Hiking In Colorado: 10 Best Trails Of 2023 (And Expert Tips)

Colorado is a paradise for hikers. With several hiking trails, it has become the dream destination of many hikers. Being in nature is so beneficial to your health and wellbeing. But, of course, getting outside and exploring is also a lot of fun. And that’s what Colorado is all about.

Colorado offers a snow-capped peak, a verdant valley with fragrant wildflowers, a dirt path next to a gushing river, a dense forest cloaked in greenery, and a lot more you can ever imagine.

10 Best Hiking Trails In Colorado

Maroon Bells Trail

• Trail Distance: 1-13 miles round trip, depending on the trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: Varies depending on the hike
• Trail Type: Trail type is both Loop and Out-and-Back Hikes
• Seasons: Depends on Weather mostly Mid May to September
• Dogs: Allowed on 6-foot leashes; however, prohibited on the Scenic Loop Trail
• Beauty: Splendid Mountain views, Clean Lakes, Meadows, Tundra, and Fall Aspens
• Activities: Hiking, Backpacking, Camping
• The fee: of $10 for park and ride per vehicle or individual shuttle bus fee

Description Of The Trail

Colorado, a great family vacation destination. There are multiple hiking trails in Maroon Bells, which offer beautiful scenery. It is a wild region full of cascades, lakes, gold aspens-all against an iconic backdrop of the Maroon Bells peaks.

Pro Tips To Hike The Trail

• It is possible to camp within the Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness area. However, always respect the Wilderness Use Regulations and the Leave No Trace principles.
• In 2014 and 2015, Crater Lake closed its designated camping areas due to increased bear activity in the area, which was caused by inadequate camping practices. IF bear activity becomes problematic, the USFS will re-close the area.
• There is a need for bear canisters
• A self-registration form is available at the trailhead
• There is a leash requirement of 6 feet in the wilderness for pets.

Hanging Lake Trail

• Trail Distance: 2.4 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Medium to Difficult
• Duration: Approx. Two hours Round Trip
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Seasons: All Year
• Dogs: Dogs are prohibited on Hanging Lake Trail
• Beauty: Waterfalls, Lake, Cascades, and Canyon
• Activities: Fall Viewing Area, Hiking

Description Of The Trail

Hanging Lake has two waterfalls and is one of Colorado’s most scenic lakes. It is an easy hike but requires considerable physical stamina. The trailhead for this hike is located just south of Glenwood Springs. The scenic drive to the trailhead takes approximately three hours. Since this is one of the most popular hikes in all of Colorado, you should arrive early for parking.

Pro Tips To Hike The Trail

• You should step off the trail if you are moving at a slow pace and allow other groups to pass.
• Bring a snack and some water with you on the trip. Do not forget to pack out all of your plastic water bottles and other rubbish.
• Consider hiking the Hanging Lake Trail in the morning, not only to avoid traffic and parking issues but also to reduce heat and humidity. You can have two very different experiences hiking this trail depending on the time of day you hike it. Early in the morning, the canyon is cool and refreshing; it is best to hike there. During the summer, hiking there after 11 am can feel like a sauna.
• The hike is one of the most popular in Colorado, so avoid holiday weekends if you can. Or you can arrive early, by 7 am, if you want a parking spot.
• Make sure you bring a camera.
• Winter, Fall, and Spring are likely to be snowy months, so we recommend bringing traction devices such as YakTrax and trekking poles.

Alberta Falls At Rocky Mountain National Park

• Trail Distance: 1.6 miles Round Trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: Approx. One hour
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Seasons: Spring through Fall
• Dogs: Prohibited in the Park
• Beauty: Clean Lakes, Great Mountain Views,
• Wildlife: Abert’s Squirrel, Elk, Bear
• Activities: Picnicking, Hiking Trails, Snowshoeing
• Fee: Park Pass Required

Description Of The Trail

Alberta Falls is a perfect choice if you can only make it to one waterfall in Rocky Mountain National Park. A favorite hike among the short hikes in the park, this is a great option. In addition, the area around Alberta Lake offers hiker’s options to further explore the Loch, Timberline Falls, and Glacier Gorge – all of which are included in Dayhikes near Denver.

Pro Tips To Hike The Trail

• Alberta Falls is a good destination for visiting family and friends because it is not too difficult to reach, and you have many options for exploring the park.
• It is quite a journey from the outside world to get this far into the park, even just by car. If you plan on staying longer, we recommend packing a lunch. Furthermore, the food just tastes better outside.

Fern Falls Trail In Mountain National Park

• Trail Distance: 5.4 miles Round Trip (from Fern Lake TH)
• Difficulty: Medium
• Duration: Approx. 3 hr Round Trip
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Seasons: Spring through Fall
• Dogs: Prohibited in RMNP
• Beauty: Sub-alpine lakes, mountain views, river, wildflowers, aspen trees, ponderosa pine,
• Activities: Picnicking, hiking trails, snowshoeing, fishing
• Fee: Park Pass is required

Description Of The Trail

There is a waterfall called Fern Falls, which is located on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. While it makes its way down the forest trail, the waterfall is accompanied by moss and ferns as it crashes over rock and falls into the forest. There is another breathtaking destination in this gem of our national parks system, Fern Lake, that adventurers can explore beyond Fern Falls.

Pro Tips To Hike The Trail

• Due to limited parking, it is recommended that you arrive early.
• The use of trekking poles and traction devices is recommended in spring and winter. At this time of year, the trails can be covered with patches of snow and ice. The trail is therefore recommended to be walked with Trekking Poles and/or Traction Devices.
• Pack a picnic lunch or snack: The rocks and shoreline near the Big Thompson River offer a beautiful setting for a picnic.

Fountain Valley Trail At Roxborough State Park

• Trail Distance:2.3 miles
• Difficulty: Easy to hike
• Duration: Approx. 1.5 hr
• Trail Type: Loop
• Seasons: All Year
• Dogs: Not Allowed in Roxborough State Park
• Beauty: Red rock formations, meadows, wildlife: mule deer, eagles, foxes, birds
• Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, Visitors’ Centre
• Fee: Entrance Fee or State Parks Pass Required

Description Of The Trail

If you are seeking a hiking trail near Denver, here are some options. It is said that Colorado’s Fountain Valley Trail represents the Garden of the Gods of Denver. Fountain Valley Trail is a trek into a magical world characterized by slabs of pink and orange rock, which stand out against a blue sky. Unfortunately, state Parks Passes or day fees are required for every visitor to Rocky Mountain National Park, and pets aren’t allowed in the park.

Pro Tips To Hike The Trail

• There is a picnic area with tables just outside the Visitors’ Centre.
• Know how to identify the poisonous ivy along the sides so that you can avoid it. But don’t let that deter you from the park. Of course, you need to keep an eye out.

First And Second Flatirons Trail In Boulder

• Trail Distance:2.6 miles Round Trip
• Difficulty: Medium
• Duration: Approx. 2 hrs
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Seasons: All Year
• Dogs: Allowed on leash
• Beauty: Splendid views continental divide, beautiful Meadows, Flatirons Rocks
• Activities: Hiking, Rock Climbing, Picnic Areas

Description Of The Trail

Would you like something more challenging? As hikers ascend the Flatirons Trail near Boulder, Colorado, they pass through a green meadow and ascend through a notch between the First and Second Flatirons. Views of the snow-capped Colorado Rockies can be enjoyed from a shaded alcove on the backside of the flat irons.

Pro Tips To Hike The Trail

• It gets really crowded here, so start early. (By 8:30 AM is the best time).
• You should pack a lunch or breakfast along with you. The flatiron nooks at the first lookout point are perfect for enjoying a picnic.
• As the summer weather approaches, the flat irons can change very quickly. Ensure you have a rain jacket and keep an eye on the weather because it can change quickly.
• You may bring your dog with a leash. In addition, you can get a special tag for your dog to allow it to go off-leash around the park in Boulder. This is known as the Voice and Sight Control tag.

Devil’s Head Fire Lookout Trail

• Hike Distance: 2.8 Miles Round Trip
• Difficulty: Medium
• Duration: 2hr +
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Seasons: Mid-May to Mid-September
• Dogs: Allowed on leash
• Beauty: Front Range Views, Rock Formations, 360 views, sunrise
• Activities: Magnificent Picnic Area, Fire Tower Lookout, Nearby Camping, Hiking Trails

Description Of The Trail

It is about one hour from Denver’s center to hike Devil’s Head Trail, a classic hike on Colorado’s Front Range. Despite the 143 steps to the fire lookout, there is a 360-degree panoramic view of mountains layered upon mountains that makes an effort worthwhile.

Depending on how you react to exposure, it can either be a cool walk along an impressive spine of rock or a harrowing experience that makes your sphincter clench. The area is among Colorado’s lesser-known mountain ranges, with soaring rock walls and stunning summits.

Pro Tips To Hike The Trail

• With many hiking option, Devil’s Head is among the most popular. If you plan to hike Devil’s Head on the weekend, get to the trailhead by 8 am to avoid crowds.
• Hundreds of miles of mountains can be seen from the Devil’s Head tower as the sun rises over the Front Range.
• There are 10 miles of dusty Rampart Range Road that can feel like a washboard. 2WD is sufficient, and the road is kept in fairly good shape, but Devils Head may not prove to be as comfortable as you may think.
• This is one of the highest points on the Front Range, notorious for lightning strikes. So take precautions when the weather forecast indicates bad weather.

Timberline Falls Trail In Rocky Mountains National Park

• Trail Distance:8 miles Round Trip
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Duration: Approx. 5 hr
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Seasons: May-September
• Dogs: Dogs Prohibited
• Beauty: Meadows, waterfall, lakes, streams
• Wildlife: Deer, Marmots, Elks
• Activities: Hiking, photography
• Fee: Park Pass Required

Description Of The Trail

While Timberline Falls is a challenging Rocky Mountain National Park hike, you’ll be rewarded with great views. Additionally, along the way, the trail passes Alberta Falls and enters the lovely Loch Vale. Timberline Falls is the most popular hiking trail, but people extend the hike to the nearby alpine lakes too.

Pro Tips To Hike The Trail

• Don’t forget to spend some time exploring the lakes above Timberline Falls.
• There is a shuttle service available from Glacier Gorge Trailhead during peak hours if the parking lot is full.
• Choosing the right boots with grips that will allow you to climb up the steep trail to Lake of Glass and Sky Pond will make the experience much more enjoyable.
• This trip will be long, and you will need plenty of water. However, you will almost certainly need fuel during the trip back.

Four Lakes And Waterfall Loop Trail In Rocky Mountains National Park

• Trail Distance: 6.4 miles
• Difficulty: Medium
• Duration: Approx. 2 hr
• Trail Type: Loop
• Seasons: Spring through Fall, Winter Snowshoeing (demanding)
• Dogs: Prohibited in RMNP
• Beauty: Sub-alpine lakes, mountain views, wildlife: Abert’s squirrel, elk, bear
• Activities: Picnicking, hiking trails, snowshoeing, photography
• Fee: Park Pass Required

Description Of The Trail

A 6.4-mile loop hike in the RMNP leads to four tranquil subalpine lakes and Alberta Falls, one of the park’s most popular waterfalls. Taking in a variety of terrain and destinations in one day at Rocky Mountain National Park would be a really great choice for anyone looking for a hike with a lot of bang for their buck.

Pro Tips To Hike The Trail

• Trekking poles can be useful in the spring and winter because the trail is often in the shade, and there may always be snow and ice on it. The trail is therefore recommended to be walked with Trekking Poles and/or Traction Devices.

Monarch Lake Trail Trail

• Trail Distance: 4 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Duration: Approx. 2-3hr
• Trail Type: Loop
• Seasons: All Year
• Dogs: Allowed On Leash
• Beauty: Lake shaded forest, wetlands, wildlife: moose, elk, deer, fox, and waterfowl
• Activities: Hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, photography, fishing

Description Of The Trail

The loop hike around Monarch Lake makes an excellent day hike if you are visiting Winter Park or Granby. Hikers take a stroll along the Shore of Monarch Lake, through a shaded forest, across creeks, and through a forest canopy. It’s one of the more straightforward hikes in the area, but it’s also quite diverse. Lake Monarch is a popular destination for outdoor activities like kayaking and canoeing and an entry point for backpacking in the Indian Peaks Wilderness area. You should get to the trail early or go during the weekday if you want to take this popular hike.

Pro Tips To Hike The Trail

• Trout can be caught at Monarch Lake, a popular spot for trout fishing. Fishing regulations are governed by Colorado state law.
• Due to many dead trees present in the area, hikers should take precautions to avoid falling trees.

That is it for today’s article. To sum things up, I hope you enjoyed reading it. In case have missed a hiking trail in Colorado, feel free to share your thought in the comments.

Three Things To Consider When Hiking In Colorado

There are plenty of outdoor activities to do in Boulder, including hiking, biking, and other outdoor sports. Those planning to hike in the nearby areas need to prepare ahead of time. The outdoors is a place of solitude and peace, so please be courteous when visiting. Here are three things to consider when hiking in Colorado

Make Sure You Bring Plenty Of Water And Snacks

At high altitudes, it is crucial to stay hydrated while doing physical exercises. Hikers should drink 1 liter of water every 2 hours. A hot day may require more water. Be sure to pack extra water for your dog if you’re going on the trail with them!

A trail snack, along with staying hydrated, is a good idea. Keep your energy up during the hike by choosing snacks that contain both protein and carbohydrates. Among these types of snacks are things like peanut butter crackers, jerky, trail mix, and fruit snacks.

Follow Leave No Trace Principle

You must stay on the designated trails and pick up any dog waste or litter. Wildfires are more likely to occur in Colorado during the summer and fall months.

Be aware of fire restrictions and bans (including smoking restrictions) which apply in Boulder and all across Colorado. Respect all rules and regulations to protect the visitors, wildlife, and trails in parks.

Apply Sunscreen

Did you know that higher altitudes increase your chances of getting sunburnt? There is a smaller amount of atmosphere to protect you against UV rays.

If you’re going on a short walk, remember to wear sunscreen. Our recommendation is to use an SPF 30+ and to reapply it every 1-2 hours. You can also get additional sun protection by hats and sunglasses.