A 44 vehicle is a must to get up to the trailhead. The trail starts mellow and quickly builds up to steep elevation gains. Enjoy the scenery from the trail to avoid tramping this beloved environment. This list encompasses the most scenic hikes in Colorado. You will need a, and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. If you are traveling in or under avalanche terrain, be sure to be educated on avalanche safety. Pacific Tarn in the Tenmile Range. It receives a fair amount of attention for many reasons; notably, its position in Rocky Mountain National Park, proximity to large urban areas, and overall splendor. It's also important to note that avalanche hazards also exist in the valley. Distance: 2.6 milesElevation gain: 1,141 feetDifficulty: Easy to ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Palmer Park: Best Hiking Trail in Colorado Springs. These stunning sandstone monoliths inspire the imagination. You can learn more about avalanche forecasting and avalanche safety at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. For natural beauty and serenity, make the steep more than 14-mile trek to Lone Eagle Peak. 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. 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. Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. If youre just getting into summiting mountains, then head up to the top of Mount Sniktau. Location: San Juans. The beautiful scenery passes by a few small lakes and ponds before the final push to Ptarmigan Lake. 6. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the Village Walk Trail, a flat, wide and easygoing path. There are two main lakes to visit on the ice lake basin trail hike. Summer thunderstorms are very common on Mount Elbert and can prove to be fatal. accounts, the history behind an article. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. A look at the tail-end of a sunrise as it hits the boulder field just below the Keyhole. Hiking at Garden of the Gods is one of the top-rated things to do in Colorado. Nestled beautifully in the San Juan Mountains, lies theIce Lake Basin. Although there is plenty to do in Rocky Mountain NP, hiking is at the top of the list. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a rather unknown gem of the state. This ultimate guide to the best hikes in Colorado gives you an array of local hiking recommendations for all abilities. This route is one of the most popular hikes in the state with the stunning, 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. or anything. The best hikes in Colorado are a great way to experience the state's terrain with 39,000 miles of trails of varying lengths, difficulty levels, and scenery. This hike itself is rather short, but the views are impressive. The hiking in this area is challenging, but the views are stunning. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Sneffels Wilderness and to the base of one of Colorado's most popular 14ers. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. Be sure to admire the sunflowers in the summer. Towering beautifully over hikers, mountain bikers, and climbers, the unique red rock formations offer a playground of adventure. There are many different factors to consider while hiking in Colorado. Here are the regions we will use. Located inside Rocky Mountain National Park outside of the town of Estes Park. Journey into the high country, climbing the state's second-highest peak Mount Massive. You can hike the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first. Information on distance, elevation gain, location, difficulty, permit requirements, and dog-friendliness. Chief Mountain. You will need to check-in at the South Rim visitors center to get a permit. Whether you are looking for easy day hikes, gorgeous multiday backpacking trips or views (and elevation gain) that will take your breath away, the Centennial State does not disappoint. Depends on road conditions and the seasons snowpack. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the West Maroon Trail. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. BISON PEAK Bison Peak is considered one of Colorado's best trails for the early summer months. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle). Distance: 8.2 milesElevation Gain: 2,870Difficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This hike becomes impassible in winter due to avalanche terrain and steep ice. For more information about hiking in the Boulder area, check out our article on the best hikes in Boulder. Non-cotton clothing. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. Today, outdoor enthusiasts continue to visit from all over . DEVIL'S HEAD LOOKOUT 7. Here comes the big question! Season: June, July, and August. To the south, you will have views of Blue Lakes and North Star Mountain across the valley. Get outside this season with the best hiking trails in Colorado. Her dream job is journalist. Featuring stunning views of the iconic Twin Lakes, this must-do Colorado hiking trail is perfect for newbie hikers and families alike. There are a number of routes for reaching the 14,421-foot summit. The hike to, hits all the highlights in a fairly manageable distance, but the incline isnt easy, so come prepared for a leg-burning climb. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Vertical. However, keep in mind that many trailheads become inaccessible in the winter. In fact, this is one of the best lake hikes in Colorado and hiking Lake Haiyaha is a real treat for winter. Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. Peaks of granite tower over the alpine waters creating a stunning backdrop for hikers and backpackers. Rattlesnake Arches is a varied challenge that can be done in a day by an avid hiker. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Combine this hike with one of the most scenic drives near Denver for an epic day outside. It is extremely steep. Photo Credit: Matt Vincent. Sneffels is a Telluride classic and is one of the 14ers in the area. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the, . Its $25 to enter the park. Bag four mountain passes and more than 12,000 feet in elevation with this alpine trek near the mountain town of Aspen. 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. (Mercury must be in retrograde.) Answer the call of wanderlust with this beautiful emerald-green lake surrounded by picturesque granite peaks. Distance: 7.8 milesElevation Gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. It is between the San Juans and the I-70 corridor. Local Tip: If youre. From jaw-dropping mountain vistas to quirky sandstone monoliths, there are all sorts of hiking to do in Colorado. For example, if you were flying in from sea level, it would be dangerous to try and hike a 14er the next morning. Whether you are looking for easy day hikes, gorgeous multiday backpacking trips or views (and elevation gain) that will take your breath away, the Centennial State does not disappoint. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto High Drive, a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. Photo Credit: kwiktor (iStock). The round-trip journey clocks in at about 2.1 miles gaining close to 900 feet in elevation. The 4.5-mile path will lead you to a historical mill that now sits abandoned above the Crystal River in Gunnison County. The descent can be quite dangerous, watch out for loose rocks. It also serves as a highly visible landmark the notch in the ridge. The hike to Royal Arch hits all the highlights in a fairly manageable distance, but the incline isnt easy, so come prepared for a leg-burning climb. Found in Rocky Mountain National Park, cross the natural wonder of Emerald Lakeoff your bucket list. Location: I-70 corridor, outside of the town of Aspen. 1. Heading towards Rollinsville, youll find the one's the most beautiful wildflower-laced treks in the state. Due to the popularity of the hike, you must have a permit to hike the trail between May and October. Therefore, be prepared to do a bit of scrambling before savoring the incredible views all around you. Hike to the top of Colorado with this tough hike. This is the high country so be sure to bring extra layers and drink plenty of water. Once you reach the base of Devils Head, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side of the large rock outcropping. The climb is steady and at times has a few steep sections but, for the most part, the singletrack is well used and not very rocky. Most popular in summer and for fall colors in late September. Buckskin Pass Trail takes you up and over Buckskin Pass with amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic Snowmass Lake. Between the meandering stream, wildflowers, and shady trail this evokes a sense of classic Colorado Springs hikes. Blue Lakes Trail - Ridgway. Rise early to catch a mountain sunrise guaranteed to leave you speechless. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. 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