Most visitors enter through the east side of the park near the town of Estes Park. Although there is plenty to do in Rocky Mountain NP, hiking is at the top of the list. These stunning sandstone monoliths inspire the imagination. Please check the NPS website and All-Trails for conditions updates. The trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, which is tucked under the rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop. Top Beautiful Hikes In Colorado Quick View of the list: 1. Colorado is a hiking mecca thats filled with unbelievably beautiful trails. Arrive at the TH before 7 am. Known as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Boulder could keep you occupied for weeks with its multitude of trails in close vicinity to downtown. 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. It is very crowded, but also a very well maintained park. This area is also prone to lightning storms so be sure to start your hike early (like 4:00 am early) to avoid them. The easily accessible trails at Bear Creek are some of the most popular in the area, for both locals and visitors. Generally speaking, the high country is referred to as the area at 9,000 feet and above. Expect this hiking area to be very busy. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. Distance: 5.1 milesElevation gain: 885 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Distance: 7.8 milesElevation Gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. The hiking in this area is challenging, but the views are stunning. The hikes in this area are commonly at higher altitudes and will often start at 9,000 or 10,000 feet above sea level. This is my favorite place to take out-of-town visitors on a scenic jaunt. During the summer of 2021 there is a permit system to enter RMNP. Be prepared to not have cell service while you hike. Be Truthful. Distance: 5.4 milesElevation Gain: 1,072Difficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. 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. For the more alpine regions, spring can either still be winter, or it can be very muddy. Snowshoes are recommended in the early season. Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off towardCrater Lakes. I actually bumped into Devils Canyon by accident, but Im glad I found this diamond in the rough. popular destinations in the Ouray area due to its stunning natural beauty, rich history and colorful wildflowers. Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. The incredibly large region of the San Juan mountains includes some of the highest and most rugged hiking in the state. It is tough to narrow down the best Colorado hiking trails and hikes, but you definitely cant go wrong with any of these ones. Tucked between Interstate 70 and Colorado State Highway 470, Matthews/Winters Park is a surprising location for some beautiful Front Range trails. Difficulty - Easy Distance - 2.3 miles Elevation gain - 2,000 feet Duration - 1 to 2 hours 5: Garden of the Gods Dreamstime/Lisa Mckown Colorado is known for its snow-capped mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Dog-friendly. Spanning 1.1 miles, the Perkins Central Garden . With a 14.5 mile round trip and over 5,000 ft elevation gain, this peak will challenge you in every way possible, but the end reward will be absolutely priceless. and reveals the even more stunning view of Lone Eagle Peak and Mount Achonee towering above the lake. This moderately easy trail works its way straight up to a scenic perch. Even for someone that lives in Colorado, anyone can get altitude sickness when hiking up high, most commonly above 8,000 feet. In Boulder, Colorado, the Chautauqua walking trails offer a variety of beautiful day hikes in Colorado. You can even continue on to the famous Sky Pond. The High Dune gives a spectacular view of this one-in-a-kind national park. Thats why they call it breckenwind! In the summer, youll find folks heading up St. Marys glacier to go skiing, or some will even jump into the glacial-fed lake! So it is no wonder why it attracts dedicated hikers to its peaks every year. Much of this land has developed hiking trails, spanning 12 National Parks, 41 State Parks, and 58 mountains above 14,000 feet. or anything. The unbelievably turquoise waters and surrounding mountains make it an incredibly beautiful adventure. Continue on the. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin. Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. Quick rainstorms and thunderstorms are also not uncommon up in the high country. Kristen is a native Coloradan and longtime runner who enjoys running on the track, roads and now on the trails. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. Theres also a serious avalanche risk, so be sure to understand the fundamentals of winter hiking before heading out. Soakers visiting from early October to late June may encounter snow. 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. You can hike the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first. Photo Credit: klosfoto (iStock). The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. Non-cotton clothing. The natural wonder can be found just below American Peak. takes you up and over Buckskin Pass with amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic, Enjoy the easier hiking at lower elevations while you can, as the, quickly has you climbing back to 12,000 feet over Trail Rider Pass. It also depends on the snow year. If you are traveling in or under avalanche terrain, be sure to be educated on avalanche safety. Another unique feature is Dinosaur Ridge, a National Natural Landmark with preserved dinosaur tracks, to the east. 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 If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the, , which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. You can hike the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first. If you like rocks, this place fits the bill. Fill in your details below, or select an option to login: Hiking up Quandary Peak. Sniktau is one of the best sunset hikes in Colorado. Nestled in the Indian Peaks Wilderness lies the wow-worthy granite spectacle. 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. 7. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. While hiking in Colorado, it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet and ankles good support. Hike in the morning on a weekday for some solitude. Distance: 2.6 milesElevation gain: 1,141 feetDifficulty: Easy to ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Evans. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, The white and lavender Rocky Mountain Columbine, designated as the official state flower, can be found sprouting along the trail. Here is an article about getting altitude sickness in Colorado. 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. 220 Reviews #1 of 4 things to do in Bend. As the trailhead is located around 11,000 feet in elevation, the tree coverage is pretty sparse right from the beginning. 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. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). Back away slowly and be sure to keep a safe distance. The hike to Royal Arch hits all the highlights in a fairly manageable distance, but the incline isnt easy, so come prepared for a leg-burning climb. No dogs. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. Lone Eagle Peak in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Acclimatize properly. Helmet required. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Beat the crowds and head to the beautiful Ptarmigan Lake. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, American Basin is best explored from mid-July to early August. Most high alpine roads will open up in June each summer. While this loop will take you away from the hustle of nearby Colorado Springs, dont expect to be alone, as this popular trail can get quite crowded, especially in the evenings and on the weekends during the summer. Tucked into the Sangre de Cristo Range, the Grand Sand Dunes are the tallest dunes on the continent, with heights up to 755 feet sitting below a scenic mountain backdrop. This hike is mostly on the valley floor, passing multiple lakes on the way to the final pair of the Chicago lakes. Start no later than 2 am. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle). Afternoon thunderstorms are dangerous and kill hikers each year. Million dollar highway loop. The trick? Known for its striking emerald green waters, the lake often glows under the mountain sun. With miles of trails, the park is a great jumping-off point for a short hike, a long outing or even just a picnic at the park with the Flatirons as your backdrop. Here are a few must-do hikes in the area. It covers more than 39,000 miles of trails on public land, as well as private land with public access. When planning your trip, keep in mind that parking can be scarce at the eastern trailheads, especially in the summer. Bursting with beauty, the trail features rushing alpine waters, wildflower meadows, and a variety of wildlife including bear, elk, moose, deer, and marmots. If you're up for an early start, colorful sunrises and sunsets can be captured here. 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. Sand Canyon Mesa is one of the closest hiking trails to Colorado Springs. For more information please visit the RNMP website. Most popular in summer and for fall colors in late September. Photo Credit: John Fielder. 10. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. Colorado hiking trails have the best hiking sticks for kids to find and use. Fall can quickly turn to winter in some areas of the state. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. 5 Must-Have Hiking Essentials 1. Photo Credit: kwiktor (iStock). Emerald Lake Trail 550 Hiking Trails By pamt464 The colors of summer grace hikers along Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Explore one of 1,477 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. Check out the famous Gem Lake for stunning views of strange rock pinnacles and mountain vistas. There are two main lakes to visit on the ice lake basin trail hike. Photo Credit: James Harris Photography, While exploring American Basin, add Sloan Lake to your bucket list. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a rather unknown gem of the state. As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. Garden of the Gods is a popular hiking destination located in Colorado Springs. The summer can also bring snow and hail when you are least expecting it, be sure to be packed for all weather conditions! Found in Rocky Mountain National Park, cross the natural wonder of Emerald Lakeoff your bucket list. Featuring hiking trails found throughout the state, theres a breathtaking hike virtually anywhere! A 44 vehicle is a must to get up to the trailhead. 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. Waste does not break down this high up. DEVIL'S HEAD LOOKOUT 7. Thanks to its strategic location, its suitable for year-round hiking. The trail clocks in just a little over a mile to the top of Hanging Lake. 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. Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. 35% percent of land in Colorado is public land or a whopping 23 million acres. Snowshoes can be helpful after heavy snowfall. A popular trail in this area is Seven Bridges Trail which is a 3.8 mile trail that is moderately difficult. Location: I-70 corridor, outside of the town of Aspen. There is limited parking both at the main Chautauqua Park and along the street, and if you are visiting during peak hours or during the summer, consider taking the, Starting from the main parking area, take, , a wide, hard-packed trail that climbs between a neighborhood on the east and a wide meadow on the west. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. The trail is broken into 28 segments, most of which can be done in a day or as an overnight. The majority of hiking on Mount Elbert is above the tree line. 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