35% percent of land in Colorado is public land or a whopping 23 million acres. The Great Sand Dunes rise almost randomly out of the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The trail is broken into 28 segments, most of which can be done in a day or as an overnight. The trip takes about 2 hours and has chains to hold for the steep sections. It also serves as a highly visible landmark the notch in the ridge. 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. However, theres plenty to see here. It's also important to note that avalanche hazards also exist in the valley. This 486-mile trail stretches from Denver to Durango and is the highest thru-hike in America. 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. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. 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. Due to the high exposure of this hike, be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes with you, all year round! The hikes in this area are commonly at higher altitudes and will often start at 9,000 or 10,000 feet above sea level. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. Kristen is a native Coloradan and longtime runner who enjoys running on the track, roads and now on the trails. Trailhead Location: Pandora Public Parking and Trailhead. Theres a $12 per-person permit required to hike. Dont poop above treeline. These geographical regions are subjective but will provide a good layout of hiking in the state. There are 54 peaks over 14,000 feet in Colorado, and all of them have challenging hiking options! Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). Related Read: The 10 Best Hikes Near Grand Junction, Colorado. The altitude combined with lots of elevation gain makes for a tough hike. Altitude sickness is important to be aware of when hiking at higher elevations. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the, . Location: I-70 corridor, outside of the town of Aspen. The "Keyhole" is main route for reaching the iconic 14,259-foot summit. Photo Credit: Bryan Hagan, OutThere Colorado. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to world-class hiking trails. Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek that gains 2,752 feet in elevation. Enjoy the scenery from the trail to avoid tramping this beloved environment. 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. Some of the best fall colors can be seen in this area. Some notable segments are: While its difficult to choose one, the prettiest hike in Colorado is probably the hike to Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is one of the more difficult 14er hikes in the state. The High Dune gives a spectacular view of this one-in-a-kind national park. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. These hikes are much harder to get to but provide more solitude and more adventure than hiking in other parts of the state. Located a little over an hour away from Denver, near Silver Plume, Colorado is this amazing trail. The weather is very unpredictable in Colorado. The trail ends at the natural rock arch of Royal Arch, which offers a unique vantage point of Boulder and views to the north and south along the Front Range. : Deckers, CO, in Pike National Forest, 45 miles south of Denver, : 360-degree views from a historic fire tower. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Distance: 7.5 milesElevation gain: 2,782 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs allowed on a leash. jmangum2. In the summer, youll find folks heading up St. Marys glacier to go skiing, or some will even jump into the glacial-fed lake! Distance: 8.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,860 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. I love to escape to the red sandstone canyons outside of Fruita, Colorado every winter. (Photo Credit: Steven Bratman under CC BY-SA). The next section will now include some of the best hiking in Colorado. 7. Not to mention, if you start before the sun rises, youll have these popular Colorado hikes to yourself. While summertime is the best time to venture into higher altitude hikes in the alpine, the summer also has its dangers. They are among the most photographed mountains in the country. 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. BISON PEAK 2. Sniktau is one of the best sunset hikes in Colorado. From Bluebell Road, turn onto the. The trick? Photo Credit:James Harris Photography. : Snowmass Village, CO, in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, 11 miles southwest of Aspen, : An immersive multiday experience in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, This 27-mile loop is most commonly backpacked as a three- or four-night trip. This will prevent injuries while hiking on rocky ground. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation gain: 764 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. Sneffels allows one to get a great sense of just how vast the San Juans really are. The easily accessible trails at Bear Creek are some of the most popular in the area, for both locals and visitors. Therefore, be prepared to do a bit of scrambling before savoring the incredible views all around you. a good rule of thumb is to be below treeline by noon. 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. Its rugged and long and is only hike on this list that requires a helmet. A 44 vehicle is a must to get up to the trailhead. accounts, the history behind an article. The stairs are steep, and while there are railings the entire way, those who fear heights may choose to enjoy the view from the ground. As you climb, keep your eyes open for yellow-bellied marmots and pikas. Dont stop here, as another singletrack trail on the west side of Mirror Lake heads on to Crater Lake and reveals the even more stunning view of Lone Eagle Peak and Mount Achonee towering above the lake. Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). Be sure to have the right education and the right gear. It's also one of the best spots in the state for capturingfall colors. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 1,033 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. With trails ranging from less than a mile (1.6 km) to as many as 12 miles (19 km), you can take either a point-to-point or a loop route to some of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. The low mileage and incredibly dramatic scenery make for a great hike. Royal Arch is one of the most popular local trails, and provides some of the best views in the area! This will prevent your legs from getting cold and dirty! Located near Montrose Colorado, this 1.5-mile out-and-back trail is a great way to take in the awe-inspiring beauty of Black Canyon of Gunnison. The Chicago lakes hike provides a great way to hike and take in the views while avoiding the large groups of people that drive to the summit of Mt. Each alpine wonder offers a serene escape laced with captivating mountain beauty. Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Parts of the trailhead may also be inaccessible during these months. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. The views are particularly stunning in the spring with the stark contrast between the red rocks and the green hillsides. Local Tip: If youre. Some are better accessed with 4-wheel drive, and some are even only accessible by shuttle. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. Location: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. It covers more than 39,000 miles of trails on public land, as well as private land with public access. 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. However, keep in mind that many trailheads become inaccessible in the winter. Soakers visiting from early October to late June may encounter snow. You will need a, and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. Helmet required. Photo Credit: MizC (iStock). Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. This is a heavily trafficked area, so be sure to get there early. Check and double-check the weather. . From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the. The 8.7-mile out-and-back trail climbs steeply into the mountains starting from the base of the South Mineral Valley near Silverton. Most hikers will start hiking around 3am in the summer. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. Swimming, dipping body parts into the water, standing under or on top of waterfalls, and walking on the fallen trees within the lake are strictly prohibited. Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Colorado, and for good reason. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. Only about a 1-hour drive from downtown Denver. The Mount Evans wilderness area is a great place to make for a full day of hiking and driving up to some spectacular exposed views. For more information, please visit the town of Glenwood Springs website. As a Colorado local and writer for the outdoor industry, Im a total pro at hitting the most amazing hikes in Colorado without the crowds. Explore the high country with a triple alpine lake ascent to Mowhawk Lakes via Spruce Creek Trail. For more information about hiking in the Boulder area, check out our article on the best hikes in Boulder. Distance: 3 milesElevation gain: 1,135 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go for sunrise. Blue Lakes Trail, Mount Sneffels Wilderness. 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. Today, outdoor enthusiasts continue to visit from all over . Segment 11 at the Mount Massive Trailhead. PYRAMID PEAK 3. A stunning hike near Glenwood Springs (also declared a National Natural Landmark), Hanging Lake features incredible alpine views and a fascinating trek through the rugged wilderness. Most trails are suitable for beginners, and there are even paved trails for accessible hiking. This hike is for experienced hikers only. 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