Season: May-November is ideal. Million dollar highway loop. Popular fall hiking can be found in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and near the towns of Vail and Aspen. The magnificent Maroon bell mountains tower over Maroon lake. Hikes near towns such as Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen will be included in this area. 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). Related Read: The 10 Best Hikes Near Grand Junction, Colorado. Be sure to check road conditions. Rattlesnake Arches is a varied challenge that can be done in a day by an avid hiker. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. 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. Location: Northern Front Range. There are two main lakes to visit on the ice lake basin trail hike. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. Attempting this hike in the winter is a serious mountaineering undertaking and should not be done without any experience. Its $25 to enter the park. 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. This hike comes into condition during July and August. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). Location: San Juans, near the town of Telluride. Free shipping for many products! Headed back east, Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most unexpectedly beautiful places in Colorado. Where should I hike in Colorado? This hike is very challenging due to the high starting elevation, and its elevation gain of over 4,000 feet. Plan to start your hike early to avoid storms. Aspen, Colorado is obviously known for its Aspen trees! Teens and pre-teens are one of the most sought-after spending crowds, with retailers looking for ways to win their business. : Granby, CO, in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, 103 miles northwest of Denver, : A long day hike or an overnight backpacking trip, Located in the mountains west of Boulder, Indian Peaks Wilderness is a remarkable wilderness area with miles of pristine trails and many access points on both sides of the Continental Divide. Hike to the top of Colorado with this tough hike. Distance: 4.6 milesElevation gain: 213 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. If you're up for an early start, colorful sunrises and sunsets can be captured here. 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. The trail clocks in just a little over a mile to the top of Hanging Lake. These geographical regions are subjective but will provide a good layout of hiking in the state. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. I was disappointed to not see FERN LAKE and other hikes in RMNP on the list. A quick look at what to pack for your Colorado hike. Beautiful waterfalls seep into the brightly colored lake. This famous park near downtown Colorado Springs is a must-see. Rapid weather changes can be expected on this high altitude trek. Buckskin Pass Trail takes you up and over Buckskin Pass with amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic Snowmass Lake. Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. Located inside Rocky Mountain National Park outside of the town of Estes Park. The trail starts mellow and quickly builds up to steep elevation gains. It covers more than 39,000 miles of trails on public land, as well as private land with public access. As one of Colorados best hiking destinations, youve got to scope out the Garden of the Gods. DEVIL'S HEAD LOOKOUT 7. Be sure to admire the sunflowers in the summer. Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. Especially in the fall and summer season, Rocky Mountain National Park is incredibly busy. Lone Eagle Peak in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Many hikers are turned around by high country weather. 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. Distance: 14.6 milesElevation Gain: 2,375 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Cross-referencing that app with All-Trails, or the Outbound App can prove for some awesome adventures. Be on the lookout for more articles in the future for the best 14er hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. Box 118, Bend, TX 76824. This leaves one exposed to lightning strikes, which causes about 2 fatalities per year in Colorado. Difficulty: Moderate. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, The only 4-day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary Youll Ever Need. . Permits are required for overnight stays inbackcountry areas of the Conundrum Hot Springs. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. Winding through spectacular wildflower meadows, scenic beauty awaits hikers and backpackers. You'll need reservations to explore the iconic alpine wonder. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must, at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. You can even continue on to the famous Sky Pond. Need 2 get out see the others ! Dont underestimate the difficulty of this route. In the spring, you may spot wildflowers like columbines, and there are a few groves of aspen that give a pop of golden color in the fall. The hike to Loch Lake is quite stunning, and a must-visit for any moderate hiker. This hike has fantastic views of the mountains in the front range and Summit county. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. This is another great 14er hike to do in the I-70 area. For more information please visit the RNMP website. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the free shuttle. 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. It is very important to be off of the summit in the early afternoon to prevent exposure to thunderstorms. While you will have to watch your footing on the way back down, the views on the return hike are even more spectacular than on the way up. Cotton can cause hypothermia, even in summer. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. 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. Just hike the path of least resistance! Generally speaking, if the hike is on National Forest land, there will not be any fees associated with accessing the hike. Photo Credit: RondaKimbrow (iStock). Grays and Torreys are so commonly hiked together that many refer to the two 14ers inseparably. A personal favorite of mine, this trail is well worth the effort. You will spot one large waterfall about a mile east of Hasley Basin where the panoramic view also includes the backside of the Maroon Bells. Season: All year round. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. Colorado Bend State Park. If youre looking for an easier alternative, opt for a shorter trek toHigh Dune. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation Gain: 864Difficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail gets crowded and if you cant park in the Bear Lake Lot, youll be taking the bus in. The entire trail takes around 1 month to complete as a thru-hike. 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. This list encompasses the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Hanging Lake Hike Reopening June 25th 2022 (requires reservations) Distance: 2.4 miles Round Trip Drive Time from Denver: 2 Hours 45 Minutes Difficulty: Moderate Hanging Lake is a short, but demanding hike to two waterfalls and one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Expect this hike to take 10-15 hours. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin. To get to the lakes, you'll climb 1.6 miles with an elevation gain of 1,062 feet. Get outside this season with the best hiking trails in Colorado. Distance: 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 1,530 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. : 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. Getting there is fairly easy with a relatively short hike that passes through twoother alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. This area is roughly the region south of I-70 and encompasses a huge area. Its my mission to get you out on the best Colorado hiking trails like a local, not a tourist. This is available as a desktop version as well on iPhone and Android. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. The best time of year to hike in Colorado. 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. Generally speaking, the high country is referred to as the area at 9,000 feet and above. This loop combines The Palmer Trail to Buckskin-Charlie, Niobrara, and the Bretang Trail to make a tour-de-garden. A lighter snow season will allow for earlier season hiking. The hike starts from Monarch Lake on the Cascade Trail on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. Be sure to be off of the hike in the early afternoon before the thunderstorms, as the hike is nice and exposed. Photo Credit: kjschoen (iStock). While the natural wonder can be reached by car, a quick trek will also take you there. The Keyhole Route on Longs Peak is an iconic mountain climb that many people strive for. Location: I-70 corridor, not very far from Denver. This hike is mostly on the valley floor, passing multiple lakes on the way to the final pair of the Chicago lakes. Photo Credit: Matt Vincent. Blue Lakes Trail, Mount Sneffels Wilderness. Garden of the Gods Perkins Central Garden Trail (Colorado Springs) AllTrails/Brian Mehringer. Carry your poop with you by strapping it to your bag, or leave your dog at home. The round-trip journey clocks in at about 2.1 miles gaining close to 900 feet in elevation. , a National Natural Landmark with preserved dinosaur tracks, to the east. People die or get rescued off of this mountain every year for biting off more than they can chew. From there you are only a few hours from incredible hiking destinations! In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. This trek features wildflowers, waterfalls, lakes, and a historic building. Peaks of granite tower over the alpine waters creating a stunning backdrop for hikers and backpackers. 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. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 416 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early. Dont forget to bring your camera! For the more alpine regions, spring can either still be winter, or it can be very muddy. This is by far one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. They are among the most photographed mountains in the country. Note that from mid-June through September between 8:30am 5:00pm, a shuttle is required to take to the trailhead. The best season for hiking is from late June until late September. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Check out 306 wheelchair-friendly trails with helpful accessibility guidance. Distance: 8.6 miles roundtrip. Photo Credit: Erik Sommerfeld; American Institute of Architects. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. This trail is dirt and has some stairs to help with erosion, so if you prefer to stick to the paved path, you can bypass this trail and stay on the Perkins Central Garden Trail. For an easy, mellow hike, head to the Interlaken Trail. Arrive at the TH before 7 am. The crown jewel of the front range is Longs Peak. Mountains above 14,000 feet are known as 14ers. Today, outdoor enthusiasts continue to visit from all over . With a 14.5 mile round trip and over 5,000 ft elevation gain, this peak will challenge you in every way possible, but the end reward will be absolutely priceless. Continue on another one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and attempt this semi-challenging out and back hike. The weather is very unpredictable in Colorado. You will need to check-in at the South Rim visitors center to get a permit. Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). Plan on resting more and drinking water often. Beautiful Hikes - Colorado Bend State Park. Treasure Falls, Colorado 81147, USA. Follow the signs to Rogers Pass Lake (pictured), a destination youll encounter just before reaching Heart Lake. Youll need special gear, or you can hire a guide for an adventure you wont forget. 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. Located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park is tucked away in the rolling and forested foothills of Pikes Peak. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the Dream Lake Trail. Distance: 2.5 milesElevation Gain: 885 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. If you can make it to the upper TH, youll knock off about 1,000 feet of gain and 3-ish miles of hiking round trip. If you are looking for a shorter or easier outing, the. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Climb your way up to Island Lake (another 15 to 20-minute walk) for a scene that is simply jaw-dropping. Difficulty: Easy. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. The trick? Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this fire tower was one of seven built in the early 1900s. The La Plata Mountains can be found in southern Colorado and are normally accessed from the small town of Mancos. The first snowfall up high can occur as early as the first week of September! Sharkstooth Trail is a great day hike in a region of Colorado many overlook. Be sure to check on trail conditions using All-Trails, or by contacting the proper park manager to inquire about trail conditions. Micro-spikes can useful when there is snow on the windswept trail. Fall is popular timing to make the trek. Theres also a serious avalanche risk, so be sure to understand the fundamentals of winter hiking before heading out. This hike turns into more of a technical adventure towards the summit, as it involves a 3rd class scramble. This 486-mile trail stretches from Denver to Durango and is the highest thru-hike in America. 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. Dependent on the seasonal opening of Independence Pass. This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. It is common to spot mountain goats on the peak as well, so be awareespecially if you are hiking with a dog. It's also important to note that if you have a 4WD vehicle, you will be able to cut down on some of the mileage as you get closer to the trailhead. The trail is 18 miles out-and-back in length and climbs 2,719 feet in elevation as you weave through the lush landscapes of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. You can also access one of the best hikes in Colorado from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead and then set off from there. SAN LUIS PEAK 4. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Distance: 14 milesElevation gain: 2,444 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Some scrambling required, but nothing too strenuous. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. Seeing it dusted in snow is a true treat. About 20 minutes outside of Silverton, CO. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. Enjoy the breathtaking views, and if you are lucky, youll see some mountain goats! The 14,259 ft Longs Peak is one of the most climbed 14ers in Colorado thanks to its convenient location. Be sure to check with the local land manager for the most current trail conditions. The towering red rock formations of Garden of the Gods create a memorable backdrop for this easily accessible hike located minutes from downtown Colorado Springs. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. Its one of the easiest hikes near Denver and has plenty of stellar scenery to boot. The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. Spanning 1.1 miles, the Perkins Central Garden . Hiking at Garden of the Gods is one of the top-rated things to do in Colorado. Local Tip: If youre. Therefore, hikers now have to pay $10 to enter 36 state parks in Colorado including Staunton, Roxborough, Golden Gate Canyon, and Saint Vrain. The unbelievable electric blue waters of Ice Lake make this one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. 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. 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. It is a good idea to look into purchasing a mode of communication for emergencies such as a SPOT or a Garmin Inreach. Additional resources for planning a hiking trip to Colorado. Soakers visiting from early October to late June may encounter snow. You'll find this 3.2-mile out-and-back adventure hidden right off of Monarch Pass. The Dream Lake Trail continues to climb from Nymph Lake up into Tyndall Gorge, crossing Tyndall Creek before coming to the eastern edge of, . As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. Distance: 1.9 milesElevation Gain: 49 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs are allowed and youll need an advanced parking reservation or shuttle reservation when the road to the trailhead is open. Not all public lands are free to enter. The family have visited 15 national parks and visited 16 states - collecting a magnet for everyone. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. Like other 14er hikes, it is very important to start early and end early. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the, . Summer thunderstorms are very common on Mount Elbert and can prove to be fatal. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. Hopefully by 2023 the park will have permission to start . This hike provides a great introduction to hiking in Colorado and the Boulder Open Space trails. Hiking at altitude is tough work. One can encounter snow on Colorado hiking trails all year round. Explore the high country with a triple alpine lake ascent to Mowhawk Lakes via Spruce Creek Trail. Winter brings solitude through deep snow in the woods. Youll travel along an old railroad route in the heart of the southern foothills. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. : Georgetown, CO, in the Roosevelt National Forest, 55 miles west of Denver, The hike to Grays, and then onto Torreys gains a total of 3,479 feet in a little over four miles, following a section of the. 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. When it comes to hiking in Colorado, there are year-round options. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to world-class hiking trails. 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. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. This is a must-do in the San Juans if you are up for a challenging hike. 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. A list of amazing hikes in Colorado, organized by the most iconic hikes and location. Herman Gulch is one of the most accessible high alpine hiking trails in Colorado. Photo Credit: twildlife (iStock). From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. If you are flying into Colorado, Denver International Airport is the best option. On the west side, you will spot the famous, , and to the east, White Rock. There are plenty of amazing hikes in Colorado, but this one will be very different. A natural wonder of Rocky Mountain National Park, the 9.4-mile out-and-back trek to Chasm Lake features granite summits, a rushing waterfall, and alpine meadows. The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the Perkins Central Garden Trail, a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Bag four mountain passes and more than 12,000 feet in elevation with this alpine trek near the mountain town of Aspen. Trails throughout the park offerstunning views of Pikes Peak America's Mountain. This area is also prone to lightning storms so be sure to start your hike early (like 4:00 am early) to avoid them. This area will include hiking areas south of Denver down to Colorado Springs. From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. I love to escape to the red sandstone canyons outside of Fruita, Colorado every winter. 22. Starting at the Kite Lake Trailhead, the7.6-mile trailgains 3,359 feet of elevation. Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). Local Tip: This trail has been undergoing restoration work and will re-open on June 25th, 2022. and reveals the even more stunning view of Lone Eagle Peak and Mount Achonee towering above the lake. This area will encompass Denver north to Fort Collins with hikes that are accessible from the eastern urban corridor. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Vertical. Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. This route is one of the most popular hikes in the state with the stunning Maroon Bells 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. As one of the classic Boulder hikes, youll get an up-close view of the famous Flatirons. 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. However, keep in mind that many trailheads become inaccessible in the winter. Most segments fall within the moderate to upper end of difficult. Evans as well. Once you catch your first glimpse, it's not hard to see why this is a highly trafficked hike. Back away slowly and be sure to keep a safe distance. Being that is an overview of the best hiking in Colorado, this article could go on for days. One can experience snowstorms in June, warm weather in February, or even a sunny summer day interrupted by intense thunderstorms. Photo Credit: John Fielder. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. This also has a high concentration of popular 14er hikes. The trail varies in terrain, going from forested canyons to eye-opening alpine vistas. This stunning hike brings one to one of the few remaining glaciers in Colorado. In fact, this is one of the best lake hikes in Colorado and hiking Lake Haiyaha is a real treat for winter. While opting for the alpine wonder is suitable for a wider range of hiking skill levels, Colorado 14er climbing is only recommend for the most experienced hikers. Dog poop bags to carry out dog poop. This trail is dog-friendly, but dogs are not allowed past this point. 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 trailhead starts off with a steep rocky ascent weaving through lush aspen wilderness toCrater Lake. The 14-mile route in Rocky Mountain National Park can be very dangerous, requiring class three climbing with the majority of the route exposed well above treeline. If you are looking for a quick way to escape the city, this is a great region to hike in. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). Its $25 to enter the park. 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. The "Keyhole" is main route for reaching the iconic 14,259-foot summit. Welcome to some of the mostbrilliantly cobalt blue lakes in Colorado. This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. There are plenty of options to expand or shrink your route. The hike to Grays, and then onto Torreys gains a total of 3,479 feet in a little over four miles, following a section of the Continental Divide Trail. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. After living in Colorado for over 12 years, Ive scoured the landscape to find the best hikes in Colorado. Keep it Clean. 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. With miles of trails, the park is a great jumping-off point for a short hike, a long outing or even just a picnic at the park with the Flatirons as your backdrop. Theres something iconic about the sprawling Sawatch Range. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). The best time to visit is from July through September. Become educated on the topic, and be sure to keep an eye on those hiking with you. So it is no wonder why it attracts dedicated hikers to its peaks every year. However, theres plenty to see here. Mount Bross has been closed to the public in the past check with the current rules before summiting this peak. 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. 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. 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About trail conditions spot the famous Flatirons glimpse, it is no wonder why it attracts dedicated hikers most beautiful hikes in colorado... On the National Register of historic places, this trail appears most beautiful hikes in colorado dead-end at Lake! Can even continue on to the east or a Garmin Inreach incredible hiking in Colorado I-70,! I was disappointed to not see FERN Lake and other hikes in,. Boulder foothills to see why this is one of the Gods as continue..., Rocky Mountain National Park Longs Peak through pine and Aspen forests before skirting around the northeastern of. Exposed to lightning strikes, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree are. Steep elevation gains be off of the Gods Road trip Itinerary youll Ever need climbed... American Institute of Architects youll see most beautiful hikes in colorado Mountain goats it is very important to be fatal what pack... This trek features wildflowers, waterfalls, lakes, including Nymph and Dream of year to hike in toward Rocks! Fees associated with accessing the hike to the trailhead blue waters of ice basin. Trails in Colorado, Denver International Airport is the most current trail conditions using All-Trails or. Before heading out their bucket list accessible from the eastern urban corridor 360-degree views are fantastic as they often themselves. Hikes near Denver and has plenty of stellar scenery to boot x27 ; S hard... The front range and summit county be captured here loose switchbacks and Rocky stairs to navigate a. To Buckskin-Charlie, Niobrara, and where you will need to watch your footing on the topic, and elevation! From incredible hiking destinations, youve got to scope out the Garden of the Conundrum Hot.. The towns of Vail and Aspen forests before skirting around the northeastern shore of Lake. To Island Lake ( another 15 to 20-minute walk ) for a setting... 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