Dont stop here, as another singletrack trail on the west side of Mirror Lake heads on to. From here, you briefly connect to the Red Rocks Trail before the serious climb starts on the Morrison Slide Trail. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to take a shuttle from town. Showcasing breathtaking natural scenery, the mill is arguably one of the most photographed structures in all of the state. Once you reach the base of Devils Head, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side of the large rock outcropping. Made famous as being one of the best rock climbing areas in Colorado, this area is also home to some amazing hikes. Distance: 1.8 miles. Her dream job is journalist. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Season: Summer; June, July, and August. Can We Interest You in Some Of These Stories Instead? This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. The Mount Evans wilderness area is a great place to make for a full day of hiking and driving up to some spectacular exposed views. The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. Here comes the big question! Dont forget to bring your camera! Here are a few must-do hikes in the area. 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 Continental Divide Trail. Hike to the top of Colorado with this tough hike. Spencer McKee takes in sweeping alpine views on the Mount Massive trail. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Dog-friendly. This famous park near downtown Colorado Springs is a must-see. If you are searching for a first-time hike or are visiting the park for a single day, look no further than the hike to Emerald Lake. 3. 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 colors of summer grace hikers along Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes. 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. One can experience snowstorms in June, warm weather in February, or even a sunny summer day interrupted by intense thunderstorms. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. Cotton can cause hypothermia, even in summer. There's also a 7.25-mile route up the southwest side for those with a high clearance 4WD vehicle. As I was researching lodging near Estes Park, CO, for our 6th trip to hike Rocky Mountain National Park, I came across this list. A popular trail in this area is Seven Bridges Trail which is a 3.8 mile trail that is moderately difficult. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. 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. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto High Drive, a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. Colorado offers thousands of miles of hiking trails: long, short, easy, tough, scenic, isolated, adventurous, family-friendly, even handicap accessible, and dog-friendly.Some are perfect for viewing the changing of the aspen trees in the fall, whereas others come to life every spring with colorful wildflowers. Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Legal Notice | Terms Of Use, Top 10 Ridge Scrambles in Colorado That Are Exhilarating, Colorado Trail Gear List: What To Bring In Your Backpack, 15+ Best Hikes In Rocky Mountain National Park. Don't Threaten. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 416 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. Its a popular, but challenging, 7.5-mile, out-and-back hike that will take you through the gorgeous, Mount Evans Wilderness area. How many trails have you hiked? I love to escape to the red sandstone canyons outside of Fruita, Colorado every winter. Austin Bluffs Open Space A quick look at what to pack for your Colorado hike. When it comes to hiking in Colorado, there are year-round options. Location: I-70 corridor, outside of the town of Aspen. 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. To get to the lakes, you'll climb 1.6 miles with an elevation gain of 1,062 feet. Evans as well. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Hike along the seven bridges and check out the beautiful waterfall. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. Hikes here range from short walks in Boulders Chautauqua Park to hiking Longs peak, a 14er. The best season for hiking is from late June until late September. This list encompasses the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Fall is one of the best times to hike in Colorado. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Snowshoes can be helpful after heavy snowfall. Be sure to remember to bring $5 for the parking fee at this location. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Buckskin Pass Trail takes you up and over Buckskin Pass with amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic Snowmass Lake. This awesome, 6 mile out-and-back trail takes you through the exquisite Flat Tops Wilderness area near Yampa, Colorado. The trail varies in terrain, going from forested canyons to eye-opening alpine vistas. Nothing from Ouray or Cheyenne Caon? One can hike all year round in Colorado. : Morrison, CO, in Matthews/Winters Park, 15 miles west of Denver, : An easily accessible hike on Colorados Front Range. This is available as a desktop version as well on iPhone and Android. When she isnt running, she works as a trail content editor for Trail Run Project, where she now gets to spend her day dreaming about trails and adventuringthe perfect job since she cant run 24/7. You will be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views to the south toward the distinctive, slanted rock formations of Red Rocks. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. Located a little over an hour away from Denver, near Silver Plume, Colorado is this amazing trail. 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. Trails throughout the park offerstunning views of Pikes Peak America's Mountain. Generally speaking, areas above 9,000 feet in springtime are definitely still covered in snow. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Kristen is a native Coloradan and longtime runner who enjoys running on the track, roads and now on the trails. This trail is accessible in the winter, but due to road closures, it would add upwards of 7 miles each way. Keep in mind wag bags are required here. If you are in the area for this hike, it is worth it to drive to the summit of Mt. It is recommended to go early in the morning or late in the evening. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. 5 Must-Have Hiking Essentials 1. If you are planning to do the hike as a quick overnight backpacking trip, you will need a permit, and all visitors will need to pay the small fee to park at the Monarch Lake Trailhead. This is another great 14er hike to do in the I-70 area. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. When it comes to hikes in Colorado, Chicago Lakes delivers on varied scenery. Parts of the trailhead may also be inaccessible during these months. It includes Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Rico. Winter brings solitude through deep snow in the woods. This hike includes two different 14ers! It provides stunning views of three different lakes and Hallet Peak, a 11,000-foot mountain that is popular amongst rock climbers. This leaves one exposed to lightning strikes, which causes about 2 fatalities per year in Colorado. Photo Credit: RondaKimbrow (iStock). Towering beautifully over hikers, mountain bikers, and climbers, the unique red rock formations offer a playground of adventure. The canyon itself features gorgeous sandstone formations and plenty of beautiful scenery. The hike then loops back north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead. Additionally, be sure to check the weather and plan to leave early enough to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which can move in rapidly at high elevations. Fall is popular timing to make the trek. Once over your second pass, you get a bit of a respite on the, , which traverses a wide, high-altitude basin that is carpeted in wildflowers in season. Some of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado include Mount Bierstadt, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Bison Peak, Star Dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park, Lion Lakes at Rocky Mountain National Park, San Luis Peak, Lost Man Lake, and Mount Elbert. Some of the best fall colors can be seen in this area. Most segments fall within the moderate to upper end of difficult. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Fall would be the best time to make this hike. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Free shipping for many products! 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. You will need to check-in at the South Rim visitors center to get a permit. Mountains above 14,000 feet are known as 14ers. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Vertical. On the west side, you will spot the famous, , and to the east, White Rock. Let me know! Back away slowly and be sure to keep a safe distance. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Most popular in summer and for fall colors in late September. Permits are required for an overnight. Yankee Boy Basin 476 Hiking Trails Geologic Formations By PatrickDelhougne . This area will include hiking areas south of Denver down to Colorado Springs. Avalanche terrain should be taken very seriously. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. There is a fee to enter to the park and parking can be limited during peak season. The trip takes about 2 hours and has chains to hold for the steep sections. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. 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. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the. Hiking has been a popular Colorado activity since the Colorado Trail was created in the 1970s. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. Distance: 1.6 milesElevation Gain: 232 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. Treasure Falls, Colorado 81147, USA. Lone Eagle Peak in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This road is only open in the summer months. 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. 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. Rapid weather changes can be expected on this high altitude trek. , which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. A hiking day backpack 2. The hiking in this area is challenging, but the views are stunning. Distance: 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 1,530 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. . Information on distance, elevation gain, location, difficulty, permit requirements, and dog-friendliness. Winding through spectacular wildflower meadows, scenic beauty awaits hikers and backpackers. 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