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Best Hikes in Colorado

May 24, 2022

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Colorado is a nature lover's paradise, with towering mountains, rushing rivers, and pristine forests. There are a lot of amazing hiking trails in the Centennial State, and it can be difficult to choose which one to explore next.

If you're looking for a short, easy hike or something more challenging, you'll find what you're looking for in the beautiful state of Colorado. Lace up your boots and get ready to explore some of the most stunning landscapes in the world!

Mount Elbert

At 14,440 feet, Mount Elbert is the tallest mountain in Colorado and the second tallest in the contiguous United States. The trail to the summit is challenging, but you'll be rewarded with incredible views of the surrounding area once you reach the top. 

From the summit, the views in every direction are spectacular. Mt. Massive, which is the second-highest mountain in Colorado towards the north, and 14,336-foot La Plata Peak towards the south.

Ice Lakes Basin Trail

Hiking along this trail will take you through some of Colorado's most picturesque scenery, including alpine lakes, wildflowers, and towering peaks. Upper Ice Lake is nestled in an alpine wonderland, with dramatic peaks forming a stunning backdrop. It's a moderate hike that can be done in a day, but you can also extend your trip and camp overnight at one of the lakes.

Four Pass Loop

There is no better way to experience the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness than this classic Colorado hike that traverses Buckskin, Trail Rider, Frigid Air, and West Maroon. It's a moderate to strenuous 41.4km hike that can be completed in about 3-4 days. 

One of the reasons why it is so popular is the astonishing scenery. You’ll pass through meadows covered in greens, lakes, lush forests, and exposed rocky passes.

Mount Bierstadt

There's no other way to get to Mount Bierstadt, one of Colorado's fourteeners, than on this popular, easy hike. The views from the top are breathtaking, and it's a great hike for beginners or those short on time. You'll have a spectacular view of the Rocky Mountain Front Range once you're on the summit of Mount Bierstadt. Mount Evans is on the east, while Grays Peak and Torreys Peak are on the west.

The Blue Lakes Trail

Three mountain lakes are accessible via a beautiful, comfortable hike – Lower Blue Lake, Middle Blue Lake, and Upper Blue Lake. It's a moderate day hike that takes you along a picturesque mountain path to an alpine lake with clear turquoise water. You’ll also enjoy the crystal clear upper lake  followed by middle lake surrounded by majestic peaks.

Garden of the Gods (Perkins Central Garden Loop)

This easy, one-mile loop hike takes you through some of the most unique rock formations in Colorado. The Garden of the Gods is a combination of woodlands and grasslands as well as mountain forests. 

Emerald Lake Trail

Emerald Lake is among one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most beautiful lakes, and this moderate hike will lead you to it. Along the way, you'll also get to see Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. You’ll also come across incredible views of Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak, Tyndall Glacier, and Glacier George.

Star Dune At Great Sand Dunes National Park

This is a moderate hike that takes you to the top of Star Dune, the tallest dune in Great Sand Dunes National Park. The dune field which runs parallel to the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range provides a stunning view of Colorado's terrain as you explore this adventure.

Lake Agnes Trail

Located near Walden, Colorado, Lake Agnes Trail is generally considered a moderate hike that takes you to Lake Agnes, a beautiful alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a popular area for fishing and hiking.

As Colorado’s moose-watching capital, expect to see some moose along the way. Lake Agnes’ waters are beautiful and crystal clear, and the view of the crags is fascinating.

Chief Mountain Trail

Head up to the top of one of Colorado's famous fourteeners on the Chief Mountain Trail. Located in north-central Colorado, this is a moderate hike and can be completed in an average of 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Although the path is mostly rocky, the roads are well-maintained and marked. Hike up through the pines of Arapaho and you’ll reach a clearing. From there, a short and steep trek is needed and you’ll be rewarded with 360 views of Pikes and Longs.

Caribou Lake

If you're looking for a breathtaking hike that will leave you feeling accomplished, look no further than Caribou Lake. This trail is rated as difficult, but it's definitely worth the effort once you reach the top. 

On the summit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The trail is 10.1 miles long round-trip, and while it may be challenging, it's a great way to get your heart rate up and enjoy some time in nature.

Lost Man’s Loop

Lost Man's Loop is a beautiful hike near Aspen that takes you through some of Colorado’s best scenery. This trail is perfect for beginners because it’s well-marked and easy to follow. 

This one includes everything you love: mountains in every direction, water, flowers, lakes, and passes.  Creek sounds, alpine wildflowers, mountain goats, and a beautiful mountain lake. Make sure to include this one on your Colroado trip!

Sniktau Mountain Trail

A stunning trail located in the Arapaho National Forest, the moderate hike is perfect for those who want to enjoy some incredible views without having to go too far off the beaten path. In addition to the gorgeous wildflowers that bloom in the summer, hikers will also be treated to amazing views of nearby mountaintops. 

Mayflower Gulch

At 6.8 miles out and back, this easy trail is one of the best hikes in Colorado for wildflower lovers. The trail takes you through a beautiful valley with plenty of alpine meadows where you're likely to see a variety of different flowers blooming from mid-July through August. If you time your hike right, you might even get to see some aspen trees turning golden in the fall.

Conclusion

Colorado surely has a lot to offer when it comes to hiking trails! We hope our list of the best hikes in Colorado helped you plan your next great adventure. Remember to leave no trace, pack out what you pack in, and most importantly, have fun!

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