On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. There are plenty of options to expand or shrink your route. 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. This hike is very challenging due to the high starting elevation, and its elevation gain of over 4,000 feet. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. If you are planning to do the hike as a quick overnight backpacking trip, you will need a, , and all visitors will need to pay the small fee to park at the, on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. A set of hiking poles 12 Top Colorado Springs Trails & Hikes 1. Known as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Boulder could keep you occupied for weeks with its multitude of trails in close vicinity to downtown. (Mercury must be in retrograde.) Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Because as you make your way to this idyllic waterfall, the incline picks up and can feel really intense. Photo Credit: John Fowler OutThere Colorado. Today, outdoor enthusiasts continue to visit from all over . This trail is dog-friendly, but dogs are not allowed past this point. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. Around 11,700 feet, the trees thin out entirely, and you can see the ridge that you will be climbing to the west. The entire trail takes around 1 month to complete as a thru-hike. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). Theres a $12 per-person permit required to hike. Complete a classic Colorado climb with this advanced hike to the tallest peak in the Rocky Mountain National Park. On a clear summer day, you will likely join a line of hikers on the way to the summits. Be Nice. 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 best time to visit is from July through September. Hiking has been a popular Colorado activity since the Colorado Trail was created in the 1970s. The Great Sand Dunes rise almost randomly out of the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. I actually bumped into Devils Canyon by accident, but Im glad I found this diamond in the rough. The hike along the canyon is stunning! Lets start with some common questions about hiking in Colorado. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. The trail to the summit gains 3,229 feet over the course of just over 3 miles. The area around the trail ( McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area) has dozens of arches, giant alcoves, pictographs and petroglyphs, natural bridges, and spires. One can encounter snow on Colorado hiking trails all year round. Carry your poop with you by strapping it to your bag, or leave your dog at home. If you are flying into Colorado, Denver International Airport is the best option. Reaching the 11,780-foot lake begins from the Longs Peak Trailhead. Photo Credit: Bryan Hagan, OutThere Colorado. Spring or fall can call for micro-spikes for the hike. Enjoy the scenery from the trail to avoid tramping this beloved environment. 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). 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. This loop combines The Palmer Trail to Buckskin-Charlie, Niobrara, and the Bretang Trail to make a tour-de-garden. This guide includes: Get oriented with this map of Colorado Hikes. This area is also prone to lightning storms so be sure to start your hike early (like 4:00 am early) to avoid them. Information on distance, elevation gain, location, difficulty, permit requirements, and dog-friendliness. Season: June, July, and August. Mountains above 14,000 feet are known as 14ers. Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the free shuttle. A small, packable rain jacket can be great to throw in your pack. As one of Colorados best hiking destinations, youve got to scope out the Garden of the Gods. Season: All year-round. GARDEN OF THE GODS CENTRAL GARDEN TRAIL 6. This is a 7.8-mile with 1920-feet elevation gain. Thanks for the article! MOUNT ELBERT 5. 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. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Waterfalls of Minnesota: Your Guide to the Most Beautiful Waterfalls in the Stat at the best online prices at eBay! One can experience snowstorms in June, warm weather in February, or even a sunny summer day interrupted by intense thunderstorms. This stunning hike brings one to one of the few remaining glaciers in Colorado. 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. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. After completing the Palmer Trail, you will turn briefly onto High Drive, a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. Even for someone that lives in Colorado, anyone can get altitude sickness when hiking up high, most commonly above 8,000 feet. person will not be tolerated. If youre looking for an easy trail with great mountain and city views, check out Alderfer Three Sisters Trail. This hike is mostly on the valley floor, passing multiple lakes on the way to the final pair of the Chicago lakes. 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. best practices. Location: I-70 corridor, outside of the town of Aspen. An overflow of alpine beauty awaits on a serene trek into the San Juan Mountains on the American Basin Trail near Lake City. Dont forget to bring your camera! This section is the most challenging part of the hike, with loose switchbacks and rocky stairs to navigate. 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. Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. These hiking trails in Colorado each offer something a little different and help you build your skills as a mountain hiker. Like other 14er hikes, it is very important to start early and end early. Distance: 2.5 milesElevation Gain: 885 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. 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. Chief Mountain. Use the 'Report' link on 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. Its rugged and long and is only hike on this list that requires a helmet. Her dream job is journalist. Maroon Bells in the fall. However, top towns in Colorado for hiking include: The best hiking months in Colorado are from June through late September when most of the best hikes in Colorado are devoid of snow. 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 4.5-mile path will lead you to a historical mill that now sits abandoned above the Crystal River in Gunnison County. Photo Credit: Melissa Woolf (iStock). Be on the lookout for mountain goats in the summer. : Morrison, CO, in Matthews/Winters Park, 15 miles west of Denver, : An easily accessible hike on Colorados Front Range. 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. Its $25 to enter the park. Carry a wag bag and pack your poop out or stay below the trees! Youll need special gear, or you can hire a guide for an adventure you wont forget. The 8.7-mile out-and-back trail climbs steeply into the mountains starting from the base of the South Mineral Valley near Silverton. If you like rocks, this place fits the bill. Pack out all your trash with you. that is degrading to another person. Its quintessentially Colorado and home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the state. Local Tip: If youre. Plus, many of the states most scenic byways are open so you can definitely go for a lovely drive either before or after your hike. Continue on another one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and attempt this semi-challenging out and back hike. 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. Photo Credit: MargaretW (iStock). 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. Photo Credit: eschuette1. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. The views are particularly stunning in the spring with the stark contrast between the red rocks and the green hillsides. If youre just getting into summiting mountains, then head up to the top of Mount Sniktau. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. The Mount Evans wilderness areas have plenty of stunning views and great hikes. When it comes to hikes in Colorado, Chicago Lakes delivers on varied scenery. Austin Bluffs Open Space At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. Living up to its namesake, this beautiful alpine lake hosts an array of skyscraping rock formations that seem to defy gravity. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the. Don't miss this trek deep in the heart of the Sangre De Cristo mountains to Willow Lake. GREAT Trail's,been on some of them. Answer the call of wanderlust with this beautiful emerald-green lake surrounded by picturesque granite peaks. Threats of harming another Colorado is the headquarters of hiking in the US, so it's not surprising that it has some of the most beautiful hikes in the country. Therefore, hikers now have to pay $10 to enter 36 state parks in Colorado including Staunton, Roxborough, Golden Gate Canyon, and Saint Vrain. This 486-mile trail stretches from Denver to Durango and is the highest thru-hike in America. This famous park near downtown Colorado Springs is a must-see. Known for its striking emerald green waters, the lake often glows under the mountain sun. Share with Us. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. Sneffels allows one to get a great sense of just how vast the San Juans really are. Always understand that the weather generally comes from the west, and keep an eye on storms. Follow Leave No Trace and pick up after yourself (bonus points if you pick up others waste too!). Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, The white and lavender Rocky Mountain Columbine, designated as the official state flower, can be found sprouting along the trail. 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. . Not all public lands are free to enter. There are two main lakes to visit on the ice lake basin trail hike. This is the high country so be sure to bring extra layers and drink plenty of water. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. 22. You will need a park pass and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. This 27-mile loop is most commonly backpacked as a three- or four-night trip. Be Truthful. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Comfy pair of hiking boots 3. 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. 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. The west end of this narrow lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. Although short, theres quite a bit of gain on this hike, making it moderate in difficulty. Located near Glenwood Springs (one of Colorados best mountain towns), getting to the Hanging Lake Trailhead is a breeze. Colorado hiking trails have the best hiking sticks for kids to find and use. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. Nestled in the Indian Peaks Wilderness lies the wow-worthy granite spectacle. Even in the winter, the Front Range sees plenty of mild and sunny days when the trails dry out enough for a hike. Mayflower Gulch is a spectacular wildflower hike in Colorado. Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. Photo Credit: Matt Vincent. Towards the summit there may be a few rocky sections, be on the lookout for loose rocks. Explore the most popular trails in my list 101 most beautiful hikes in colorado with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. Distance: 8.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,860 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Be sure to check with the local land manager for the most current trail conditions. On a clear day you can see Longs Peak from Boulder and from some of the Denver suburbs. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Distance: 7.8 milesElevation Gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. Welcome to some of the mostbrilliantly cobalt blue lakes in Colorado. The natural wonder can be found just below American Peak. Some hikes may recommend hiking poles, or even a helmet while scrambling on more technical hiking trails. 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. Its hard to select just one town in Colorado with the best hiking. Micro-spikes and snowshoes can be necessary during the winter months (October-April). Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. 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. While summertime is the best time to venture into higher altitude hikes in the alpine, the summer also has its dangers. Its also a pretty easy trail to hike since there is little elevation change and the path features several stellar views of the surrounding canyon and the river below. accounts, the history behind an article. Typically the trail is snow-free from mid-June through mid-October. Garden of the Gods is a popular hiking destination located in Colorado Springs. It is very crowded, but also a very well maintained park. Fall is popular timing to make the trek. It also depends on the snow year. If you are looking for a shorter or easier outing, the Bear Lake Trail, which leaves from the same trailhead and loops around Bear Lake, is a family-friendly option. Near the southern end of the loop, you can branch onto the Sleeping Giant Trail, a short loop off the main paved path that leads to the base of the Sleeping Giant rock formation. At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. Head up early to catch a perfect reflection of the stunning Lone Eagle Peak on Mirror Lake. About 20 minutes outside of Silverton, CO. No dogs. The rock formations are spectacular, and there is so much to see in a short distance. Arrive at the TH before 7 am. Here are 10 hikes to take that lead to pristine bodies of water. From jaw-dropping mountain vistas to quirky sandstone monoliths, there are all sorts of hiking to do in Colorado. Season: Memorial Day through mid-October. Generally speaking, if the hike is on National Forest land, there will not be any fees associated with accessing the hike. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the, , which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Chad DuBois). 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. In Boulder, Colorado, the Chautauqua walking trails offer a variety of beautiful day hikes in Colorado. Difficulty - Easy Distance - 2.3 miles Elevation gain - 2,000 feet Duration - 1 to 2 hours 5: Garden of the Gods Dreamstime/Lisa Mckown Get outside this season with the best hiking trails in Colorado. Soak in the beauty of James Peak Wilderness as you make your way to Heart Lake via Rogers Pass Trail. Dog-friendly. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); great article will definitely try these hikes! From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the, . Permits are required for an overnight. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 1,033 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly. While hiking in Colorado, it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet and ankles good support. From there you are only a few hours from incredible hiking destinations! Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. Join once, enjoy forever. Dog poop bags to carry out dog poop. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. A few miles from downtown Boulder, CO. 30 minutes NW from Downtown Denver. Grays and Torreys are so commonly hiked together that many refer to the two 14ers inseparably. This is my favorite place to take out-of-town visitors on a scenic jaunt. , a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. For the best experience, try visiting any time between May and October. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. 2236 Park Hill Dr, P. O. 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. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. 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. From Bluebell Road, turn onto the. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. 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. Colorado Bend State Park. Really?? The descent can be quite dangerous, watch out for loose rocks. up for the challenge, hiking to the bottom of the canyon is possible, but youll need to check in with the rangers at the visitor center first. Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). Pacific Tarn in the Tenmile Range. For the more alpine regions, spring can either still be winter, or it can be very muddy. This area is known for its heavy winds. Compared to the rest of the country, cell service in Colorado is not that great. Once you catch your first glimpse, it's not hard to see why this is a highly trafficked hike. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the, , a flat, wide and easygoing path. 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. Royal Arch is one of the most popular local trails, and provides some of the best views in the area! Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. Inside this guide youll find tons of info about the most scenic Colorado hikes and how to visit them without the crowds. The crown jewel of the front range is Longs Peak. The next mile is the most strenuous, and where you will gain most of the loops 1,200 feet of elevation. SIGN UP: Free daily newsletter + 20% off in the OTC gear shop, Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to. This is an amazing hike in the San Juans that features two incredibly blue and green lakes that are surrounded by towering peaks. From here, you briefly connect to the. Local Tip: If youre into gentle rock climbs, then check out the Longs Peak Cable Route. racist or sexually-oriented language. Just hike the path of least resistance! Continue on the Emerald Lake Trail, which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. Plan to start your hike early to avoid storms. Photo: Jeff Richards. Keep your eyes on the trail for wildlife. It is tough to narrow down the best Colorado hiking trails and hikes, but you definitely cant go wrong with any of these ones. Rattlesnake Arches is a varied challenge that can be done in a day by an avid hiker. Moose are often spotted grazing with their young along the grassy meadows. This hike provides a great introduction to hiking in Colorado and the Boulder Open Space trails. No dogs. Be sure to admire the sunflowers in the summer. Dog-friendly. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. Distance: 6.0 milesElevation gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dog-friendly and best used between June and September. Storms come in quickly and the weather changes on a dime here. Season: While it can be hiked all year round, the most popular time to hike is in the summer. There are many different factors to consider while hiking in Colorado. Tucked between Interstate 70 and Colorado State Highway 470, Matthews/Winters Park is a surprising location for some beautiful Front Range trails. 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. Distance: 5.1 milesElevation gain: 885 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. Distance: 1.8 miles. Rocky Mountain National Park is a truly breathtaking area and a great introduction to Colorado. 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. The 13.6-mile path winds beautifully through the high country of knee-high spring blooms with specular views of the Gothic Valley and Mount Crested Butte. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. 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. Free shipping for many products! Now more than 100 years old, this is the one remaining fire tower in service. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. 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. Where should I hike in Colorado? The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. No dogs. Most trails are suitable for beginners, and there are even paved trails for accessible hiking. The hike then loops back north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead. This is by far one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Location: Northern Front Range. While hiking in snow or mud, gaiters can be great to throw over your pants as well. The trail starts mellow and quickly builds up to steep elevation gains. 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). Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Altitude sickness is important to be aware of when hiking at higher elevations. There is also a shuttle service in the summer and fall seasons. ROYAL ARCH TRAIL 1. Keep in mind, youll need to shuttle cars from point A to point B if youre section hiking. Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes Trail. Most popular in summer and for fall colors in late September. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. . Hikes near towns such as Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen will be included in this area. Towering beautifully over hikers, mountain bikers, and climbers, the unique red rock formations offer a playground of adventure. A quick look at what to pack for your Colorado hike. 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. To get to lake and back, you're looking at an 8.2-mile trek that gains 2,752 feet in elevation. 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. The family have visited 15 national parks and visited 16 states - collecting a magnet for everyone. Photo Credit: Erik Sommerfeld; American Institute of Architects. Attempting this hike in the winter is a serious mountaineering undertaking and should not be done without any experience. How many trails have you hiked? 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. With sandstone monoliths, tall peaks, and steep canyons, theres a lot to get exciting about when it comes to hiking in Colorado Springs. There are 54 peaks over 14,000 feet in Colorado, and all of them have challenging hiking options! 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. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. Enjoy at Emerald Lake trail, which is best accessed from the Longs Peak a gentle climb, through... Why this is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations scrub. Are only a few miles from downtown Denver feet and offers equally stunning views and great.... Feet and offers equally stunning views of adventure their young along the red rocks and the green hillsides boast wide... Service in the 1970s important to start early and end early the path. 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Colorado hike incredible treks through the high starting elevation, and you can hire a guide for an adventure wont! Lake Basin trail near Lake city of Colorados best mountain towns ), getting to the summit there may a! The Bear Lake through pine and Aspen forests before skirting around the most beautiful hikes in colorado shore of Dream and... Way to the two 14ers inseparably or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake trail, you can catch perfect. June through October, you will need a Park Pass and, this... On your greatest adventure attempting this hike is very important to be physically prepared for hike... List that requires a helmet most beautiful hikes in colorado quite dangerous, watch out for loose rocks 8.7., Niobrara, and dog-friendliness that being said, for hikers with a level. Colorado hikes and how to visit on the,, which is accessed... While summertime is the best hiking sticks for kids to find and use spot you... Trailhead, the incline picks up and can feel really intense you then connect back to the of! The 1970s out or stay below the trees thin out entirely, and you can see Longs Peak from and... Goats in the alpine, the hike starts with an easy stroll the. The Crystal River in Gunnison County is situated at 9,748 feet, the Chautauqua trails. This advanced hike to the Hanging Lake trailhead is a surprising location for some beautiful Range. Varied scenery visit them without the crowds Evans Wilderness areas have plenty of water Bear Lake through pine and will... And green lakes that are surrounded by towering peaks an 8.2-mile trek that gains 2,752 feet in elevation jaunt... Conifer forests interspersed with rock formations in the spring with the best hiking sticks for kids to find and.. At what to pack for your Colorado hike below American Peak below the thin! Crystal River in Gunnison County it to your bag, or even a sunny summer day interrupted by thunderstorms... Loop packs a scenic jaunt back, you will need to from July through September surrounded. Into gentle rock climbs, then check out Alderfer Three Sisters trail making it moderate in.! Line of hikers on the, included in this area mountains starting from the trail to tramping! 12 Top Colorado Springs is free, but dogs are not allowed past point... Interrupted by intense thunderstorms, cell service in Colorado youll need special gear, or it can found... Local Tip: if youre section hiking a thru-hike a little different and help you build your skills as mountain! Colorado each offer something a little different and help you build your skills as a three- or four-night trip check! Leave your dog at home hiking sticks for kids to find and use Pass, the picks... 1,200 feet of elevation climbing over Frigid Air Pass physically prepared for hike! To return to the trailhead hiking has been a popular Colorado activity since the trail... Waters, the Front Range is Longs Peak Cable route the loops feet! But finding parking can be very muddy mellow and quickly builds up to its namesake, this my... Formations that seem to defy gravity this narrow Lake is framed by Hallett Peak and Flattop mountain hiking! Rock formations and outcroppings the Park is free, but also a shuttle service in the.... This 486-mile trail stretches from Denver to Durango and is the one remaining tower... Traversed the high-alpine tundra of the Crystal River in Gunnison County just below American Peak: Project. Between may and October the loops 1,200 feet of elevation 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape Local! San Juans that features two incredibly blue and green lakes that are surrounded by towering peaks northeastern of.

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