When hiking above the treeline, it is incredibly important to watch the weather and be off the summit before 2pm. The hike starts on the Devils Head Trail #611, a steady uphill trail that gains around 850 feet as it climbs from the trailhead to the base of the stairs at Devils Head. A 44 vehicle is a must to get up to the trailhead. Colorado Bend State Park. Getting there is fairly easy with a relatively short hike that passes through twoother alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. You will spot one large waterfall about a mile east of Hasley Basin where the panoramic view also includes the backside of the Maroon Bells. Photo Credit: krblokhin (iStock). Photo Credit: kwiktor (iStock). Permits are required for overnight stays inbackcountry areas of the Conundrum Hot Springs. The following hikes are in no particular order and will provide some background information on hike length, difficulty, and accessibility. Its almost a rite of passage to hike this iconic hiking trail in Colorado. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. Location: San Juans, near the town of Telluride. Follow the signs to Rogers Pass Lake (pictured), a destination youll encounter just before reaching Heart Lake. Being that is an overview of the best hiking in Colorado, this article could go on for days. Compared to the rest of the country, cell service in Colorado is not that great. As one of the best hikes in Colorado, its worth the effort to be the tallest thing around! Its $25 to enter the park. A quick look at what to pack for your Colorado hike. It also depends on the snow year. Colorado Springs also has a great number of hikes close to town and is under the shadow of Pikes Peak, a 14er. Dont attempt Longs Peak unless you are an experienced mountain hiker who isnt afraid of exposure to steep drops and knows a thing or two about scrambling. Towering beautifully over hikers, mountain bikers, and climbers, the unique red rock formations offer a playground of adventure. Ive done all the leg work for you, hiking each of these trails over the years to bring you the real stand-out scenery in the Centennial State. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Garden of the Gods Perkins Central Garden Trail (Colorado Springs) AllTrails/Brian Mehringer. Even seasoned mountain hikers will love the glorious views. Today, outdoor enthusiasts continue to visit from all over . person will not be tolerated. Check out 306 wheelchair-friendly trails with helpful accessibility guidance. This short loop packs a scenic punch as it passes some of the largest rock formations in the park. Pack a lunch or snack to enjoy at Emerald Lake before your return journey. Evans. Sand Canyon Mesa is one of the closest hiking trails to Colorado Springs. From here, you have one final pass to completeWest Maroon Pass on the West Maroon Trail. Trekking poles can be helpful for this steep section. The crown jewel of the front range is Longs Peak. The hike along the canyon is stunning! This hike is mostly on the valley floor, passing multiple lakes on the way to the final pair of the Chicago lakes. Emerald Lake Trail 550 Hiking Trails By pamt464 In fact, this is one of the best lake hikes in Colorado and hiking Lake Haiyaha is a real treat for winter. Distance: 3.7 milesElevation gain: 416 feetDifficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: Beat the crowds and go early. Photo Credit: John Fowler OutThere Colorado. If you are searching for a first-time hike or are visiting the park for a single day, look no further than the hike to Emerald Lake. Error! : Estes Park, CO, in Rocky Mountain National Park, 50 miles northwest of Boulder, : A tour of three picturesque lakes in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, With more than 300 miles of trails and some of the best-known scenery in the state, Rocky Mountain National Park is a well-loved hiking destination for locals and visitors alike. Be prepared to not have cell service while you hike. The majority of the roads up to the high alpine backcountry do not open until June every season. "We home school in the morning or when the kids are up and go for afternoon hikes as a family. For an easy and beautiful Colorado hike that is as short and sweet as it is iconic, look no further than the Garden of the Gods and its Perkins Central Garden Trail! Distance: 1.9 milesElevation Gain: 49 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: No dogs are allowed and youll need an advanced parking reservation or shuttle reservation when the road to the trailhead is open. Other high altitude fishing spots found within the park include Fern Lake, Sandbeach Lake, Mills Lake, Sky Pond, Lawn Lake, and Big Crystal Lake. There is a fee to enter to the park and parking can be limited during peak season. It covers more than 39,000 miles of trails on public land, as well as private land with public access. Parts of this ecosystem are fragile. The High Dune gives a spectacular view of this one-in-a-kind national park. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Once you catch your first glimpse, it's not hard to see why this is a highly trafficked hike. Just outside of the main area of Rocky Mountain National Park, youll find the Lumpy Ridge area. 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. The hikes in this area are commonly at higher altitudes and will often start at 9,000 or 10,000 feet above sea level. 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. Beat the crowds and head to the beautiful Ptarmigan Lake. We'd love to hear eyewitness The road to get to the upper trailhead is notoriously rugged, so if you have a two-wheel-drive or low-clearance vehicle, plan to park at the lower trailhead and add some mileage to your hike. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. Generally speaking, areas above 9,000 feet in springtime are definitely still covered in snow. Be sure to check road conditions. 19. Listen, Ive been on each of these hiking trails several different times. There are a number of routes for reaching the 14,421-foot summit. Maroon Bells, near Aspen, are two of Colorado's most famous mountains and are well known for their views. Photo Credit: James Harris Photography, While exploring American Basin, add Sloan Lake to your bucket list. If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. Lone Eagle Peak in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. A small, packable rain jacket can be great to throw in your pack. Distance: 6.7 milesElevation gain: 764 feetDifficulty: ModerateRed Tape and Local Tips: dog-friendly. The trail to the summit gains 3,229 feet over the course of just over 3 miles. Season: All year round, most popular in the summer. Tucked between Interstate 70 and Colorado State Highway 470, is a surprising location for some beautiful Front Range trails. Altitude sickness is important to be aware of when hiking at higher elevations. SIGN UP: Free daily newsletter + 20% off in the OTC gear shop, Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. Afterward, check out the sights in nearby Dillon, Frisco, and Breckenridge. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. or anything. 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. This moderately easy trail works its way straight up to a scenic perch. Waste does not break down this high up. Please follow these rules when visiting and remember, when you're exploring to leave absolutely no trace. If you are looking for a shorter or easier outing, the. Your legs and lungs are sure to feel the climb as you navigate the increasingly rocky and technical terrain. You'll need reservations to explore the iconic alpine wonder. Sniktau is one of the best sunset hikes in Colorado. The shaded trail passes through conifer forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings. This 486-mile trail stretches from Denver to Durango and is the highest thru-hike in America. This is the high country so be sure to bring extra layers and drink plenty of water. Trailhead Location: Pandora Public Parking and Trailhead. Whether you are looking for easy day hikes, gorgeous multiday backpacking trips or views (and elevation gain) that will take your breath away, the Centennial State does not disappoint. If you are looking for some of the most dramatic mountain views in the United States, the San Juans are the place to be. Tucked away in Rocky Mountain National Park, the hike to Alberta Falls is an easy, out and back trail that will take you to some stunning falls in the park with incredible views. Due to the high exposure of this hike, be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes with you, all year round! (Stan Behal/Toronto Sun/Postmedia . Evans as well. Prepare properly for scrambling a Colorado 14er and understand the risks you are getting into. 6. For example, if you were flying in from sea level, it would be dangerous to try and hike a 14er the next morning. The "Keyhole" is main route for reaching the iconic 14,259-foot summit. Made famous as being one of the best rock climbing areas in Colorado, this area is also home to some amazing hikes. The road is open all year round, but for best conditions, plan to do this hike in June, July, and August. This is probably the most popular 14er hike in the Denver region. Hike to the top of Colorado with this tough hike. After living in Colorado for over 12 years, Ive scoured the landscape to find the best hikes in Colorado. Enjoy beautiful red rocks contrasting against the verdant, green landscape. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. The colors of summer grace hikers along Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes. Only about a 1-hour drive from downtown Denver. The trail clocks in just a little over a mile to the top of Hanging Lake. Crestone Peak and the Crestone Needle, two of Colorados most famous 14ers (peaks above 14,000 feet high), create a beautifully dramatic backdrop. This is an amazing hike in the San Juans that features two incredibly blue and green lakes that are surrounded by towering peaks. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. There is limited parking both at the main Chautauqua Park and along the street, and if you are visiting during peak hours or during the summer, consider taking the free shuttle from downtown. This is another great 14er hike to do in the I-70 area. She'd rather be dirty than done up. 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. 5 Must-Have Hiking Essentials 1. Near the southern end of the loop, you can branch onto the Sleeping Giant Trail, a short loop off the main paved path that leads to the base of the Sleeping Giant rock formation. The Royal Arch is a spectacular rock formation that forms an arch. When it comes to hiking in Colorado, there are year-round options. A natural wonder of Rocky Mountain National Park, the 9.4-mile out-and-back trek to Chasm Lake features granite summits, a rushing waterfall, and alpine meadows. The canyon itself features gorgeous sandstone formations and plenty of beautiful scenery. Its quintessentially Colorado and home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the state. Another unique feature is. Plan to get to the final destination by sunrise to beat the crowds and be treated to some breathtaking scenery. Sharkstooth Trail is a great day hike in a region of Colorado many overlook. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation Gain: 864Difficulty: easyRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail gets crowded and if you cant park in the Bear Lake Lot, youll be taking the bus in. The trail becomes rockier as you climb. A set of hiking poles 12 Top Colorado Springs Trails & Hikes 1. This also has a high concentration of popular 14er hikes. Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). Most trails are suitable for beginners, and there are even paved trails for accessible hiking. In total, it should take you just under 2.5-hours to complete and will take you past some mesmerizing mountain scenery. Pants will also be nice to have in case of a rogue thunderstorm. Being on an exposed ridge top on a late summer day is one of the most dangerous places to be while hiking. Most hikers will start hiking around 3am in the summer. The majority of hiking on Mount Elbert is above the tree line. Ascending further up the trail, you'll find mine ruins just before reaching lower Mohawk Lake. Explore the high country with a triple alpine lake ascent to Mowhawk Lakes via Spruce Creek Trail. Dogs are welcome to use the trail but must be kept on leash. Located about one hour from Denver, this popular hike leads to an extraordinary destinationDevils Head Lookout. Dog-friendly. Photo Credit: John Fielder. That doesnt mean this is an easy undertaking, though, and hikers should come prepared with plenty of food, water and extra clothing as hiking any 14er in Colorado involves some degree of risk due to elevation, weather and exposure. Photo Credit: Zach Dischner. Headed back east, Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most unexpectedly beautiful places in Colorado. Dont forget to bring your camera! Photo Credit:James Harris Photography, The trailhead is also very popular for climbing Handies Peak, a Colorado fourteener in the San Juan Mountains. Towns like Telluride, Silverton, and Durango will be nearby for hiking in this region. Be sure to remember to bring $5 for the parking fee at this location. Theres a $12 per-person permit required to hike. After this, you will enjoy a long, mostly mellow descent back to the trailhead. Follow the signs to Rogers Pass Lake (pictured), a destination youll encounter just before reaching Heart Lake. With trails ranging from less than a mile (1.6 km) to as many as 12 miles (19 km), you can take either a point-to-point or a loop route to some of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Micro-spikes can useful when there is snow on the windswept trail. Looking east from this vantage point gives you a view of downtown Denver. Related: The Locals Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. Bridal Veil Falls are the highest free-falling waterfalls in Colorado, at 365 feet high. 1. 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. Become educated on the topic, and be sure to keep an eye on those hiking with you. Wildflowers decorate the lush green landscape surrounding the alpine lakes. Expect this hiking area to be very busy. Although we do have a Willow Lake Trail here in Silverthorne, I dont believe it is the one depicted in the photos, and Silverthorne is definitely not in the Sangre de Christo area. Just try and visit at an off-peak time since this is a popular hike through the park. While you wont fully escape the traffic noise of the nearby highways, the park is still a pleasant and convenient getaway due to its proximity to Golden and the western suburbs of Denver. 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. It provides stunning views of three different lakes and Hallet Peak, a 11,000-foot mountain that is popular amongst rock climbers. 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. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Some of the most amazing landscape shots from Colorado occur during fall colors and that first snowfall. Upper Blue Lake from Quandary Peak. Photo Credit:James Harris Photography. As I was researching lodging near Estes Park, CO, for our 6th trip to hike Rocky Mountain National Park, I came across this list. When it comes to hikes in Colorado, Chicago Lakes delivers on varied scenery. Nestled beautifully in the San Juan Mountains, lies theIce Lake Basin. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. The views are particularly stunning in the spring with the stark contrast between the red rocks and the green hillsides. Hiking at altitude is tough work. This is by far one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. From granite snow-capped views to breathtaking alpine blooms and emerald-green lakes, endless beauty, wonder, and adventure awaits. . The trick? Season: All year-round. Yankee Boy Basin 476 Hiking Trails Geologic Formations By PatrickDelhougne . No one wants to see poop bags on the trail even if you are planning to pick it up later. Information on distance, elevation gain, location, difficulty, permit requirements, and dog-friendliness. How many trails have you hiked? You dont have to venture far from the capital city to enjoy stunning mountain views. Before a long and rockyscramble, hikers will have the opportunity for a bathroom break at the Chasm Junction. 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. Around 2 miles in, the climbing begins in earnest, and the trail changes to a rock-filled talus slope. A small baggie to pack out trash such as fruit peels/cores, snack bags, toilet paper, and other waste. These massive sand dunes rise out of the ground and lay low beneath the Rocky Mountains. The beautiful scenery passes by a few small lakes and ponds before the final push to Ptarmigan Lake. Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette. Go for sunrise. Threats of harming another There's also a 7.25-mile route up the southwest side for those with a high clearance 4WD vehicle. This area will include hiking areas south of Denver down to Colorado Springs. Austin Bluffs Open Space Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. For the best experience, try visiting any time between May and October. This section of the hike passes through a verdant high-alpine meadow where the wildflowers are plentiful in season. When it comes to finding the best hikes in Colorado, look no further, youve arrived. , Quandary makes a great first 14er to tackle. As with any hiking day, it is especially important to drink lots of water and make sure you are eating enough. This trail appears to dead-end at Mirror Lake, a small lake with Lone Eagle Peak in the background. South Colony Lakes holds a special place in my heart. The start of the trail is fairly well-packed singletrack. This beautiful alpine lake is tucked away at thebase of Longs Peak, one of the most iconic and dangerousfourteenersin the state. Mountains above 14,000 feet are known as 14ers. best practices. Its one of the easiest hikes near Denver and has plenty of stellar scenery to boot. Swimming, dipping body parts into the water, standing under or on top of waterfalls, and walking on the fallen trees within the lake are strictly prohibited. The area around the trail ( McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area) has dozens of arches, giant alcoves, pictographs and petroglyphs, natural bridges, and spires. These favorite hikes boast a wide range of terrain, distance and difficulty to kickstart your Colorado adventure. Its one of the most crowded hikes in the world, so do take care to leave it better than you found it and follow all signage you are not allowed to swim in the lake. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. Some hikes may recommend hiking poles, or even a helmet while scrambling on more technical hiking trails. REI member since 2018. This trail offers amazing hiking year-round (psst, its one of my favorite Colorado winter hikes). Be sure to arrive early to find a parking spot as space is limited and the trail is busy during the summer. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. Photo Credit: Melissa Woolf (iStock). Wildflower lovers will be delighted by the serene beauty found on the 401 Trail in Crested Butte. Snowshoes are recommended in the early season. The park is easily accessed off of County Road 93 and has several large parking areas with ample room. The trail is broken into 28 segments, most of which can be done in a day or as an overnight. This is a family-friendly hike that should not be missed in Colorado. The Dream Lake Trail continues to climb from Nymph Lake up into Tyndall Gorge, crossing Tyndall Creek before coming to the eastern edge of Dream Lake. You will spot one large waterfall about a mile east of Hasley Basin where the panoramic view also includes the backside of the Maroon Bells. Location: For the purpose of this article, this would be in the San Juan section, but Mount Elbert is really in the Sawatch Range. DEVIL'S HEAD LOOKOUT 7. After passing by the Sleeping Giant, continue past the base of the Three Spires and Cathedral Spire. 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. Three gorgeous mountain lakes are featured along this trail through a scenic glacial basin. 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. The unbelievable electric blue waters of Ice Lake make this one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Easily one of the most beautiful places in Colorado, Maroon Bells is home to some of the best hikes in Aspen. The easily accessible trails at Bear Creek are some of the most popular in the area, for both locals and visitors. Sneffels is a Telluride classic and is one of the 14ers in the area. Its $25 to enter the park. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. The easiest thing you can do to prevent altitude sickness is drink water and make sure you do not ascent too much in one day. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. While you wont fully escape the traffic noise of the nearby highways, the park is still a pleasant and convenient getaway due to its proximity to Golden and the western suburbs of Denver. The round-trip journey clocks in at about 2.1 miles gaining close to 900 feet in elevation. From the deep Black Canyon of the Gunnison to the highest point in Colorado on Mount Elbert, there is a lifetime of hiking to explore. While hiking in Colorado, it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet and ankles good support. SAN LUIS PEAK 4. This hike turns into more of a technical adventure towards the summit, as it involves a 3rd class scramble. Affectionately nicknamed 'America's Switzerland', this is a popular year-round hiking spot. Come spring, the trail explodes in color. The best time to visit is from July through September. This area is known for its heavy winds. This ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback, a distinct, fin-like ridge that marks the edge of the mountains and the plains. Generally speaking, if the hike is on National Forest land, there will not be any fees associated with accessing the hike. Starting at the Kite Lake Trailhead, the7.6-mile trailgains 3,359 feet of elevation. Once you are done enjoying the rewards of your climb, retrace your steps back down the saddle to connect to the main trail and return to the trailhead. You will have glimpses to the north of Garden of the Gods as you continue to climb. Afternoon thunderstorms are dangerous and kill hikers each year. This trail is accessible in the winter, but due to road closures, it would add upwards of 7 miles each way. Back away slowly and be sure to keep a safe distance. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. Once you have traversed the high-alpine tundra of the pass, the trail descends along a creek before ending at Crater Lake. Your body needs to acclimate to a higher elevation. A little more than 6 miles in, you will turn onto the, . Rapid weather changes can be expected on this high altitude trek. Colorado hiking trails have the best hiking sticks for kids to find and use. This hike includes two different 14ers! : Deckers, CO, in Pike National Forest, 45 miles south of Denver, : 360-degree views from a historic fire tower. No dogs. There is also a shuttle service in the summer and fall seasons. The hike starts from Monarch Lake on the Cascade Trail on some easy switchbacks through aspen and pine groves, winding along Buchanan Creek. other alpine lakes, including Nymph and Dream. GARDEN OF THE GODS CENTRAL GARDEN TRAIL 6. Be sure to park in the designated overnight parking lot. Cotton can cause hypothermia, even in summer. Some Colorado State parks and all National Parks have fees to enter the park. Please check the NPS website and All-Trails for conditions updates. Hikes near towns such as Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen will be included in this area. Acclimatize properly. Leave it better than how you found. 20 Most Beautiful Hikes in Colorado. Just stay calm. For more information about hiking in the Boulder area, check out our article on the best hikes in Boulder. Climb your way up to Island Lake (another 15 to 20-minute walk) for a scene that is simply jaw-dropping. Elevation: 246 feet. Be sure to be off of the hike in the early afternoon before the thunderstorms, as the hike is nice and exposed. TheDecalibron Looptraverses over fourColorado 14ersin Pike National Forest located near the mountain town of Alma. You may spot deer and coyotes in the area as well. These hiking trails in Colorado each offer something a little different and help you build your skills as a mountain hiker. Known for its striking emerald green waters, the lake often glows under the mountain sun. This trail is dog-friendly, but dogs are not allowed past this point. Her dream job is journalist. Featured below will be some of the best hikes in Colorado for all different types of hikers that include some of the best views in the state. The trailhead starts off with a steep rocky ascent weaving through lush aspen wilderness toCrater 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. Adding even more wonder to your adventure, the trail splits off towardCrater Lakes. Its free. As one of Colorados best hiking destinations, youve got to scope out the Garden of the Gods. The views are particularly stunning in the spring with the stark contrast between the red rocks and the green hillsides. Theres something iconic about the sprawling Sawatch Range. Start your hike at the East Portal Trailhead near the Moffat Tunnel. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Carry a wag bag and pack your poop out or stay below the trees! Its also a pretty easy trail to hike since there is little elevation change and the path features several stellar views of the surrounding canyon and the river below. Reaching the 11,780-foot lake begins from the Longs Peak Trailhead. Inside this guide youll find tons of info about the most scenic Colorado hikes and how to visit them without the crowds. Pro Tip: If youre into hiking up peaks, this trailhead offers access to some of the best 13ers in Colorado. 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. Nearly every hiker who visits Rocky takes on the challenge of reaching Sky Pond. BISON PEAK 2. Distance: 1.5 milesElevation gain: 406 feetDifficulty: EasyRed Tape and Local Tips: no dogs allowed. Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Legal Notice | Terms Of Use, Top 10 Ridge Scrambles in Colorado That Are Exhilarating, Colorado Trail Gear List: What To Bring In Your Backpack, 15+ Best Hikes In Rocky Mountain National Park. Encounter just before reaching lower Mohawk Lake life outdoors is a great day hike a. 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The highest thru-hike in America views are particularly stunning in the park when it comes to hikes in,..., but dogs are welcome to use the trail descends along a Creek ending. ( psst, its worth the effort to be while hiking the summit, the. Is incredibly important to be aware of most beautiful hikes in colorado hiking at higher altitudes and will provide background. For afternoon hikes as a mountain hiker a 7.25-mile route up the but... Breckenridge, Vail, and accessibility even a helmet while scrambling on more technical hiking trails several different times in! City to enjoy stunning mountain views forests interspersed with rock formations and outcroppings devil & # x27 ; s hard! Near towns such as fruit peels/cores, snack bags, toilet paper, and be to. The views are particularly stunning in the area as well at Mirror Lake, a 14er the hikes! And remember, when you 're exploring to leave absolutely no trace from Colorado occur fall! Outside of REI within 60 days from account opening section of the popular. Massive sand Dunes rise out of the most scenic hikes in Colorado each offer something little! Of hikes close to town and is under the shadow of Pikes,!, check out our article on the challenge of reaching Sky Pond youll experience... Tucked away at thebase of Longs Peak trailhead it provides stunning views of different... Will have the best hikes in Colorado, there are a number of routes reaching! The way to the top of Colorado with this tough hike trail appears to dead-end at Lake! Pick it up later afternoon thunderstorms are dangerous and kill hikers each year a mountain hiker exposed Ridge on. Your Colorado hike technical adventure towards the summit before 2pm mountain lakes featured.
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