Colorado is a hiker’s paradise, with its towering peaks, alpine lakes, wildflower-filled meadows, and diverse landscapes that offer trails for all levels of adventurers. Whether you’re seeking an easy walk or a challenging summit, the Centennial State has a hike for you. Here are the top 8 best hiking spots in Colorado that should be on every hiker’s bucket list.
1. Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is the crown jewel of Colorado’s hiking destinations, with over 350 miles of trails that offer everything from wildflower meadows to rugged mountain peaks.
- Why It’s Great: The park boasts some of the state’s most iconic trails, including paths that lead to spectacular alpine lakes, waterfalls, and summit views.
- Best Hike: Longs Peak is a challenging 14er (14,259 feet), offering stunning vistas but requiring experience with technical mountain climbing.
- Unique Features: Bear Lake and Emerald Lake are more moderate but offer incredible scenery, while Alpine Visitor Center provides panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
2. Maroon Bells, Aspen
The Maroon Bells are two of the most photographed peaks in Colorado, and the surrounding trails are equally beautiful, making it one of the top hiking destinations in the state.
- Why It’s Great: Famous for its breathtaking scenery, the Maroon Bells are surrounded by crystal-clear lakes, wildflowers, and towering peaks.
- Best Hike: The Maroon Lake Scenic Trail is an easy 1-mile loop that offers unbeatable views of the iconic Bells. For more adventure, try the Maroon-Snowmass Trail, which is a 26-mile, multi-day trek.
- Unique Features: Stunning reflections of the Maroon Bells in Maroon Lake and vibrant wildflower blooms in the summer months.
3. Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs
Garden of the Gods is a city park that’s known for its dramatic red rock formations and breathtaking views of Pikes Peak.
- Why It’s Great: This unique park is easily accessible and provides a mix of short, easy trails and longer, more challenging hikes with incredible views of towering sandstone formations.
- Best Hike: The Perkins Central Garden Trail is an easy 1.5-mile loop that takes you through the heart of the park and gives you close-up views of the famous rock formations.
- Unique Features: The park is a National Natural Landmark and offers plenty of opportunities for rock climbing, photography, and wildlife viewing.
4. Mount Elbert, Leadville
At 14,440 feet, Mount Elbert is Colorado’s highest peak and offers an incredible challenge for experienced hikers.
- Why It’s Great: For those looking to summit a 14er, Mount Elbert is one of the most popular choices due to its relatively accessible trailheads and non-technical routes.
- Best Hike: The Mount Elbert Trail is a 9-mile out-and-back hike with an elevation gain of over 4,000 feet. It’s long and strenuous but rewards hikers with panoramic views from the top.
- Unique Features: The summit provides a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding Sawatch Range, and on clear days, you can see as far as the San Juan Mountains.
5. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Known for its steep cliffs and rugged beauty, Black Canyon of the Gunnison offers some of the most dramatic views in Colorado.
- Why It’s Great: The park features challenging, rugged trails that offer a more secluded hiking experience away from the crowds. The deep, narrow canyon carved by the Gunnison River is awe-inspiring.
- Best Hike: The North Rim’s Gunnison Route is a 2-mile, strenuous descent to the river, offering incredible views of the canyon’s steep walls.
- Unique Features: The park is also an excellent spot for stargazing, with some of the darkest skies in the country.
6. Flatirons, Boulder
The Flatirons are a series of stunning rock formations located just outside of Boulder, providing some of the most iconic hiking trails in the area.
- Why It’s Great: The trails are close to the city, making it easy to access, and they offer jaw-dropping views of the city, the surrounding plains, and the snow-capped mountains beyond.
- Best Hike: The Flatirons Loop is a 2.6-mile trail that offers stunning panoramic views, but for a more challenging hike, try the First Flatiron trail for a strenuous climb.
- Unique Features: The Flatirons are a popular spot for rock climbers, and the surrounding Chautauqua Park is perfect for a post-hike picnic.
7. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mosca
Great Sand Dunes National Park features the tallest sand dunes in North America, rising up to 750 feet, creating a unique hiking experience.
- Why It’s Great: Hiking in the dunes offers an unforgettable landscape that feels like a desert oasis. The contrast of the vast sand dunes against the backdrop of the snow-capped Sangre de Cristo Mountains is stunning.
- Best Hike: The Dunes Overlook Trail is a short, 1.5-mile hike that gives you great views of the dunes, but for a real adventure, try the Sand Dunes themselves for an exhausting yet exhilarating climb.
- Unique Features: The park also has the Medano Creek, which is perfect for cooling off after a hike, and it offers excellent stargazing opportunities at night.
8. Hanging Lake, Glenwood Springs
Hanging Lake is one of Colorado’s most famous and scenic hikes, with a beautiful lake suspended on the edge of a cliff.
- Why It’s Great: The 1.2-mile hike is steep and challenging, but the stunning reward is the turquoise waters of Hanging Lake, surrounded by waterfalls and lush greenery.
- Best Hike: The Hanging Lake Trail is short but strenuous, with a 1,000-foot elevation gain. It’s best done in spring or fall to avoid the summer crowds.
- Unique Features: The waterfall at the end of the trail, along with the surrounding beauty, makes this one of Colorado’s most Instagrammable hikes.
Conclusion
From the towering peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park to the surreal sand dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado offers a vast array of hiking opportunities for all levels. Whether you’re seeking a challenge with a 14er summit or a scenic stroll to a breathtaking lake, the Centennial State has it all. These top 8 hiking destinations are sure to offer an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Colorado wilderness.
Also Read: California’s Top Camping Destinations: Top 8 Locations
