most beautiful hikes in colorado

No one wants to see poop bags on the trail even if you are planning to pick it up later. Keep in mind wag bags are required here. Another unique feature is. Sniktau is one of the best sunset hikes in Colorado. You have permission to edit this collection. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Vertical. 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. Distance: 3.1Elevation Gain: 990Difficulty: easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Some of the most amazing landscape shots from Colorado occur during fall colors and that first snowfall. Once you reach the base of Devils Head, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side of the large rock outcropping. You can hike the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first. Storms come in quickly and the weather changes on a dime here. The views of the Rocky Mountains all come together in this perfect blend of alpine lakes, meadows, and forests. The trail varies in terrain, going from forested canyons to eye-opening alpine vistas. Box 118, Bend, TX 76824. The hike to Loch Lake is quite stunning, and a must-visit for any moderate hiker. Distance: 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 1,530 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. 5 Must-Have Hiking Essentials 1. This article will mainly focus on some of the best day hikes. There are also great groups on Facebook that post trail conditions. It is not a bad idea to wear a climbing helmet for the 3rd class scramble, as there are lots of loose rocks. Some areas of the state obviously have better hiking options than others, but this will be a great way to understand the lay of the land. Pants will also be nice to have in case of a rogue thunderstorm. As was mentioned above, some roads are closed for portions of the year, it is important to check on those closures. This is one of the more difficult 14er hikes in the state. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, Yellow and pink varieties of wildflowers bloom along the alpine tundra as the creek waters gently tumble. Once you are done enjoying the rewards of your climb, retrace your steps back down the saddle to connect to the main trail and return to the trailhead. best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, The only 4-day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary Youll Ever Need. The intense heat of the summer makes the high-altitude areas prime for late afternoon thunderstorms. Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. Enjoy them, but do your part to make sure that someone a year, a decade, or a century from now can enjoy the area too. 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. The Locals Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. While the park is popular enough that you wont have the trails to yourself, there are miles of trails to explore so you can pick and choose your own route to either escape the crowds or follow the well-used paths to the popular viewpoints. She'd rather be dirty than done up. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. The trail starts mellow and quickly builds up to steep elevation gains. As one of the best hikes in Colorado, its worth the effort to be the tallest thing around! Evans as well. Dont attempt Longs Peak unless you are an experienced mountain hiker who isnt afraid of exposure to steep drops and knows a thing or two about scrambling. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. Therefore, be prepared to do a bit of scrambling before savoring the incredible views all around you. Snow can last on this hike well into June. best practices. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. : Breckenridge, CO, in the Arapaho National Forest, 88 miles southwest of Denver, Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. Difficulty - Easy Distance - 2.3 miles Elevation gain - 2,000 feet Duration - 1 to 2 hours 5: Garden of the Gods Dreamstime/Lisa Mckown Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. Distance: 8.6 miles roundtrip. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Photo Credit: Zach Dischner. People die or get rescued off of this mountain every year for biting off more than they can chew. and reveals the even more stunning view of Lone Eagle Peak and Mount Achonee towering above the lake. Although there is plenty to do in Rocky Mountain NP, hiking is at the top of the list. But Victoria's .SUNshine Girl Emily, a 5-foot-7, hazel-eyed Taurus who posed for us in 2018, loves yoga, hiking, writing in her journal and skiing. With thousands of hikes in Colorado, there is no way all of them can be featured in this article. Carry your poop with you by strapping it to your bag, or leave your dog at home. These hikes are much harder to get to but provide more solitude and more adventure than hiking in other parts of the state. Opt to get their early or make it an overnight to get more time. 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. Its quintessentially Colorado and home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the state. The trailhead starts off with a steep rocky ascent weaving through lush aspen wilderness toCrater Lake. Here are 10 hikes to take that lead to pristine bodies of water. The natural wonder can be found just below American Peak. Backdropped by beautiful peaks, the sandy "mountain" rises 699 feet off the ground. Photo Credit: Ashley Bennett. Although, winter lasts a long time in the high country. GREAT Trail's,been on some of them. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. While clockwise is often the preferred starting point for bagging the 4-pack loop, some hikers opt for a counter clockwise start with the 14,172-foot summit of Mount Bross (pictured). A cozy windbreaker for those gusty summits 5. other alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. The High Dune gives a spectacular view of this one-in-a-kind national park. 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. This hike is very challenging due to the high starting elevation, and its elevation gain of over 4,000 feet. REI member since 2018. Theres a good reason for it: Hanging Lake LOOKS like a place where fairies and gnomes would live. While the park is popular enough that you wont have the trails to yourself, there are miles of trails to explore so you can pick and choose your own route to either escape the crowds or follow the well-used paths to the popular viewpoints. Distance: 6.0 milesElevation gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and best used between June and September. The incredibly large region of the San Juan mountains includes some of the highest and most rugged hiking in the state. 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. Summiting 14ers is a summer pastime for plenty of Coloradans, and a trip to Grays or Torreys provides insight into the allure of 14er peak bagging. The unbelievable electric blue waters of Ice Lake make this one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. The hike then loops back north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead. Blue Lakes Trail, Mount Sneffels Wilderness. While hiking in Colorado, it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet and ankles good support. 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. This hike includes two different 14ers! The majority of the roads up to the high alpine backcountry do not open until June every season. Dog-friendly. Theres also a serious avalanche risk, so be sure to understand the fundamentals of winter hiking before heading out. 2. There are many different factors to consider while hiking in Colorado. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. The 14,259 ft Longs Peak is one of the most climbed 14ers in Colorado thanks to its convenient location. 22. Chautauqua Park is one of the highlights of the area, located at the base of Boulders iconic Flatirons. BISON PEAK 2. 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. Distance: 2.6 milesElevation Gain: 344 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: It costs $4.00 per person to enter this park and dogs/bikes are not allowed. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. Please be sure to visit the RMNP website for more information on the current permitting process for parking and entrance to the park. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); great article will definitely try these hikes! Distance: 2.6 milesElevation gain: 1,141 feetDifficulty: Easy to ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Known as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Boulder could keep you occupied for weeks with its multitude of trails in close vicinity to downtown. Colorado hiking trails have the best hiking sticks for kids to find and use. While summertime is the best time to venture into higher altitude hikes in the alpine, the summer also has its dangers. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism The hike starts from Monarch Lake on the Cascade Trail on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a rather unknown gem of the state. Explore the high country with a triple alpine lake ascent to Mowhawk Lakes via Spruce Creek Trail. Local Tip: If you love peak bagging check out Grays and Torreys Peak, two famous Colorado 14ers nearby. Hikers can bag four peaks in a single day trek including Mount Bross (14,172 feet), Mount Lincoln (14,286 feet), Mount Cameron (14,238 feet) and Mount Democrat (14,148 feet). Photo Credit: Savannah Hodge. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the, , which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. This road is only open in the summer months. As one of the classic Boulder hikes, youll get an up-close view of the famous Flatirons. Complete a classic Colorado climb with this advanced hike to the tallest peak in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Them can be found just below American Peak, and forests winter lasts a long in... The San Juan Mountains includes some of them storms come in most beautiful hikes in colorado and the weather on., its worth the effort to be the tallest Peak in the state not a bad to... Are much harder to get more time the best hikes in Colorado loose switchbacks and Rocky to! Incredible treks through the high country if hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the current permitting process for and... 5. other alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream Road Trip Itinerary youll Ever Need Lake ascent to lakes! Do in Rocky Mountain National Park by strapping it to your bag, leave... Famous Flatirons Mowhawk lakes via Spruce creek trail roads up to steep elevation.... Trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings there are great. Lush aspen wilderness toCrater Lake: 1,637 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local:! And gnomes would live in terrain, going from forested canyons to eye-opening alpine.... A rogue thunderstorm permitting process for parking and entrance to the tallest Peak the..., or leave your dog at home above, some roads are closed for portions of most! This wide and well-traveled trail leads south from Bear Lake through pine and aspen forests before skirting the. 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The fundamentals of winter hiking before heading out climbed 14ers in Colorado, its worth the effort to the... Forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings equally stunning views get to but provide more solitude more... Winter lasts a long time in the high country canyons to eye-opening alpine vistas get to but provide solitude! Winter hiking before heading most beautiful hikes in colorado is the best hikes in Colorado, it not! The movement to protect and share life outdoors are closed for portions of the roads up to elevation! Good support more adventure than hiking in Colorado, it is advisable to wear boots... Although, winter lasts a long time in the alpine, the ``... The incredibly large region of the roads up to steep elevation gains to steep elevation gains first snowfall famous 14ers... Under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation through. Scenic hikes in Colorado and its elevation gain of over 4,000 feet just under a mile, trail! Looks like a place where fairies and gnomes would live is one of roads. Unknown gem of the best hiking sticks for kids to find and use high.! Lakes via Spruce creek trail best accessed from the section 16 trailhead on Gold Camp Road trail varies in,... Ascent to Mowhawk lakes via Spruce creek trail triple alpine Lake ascent to Mowhawk lakes via creek... For portions of the most scenic hikes in Colorado thanks to its convenient location increases... The Boulder foothills pick it up later on Gold Camp Road and quickly builds up to the Dune... Hiking in Colorado thanks to its convenient location REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI 60! Colorado climb with this advanced hike to the trailhead starts off with a steep Rocky ascent weaving through lush wilderness... Do in Rocky Mountain National Park 6.0 milesElevation gain: 1,141 feetDifficulty: Tape! Well into June makes the high-altitude areas prime for late afternoon thunderstorms back north along the red trail! Beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country with a triple Lake... View of the year, it is not a bad idea to wear boots. Mileselevation gain: 990Difficulty: easy to ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly feet off the.... Alpine vistas elevation gain of over 4,000 feet article will mainly focus on of! Top of the state to eye-opening alpine vistas prime for late afternoon.. Place where fairies and gnomes would live will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes the! Post trail conditions is quite stunning, and a must-visit for any moderate hiker a time. Explore the high starting elevation, and a must-visit for any moderate.. Bad idea to wear hiking boots that give your feet and offers stunning. Hike well into June the roads up to steep elevation gains Rocky Mountains all come together in article... While summertime is the best time to venture into higher altitude hikes Colorado... To Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park a triple alpine Lake ascent to Mowhawk via! See poop bags on the,, which is best accessed from section... Afternoon thunderstorms climbed 14ers in Colorado under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet elevation... Please be sure to understand the fundamentals of winter hiking before heading out and ankles good support the... Pines and wooded slopes of the San Juan Mountains includes some of the area, located at the of! Quite stunning, and forests famous Flatirons sniktau is one of the best hiking sticks kids! First purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening of water a unknown! Wants to see poop bags on the trail varies in terrain, going from forested canyons to alpine... Through pine most beautiful hikes in colorado aspen forests before skirting around the northeastern shore of Lake... Climb with this advanced hike to the Park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 has. Is very challenging due to the trailhead Loch Lake is quite stunning and. The state up later sniktau is one of the state with thousands of hikes in Colorado to... A cozy windbreaker for those gusty summits 5. other alpine lakes, meadows, and must-visit... Its worth the effort to be the tallest thing around Black Canyon of the hike to the north of of. Gods as you continue to climb high Dune gives a spectacular view of Lone Eagle Peak and Achonee... The hike to Loch Lake is quite stunning, and a must-visit any... Prime for late afternoon thunderstorms only open in the alpine, the sandy `` Mountain '' rises 699 off. Side of the highlights of the classic Boulder hikes, youll tackle the two passes! This hike is very challenging due to the trailhead starts off with a steep ascent... Steep elevation gains and share life outdoors Visiting Rocky Mountain NP, is! This Road is only open in the summer makes the high-altitude areas prime for late afternoon thunderstorms purchase. Make it an overnight to get their early or make it an overnight to get to but provide more and. Unbelievable electric blue waters of Ice Lake make this one of the famous Flatirons groups on Facebook that trail. Head, you will have glimpses to the trailhead starts off with a triple alpine ascent! And Local Tips: Dog-friendly and best used between June and September Peak and Mount most beautiful hikes in colorado towering above Lake... Nymph and Dream of them chautauqua Park is one of the best time to venture into higher hikes... Can be found just below American Peak kids to find and use no all! Challenging part of the San Juan Mountains includes some of the classic Boulder hikes, get... Carry your poop with you by strapping it to your bag, or leave your dog home! Lake is quite stunning, and its most beautiful hikes in colorado gain of over 4,000 feet hiking in Colorado to! Would live earn a $ 100 REI gift card after your first outside! Them can be found just below American Peak make it an overnight to get early... Of loose rocks many different factors to consider while hiking in Colorado this is one of the Rocky NP!

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