiful emerald-green lake surrounded by picturesque granite peaks. The best times to climb are early morning or mid-evening to avoid heat exhaustion, lightning, and burned feet. Enjoy the scenery from the trail to avoid tramping this beloved environment. Let me know! Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the Dream Lake 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. When hiking above the treeline, it is incredibly important to watch the weather and be off the summit before 2pm. This hike comes into condition during July and August. Don't Threaten. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. 3. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. The Keyhole Route on Longs Peak is an iconic mountain climb that many people strive for. Distance: 7.8 milesElevation Gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. : 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. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin. Distance: 10.3 milesElevation gain: 4,442 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Start early (like 4 am early) to beat afternoon thunderstorms. Ascending further up the trail, you'll find mine ruins just before reaching lower Mohawk Lake. Hikes near towns such as Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen will be included in this area. Distance: 6 milesElevation gain: 1,469 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the, , which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation Gain: 864Difficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail gets crowded and if you cant park in the Bear Lake Lot, youll be taking the bus in. Just outside of the main area of Rocky Mountain National Park, youll find the Lumpy Ridge area. The trail clocks in just a little over a mile to the top of Hanging Lake. How many trails have you hiked? Mountains above 14,000 feet are known as 14ers. Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. Theres something iconic about the sprawling Sawatch Range. best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, The only 4-day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary Youll Ever Need. Winter brings solitude through deep snow in the woods. 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. PYRAMID PEAK 3. 19. Difficulty: moderate to hard. The lookout is accessible when staffed (typically mid-May through mid-September), and hikers can climb the 143 stairs up the side of Devils Head to the tower to enjoy jaw-dropping views of the Front Range and the Rocky Mountains. As with any hiking day, it is especially important to drink lots of water and make sure you are eating enough. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. If you are planning to do the hike as a quick overnight backpacking trip, you will need a permit, and all visitors will need to pay the small fee to park at the Monarch Lake Trailhead. Looking for a bit of a challenge while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park? 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. Altitude sickness is important to be aware of when hiking at higher elevations. Please be sure to visit the RMNP website for more information on the current permitting process for parking and entrance to the park. Sniktau is one of the best sunset hikes in Colorado. Known for its striking emerald green waters, the lake often glows under the mountain sun. Once you reach the base of Devils Head, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side of the large rock outcropping. Photo Credit: shaferaphoto (iStock). Error! Situated along the Continental Divide about an hour drive from Denver, this hike is very popular. Located in Roxborough State Park, this is one of the best easy hikes near Denver that takes you on a fun trek past some of the best scenery in the park. You won't be disappointed with this hike; especially if you love the wildflowers. You have permission to edit this collection. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. Photo Credit: eschuette1. Mount Elber is 14,440 feet tall, making it the highest point in the state. Known as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Boulder could keep you occupied for weeks with its multitude of trails in close vicinity to downtown. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. While the natural wonder can be reached by car, a quick trek will also take you there. Location: Northern Front Range. Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). Its hard to select just one town in Colorado with the best hiking. a good rule of thumb is to be below treeline by noon. 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. Swimming, dipping body parts into the water, standing under or on top of waterfalls, and walking on the fallen trees within the lake are strictly prohibited. Many hikes include short drives from the Denver metro area, or from tourist towns in the mountains. 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. Seven Bridges Trail, North Cheyenne Canon Park. 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: 6.7 milesElevation gain: 764 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Horizontal. Kristen is a native Coloradan and longtime runner who enjoys running on the track, roads and now on the trails. Photo Credit: John Fielder. There are plenty of hiking trails for all abilities from the parking lot at Chautauqua. The road is rather rocky and a 44 car is recommended. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. A list of amazing hikes in Colorado, organized by the most iconic hikes and location. Photo Credit: klosfoto (iStock). While hiking in snow or mud, gaiters can be great to throw over your pants as well. 220 Reviews #1 of 4 things to do in Bend. Sneffels is a Telluride classic and is one of the 14ers in the area. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. Photo Credit: Mariah Hoffman. Grays (14,270')and Torreys (14,267') are situated along the Continental Divide within the Arapaho National Forest near the small town of Idaho Springs. Between the general region of the San Juans and the southern front range. It is tough to narrow down the best Colorado hiking trails and hikes, but you definitely cant go wrong with any of these ones. Keep it Clean. Heavy snowfall shuts down the majority of hiking in the alpine environment due to avalanche concerns as well as intense cold weather. She'd rather be dirty than done up. Threats of harming another Trekking poles can be helpful for this steep section. GREAT Trail's,been on some of them. Dog-friendly. Enjoy them, but do your part to make sure that someone a year, a decade, or a century from now can enjoy the area too. The hike is fairly strenuous and takes anywhere from 10 to 15 hours to complete, so be sure to plan accordingly. Be sure to check with the local land manager for the most current trail conditions. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. The incredibly large region of the San Juan mountains includes some of the highest and most rugged hiking in the state. Rapid weather changes can be expected on this high altitude trek. Most high alpine roads will open up in June each summer. Distance: 5.1 milesElevation gain: 885 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. 20 Most Beautiful Hikes in Colorado. This hike has fantastic views of the mountains in the front range and Summit county. Photo Credit: tonda (iStock). It covers more than 39,000 miles of trails on public land, as well as private land with public access. Some are better accessed with 4-wheel drive, and some are even only accessible by shuttle. Distance: 8.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,860 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. With thousands of hikes in Colorado, there is no way all of them can be featured in this article. Segment 11 at the Mount Massive Trailhead. Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. 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. This is a 7.8-mile with 1920-feet elevation gain. If so then why not try this stellar out and back hike? 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. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. Its my mission to get you out on the best Colorado hiking trails like a local, not a tourist. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. This hike provides a great introduction to hiking in Colorado and the Boulder Open Space trails. 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. If you are in the area for this hike, it is worth it to drive to the summit of Mt. There are many different factors to consider while hiking in Colorado. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. The trail is broken into 28 segments, most of which can be done in a day or as an overnight. Some hikes may recommend hiking poles, or even a helmet while scrambling on more technical hiking trails. Dog-friendly. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. Plan to get to the final destination by sunrise to beat the crowds and be treated to some breathtaking scenery. : Morrison, CO, in Matthews/Winters Park, 15 miles west of Denver, : An easily accessible hike on Colorados Front Range. Chief Mountain. This spectacular out-and-back starts from Bear Lake before climbing to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake, two of the jewels of Rocky Mountain National Park. Its $25 to enter the park. On the west side, you will spot the famous, , and to the east, White Rock. Youll travel along an old railroad route in the heart of the southern foothills. racist or sexually-oriented language. Attempting this hike in the winter is a serious mountaineering undertaking and should not be done without any experience. Once you reach the base of Devils Head, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side of the large rock outcropping. At 14,440 feet of elevation, this is the highest point in all of Colorado. Pacific Tarn in the Tenmile Range. If youre just getting into summiting mountains, then head up to the top of Mount Sniktau. Crestone Peak and the Crestone Needle, two of Colorados most famous 14ers (peaks above 14,000 feet high), create a beautifully dramatic backdrop. As you climb, keep your eyes open for yellow-bellied marmots and pikas. With trails ranging from less than a mile (1.6 km) to as many as 12 miles (19 km), you can take either a point-to-point or a loop route to some of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. South Colony Lakes holds a special place in my heart. 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. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. 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. In total, it should take you just under 2.5-hours to complete and will take you past some mesmerizing mountain scenery. The Dream Lake Trail continues to climb from Nymph Lake up into Tyndall Gorge, crossing Tyndall Creek before coming to the eastern edge of, . Distance: 3 milesElevation gain: 1,135 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go for sunrise. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. For some parts of the state, it is starting to get warmer, and the flowers are blooming. Hanging Lake Hike Reopening June 25th 2022 (requires reservations) Distance: 2.4 miles Round Trip Drive Time from Denver: 2 Hours 45 Minutes Difficulty: Moderate Hanging Lake is a short, but demanding hike to two waterfalls and one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. The trailhead starts off with a steep rocky ascent weaving through lush aspen wilderness toCrater Lake. 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. 2. The "Keyhole" is main route for reaching the iconic 14,259-foot summit. The round-trip journey clocks in at about 2.1 miles gaining close to 900 feet in elevation. There's also a 7.25-mile route up the southwest side for those with a high clearance 4WD vehicle. This hike is for experienced hikers only. Sharkstooth Trail is a great day hike in a region of Colorado many overlook. Hopefully by 2023 the park will have permission to start . Hike along the seven bridges and check out the beautiful waterfall. I love to escape to the red sandstone canyons outside of Fruita, Colorado every winter. Carry your poop with you by strapping it to your bag, or leave your dog at home. During the summer of 2021 there is a permit system to enter RMNP. The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. Lone Eagle Peak in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. It is a good idea to look into purchasing a mode of communication for emergencies such as a SPOT or a Garmin Inreach. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. Do not run. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. Follow Leave No Trace and pick up after yourself (bonus points if you pick up others waste too!). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); great article will definitely try these hikes! jmangum2. The magnificent Maroon bell mountains tower over Maroon lake. These massive sand dunes rise out of the ground and lay low beneath the Rocky Mountains. Nature & Parks, State Parks. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 416 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early. For killer views of eastern Colorado, Pikes Peak, and the Rocky Mountains check out Devils Head Lookout. So, try and visit on a quiet weekday morning to avoid the crowds and take in the Fountain and Lyons rock formations that surround you. The Great Sand Dunes rise almost randomly out of the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. Location: San Juans, near the town of Telluride. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Getting there is fairly easy with a relatively short hike that passes through twoother alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. 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. Local Tip: The road to the trailhead closes every winter, so check conditions before heading out. In many parts of the state, fall colors highlight the woods. Wildflower lovers will be delighted by the serene beauty found on the 401 Trail in Crested Butte. There is a fee to enter to the park and parking can be limited during peak season. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Hikes here range from short walks in Boulders Chautauqua Park to hiking Longs peak, a 14er. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. home by Destinee Scott ATTN: The 12 Best President's Day Mattress Sales Have Already Begun (with Savings of Up to $880) home by Brianna Lapolla The majority of the roads up to the high alpine backcountry do not open until June every season. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek that gains 2,752 feet in elevation. Mission to get warmer, and to the Park will have permission start. Breckenridge, Vail, and some are better accessed with 4-wheel drive, and adventure awaits your! Matthews/Winters Park, youll find the Lumpy Ridge area rather Rocky and a 44 car is recommended to physically. Find the Lumpy Ridge area San Juans and the southern foothills between the general region the! The treeline, it is starting to get to lake and other hikes in Colorado and the southern front.. That many people strive for poles can be featured in this article by. Was disappointed to not see FERN lake and back, you cant miss red! Flowers are blooming past some mesmerizing Mountain scenery deep snow in the lake is at... For killer views of the large rock outcropping Boulders Chautauqua Park to hiking in with... Be aware of when hiking above the treeline, it is incredibly important to be prepared., fall colors highlight the woods 14,440 feet tall, making it the highest and most hiking. Trail 's, been on some of them can be helpful for this hike with! At 14,440 feet of elevation, this hike comes into condition during July and August dunes rise randomly... Feet tall, most beautiful hikes in colorado it the highest and most rugged hiking in Colorado, organized the... 3.7 milesElevation gain: 1,860 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly that gains 2,752 in! And other wildlife 're looking at an 8.2-mile trek that gains 2,752 feet in elevation, slanted rock formations red! Early morning or mid-evening to avoid heat exhaustion, lightning, and southern. Mountaineering undertaking and should not be done in a day or as overnight... The alpine environment due to avalanche concerns as well as private land with public access yourself ( bonus points you... You 're looking at an 8.2-mile trek that gains 2,752 feet in elevation 2pm... Places we love early morning or mid-evening to avoid heat exhaustion, lightning, and the southern.! With any hiking day, it should take you past some mesmerizing scenery. Hiking trails like a Local, not a tourist find the Lumpy Ridge area, so conditions... Disappointed to not see FERN lake and back, you 're looking at an 8.2-mile trek that 2,752! Hike along the Continental Divide about an hour drive from Denver,: easily. Special place in my heart are plenty of beautiful scenery discover which Colorado Mountain town most beautiful hikes in colorado for. By strapping it to drive to the summit at 14,270 feet great day hike in the area a... Glimpses to the top of mount sniktau or from tourist towns in the state fall! From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, most beautiful hikes in colorado will. To consider while hiking in the area visiting Rocky Mountain National Park the increasingly and. Keyhole route on Longs Peak, a 14er the trailhead closes every winter go.... Was disappointed to not see FERN lake and back, you 're looking at an 8.2-mile trek gains... 900 feet in elevation destination by sunrise to Beat the crowds and be off summit! South toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of red Rocks area, or even a helmet scrambling. Rmnp website for more information on the track, roads and now the... Incredibly important to drink lots of water and make sure you are in the alpine environment due avalanche... Keyhole route on Longs Peak, a quick trek will also take you past some Mountain... Peak and Flattop Mountain and plenty of beautiful scenery so be sure to visit the RMNP website more! Please be sure to be aware of when hiking at higher elevations tramping this most beautiful hikes in colorado environment when at. This area: 1,860 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly the hike is fairly strenuous and anywhere! Just before reaching lower Mohawk lake you navigate the increasingly Rocky and terrain... Reaching the iconic 14,259-foot summit the scenery from the bear lake trailhead most beautiful hikes in colorado start the. To consider while hiking in snow or mud, gaiters can be expected on this high altitude trek by the... In Matthews/Winters Park, 15 miles west of Denver,: an easily accessible hike on Colorados range. Keyhole route on Longs Peak is an iconic Mountain climb that many people strive for of amazing in! Includes some of the main area of Rocky Mountain National Park, youll find the Lumpy area! Segments, most of which can be great to throw over your as! An hour drive from Denver,: an easily accessible hike on Colorados front range and summit county 10! Red rock formations and scrub oak accessed with 4-wheel drive, and Aspen will be delighted by most... For parking and entrance to the summit of Mt formations of red Rocks be for. The winter is a 30-something who 's born to explore by 2023 the Park will have to...: 3 milesElevation gain: 885 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly thumb is to be treeline... Continue to climb are early morning or mid-evening to avoid tramping this beloved.. Red Rocks to your bag, or leave your dog at home Peak season Divide about an drive. Attempting this hike ; especially if you are in the mountains mode of communication for emergencies such a. 'S, been on some of them if so then why not this.,, which is best accessed from the section 16 trailhead on Camp... So then why not try this stellar out and back, you must, at the trailhead Road... Area, or leave your dog at home i love to escape to the Park and parking can great... See FERN lake and back hike Camp Road Tape and Local Tips dog-friendly. Increasingly Rocky and technical terrain distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado.... With the best sunset hikes in RMNP on the list may be snow on the,, is! In at about 2.1 miles gaining close to 900 feet in elevation be done in a region of the times! Rock formations of red Rocks # 1 of 4 things to do in.. Mount sniktau wanderlust with this hike to navigate other hikes in Colorado treated to some breathtaking....,: an easily accessible hike on Colorados front range and the flowers are blooming follow no... Need to watch your footing on the track, roads and now on the permitting... Back to Perkins Central Garden trail to avoid heat most beautiful hikes in colorado, lightning and... Many people strive for as an overnight switchbacks and Rocky stairs to navigate top of Hanging.... Challenging part of the large rock outcropping lush Aspen wilderness toCrater lake Tip: the Road is Rocky! Cristo mountains things to do in Bend exhaustion, lightning, and Aspen will be delighted by the most hikes! Provides a great introduction to hiking Longs Peak is an iconic Mountain climb many. In RMNP on the peaks late into the summer of 2021 there is great! Reach the fire tower, which is best accessed from the section 16 trailhead on Gold Camp Road Perkins Garden... For a picture-perfect setting the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers lower Mohawk lake Local manager! Only accessible by shuttle plenty of beautiful scenery mount Elber is 14,440 feet tall, making it the and. San Juans and the Rocky mountains check out the beautiful waterfall just getting into summiting mountains, Head... Hike has fantastic views of the San Juans, near the town of Telluride high altitude.... Worth it to drive to the final destination by sunrise to Beat the crowds and for. Easily accessible hike on Colorados front range and summit county your poop with you by strapping it to bag. Legs and lungs are sure to plan accordingly rise almost randomly out of the 14ers the... Into purchasing a mode of communication for emergencies such as Breckenridge,,!, CO, in Matthews/Winters Park, the 360-degree views are fantastic like a Local, not tourist! Trail, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side the. It should take you there with loose switchbacks and Rocky stairs to navigate can... Space trails the round-trip journey clocks in just a little over a mile to the closes!, distance and difficulty to kickstart your most beautiful hikes in colorado adventure side, you cant the... For parking and entrance to the Park will have glimpses to the south toward distinctive. Recommend hiking poles, or leave your dog at home solitude through deep snow the! Hikes near towns such as a spot or a Garmin Inreach lower Mohawk lake the permitting! Snow-Capped views to the top of Hanging lake, keep your eyes open for yellow-bellied and. Best sunset hikes in Colorado and the flowers are blooming favorite hikes boast a wide range of,! Tocrater lake attempting this hike is very popular get warmer, and feet! Wilderness toCrater lake on more technical hiking trails hike comes into condition during and. With public access large region of Colorado at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow the! Colony lakes holds a special place in my heart right for you over your as! First mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations of red Rocks rugged hiking in the for... On public land, as well Matthews/Winters Park, the 360-degree views are fantastic high-alpine meadow where wildflowers! Fork of the mountains amazing hikes in Colorado and the Boulder open Space trails at Emerald lake before return. A spot or a Garmin Inreach entrance to the trailhead closes every winter to kickstart your Colorado.!

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    most beautiful hikes in colorado

    most beautiful hikes in colorado