If you happen to’ve ever set your desktop wallpaper to magical blue-green waters wishing you could possibly be transported there, you’ll be completely satisfied to know one of the best hikes in Colorado will try this. Colorado is understood for its beautiful 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 gives among 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 residence to 53 peaks that rise above 14,000 toes, generally known as “14ers,” and over 40 state parks with tons of of miles of trails.
High Colorado Hikes
On this article, we’ll discover among the finest hikes in Colorado, from simple family-friendly hikes to tougher multi-day hikes. We will even present ideas for planning your journey and staying secure 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 residence to gems of the visible type. And surrounding these mountains are many different Colorado parks which can be equally as beautiful. We embrace all of them on this checklist.
1. Bear Lake Path
Estes Park
It is a half-mile traditional hike for the entire household in Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park. It is likely one of the finest hikes in Colorado for households with younger youngsters because it provides them an opportunity to expertise the wilderness whereas additionally making certain they’re secure and on pretty stage floor.
The path has an elevation acquire of simply 50 toes. Regardless of being a reasonably simple and flat hike you get completely beautiful views of the encircling mountains, together with Hallett Peak and Longs Peak. You possibly can attain the trailhead from the Beaver Meadows entrance of the park. That is undoubtedly a Colorado mountaineering path you need to add to your checklist 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.
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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 must try the Chasm Lake Path. The path is 8.5 miles lengthy and has an elevation acquire of 2500 toes. It’s thought-about a tough 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 could possibly even be in for lightning.
You possibly can 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 could have you exploring the tallest peak in Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, Lengthy’s Peak. On prime of that, you get to take a look at one of many United States’ most beautiful alpine lakes, Chasm Lake, which is nestled beneath Lengthy’s Peak.
3. Emerald Lake Path
Estes Park
To stand up shut and private with blue-green water that may 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 simple 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 beautiful 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 gives unbelievable picture alternatives, particularly in the course of the fall when the aspen timber are altering colours.
If you’re a fisherman you could possibly attempt your hand at fishing for trout, or just calm down and revel in a picnic lunch, which is what we did. There’s a cause this is likely one of the hottest Colorado mountaineering trails. Attending to the path is simple as a result of it’s on Bear Lake Highway and also you begin the hike on the Bear Lake Trailhead.
If you’re 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.
4. Glacier Gorge Path – Sky Pond Path
Estes Park
This is likely one of 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 will get to the hike from the Bear Lake Trailhead, however the parking zone is small so arrive early. Additionally, notice that you could find snow proper into June and July so it’s a good suggestion to carry poles and snowshoes.
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5. Alberta Falls Path
Estes Park
The Alberta Falls Path is likely one of the most beautiful waterfalls within the Rocky Mountains and that’s saying lots as there are a lot of once you go to Colorado. The Alberta Falls path is a 1.7-mile out-and-back hike with elevation adjustments of 232 toes which can be mushy and gradual.
Alongside the best way, you see attractive 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 provides you an appreciation for the facility of Mom Nature. You possibly can attain the path by heading out on Bear Lake Highway to the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. That’s about 12 miles from Estes Park and makes for probably the greatest day hikes once you’re staying on the town.
6. The Rocky Mountains Colorado Path
Denver
Do you even hike in the event you’ve by no means been on the Colorado Path? The Colorado Path is an nearly 500-mile hike that crosses by means of the state. The path runs from Durango to the Waterton Canyon Trailhead in Durango and is likely one of the most tough trails in Colorado.
That is the mom of all of the mountaineering trails in Colorado. If 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 have been to do all the hike it will take you wherever 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 info on every section try 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 last word north finish can replenish quick.
Which means you’ll have a number of folks on the hike with you on the prime and backside of the path. Nevertheless, you’ll get one of the best mountaineering in once you’re within the center. Doing the entire path is finest for knowledgeable hikers as the center components can get a little bit tough.
7. Blue Lakes Path
That is seemingly one of the best hike in Colorado to see mountain goats as a herd is understood to roam the realm. The hike is simply 1 mile lengthy with an elevation acquire of simply 108 toes however getting there is usually a problem as you’ve bought to stand up a steep gravel highway to get to the Blue Lakes trailhead which is healthier for 4WD autos. Alternatively, you’ll be able to simply stroll the gravel highway as much as the trailhead. Simply notice this hike is to not be confused with the Blue Lakes Hike close to Telluride. They’re 2 completely 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 doable. Along with the goats, you’ll the gorgeous Blue Lakes and beautiful wildflowers when in season. Do notice that there’s scrambling required.
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 could be a lake sitting slightly below the cliff with remnants of its lake mattress nonetheless on prime 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 preferred hike in Colorado. It is a 3-mile hike in White River Nationwide Forest, taking you proper into the thick of the park. You will get to the path through the Glenwood Springs trailhead. Hike early to keep away from crowds.
9. Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes Path
Breckenridge
For probably the greatest 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 gives probably the greatest hikes. It is a 7.8-mile hike with a 1920-foot elevation acquire. This is likely one of the finest hikes in Colorado if you’re touring along with your canine as many trails don’t let enable 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 Highway. You’ll be crossing streams and trying out waterfalls alongside the best way. The start of the path is reasonable 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 beautiful.
10. First and Second Flatirons Loop Path
Boulder
This 2.7-mile path goes to take you thru among the most beautiful surroundings in Colorado, however it definitely isn’t going to be simple. You’ll have to do some mountain climbing if you wish to see Boulder’s iconic flat irons. This flatirons path is concrete and steep to start with however then softens out once you get to the dust path portion.
If 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 Highway 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.
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 contains the Gods trails, and is taken into account fairly simple. Regardless of being a simple hike, there’s a number of journey available alongside the best way with purple rock formations abound.
If you happen to’re fortunate, you may even see a fox or mule deer poke their head up from behind a kind of formations. You will get to the trailhead from Willow Creek Path close to the doorway of Roxborough State Park.
12. Monarch Lake Loop Path
Granby
This 4.2-mile path in Arapaho Nationwide Forest is tremendous simple and tremendous standard and makes it probably the greatest hikes in Colorado for households. It takes you round Monarch Lake and makes for a pleasant option 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 will see loos and parking.
13. Pawnee Move Path
Boulder
You possibly can try a glacier as you make your means alongside Pawnee Move Path to Isabelle Lake. After that, you’re performing some switchbacks to get to beautiful views. You’ll see Mount Audobon and Apache Peak. The Pawnee Move Path is 10 miles lengthy with an elevation change of near 3000 toes so it’s not precisely a family-fit journey you probably have younger youngsters.
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 12 months past the July and August months. You will get to the Pawnee Move trailhead from Brainard Lake Highway 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.
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 lots for common Colorado hikes. You need to have poles in the event 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 previous stone constructing you’ll be able to discover. There are switchbacks and as we talked about, steep inclines, however this is likely one of the finest mountaineering trails in Colorado in the event you like an journey.
15. Crater Lake Path
Granby
This 3.5-mile path is likely one of the finest hikes in Colorado and doubtless one of the best in Aspen. It’s situated within the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Space. It was fashioned from geological processes that occurred hundreds 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 Highway 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 among the most beautiful 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 among the most iconic within the Rocky Mountains, and their towering presence is a sight to behold particularly as they’re mirrored within the lake beneath. They’re often known as essentially the most photographed mountains in North America.
The Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Path is rated as reasonable problem, making it accessible to hikers of all talent ranges. The path does get actually busy within the excessive season, however the views are price it. That is additionally the kicking-off level for the hike to Crater Lake and we might counsel 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 among the most beautiful pure landscapes within the space.
The trailhead for the South Colony Lakes Path is situated on the finish of a dust highway, and the primary few miles of the path are comparatively simple, passing by means of a forest of aspen and pine timber. Nevertheless, because the path progresses, it turns into steeper and harder, 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 among the most difficult to climb in Colorado, and their towering presence is awe-inspiring.
The South Colony Lakes Path is rated as tough, making it appropriate for knowledgeable hikers who’re in good bodily situation. The path is well-maintained and clearly marked, however hikers ought to be ready for steep climbs and probably difficult climate circumstances.
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 could be accessed from Fish Creek Falls Highway, which is situated roughly three miles from downtown Steamboat Springs.
The path is roughly 4.7 miles spherical journey and gives beautiful 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).
If you’re in search of a better route you’ll be able to take the simple, 0.3-mile paved path to the falls viewing space. Make certain to verify the web site as this path is typically closed as a result of avalanche threat within the winter and early spring.
Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park Entrance Charges
The primary half of this information to one of the best hikes in Colorado focuses on among 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
Observe: 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 move 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 Finest Simple Day Hikes of Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park Choose 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, try the Continental Divide at Wolf Creek Move. That’s situated within the San Juan Mountain vary and provides you beautiful 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. High Mountain Path provides you with an elevation acquire of 2500 toes with rock scrambles, and steep climbs, and in flip, is taken into account tough.
What number of hikes are in Colorado?
There are tons of of hikes in Colorado. You possibly can’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 completely different hikes however a terrific place to begin a hike in your highway journey in Colorado proper now could be to go to Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park. There you have got a number of decisions 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 any doubt that mountaineering in Colorado is one thing that ought to be added to any outside lover’s bucket checklist. With one of the crucial stunning Nationwide Parks within the US, well-maintained trails, contemporary mountain air, and the chance for backcountry mountaineering there is no such thing as a doubt you’re going to adore it right here. So seize your sturdy mountaineering boots, do your analysis, and plan your subsequent mountaineering journey in Colorado.