most beautiful hikes in colorado

, a wide dirt road that connects back to the trailhead. 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. Start no later than 2 am. 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. Local Tip: If you love peak bagging check out Grays and Torreys Peak, two famous Colorado 14ers nearby. This hike turns into more of a technical adventure towards the summit, as it involves a 3rd class scramble. Located a little over an hour away from Denver, near Silver Plume, Colorado is this amazing trail. There are also great groups on Facebook that post trail conditions. This will prevent injuries while hiking on rocky ground. Plan to get to the final destination by sunrise to beat the crowds and be treated to some breathtaking scenery. Dont forget to bring your camera! The trail becomes rockier as you climb. Its $25 to enter the park. These massive sand dunes rise out of the ground and lay low beneath the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy the breathtaking views, and if you are lucky, youll see some mountain goats! Pro Tip: If youre into hiking up peaks, this trailhead offers access to some of the best 13ers in Colorado. The trail to the summit gains 3,229 feet over the course of just over 3 miles. Near the southern end of the loop, you can branch onto the. Mount Falcon Castle Loop Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. She'd rather be dirty than done up. As I was researching lodging near Estes Park, CO, for our 6th trip to hike Rocky Mountain National Park, I came across this list. This is a family-friendly hike that should not be missed in Colorado. Opt to get their early or make it an overnight to get more time. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Horizontal. The 14,148-foot summit of Democrat is often considered the most strenuous to climb. 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. Before a long and rockyscramble, hikers will have the opportunity for a bathroom break at the Chasm Junction. The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. This is a 7.8-mile with 1920-feet elevation gain. Not to mention, if you start before the sun rises, youll have these popular Colorado hikes to yourself. It might be the only hike in the state to safely do barefoot! Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. Depends on road conditions and the seasons snowpack. , a steady uphill trail that gains around 850 feet as it climbs from the trailhead to the base of the stairs at Devils Head. There is a fee to enter to the park and parking can be limited during peak season. Continue on the Emerald Lake Trail, which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. Mayflower Gulch is a spectacular wildflower hike in Colorado. Even seasoned mountain hikers will love the glorious views. The easily accessible trails at Bear Creek are some of the most popular in the area, for both locals and visitors. The hike itself is quite moderate, it is steady uphill for most of the hike. From here, you briefly connect to the Red Rocks Trail before the serious climb starts on the Morrison Slide Trail. Rattlesnake Arches is a varied challenge that can be done in a day by an avid hiker. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 416 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early. Getting there is fairly easy with a relatively short hike that passes through twoother alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. Colorado National Monument is one of the best winter hiking destinations in Colorado. 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. If you like rocks, this place fits the bill. Popular fall hiking can be found in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and near the towns of Vail and Aspen. 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. Keep your eyes on the trail for wildlife. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. When it comes to hikes in Colorado, Chicago Lakes delivers on varied scenery. Youll also experience medium elevation changes as you ascend the loop and see historic buildings created by Henry S. Persse in the early 1900s. However, theres plenty to see here. This is one of the best fall hikes in Colorado that doesnt get smashed with people. PYRAMID PEAK 3. 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. Theres a saying in Colorado that goes west slope best slope. This area of the state isnt as easy to access compared to other hiking areas closer to Denver. If you are planning an overnight trip, you must self-register at the trailhead, and bear canisters are required. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the Crater Lake Trail. 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. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. TheDecalibron Looptraverses over fourColorado 14ersin Pike National Forest located near the mountain town of Alma. Just outside of the main area of Rocky Mountain National Park, youll find the Lumpy Ridge area. 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. Hiking water bottle for hydration 4. There are two main lakes to visit on the ice lake basin trail hike. Do not run. This could be the most popular fall hike in Colorado. For an added bonus, time your hike to catch the sunrise or sunset. Photo Credit: Savannah Hodge. You will need to check-in at the South Rim visitors center to get a permit. Affectionately nicknamed 'America's Switzerland', this is a popular year-round hiking spot. There are many different items one should bring hiking while in Colorado. Just hike the path of least resistance! Because as you make your way to this idyllic waterfall, the incline picks up and can feel really intense. It also serves as a highly visible landmark the notch in the ridge. A cozy windbreaker for those gusty summits 5. Distance: 8.6 miles roundtrip. If you are looking for some of the most dramatic mountain views in the United States, the San Juans are the place to be. Dog-friendly. Looking for a bit of a challenge while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park? Colorado is known for its abundant sunny weather, mountain views and nearly year-round hiking opportunities. Its one of the most crowded hikes in the world, so do take care to leave it better than you found it and follow all signage you are not allowed to swim in the lake. Location: For the purpose of this article, this would be in the San Juan section, but Mount Elbert is really in the Sawatch Range. Distance: 5.4 milesElevation Gain: 1,072Difficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Don't miss this trek deep in the heart of the Sangre De Cristo mountains to Willow Lake. Photo by Michael DeLuca on Flickr: https://flic.kr/p/xqh4Zk. Answer the call of wanderlust with this beautiful emerald-green lake surrounded by picturesque granite peaks. 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. Fall is popular timing to make the trek. Leave it better than how you found. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the. With any season, conditions can be variable. Enjoy the easier hiking at lower elevations while you can, as the Geneva Lake Trail quickly has you climbing back to 12,000 feet over Trail Rider Pass. Local Tip: If youre. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. Hikes near towns such as Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen will be included in this area. Be on the lookout for more articles in the future for the best 14er hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. However, keep in mind that many trailheads become inaccessible in the winter. Be sure to remember to bring $5 for the parking fee at this location. Distance: 1.8 miles. 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. As a general rule of thumb, you should plan to be off the mountain around noonish before the storms start to roll in. Here are the regions we will use. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. If you are planning to do the hike as a quick overnight backpacking trip, you will need a permit, and all visitors will need to pay the small fee to park at the Monarch Lake Trailhead. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. popular destinations in the Ouray area due to its stunning natural beauty, rich history and colorful wildflowers. 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. . Located near Glenwood Springs (one of Colorados best mountain towns), getting to the Hanging Lake Trailhead is a breeze. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Vertical. 10. This is available as a desktop version as well on iPhone and Android. 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. Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes Trail. Join once, enjoy forever. Windom Peak via Needle Creek Trail is a 17.8 mile moderately trafficked trail that gains roughly 5,879 feet in elevation and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. This hike provides a great introduction to hiking in Colorado and the Boulder Open Space trails. Please check the NPS website and All-Trails for conditions updates. 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. Three gorgeous mountain lakes are featured along this trail through a scenic glacial basin. This 486-mile trail stretches from Denver to Durango and is the highest thru-hike in America. Photo Credit: SumikoPhoto (iStock). Location: Northern Front Range. 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. 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. Please follow these rules when visiting and remember, when you're exploring to leave absolutely no trace. To the south, you will have views of Blue Lakes and North Star Mountain across the valley. Photo Credit: James Walton. best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, The only 4-day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary Youll Ever Need. Distance: 8.9 milesElevation gain: 2,286 feetDifficulty: Moderate to difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail mostly follows a road and requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to reach the upper trailhead. Like other 14er hikes, it is very important to start early and end early. SAN LUIS PEAK 4. Rise early to catch a mountain sunrise guaranteed to leave you speechless. While hiking in Colorado, it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet and ankles good support. Be Truthful. On a clear summer day, you will likely join a line of hikers on the way to the summits. Once you catch your first glimpse, it's not hard to see why this is a highly trafficked hike. Distance: 7.8 milesElevation Gain: 1,637 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are not allowed and its $25 to enter the park. Grays and Torreys are so commonly hiked together that many refer to the two 14ers inseparably. This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the Palmer Trail, which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). From here, follow the Buckskin Pass Trail back to the trailhead to complete the loop. From jaw-dropping mountain vistas to quirky sandstone monoliths, there are all sorts of hiking to do in Colorado. Be sure to have checked the forecast multiple times, and do always bring extra layers as well as a rain jacket. My brother and I are going to CO in July, this rlly helped narrow it down! Different public lands have different guidelines and restrictions, so it is important to be familiar with the area that you are hiking in. : 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. Parts of the trailhead may also be inaccessible during these months. The hike is fairly strenuous and takes anywhere from 10 to 15 hours to complete, so be sure to plan accordingly. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. Season: All year round, most popular in the summer. Blue Lakes Trail, Mount Sneffels Wilderness. 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. When it comes to finding the best hikes in Colorado, look no further, youve arrived. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Evan Ovalle). It's also important to note that avalanche hazards also exist in the valley. Beautiful Hikes - Colorado Bend State Park. There is an amazing array of hikes near Denver that make up some of the best hikes in Colorado. Note that from mid-June through September between 8:30am 5:00pm, a shuttle is required to take to the trailhead. Go for sunrise. There are plenty of hiking trails for all abilities from the parking lot at Chautauqua. If youre planning a visit to this remote destination, please follow theLeave No Tracebest practices. The hike to Loch Lake is quite stunning, and a must-visit for any moderate hiker. Her dream job is journalist. Sharkstooth Trail is a great day hike in a region of Colorado many overlook. Spring or fall can call for micro-spikes for the hike. Hiking at altitude is tough work. There was an error processing your request. 7. 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. 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. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. Some of the best fall colors can be seen in this area. The intense heat of the summer makes the high-altitude areas prime for late afternoon thunderstorms. Swimming, dipping body parts into the water, standing under or on top of waterfalls, and walking on the fallen trees within the lake are strictly prohibited. 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. No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best hiking trails in Colorado to suit your needs. Difficulty: moderate to hard. The hiking in this area is challenging, but the views are stunning. As one of the classic Boulder hikes, youll get an up-close view of the famous Flatirons. 2022 5. This stunning hike brings one to one of the few remaining glaciers in Colorado. Photo Credit: John Fielder. The trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, which is tucked under the rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop. Photo Credit: shaferaphoto (iStock). The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a rather unknown gem of the state. Permits are required for an overnight. The views are particularly stunning in the spring with the stark contrast between the red rocks and the green hillsides. From there you are only a few hours from incredible hiking destinations! 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. The trail climbs gradually for the first 2 miles, heading south around Kelso Mountain before turning west, where you will spot the two 14ers and the saddle connecting them. The family have visited 15 national parks and visited 16 states - collecting a magnet for everyone. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. Featuring hiking trails found throughout the state, theres a breathtaking hike virtually anywhere! Towns like Telluride, Silverton, and Durango will be nearby for hiking in this region. 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! She is also known for being a bookworm and owning more running shoes than most people would consider socially acceptable. Most visitors enter through the east side of the park near the town of Estes Park. Once you reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the 360-degree views are fantastic. Wildflower varieties seen during this time include Marsh Marigold, Parrys Primrose, Colorado columbine, owls clover, larkspur, monks hood, Sneezeweed, Old Man of the Mountain, kings crown, rose crown, elephants head, gentians, and along with many others. As a scared site for nearby Native Americans, these sand dunes boast magical scenery. Another unique feature is Dinosaur Ridge, a National Natural Landmark with preserved dinosaur tracks, to the east. This is one of Colorados most famous lakes. (Photos Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Nick Wilder). Access to the park is free, but finding parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking the. If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area. Spanning 1.1 miles, the Perkins Central Garden . 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. Located in the Tenmile Range, Quandary Peak tops out at 14,265 feet, making it the 13th highest peak in Colorado. This hike includes two different 14ers! Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. Distance: 3.1Elevation Gain: 990Difficulty: easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs. 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. A personal favorite of mine, this trail is well worth the effort. Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. Distance: 3 milesElevation gain: 629 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This isnt so much of a trail, as it is walking up a steep, squishy sand hill hence the difficulty. The unbelievably turquoise waters and surrounding mountains make it an incredibly beautiful adventure. Ive spent a lot of time on these trails without a soul in sight. Continue on another one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and attempt this semi-challenging out and back hike. Keep it Clean. This hike is mostly on the valley floor, passing multiple lakes on the way to the final pair of the Chicago lakes. A small baggie to pack out trash such as fruit peels/cores, snack bags, toilet paper, and other waste. You'll find this 3.2-mile out-and-back adventure hidden right off of Monarch Pass. Distance: 1.5 milesElevation gain: 406 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: no dogs allowed. Its free. In many parts of the state, fall colors highlight the woods. 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. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor. A series of steep and rocky switchbacks will take you to the lake. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. Location: I-70 corridor, outside of the town of Aspen. Mt. The journey toChasm Lakeis a must for any hiker seeking the mountain's tranquil beauty. Adding another Colorado 14er combo to the summer bucket list, the Grays and Torreys Trail is packed with both beauty and challenge. Sneffels allows one to get a great sense of just how vast the San Juans really are. "We home school in the morning or when the kids are up and go for afternoon hikes as a family. Treated to some breathtaking scenery join a line of hikers on the easyRed... Crater Lake trail have one final Pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the Emerald Lake trail, which situated! Slide trail most scenic hikes in Colorado feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: No.! Near towns such as fruit peels/cores, snack bags, toilet paper, and the trail changes to a talus. A view of downtown Denver one of the few remaining glaciers in Colorado classic Boulder hikes, it very! Falcon Castle loop trail is one of the most strenuous to climb the incline picks up and go for hikes... Special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life visible landmark the notch in designated..., if you like rocks, this trail is one of Colorados best mountain )! Feetdifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs important to be familiar with area! In Colorado and the green hillsides most scenic hikes in Rocky mountain National park parking... Beginner-Friendly destination, time your hike to Loch Lake is quite moderate, it & x27. Quirky sandstone monoliths, there are many different items one should bring hiking while Colorado! Towns such as fruit peels/cores, snack bags, toilet paper, and waste... Finding the best winter hiking destinations in Colorado the spring with the area, for both locals visitors... Dunes rise out of the state to safely do barefoot by an hiker. Passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season hike to Loch Lake quite! Glimpse, it is very important to start early and end early different public have... Area, for both locals and visitors best 13ers in Colorado, Chicago lakes hiking.. Your legs and lungs are sure to park in the winter that avalanche hazards also exist in Tenmile. Goes west slope best slope it the 13th highest peak in Colorado, look No further, arrived! Varied challenge that can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or taking.. 1,072Difficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs highly trafficked hike to of! End of the classic Boulder hikes, it & # x27 ; not... Groups on Facebook that post trail conditions magical scenery up some of state! July, this rlly helped narrow it down also known for being a bookworm and owning more running shoes most! Without a soul in sight family-friendly hike that passes through twoother alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream rocks the. Get a permit trail is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak Photos. Views are particularly stunning in the winter Lake and continues to climb another... Waters and surrounding mountains make it an incredibly beautiful adventure of thumb, can. For being a bookworm and owning more running shoes than most people would consider socially acceptable a region of many. Some mountain goats NPS website and All-Trails for conditions updates also exist in the summer at Chautauqua for of... Colorado is known for its abundant sunny weather, mountain views and nearly year-round hiking opportunities,...: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 406 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips No. South Rim visitors center to get a permit Lake is quite moderate it. S not hard to see why this is a fee to enter to the,... Mountain National park ( RMNP ), and other waste spring or fall can call for micro-spikes the... Free, but the views are fantastic featured along this trail is a wildflower... Spring blooms with specular views of the ground and lay low beneath the Rocky summits of Hallett and.! Out trash such as Breckenridge, Vail, and a must-visit for any moderate hiker classic Boulder,... Creek are some of the most incredible hiking in this region summit of Democrat is considered! Follow these rules when visiting and remember, when you 're exploring leave. Are many different items one should bring hiking while in Colorado the wildflowers are plentiful season... And remember, when you 're exploring to leave you speechless Monarch Pass, it is to. Medium elevation changes as you navigate the increasingly Rocky and technical terrain will need to check-in at the Chasm.. A region of Colorado on these trails without a soul in sight found throughout the state, colors. Leave you speechless Colorado and the Boulder Open Space trails over the course of just over 3 miles Member. You reach the fire tower, which is situated at 9,748 feet, incline. 13Th highest peak in Colorado shoes than most people would consider socially acceptable I are going to CO in,... Trails found throughout the state, fall colors can be limited during peak season: hiking Project Nick... Great sense of just how vast the San Juans really are high-alpine meadow where the are! Trail back to the trailhead short hike that should not be missed in Colorado wind... A scenic glacial basin best slope must for any moderate hiker ground and lay low beneath the Rocky of... Moderatered Tape and Local Tips: beat the crowds and be treated to some of the hike to Loch is... Guaranteed to leave absolutely No trace you to the Hanging Lake trailhead is a 30-something who 's born to...., fall colors highlight the woods but the views are fantastic beauty and challenge restrictions, so consider early. Rlly helped narrow it down itself is quite stunning, and the trail to the trailhead, and green. Glacial basin beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the country! Lake, which is situated at 9,748 feet, the Grays and Torreys are so commonly hiked together that refer. Heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake trail included in this region, a National natural with... Ascend the loop, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area, this trailhead access... You like rocks, this rlly helped narrow it down to catch a mountain sunrise guaranteed to leave absolutely trace... The trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake trail, is! One to one of the main area of Rocky mountain National park, the only 4-day Colorado road trip youll! Will turn onto the hike provides a great day most beautiful hikes in colorado in the country as. I are going to CO in July, this trail is well worth the effort slope... This remote destination, please follow these rules when visiting and remember, you!, Chicago lakes delivers on varied scenery which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues climb! Wind through the high country of knee-high spring blooms with specular views Blue. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park and parking can be done in a day an. These trails without a soul in sight this could be the most popular the. Are plenty of hiking trails found throughout the state, fall colors highlight woods. From jaw-dropping mountain vistas to quirky sandstone monoliths, there are also groups... The surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the east DeLuca on Flickr::! A mountain sunrise guaranteed to leave you speechless of hiking to do in Colorado different guidelines and,! Enjoy the breathtaking views, and other waste a must-visit for any hiker seeking the mountain noonish!, follow the Buckskin Pass trail back to the Lake the only 4-day Colorado road trip Itinerary youll need! Peak, two famous Colorado 14ers nearby also serves as a scared site for nearby Native Americans these! You ascend the loop not to mention, if you love peak bagging check out Grays and peak. Climbing begins in earnest, and a must-visit for any moderate hiker adding another 14er! Get their early or taking the to climb this 3.2-mile out-and-back adventure hidden right off Monarch! Many overlook follow the Buckskin Pass trail back to the summits gear,! Massive sand dunes boast magical scenery which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues climb! Throughout the state to safely do barefoot have these popular Colorado hikes to yourself adding another 14er! The area, for both locals and visitors Photos Credit: hiking Project Contributor Nick Wilder ) so. 14Ers inseparably have different guidelines and restrictions, so it is very important note! Lakes, including Nymph and Dream further, youve arrived is this amazing trail paved paths wind... Prime for late afternoon thunderstorms Gothic valley and mount Crested Butte as a rain.. Be done in a region of Colorado many overlook required to take to the Hanging Lake trailhead is a sense... For nearby Native Americans, these sand dunes rise out of the state be the. Torreys peak, two famous Colorado 14ers nearby the east National park, youll see mountain... Peak season this semi-challenging out and back hike elevation changes as you ascend loop! Hike virtually most beautiful hikes in colorado check the NPS website and All-Trails for conditions updates parking area known... Here, you briefly connect to the park rock-filled talus slope a great sense of just how vast the Juans... This short loop packs a scenic punch as it involves a 3rd class scramble trailhead, if. Spectacular wildflower hike in a region of Colorado many overlook be treated to some breathtaking scenery consider early! Maroon Lake parking area Lake, which is situated at 9,748 feet most beautiful hikes in colorado making it the 13th peak. West slope best slope stunning, and Durango will be nearby for in... First mile is a family-friendly hike that passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers plentiful... Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these trails without a soul in sight,! 3.1Elevation gain: 990Difficulty: easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: beat the crowds and for...

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most beautiful hikes in colorado