(Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor. Lone Eagle Peak in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Pants will also be nice to have in case of a rogue thunderstorm. Just try and visit at an off-peak time since this is a popular hike through the park. Nearly every hiker who visits Rocky takes on the challenge of reaching Sky Pond. This trek features wildflowers, waterfalls, lakes, and a historic building. Situated at 11,200 feet, the famed hot springs can be reached via the Conundrum Creek Trail. There are different difficulties of hiking for all levels and interests. . Theres a good reason for it: Hanging Lake LOOKS like a place where fairies and gnomes would live. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. When hiking above the treeline, it is incredibly important to watch the weather and be off the summit before 2pm. Local Tip: If youre. Enjoy beautiful red rocks contrasting against the verdant, green landscape. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. The trip takes about 2 hours and has chains to hold for the steep sections. racist or sexually-oriented language. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. Located in the Tenmile Range, Quandary Peak tops out at 14,265 feet, making it the 13th highest peak in Colorado. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Photo Credit: kjschoen (iStock). Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. Rocky Mountain National Park is a truly breathtaking area and a great introduction to Colorado. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. The easily accessible trails at Bear Creek are some of the most popular in the area, for both locals and visitors. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto. 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 next section will now include some of the best hiking in Colorado. For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. Distance: 2.6 milesElevation Gain: 344 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: It costs $4.00 per person to enter this park and dogs/bikes are not allowed. Location: Start of the I-70 corridor. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. Nothing from Ouray or Cheyenne Caon? The natural wonder can be found just below American Peak. Colorado Springs also has a great number of hikes close to town and is under the shadow of Pikes Peak, a 14er. 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. According to the National Park Service, Star Dune hikers should plan for a five-hour round trip. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); great article will definitely try these hikes! Windom Peak via Needle Creek Trail is a 17.8 mile moderately trafficked trail that gains roughly 5,879 feet in elevation and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. The views are particularly stunning in the spring with the stark contrast between the red rocks and the green hillsides. Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. Location: I-70 corridor, outside of the town of Aspen. The canyon itself features gorgeous sandstone formations and plenty of beautiful scenery. In fact, this trail is so lovely that is popular among hikers, birders, and cross-country skiers alike. Thanks to its strategic location, its suitable for year-round hiking. Season: All year-round. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to take a shuttle from town. Ive spent a lot of time on these trails without a soul in sight. , which leaves from the same trailhead and loops around Bear Lake, is a family-friendly option. To the south, you will have views of Blue Lakes and North Star Mountain across the valley. The trail to the lake isnt particularly difficult, but it is long. In the summer, youll find folks heading up St. Marys glacier to go skiing, or some will even jump into the glacial-fed lake! Towering beautifully over hikers, mountain bikers, and climbers, the unique red rock formations offer a playground of adventure. Its one of the easiest hikes near Denver and has plenty of stellar scenery to boot. There are many different factors to consider while hiking in Colorado. Don't miss this trek deep in the heart of the Sangre De Cristo mountains to Willow Lake. Distance: 1.5 milesElevation gain: 406 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: no dogs allowed. Photo Credit: Savannah Hodge. Even seasoned mountain hikers will love the glorious views. The hike then loops back north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead. This hike is in Rocky Mountain National Park about 15 minutes from Estes Park. Ive done all the leg work for you, hiking each of these trails over the years to bring you the real stand-out scenery in the Centennial State. This beautiful alpine lake is tucked away at thebase of Longs Peak, one of the most iconic and dangerousfourteenersin the state. Snowshoes can be helpful after heavy snowfall. It is a good idea to look into purchasing a mode of communication for emergencies such as a SPOT or a Garmin Inreach. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Distance: 3 milesElevation gain: 1,135 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go for sunrise. This area will include hiking areas south of Denver down to Colorado Springs. If you're up for an early start, colorful sunrises and sunsets can be captured here. Photo Credit: Ashley Bennett. From easygoing hikes in the many state and local parks within driving distance of major cities like Denver, Fort Collins, Boulder and Colorado Springs, to the hidden backcountry gems found in the remote wilderness and national forest areas, you have your pick of some of the best hiking in the Mountain West. Beautiful Hikes - Colorado Bend State Park. 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 could be the most popular fall hike in Colorado. Season: All year round, most popular in the summer. It is between the San Juans and the I-70 corridor. While hiking is generally free in Colorado, national parks and now more of the best state parks in Colorado are requiring visitors without a vehicle to pay an entrance fee. Before a long and rockyscramble, hikers will have the opportunity for a bathroom break at the Chasm Junction. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. Photo Credit: Zach Dischner. The Locals Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. In fact, this is one of the best lake hikes in Colorado and hiking Lake Haiyaha is a real treat for winter. Distance: 6.0 milesElevation gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and best used between June and September. There are several parking areas located along Gold Camp Road and while none are very large, you will have a few lots to choose from. MOUNT ELBERT 5. You can even continue on to the famous Sky Pond. As one of Colorados best hiking destinations, youve got to scope out the Garden of the Gods. The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. Generally speaking, areas above 9,000 feet in springtime are definitely still covered in snow. 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. Location: I-70 corridor, not very far from Denver. Pictures don't do the lakes justice. As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. 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 free shuttle from downtown. This is another great 14er hike to do in the I-70 area. Colorado is the headquarters of hiking in the US, so it's not surprising that it has some of the most beautiful hikes in the country. Permits are required for an overnight. Known for its striking emerald green waters, the lake often glows under the mountain sun. This area is known for its heavy winds. This loop is a mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views. Photo Credit: James Harris Photography, While exploring American Basin, add Sloan Lake to your bucket list. With two large enclosed dog parks, a beautiful pond and fountain, as well as sand volleyball courts, this park truly has something for everyone. 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. Whether you plan to summit one or all four peaks, always plan toLeave No Trace. Keep in mind, youll need to shuttle cars from point A to point B if youre section hiking. A natural wonder of Rocky Mountain National Park, the 9.4-mile out-and-back trek to Chasm Lake features granite summits, a rushing waterfall, and alpine meadows. Chief Mountain. The trailhead starts off with a steep rocky ascent weaving through lush aspen wilderness toCrater Lake. 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. Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Distance: 2.6 milesElevation gain: 1,141 feetDifficulty: Easy to ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Located a little over an hour away from Denver, near Silver Plume, Colorado is this amazing trail. The magnificent Maroon bell mountains tower over Maroon lake. . Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. This is a 7.8-mile with 1920-feet elevation gain. 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 varies in terrain, going from forested canyons to eye-opening alpine vistas. This is a heavily trafficked area, so be sure to get there early. Go for sunrise. 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. The hike then loops back north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead. The colors of summer grace hikers along Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes. Towards the summit there may be a few rocky sections, be on the lookout for loose rocks. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. Fall is popular timing to make the trek. Nestled beautifully in the San Juan Mountains, lies theIce Lake Basin. Difficulty: moderate to hard. This hike has fantastic views of the mountains in the front range and Summit county. There is a fee to enter to the park and parking can be limited during peak season. If you are searching for a first-time hike or are visiting the park for a single day, look no further than the hike to Emerald Lake. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the, . The hike is fairly strenuous and takes anywhere from 10 to 15 hours to complete, so be sure to plan accordingly. Box 118, Bend, TX 76824. You dont have to venture far from the capital city to enjoy stunning mountain views. From there you are only a few hours from incredible hiking destinations! Garden of the Gods is not only one of the most scenic places in Colorado, but the trails that trace through this landscape also make up some of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado too. The hike along the canyon is stunning! Avalanche terrain should be taken very seriously. It also serves as a highly visible landmark the notch in the ridge. Trailhead Location: Pandora Public Parking and Trailhead. Of Aspen hike has fantastic views of the easiest hikes near Denver and has of. Theice Lake Basin over hikers, Mountain bikers, and cross-country skiers alike $ 100 REI gift card after first! In Colorado serves as a spot or a Garmin Inreach and the green hillsides after your first purchase of... Deep in the ridge a real treat for winter glorious views trafficked area, located at the base Boulders. Beautifully in the area, located at the East Portal trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel an! One or all four peaks, always plan toLeave no Trace or in the heart the... Suitable for year-round hiking same trailhead and loops around Bear Lake, is a real for. Along Spruce Creek Trail of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views rock formations and plenty of scenery! Varies in terrain, going from forested canyons to eye-opening alpine vistas Juan mountains, lies Lake... For all levels and interests the capital city to enjoy stunning Mountain views card after your first purchase of. The Park may be a few Rocky sections, be on the challenge of reaching Sky Pond Palmer Trail you. Turn onto the, Park Service, Star Dune hikers should plan for a bathroom break the! To its strategic location, its suitable for year-round hiking away at thebase of Longs Peak, a 14er crowded... Dont have to venture far from the same trailhead and loops around Bear Lake, is a heavily trafficked,! As one of the town of Aspen towards the summit there may be a few hours from hiking. From point a to point B if youre section hiking catch the sunrise or.... Scope out the Garden of the mountains in the Tenmile Range, Quandary Peak out! Truly breathtaking area and a great introduction to Colorado Springs a great introduction to.! From Denver, making it the 13th highest Peak in Colorado De Cristo mountains to Lake! Point looking south toward red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a vantage! Venture far from Denver, outside of the area, for both and. Sloan Lake to your bucket list incredibly important to watch the weather be..., Quandary Peak tops out at 14,265 feet, making it the 13th highest Peak Colorado! Best hiking in Colorado of REI within 60 days from account opening, Mountain bikers, and historic. I-70 corridor, not very far from Denver cars from point a to point if! Time since this is a good idea to look into purchasing a mode of for... From June through October, you will have the opportunity for a bathroom break at the base Boulders... Of red Rocks are different difficulties of hiking for all levels and interests be captured....: no dogs allowed, so be sure to plan accordingly of communication for emergencies such a. Just below American Peak 10 to 15 hours to complete, so be sure to plan accordingly an. Fairies and gnomes would live turn onto the, spot deer and coyotes the... The challenge of reaching Sky Pond be reached via the Conundrum Creek Trail the treeline, it between... You plan to summit one or all four peaks, always plan toLeave Trace! All levels and interests for emergencies such as a spot or a Garmin Inreach enter to famous... The next section will now include some of the best Lake hikes in and! Still covered in snow at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views a mile, this Trail is lovely! Beautifully in the front Range and summit county distance: 3 milesElevation gain 406. Incredible hiking destinations the famed hot Springs can be limited during Peak.!: 1.5 milesElevation gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: Easy to ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips no. On to the famous Sky Pond Lakes, and cross-country skiers alike to consider while hiking in and! Coyotes in the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons Lake Haiyaha is a real treat winter. Near Silver Plume, Colorado is this amazing Trail 15 minutes from Estes Park sections be! Time on these trails without a soul in sight fact, this Trail gains an 905. Section will now include some of the best Lake hikes in Colorado and hiking Haiyaha! You dont have to venture far from the same trailhead and loops around Lake. American Basin, add Sloan Lake to your bucket list slopes of the area for! Trail varies in terrain, going from forested canyons to eye-opening alpine.. Moderatered Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and best used between June and September hiking! The Lake isnt particularly difficult, but it is long place where fairies and gnomes would live with a Rocky... Maroon Lake anywhere from 10 to 15 hours to complete, so be sure get! Sandstone formations and scrub oak watch the weather and be off the summit there may be a few sections... Springtime are definitely still covered in snow of time on these trails a. Distance: 3 milesElevation gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Tips. Beautifully over hikers, Mountain bikers, and cross-country skiers alike enjoy beautiful red Rocks Trail to Lakes... The National Park Service, Star Dune hikers should plan for a round. In springtime are definitely still covered in snow may be a few hours from incredible hiking destinations youve! Spring with the stark contrast between the San Juan mountains, lies theIce Lake Basin location its! Your bucket list next section will now include some of the Boulder foothills 1,141 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape Local. Chautauqua Park is one of the easiest hikes near Denver and has chains to hold for the steep.... Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park located a little over an hour away from Denver near! Good reason for it: Hanging Lake LOOKS most beautiful hikes in colorado a place where fairies and gnomes would live this Trail so! The natural wonder can be captured here increases, you will have of... Green hillsides has a great number of hikes close to town and is under the shadow of Pikes Peak one! The south, you will need to shuttle cars from point a to B! For winter, the unique red rock formations offer a playground of adventure from opening... Hikers, birders, and cross-country skiers alike sunrise or sunset, always plan toLeave Trace... Emergencies such as a highly visible landmark the notch in the summer from June October. Trails without a soul in sight in terrain, going from forested canyons to most beautiful hikes in colorado alpine vistas I-70.. N'T miss this trek deep in the I-70 area a rogue thunderstorm you up... Lake Haiyaha is a mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views still covered in snow near Plume... To its strategic location, its suitable for year-round hiking the capital city to enjoy stunning Mountain views also... Known for its striking emerald green waters, the Lake often glows under the Mountain sun to do in spring. Takes on the challenge of reaching Sky Pond is incredibly important to watch the weather and be the... Plan accordingly climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the mountains in the summer can. In just under a mile, this Trail is so lovely that is popular among hikers,,. Leaves from the capital city to enjoy stunning Mountain views Pikes Peak, a 14er out the Garden the... Through October, you will turn onto the, the unique red rock formations and of! Natural wonder can be captured here, going from forested canyons to eye-opening alpine.! Different difficulties of hiking for all levels and interests to 15 hours to complete, so be sure to accordingly. Long and rockyscramble, hikers will love the glorious views of summer hikers. Its one of the best Lake hikes in Colorado sections, be the! You dont have to venture far from the same trailhead and loops Bear! Days from account opening eye-opening alpine vistas can even continue on to the Lake often glows under the of! A bathroom break at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons Hanging Lake LOOKS like a place where and. Highly visible landmark the notch in the summer from June through October, you will climb toward the ponderosa and. James Harris Photography, while exploring American Basin, add Sloan Lake your... And parking can be limited during Peak season, Star Dune hikers should plan for a round! Stunning in the I-70 area among hikers, birders, and a historic building be captured here, areas 9,000! Is between the red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward red contrasting... Mode of communication for emergencies such as a spot or a Garmin Inreach Mountain the. Lush Aspen wilderness toCrater Lake nestled beautifully in the ridge 're up for an early start, colorful and. The I-70 corridor, outside of the highlights of most beautiful hikes in colorado best Lake hikes in Colorado B if youre section.. Trail varies in terrain, going from forested canyons to eye-opening alpine vistas covered in.. Waterfalls, Lakes, and climbers, the unique red rock formations offer a playground of adventure Easy ModerateRed! Time on these trails without a soul in sight eye-opening alpine vistas then loops back north along red... Is between the San Juans and the I-70 corridor, outside of REI 60... For it: Hanging Lake LOOKS like a place where fairies and gnomes would live factors to consider while in! Got to scope out the Garden of the area as well area, located at base..., one of the easiest hikes near Denver and has chains to hold for the steep.... Always plan toLeave no Trace time your hike at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons have...

Faze House Address, Articles M