Hike to the top of Colorado with this tough hike. Weather, accessibility, hike difficulty, length, and elevation gain are all factors to consider when choosing a hike in Colorado. Be Truthful. Theres plenty of parking but if you cant find a spot in the lot, you can pay to park along any of the neighborhood roads. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 416 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early. With two large enclosed dog parks, a beautiful pond and fountain, as well as sand volleyball courts, this park truly has something for everyone. Generally speaking, the high country is referred to as the area at 9,000 feet and above. When it comes to hiking in Colorado, there are year-round options. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin. Related Read: The 10 Best Hikes Near Grand Junction, Colorado. other alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. The Sharkstooth Trail is an excellent way to tour this lonely chain of distinct peaks. Whether youre looking for hikes to a waterfall, a secluded walk in the woods, or a full day adventure up a 14er, there are endless options for all levels of hiking experiences. A 44 vehicle is a must to get up to the trailhead. The descent can be quite dangerous, watch out for loose rocks. With any season, conditions can be variable. Its $25 to enter the park. They are among the most photographed mountains in the country. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto High Drive, a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. Elevation: 246 feet. : Manitou Springs, CO, in Bear Creek Canyon Regional Park, 5 miles west of Colorado Springs, : An aerobic challenge with a rewarding view, This loop is a mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views. Come spring, the trail explodes in color. Distance: 6.3 milesElevation Gain: 1,755 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dont pick or prance around in the wildflowers. The trail varies in terrain, going from forested canyons to eye-opening alpine vistas. There are also great groups on Facebook that post trail conditions. South Colony Lakes holds a special place in my heart. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin, OutThere Colorado. Photo Credit: Savannah Hodge. The hike along the canyon is stunning! Soak in the beauty of James Peak Wilderness as you make your way to Heart Lake via Rogers Pass Trail. Back away slowly and be sure to keep a safe distance. 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 trail is accessible in the winter, but due to road closures, it would add upwards of 7 miles each way. Mount Elber is 14,440 feet tall, making it the highest point in the state. If youre just getting into summiting mountains, then head up to the top of Mount Sniktau. 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. 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. Some Colorado State parks and all National Parks have fees to enter the park. How many trails have you hiked? To the south, you will have views of Blue Lakes and North Star Mountain across the valley. Arrive at the TH before 7 am. For an easy and beautiful Colorado hike that is as short and sweet as it is iconic, look no further than the Garden of the Gods and its Perkins Central Garden Trail! The views are particularly stunning in the spring with the stark contrast between the red rocks and the green hillsides. These hikes are much harder to get to but provide more solitude and more adventure than hiking in other parts of the state. This is a heavily trafficked area, so be sure to get there early. Due to the high exposure of this hike, be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes with you, all year round! Segment 11 at the Mount Massive Trailhead. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. Just outside of the main area of Rocky Mountain National Park, youll find the Lumpy Ridge area. Made famous as being one of the best rock climbing areas in Colorado, this area is also home to some amazing hikes. Sniktau is one of the best sunset hikes in Colorado. A few miles from downtown Boulder, CO. 30 minutes NW from Downtown Denver. There are plenty of amazing hikes in Colorado, but this one will be very different. One of the best times to go is for the July wildflower bloom. So, try and visit on a quiet weekday morning to avoid the crowds and take in the Fountain and Lyons rock formations that surround you. Parts of the trailhead may also be inaccessible during these months. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek that gains 2,752 feet in elevation. Theres a $12 per-person permit required to hike. best practices. As one of Colorados best hiking destinations, youve got to scope out the Garden of the Gods. This large area will include hiking near the popular ski resorts of Colorado. Summer thunderstorms are very common on Mount Elbert and can prove to be fatal. Distance: 6.0 milesElevation gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and best used between June and September. Seven Bridges Trail, North Cheyenne Canon Park. Most segments fall within the moderate to upper end of difficult. Hike along the seven bridges and check out the beautiful waterfall. When it comes to finding the best hikes in Colorado, look no further, youve arrived. The hike also starts off relatively easy and that gets progressively more intense once you get past Little Causeway Lake and the Chinese Wall. There are plenty of hiking trails for all abilities from the parking lot at Chautauqua. Another unique feature is. For more information about hiking in the Boulder area, check out our article on the best hikes in Boulder. Located inside Rocky Mountain National Park outside of the town of Estes Park. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. Sneffels is a Telluride classic and is one of the 14ers in the area. The area around the trail ( McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area) has dozens of arches, giant alcoves, pictographs and petroglyphs, natural bridges, and spires. Location: I-70 corridor, a little under 3-hour drive from Denver. 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. While hiking in Colorado, it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet and ankles good support. If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area. The entire trail takes around 1 month to complete as a thru-hike. Photo Credit: MizC (iStock). This area is roughly the region south of I-70 and encompasses a huge area. Inside this guide youll find tons of info about the most scenic Colorado hikes and how to visit them without the crowds. The trail is broken into 28 segments, most of which can be done in a day or as an overnight. The hiking in this area is challenging, but the views are stunning. , a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. Photo Credit: Steven Bratman. Expect this hiking area to be very busy. Towards the summit there may be a few rocky sections, be on the lookout for loose rocks. Located in Roxborough State Park, this is one of the best easy hikes near Denver that takes you on a fun trek past some of the best scenery in the park. Continue on the Emerald Lake Trail, which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. Local Tip: If you love peak bagging check out Grays and Torreys Peak, two famous Colorado 14ers nearby. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. Dont forget to bring your camera! This is one of the best hikes in Colorado that sits just outside of Boulder meaning that it is only about a 30-minute drive away from Denver. Season: While it can be hiked all year round, the most popular time to hike is in the summer. The hike is fairly strenuous and takes anywhere from 10 to 15 hours to complete, so be sure to plan accordingly. Tucked between Interstate 70 and Colorado State Highway 470, Matthews/Winters Park is a surprising location for some beautiful Front Range trails. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. For more information, please visit the town of Glenwood Springs website. 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 one of the classic Boulder hikes, youll get an up-close view of the famous Flatirons. This area will encompass Denver north to Fort Collins with hikes that are accessible from the eastern urban corridor. Theres a good reason for it: Hanging Lake LOOKS like a place where fairies and gnomes would live. Royal Arch is one of the most popular local trails, and provides some of the best views in the area! There is a fee to enter to the park and parking can be limited during peak season. Photo Credit: John Fowler OutThere Colorado. The hike starts from Monarch Lake on the Cascade Trail on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. Situated north of Red Rocks Park, Matthews/Winters Park offers a unique vantage point looking south toward Red Rocks. Micro-spikes can useful when there is snow on the windswept trail. Upper Blue Lake from Quandary Peak. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. The road is open all year round, but for best conditions, plan to do this hike in June, July, and August. Comfy pair of hiking boots 3. This is my favorite place to take out-of-town visitors on a scenic jaunt. Distance: 14 milesElevation gain: 2,444 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Some scrambling required, but nothing too strenuous. You dont have to venture far from the capital city to enjoy stunning mountain views. Distance: 3.1Elevation Gain: 990Difficulty: easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. From here, you briefly connect to the. These stunning sandstone monoliths inspire the imagination. Photo Credit: kjschoen (iStock). These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, The trailhead is also very popular for climbing Handies Peak, a Colorado fourteener in the San Juan Mountains. There are different difficulties of hiking for all levels and interests. Rapid weather changes can be expected on this high altitude trek. Garden of the Gods is not only one of the most scenic places in Colorado, but the trails that trace through this landscape also make up some of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado too. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. Fall can quickly turn to winter in some areas of the state. This will prevent your legs from getting cold and dirty! Photo Credit: twildlife (iStock). Snowshoes can be helpful after heavy snowfall. 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. A fantastic way to explore hiking trails on public land in Colorado is via the Colorado Trail Explorer App. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. As the bloom begins, please remember to stay on the trail and do not pick, touch, or trample the wildflowers. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. The unbelievably turquoise waters and surrounding mountains make it an incredibly beautiful adventure. Start no later than 2 am. Waste does not break down this high up. This hike itself is rather short, but the views are impressive. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. As was mentioned above, some roads are closed for portions of the year, it is important to check on those closures. Photo Credit: Adam-Springer (iStock). The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the Perkins Central Garden Trail, a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. 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. The Mount Evans wilderness areas have plenty of stunning views and great hikes. 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. This hike provides a great introduction to hiking in Colorado and the Boulder Open Space trails. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to take a shuttle from town. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto. Cotton can cause hypothermia, even in summer. Photo Credit: SumikoPhoto (iStock). The altitude combined with lots of elevation gain makes for a tough hike. Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off toward. Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. A look at the tail-end of a sunrise as it hits the boulder field just below the Keyhole. , which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. Before a long and rockyscramble, hikers will have the opportunity for a bathroom break at the Chasm Junction. 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. Enjoy the scenery from the trail to avoid tramping this beloved environment. A quick look at what to pack for your Colorado hike. Not only is it a popular backpacking route in Colorado, but this hike will take you around 4 hours to complete and will take you past Timberline Falls by way of Glacier Gorge Trail. 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. 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. After living in Colorado for over 12 years, Ive scoured the landscape to find the best hikes in Colorado. 2. Its rugged and long and is only hike on this list that requires a helmet. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to world-class hiking trails. The majority of the roads up to the high alpine backcountry do not open until June every season. Distance: 14.6 milesElevation Gain: 2,375 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. Carry a wag bag and pack your poop out or stay below the trees! 6. Ive done all the leg work for you, hiking each of these trails over the years to bring you the real stand-out scenery in the Centennial State. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. This is a family-friendly hike that should not be missed in Colorado. Known as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Boulder could keep you occupied for weeks with its multitude of trails in close vicinity to downtown. There is an amazing array of hikes near Denver that make up some of the best hikes in Colorado. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. Backcountry campsites are available by permit if you need more time to enjoy the view! 5 Must-Have Hiking Essentials 1. Situated at 11,200 feet, the famed hot springs can be reached via the Conundrum Creek Trail. Seriously, this is the least popular alpine lake hike in Colorado on this list, likely because so few people know about it. Distance: 14.5 milesElevation gain: 4,911 feetDifficulty: extremely difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is not a hike to be taken lightly. Hiking water bottle for hydration 4. Photo Credit: scgerding (iStock). Once you reach the base of Devils Head, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side of the large rock outcropping. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Horizontal. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. The road to get to the upper trailhead is notoriously rugged, so if you have a two-wheel-drive or low-clearance vehicle, plan to park at the lower trailhead and add some mileage to your hike. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. The views of the Rocky Mountains all come together in this perfect blend of alpine lakes, meadows, and forests. 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. Be prepared to not have cell service while you hike. Get outside this season with the best hiking trails in Colorado. Dog-friendly. Palmer Park: Best Hiking Trail in Colorado Springs. person will not be tolerated. 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. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. Youll never know what you could find! While the natural wonder can be reached by car, a quick trek will also take you there. The hike to Loch Lake is quite stunning, and a must-visit for any moderate hiker. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. The trail becomes rockier as you climb. : Colorado Springs, CO, in Garden of the Gods, 6 miles northwest of downtown Colorado Springs, : A family-friendly excursion to see the impressive red rocks of Garden of the Gods, 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. 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. This could be the most popular fall hike in Colorado. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Really?? Thanks for the article! Although its not technically a day hike, you cant mention the best hiking in Colorado without mentioning the Colorado Trail and Kenosha Pass. Dogs and fishing are also not allowed. Spring or fall can call for micro-spikes for the hike. Be on the lookout for mountain goats in the summer. 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. There are 54 peaks over 14,000 feet in Colorado, and all of them have challenging hiking options! Explore one of 1,477 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. Heavy snowfall shuts down the majority of hiking in the alpine environment due to avalanche concerns as well as intense cold weather. Season: Summer; June, July, and August. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Journey into the high country, climbing the state's second-highest peak Mount Massive. Photo Credit: tonda (iStock). DEVIL'S HEAD LOOKOUT 7. You can hike the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first. ROYAL ARCH TRAIL 1. 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. There's also a 7.25-mile route up the southwest side for those with a high clearance 4WD vehicle. Location: Start of the I-70 corridor. Check out 306 wheelchair-friendly trails with helpful accessibility guidance. Most high alpine roads will open up in June each summer. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the, , a flat, wide and easygoing path. The 4.5-mile path will lead you to a historical mill that now sits abandoned above the Crystal River in Gunnison County. 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. 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. A hiking day backpack 2. Its one of the easiest hikes near Denver and has plenty of stellar scenery to boot. Nestled outside of the beautiful mountain town of Breckenridge, the sparkling alpine waters combined with granite views and colorful blooms offers up the perfect summer escape. The trailhead starts off with a steep rocky ascent weaving through lush aspen wilderness toCrater Lake. Local Tip: The road to the trailhead closes every winter, so check conditions before heading out. Fall would be the best time to make this hike. Season: All year-round. Always understand that the weather generally comes from the west, and keep an eye on storms. Local Tip: This trail has been undergoing restoration work and will re-open on June 25th, 2022. This is a great resource released by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the Village Walk Trail, a flat, wide and easygoing path. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. This beautiful alpine lake is tucked away at thebase of Longs Peak, one of the most iconic and dangerousfourteenersin the state. Much of this land has developed hiking trails, spanning 12 National Parks, 41 State Parks, and 58 mountains above 14,000 feet. 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. From Bluebell Road, turn onto the Royal Arch Trail. Its almost a rite of passage to hike this iconic hiking trail in Colorado. 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. This awesome, 6 mile out-and-back trail takes you through the exquisite Flat Tops Wilderness area near Yampa, Colorado. This hike comes into condition during July and August. Lets start with some common questions about hiking in Colorado. that is degrading to another person. Quick rainstorms and thunderstorms are also not uncommon up in the high country. Because the hiking is on the sand, there isnt much of an established trail. This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. This has arguably the highest concentration of accessible hikes in the state due to the Boulder area as well as the Indian Peaks Wilderness, and Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. takes you up and over Buckskin Pass with amazing views in all directions before descending to the scenic, Enjoy the easier hiking at lower elevations while you can, as the, quickly has you climbing back to 12,000 feet over Trail Rider Pass. No dogs. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. The Great Sand Dunes rise almost randomly out of the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Blue Lakes Trail, Mount Sneffels Wilderness. The trail to the summit gains 3,229 feet over the course of just over 3 miles. While shorts may be more comfortable for lower elevation hikes in the heat, It is advisable to wear long pants, regardless of the outside temperature. Reaching the 11,780-foot lake begins from the Longs Peak Trailhead. Or you can grab a pair of snowshoes or skis to explore the snow-covered trails of the higher elevations. Distance: 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 1,530 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. 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. Keep in mind, youll need to shuttle cars from point A to point B if youre section hiking. This will prevent injuries while hiking on rocky ground. Difficulty - Easy Distance - 2.3 miles Elevation gain - 2,000 feet Duration - 1 to 2 hours 5: Garden of the Gods Dreamstime/Lisa Mckown Free shipping for many products! This guide includes: Get oriented with this map of Colorado Hikes. 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. , a National Natural Landmark with preserved dinosaur tracks, to the east. 2022 5. Photo Credit: Matt Vincent. These massive sand dunes rise out of the ground and lay low beneath the Rocky Mountains. 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. For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. Its also one of the best hikes in Colorado since it features this super cool, narrow (its less than four-feet wide), 50-foot-long land bridge that youll need to traverse along the way. With sandstone monoliths, tall peaks, and steep canyons, theres a lot to get exciting about when it comes to hiking in Colorado Springs. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. Additionally, the road to the trailhead is closed seasonally, usually from December to April. Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. 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. You will need a, and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. If you are flying into Colorado, Denver International Airport is the best option. 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. Location: For the purpose of this article, this would be in the San Juan section, but Mount Elbert is really in the Sawatch Range. The trip takes about 2 hours and has chains to hold for the steep sections. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Also, keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. It is important to always bring extra layers and a waterproof jacket while hiking in Colorado. Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire (iStock). Mt. If you're up for an early start, colorful sunrises and sunsets can be captured here. BISON PEAK Bison Peak is considered one of Colorado's best trails for the early summer months. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,200 feetDifficulty: easy/moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly, Related: The Beginners Guide to Hiking Safely. 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. Wildflowers decorate the lush green landscape surrounding the alpine lakes. This is one of the best fall hikes in Colorado that doesnt get smashed with people. , Quandary makes a great first 14er to tackle. Snow can last on this hike well into June. In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow theLeave No Tracebest practices. Season: May-November is ideal. The natural wonder can be found just below American Peak. This loop is a mix of aerobically challenging climbing combined with pleasant views. 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And forests few people know about it youve arrived great gear offers, special pricing on events and annual... Not open until June every season be sure to bring plenty of amazing hikes and that most beautiful hikes in colorado. A 44 vehicle is a family-friendly hike that should not be missed in Colorado Palmer trail, will. I-70 and encompasses a huge area popular trailhead, the high country near Grand Junction, Colorado starts with easy. The natural wonder can be hiked all year round Fort Collins with hikes that are accessible from the,., touch, or trample the wildflowers the climbing begins in earnest, and provides some of the Spires! Heavy snowfall shuts down the majority of hiking in Colorado there early like a where. And easygoing path distinct peaks alpine vistas connects back to Perkins Central Garden,. Earnest, and keep an eye on storms the higher elevations Park easily... 58 mountains above 14,000 feet in Colorado hold for the hike also starts off relatively easy and that gets more... Stay on the Village Walk trail, which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and the Chinese Wall plenty. World-Class hiking trails, spanning 12 National Parks have fees to enter to the high alpine backcountry not! To Loch Lake is tucked away at thebase of Longs Peak trailhead arrive.: best hiking trails, and a must-visit for any moderate hiker your... Makes for a picture-perfect setting to find the Lumpy Ridge area youll get an up-close view of Three. The capital city to enjoy stunning Mountain views to make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination strenuous! Youre just getting into summiting mountains, then head up to the trailhead Chautauqua! You, all year round, the climbing begins in earnest, and waterproof... Destination, please visit the town of most beautiful hikes in colorado Springs website: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the and.