Be sure to remember to bring $5 for the parking fee at this location. 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. Just hike the path of least resistance! SAN LUIS PEAK 4. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. 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. Near the southern end of the loop, you can branch onto the Sleeping Giant Trail, a short loop off the main paved path that leads to the base of the Sleeping Giant rock formation. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Continue on another one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and attempt this semi-challenging out and back hike. The low mileage and incredibly dramatic scenery make for a great hike. These hikes are much harder to get to but provide more solitude and more adventure than hiking in other parts of the state. Distance: 3.1Elevation Gain: 990Difficulty: easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Mount Elber is 14,440 feet tall, making it the highest point in the state. Plan to get to the final destination by sunrise to beat the crowds and be treated to some breathtaking scenery. This is one of the more difficult 14er hikes in the state. Living up to its namesake, this beautiful alpine lake hosts an array of skyscraping rock formations that seem to defy gravity. 1. 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. Welcome to some of the mostbrilliantly cobalt blue lakes in Colorado. Although we do have a Willow Lake Trail here in Silverthorne, I dont believe it is the one depicted in the photos, and Silverthorne is definitely not in the Sangre de Christo area. 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. This is another great 14er hike to do in the I-70 area. When planning your trip, keep in mind that parking can be scarce at the eastern trailheads, especially in the summer. The easily accessible trails at Bear Creek are some of the most popular in the area, for both locals and visitors. As with all above-treeline routes, start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and be sure to pack appropriately with food, water, sunscreen and extra layers. No dogs. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the, . . Tucked away in Rocky Mountain National Park, the hike to Alberta Falls is an easy, out and back trail that will take you to some stunning falls in the park with incredible views. Dont forget to bring your camera! takes you up and over Buckskin Pass with amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic, Enjoy the easier hiking at lower elevations while you can, as the, quickly has you climbing back to 12,000 feet over Trail Rider Pass. Distance: 10.3 milesElevation gain: 4,442 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Start early (like 4 am early) to beat afternoon thunderstorms. . The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. Located a little over an hour away from Denver, near Silver Plume, Colorado is this amazing trail. Weather, accessibility, hike difficulty, length, and elevation gain are all factors to consider when choosing a hike in Colorado. Like other 14er hikes, it is very important to start early and end early. Be sure to be off of the hike in the early afternoon before the thunderstorms, as the hike is nice and exposed. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Pacific Tarn in the Tenmile Range. Photo Credit: twildlife (iStock). , which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. Herman Gulch is one of the most accessible high alpine hiking trails in Colorado. Soak in the beauty of James Peak Wilderness as you make your way to Heart Lake via Rogers Pass Trail. 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. Winter brings solitude through deep snow in the woods. Photo Credit: James Walton. 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. Although short, theres quite a bit of gain on this hike, making it moderate in difficulty. This area is roughly the region south of I-70 and encompasses a huge area. Afterward, check out the sights in nearby Dillon, Frisco, and Breckenridge. For killer views of eastern Colorado, Pikes Peak, and the Rocky Mountains check out Devils Head Lookout. ROYAL ARCH TRAIL 1. (Stan Behal/Toronto Sun/Postmedia . Its one of the easiest hikes near Denver and has plenty of stellar scenery to boot. Here is an article about getting altitude sickness in Colorado. This is probably the most popular 14er hike in the Denver region. Beautiful Hikes - Colorado Bend State Park. Youll travel along an old railroad route in the heart of the southern foothills. 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. For some parts of the state, it is starting to get warmer, and the flowers are blooming. 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. If you time it right, you can even be at the lake to view the first snowfall on the Maroon bells, with the fall colors still bright down below. The hiking in this area is challenging, but the views are stunning. Acclimatize properly. If you are traveling in or under avalanche terrain, be sure to be educated on avalanche safety. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. The trail to the summit gains 3,229 feet over the course of just over 3 miles. Location: San Juans. Photo Credit: Adam-Springer (iStock). This will prevent your legs from getting cold and dirty! Read moreabout us. Youll never know what you could find! Hiking water bottle for hydration 4. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. How many trails have you hiked? Need 2 get out see the others ! The colors of summer grace hikers along Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes. Location: I-70 corridor, not very far from Denver. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. 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. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. A personal favorite of mine, this trail is well worth the effort. Distance: 1.5 milesElevation gain: 406 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: no dogs allowed. 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. From Grays, continue down the north ridge across the saddle between the two peaks to climb Torreys. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Tucked between Interstate 70 and Colorado State Highway 470, is a surprising location for some beautiful Front Range trails. Check and double-check the weather. One such hike is the Ice Lake Trail which takes hikers on a 3.7-mile journey through beautiful trees to the lake, which has a mesmerizing blue color. Situated at 11,200 feet, the famed hot springs can be reached via the Conundrum Creek Trail. As a scared site for nearby Native Americans, these sand dunes boast magical scenery. Parts of this ecosystem are fragile. Local Tip: If you love peak bagging check out Grays and Torreys Peak, two famous Colorado 14ers nearby. : 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. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a rather unknown gem of the state. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. Local Tip: If youre into gentle rock climbs, then check out the Longs Peak Cable Route. The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. Chief Mountain. 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 trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. This could be the most popular fall hike in Colorado. Seeing it dusted in snow is a true treat. In the summer, youll find folks heading up St. Marys glacier to go skiing, or some will even jump into the glacial-fed lake! No dogs. Starting at the Kite Lake Trailhead, the7.6-mile trailgains 3,359 feet of elevation. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. It covers more than 39,000 miles of trails on public land, as well as private land with public access. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Photo Credit: klosfoto (iStock). This moderately easy trail works its way straight up to a scenic perch. While you wont fully escape the traffic noise of the nearby highways, the park is still a pleasant and convenient getaway due to its proximity to Golden and the western suburbs of Denver. You'll find this 3.2-mile out-and-back adventure hidden right off of Monarch Pass. popular destinations in the Ouray area due to its stunning natural beauty, rich history and colorful wildflowers. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. This is available as a desktop version as well on iPhone and Android. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, The white and lavender Rocky Mountain Columbine, designated as the official state flower, can be found sprouting along the trail. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. Micro-spikes can useful when there is snow on the windswept trail. Here are a few must-do hikes in the area. Due to the popularity of the hike, you must have a permit to hike the trail between May and October. Spring or fall can call for micro-spikes for the hike. Crystal Mill is every photographer's dream. 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. Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off toward. Let me know! At the end of the long haul, youre greeted with awe-inspiring sandstone arches and deep canyons that rival some of the best scenery in both Arches National Park and the Grand Canyon. Clocking in over 27 miles, the Four Pass Loop climbs over four beautiful mountain passes. Be sure to arrive early to find a parking spot as space is limited and the trail is busy during the summer. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. Emerald Lake Trail 550 Hiking Trails By pamt464 Soakers visiting from early October to late June may encounter snow. Related Read: The 10 Best Hikes Near Grand Junction, 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 free shuttle from downtown. These stunning sandstone monoliths inspire the imagination. She is also known for being a bookworm and owning more running shoes than most people would consider socially acceptable. For a mellow introduction to hiking in the park, hit up the 4 iconic alpine lakes including the famous Emerald Lake along this famous hiking trail. From Bluebell Road, turn onto the. Enjoy the scenery from the trail to avoid tramping this beloved environment. Be on the lookout for mountain goats in the summer. There are a number of routes for reaching the 14,421-foot summit. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto. Palmer Park: Best Hiking Trail in Colorado Springs. Hike along the seven bridges and check out the beautiful waterfall. Location: Northern Front Range. , a short loop off the main paved path that leads to the base of the Sleeping Giant rock formation. Don't miss this trek deep in the heart of the Sangre De Cristo mountains to Willow Lake. check out this blog https://longevity.media/top-10-reasons-why-we-need-to-experience-the-outdoors-more for 10 reasons why we need to be more outdoors that will get you motivated. There are two main lakes to visit on the ice lake basin trail hike. Just outside of the main area of Rocky Mountain National Park, youll find the Lumpy Ridge area. Open today: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM. Thunderstorms can be incredibly dangerous, and even fatal. Really?? From jaw-dropping mountain vistas to quirky sandstone monoliths, there are all sorts of hiking to do in Colorado. Today, outdoor enthusiasts continue to visit from all over . Looking for a bit of a challenge while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park? From here, you briefly connect to the Red Rocks Trail before the serious climb starts on the Morrison Slide Trail. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. 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. On the west side, you will spot the famous Kissing Camels, and to the east, White Rock. While summertime is the best time to venture into higher altitude hikes in the alpine, the summer also has its dangers. Location: I-70 corridor, a little under 3-hour drive from Denver. Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). Please be sure to visit the RMNP website for more information on the current permitting process for parking and entrance to the park. A small, packable rain jacket can be great to throw in your pack. While hiking in snow or mud, gaiters can be great to throw over your pants as well. This area is known for its heavy winds. Photo Credit: Ashley Bennett. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. The 9.1-mile out-and-back trail, which is rated as hard, rewards hikers with incredible views. Elevation: 246 feet. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. The trail is broken into 28 segments, most of which can be done in a day or as an overnight. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin, OutThere Colorado. Blue Lakes Trail - Ridgway. Wildflowers decorate the lush green landscape surrounding the alpine lakes. This guide includes: Get oriented with this map of Colorado Hikes. Because the hiking is on the sand, there isnt much of an established trail. Threats of harming another These sandstone tower formations are scattered around the park. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the, , a flat, wide and easygoing path. Peaks of granite tower over the alpine waters creating a stunning backdrop for hikers and backpackers. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Location: San Juans, near the town of Telluride. For this reason, it's best to always keep pets leashed. Generally speaking, areas above 9,000 feet in springtime are definitely still covered in snow. Colorado Bend State Park. This is my favorite place to take out-of-town visitors on a scenic jaunt. Leave it better than how you found. This area will include hiking areas south of Denver down to Colorado Springs. 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. Popular hiking trails include the Garden of the Gods Loop, Rocks and Vistas Garden of the Gods, Susan G. Bretag and Palmer Loop, and Siamese Twins Loop. A small baggie to pack out trash such as fruit peels/cores, snack bags, toilet paper, and other waste. A list of amazing hikes in Colorado, organized by the most iconic hikes and location. Before a long and rockyscramble, hikers will have the opportunity for a bathroom break at the Chasm Junction. , which leaves from the same trailhead and loops around Bear Lake, is a family-friendly option. It is important to always bring extra layers and a waterproof jacket while hiking in Colorado. This ultimate guide to the best hikes in Colorado gives you an array of local hiking recommendations for all abilities. Grays and Torreys are so commonly hiked together that many refer to the two 14ers inseparably. Most segments fall within the moderate to upper end of difficult. Permits are required for an overnight. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. 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. Its also only 3.2 miles long and takes you past some gorgeous alpine lakes. Maroon Bells, near Aspen, are two of Colorado's most famous mountains and are well known for their views. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin. This 27-mile loop is most commonly backpacked as a three- or four-night trip. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. Jacket while hiking in Colorado Frigid Air Pass the state off the main area of Rocky Mountain National Park attempt. Find a parking spot as space is limited and the trail between may October. Along an old railroad route in the area as well on iPhone and Android be. 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