Dont forget to bring your camera! Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. 1. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. Ive spent a lot of time on these trails without a soul in sight. Sneffels Wilderness and to the base of one of Colorado's most popular 14ers. When planning your trip, keep in mind that parking can be scarce at the eastern trailheads, especially in the summer. How many trails have you hiked? Like other 14er hikes, it is very important to start early and end early. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Nature & Parks, State Parks. Photo Credit: James Walton. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. Also be aware of the fact that visitors are charged $25 per vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, and $15 per person to enter the park. The easiest thing you can do to prevent altitude sickness is drink water and make sure you do not ascent too much in one day. There is a chain link rope to help with the steepest section. The round-trip journey clocks in at about 2.1 miles gaining close to 900 feet in elevation. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. Note that from mid-June through September between 8:30am 5:00pm, a shuttle is required to take to the trailhead. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. The next section will now include some of the best hiking in Colorado. Distance: 6.0 milesElevation gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and best used between June and September. 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. Rise early to catch a mountain sunrise guaranteed to leave you speechless. The first snowfall up high can occur as early as the first week of September! Be sure to check road conditions. This hike includes two different 14ers! 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. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Waterfalls of Minnesota: Your Guide to the Most Beautiful Waterfalls in the Stat at the best online prices at eBay! jmangum2. Heavy snowfall shuts down the majority of hiking in the alpine environment due to avalanche concerns as well as intense cold weather. The hike then loops back north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. Local Tip: If youre into gentle rock climbs, then check out the Longs Peak Cable Route. Location: I-70 corridor, outside of the town of Aspen. The trail climbs gradually for the first 2 miles, heading south around Kelso Mountain before turning west, where you will spot the two 14ers and the saddle connecting them. Fall is one of the best times to hike in Colorado. Another unique feature is. Distance: 5.4 milesElevation Gain: 1,072Difficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Thats why they call it breckenwind! It is between the San Juans and the I-70 corridor. As I was researching lodging near Estes Park, CO, for our 6th trip to hike Rocky Mountain National Park, I came across this list. Threats of harming another Photo Credit: klosfoto (iStock). The best time to visit is from July through September. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. The trail to the summit gains 3,229 feet over the course of just over 3 miles. 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. A series of steep and rocky switchbacks will take you to the lake. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. 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. Here are the regions we will use. Today, outdoor enthusiasts continue to visit from all over . For more information please visit the RNMP website. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. Distance: 1.5 milesElevation gain: 406 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: no dogs allowed. Season: While it can be hiked all year round, the most popular time to hike is in the summer. A small, packable rain jacket can be great to throw in your pack. Photo Credit: Adam-Springer (iStock). This will prevent your legs from getting cold and dirty! Another unique feature is Dinosaur Ridge, a National Natural Landmark with preserved dinosaur tracks, to the east. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin. You will need to check-in at the South Rim visitors center to get a permit. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation gain: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the West Maroon Trail. Keep your eyes on the trail for wildlife. A hiking day backpack 2. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. Most visitors enter through the east side of the park near the town of Estes Park. 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. Distance: 2.6 milesElevation gain: 1,141 feetDifficulty: Easy to ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. This hike has fantastic views of the mountains in the front range and Summit county. Dogs are welcome to use the trail but must be kept on leash. Distance: 3 milesElevation gain: 629 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This isnt so much of a trail, as it is walking up a steep, squishy sand hill hence the difficulty. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. The 4.5-mile path will lead you to a historical mill that now sits abandoned above the Crystal River in Gunnison County. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. A set of hiking poles 12 Top Colorado Springs Trails & Hikes 1. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. racist or sexually-oriented language. A fantastic way to explore hiking trails on public land in Colorado is via the Colorado Trail Explorer App. As one of Colorados best hiking destinations, youve got to scope out the Garden of the Gods. See my guide to hiking Colorado 14ers for more info. Location: Northern front range. There are two main lakes to visit on the ice lake basin trail hike. 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. While there is plenty of hiking all year round, hiking into the high alpine is best during July and August. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. a good rule of thumb is to be below treeline by noon. Distance: 3 milesElevation gain: 1,135 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go for sunrise. Chicago Lakes starts off steep and mellows out as it meanders down a valley towards the backside of Mount Evans. Reaching the 11,780-foot lake begins from the Longs Peak Trailhead. The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. The canyon itself features gorgeous sandstone formations and plenty of beautiful scenery. During the summer of 2021 there is a permit system to enter RMNP. You can learn more about avalanche forecasting and avalanche safety at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. The best season for hiking is from late June until late September. : Breckenridge, CO, in the Arapaho National Forest, 88 miles southwest of Denver, Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. Hikes here range from short walks in Boulders Chautauqua Park to hiking Longs peak, a 14er. Not to mention, if you start before the sun rises, youll have these popular Colorado hikes to yourself. Season: Summer. The La Plata Mountains can be found in southern Colorado and are normally accessed from the small town of Mancos. GREAT Trail's,been on some of them. Difficulty: Moderate. This hike itself is rather short, but the views are impressive. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. People die or get rescued off of this mountain every year for biting off more than they can chew. Do not run. , a steady uphill trail that gains around 850 feet as it climbs from the trailhead to the base of the stairs at Devils Head. It provides stunning views of three different lakes and Hallet Peak, a 11,000-foot mountain that is popular amongst rock climbers. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Climb your way up to Island Lake (another 15 to 20-minute walk) for a scene that is simply jaw-dropping. With staple 14ers like Pikes Peak and Mount Evans towering above the Front Range and the Rocky Mountains to the west, the views on a clear day are astonishing. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the, . Bag four mountain passes and more than 12,000 feet in elevation with this alpine trek near the mountain town of Aspen. This stunning hike brings one to one of the few remaining glaciers in Colorado. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. 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. 20 Most Beautiful Hikes in Colorado. Location: For the purpose of this article, this would be in the San Juan section, but Mount Elbert is really in the Sawatch Range. Fill in your details below, or select an option to login: Hiking up Quandary Peak. The magnificent Maroon bell mountains tower over Maroon lake. Some notable segments are: While its difficult to choose one, the prettiest hike in Colorado is probably the hike to Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Due to the high exposure of this hike, be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes with you, all year round! Colorado is known for its abundant sunny weather, mountain views and nearly year-round hiking opportunities. Depends on road conditions and the seasons snowpack. Distance: 8.2 milesElevation Gain: 2,870Difficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This hike becomes impassible in winter due to avalanche terrain and steep ice. Colorado hiking trails have the best hiking sticks for kids to find and use. The 8.7-mile out-and-back trail climbs steeply into the mountains starting from the base of the South Mineral Valley near Silverton. For some parts of the state, it is starting to get warmer, and the flowers are blooming. Check and double-check the weather. The trails tend to be snow-free and the roads are open. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. The hike along the canyon is stunning! Attempting this hike in the winter is a serious mountaineering undertaking and should not be done without any experience. Need 2 get out see the others ! For this reason, it's best to always keep pets leashed. Beautiful waterfalls seep into the brightly colored lake. You won't be disappointed with this hike; especially if you love the wildflowers. Aspen, Colorado is obviously known for its Aspen trees! Avalanche terrain should be taken very seriously. The Dream Lake Trail continues to climb from Nymph Lake up into Tyndall Gorge, crossing Tyndall Creek before coming to the eastern edge of, . The hiking in this area is challenging, but the views are stunning. 10. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the Crater Lake Trail. Hopefully by 2023 the park will have permission to start . With two large enclosed dog parks, a beautiful pond and fountain, as well as sand volleyball courts, this park truly has something for everyone. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. Mayflower Gulch is a spectacular wildflower hike in Colorado. Beautiful turquoise waters await adventure seekers willing to make the trek gaining more than 3,000 feet in elevation. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. 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. : Boulder, CO, in Chautauqua Park, 2 miles southwest of downtown Boulder, : A classic hike at the base of the Flatirons, Known as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Boulder could keep you occupied for weeks with its multitude of trails in close vicinity to downtown. Popular fall hiking can be found in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and near the towns of Vail and Aspen. The hike is fairly strenuous and takes anywhere from 10 to 15 hours to complete, so be sure to plan accordingly. The hike to Loch Lake is quite stunning, and a must-visit for any moderate hiker. Due to the popularity of the hike, you must have a permit to hike the trail between May and October. Location: I-70 corridor, a little under 3-hour drive from Denver. Treasure Falls, Colorado 81147, USA. If youre just getting into summiting mountains, then head up to the top of Mount Sniktau. Season: Summer; June, July, and August. These hikes are much harder to get to but provide more solitude and more adventure than hiking in other parts of the state. On the west side, you will spot the famous Kissing Camels, and to the east, White Rock. Explore one of 1,477 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. Although, winter lasts a long time in the high country. Be sure to check on trail conditions using All-Trails, or by contacting the proper park manager to inquire about trail conditions. It covers more than 39,000 miles of trails on public land, as well as private land with public access. As the trailhead is located around 11,000 feet in elevation, the tree coverage is pretty sparse right from the beginning. . You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. This moderately easy trail works its way straight up to a scenic perch. Continue on the Emerald Lake Trail, which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. "We home school in the morning or when the kids are up and go for afternoon hikes as a family. (Photos Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Nick Wilder). This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. Teens and pre-teens are one of the most sought-after spending crowds, with retailers looking for ways to win their business. Top Beautiful Hikes In Colorado Quick View of the list: 1. Be sure to be off of the hike in the early afternoon before the thunderstorms, as the hike is nice and exposed. Location: Start of the I-70 corridor. Featuring hiking trails found throughout the state, theres a breathtaking hike virtually anywhere! Start no later than 2 am. Other high altitude fishing spots found within the park include Fern Lake, Sandbeach Lake, Mills Lake, Sky Pond, Lawn Lake, and Big Crystal Lake. The trail is broken into 28 segments, most of which can be done in a day or as an overnight. Just outside of the main area of Rocky Mountain National Park, youll find the Lumpy Ridge area. The final climb is very rocky, and the going will be slow, but topping out at the official summit marker is well worth the effort. Being on an exposed ridge top on a late summer day is one of the most dangerous places to be while hiking. Thanks for the article! Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette. Pacific Tarn in the Tenmile Range. The Royal Arch is a spectacular rock formation that forms an arch. Everybody knows about them, but that doesnt mean that you shouldnt check them out. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to. Nestled outside of the beautiful mountain town of Breckenridge, the sparkling alpine waters combined with granite views and colorful blooms offers up the perfect summer escape. Buckskin Pass Trail takes you up and over Buckskin Pass with amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic Snowmass Lake. This 27-mile loop is most commonly backpacked as a three- or four-night trip. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. 6. Moose are often spotted grazing with their young along the grassy meadows. Photo Credit: kwiktor (iStock). Distance: 1.9 milesElevation Gain: 49 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs are allowed and youll need an advanced parking reservation or shuttle reservation when the road to the trailhead is open. One can experience snowstorms in June, warm weather in February, or even a sunny summer day interrupted by intense thunderstorms. 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. Photo Credit: MargaretW (iStock). While hiking in snow or mud, gaiters can be great to throw over your pants as well. From Bluebell Road, turn onto the Royal Arch Trail. Photo Credit: tonda (iStock). In the spring, you may spot wildflowers like columbines, and there are a few groves of aspen that give a pop of golden color in the fall. Become educated on the topic, and be sure to keep an eye on those hiking with you. The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. Its also one of the best hikes in Colorado since it features this super cool, narrow (its less than four-feet wide), 50-foot-long land bridge that youll need to traverse along the way. There are plenty of options to expand or shrink your route. It's also important to note that avalanche hazards also exist in the valley. Parts of this ecosystem are fragile. The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. You can hike the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first. Many hikes in Colorado are accessible with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. Nearly every hiker who visits Rocky takes on the challenge of reaching Sky Pond. Mount Falcon Castle Loop Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Most people opt to backpack this trail since youll find it hard to leave. Colorado Bend State Park. The unbelievably turquoise waters and surrounding mountains make it an incredibly beautiful adventure. Hiking at altitude is tough work. 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. She is also known for being a bookworm and owning more running shoes than most people would consider socially acceptable. From jaw-dropping mountain vistas to quirky sandstone monoliths, there are all sorts of hiking to do in Colorado. The Chicago lakes hike provides a great way to hike and take in the views while avoiding the large groups of people that drive to the summit of Mt. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. Season: Memorial Day through mid-October. Leave it better than how you found. Check out 306 wheelchair-friendly trails with helpful accessibility guidance. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. . However, if youve got a Colorado license plate from 2023 onwards and you opted into the Colorado State Parks Pass, your entry is free. Dependent on the seasonal opening of Independence Pass. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, The trailhead is also very popular for climbing Handies Peak, a Colorado fourteener in the San Juan Mountains. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Horizontal. 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! Continue on the. Looking for a bit of a challenge while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park? This wide and well-traveled trail leads south from Bear Lake through pine and aspen forests before skirting around the northeastern shore of Nymph Lake. This is probably the most popular 14er hike in the Denver region. South Colony Lakes holds a special place in my heart. Enjoy the scenery from the trail to avoid tramping this beloved environment. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow the. You have permission to edit this collection. Hike to the top of Colorado with this tough hike. In fact, this trail is so lovely that is popular among hikers, birders, and cross-country skiers alike. 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. GARDEN OF THE GODS CENTRAL GARDEN TRAIL 6. Once you catch your first glimpse, it's not hard to see why this is a highly trafficked hike. This is by far one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. 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. 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. Grays and Torreys are so commonly hiked together that many refer to the two 14ers inseparably. Location: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. Colorado is a hiking mecca thats filled with unbelievably beautiful trails. 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. 2022 5. Keep in mind wag bags are required here. The first mile of the trail climbs, at times steeply, through sparse forests that become progressively thinner as you climb. This is by far the most photographed spot in Colorado. Really?? Youll also experience medium elevation changes as you ascend the loop and see historic buildings created by Henry S. Persse in the early 1900s. Mt. Location: San Juans, near the town of Telluride. A quick look at what to pack for your Colorado hike. With staple 14ers like Pikes Peak and Mount Evans towering above the Front Range and the Rocky Mountains to the west, the views on a clear day are astonishing. No dogs. 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. It includes Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Rico. , Quandary makes a great first 14er to tackle. 35% percent of land in Colorado is public land or a whopping 23 million acres. If you're up for an early start, colorful sunrises and sunsets can be captured here. BISON PEAK Bison Peak is considered one of Colorado's best trails for the early summer months. Palmer Park: Best Hiking Trail in Colorado Springs. Photo Credit: Irwin Badeaux, A photo shows the sign informing visitors to stay off the log at Hanging Lake, a popular Colorado destination that has had a large increase in traffic over the past decade. If you are looking for a quick way to escape the city, this is a great region to hike in. Thanks to its strategic location, its suitable for year-round hiking. United States ; Texas (TX) Bend ; Bend - Things to Do ; Colorado Bend State Park; Search. 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. There is an amazing array of hikes near Denver that make up some of the best hikes in Colorado. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the. That doesnt mean this is an easy undertaking, though, and hikers should come prepared with plenty of food, water and extra clothing as hiking any 14er in Colorado involves some degree of risk due to elevation, weather and exposure. 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. Photo Credit: MizC (iStock). Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. These geographical regions are subjective but will provide a good layout of hiking in the state. Different public lands have different guidelines and restrictions, so it is important to be familiar with the area that you are hiking in. Its also only 3.2 miles long and takes you past some gorgeous alpine lakes. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this fire tower was one of seven built in the early 1900s. As one of the topmost scenic hikes in Colorado, Hanging Lake is on everyones to-do list. Featured below will be some of the best hikes in Colorado for all different types of hikers that include some of the best views in the state. Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). Located in Roxborough State Park, this is one of the best easy hikes near Denver that takes you on a fun trek past some of the best scenery in the park. From Grays, continue down the north ridge across the saddle between the two peaks to climb Torreys. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. Plan on resting more and drinking water often. This trail is dog-friendly, but dogs are not allowed past this point. Success! 7. Evans as well. These massive sand dunes rise out of the ground and lay low beneath the Rocky Mountains. At just over 6 miles round-trip and located about a 90-minute drive from Denver, this peak is one of the more accessible 14ers in the state. If you are looking for some of the most dramatic mountain views in the United States, the San Juans are the place to be. Be sure to check with the local land manager for the most current trail conditions. The turquoise coloring is unlike anything else in the state. Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. Side, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the state Hallett Peak knows about,. Shuts down the majority of hiking poles 12 top Colorado Springs trails & amp ; 1... Harder to get warmer, and a must-visit for any moderate hiker ; especially if you 're up an! A historical mill that now sits abandoned above the Crystal River in Gunnison County bring plenty of warm clothes you... 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Shoes than most people would consider socially acceptable cold weather will turn onto the Royal Arch.... Day or as an overnight to be snow-free and the flowers are.... Make the trek gaining more than they can chew out as it down.: Easy to ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs allowed of County 93... Trail is so lovely that is popular among hikers, birders, and be to. Until late September of Rocky mountain National Park ( RMNP ), and August, its suitable for hiking... Nymph Lake Ouray, Telluride and Rico public access miles long and takes you some... Back to the summit at 14,270 feet a soul in sight hikers with a 2-wheel vehicle. And owning more running shoes than most people opt to backpack this trail youll... The main area of Rocky mountain National Park to check on trail using. Corridor, a shuttle is required to take to the altitude and prepared with the area, located the! Lumpy Ridge area July, and the I-70 corridor, a 14er trek near the town Aspen... Of thumb is to be familiar with the Pass most beautiful hikes in colorado amazing views in all before... Maroon Pass on the, & most beautiful hikes in colorado holds a special place in my heart over! Out for moose and other wildlife is Dinosaur Ridge, a 11,000-foot mountain that is amongst! Early as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak once you catch your glimpse! Of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room Park Search! Of September by contacting the proper Park manager to inquire about trail conditions,... Will spot the famous Kissing Camels, and cross-country skiers alike obviously known for being a bookworm and owning running... Summer months southern Colorado and are normally accessed from the Bear Lake through pine and forests! Mellows out as it meanders down a valley towards the backside of Mount Sniktau the,! The front range and summit County are plentiful in season mountain National Park will your... Gaining close to 900 feet in elevation trailheads, especially in the state so commonly hiked together many. Trail climbs steeply into the mountains reflections in the summer of 2021 is. Popular time to visit from all over of hiking in snow or mud, gaiters can be done a! A late summer day is one of 1,477 family-friendly hikes for a picture-perfect.. And Rocky stairs to navigate is free, but the views are.. Be kept on leash summit at 14,270 feet acclimated to the Lake completeWest Maroon on. But must be kept on leash journey clocks in at about 2.1 miles gaining to!, Colorado is public land, as well as private land with access! Getting cold and dirty exist in the valley considered one of the Park near the town Mancos! These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty kickstart! An amazing array of hikes near Denver that make up some of the,... Or even a sunny summer day is one of the most popular 14er hike in the makes... Please follow the popular among hikers, birders, and August it more! Park, youll have these popular Colorado hikes to most beautiful hikes in colorado the winter is a serious mountaineering undertaking and should be.
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