If you happen to’ve ever set your desktop wallpaper to magical blue-green waters wishing you might be transported there, you’ll be pleased to know one of the best hikes in Colorado will do this. Colorado is thought for its gorgeous pure magnificence in addition to its abundance of out of doors adventures together with some epic hikes. With its rugged mountains, speeding rivers, and pristine forests, Colorado affords a number of the most scenic and difficult hikes within the USA. Whether or not you’re a newbie or an skilled hiker, there are mountaineering trails for you in Colorado.
Mountaineering in Colorado is an expertise in contrast to another. The state is dwelling to 53 peaks that rise above 14,000 toes, referred to as “14ers,” and over 40 state parks with a whole bunch of miles of trails.
Prime Colorado Hikes
On this article, we are going to discover a number of the finest hikes in Colorado, from simple family-friendly hikes to tougher multi-day hikes. We may even present suggestions for planning your journey and staying protected whereas on the paths. Whether or not you’re a seasoned hiker or a newbie, mountaineering in Colorado is an journey you’ll always remember.
On the heart of one of the best hikes in Colorado are the Rocky Mountains, which stay pristine regardless of no matter else is happening in different components of the US. The Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park is dwelling to gems of the visible variety. And surrounding these mountains are many different Colorado parks which can be equally as gorgeous. We embrace all of them on this listing.
1. Bear Lake Path
Estes Park
It is a half-mile traditional hike for the entire household in Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park. It is among the finest hikes in Colorado for households with younger kids because it offers them an opportunity to expertise the wilderness whereas additionally making certain they’re protected and on pretty degree floor.
The path has an elevation acquire of simply 50 toes. Regardless of being a reasonably simple and flat hike you get completely gorgeous views of the encircling mountains, together with Hallett Peak and Longs Peak. You may attain the trailhead from the Beaver Meadows entrance of the park. That is positively a Colorado mountaineering path you wish to add to your listing if you’re in search of a pleasant simple hike with the household. It is usually used as a jumping-off level for different mountaineering trails within the space together with the Emerald Lake Path.
Guide this highly-rated personal tour of Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park from Denver the place your information will discover one of the best spots for wildlife, pictures, elective brief hikes, and walks.
- Size of Hike: .8 mile loop / 1.2 kilometers
- Issue: Simple
- Elevation Achieve: 50 Ft
- Parking: Bear Lake Street – shuttles accessible
2. Chasm Lake Path
Estes Park
If you wish to expertise one of the crucial stunning crystal clear alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, you need to take a look at the Chasm Lake Path. The path is 8.5 miles lengthy and has an elevation acquire of 2500 toes. It’s thought of a troublesome path as you’ll be beginning out the path at an elevation of just about 9500 toes, which suggests it’s going to be chilly and you might even be in for lightning.
You may attain the trailhead to Chasm Lake on the Longs Peak Ranger Station, which is situated on the east facet of Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, close to the city of Allenspark. From there, you’re going to be handled to 360 levels of the gorgeous surroundings of the Rockies. The path may have you exploring the tallest peak in Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, Lengthy’s Peak. On high of that, you get to take a look at one of many United States’ most gorgeous alpine lakes, Chasm Lake, which is nestled under Lengthy’s Peak.
- Size of Hike: 8.5 miles / 13.1 kilometers out and again
- Issue: Tough
- Elevation Achieve: 2543 Ft
- Parking: Longs Peak Trailhead
3. Emerald Lake Path
Estes Park
To rise up shut and private with blue-green water that can have you ever feeling such as you’re in a Disney film you have to do the Emerald Lake Path. This Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park path is straightforward at simply 3.6 miles with an elevation change of 650 toes.
The path winds by means of aspen groves and pine forests, alongside mountain streams, and previous a number of different smaller lakes earlier than reaching the gorgeous Emerald Lake. Alongside the best way, you’re going to see Nymph Lake, and Dream Lake and undergo a gorge alongside Tyndall Creek. When you attain Emerald Lake itself your jaw will drop. The lake is surrounded by towering peaks and affords unbelievable picture alternatives, particularly through the fall when the aspen timber are altering colours.
In case you are a fisherman you might strive your hand at fishing for trout, or just calm down and revel in a picnic lunch, which is what we did. There’s a purpose this is among the hottest Colorado mountaineering trails. Attending to the path is straightforward as a result of it’s on Bear Lake Street and also you begin the hike on the Bear Lake Trailhead.
In case you are visiting throughout excessive season, attempt to arrive earlier than sundown or take the park’s shuttle service because the parking zone on the trailhead fills up quick.
- Size of Hike: 3.6-mile loop / 5.5 kilometers
- Issue: Simple
- Elevation Achieve: 650 toes
- Parking: Membership Lake Trailhead
4. Glacier Gorge Path – Sky Pond Path
Estes Park
This is among the finest hikes within the Rocky Mountains for severe hikers. It’s a 9-mile loop with a 2162-foot elevation change. You’ll see unbelievable views at Sky Pond in addition to from Glass Lake and Timberline Falls is the piece de resistance.
You may get to the hike from the Bear Lake Trailhead, however the parking zone is small so arrive early. Additionally, be aware that you could find snow proper into June and July so it’s a good suggestion to deliver poles and snowshoes.
- Size of Hike: 9-mile loop / 14.5 kilometers
- Issue: Laborious
- Elevation Achieve: 2162 Ft
- Parking: Bear Lake Trailhead
Visiting Denver, Colorado? This half-day tour takes you to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains to see the Purple Rocks Amphitheater, Evergreen Lake, and a scenic drive across the Lariat Route. Guide it right here and really feel comfy with simple cancellation inside 24 hours of the tour.
5. Alberta Falls Path
Estes Park
The Alberta Falls Path is among the most gorgeous waterfalls within the Rocky Mountains and that’s saying rather a lot as there are various whenever you go to Colorado. The Alberta Falls path is a 1.7-mile out-and-back hike with elevation modifications of 232 toes which can be delicate and gradual.
Alongside the best way, you see beautiful aspens and expertise the winding and musical Chaos Creek. The falls themselves drop about 30 ft and as you stand there surrounded by the Rockies, it actually offers you an appreciation for the ability of Mom Nature. You may attain the path by heading out on Bear Lake Street to the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. That’s about 12 miles from Estes Park and makes for the most effective day hikes whenever you’re staying on the town.
- Size of Hike: 1.7-mile loop / 2.7 kilometers
- Issue: Simple
- Elevation Achieve: 232 Ft
- Parking: Glacier Gorge Trailhead
6. The Rocky Mountains Colorado Path
Denver
Do you even hike should you’ve by no means been on the Colorado Path? The Colorado Path is an virtually 500-mile hike that crosses by means of the state. The path runs from Durango to the Waterton Canyon Trailhead in Durango and is among the most troublesome trails in Colorado.
That is the mom of all of the mountaineering trails in Colorado. While you get on this path, relaxation assured that you will see a big swath of Colorado full with rolling hills and rocky inclines. Alongside the path, you’re experiencing 8 mountain ranges and might be hitting a excessive of greater than 13,000 toes within the San Juan Mountains in your uphill climbing. The Colorado Path is a very fashionable hike since you get one of the best mountaineering in Colorado alongside one route.
Most individuals deal with this hike in segments. If you happen to had been to do your complete hike it will take you anyplace from 4 to six weeks. Fortunately, it’s damaged up into 28 segments and you may hike many of those individually. A few of the most stunning sections are Segments 5-8. For extra data on every phase take a look at The Colorado Path Basis.
Alongside the best way, you’re going to see wildlife like bighorn sheep simply moseying round. You’re additionally going to be leaping over tiny creeks and strolling alongside rivers because the Rockies watch on. The parking space within the south finish in addition to the final word north finish can refill quick.
Meaning you’ll have a number of folks on the hike with you on the high and backside of the path. Nonetheless, you’ll get one of the best mountaineering in whenever you’re within the center. Doing the entire path is finest for skilled hikers as the center components can get slightly troublesome.
- Size of Hike: 485 miles / 780 kilometers however you are able to do sections.
- Issue: Laborious
- Elevation Achieve: 89,000 Ft
- Parking: Waterton Canyon Trailhead
- Web site: The Colorado Path Basis
7. Blue Lakes Path
That is doubtless one of the best hike in Colorado to see mountain goats as a herd is thought to roam the realm. The hike is simply 1 mile lengthy with an elevation acquire of simply 108 toes however getting there generally is a problem as you’ve bought to rise up a steep gravel street to get to the Blue Lakes trailhead which is healthier for 4WD autos. Alternatively, you’ll be able to simply stroll the gravel street as much as the trailhead. Simply be aware this hike is to not be confused with the Blue Lakes Hike close to Telluride. They’re 2 totally different hikes.
This place can get fairly busy and the parking zone is small so, we suggest carpooling and visiting mid-week, when the crowds are at their lowest.
Extra folks report seeing mountain goats within the afternoon than within the morning, however each instances are potential. Along with the goats, you’ll the gorgeous Blue Lakes and beautiful wildflowers when in season. Do be aware that there’s scrambling required.
- Size of Hike: 1 Mile or 1.6km
- Issue: Simple
- Elevation Achieve: 108 Ft
- Parking: Blue Lakes Trailhead
8. Hanging Lake Path
Glenwood Springs
Certainly the identify alone entices many. What precisely is a dangling lake? Properly, this hanging lake is a results of some geological actions that pushed the lake mattress off the cliff it was on. The results of that may be a lake sitting just under the cliff with remnants of its lake mattress nonetheless on high of the cliff from which a waterfall drops into it.
The lake itself is a crayon blue-green and all of that magnificence has made the Hanging Lake Path a well-liked hike in Colorado. It is a 3-mile hike in White River Nationwide Forest, taking you proper into the thick of the park. You may get to the path by way of the Glenwood Springs trailhead. Hike early to keep away from crowds.
- Size of Hike: 3 miles / 5.0 kilometers
- Issue: Reasonable
- Elevation Achieve: 1188 Ft
- Parking: Glenwood Springs trailhead
- Allow: Required – Go to the Web site for particulars
9. Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes Path
Breckenridge
For the most effective hikes in Colorado to get a taste of the entire state, you want this hike It’s situated in White River Nationwide Park, and the Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes path affords the most effective hikes. It is a 7.8-mile hike with a 1920-foot elevation acquire. This is among the finest hikes in Colorado if you’re touring together with your canine as many trails don’t let permit your pooch on the paths.
You can begin your hike on the Spruce Creek Trailhead which is discovered simply outdoors of Breckenridge on Spruce Creek Street. You’ll be crossing streams and testing waterfalls alongside the best way. The start of the path is average alongside the Mohawk Lakes however will get steep midway by means of at Mayflower Lake. The views of Decrease Mohawk Lake after which Higher Mohawk Lake are gorgeous.
- Size of Hike: 7.8 miles / 12.7 kilometers
- Issue: Reasonable
- Elevation Achieve: 1923 Ft
- Parking: Spruce Creek Trailhead
- Allow: Not Required
10. First and Second Flatirons Loop Path
Boulder
This 2.7-mile path goes to take you thru a number of the most gorgeous surroundings in Colorado, but it surely definitely isn’t going to be simple. You’ll have to do some mountaineering if you wish to see Boulder’s iconic flat irons. This flatirons path is concrete and steep at first however then softens out whenever you get to the filth path portion.
While you get to the highest you’ll be able to completely spectacular views of the Rocky Mountain vary. To get to the path you’ll be able to take Baseline Street to the Gregory Canyon trailhead the place you’ll be able to park and begin your journey. You are able to do the path in about 2 hours at a leisurely tempo.
- Size of Hike: 2.7 miles / 4.3 kilometers
- Issue: Laborious
- Elevation Achieve: 1428 Ft
- Parking: Gregory Canyon Trailhead or Chautauqua Trailhead
- Allow: Not Required
11. Fountain Valley Path (Backyard of the Gods)
Colorado Springs
The Fountain Valley Path is 2.2 miles lengthy with a 324 elevation change. The path is situated in Roxborough State Park, close to Colorado Springs, which is taken into account the Backyard of the Gods and consists of the Gods trails, and is taken into account fairly simple. Regardless of being a straightforward hike, there’s a whole lot of journey available alongside the best way with pink rock formations abound.
If you happen to’re fortunate, you would possibly even see a fox or mule deer poke their head up from behind a type of formations. You may get to the trailhead from Willow Creek Path close to the doorway of Roxborough State Park.
- Size of Hike: 2.2 miles / 3.7 kilometers
- Issue: Simple
- Elevation Achieve: 324 Ft
- Parking: Willow Creek Path
- Allow: Charge to enter Park
12. Monarch Lake Loop Path
Granby
This 4.2-mile path in Arapaho Nationwide Forest is tremendous simple and tremendous common and makes it the most effective hikes in Colorado for households. It takes you round Monarch Lake and makes for a pleasant solution to spend time with household. Some animals do frequent the realm with a majority of the sitings being of moose. The trailhead is situated on Freeway 125 close to Monarch Lake. Right here you can see loos and parking.
- Size of Hike: 4.2 miles / 6.4 kilometers
- Issue: Simple
- Elevation Achieve: 279 Ft
- Parking: Gregory Canyon Trailhead or Chautauqua Trailhead
- Allow: Not Required
13. Pawnee Go Path
Boulder
You may take a look at a glacier as you make your means alongside Pawnee Go Path to Isabelle Lake. After that, you’re doing a little switchbacks to get to gorgeous views. You’ll see Mount Audobon and Apache Peak. The Pawnee Go Path is 10 miles lengthy with an elevation change of near 3000 toes so it’s not precisely a family-fit journey in case you have younger kids.
It’s a nice journey for each intermediate hikers and avid hikers alike with alpine meadows, stunning surroundings, and enjoyable rock scrambles. You’ll expertise snow and icy patches for many of the yr past the July and August months. You may get to the Pawnee Go trailhead from Brainard Lake Street to the Brainard Lake Conservation Space. The precise trailhead inside Brainard Lake is on the Lengthy Lake trailhead which is within the Indian Peaks Wilderness Space.
- Size of Hike: 10 miles / 17.2 kilometers
- Issue: Laborious
- Elevation Achieve: 3000 Ft
- Parking: Brainard Lake Conservation Space
- Allow: Conservation Space prices a payment per automotive. Particulars right here
14. Ice Lakes Basin Path
Silverton
At the start, you have to have mountaineering boots if you wish to do an out of doors journey on the Ice Lakes Basin Path mountaineering trails. This path sits in San Juan Forest and also you’re going to have an incline of 3000- toes which is rather a lot for common Colorado hikes. It’s best to have poles should you selected going to this mountaineering vacation spot.
There are steep climbs however you might be additionally rewarded with views of ice lakes, together with an island lake, and even an outdated stone constructing you’ll be able to discover. There are switchbacks and as we talked about, steep inclines, however this is among the finest mountaineering trails in Colorado should you like an journey.
- Size of Hike: 8.2 miles / 13.2 kilometers
- Issue: Laborious
- Elevation Achieve: 3070 Ft
- Parking: South Mineral Campground
- Allow: Not Required
15. Crater Lake Path
Granby
This 3.5-mile path is among the finest hikes in Colorado and possibly the finest in Aspen. It’s situated within the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Space. It was fashioned from geological processes that came about 1000’s of years in the past when glaciers began floating away and left what we all know as Crater Lake.
If you happen to’re staying in Aspen then there’s a shuttle that may take you to the trailhead from Rubey Park. Alternatively, you’ll be able to drive there on Freeway 82 and get off on Maroon Creek Street to park within the parking space.
16. Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Path
Aspen
The Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Path is a picturesque mountaineering path that can be situated within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Space, close to Aspen, Colorado. The path spans roughly 3.3 miles and takes hikers by means of a number of the most gorgeous pure landscapes within the nation.
The trailhead for the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Path is located at Maroon Lake. From there, hikers can comply with the path because it winds by means of the wilderness space, passing by groves of aspen timber, cascading waterfalls, and fields of wildflowers.
One of many highlights of the path is the chance to catch breathtaking views of the Maroon Bells themselves. These majestic peaks are a number of the most iconic within the Rocky Mountains, and their towering presence is a sight to behold particularly as they’re mirrored within the lake under. They’re often known as probably the most photographed mountains in North America.
The Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Path is rated as average issue, making it accessible to hikers of all talent ranges. The path does get actually busy within the excessive season, however the views are value it. That is additionally the kicking-off level for the hike to Crater Lake and we might recommend incorporating that into your day as effectively.
17. South Colony Lakes Path
Canon Metropolis
The South Colony Lakes Path is a difficult mountaineering path situated within the Sangre de Cristo Vary of the Rocky Mountains, close to Westcliffe, Colorado. The path is about 12 miles and takes you thru a number of the most gorgeous pure landscapes within the space.
The trailhead for the South Colony Lakes Path is situated on the finish of a dust street, and the primary few miles of the path are comparatively simple, passing by means of a forest of aspen and pine timber. Nonetheless, because the path progresses, it turns into steeper and tougher, with switchbacks and rocky terrain.
One of many highlights of the South Colony Lakes Path is the chance to view a number of peaks which can be over 14,000 toes in elevation, together with Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle. These majestic peaks are a number of the most difficult to climb in Colorado, and their towering presence is awe-inspiring.
The South Colony Lakes Path is rated as troublesome, making it appropriate for skilled hikers who’re in good bodily situation. The path is well-maintained and clearly marked, however hikers must be ready for steep climbs and probably difficult climate circumstances.
- Size of Hike: 8.5 miles / 13.7 kilometers
- Issue: Laborious
- Elevation Achieve: 2286 Ft
- Allow: Not Wanted
18. Fish Creek Falls Path
Steamboat Springs
Fish Creek Falls Path is a well-liked mountaineering vacation spot situated close to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The trailhead for Fish Creek Falls might be accessed from Fish Creek Falls Street, which is situated roughly three miles from downtown Steamboat Springs.
The path is roughly 4.7 miles spherical journey and affords gorgeous views of the 283-foot Fish Creek Falls. The rocky path is strenuous, with an elevation acquire of roughly 1,450 toes, so be ready for a exercise. Lots of people flip round at Higher Fish Creek Falls, however if you’re extra adventurous you’ll be able to proceed on to Lengthy Lake (this provides one other 7.6 miles to your journey, so be ready).
In case you are in search of a neater route you’ll be able to take the simple, 0.3-mile paved path to the falls viewing space. Be sure that to verify the web site as this path is typically closed as a result of avalanche threat within the winter and early spring.
- Size of Hike: 4.7 miles / 7.6 kilometers
- Issue: Laborious
- Elevation Achieve: 1450 Ft
- Allow: Not Wanted
Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park Entrance Charges
The primary half of this information to one of the best hikes in Colorado focuses on a number of the finest Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park Hikes. We then department out to discover extra of Colorado within the second half of the information. Learn this whole information to one of the best Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park hikes
Be aware: Reservations Required for Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park: From Could 26 by means of October 22, 2023, guests to Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park will want a timed entry allow and an entrance cross to recreate within the park. Go to the RM Nationwide Park web site for extra particulars and path closures.
- Get your Pocket Information to the Greatest Simple Day Hikes of Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park
- Decide up your map of the Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park Trails on Amazon
Steadily Requested Questions
What’s the most scenic hike in Colorado?
One of the scenic hikes in Colorado is the Alberta Falls Path which provides you views of beyond-real inexperienced waters and a waterfall that’s magical. If you wish to really feel like an actual explorer out on the mountaineering trails, take a look at the Continental Divide at Wolf Creek Go. That’s situated within the San Juan Mountain vary and offers you gorgeous views.
What’s the toughest hike in Colorado?
The Traditional Colorado Path might be one of many hardest hikes in Colorado as a result of it’s lengthy and takes you over many geographical landscapes. To do that hike, you’ve bought to dig in for the lengthy haul and be ready to camp and expertise incremental climate.
The Sq. Prime Mountain Path offers you an elevation acquire of 2500 toes with rock scrambles, and steep climbs, and in flip, is taken into account troublesome.
What number of hikes are in Colorado?
There are a whole bunch of hikes in Colorado. You may’t put a quantity to it as a result of many are mixed and others are off-trail.
The place can I hike in Colorado proper now?
You are able to do just a few totally different hikes however a fantastic place to begin a hike in your street journey in Colorado proper now can be to go to Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park. There you’ve gotten a number of selections and you may ask the park ranger which is finest to go on proper now relying on the season and closures.
Map of Colorado Mountaineering Trails
In Conclusion
There isn’t a doubt that mountaineering in Colorado is one thing that must be added to any out of doors lover’s bucket listing. With one of the crucial stunning Nationwide Parks within the US, well-maintained trails, recent mountain air, and the chance for backcountry mountaineering there isn’t a doubt you’ll find it irresistible right here. So seize your sturdy mountaineering boots, do your analysis, and plan your subsequent mountaineering journey in Colorado.
