Colorado is one of my personal favorite states to travel and take a vacation in. It’s also a great place to live because of all the outdoor opportunities and hiking trails. Keep reading for the 15 best hikes in Colorado.
Hiking in Colorado
People often ask what do you love hiking about Colorado?
Colorado is a very diverse state with an abundance of outdoor hiking opportunities.
First, you may know that Denver is called the mile-high city, sitting at 5,279 ft. elevation. There are a lot of beautiful mountains and hikes that are easily accessible from Denver. Rocky Mountain National Park, for example, is only a 1.5-hour drive from Denver Airport.
Colorado isn’t just high-altitude mountainous peaks though.
If you look at the geography of Colorado, you will see vast areas of desert, alpine lakes, local parks, national parks, and the high plains. There are tons of hiking trails in Colorado with stunning views and varied landscapes.
Keep reading for more tips on the 15 best hikes in Colorado!
Information for Colorado Hikes
How hard is it for a visitor to breathe in Colorado?
If you are coming from 0 feet elevation, it can be difficult to breathe in Colorado’s high elevation for the first day or so. Generally it is helpful to take a few days to adjust to the altitude before you go on a strenuous hike.
One time we drove from Kansas to Denver and then attempted to hike a 14er (Colorado has 58 mountains above 14,000 feet) the day after. I got elevation sickness around 12,000 feet and had to turn around.
24 hours afterward however, I was good and ready to hike! Altitude sickness can be very dangerous so please be careful and exercise caution.
Some tips to adjust to the altitude in Colorado:
- Drink plenty of water
- Get lots of sleep and rest
- Limit alcohol intake
- Raise your potassium levels by eating things like bananas
- You can also take altitude sickness medicine
What is the best time for hiking in Colorado?
Colorado hiking is good year-round, but different seasons will bring different conditions on your hike.
For first-time visitors, I suggest hiking in the summer from late May to September. The weather will be the best during this time of year – although you will run into the afternoon thunderstorm from the high-altitude micro-climate.
Spring and Fall are not bad options for Colorado hikes either. Fall will have more crisp, cold weather. And Spring may have more unpredictable weather and rain – so just check the weather before you head out.
Winter of course will bring snow to most of Colorado! If you enjoy winter hiking, this will be a fun season. It is generally not advised to go hiking in the winter unless you are experienced. You will also need a lot more gear with you to stay safe and comfortable.
What is the best time to go to the Rocky Mountains?
Rocky Mountain National Park is not surprisingly one of the biggest draws to Colorado. There are plenty of hiking options.
Summer is the best time to visit the Rocky Mountains. The wildflowers bloom from early May in lower elevations and late June in higher elevations. Trail Ridge Road doesn’t even open until late May, which will cut you off from a lot of hiking trail options.
What to Pack for Hiking in Colorado
Hiking Boots / Shoes
Here are some of my favorite hiking boots. For some of the hikes in Colorado, the footing will be rocky and more difficult. I definitely recommend having more sturdy hiking boots for the best hikes in Colorado.
Sun Protection
The sun is really strong in Colorado, especially being high up in the elevation. I’ve found that my skin is generally more sensitive when I’m hiking in Colorado because of the high altitudes. Sun protection is super important for any hiker!
Water Storage
Bringing water is really important for your hike. When I was first starting out, I used to just bring a small water bottle for an hours-long hike. Boy did I learn that was a mistake!
My general rule of thumb is 1L of water per hour while on the hiking trails in Colorado. Here are some of my favorite water storage containers – I especially love the Drom Bags
Summer Hiking Clothing
Summer hiking clothing will keep you cooler than your normal workout gear. If I’m going on a real hike, I will never wear cotton because it’s just a horribly inefficient material. For more details on why that is, check my post on Essential Hiking Clothes!
Favorite Hiking Outerwear
Hiking in Colorado can get fairly chilly with the high altitude in Colorado. It can get especially chilly in the mornings. Here are some of my favorite hiking outerwear
Winter Gear for Your Feet
If you are hiking in the winter, you will want to prepare some winter gear for your feet so they don’t freeze in the snow.
Winter Pants
Your normal hiking pants also won’t provide enough insulation for hiking in the winter. I usually like insulated leggings.
Best Places to Hike in Colorado
The state of Colorado is so big, that it’s hard to narrow it down to just 15 best hikes in Colorado. I’ve created different sections to help organize!
Best Hikes in Colorado Near Denver
1. Chavez and Beaver Brook Trail Loop
30 minutes from Denver | 5.0 miles | 1100 ft elevation gain | Dog Friendly
This is a popular trail in Genesee Park that is a fairly moderate distance at 5 miles, making it a good afternoon hiking option. There is shade along the trail and you will also follow a few creeks. If you are looking for easy hikes near Denver, this is it!
2. Green Mountain Trail at William F Hayden Green Mountain Park
20 minutes from Denver | 4.6 miles | 900 ft elevation gain | Dog Friendly
Green Mountain Trail goes to a summit of 6800 feet with beautiful views along the way. William F Hayden Green Mountain Park has 2400+ acres of hiking space where you will be able to see wildflowers and wildlife. This is one of the best hikes in Colorado while still staying close to the Denver metropolitan area.
3. Red Rocks and Morrison Slide Trails
30 minutes from Denver | 3.0 miles | 680 ft elevation gain | Dog Friendly
You might have heard of Red Rocks for its famous concert venue, but did you know that you can hike there too?
On non-event days, Red Rocks is open one hour before sunrise and closed one hour after sunset. On event days, it is open one hour before sunrise to 2 p.m. This is easily one of the best hikes near Denver.
4. Mount Falcon Castle Trail Loop
30 minutes from Denver | 6.7 miles | 1600 ft elevation gain | Dog Friendly
The Mount Falcon Castle Trail Loop is a longer hiking option near Denver. At over 6 miles in distance, this is a great option for a more strenuous hike.
The trail will take you through historic sites through rolling hills and grass.
Best Hikes in Colorado Rocky Mountains
Rocky Mountain National Park receives almost 5 million visitors per year. The east entrance of the park is located 1.5 hours from Denver.
Rocky Mountain National Park is probably most well known for some of the highest mountains in Colorado and the continental US. The highest elevation in the park is Longs Peak at 14,259 ft.
The park is characterized by alpine tundra, the Continental Divide cutting through the park which has alpine lakes and valleys. And of course, in the summer, you will have your thunderstorms. As with every national park, you will need to pay an entrance fee to enter.
5. Glacier Gorge Trail
3.3 miles | 650 ft elevation gain | No Dogs Allowed
The Glacier Gorge Trail is an easy trail in the Rockies. You will pass Albert Falls, wildflowers, and may see wildlife. You will also get beautiful views of the surrounding area as the tree line opens up. This is one of the best short hikes in Colorado.
The trail may be pretty muddy in the early season in May and June with the melting snowfall. Check the current conditions and make sure you have the right hiking gear before embarking on the hike.
6. Emerald Lake Trail
3.6 miles | 700 ft elevation gain | No Dogs Allowed
Emerald Lake Trail is one of the most popular hikes in RMNP due to it’s relatively short distance and beautiful alpine lake scenery. This was one of the first hikes I chose when I was visiting Colorado.
For more information on the hike, check out my blog post on Emerald Lake Trail.
7. Chasm Lake
8.8 miles | 2500 ft elevation gain | No Dogs Allowed
Chasm Lake is my favorite hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. At 8.8 miles distance, this hike will definitely take up most of your day. It is the classic alpine hike that ends at Chasm Lake.
The hike there is stunning with views at every turn, and you will never get bored during the hike. There are also lots of marmot on the trail so it’s likely you will run into them!
Check the weather and trail conditions before you go – you may need microspikes in the shoulder season.
8. Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail
9.4 miles | 1700 ft elevation gain | No Dogs Allowed
The longest hike on this list, Sky Pond has some of the best views in the park. This hike will take you past numerous waterfalls – Alberta Falls, The Loch (also known as Loch Vale), Timberline Falls, and also past 3 alpine lakes.
The trailhead can be crowded so either go early or take the shuttle to the Bear Lake area instead of driving.
The trail is likely to be snow-packed in shoulder season up until mid-July. Check the conditions before you go and make sure you have the right hiking gear with you.
Best Hikes in Colorado That Allow Dogs
9. Saint Mary’s Glacier
2.4 miles | 1000 ft elevation gain | Dog Friendly
Saint Mary’s Glacier is located in the Arapaho National Forest, about 1 hour west of both Boulder and Denver Colorado. The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests cover 1.5 million acres. Arapaho National Forest has both forest trees and high elevation peaks over 14,00 feet.
Saint Mary’s Glacier hike is an easy dog-friendly hike that will take you up to the glacier at 11,000 feet. Make sure you are adjusted to the elevation before you head out on your hike!
Because this is one of the best hikes in Colorado, it will be packed on the weekends so definitely get to the trailhead early.
10. Monarch Lake Loop
4.0 miles | 280 ft elevation gain | Dog Friendly
Monarch Lake Loop is another good dog-friendly hiking trail option in Arapaho National Forest. This trail takes you to the beautiful Monarch Lake, but you will also pass by several creeks and streams during your hike.
Make sure to check the Arapaho National Forest road conditions before you go, as some of the roads close seasonally.
11. Lake Isabelle via Pawnee Pass Trail
5.5 miles | 550 ft elevation gain | Dog Friendly
Indian Peaks Wilderness is located along the Continental Divide between Boulder County to the east and Grand County to the west. Located mostly within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, Indian Peaks Wilderness is a beautiful area to explore in Colorado.
Permits are required for hiking in the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
12. Royal Arch Trail
3.1 miles | 1400 ft elevation gain | Dog Friendly
Royal Arch Trail is one of the most popular trails near Boulder, Colorado. Aptly named, it leads you to a giant arch that is reminiscent of what you would see at Arches National Park.
The arch also has a spectacular view of the surrounding area.
13. Bridal Veil Falls
3.6 miles | 1650 ft elevation gain | Dog Friendly
Bridal Veil Falls is located near Telluride in Uncompahgre National Forest and is the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado. This hike to the beautiful falls is a great option if you are in the area.
Note: There are two different Bridal Veil Trails coming from the trailhead. The trail that runs from the parking area to the bottom of the falls is 1.2 miles (one way) and is NOT recommended for beginner hikers or families.
14. South Colony Lakes
8.9 miles | 2300 ft elevation gain | Dog Friendly
South Colony Lakes is one of the best hikes in Colorado. Located in South Colorado near Sand Dunes National Park, this is a tough hike that will take up most of your day.
The scenery is stunning with alpine lake views and beautiful trees along the way. Note that you will need a 4×4 high clearance vehicle to get here.
15. Four Pass Loop
25.7 miles | 7800 ft elevation gain | Dog Friendly
Four Pass Loop is a very very long day hike near Aspen, or done as an overnight backpacking trip. The hike takes you through the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness and passes four 12,000 feet traverses.
This hike is one of the best hikes in Colorado because you get a little bit of everything along the 26-mile journey: alpine lakes, boulders, lush tree cover, wildflowers, and more.
There is no permit needed for Four Pass Loop yet, but read the latest trail information to get parking reservations.
Other Honorable Mentions
Hanging Lake
Located in White River National Forest near Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Closed until June 25, 2022. Check the Glenwood Springs website for information on permits.
Maroon Bells
Located near Aspen, the Maroon Bells are an iconic viewpoint that only requires a short hike to get to. Because the area is so popular, you need to either get a permit or take a shuttle bus to visit the Maroon Bells. Reservations are required.
While you are at the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness, keep hiking to reach Crater Lake which is located 2 miles from the Maroon Lake parking lot. The lake is incredibly scenic and best in early summer when the water levels are still high.
Sand Dunes National Park
Located near Colorado Springs, Sand Dunes National Park provides a different landscape from the typical alpine peaks that you think of when you think of hiking trails in Colorado.
Grand Mesa National Forest
Located in Western Colorado and 40 miles east of Grand Junction, Grand Mesa National Forest is rugged Colorado beauty at its finest. With some of the best hikes in Colorado, you won’t want to miss it.
The downside is that it’s pretty remote and far away from major airports. Grand Junction is only a regional airport and otherwise, you are looking at more than 5-hour drive from major airports like Denver International Airport or Salt Lake City International Airport.
Check out Crag Crest National Recreation Trail, Lost Lake Trail and Mesa Lake Trail
Which 14ers in Colorado are considered the easiest to hike?
There are 58 mountain peaks that are over 14,000 feet. Known as the “14ers,” these peaks are no joke and should only be attempted by more experienced and prepared hikers.
The easiest 14ers to hike are Handies Peak at 5.3 miles, Quandary Peak at 6.6 miles, and Grays Peak at 7.3 miles round trip.
If this is your first time hiking a 14er, make sure you take these precautions.
- Make sure you can handle elevation
Elevation after 10,000 is no joke! Make sure you are well adjusted. If you start to feel any early signs of elevation sickness like a headache, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath, take a break and re-evaluate if this is the right hike for you.
You can try eating a banana or altitude sickness pills beforehand. An altitude sickness hydration drink may help as well.
- Pack and drink plenty of water
At higher elevations, you will need to drink more water than you would think. Staying hydrated is key to preventing altitude sickness.
- Start early and check the weather
Thunderstorms are common at high elevations, especially in the summer. It is recommended to start a 14er very early in the morning to avoid summer afternoon thunderstorms that are common in the Colorado area
- Never be too prideful – it’s ok to turn around!
Lastly, remind yourself that it’s ok to turn around. There’s no shame in feeling like you’re not up for the hike that day. Whether you’re experiencing altitude sickness or seeing bad weather coming up, it’s better to call it a day than get stuck.
Every hiking season, there are stories of hikers who get stranded (or worse) on the 14ers. This is not meant to scare you as many hikers successfully hike the 14ers, but serves as a precaution to always use good judgment and good preparation while on the trails.
Summary of the Best Hikes in Colorado
These were some of my favorite hikes in Colorado. From the Rockies to Aspen to lesser-known parks such as Arapaho National Forest, there are plenty of hiking options in the Colorado area.
Colorado has some of the best alpine hiking in the United States. Sitting at a high elevation, a lot of these hikes will be a unique and beautiful landscape, but the weather and hiking conditions may be more tricky. Make sure to always take the right precautions and safety gear on your hiking trip.
Have you visited Colorado? What are your favorite hikes?
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4 Comments
We love Colorado! I really enjoyed this post!
This makes me need to travel here asap. I’ve always wanted to go to the red rocks.
Love the range of possibilities here, thanks! I’m beginning to think every state has a Bridal Veil Falls, lol. This one looks stunning!
This post has me ready to book a flight to Colorado! I’ve always wanted to visit there. Chasm Lake and Emerald Lake have been on my hiking dream list for ever! Thanks for sharing such great information!