Here are a few must-do hikes in the area. If youre looking for an easy trail with great mountain and city views, check out Alderfer Three Sisters Trail. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the, . (Photo Credit: Steven Bratman under CC BY-SA). Distance: 6.3 milesElevation Gain: 1,755 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dont pick or prance around in the wildflowers. Colorado National Monument is one of the best winter hiking destinations in Colorado. This will prevent injuries while hiking on rocky ground. popular destinations in the Ouray area due to its stunning natural beauty, rich history and colorful wildflowers. Elevation: 246 feet. It is a good idea to look into purchasing a mode of communication for emergencies such as a SPOT or a Garmin Inreach. Blue Lakes Trail - Ridgway. 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. Expect this hike to take 10-15 hours. The hike to Loch Lake is quite stunning, and a must-visit for any moderate hiker. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the. Season: All year round. They are among the most photographed mountains in the country. Be sure to check road conditions. The natural wonder can be found just below American Peak. 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. Towns like Telluride, Silverton, and Durango will be nearby for hiking in this region. Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire (iStock). The views of the Rocky Mountains all come together in this perfect blend of alpine lakes, meadows, and forests. Photo Credit: SumikoPhoto (iStock). Pro Tip: If youre into hiking up peaks, this trailhead offers access to some of the best 13ers in Colorado. Share with Us. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. Photo Credit: John Fowler OutThere Colorado. Chicago Lakes starts off steep and mellows out as it meanders down a valley towards the backside of Mount Evans. Altitude sickness is important to be aware of when hiking at higher elevations. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to. 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. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Be on the lookout for more articles in the future for the best 14er hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. Soakers visiting from early October to late June may encounter snow. 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. Fill in your details below, or select an option to login: Hiking up Quandary Peak. For the best photo ops though, hike along the 1.9-mile loop trail in fall and come just in time for sunrise to see the real magic of one of the best hikes in Colorado. Everybody knows about them, but that doesnt mean that you shouldnt check them out. The hike starts on the Devils Head Trail #611, a steady uphill trail that gains around 850 feet as it climbs from the trailhead to the base of the stairs at Devils Head. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, American Basin is best explored from mid-July to early August. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). Distance: 6.7 milesElevation gain: 764 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Photo Credit: RondaKimbrow (iStock). Kristen is a native Coloradan and longtime runner who enjoys running on the track, roads and now on the trails. 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. We'd love to hear eyewitness Welcome to some of the mostbrilliantly cobalt blue lakes in Colorado. With more than 300 miles of trails and some of the best-known scenery in the state, Rocky Mountain National Park is a well-loved hiking destination for locals and visitors alike. Its one of the most crowded hikes in the world, so do take care to leave it better than you found it and follow all signage you are not allowed to swim in the lake. This beautiful alpine lake is tucked away at thebase of Longs Peak, one of the most iconic and dangerousfourteenersin the state. Dog-friendly. This spectacular out-and-back starts from Bear Lake before climbing to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake, two of the jewels of Rocky Mountain National Park. On a clear day you can see Longs Peak from Boulder and from some of the Denver suburbs. Snowshoes can be helpful after heavy snowfall. Dependent on the seasonal opening of Independence Pass. Cotton can cause hypothermia, even in summer. 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. Now more than 100 years old, this is the one remaining fire tower in service. 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. When hiking above the treeline, it is incredibly important to watch the weather and be off the summit before 2pm. Location: Northern front range. Additional resources for planning a hiking trip to Colorado. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette. The round-trip journey clocks in at about 2.1 miles gaining close to 900 feet in elevation. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Yankee Boy Basin 476 Hiking Trails Geologic Formations By PatrickDelhougne . This ultimate guide to the best hikes in Colorado gives you an array of local hiking recommendations for all abilities. Comfy pair of hiking boots 3. From Grays, continue down the north ridge across the saddle between the two peaks to climb Torreys. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. ! Always understand that the weather generally comes from the west, and keep an eye on storms. Photo Credit: shaferaphoto (iStock). If youre looking for an easier alternative, opt for a shorter trek toHigh Dune. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. Spring can be a tough time to hike, depending on the conditions. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. . This loop is a mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views. This is one of Colorados most famous lakes. 5 Must-Have Hiking Essentials 1. Distance: 5.1 milesElevation gain: 885 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Distance: 4.6 milesElevation gain: 213 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. From easygoing hikes in the many state and local parks within driving distance of major cities like Denver, Fort Collins, Boulder and Colorado Springs, to the hidden backcountry gems found in the remote wilderness and national forest areas, you have your pick of some of the best hiking in the Mountain West. Information on distance, elevation gain, location, difficulty, permit requirements, and dog-friendliness. Location: Northern Front Range. The summer can also bring snow and hail when you are least expecting it, be sure to be packed for all weather conditions! Beat the crowds and head to the beautiful Ptarmigan Lake. Some of the best fall colors can be seen in this area. , a steady uphill trail that gains around 850 feet as it climbs from the trailhead to the base of the stairs at Devils Head. Wildflower varieties seen during this time include Marsh Marigold, Parrys Primrose, Colorado columbine, owls clover, larkspur, monks hood, Sneezeweed, Old Man of the Mountain, kings crown, rose crown, elephants head, gentians, and along with many others. Photo credit: TRAILSOURCE.COM (flickr), If you're looking to spend a little more time in nature, take to the trails by exploring one of the largest wilderness areas in the state the Weminuche Wilderness. The rock formations are spectacular, and there is so much to see in a short distance. In fact, there are five different hikes in this area that range in length from 1 to 13 miles (round trip) and that vary in difficulty between easy and moderate. 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. A lighter snow season will allow for earlier season hiking. 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. This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. As one of Colorados best hiking destinations, youve got to scope out the Garden of the Gods. Lone Eagle Peak in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. 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. Season: Summer. Spanning 1.1 miles, the Perkins Central Garden . Plan to get to the final destination by sunrise to beat the crowds and be treated to some breathtaking scenery. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Horizontal. Arrive at the TH before 7 am. Photo Credit: SWKrullImaging (iStock). , which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. : Estes Park, CO, in Rocky Mountain National Park, 50 miles northwest of Boulder, : A tour of three picturesque lakes in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, With more than 300 miles of trails and some of the best-known scenery in the state, Rocky Mountain National Park is a well-loved hiking destination for locals and visitors alike. 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). Breathtaking is an appropriate way to describe the loop in many ways, as the route gains more than 7,300 feet and climbs above 12,000 feet at four different passesBuckskin, Trail Rider, Frigid Airand West Maroon. The intense heat of the summer makes the high-altitude areas prime for late afternoon thunderstorms. Hike along the seven bridges and check out the beautiful waterfall. Enjoy beautiful red rocks contrasting against the verdant, green landscape. Austin Bluffs Open Space This hike itself is rather short, but the views are impressive. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the Crater Lake Trail. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. 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