Photo Credit: John Fielder. The hike is fairly strenuous and takes anywhere from 10 to 15 hours to complete, so be sure to plan accordingly. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. Swimming, dipping body parts into the water, standing under or on top of waterfalls, and walking on the fallen trees within the lake are strictly prohibited. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin. The hike to, hits all the highlights in a fairly manageable distance, but the incline isnt easy, so come prepared for a leg-burning climb. Although there is plenty to do in Rocky Mountain NP, hiking is at the top of the list. , a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. There is a chain link rope to help with the steepest section. The trail ends at the natural rock arch of Royal Arch, which offers a unique vantage point of Boulder and views to the north and south along the Front Range. During the summer of 2021 there is a permit system to enter RMNP. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. The beautiful scenery passes by a few small lakes and ponds before the final push to Ptarmigan Lake. Afterward, check out the sights in nearby Dillon, Frisco, and Breckenridge. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto. It might be the only hike in the state to safely do barefoot! This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. The trick? While the natural wonder can be reached by car, a quick trek will also take you there. Between the general region of the San Juans and the southern front range. As was mentioned above, some roads are closed for portions of the year, it is important to check on those closures. The trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, which is tucked under the rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop. Distance: 6.0 milesElevation gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and best used between June and September. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. Here are 10 hikes to take that lead to pristine bodies of water. This hike itself is rather short, but the views are impressive. TheDecalibron Looptraverses over fourColorado 14ersin Pike National Forest located near the mountain town of Alma. Today, outdoor enthusiasts continue to visit from all over . ROYAL ARCH TRAIL 1. There are plenty of options to expand or shrink your route. 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. Distance: 3.1Elevation Gain: 990Difficulty: easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Hiking at Garden of the Gods is one of the top-rated things to do in Colorado. Storms come in quickly and the weather changes on a dime here. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 1,033 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. 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. Dont poop above treeline. Season: Summer; June, July, and August. If you are flying into Colorado, Denver International Airport is the best option. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. Theres a saying in Colorado that goes west slope best slope. This area of the state isnt as easy to access compared to other hiking areas closer to Denver. Be Nice. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle). Now more than 100 years old, this is the one remaining fire tower in service. Chasm Lake is fishable from June to October. The views are particularly stunning in the spring with the stark contrast between the red rocks and the green hillsides. If you like rocks, this place fits the bill. 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. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. Most people opt to backpack this trail since youll find it hard to leave. Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes Trail. The natural wonder can be found just below American Peak. The hikes in this area are commonly at higher altitudes and will often start at 9,000 or 10,000 feet above sea level. Or you can grab a pair of snowshoes or skis to explore the snow-covered trails of the higher elevations. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. Dogs and fishing are also not allowed. Beautiful waterfalls seep into the brightly colored lake. The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the, , a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Spring or fall can call for micro-spikes for the hike. An overflow of alpine beauty awaits on a serene trek into the San Juan Mountains on the American Basin Trail near Lake City. 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. Pacific Tarn in the Tenmile Range. This hike includes two different 14ers! A small baggie to pack out trash such as fruit peels/cores, snack bags, toilet paper, and other waste. If you are looking for a quick way to escape the city, this is a great region to hike in. On the west side, you will spot the famous, , and to the east, White Rock. Parts of the trailhead may also be inaccessible during these months. Success! The colors of summer grace hikers along Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes. Snowshoes and micro-spikes can be used on higher elevation trails well into May. The incredibly large region of the San Juan mountains includes some of the highest and most rugged hiking in the state. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek that gains 2,752 feet in elevation. Also be aware of the fact that visitors are charged $25 per vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, and $15 per person to enter the park. Welcome to some of the mostbrilliantly cobalt blue lakes in Colorado. Tucked between Interstate 70 and Colorado State Highway 470, Matthews/Winters Park is a surprising location for some beautiful Front Range trails. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. This 27-mile loop is most commonly backpacked as a three- or four-night trip. 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. This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Chad DuBois). Helmet required. Permits are required for an overnight. I love to escape to the red sandstone canyons outside of Fruita, Colorado every winter. This leaves one exposed to lightning strikes, which causes about 2 fatalities per year in Colorado. Generally speaking, areas above 9,000 feet in springtime are definitely still covered in snow. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the Dream Lake Trail. Inside this guide youll find tons of info about the most scenic Colorado hikes and how to visit them without the crowds. Youll need special gear, or you can hire a guide for an adventure you wont forget. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. Really?? Related Read: The 10 Best Hikes Near Grand Junction, Colorado. Spanning 1.1 miles, the Perkins Central Garden . Photo Credit: MargaretW (iStock). While there is plenty of hiking all year round, hiking into the high alpine is best during July and August. A lighter snow season will allow for earlier season hiking. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography. Complete a classic Colorado climb with this advanced hike to the tallest peak in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Even for someone that lives in Colorado, anyone can get altitude sickness when hiking up high, most commonly above 8,000 feet. Upper Blue Lake from Quandary Peak. Its also one of the best Colorado backpacking trips too! Photo Credit: klosfoto (iStock). 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. A look at the tail-end of a sunrise as it hits the boulder field just below the Keyhole. No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best hiking trails in Colorado to suit your needs. The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. Seven Bridges Trail, North Cheyenne Canon Park. Follow Leave No Trace and pick up after yourself (bonus points if you pick up others waste too!). Carry a wag bag and pack your poop out or stay below the trees! Be on the lookout for more articles in the future for the best 14er hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. Located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park is tucked away in the rolling and forested foothills of Pikes Peak. If you are looking for a shorter or easier outing, the. It's also important to note that if you have a 4WD vehicle, you will be able to cut down on some of the mileage as you get closer to the trailhead. Therefore, be prepared to do a bit of scrambling before savoring the incredible views all around you. 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. accounts, the history behind an article. Hiking at altitude is tough work. Photo Credit: Mariah Hoffman. This also has a high concentration of popular 14er hikes. 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. Nearly every hiker who visits Rocky takes on the challenge of reaching Sky Pond. Photo Credit: shaferaphoto (iStock). Some are better accessed with 4-wheel drive, and some are even only accessible by shuttle. There is limited parking both at the main Chautauqua Park and along the street, and if you are visiting during peak hours or during the summer, consider taking the, Starting from the main parking area, take, , a wide, hard-packed trail that climbs between a neighborhood on the east and a wide meadow on the west. Weather, accessibility, hike difficulty, length, and elevation gain are all factors to consider when choosing a hike in Colorado. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. The unbelievable electric blue waters of Ice Lake make this one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Sneffels Wilderness and to the base of one of Colorado's most popular 14ers. Being on an exposed ridge top on a late summer day is one of the most dangerous places to be while hiking. The crown jewel of the front range is Longs Peak. Its $25 to enter the park. Some Colorado State parks and all National Parks have fees to enter the park. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. Photo Credit: Ashley Bennett. Bursting with beauty, the trail features rushing alpine waters, wildflower meadows, and a variety of wildlife including bear, elk, moose, deer, and marmots. SAN LUIS PEAK 4. Distance: 1.6 milesElevation Gain: 232 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. 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. Located near Montrose Colorado, this 1.5-mile out-and-back trail is a great way to take in the awe-inspiring beauty of Black Canyon of Gunnison. Location: I-70 corridor, a little under 3-hour drive from Denver. 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. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to take a shuttle from town. Sharkstooth Trail is a great day hike in a region of Colorado many overlook. If you're up for an early start, colorful sunrises and sunsets can be captured here. 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. It is tough to narrow down the best Colorado hiking trails and hikes, but you definitely cant go wrong with any of these ones. Be sure to remember to bring $5 for the parking fee at this location. Hike in the morning on a weekday for some solitude. Winter brings solitude through deep snow in the woods. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. Blue Lakes Trail - Ridgway. 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