The Mount Evans wilderness areas have plenty of stunning views and great hikes. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. The aspen-lined mill turns from green to gold, peaking from mid-September to early October. This is a family-friendly hike that should not be missed in Colorado. Be sure to remember to bring $5 for the parking fee at this location. The magnificent Maroon bell mountains tower over Maroon lake. This will prevent your legs from getting cold and dirty! Moose are often spotted grazing with their young along the grassy meadows. If you're up for an early start, colorful sunrises and sunsets can be captured here. A fantastic way to explore hiking trails on public land in Colorado is via the Colorado Trail Explorer App. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek that gains 2,752 feet in elevation. Distance: 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 1,530 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Peak baggers up for the challenge can also summit Kit Carson and Challenger Point accessed along this same trail. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. There are several parking areas located along Gold Camp Road and while none are very large, you will have a few lots to choose from. 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. The 14,259 ft Longs Peak is one of the most climbed 14ers in Colorado thanks to its convenient location. a good rule of thumb is to be below treeline by noon. Chief Mountain. 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. 10. Popular fall hiking can be found in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and near the towns of Vail and Aspen. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. Just outside of the main area of Rocky Mountain National Park, youll find the Lumpy Ridge area. Its also one of the best Colorado backpacking trips too! Season: Memorial Day through mid-October. Being on an exposed ridge top on a late summer day is one of the most dangerous places to be while hiking. Season: Best to hike in summer. Continue on the. The hiking in this area is challenging, but the views are stunning. 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. Start no later than 2 am. With thousands of hikes in Colorado, there is no way all of them can be featured in this article. Photo Credit: SWKrullImaging (iStock). Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. Its also an iconic beginner Colorado 14er so if you can, come early (start before 5 am to beat the crowds, 6 am to hike safely and avoid summer storm cycles). Follow the signs to Rogers Pass Lake (pictured), a destination youll encounter just before reaching Heart Lake. Get outside this season with the best hiking trails in Colorado. Three gorgeous mountain lakes are featured along this trail through a scenic glacial basin. Photo Credit: Adam-Springer (iStock). 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. Many hikers are turned around by high country weather. Photo Credit: Zach Dischner. Here comes the big question! Colorado National Monument is one of the best winter hiking destinations in Colorado. 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. The views are particularly stunning in the spring with the stark contrast between the red rocks and the green hillsides. This is one of the best fall hikes in Colorado that doesnt get smashed with people. Be on the lookout for more articles in the future for the best 14er hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. Don't miss this trek deep in the heart of the Sangre De Cristo mountains to Willow Lake. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. 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: 14.5 milesElevation gain: 4,911 feetDifficulty: extremely difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is not a hike to be taken lightly. Be sure to arrive early to find a parking spot as space is limited and the trail is busy during the summer. With any season, conditions can be variable. The area around the trail ( McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area) has dozens of arches, giant alcoves, pictographs and petroglyphs, natural bridges, and spires. Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. While hiking in snow or mud, gaiters can be great to throw over your pants as well. This hike provides a great introduction to hiking in Colorado and the Boulder Open Space trails. Photo Credit: MizC (iStock). The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation gain: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. Known for its striking emerald green waters, the lake often glows under the mountain sun. Keep your eyes on the trail for wildlife. Towards the summit there may be a few rocky sections, be on the lookout for loose rocks. 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. The trick? Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Colorado is known for its snow-capped mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Dont stop here, as another singletrack trail on the west side of Mirror Lake heads on to Crater Lake and reveals the even more stunning view of Lone Eagle Peak and Mount Achonee towering above the lake. Be sure to have checked the forecast multiple times, and do always bring extra layers as well as a rain jacket. Different public lands have different guidelines and restrictions, so it is important to be familiar with the area that you are hiking in. Crestone Peak and the Crestone Needle, two of Colorados most famous 14ers (peaks above 14,000 feet high), create a beautifully dramatic backdrop. Local Tip: If youre into gentle rock climbs, then check out the Longs Peak Cable Route. The Great Sand Dunes rise almost randomly out of the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. For some parts of the state, it is starting to get warmer, and the flowers are blooming. Garden of the Gods is a popular hiking destination located in Colorado Springs. Be prepared to not have cell service while you hike. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography. 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. 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. Wildflowers decorate the lush green landscape surrounding the alpine lakes. racist or sexually-oriented language. I was disappointed to not see FERN LAKE and other hikes in RMNP on the list. Micro-spikes and snowshoes can be necessary during the winter months (October-April). 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. This 737-acre city park offers more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. Featuring stunning views of the iconic Twin Lakes, this must-do Colorado hiking trail is perfect for newbie hikers and families alike. This famous park near downtown Colorado Springs is a must-see. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Photo Credit: tonda (iStock). You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Enjoy the scenery from the trail to avoid tramping this beloved environment. best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, The only 4-day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary Youll Ever Need. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. If you are traveling in or under avalanche terrain, be sure to be educated on avalanche safety. When hiking above the treeline, it is incredibly important to watch the weather and be off the summit before 2pm. Featuring hiking trails found throughout the state, theres a breathtaking hike virtually anywhere! But Victoria's .SUNshine Girl Emily, a 5-foot-7, hazel-eyed Taurus who posed for us in 2018, loves yoga, hiking, writing in her journal and skiing. Spencer McKee takes in sweeping alpine views on the Mount Massive trail. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. Box 118, Bend, TX 76824. Error! United States ; Texas (TX) Bend ; Bend - Things to Do ; Colorado Bend State Park; Search. As was mentioned above, some roads are closed for portions of the year, it is important to check on those closures. Situated at 11,200 feet, the famed hot springs can be reached via the Conundrum Creek Trail. Back away slowly and be sure to keep a safe distance. This is a heavily trafficked area, so be sure to get there early. Although there is plenty to do in Rocky Mountain NP, hiking is at the top of the list. Rocky Mountain National Park is a truly breathtaking area and a great introduction to Colorado. Nestled beautifully in the San Juan Mountains, lies theIce Lake Basin. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the Ten Essentials, Quandary makes a great first 14er to tackle. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. Be Nice. This could be the most popular fall hike in Colorado. Wildflower lovers will be delighted by the serene beauty found on the 401 Trail in Crested Butte. The views of the Rocky Mountains all come together in this perfect blend of alpine lakes, meadows, and forests. It is very important to be off of the summit in the early afternoon to prevent exposure to thunderstorms. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. This stunning hike brings one to one of the few remaining glaciers in Colorado. Be sure to check road conditions. Grays and Torreys are so commonly hiked together that many refer to the two 14ers inseparably. Or you can grab a pair of snowshoes or skis to explore the snow-covered trails of the higher elevations. : Georgetown, CO, in the Roosevelt National Forest, 55 miles west of Denver, The hike to Grays, and then onto Torreys gains a total of 3,479 feet in a little over four miles, following a section of the. On a clear summer day, you will likely join a line of hikers on the way to the summits. BISON PEAK 2. This list encompasses the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Not only is it one of the most famous hikes in the state, but its also moderately difficult and suitable for families who are trying to get used to the altitude. Photo Credit: ablokhin (iStock). Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. From here, you briefly connect to the Red Rocks Trail before the serious climb starts on the Morrison Slide Trail. The 8.7-mile out-and-back trail climbs steeply into the mountains starting from the base of the South Mineral Valley near Silverton. best practices. SAN LUIS PEAK 4. Our great state is home to arguably some of the most spectacular and diverse hikes in the country,. This hike includes two different 14ers! The low mileage and incredibly dramatic scenery make for a great hike. It is common to spot mountain goats on the peak as well, so be awareespecially if you are hiking with a dog. The Royal Arch is a spectacular rock formation that forms an arch. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. 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. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. Lone Eagle Peak in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Its almost a rite of passage to hike this iconic hiking trail in Colorado. Waste does not break down this high up. We'd love to hear eyewitness At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. Between the general region of the San Juans and the southern front range. Can We Interest You in Some Of These Stories Instead? Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. Dont forget to bring your camera! Treasure Falls, Colorado 81147, USA. The High Dune gives a spectacular view of this one-in-a-kind national park. The "Keyhole" is main route for reaching the iconic 14,259-foot summit. There is a fee to enter to the park and parking can be limited during peak season. 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. You can hike the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first. These massive sand dunes rise out of the ground and lay low beneath the Rocky Mountains. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. To get to the lakes, you'll climb 1.6 miles with an elevation gain of 1,062 feet. Blue Lakes Trail leads hikers through Mt. When it comes to hikes in Colorado, Chicago Lakes delivers on varied scenery. that is degrading to another person. Photo Credit: Ashley Bennett. (Stan Behal/Toronto Sun/Postmedia . 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