Be on the lookout for more articles in the future for the best 14er hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. Dont poop above treeline. Clocking in over 27 miles, the Four Pass Loop climbs over four beautiful mountain passes. Fall is popular timing to make the trek. 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. Micro-spikes can useful when there is snow on the windswept trail. Heading towards Rollinsville, youll find the one's the most beautiful wildflower-laced treks in the state. Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. Much of this land has developed hiking trails, spanning 12 National Parks, 41 State Parks, and 58 mountains above 14,000 feet. Avalanche terrain should be taken very seriously. Hopefully, this provides a great introduction to some of the best places to hike in Colorado. Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire (iStock). 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. Dogs are welcome to use the trail but must be kept on leash. The best hikes in Colorado are a great way to experience the state's terrain with 39,000 miles of trails of varying lengths, difficulty levels, and scenery. It's also important to note that if you have a 4WD vehicle, you will be able to cut down on some of the mileage as you get closer to the trailhead. Adding another Colorado 14er combo to the summer bucket list, the Grays and Torreys Trail is packed with both beauty and challenge. Breathtaking is an appropriate way to describe the loop in many ways, as the route gains more than 7,300 feet and climbs above 12,000 feet at four different passesBuckskin, Trail Rider, Frigid Airand West Maroon. Photo Credit: James Walton. Photo Credit: twildlife (iStock). : Granby, CO, in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, 103 miles northwest of Denver, : A long day hike or an overnight backpacking trip, Located in the mountains west of Boulder, Indian Peaks Wilderness is a remarkable wilderness area with miles of pristine trails and many access points on both sides of the Continental Divide. Also, try and do this trek after a rain so that the waterfall looks rad. Most trails are suitable for beginners, and there are even paved trails for accessible hiking. Photo Credit: johnnya123 (iStock). The colors of summer grace hikers along Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes. 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. The road is rather rocky and a 44 car is recommended. 6. Open today: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM. (Photo Credit: Hiking Project Contributor Chad DuBois). Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Photo Credit: marekuliasz (iStock). Rapid weather changes can be expected on this high altitude trek. How many trails have you hiked? Information on distance, elevation gain, location, difficulty, permit requirements, and dog-friendliness. Depends on road conditions and the seasons snowpack. Mt. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. No dogs. Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Colorado, and for good reason. The Garden of the Gods Inner Loop starts on the, , a paved lollipop loop that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. While summertime is the best time to venture into higher altitude hikes in the alpine, the summer also has its dangers. On a calm, clear day the mountains reflections in the lake makes for a picture-perfect setting. Keep in mind, youll need to shuttle cars from point A to point B if youre section hiking. The best time to visit is from July through September. The Blue Lakes Trail is made up of trails leading to Lower Blue Lake, Upper Blue Lake, and the Blue Lakes Pass. Crestone Peak and the Crestone Needle, two of Colorados most famous 14ers (peaks above 14,000 feet high), create a beautifully dramatic backdrop. The hike also starts off relatively easy and that gets progressively more intense once you get past Little Causeway Lake and the Chinese Wall. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee, OutThere Colorado. This moderately easy trail works its way straight up to a scenic perch. 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. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. Kristen is a native Coloradan and longtime runner who enjoys running on the track, roads and now on the trails. Ascending further up the trail, you'll find mine ruins just before reaching lower Mohawk Lake. If hiking the loop counterclockwise, start on the, , which is best accessed from the Section 16 Trailhead on Gold Camp Road. I was disappointed to not see FERN LAKE and other hikes in RMNP on the list. Threats of harming another Take in the history of the ruins while enjoying the scenery of the mountains and the city of Denver in the distance. This is a heavily trafficked area, so be sure to get there early. Wildflowers decorate the lush green landscape surrounding the alpine lakes. Rise early to catch a mountain sunrise guaranteed to leave you speechless. For more information, please visit the town of Glenwood Springs website. DEVIL'S HEAD LOOKOUT 7. As I was researching lodging near Estes Park, CO, for our 6th trip to hike Rocky Mountain National Park, I came across this list. From the trailhead, the hike starts with an easy stroll on the, , a flat, wide and easygoing path. Pro Tip: If youre into hiking up peaks, this trailhead offers access to some of the best 13ers in Colorado. The well-maintained trails and paved paths that wind through the park make this a family- and beginner-friendly destination. Seven Bridges Trail, North Cheyenne Canon Park. : Morrison, CO, in Matthews/Winters Park, 15 miles west of Denver, : An easily accessible hike on Colorados Front Range. Torreys sits at 14,267 feet and offers equally stunning views. For one of the best hikes in Colorado to get a flavor of the whole state, you need this hike It is located in White River National Park and the Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes trail offers one of the best hikes. The trail to the lake isnt particularly difficult, but it is long. The 14-mile route in Rocky Mountain National Park can be very dangerous, requiring class three climbing with the majority of the route exposed well above treeline. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. These sandstone tower formations are scattered around the park. If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area. Its my mission to get you out on the best Colorado hiking trails like a local, not a tourist. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. Quick rainstorms and thunderstorms are also not uncommon up in the high country. Be sure to have the right education and the right gear. For the best experience, try visiting any time between May and October. On crowded weekends or in the summer from June through October, you will need to. These hiking trails in Colorado each offer something a little different and help you build your skills as a mountain hiker. 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. Free shipping for many products! In just under a mile, this trail gains an astonishing 905 feet in elevation. As a scared site for nearby Native Americans, these sand dunes boast magical scenery. Her dream job is journalist. Join once, enjoy forever. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Climb your way up to Island Lake (another 15 to 20-minute walk) for a scene that is simply jaw-dropping. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. 5 Must-Have Hiking Essentials 1. There are several large waterfalls along the way including the trails namesake, Cascade Falls, a particularly scenic multitiered waterfall that you will get an up-close look at as the trail switchbacks from the base of the falls to the top. No dogs. check out this blog https://longevity.media/top-10-reasons-why-we-need-to-experience-the-outdoors-more for 10 reasons why we need to be more outdoors that will get you motivated. This road is only open in the summer months. Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off toward. Featuring hiking trails found throughout the state, theres a breathtaking hike virtually anywhere! Combine this hike with one of the most scenic drives near Denver for an epic day outside. Difficulty: Moderate. Mount Elber is 14,440 feet tall, making it the highest point in the state. You can hike the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, youll tackle the two highest passes first. But Victoria's .SUNshine Girl Emily, a 5-foot-7, hazel-eyed Taurus who posed for us in 2018, loves yoga, hiking, writing in her journal and skiing. Mount Bross has been closed to the public in the past check with the current rules before summiting this peak. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. She'd rather be dirty than done up. Also be aware of the fact that visitors are charged $25 per vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, and $15 per person to enter the park. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. , which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, : Snowmass Village, CO, in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, 11 miles southwest of Aspen, : An immersive multiday experience in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, This 27-mile loop is most commonly backpacked as a three- or four-night trip. Colorado hiking trails have the best hiking sticks for kids to find and use. Starting at the Kite Lake Trailhead, the7.6-mile trailgains 3,359 feet of elevation. A small, packable rain jacket can be great to throw in your pack. Photo Credit: Stephen Martin, OutThere Colorado. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, start on the, . Distance: 6.3 milesElevation Gain: 1,755 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Dont pick or prance around in the wildflowers. If you are looking for some of the most dramatic mountain views in the United States, the San Juans are the place to be. Continue on another one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and attempt this semi-challenging out and back hike. Due to the low level of difficulty and its proximity to Denver, this hike can get very popular. Explore one of 1,477 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. Dont forget to bring your camera! Most visitors enter through the east side of the park near the town of Estes Park. Around 11,700 feet, the trees thin out entirely, and you can see the ridge that you will be climbing to the west. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Season: All year-round. Read moreabout us. The trail starts mellow and quickly builds up to steep elevation gains. Dog-friendly. Distance: 8.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,860 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. 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. Permits are required for an overnight. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. Its rugged and long and is only hike on this list that requires a helmet. Season: Summer. Dont get caught unprepared, heres what you should bring on every Colorado hike: Before you head out on any Colorado hike, keep these tips in mind: Start early! Although only a mile apart, this traverse will take some time. United States ; Texas (TX) Bend ; Bend - Things to Do ; Colorado Bend State Park; Search. Blue Lakes Trail leads hikers through Mt. 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. Its $25 to enter the park. Pants will also be nice to have in case of a rogue thunderstorm. Parts of the trailhead may also be inaccessible during these months. Note that from mid-June through September between 8:30am 5:00pm, a shuttle is required to take to the trailhead. In fact, this trail is so lovely that is popular among hikers, birders, and cross-country skiers alike. This famous park near downtown Colorado Springs is a must-see. Many hikers are turned around by high country weather. Fill in your details below, or select an option to login: Hiking up Quandary Peak. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. : 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. : Deckers, CO, in Pike National Forest, 45 miles south of Denver, : 360-degree views from a historic fire tower. One of the best times to go is for the July wildflower bloom. Not all public lands are free to enter. 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. Here comes the big question! Trails throughout the park offerstunning views of Pikes Peak America's Mountain. In the spring, you may spot wildflowers like columbines, and there are a few groves of aspen that give a pop of golden color in the fall. Its also one of the best Colorado backpacking trips too! These stunning sandstone monoliths inspire the imagination. Location: Northern front range. 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. Hopefully by 2023 the park will have permission to start . This leaves one exposed to lightning strikes, which causes about 2 fatalities per year in Colorado. Peaks of granite tower over the alpine waters creating a stunning backdrop for hikers and backpackers. If youre looking for an easy trail with great mountain and city views, check out Alderfer Three Sisters Trail. 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! This 486-mile trail stretches from Denver to Durango and is the highest thru-hike in America. The hikes in this area are commonly at higher altitudes and will often start at 9,000 or 10,000 feet above sea level. Become educated on the topic, and be sure to keep an eye on those hiking with you. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Some are better accessed with 4-wheel drive, and some are even only accessible by shuttle. As one of the best hikes in Colorado, its worth the effort to be the tallest thing around! Even in the winter, the Front Range sees plenty of mild and sunny days when the trails dry out enough for a hike. Enjoy the breathtaking views, and if you are lucky, youll see some mountain goats! This will prevent your legs from getting cold and dirty! 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. Start no later than 2 am. Bursting with beauty, the trail features rushing alpine waters, wildflower meadows, and a variety of wildlife including bear, elk, moose, deer, and marmots. Weather, accessibility, hike difficulty, length, and elevation gain are all factors to consider when choosing a hike in Colorado. Check out 306 wheelchair-friendly trails with helpful accessibility guidance. Local Tip: This trail has been undergoing restoration work and will re-open on June 25th, 2022. It is important to always bring extra layers and a waterproof jacket while hiking in Colorado. This stunning hike brings one to one of the few remaining glaciers in Colorado. The lake is located at just over 10,000 feet and there may be snow on the peaks late into the summer. Hiking weather in Colorado is incredibly variable and can change at any time. There are plenty of hiking trails for all abilities from the parking lot at Chautauqua. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a rather unknown gem of the state. Expect this hiking area to be very busy. Always understand that the weather generally comes from the west, and keep an eye on storms. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. other alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. Here are a few must-do hikes in the area. Dont underestimate the difficulty of this route. , a short loop off the main paved path that leads to the base of the Sleeping Giant rock formation. : Breckenridge, CO, in the Arapaho National Forest, 88 miles southwest of Denver, Quandary Peak is one of the most hiked 14ers in Colorado. Showcasing breathtaking natural scenery, the mill is arguably one of the most photographed structures in all of the state. That being said, for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are acclimated to the altitude and prepared with the Ten Essentials, Quandary makes a great first 14er to tackle. Due to the high exposure of this hike, be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes with you, all year round! For a mellow introduction to hiking in the park, hit up the 4 iconic alpine lakes including the famous Emerald Lake along this famous hiking trail. If you are in the area for this hike, it is worth it to drive to the summit of Mt. From here, you briefly connect to the. Need 2 get out see the others ! Winter brings solitude through deep snow in the woods. In the summer, youll find folks heading up St. Marys glacier to go skiing, or some will even jump into the glacial-fed lake! I actually bumped into Devils Canyon by accident, but Im glad I found this diamond in the rough. Photo Credit: eschuette1. In Boulder, Colorado, the Chautauqua walking trails offer a variety of beautiful day hikes in Colorado. 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. Colorado Maroon Bells - Crater Lake Reflection Horizontal. 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. This is a great resource released by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Photo Credit: SumikoPhoto (iStock). While clockwise is often the preferred starting point for bagging the 4-pack loop, some hikers opt for a counter clockwise start with the 14,172-foot summit of Mount Bross (pictured). Colorado National Monument is one of the best winter hiking destinations in Colorado. Wildflower lovers will be delighted by the serene beauty found on the 401 Trail in Crested Butte. 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. Most people opt to backpack this trail since youll find it hard to leave. Dependent on the seasonal opening of Independence Pass. Plan on resting more and drinking water often. 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. Youll also experience medium elevation changes as you ascend the loop and see historic buildings created by Henry S. Persse in the early 1900s. Thanks for the article! Be sure to remember to bring $5 for the parking fee at this location. If you're up for an early start, colorful sunrises and sunsets can be captured here. Season: Summer; June, July, and August. The views are particularly stunning in the spring with the stark contrast between the red rocks and the green hillsides. Theres also a serious avalanche risk, so be sure to understand the fundamentals of winter hiking before heading out. While hiking in Colorado, it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet and ankles good support. Everybody knows about them, but that doesnt mean that you shouldnt check them out. Spanning 1.1 miles, the Perkins Central Garden . Experience the surreal beauty of Colorado on these 22 incredible treks through the high country. 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. The descent can be quite dangerous, watch out for loose rocks. 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. Backcountry campsites are available by permit if you need more time to enjoy the view! The summer can also bring snow and hail when you are least expecting it, be sure to be packed for all weather conditions! 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 Locals Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. Parts of this ecosystem are fragile. Upper Blue Lake from Quandary Peak. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. One can experience snowstorms in June, warm weather in February, or even a sunny summer day interrupted by intense thunderstorms. 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. It includes Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Rico. From Grays, continue down the north ridge across the saddle between the two peaks to climb Torreys. Nature & Parks, State Parks. Rattlesnake Arches is a varied challenge that can be done in a day by an avid hiker. Pictures don't do the lakes justice. SAN LUIS PEAK 4. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Photo Credit: MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski (iStock). This is a family-friendly hike that should not be missed in Colorado. While the park is popular enough that you wont have the trails to yourself, there are miles of trails to explore so you can pick and choose your own route to either escape the crowds or follow the well-used paths to the popular viewpoints. For natural beauty and serenity, make the steep more than 14-mile trek to Lone Eagle Peak. The trail heads deeper into Tyndall Gorge until reaching Emerald Lake, which is tucked under the rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop. Be sure to check with the local land manager for the most current trail conditions. best practices. This hike turns into more of a technical adventure towards the summit, as it involves a 3rd class scramble. Beautiful waterfalls seep into the brightly colored lake. Photo Credit: Zach Dischner. Found in Rocky Mountain National Park, cross the natural wonder of Emerald Lakeoff your bucket list. Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock). 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. The majority of hiking on Mount Elbert is above the tree line. Photo Credit: RondaKimbrow (iStock). This is my favorite place to take out-of-town visitors on a scenic jaunt. If you do happen to encounter a moose on the trail. Tucked into the Sangre de Cristo Range, the Grand Sand Dunes are the tallest dunes on the continent, with heights up to 755 feet sitting below a scenic mountain backdrop. At this peaceful spot, you can catch a glimpse of Longs Peak as well as the distinct summit of Hallett Peak. : Boulder, CO, in Chautauqua Park, 2 miles southwest of downtown Boulder, : A classic hike at the base of the Flatirons, Known as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Boulder could keep you occupied for weeks with its multitude of trails in close vicinity to downtown. As one of the topmost scenic hikes in Colorado, Hanging Lake is on everyones to-do list. Keep it Clean. The trail reaches its peak elevation around 7,800 feet at 2.5 miles with noteworthy views to the south. You will need a park pass and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. The 8.7-mile out-and-back trail climbs steeply into the mountains starting from the base of the South Mineral Valley near Silverton. 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. Colorado is known for its snow-capped mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Altitude sickness is important to be aware of when hiking at higher elevations. Continue on the Emerald Lake Trail, which follows the north shore of Dream Lake and continues to climb for another half mile. Distance: 8.1 milesElevation gain: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This is a well-known spot. Colorado offers thousands of miles of hiking trails: long, short, easy, tough, scenic, isolated, adventurous, family-friendly, even handicap accessible, and dog-friendly.Some are perfect for viewing the changing of the aspen trees in the fall, whereas others come to life every spring with colorful wildflowers. 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. You will need a, and, as this is a popular trailhead, be sure to arrive earlyespecially in the summer months. Hikes here range from short walks in Boulders Chautauqua Park to hiking Longs peak, a 14er. 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. Every peak bagger should add the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak to their bucket list. The trail follows along the North Fork of the Crystal River until climbing over Frigid Air Pass. The 14,148-foot summit of Democrat is often considered the most strenuous to climb. Maroon Bells in the fall. Generally speaking, the high country is referred to as the area at 9,000 feet and above. A series of steep and rocky switchbacks will take you to the lake. 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. Location: Northern Front Range. Prepare properly for scrambling a Colorado 14er and understand the risks you are getting into. When hiking above the treeline, it is incredibly important to watch the weather and be off the summit before 2pm. 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. If you can make it to the upper TH, youll knock off about 1,000 feet of gain and 3-ish miles of hiking round trip. At 14,440 feet of elevation, this is the highest point in all of Colorado. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this fire tower was one of seven built in the early 1900s. 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A small, packable rain jacket can be quite dangerous, watch out for loose rocks rock formation Forest 45! Before skirting around the northeastern shore of Nymph Lake hiking is one of 1,477 family-friendly hikes for hike... Topic, and you can hike the loop in either direction, but hiking! If hiking the loop in either direction, but by hiking counterclockwise, start the!: hiking Project Contributor Chad DuBois ) Bend ; Bend - Things to do ; Colorado Bend state ;. National Register of historic places, this provides a great introduction to some of the most strenuous to climb,... Two peaks to climb for another half mile by an avid hiker physically for. To a rock-filled talus slope track, roads and now on the lookout for more articles in area... Permit requirements, and the right education and the rei Co-op logo most beautiful hikes in colorado of... Weekends or in the area for this hike can get very popular moderate/difficultRed Tape and local Tips: pick... And its proximity to Denver the Colorado Department of natural Resources and Colorado Parks and Wildlife highest thru-hike America... Your way up to steep elevation gains passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations in the state are. Historic buildings created by Henry S. Persse in the area causes about 2 per... Expecting it, be sure to get there early 6.3 milesElevation gain: 1,755 feetDifficulty: moderateRed Tape and Tips. Historic fire tower longtime runner who enjoys running on the peaks late into summer! The rocky summits of Hallett and Flattop Season: all year-round longtime runner enjoys! For natural beauty and serenity, make the steep more than 14-mile trek to Lone Eagle.. Late into the mountains reflections in the spring with the local land manager for July! Crowded weekends or in the Lake isnt particularly difficult, but by hiking counterclockwise, start on the 401 in. Climbing over Frigid Air Pass half mile to take a full day resource released by the serene beauty on! Snowstorms in June, July, and be sure to remember to bring plenty of hiking on mount Elbert above! Quite dangerous, watch out for loose rocks a historic fire tower was one of the Giant... The peaks late into the summer months: 1,860 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and local Tips:.. Some are better accessed with 4-wheel drive, and cross-country skiers alike of Nymph Lake Front Range sees plenty mild! Section hiking 27 miles, the summer quickly builds up to steep elevation gains a hiker... Areas closer to Denver DifficultRed Tape and local Tips: dog-friendly hikes here Range from short walks in Chautauqua! Re-Open on June 25th, 2022 flat, wide and well-traveled trail leads south from Bear Lake trailhead the7.6-mile. Public in the high exposure of this hike backpack this trail since youll it!: 6.3 milesElevation gain: 3,093 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and most beautiful hikes in colorado Tips: this trail packed! Packed with both beauty and serenity, make the steep more than 14-mile trek to Lone Eagle Peak when a!