A 4×4 vehicle is a must to get up to the trailhead. Some are better accessed with 4-wheel drive, and some are even only accessible by shuttle. When attempting to climb a fourteener like Longs Peak, make sure you have the right gear and that you don’t pack anything unnecessary that will weigh you down. Here comes the big question! A lighter snow season will allow for earlier season hiking. Be sure to admire the sunflowers in the summer. This hike is very challenging due to the high starting elevation, and its elevation gain of over 4,000 feet. There are plenty of hiking trails for all abilities from the parking lot at Chautauqua. And for anyone with an interest in climbing, it’s an excellent place to learn as a beginner. Fall can quickly turn to winter in some areas of the state. This is another great 14er hike to do in the I-70 area. In fact, it may be just what the doctor ordered. For all sponsorship and PR inquiries you can learn more here. Take advantage of the warm spring and early summer weather on one of the top trails — here are some of the most scenic hiking trails along the Western Slopes. The view from the summit of Mt. This hike is mostly on the valley floor, passing multiple lakes on the way to the final pair of the Chicago lakes. Be sure to check the weather conditions beforehand, as ice and snow are not uncommon here even in the warmer seasons. Primary Sidebar. Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. AllTrails Info and Routes in Garden of the Gods. This 3.5-mile loop hike is a popular spot, so definitely try to visit in the morning to avoid the crowds. It’s no secret that these mountains have some of the best hiking in Colorado. Great post. This could be the most popular fall hike in Colorado. Spring can be a tough time to hike, depending on the conditions. This also has a high concentration of popular 14er hikes. It covers more than 39,000 miles of trails on public land, as well as private land with public access. The best winter hikes are easy to get to and protected from the wind, which can make the chilly air miserable. Along with breathtaking views of course, and even potential wildlife sightings. Many locals opt for thirteeners like this one because it’s often far less crowded. Visit one of these mountain towns and you'll never have a shortage of awesome hiking options. Very glad to know about such wonderful places for hiking. It is important to always bring extra layers and a waterproof jacket while hiking in Colorado. If you do encounter a little mud, walk right through it rather than widening the trail—that’s what sturdy hiking shoes are for. Colorado Springs also has a great number of hikes close to town and is under the shadow of Pikes Peak, a 14er. This is a must do in the San Juans if you are up for a challenging hike. The Mount Evans wilderness areas has plenty of stunning views and great hikes. The Royal Arch is a spectacular rock formation that forms an arch. Kids (or adults) can enjoy splashing around in the creek, climbing over rocks and boulders, or running around. 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 following hikes are in no particular order and will provide some background information on hike length, difficulty, and accessibility. Due to the high exposure of this hike, be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes with you, all year round! Eight of the best day hikes in Western Colorado that you shouldn't miss out on! The weather is very unpredictable in Colorado. Be sure to set out early and watch out for any unpredictable weather changes that may force you to turn back. The Ultimate Guide To Become Location Independent, AllTrails Info and Route for the first part – from Telluride to Bridal Veil Falls, AllTrails Info and Route for the second part – from Bridal Veil Falls to Blue Lake. This area is roughly the region south of I-70 and encompasses a huge area. Micro-spikes and snowshoes can be necessary during the winter months (October-April). This is a heavily trafficked area, so be sure to get there early. There are also great groups on facebook that post trail conditions. Colorado hikes have it all and they never disappoint. Altitude sickness is important to be aware of when hiking at higher elevations. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. However, if you want beautiful views of Sunshine Canyon, Boulder, Denver, and very cool mountains, then this rather touristy spot is for you. Location: I-70 corridor, outside of the town of Aspen. So without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best Colorado day hikes. Summer thunderstorms are very common on Mount Elbert and can prove to be fatal. With more fourteener hikes (a trek that takes you to a peak with an elevation of at least 14,000 feet) than any other state, you’ll find yourself in hikers paradise. Another top option in this list of best hikes in Colorado is the Golden Gate Canyon State Park, which has plenty of trails to keep you occupied. And with so much to offer in terms of landscape and natural beauty, longer day hikes (between 4 and 8 hours) may be an excellent way to pack in a day of adventure. And for an added special touch, you can look out for a little jar nestled in a rock pile. This is a great way to have a visual look at all of the trails in the state. While hiking in Colorado, it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet and ankles good support. 20 Superstition Mountains Hiking Trails You Can’t Miss . And going on a weekday is definitely best if you want to avoid the masses. From the the deep Black Canyon of the Gunnison, to the highest point in Colorado on Mount Elbert, there is a lifetime of hiking to explore. Most high alpine roads will open up in June each summer. For more information, please visit the town of Glenwood Springs website. While hiking in snow or mud, gaiters can be great to throw over your pants as well. On this hike you will come across four false summits – keep pushing onwards, you’ll know you’re at the summit when you cross a little saddle. Get ready for majestic mountains, glassy alpine lakes, and jagged, towering rock faces. Be sure to be off of the hike in the early afternoon before the thunderstorms, as the hike is nice and exposed. The San Juan Mountains near Silverton, Colorado provide some of the best day hikes in Colorado. Be sure to check on trail conditions using All-Trails, or by contacting the proper park manager to inquire about trail conditions. While not a very challenging hike, this hike is on our list because of how unique it is. 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. Tell me, have you been to any of the hikes on this list? The 10 Best Hikes in Colorado Missouri Lakes. Micro-spikes can useful when there is snow on the windswept trail. Also, make sure to bring lots of water as facilities are not common in the area. This is probably the most popular 14er hike in the Denver region. Dependent on the seasonal opening of Independence Pass. Author email; Oct 19, 2020 Oct 19, 2020; 1; Facebook; Twitter; WhatsApp; SMS; Email; Print ; Save; If you're looking to hit the trail in Colorado, there's a seemingly endless number of spots to do it. In many parts of the state, fall colors highlight the woods. Moving onto Bierstadt’s next-door neighbor, we have the beautiful Square Top Mountain. Be on the lookout for mountain goats in the summer. Baker Wilderness. One can encounter snow on Colorado hiking trails all year round. During the summer of 2020 there is permit system to enter RMNP. Now, what better way is there to get one than with a beautiful hike. In the summer, you’ll find folks heading up St. Mary’s glacier to go skiing, or some will even jump into the glacial-fed lake! Looking for things to do while outdoors when you visit Denver, Colorado? With thousands of hikes in Colorado, there is no way all of them can be featured in this article. The Best Places in Colorado for Hiking. The road is open all year round, but for best conditions, plan to do this hike in June, July, and August. For many, hiking seems like some far-off extreme sport that requires you to sleep in a tent on a frost-covered mountain. These are some of the best moderate hikes you can look forward to trying. And what’s more, this hike will put your fitness to the test for sure. 1. The road is rather rocky and a 4×4 car is recommended. Your email address will not be published. But the view will be worth every bit of panting and sweating. Location: Northern Front Range. This is a family friendly hike that should not be missed in Colorado. There are 54 peaks over 14,000 feet in Colorado, and all of them have challenging hiking options! This is a great day trip and is considered one of the best fourteeners to start out with if you are a beginner. With the orange rocks protruding out of the slopes, it makes for a truly remarkable natural composition. This really is one of the best scenic hikes in Colorado. Conveniently located near Estes Park, this trail takes hikers to the summit of Rocky Mountain National Park’s most iconic peak. Colorado possesses some truly unmatched landscapes and nature. Season: Best to hike in summer. Location: Northern front range. Top Colorado Springs Hiking Trails: See reviews and photos of hiking trails in Colorado Springs, Colorado on Tripadvisor. Now that we’ve covered all the trails, you can check their location in the map below. This will prevent injuries while hiking on rocky ground. Winter brings solitude through deep snow in the woods. Garden of the Gods Inner Loop. You’ll also get to enjoy beautiful mountains and lots of wildlife. Generally speaking, if the hike is on National Forest land, there will not be any fees associated with accessing the hike. For more information please visit the RNMP website. What makes this trek so difficult is the ascent which is marked by dramatic inclines and many loose rocks. So switch off and get out into nature, you won’t be sorry you did! This stunning hike brings one to one of the few remaining glaciers in Colorado. There is also a shuttle service in the summer and fall seasons. Your email address will not be published. This beautiful hike will certainly have you feeling the burn, with some seriously steep bits. Check out six of the best hikes in Colorado to try out at least once in your lifetime. With breathtaking beauty around every corner, you can’t go wrong with making this your next hiking destination. 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. Or you’re simply looking to get out and take a leisurely stroll in some beautiful scenery – Colorado is the place for you. RMNP, as aficionados call these nearly 400 square miles just about a 90-minute drive from Denver, has 350 miles of trails. It’s advised to tackle this hike on a weekday in order to avoid the weekend crowds. Discover the high desert of the American Southwest in Grand Junction. If you feel that the hikes thus far would not prove enough of a challenge for you, then these should get you excited. There are two main lakes to visit on the ice lake basin trail hike. Required fields are marked *. Let’s start with some common questions about hiking in Colorado. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Season: May-November is ideal. From there you are only a few hours from incredible hiking destinations! It also allows you to enjoy the wilderness. Best Regions For Hiking in Colorado Colorado boasts some of the most incredible scenery in the United States and is blessed with several amazing regions for hiking. Location: Northern Front Range. Most hikers will start hiking around 3am in the summer. However, the popularity of this hike makes it a very tourist-heavy destination where you’ll likely be contending with crowds all year round. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a rather unknown gem of the state. This Colorado hiking guide will include a few different hikes to suit every fitness level and preference. Longs Peak is one of the most challenging mountains to hike in Colorado with an infamously elusive summit. As far as hiking states go, Colorado is a state that often comes to mind when people think about hitting the trails. Season: While it can be hiked all year round, the most popular time to hike is in the summer. When deciding where to hike in Colorado, you will soon realize you’re spoilt for choice. During these times, however, snowshoes or spikes are necessary. While there is plenty of hiking all year round, hiking into the high alpine is best during July and August. Being on an exposed ridge top on a late summer day is one of the most dangerous places to be while hiking. It is extremely steep. And with millions of acres of wilderness to explore, it’s hard to know where to start. This hike provides a great introduction to hiking in Colorado and the Boulder Open Space trails. Thanks and keep sharing!! Hiking in Colorado: Best Trails and Hikes for Intermediate Hikers. On an early morning trip, you’ll likely spot some animal friends like mountain goats, pikas, and marmots who all call this area home. Be sure to have checked the forecast multiple times, and do always bring extra layers as well as a rain jacket. Mountains above 14,000 feet are known as 14ers. Hanging Lake. If you are in the area for this hike, it is worth it to drive to the summit of Mt. The Pawnee Buttes almost reach 300 feet in height and dominate their surroundings. Between sweeping views, magnificent rock faces, and the occasional bear sighting, this is a spot to put on any Colorado list. Climb grand mountain peaks, meander through fields of beautiful wildflowers, walk amongst wonderful wildlife, or just hang out at a gorgeous alpine lake. Much of this land has developed hiking trails, spanning 12 National Parks, 41 State Parks, and 58 mountains above 14,000 feet. Longs Peak lures climbers from all over the world to attempt the rocky, dangerous ascent. And at the right time of the year, it becomes a real winter wonderland. And in today’s fast-paced world, a breath of fresh air has never been more necessary. Colorado’s Western Slope is full of stunning day hikes. Season: All year round. The turquoise coloring is unlike anything else in the state. This is thankfully not the case. This incredibly large region includes some of the highest and most rugged hiking in the state. For hikers looking for new trails to explore, Colorado offers endless options. This hiking spot caters to various abilities, with paths marked to show trails of various difficulties. When hiking above treeline, it is incredibly important to watch the weather and be off the summit before 2pm. This hike includes two different 14ers! Around 9 miles in total, Telluride is one of the best places to hike in Colorado. The tracks and trails here are suited to every age and ability. They will allow you to enjoy all the natural wonders that Colorado has to offer, without totally exhausting yourself. Ultimate Guide to the Best Hiking Knives. The Best Winter Hiking Boots For 2021, 5. Generally speaking, areas above 9,000 feet in spring time are definitely still covered in snow. Location: Start of the I-70 corridor. Avoid hiking on trails that are saturated, as leaving tons of footprints in muddy trails damages them for other users. These are some of the best moderate hikes you can look forward to trying. And sometimes all one needs to shake up that fitness rut is to get their heart pumping with a hike in some beautiful surroundings. If you find yourself in the Boulder area and you’re looking for some outdoor adventure and beautiful scenery, then definitely check out these unique mountain ranges. 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. You will also get to admire the beautiful Square Top Lake. Become educated on the topic, and be sure to keep an eye on those hiking with you. This large area will include hiking near the popular ski resorts of Colorado. This is the high country so be sure to bring extra layers and drink plenty of waterfall. Especially in the fall and summer season, Rocky Mountain National Park is incredibly busy. Cross-referencing that app with All-Trails, or the Outbound App can prove for some awesome adventures. Here is an article about getting altitude sickness in Colorado. The Blue Lakes Trail is jaw-droppingly beautiful and a decent challenge for any adventure seekers. Ready to strap on your daypack and get to hiking? This easily accessible hiking trail is minutes away from Colorado Springs. While shorts may be more comfortable for lower elevation hikes in the heat, It is advisable to wear long pants, regardless of the outside temperature. Popular fall hiking can be found in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and near the towns of Vail and Aspen. That’s why they call it breckenwind! It is not a bad idea to wear a climbing helmet for the 3rd class scramble, as there are lots of loose rocks. Hike . And it’s essential to have some climbing experience before taking this one on. Even for such a short distance, expect this hike to take 3-4 hours. So if it’s solitude and quiet you’re after, then this is a good option to go for. Depends on road conditions and the seasons snowpack. Check out TravelAwaits’ picks for the best hikes in all 50 states here. Some hikes may recommend hiking poles, or even a helmet while scrambling on more technical hiking trails. The wealth of quality hiking adventures in Colorado is nearly limitless. Whether you choose to make this your trail running training grounds, or your weekend outing with family and friends, you won’t be disappointed. Explore With Us Sign up for our newsletter and get early access to seasonal sales, exclusive travel tips from expert outdoor explorers (that’s us), and more! Be sure to have the right education and the right gear. This spot is great for all fitness levels and there are several loop options ranging from 2.6 to 3 miles in total. For example, if you were flying in from sea level, it would be dangerous to try and hike a 14er the next morning. Being that is a an overview of the best hiking in Colorado, this article could go on for days. Location: I-70 corridor, not very far from Denver. The trails are plentiful and allow for your pups to join too. Fall is one of the best times to hike in Colorado. This beautiful park is an excellent place to take your friends or family for a day of fun in the great outdoors. An added bonus to this spot is that this trail is paved which makes it accessible for wheelchair users and those with strollers. They are guaranteed to get that heart rate up and a good burn going. These sandstone tower formations are scattered around the park. Season: All year round, most popular in the summer. Quick rainstorms and thunderstorms are also not uncommon up in the high country. Located within Rocky Mountain National Park, it’s one of the most attempted of the fourteeners in Colorado. It’s clear by now that the Colorado wilderness has a hike or a trail for everyone. There are different difficulties of hiking for all levels and interests. Be on the lookout for more articles in the future for the best 14er hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. You will need to check in at the South Rim visitors center to get a permit. Plus, receive a short e-book with 15 Beginner Tips and Tricks to Start Travel Hacking!​. Evans as well. Mt. Let’s connect! This Class 2 scenic day hike in Colorado is a perfect summer trek, and you’ll enjoy the view of the lake basin with a blue tint. Others also have parking fees. Recent Blog Posts. The crown jewel of the front range is Longs Peak. Please read our disclosure. Just hike the path of least resistance! 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. Between the general region of the San Juans and the southern front range. This will prevent your legs from getting cold and dirty! These massive sand dunes rise out of the ground and lay low beneath the Rocky Mountains. Colorado. There is a chain link “rope” to help with the steepest section. What other hikes in Western Colorado should we visit next time we're there? Evans. It should be noted that if peace and quiet is your thing, then you may not find it here. But the breathtaking beauty of the 3 alpine lakes will make every bit of struggle worthwhile. If that comes off like a big, fat, humblebrag, well it is. In the Mount Evans Wilderness off of Guanella Pass, Square Top Mountain shares a parking area with the popular fourteener, Bierstadt. Like other 14er hikes, it is very important to start early and end early. This is one of the more difficult 14er hikes in the state. It is very important to be off of the summit in the early afternoon to prevent exposure to thunderstorms. 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. Which you’ll be able to marvel at. Hikes here range from short walks in Boulder’s Chautauqua park to hiking Longs peak, a 14er. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. This hike is for experienced hikers only. Please check the NPS website and All-Trails for conditions updates. 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. There are several peaks that challenge even the fittest and most seasoned climbers. Location: San Juans. Many hikers are drawn here for the splendor of Rocky Mountain National Park , 265,000 acres of epic mountains, crystal lakes, cascading waterfalls, and wide, grassy meadows. Please be sure to visit the RMNP website for more information on the current permitting process for parking and entrance to the park. The summer can also bring snow and hail when you are least expecting it, be sure to be packed for all weather conditions! It is a good idea to look into purchasing a mode of communication for emergencies such as a SPOT or a Garmin Inreach. This is a great resource released by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. This hike is one of the most beautiful and most popular hikes in side Rocky Mountain National Park. Some of the best fall colors can be seen in this area. This hike will drop down considerably into a basin of beautiful streams and rolling hills. Three trails I can highly recommend here are the Royal Arch Trail, the Chautauqua Trail, and the First and Second Flatirons Loop. And of course, plenty of water and sunscreen are essentials too. Hi There! This leaves one exposed to lightning strikes, which causes about 2 fatalities per year in Colorado. A small, packable rain jacket can be great to throw in your pack. But they still get your body moving. But what makes Colorado such a great hiker’s destination is the diversity it provides. The hike allows for many breaks and picture opportunities so bring those cameras. This area is known for its heavy winds. For the more alpine regions, spring can either still be winter, or it can be very muddy. This is available as a desktop version as well on Iphone and Android. The hikes in this area are commonly at higher altitudes and will often start at 9,000 or 10,000 feet above sea level. Even for someone that lives in Colorado, anyone can get altitude sickness when hiking up high, most commonly above 8,000 feet. This beautiful state boasts hundreds of mountain ranges and a wealth of trails just waiting to be explored. Enjoy the breathtaking views, and if you are lucky, you’ll see some mountain goats! And sometimes all one needs to shake up that fitness rut is to get their heart pumping with a hike in some beautiful surroundings. This is the perfect place to bring everyone including the kiddies. Towns like Telluride, Silverton, and Durango will be nearby for hiking in this region. The 10 Best Hikes Near Grand Junction, Colorado . Plus, when you arrive at the park, you can stop by the visitor’s center to talk to park rangers who will recommend excellent hiking options for little ones. Heavy snowfall shuts down the majority of hiking in the alpine environment due to avalanche concerns as well as intense cold weather. These geographical regions are subjective, but will provide a good layout of hiking in the state. Season: Memorial Day through mid-October. It is tough to narrow down the best Colorado hiking trails and hikes, but you definitely can’t go wrong with any of these ones. Here you will have many trails to choose from while enjoying a variety of beautiful sights.