After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. The Keyhole Route on Longs Peak is an iconic mountain climb that many people strive for. 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. Be sure to be off of the hike in the early afternoon before the thunderstorms, as the hike is nice and exposed. According to the National Park Service, Star Dune hikers should plan for a five-hour round trip. Photo by Michael DeLuca on Flickr: https://flic.kr/p/xqh4Zk. : 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. Just try and visit at an off-peak time since this is a popular hike through the park. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. From Grays, continue down the north ridge across the saddle between the two peaks to climb Torreys. They are among the most photographed mountains in the country. 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. Can We Interest You in Some Of These Stories Instead? This is hike is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by very experienced hikers. Another unique feature is. With any season, conditions can be variable. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. Rapid weather changes can be expected on this high altitude trek. 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. You will need to watch your footing on the slope of Grays as you climb to the summit at 14,270 feet. Also, dont attempt the climb if there is a chance of a thunderstorma fairly common summer afternoon occurrence. This hike comes into condition during July and August. Crystal Mill is every photographer's dream. There is limited parking both at the main Chautauqua Park and along the street, and if you are visiting during peak hours or during the summer, consider taking the, Starting from the main parking area, take, , a wide, hard-packed trail that climbs between a neighborhood on the east and a wide meadow on the west. You can hike the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first. Open today: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM. Here are 10 hikes to take that lead to pristine bodies of water. This will prevent injuries while hiking on rocky ground. Distance: 2.5 milesElevation Gain: 885 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. When it comes to finding the best hikes in Colorado, look no further, youve arrived. The Dream Lake Trail continues to climb from Nymph Lake up into Tyndall Gorge, crossing Tyndall Creek before coming to the eastern edge of, . Season: Summer; June, July, and August. This area is roughly the region south of I-70 and encompasses a huge area. Mountains above 14,000 feet are known as 14ers. While not a very challenging hike, this hike is on our list because of how unique it is. Located in the Tenmile Range, Quandary Peak tops out at 14,265 feet, making it the 13th highest peak in Colorado. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the, , which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. best practices. 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. Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. 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 in Rocky Mountain National Park about 15 minutes from Estes Park. Colorado Springs also has a great number of hikes close to town and is under the shadow of Pikes Peak, a 14er. 3. Whether you plan to summit one or all four peaks, always plan toLeave No Trace. We use affiliate links in our content andmay receive a small commission on your purchases. SIGN UP: Free daily newsletter + 20% off in the OTC gear shop, Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. With thousands of hikes in Colorado, there is no way all of them can be featured in this article. That doesnt mean this is an easy undertaking, though, and hikers should come prepared with plenty of food, water and extra clothing as hiking any 14er in Colorado involves some degree of risk due to elevation, weather and exposure. You'll find this 3.2-mile out-and-back adventure hidden right off of Monarch Pass. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 416 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Theres a $12 per-person permit required to hike. Rise early to catch a mountain sunrise guaranteed to leave you speechless. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. To the south, you will have views of Blue Lakes and North Star Mountain across the valley. The best time to visit is from July through September. Because as you make your way to this idyllic waterfall, the incline picks up and can feel really intense. Once you reach the base of Devils Head, you cant miss the red stairway snaking up the side of the large rock outcropping. Maroon Bells in the fall. 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. While this loop will take you away from the hustle of nearby Colorado Springs, dont expect to be alone, as this popular trail can get quite crowded, especially in the evenings and on the weekends during the summer. Photo Credit: James Walton. The first mile is a gentle climb, winding through red rock formations and scrub oak. Carry your poop with you by strapping it to your bag, or leave your dog at home. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant. You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail to return to the trailhead. Plan on resting more and drinking water often. Avalanche terrain should be taken very seriously. It is very important to be off of the summit in the early afternoon to prevent exposure to thunderstorms. Garden of the Gods Perkins Central Garden Trail (Colorado Springs) AllTrails/Brian Mehringer. This could be the most popular fall hike in Colorado. Explore one of 1,477 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. A small, packable rain jacket can be great to throw in your pack. If you arent cozy pooping in a bag and packing it out, stay home. Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). 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. It's also important to note that avalanche hazards also exist in the valley. Distance: 7.5 milesElevation gain: 2,782 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs allowed on a leash. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the Palmer Trail, which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. 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. If you do happen to encounter a moose on the trail. 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. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a rather unknown gem of the state. The hike then loops back north along the Red Rocks Trail to return to the trailhead. As the slope increases, you will climb toward the ponderosa pines and wooded slopes of the Boulder foothills. Mount Elber is 14,440 feet tall, making it the highest point in the state. Dependent on the seasonal opening of Independence Pass. Keep in mind wag bags are required here. 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 near Montrose Colorado, this 1.5-mile out-and-back trail is a great way to take in the awe-inspiring beauty of Black Canyon of Gunnison. The Mount Evans wilderness areas have plenty of stunning views and great hikes. At the end of the long haul, youre greeted with awe-inspiring sandstone arches and deep canyons that rival some of the best scenery in both Arches National Park and the Grand Canyon. Enjoy the breathtaking views, and if you are lucky, youll see some mountain goats! 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. 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. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the. The crown jewel of the front range is Longs Peak. Beautiful Hikes - Colorado Bend State Park. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. Information on distance, elevation gain, location, difficulty, permit requirements, and dog-friendliness. 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 has been a popular Colorado activity since the Colorado Trail was created in the 1970s. The low mileage and incredibly dramatic scenery make for a great hike. Even for such a short distance, expect this hike to take 3-4 hours. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. Much of this land has developed hiking trails, spanning 12 National Parks, 41 State Parks, and 58 mountains above 14,000 feet. Seeing it dusted in snow is a true treat. There are different difficulties of hiking for all levels and interests. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. Depends on road conditions and the seasons snowpack. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); great article will definitely try these hikes! Be aware of rattlesnakes in the warmer months as they often sun themselves along the trails. Before a long and rockyscramble, hikers will have the opportunity for a bathroom break at the Chasm Junction. Season: Best to hike in summer. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. Teens and pre-teens are one of the most sought-after spending crowds, with retailers looking for ways to win their business. Mount Bross has been closed to the public in the past check with the current rules before summiting this peak. Therefore, be prepared to do a bit of scrambling before savoring the incredible views all around you. Photo Credit: klosfoto (iStock). Follow the signs to Rogers Pass Lake (pictured), a destination youll encounter just before reaching Heart Lake. Herman Gulch is one of the most accessible high alpine hiking trails in Colorado. At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. No further, youve arrived Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of Devils Head you... Home to some of the hike then loops back north along the trails incredible views around. Way to take in the early afternoon to prevent exposure to thunderstorms views, if... You then connect back to Perkins Central Garden Trail ( Colorado Springs ) AllTrails/Brian.! Summiting this Peak a small commission on your purchases to catch a glimpse Longs.: 416 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early the pines. 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