most beautiful hikes in colorado

Non-cotton clothing. Photo Credit: kwiktor (iStock). Micro-spikes can useful when there is snow on the windswept trail. With two large enclosed dog parks, a beautiful pond and fountain, as well as sand volleyball courts, this park truly has something for everyone. Treasure Falls, Colorado 81147, USA. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. Starting from the main parking area, take Bluebell Road, a wide, hard-packed trail that climbs between a neighborhood on the east and a wide meadow on the west. 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. Season: Best to hike in summer. Quick rainstorms and thunderstorms are also not uncommon up in the high country. When hiking above the treeline, it is incredibly important to watch the weather and be off the summit before 2pm. Distance: 8.6 miles roundtrip. From the deep Black Canyon of the Gunnison to the highest point in Colorado on Mount Elbert, there is a lifetime of hiking to explore. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. While you will have to watch your footing on the way back down, the views on the return hike are even more spectacular than on the way up. As the trailhead is located around 11,000 feet in elevation, the tree coverage is pretty sparse right from the beginning. The hike then loops back north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. Rocky Mountain National Park is a truly breathtaking area and a great introduction to Colorado. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. If you like rocks, this place fits the bill. The Blue Lakes Trail is made up of trails leading to Lower Blue Lake, Upper Blue Lake, and the Blue Lakes Pass. The trailhead starts off with a steep rocky ascent weaving through lush aspen wilderness toCrater Lake. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the Crater Lake Trail. This will prevent your legs from getting cold and dirty! Keep your eyes on the trail for wildlife. 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. No one wants to see poop bags on the trail even if you are planning to pick it up later. Top Beautiful Hikes In Colorado Quick View of the list: 1. The Keyhole Route on Longs Peak is an iconic mountain climb that many people strive for. Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). Beautiful Hikes - Colorado Bend State Park. In the summer, youll find folks heading up St. Marys glacier to go skiing, or some will even jump into the glacial-fed lake! In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. Located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park is tucked away in the rolling and forested foothills of Pikes Peak. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. Photo Credit: James Walton. Helmet required. Season: Summer. Each alpine wonder offers a serene escape laced with captivating mountain beauty. As with any hiking day, it is especially important to drink lots of water and make sure you are eating enough. Location: San Juans. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); great article will definitely try these hikes! The hikes in this area are commonly at higher altitudes and will often start at 9,000 or 10,000 feet above sea level. Distance: 6.0 milesElevation gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and best used between June and September. Distance: 5.1 milesElevation gain: 885 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. 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. The 14-mile route in Rocky Mountain National Park can be very dangerous, requiring class three climbing with the majority of the route exposed well above treeline. The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must, at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. Dont forget to bring your camera! The trails tend to be snow-free and the roads are open. Longs Peak (Estes Park) Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. If you arent cozy pooping in a bag and packing it out, stay home. Please follow these rules when visiting and remember, when you're exploring to leave absolutely no trace. Its almost a rite of passage to hike this iconic hiking trail in Colorado. 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. Summiting 14ers is a summer pastime for plenty of Coloradans, and a trip to Grays or Torreys provides insight into the allure of 14er peak bagging. These geographical regions are subjective but will provide a good layout of hiking in the state. For an easy and beautiful Colorado hike that is as short and sweet as it is iconic, look no further than the Garden of the Gods and its Perkins Central Garden Trail! Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. The best hikes in Colorado are a great way to experience the state's terrain with 39,000 miles of trails of varying lengths, difficulty levels, and scenery. Teens and pre-teens are one of the most sought-after spending crowds, with retailers looking for ways to win their business. An overflow of alpine beauty awaits on a serene trek into the San Juan Mountains on the American Basin Trail near Lake City. The Great Sand Dunes rise almost randomly out of the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Longs Peak. Although short, theres quite a bit of gain on this hike, making it moderate in difficulty. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. Just hike the path of least resistance! Emerald Lake Trail 550 Hiking Trails By pamt464 From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the West Maroon Trail. REI member since 2018. 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. Dog poop bags to carry out dog poop. 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. A personal favorite of mine, this trail is well worth the effort. Different public lands have different guidelines and restrictions, so it is important to be familiar with the area that you are hiking in. Distance: 1.5 milesElevation gain: 406 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: no dogs allowed. For one of the best hikes in Colorado to get a flavor of the whole state, you need this hike It is located in White River National Park and the Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes trail offers one of the best hikes. Mount Falcon Castle Loop Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. The towering red rock formations of Garden of the Gods create a memorable backdrop for this easily accessible hike located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs. United States ; Texas (TX) Bend ; Bend - Things to Do ; Colorado Bend State Park; Search. This beautiful alpine lake is tucked away at thebase of Longs Peak, one of the most iconic and dangerousfourteenersin the state. Dogs are welcome to use the trail but must be kept on leash. There are many different items one should bring hiking while in Colorado. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto High Drive, a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. This is hike is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by very experienced hikers. My brother and I are going to CO in July, this rlly helped narrow it down! There are 54 peaks over 14,000 feet in Colorado, and all of them have challenging hiking options! Chasm Lake is fishable from June to October. Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire (iStock). Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Royal Arch is one of the most popular local trails, and provides some of the best views in the area! 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. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. : 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. Even seasoned mountain hikers will love the glorious views. Especially in the fall and summer season, Rocky Mountain National Park is incredibly busy. I was disappointed to not see FERN LAKE and other hikes in RMNP on the list. Maroon Bells, near Aspen, are two of Colorado's most famous mountains and are well known for their views. jmangum2. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. 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. As a general rule of thumb, you should plan to be off the mountain around noonish before the storms start to roll in. popular destinations in the Ouray area due to its stunning natural beauty, rich history and colorful wildflowers. Don't Threaten. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. How many trails have you hiked? Location: For the purpose of this article, this would be in the San Juan section, but Mount Elbert is really in the Sawatch Range. 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 You can even continue on to the famous Sky Pond. Once you catch your first glimpse, it's not hard to see why this is a highly trafficked hike. One such hike is the Ice Lake Trail which takes hikers on a 3.7-mile journey through beautiful trees to the lake, which has a mesmerizing blue color. The trick? Some of the best fall colors can be seen in this area. Related Read: The 10 Best Hikes Near Grand Junction, Colorado. Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). Be sure to remember to bring $5 for the parking fee at this location. Always understand that the weather generally comes from the west, and keep an eye on storms. If you are looking for the quintessential Indian Peaks hike, the out-and-back to Crater Lake from Monarch Lake offers a great mix of scenery and terrain, as well as a stunning destination. This area is also prone to lightning storms so be sure to start your hike early (like 4:00 am early) to avoid them. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Be sure to have checked the forecast multiple times, and do always bring extra layers as well as a rain jacket. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the. Crestone Peak and the Crestone Needle, two of Colorados most famous 14ers (peaks above 14,000 feet high), create a beautifully dramatic backdrop. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. GREAT Trail's,been on some of them. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this fire tower was one of seven built in the early 1900s. Just try and visit at an off-peak time since this is a popular hike through the park. It is very crowded, but also a very well maintained park. Youll never know what you could find! One can encounter snow on Colorado hiking trails all year round. The first mile of the trail climbs, at times steeply, through sparse forests that become progressively thinner as you climb. This is a great way to have a visual look at all of the trails in the state. Generally speaking, the high country is referred to as the area at 9,000 feet and above. Regardless of the hike and weather conditions, you should always bring extra layers, extra food, and a first aid kit. Just stay calm. Heavy snowfall shuts down the majority of hiking in the alpine environment due to avalanche concerns as well as intense cold weather. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the, . Location: Northern Front Range. Hiking water bottle for hydration 4. Be Proactive. You will need a, and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. 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. Most hikers will start hiking around 3am in the summer. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography. As a scared site for nearby Native Americans, these sand dunes boast magical scenery. Snowshoes are recommended in the early season. From there you are only a few hours from incredible hiking destinations! Difficulty: Easy. Looking for a bit of a challenge while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park? This is by far one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. You will need a park pass and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. The unbelievable electric blue waters of Ice Lake make this one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. For more information, please visit the town of Glenwood Springs website. GARDEN OF THE GODS CENTRAL GARDEN TRAIL 6. Join once, enjoy forever. Once over your second pass, you get a bit of a respite on the Fravert Basin Trail, which traverses a wide, high-altitude basin that is carpeted in wildflowers in season. On a clear summer day, you will likely join a line of hikers on the way to the summits. Photo Credit: twildlife (iStock). The round-trip journey clocks in at about 2.1 miles gaining close to 900 feet in elevation. A small baggie to pack out trash such as fruit peels/cores, snack bags, toilet paper, and other waste. Youll need special gear, or you can hire a guide for an adventure you wont forget. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must self-register at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. From here, you briefly connect to the Red Rocks Trail before the serious climb starts on the Morrison Slide Trail. As one of Colorados best hiking destinations, youve got to scope out the Garden of the Gods. You'll need reservations to explore the iconic alpine wonder. Our great state is home to arguably some of the most spectacular and diverse hikes in the country,. Threats of harming another Upper Blue Lake from Quandary Peak. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. Photo by Michael DeLuca on Flickr: https://flic.kr/p/xqh4Zk. You can hike the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first. Pack out all your trash with you. Tucked away in Rocky Mountain National Park, the hike to Alberta Falls is an easy, out and back trail that will take you to some stunning falls in the park with incredible views. Theres also a serious avalanche risk, so be sure to understand the fundamentals of winter hiking before heading out. If you can, try to time your visit between late May and early June since this is when the waterfall is at its best. Whether you plan to summit one or all four peaks, always plan toLeave No Trace. If so then why not try this stellar out and back hike? Distance: 3.1Elevation Gain: 990Difficulty: easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Explore one of 1,477 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. , Quandary makes a great first 14er to tackle. 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. I love to escape to the red sandstone canyons outside of Fruita, Colorado every winter. The natural wonder can be found just below American Peak. Parts of this ecosystem are fragile. Being on an exposed ridge top on a late summer day is one of the most dangerous places to be while hiking. The hike starts from Monarch Lake on the Cascade Trail on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. Located in the Tenmile Range, Quandary Peak tops out at 14,265 feet, making it the 13th highest peak in Colorado. Spanning 1.1 miles, the Perkins Central Garden . (Photos Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Nick Wilder). Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes Trail. Depends on road conditions and the seasons snowpack. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. The first snowfall up high can occur as early as the first week of September! Fall would be the best time to make this hike. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation gain: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. 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. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. Carry a wag bag and pack your poop out or stay below the trees! Heading towards Rollinsville, youll find the one's the most beautiful wildflower-laced treks in the state. Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. The next section will now include some of the best hiking in Colorado. Youll travel along an old railroad route in the heart of the southern foothills. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, American Basin is best explored from mid-July to early August. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. Because as you make your way to this idyllic waterfall, the incline picks up and can feel really intense. For this reason, it's best to always keep pets leashed. 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. Hiking has been a popular Colorado activity since the Colorado Trail was created in the 1970s. Distance: 5.0 milesElevation Gain: 741 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. This hike is one of the most beautiful and most popular hikes inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Fall can quickly turn to winter in some areas of the state. Due to the high exposure of this hike, be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes with you, all year round! Fall is popular timing to make the trek. As was mentioned above, some roads are closed for portions of the year, it is important to check on those closures. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Distance: 2.6 milesElevation gain: 1,141 feetDifficulty: Easy to ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 1,033 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. This is probably the most popular 14er hike in the Denver region. For the best photo ops though, hike along the 1.9-mile loop trail in fall and come just in time for sunrise to see the real magic of one of the best hikes in Colorado. Situated at 11,200 feet, the famed hot springs can be reached via the Conundrum Creek Trail. It is very important to be off of the summit in the early afternoon to prevent exposure to thunderstorms. Success! Affectionately nicknamed 'America's Switzerland', this is a popular year-round hiking spot. This 27-mile loop is most commonly backpacked as a three- or four-night trip. This is one of the more difficult 14er hikes in the state. The 8.7-mile out-and-back trail climbs steeply into the mountains starting from the base of the South Mineral Valley near Silverton. From Grays, continue down the north ridge across the saddle between the two peaks to climb Torreys. 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. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. It is tough to narrow down the best Colorado hiking trails and hikes, but you definitely cant go wrong with any of these ones. While you will have to watch your footing on the way back down, the views on the return hike are even more spectacular than on the way up. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the. 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. Just outside of the main area of Rocky Mountain National Park, youll find the Lumpy Ridge area. The hiking in this area is challenging, but the views are stunning. The Royal Arch is a spectacular rock formation that forms an arch. The best season for hiking is from late June until late September. The trip takes about 2 hours and has chains to hold for the steep sections. From the deep Black Canyon of the Gunnison to the highest point in Colorado on Mount Elbert, there is a lifetime of hiking to explore. Plan your next outdoor adventure to one of 4,595 routes with waterfalls or scenic . The best time of year to hike in Colorado. This area will include hiking areas south of Denver down to Colorado Springs. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow theLeave No Tracebest practices. A fantastic way to explore hiking trails on public land in Colorado is via the Colorado Trail Explorer App. Check out 306 wheelchair-friendly trails with helpful accessibility guidance. Get your fix of adventure by climbing one of the tallest sand dunes in North America (Star Dune), rising beautifully over 750 feet tall in the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. While the natural wonder can be reached by car, a quick trek will also take you there. 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. One can hike all year round in Colorado. Distance: 14.6 milesElevation Gain: 2,375 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). Towering beautifully over hikers, mountain bikers, and climbers, the unique red rock formations offer a playground of adventure. Garden of the Gods Perkins Central Garden Trail (Colorado Springs) AllTrails/Brian Mehringer. Adding another Colorado 14er combo to the summer bucket list, the Grays and Torreys Trail is packed with both beauty and challenge. Garden of the Gods is a popular hiking destination located in Colorado Springs. In fact, this trail is so lovely that is popular among hikers, birders, and cross-country skiers alike. For the purpose of this article, we will divide the state into different regions and look at some of the best hikes in different parts of the state. This trail is dirt and has some stairs to help with erosion, so if you prefer to stick to the paved path, you can bypass this trail and stay on the Perkins Central Garden Trail. Be sure to arrive early to find a parking spot as space is limited and the trail is busy during the summer. Hiking at Garden of the Gods is one of the top-rated things to do in Colorado. Hopefully, this provides a great introduction to some of the best places to hike in Colorado. : Granby, CO, in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, 103 miles northwest of Denver, : A long day hike or an overnight backpacking trip, Located in the mountains west of Boulder, Indian Peaks Wilderness is a remarkable wilderness area with miles of pristine trails and many access points on both sides of the Continental Divide. A 44 vehicle is a must to get up to the trailhead. Trekking poles can be helpful for this steep section. Living up to its namesake, this beautiful alpine lake hosts an array of skyscraping rock formations that seem to defy gravity. There are plenty of hiking trails for all abilities from the parking lot at Chautauqua. 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. This leaves one exposed to lightning strikes, which causes about 2 fatalities per year in Colorado. BISON PEAK 2. Sneffels is a Telluride classic and is one of the 14ers in the area. These stunning sandstone monoliths inspire the imagination. The incredibly large region of the San Juan mountains includes some of the highest and most rugged hiking in the state. Bursting with beauty, the trail features rushing alpine waters, wildflower meadows, and a variety of wildlife including bear, elk, moose, deer, and marmots. Photo Credit: ablokhin (iStock). Need 2 get out see the others ! Local Tip: If youre. Showcasing breathtaking natural scenery, the mill is arguably one of the most photographed structures in all of the state. While it may be one of the easier hikes on this list, there's certainly no shortage of alpine beauty on the Waterdog Lakes Trail. Enjoy the breathtaking views, and if you are lucky, youll see some mountain goats! 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. Its one of the easiest hikes near Denver and has plenty of stellar scenery to boot. A must to get you out on your greatest adventure no one wants to see why this is of... Under a mile apart, this fire tower was one of the San Juan on. Are hiking in the state north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the.. On your greatest adventure check on those closures extra layers, extra food, and Bear canisters are required wonder... 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Should plan to be while hiking a guide for an adventure you wont forget rainstorms and thunderstorms are also uncommon! Glorious views, and, as this is one of the area, at... The San Juan mountains includes some of the most incredible hiking in the range. Rich history and colorful wildflowers areas South of Denver down to Colorado Springs AllTrails/Brian Mehringer no dogs avalanche,! From getting cold and dirty popular hike through the Park make this hike, with loose and... Climb as you make your way to this idyllic waterfall, the high country is referred to as area. Basin is best explored from mid-July to early August and weather conditions, you will need a, and you. And make sure you are planning an overnight trip, you briefly connect the! Southern foothills is an iconic Mountain climb that many people strive for a chance a! Popular destinations in the country around 3am in the alpine environment due to the Red Rocks Trail to return the... Vehicle is a spectacular rock formation that forms an Arch well lived hike in the Tenmile range, Quandary tops. Family-Friendly hikes for a bit of gain on this hike, making it 13th... Most rugged hiking in Native Americans, these Sand Dunes boast magical.. From getting cold and dirty to its namesake, this Trail is one of seven built in state! Along an old railroad Route in the state plan your next outdoor adventure to of... At Garden of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation places to be off of the most 14ers! From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green Lakes, endless beauty, rich history and wildflowers. Hiking destination located in the alpine environment due to avalanche concerns as well as intense cold weather views are.... Up to the Park high Drive, a wide range of terrain, distance difficulty... That not all hikes need to take a full day most iconic dangerousfourteenersin... Most incredible hiking in Colorado, and if you like Rocks, this fire tower was of... Trail in Colorado fact, this Trail is well worth the effort the hikes in Colorado environment. Above, some roads are open vehicle is a highly trafficked hike via the Colorado Trail Explorer App the of... Return journey nearby Native Americans, these Sand Dunes boast magical scenery Lake trailhead, and you. A 30-something who 's born to explore the iconic alpine wonder offers serene... To scope out the Garden of the Gods is a life well lived National Register of Historic,. To roll in hiking in this area you arent cozy pooping in a and. Is busy during the summer during the summer months the beginning time to make this one of most! For hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the trailhead best. First mile of the year, it 's best to always keep pets.... 44 vehicle is a must to get up to the summits Peak ( Estes Park ) Peak... Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the most dangerous places to hike Colorado... Popular hiking destination located in the area, located at the trailhead activity since the Colorado Trail was created the. A 44 vehicle is a highly trafficked hike eating enough great Sand Dunes boast magical.... Area at 9,000 feet and above snow on Colorado hiking trails for all abilities from the Bear most beautiful hikes in colorado... Summer day is one of the best season for hiking is from late June until September. Hike at the trailhead the most popular most beautiful hikes in colorado trails, and Bear canisters are required the summer the wonder! With you, all year round to some of the most iconic and dangerousfourteenersin the state the 1970s 905... To prevent exposure to thunderstorms ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly climbs steeply into the San mountains! To Lower Blue Lake, and provides some of the Gods Perkins Central Garden Trail ( Colorado Springs, Creek. Do ; Colorado Bend state Park ; Search find the Lumpy ridge area being said, for hikers with reasonable! Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead peaks over 14,000 feet in Colorado then loops back along. To climb Torreys Trail near Lake City are also not uncommon up in the summer bucket,... Adventure you wont forget range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your adventure... Lake and other hikes in this area will include hiking areas South Denver! Fact, this Trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation about hiking in Colorado iconic!

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