\nWhile many of these trails aren\u2019t open year round, they\u2019re really enjoyable in the spring, summer, and fall. In the winter, some of them turn into ski slopes, so while you can\u2019t enjoy them on foot, you can enjoy them on skis.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nWhether you\u2019re looking for short, easy nature walks or more vigorous hiking adventures, there\u2019s bound to be a hike for you in this adventurer\u2019s guide to hiking in Colorado. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hiking Trails in Aspen <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nWhile Aspen<\/a> may be best known for its skiing and snowboarding, this lovely mountain town is also home to a wealth of incredible Colorado hiking trails. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThe Grottos Trail is a short and scenic hiking trail just outside of Aspen. Along the trail, you\u2019ll see a variety of interesting water features. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nOne of the most unique things you\u2019ll see on the trail is the ice caves! If you dare, you can climb down and walk through them, and marvel at the peculiar formations on the wall. However, keep an eye out for any flood warnings, as climbing down into slot canyons like the ice caves can be extremely dangerous if it\u2019s raining heavily, or if there are any flood warnings in the area. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nAlong the trail, you\u2019ll also see the cascades! These small, lovely waterfalls dump right into the river below where you can dip your toes in the icy water to cool off. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThe Grottos Trail is perfect for anyone looking for a short, easy hike outside of Aspen where you can still admire plenty of nature. This trail is very popular though, and it\u2019s a good idea to get to the trailhead by 7 am if you want to guarantee a parking spot and have the trail to yourself. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThe Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail is located in White River National Forest, in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, about 25 miles from Aspen. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThis relatively short and easy hike will take you all around Maroon Lake, giving you fantastic views of the lake itself and the surrounding meadow. You\u2019ll also be privy to some absolutely incredible views of the mountain peaks beyond the lake. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nIf you’re looking for a short and easy hike that still has incredible views, you can\u2019t go wrong with the Maroon Bells Scenic Trail. If you enjoy the park as much as I did, there are several longer backpacking trails in the area as well.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nIt\u2019s important to note you\u2019d like to do this hike, you will need a reservation as of 2021, and can inquire about this with the Forest Service<\/a>. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThe Hanging Lake Trail is technically in Glenwood Springs<\/a>, about 1 hour away from Aspen. However, since this is one of the most beautiful trails in all of Colorado, it had to be included on this list! Plus, since it\u2019s in Glenwood Springs, you can relax in one of the area\u2019s hot springs to relax your muscles after the hike.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThe Hanging Lake Trail meanders along a creek all the way up to the Hanging Lake. The Hanging Lake gets its name due to a geological fault that pushed the lake bed away from the valley floor. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThis geological wonder is even more magical due to the lake\u2019s vivid blueish-green hues that come from mineral deposits. While the trail itself takes about 2 hours to complete, you\u2019ll want to allow yourself much more time here to enjoy the lake. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nA permit is required for this popular hike, and you can find one here<\/a>! \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThe Cathedral Lake Trail is one of the most stunning Colorado trails. This 5.4 mile hiking trail is rated as difficult, and with 2,070 feet of elevation gain, it\u2019s no surprise as to why.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nHowever, the ascent is well worth the effort! This trail offers breathtaking views of blue lakes, wildflowers, rocky mountain sides, and you can even swim in the lake! \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThe trail terrain is fairly rocky and steep, so you\u2019ll want hiking shoes with good traction. To reach the lake, you\u2019ll also have to do a creek crossing, so you\u2019ll want shoes that are waterproof, or that you don\u2019t mind getting wet. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nHome to lush pine forests, The Flatirons, and some incredible rock formations, it\u2019s no surprise that hiking in Boulder, Colorado<\/a> is so great. Whether you\u2019re looking for a simple loop trail or a more challenging ascent, you\u2019ll be more than satisfied with the hikes in Boulder. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nWonderland Lake is conveniently located right in North Boulder. This easy, popular trail takes you on a loop right around the lake, and is perfect for hiking, biking, and running. You\u2019ll likely spot wildflowers, and it\u2019s a great area for bird-watching! You\u2019ll also get a great view of the Flatiron. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nIf you\u2019re looking for a fun and easy trail to get out in nature without going too far from Boulder, the Wonderland Lake Loop Trail is the Colorado hike for you. Just be sure to bring a hat and some sunscreen, as this trail has very little shade. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nFirst and Second Flatirons Loop trail is one of the best hikes in the Boulder area. From the base to the summit, the trail maintains incredible views of The Flatirons.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThis hike isn\u2019t for the faint of heart though- even though it\u2019s not a very long hike, the ascent is very steep and can be brutal at times. You\u2019ll have to do a bit of scrambling over rocks to get to the top, which is great fun for a seasoned hiker, but a little less than ideal for beginners, or those with dogs. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nYou\u2019ll pass by impressive sandstone slabs, forests of pine trees, and even grasslands on this adventurous Colorado hike. This trail is popular with hikers and climbers alike, and often gets crowded. If you can\u2019t find parking at the trailhead, you can park along Baseline Road.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThis 3.1 mile hike kicks off at the Chautauqua Park Trailhead. After passing through an access road, you\u2019ll enter a beautiful pine forest. Within the forest, you\u2019ll begin a steep ascent that includes a flagstone staircase on the way up to Sentinel Pass. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThe Royal Arch at the top is an impressive geological feature, and you\u2019ll also be treated to a scenic vista at the top of the surrounding forest and Flatirons.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nRattlesnake Gulch is a moderately difficult hike that will take you through some of the most scenic parts of Eldorado Canyon. The first part of this hike has some swift elevation gain, but the majority of the hike climbs nicely and gradually. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nAlong the trail, you’ll pass by the remnants of the historic Crag Hotel that burned down over 100 years ago. After investigating the ruins of the hotel, you\u2019ll continue on the trail and get to the Continental Divide Overlook. The view here of the distant mountain peaks and the overall vastness of Eldorado Canyon is absolutely incredible, and well worth the effort. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nIf you\u2019re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Denver, you can slip into the mountains right next to Colorado Springs<\/a> for a variety of fun, short, and strenuous hikes, where you\u2019ll find unique rock formations, waterfalls, and more. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nPerkins Central Garden Trail is a fully paved and wheelchair-accessible hiking loop. On this fun and easy loop, you\u2019ll pass by some impressive rock formations such as White Rock and Kissing Camels. This trail is also great for wildlife viewing! It\u2019s quite common to spot animals like deer, rabbits, and plenty of birds. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nIf you\u2019re looking for a fun, easy, and accessible hike where you can see many of the best rock formations in the Garden of the Gods Park, you\u2019ll enjoy this trail. Since this trail is so popular, your best bet to beat the crowds and guarantee parking is to get there right at 8 am. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThis trail is also dog-friendly, they just need to be on a leash. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nHelen Hunt Falls is a 35-foot waterfall in North Cheyenne Canyon Park. This hike begins at the North Cheyenne Canyon Road trailhead. You\u2019ll then connect to the Columbine Trail, which will take you through a lovely pine forest and walls of granite. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nYou\u2019ll be treated to incredible mountain views and a view of the valley below. You\u2019ll finally make a left onto North Cheyenne Canyon Road, and follow that up to the waterfall. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nTo get back to the trailhead, the loop has you follow North Cheyenne Canyon Road back down. However, to avoid walking on the main road you can always just retrace your steps and turn this into an out & back hike. Since the signage can be a little confusing for this hike, it\u2019s recommended to bring a GPS or a little map along to ensure you make it to the falls without any unwanted detours.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nAlso, if you\u2019re keen on seeing the Helen Hunt Falls without making the 2.3 mile hike, there is a waterfall parking area off North Cheyenne Canyon Road where you can park and only walk .1 miles to the waterfall. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThis fun 4 mile trail steadily climbs up Mount Muscoco. The last \u00bc mile of the hike is quite steep and has some loose rocks and gravel that can be challenging but doable with proper hiking boots. Aside from the last part, this hike is only moderately challenging. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThe 360 views from the top are incredible. You can see almost all of Colorado Springs in one direction, and in the other, you\u2019ll spy more of the Front Range mountains. You can also spy the canyon below, and if you\u2019re lucky, you\u2019ll catch a glimpse of one of the Seven Falls.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nSt. Mary\u2019s Falls Trail is a moderately difficult hike located just outside of Colorado Springs, in North Cheyenne Canyon Park. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThis trail is quite popular amongst hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers, and it\u2019s no secret why. On this 5.9 mile hike, you\u2019ll enjoy the scenery of massive evergreens, lovely little creeks, and two waterfalls, including the thundering, 300-foot St. Mary\u2019s Falls. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nSince this area gets pretty hot and dry in the summer, it\u2019s best to go in the springtime if you want to see the waterfall at its full potential. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nIf you\u2019re looking for a challenging yet fun waterfall hike in Colorado Springs, this hike is a great way to spend half a day hiking in Colorado.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nFrom snow-capped peaks, gorgeous turquoise lakes, and towering pine trees- Rocky Mountain National Park<\/a> has no shortage of beauty! \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThis park holds some of the greatest treasures when it comes to Colorado hiking, and we\u2019ve rounded up 4 of the best for you right here. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nKeep in mind since these trails are all located inside the National Park, dogs are not allowed and you\u2019ll need to pay an entrance fee to enter the park.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nIf you\u2019re searching for a fun, flat hike that still delivers breathtaking views- look no further than Bear Lake Nature Trail. This hike is only .6 miles, and has gorgeous views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and forests. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThe trail is also very informative- it has about 30 markers along the way that share bits of information about the Bear Lake area. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nAlberta Falls is another fun and easy hiking trail in Rocky Mountain National Park- except this one leads to a stunning waterfall! \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThis hike is suitable for all levels, and has some of the best views in the whole park. You\u2019ll see aspen groves, pine forests, and even catch a glimpse of Glacier Forge. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThe falls themselves are remarkable as well- they\u2019re 30 feet tall, and spill powerfully into Glacier Creek. If you can, sunrise is a great time to see the falls- they\u2019re incredibly peaceful, nobody else will be around, and the morning light is gorgeous. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nEmerald Lake Trail is one of the most popular likes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This 3.2 mile, out & back trail begins at the Bear Lake Trailhead, and will take you through pine forests, around gorgeous alpine lakes, like Nymph Lake and Dream Lake, and grant you incredible views of the Rocky Mountains. You\u2019ll have great views of Glacier Gorge, and the surrounding mountains. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nAt the top of the trail, you\u2019ll reach Emerald Lake, a sparkling, greenish-blue alpine lake that is perfect for photography. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nSky Pond is not only one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, but also one of the best hikes in all of Colorado! This challenging hike is uncrowded and full of beautiful views of lakes, waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and of course- Sky Pond itself! \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThroughout this 9.4 mile hike, you\u2019ll cross a few streams and climb up 1,758 feet of elevation.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nAt the end, you\u2019ll be treated to incredible views of Sky Pond, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, pine trees, and the gorgeous mountain sky. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThe Sky Pond trail is long and strenuous, and is suitable for more experienced hikers. It\u2019s a good idea to bring a good trail map, or download the offline map of the trail so you don\u2019t take any wrong turns. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nTelluride<\/a> is a historic mining town nestled in the San Juan Mountains of Southern Colorado. Once the winter snow melts, tons of excellent hiking trails for beginners, intermediates, and expert hikers alike reveal themselves. Below are 4 of the best Colorado hikes in Telluride. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nIf you\u2019re looking for a short and fun trail that\u2019s right next to Telluride, Jurassic Trail is for you. This easy out & back trail takes you through an aspen forest, and you\u2019ll also score some great views of the San Juan Mountains. Dogs are also welcome here! \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nBridal Veil Falls are a whopping 365 feet high, and the tallest freefalling falls in Colorado. To reach them, you\u2019ll complete a moderately difficult 2 mile round trip hike. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThe hike itself is gorgeous- you\u2019ll pass through an aspen forest, along a rocky trail. If you can go in the fall, the hike is that much more beautiful as you\u2019ll get great views of the foliage. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nYou\u2019ll cross a few streams on the way to the falls, so it\u2019s a good idea to bring an extra pair of socks! \n<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Grottos Trail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Maroon Bells Scenic Trail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Hanging Lake Trail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Cathedral Lake Trail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Hiking Trails in Boulder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Wonderland Lake Loop Trail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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First and Second Flatirons Loop<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Royal Arch Trail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Rattlesnake Gulch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Hiking Trails in Colorado Springs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Perkins Central Garden Trail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Helen Hunt Falls Loop<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Mount Muscoco Trail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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St. Mary\u2019s Falls Trail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Hiking Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bear Lake Nature Trail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Alberta Falls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Emerald Lake Trail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Sky Pond<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Hiking Trails in Telluride<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Jurassic Trail <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Bridal Veil Falls <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Bear Creek Trail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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