Attempting this hike in the winter is a serious mountaineering undertaking and should not be done without any experience. While hiking in snow or mud, gaiters can be great to throw over your pants as well. The amazing part about hiking in Colorado is that not all hikes need to take a full day. Even for someone that lives in Colorado, anyone can get altitude sickness when hiking up high, most commonly above 8,000 feet. When people think about epic thru-hikes in the United States, one that might remain on the backburner is the lesser-known Florida Trail. The Royal Arch is a spectacular rock formation that forms an arch. Many hikes in Colorado are accessible with a 2-wheel drive vehicle. The High Dune gives a spectacular view of this one in a kind national park. Please be sure to visit the RMNP website for more information on the current permitting process for parking and entrance to the park. The Best Winter Hikes For Seasoned Hikers . This is by far the most photographed spot in Colorado. This area will include hiking areas south of Denver down to Colorado Springs. About 20 minutes outside of Silverton, CO. Many hikes include short drives from the Denver metro area, or from tourist towns in the mountains. While shorts may be more comfortable for lower elevation hikes in the heat, It is advisable to wear long pants, regardless of the outside temperature. The hikes in this area are commonly at higher altitudes and will often start at 9,000 or 10,000 feet above sea level. This is hike is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by very experienced hikers. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: Thank you! Season: June, July, and August. The rock formations are spectacular, and there is so much to see in a short distance. Season: All year round, most popular in the summer. Be on the lookout for more articles in the future for the best 14er hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. This famous park near downtown Colorado Springs is a must-see. There are plenty of amazing hikes in Colorado, but this one will be very different. At 14,440 feet of elevation, this is the highest point in all of Colorado. This is one of Colorado’s most famous lakes. Most hikers set out in the wee hours of the morning when it’s still dark. This is probably the most popular 14er hike in the Denver region. Note that from mid-June through September between 8:30am – 5:00pm, a shuttle is required to take to the trailhead. Sneffels allows one to get a great sense of just how vast the San Juans really are. Summer thunderstorms are very common on Mount Elbert and can prove to be fatal. Location: San Juans, near the town of Telluride. As was mentioned above, some roads are closed for portions of the year, it is important to check on those closures. Thunderstorms can be incredibly dangerous, and even fatal. This hike comes into condition during July and August. These geographical regions are subjective, but will provide a good layout of hiking in the state. This stunning hike brings one to one of the few remaining glaciers in Colorado. This is an amazing hike in the San Juans that features two incredibly blue and green lakes that are surrounded by towering peaks. From the the deep Black Canyon of the Gunnison, to the highest point in Colorado on Mount Elbert, there is a lifetime of hiking to explore. Huashan is considered one of the most dangerous hikes on Earth, with as many as 100 lives lost on the trail each year. This also has a high concentration of popular 14er hikes. Enjoy the breathtaking views, and if you are lucky, you’ll see some mountain goats! Be sure to check road conditions. The Best Winter Hiking Boots For 2021, 5. The descent can be quite dangerous, watch out for loose rocks. Be sure to admire the sunflowers in the summer. Mt. For the more alpine regions, spring can either still be winter, or it can be very muddy. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! There are many different items one should bring hiking while in Colorado. Let’s start with some common questions about hiking in Colorado. When hiking above treeline, it is incredibly important to watch the weather and be off the summit before 2pm. Colorado Springs also has a great number of hikes close to town and is under the shadow of Pikes Peak, a 14er. This hike includes two different 14ers! Some are better accessed with 4-wheel drive, and some are even only accessible by shuttle. Popular fall hiking can be found in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and near the towns of Vail and Aspen. That’s why they call it breckenwind! During the summer of 2020 there is permit system to enter RMNP. Share with us your thoughts in the comments section! As with any hiking day, it is especially important to drink lots of water and make sure you are eating enough. This is a family friendly hike that should not be missed in Colorado. This hike is very challenging due to the high starting elevation, and its elevation gain of over 4,000 feet. Most hikers will start hiking around 3am in the summer. The views from Mount Hua are stunning, although those brave enough to step out onto the Plankwalk tend to find that it's best not to look down. The intense heat of the summer makes the high altitude areas prime for late afternoon thunderstorms. For more information about hiking in the Boulder area, check out our article on the best hikes in Boulder. Avalanche terrain should be taken very seriously. Evans. Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Legal Notice | Terms Of Use, 10 Best Hikes in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, 20+ Best Hiking Shirts For Day Hikes + Backpacking Trips, The Best Trekking Poles For Day Hikes Or Backpacking Trips, 7 Best Hiking Fanny Packs For Day Hikes In 2021, Best Hiking Gear: Top Picks For Spring 2021, Vasque Breeze All-Terrain Low GORE-TEX Hiking Shoes, The Ultimate Guide to the Best Hiking Knives, 10 Best Hiking Sandals For Men: 2021 Guide, Best Hiking Backpacks: Your Ultimate Guide For Spring 2021, 7 Best Solar Chargers For Hiking And Backpacking, 15 Best Rain Jackets For Hiking + Backpacking In 2021, Best Backpacking Water Filters + Purifiers, Best Hardshell Jackets For Hiking + Backpacking, 2. If you are looking for a quick way to escape the city, this is a great region to hike in. Only about a 1 hour drive from downtown Denver. This incredibly large region includes some of the highest and most rugged hiking in the state. This will prevent injuries while hiking on rocky ground. The centerpiece of the park is Engine No. One can experience snow storms in June, warm weather in February, or even a sunny summer day interrupted by intense thunderstorms. At over 1,000 miles from Big Cypress National Preserve to Fort Pickens at Gulf Islands National Seashore, learn all about the most dangerous hike in Florida. Hikes here range from short walks in Boulder’s Chautauqua park to hiking Longs peak, a 14er. Location: I-70 corridor, a little under 3 hour drive from Denver. This road is only open in the summer months. This hike itself is rather short, but the views are impressive. This is one of the more difficult 14er hikes in the state. But what’s surprising is that so many hikers and even Florida residents haven’t even heard of the hike! The Mount Evans wilderness areas has plenty of stunning views and great hikes. Weather, accessibility, hike difficulty, length, and elevation gain are all factors to consider when choosing a hike in Colorado. If you get an early start, you can park at the Maroon Lake parking area. This is a great resource released by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt. It is very crowded, but also a very well maintained park. Stick to the scenic loop trail around Silver Lake, and you'll be treated to lovely waterfront views and the sounds of the forest. Being that is a an overview of the best hiking in Colorado, this article could go on for days. Regardless of the hike and weather conditions, you should always bring extra layers, extra food, and a first aid kit. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. There are 54 peaks over 14,000 feet in Colorado, and all of them have challenging hiking options! Location: Northern Front Range. The altitude combined with lots of elevation gain makes for a tough hike. (The Center Square) – Few, if anyone, enjoy paying taxes, but those in West Virginia might feel a little better than others with one of the nation’s smallest effective real estate property tax rates, according to a recent study. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. Season: May-November is ideal. Fall can quickly turn to winter in some areas of the state. There is a chain link “rope” to help with the steepest section. This area is known for its heavy winds. It is important to always bring extra layers and a waterproof jacket while hiking in Colorado. It provides stunning views of three different lakes and Hallet Peak, a 11,00 foot mountain that is popular amongst rock climbers. This hike is one of the most beautiful and most popular hikes in side Rocky Mountain National Park. The turquoise coloring is unlike anything else in the state. Season: All year round. Season: Best to hike in summer. For more information, please visit the town of Glenwood Springs website. 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. It covers more than 39,000 miles of trails on public land, as well as private land with public access. Just hike the path of least resistance! While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. Snowshoes are recommended in early season. This large area will include hiking near the popular ski resorts of Colorado. There is a fee to enter to the park and parking can be limited during peak season. Fall is one of the best times to hike in Colorado. Become educated on the topic, and be sure to keep an eye on those hiking with you. Spring can be a tough time to hike, depending on the conditions. Heavy snowfall shuts down the majority of hiking in the alpine environment due to avalanche concerns as well as intense cold weather. Hopefully, this provides a great introduction to some of the best places to hike in Colorado. The crown jewel of the front range is Longs Peak. While there is plenty of hiking all year round, hiking into the high alpine is best during July and August. There are also great groups on facebook that post trail conditions. Pants will also be nice to have in case of a rogue thunderstorm. This is available as a desktop version as well on Iphone and Android. Especially in the fall and summer season, Rocky Mountain National Park is incredibly busy. The hiking in this area is challenging, but the views are stunning. Due to the high exposure of this hike, be sure to bring plenty of warm clothes with you, all year round! This Florida thru-hike remains one of the most dangerous hikes in the state and is not for the faint of heart. There's a small shrine to explore at the end, but do be sure to take care. It is not a bad idea to wear a climbing helmet for the 3rd class scramble, as there are lots of loose rocks. Long’s Peak in Colorado is one of the state’s most impressive 14,000-foot peaks one can climb. Love Florida? It also depends on the snow year. Compared to the rest of the country, cell service in Colorado is not that great. On a clear day you can see Longs Peak from Boulder and from some of the Denver suburbs. Have you heard about this dangerous hike before? There are many different factors to consider while hiking in Colorado. It is a good idea to look into purchasing a mode of communication for emergencies such as a SPOT or a Garmin Inreach. This trail is accessible in the winter, but due to road closures it would add upwards of 7 miles each way. It is extremely steep. This is called the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). Be sure to have the right education and the right gear. Ultimate Guide to the Best Hiking Knives. Although, winter lasts a long time in the high country. Harry P. Leu Gardens In Florida Is Hosting The Ultimate Dinosaur Invasion This Spring, You’ll Want To Visit Issac Farms, A Dreamy Succulent Farm In Florida This Spring, Florida’s Glampground Getaway, Coldwater Gardens Is Truly One-Of-A-Kind, The New Korean-Style Chicken & Beer Joint In Florida, Gangchu Will Satisfy All Your Cravings, This Just Might Be The Most Beautiful Hike In All Of Florida, 8 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Florida Should Take, The Heritage Trail In Florida That’s Perfect For An Autumn Day Ride. Rock climbing is Class 5. Whether you’re looking for hikes to a waterfall, a secluded walk in the woods, or a full day adventure up a 14er, there are endless options for all levels of hiking experiences. While not a very challenging hike, this hike is on our list because of how unique it is. If you are traveling in or under avalanche terrain, be sure to be educated on avalanche safety. There is also a shuttle service in the summer and fall seasons. Location: For the purpose of this article, this would be in the San Juan section, but Mount Elbert is really in the Sawatch Range. Location: I-70 corridor, outside of the town of Aspen. From there you are only a few hours from incredible hiking destinations! The Florida Trail Is The Single Most Dangerous Hike In The Entire State. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Be sure to remember to bring $5 for the parking fee at this location. Towards the summit there may be a few rocky sections, be on the lookout for loose rocks. For more information please visit the RNMP website. Mount Liberty (4,459′) Trail: Liberty Springs Trail Difficulty: Difficult You will need to check in at the South Rim visitors center to get a permit. The Mount Evans wilderness area is a great place to make for a full day of hiking, and driving up to some spectacular exposed views. The following hikes are in no particular order and will provide some background information on hike length, difficulty, and accessibility. Towns like Telluride, Silverton, and Durango will be nearby for hiking in this region. This leaves one exposed to lightning strikes, which causes about 2 fatalities per year in Colorado. Microspikes For Hiking + Traction Devices, 4. This is one of the longer hikes on this list, but it's still totally easy and doable. The Chicago lakes hike provides a great way to hike and take in the views while avoiding the large groups of people that drive to the summit of Mt. Being on an exposed ridge top on a late summer day is one of the most dangerous places to be while hiking. These massive sand dunes rise out of the ground and lay low beneath the Rocky Mountains. Some of the best fall colors can be seen in this area. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! One can hike all year round in Colorado. Expect this hiking area to be very busy. This could be the most popular fall hike in Colorado. Be prepared to not have cell service while you hike. A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. The next section will now include some of the best hiking in Colorado. The train stands as a reminder of Colorado's railroad and mining past. Some Colorado State parks and all National Parks have fees to enter the park. For shorter hikes, FlagStuff has several tips: “If someone could only do one short hike at the Canyon, I’d have to suggest the Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge (3 miles total roundtrip) or Skeleton Point (6 miles total), or Grandview Trail to the first overlook (about 2.5 miles roundtrip, but a much more rugged trail). While summertime is the best time to venture into higher altitude hikes in the alpine, the summer also has its dangers. The decimal notations range from 5.1 (easiest) to 5.14 (most … For some parts of the state, it is starting to get warmer, and the flowers are blooming. Snow can last on this hike well into June. Most high alpine roads will open up in June each summer. Snowshoes can be helpful after heavy snowfall. Beautiful waterfalls seep into the brightly colored lake. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. There are different difficulties of hiking for all levels and interests. This is a must do in the San Juans if you are up for a challenging hike. Snowshoes and micro-spikes can be used on higher elevation trails well into May. Spring or fall can call for micro-spikes for the hike. Season: All year round. Generally speaking, the “high country” is referred to as the area at 9,000 feet and above. Most popular in summer and for fall colors in late September. 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. The road is open all year round, but for best conditions, plan to do this hike in June, July, and August. 35% percent of land in Colorado is public land or a whopping 23 million acres. Location: Northern Front Range. The weather is very unpredictable in Colorado. Mountains above 14,000 feet are known as 14ers. Sneffels is a Telluride classic and is one of the 14ers in the area. If you are looking for some of the most dramatic mountain views in the United States, the San Juans are the place to be. Location: I-70 corridor, not very far from Denver. With thousands of hikes in Colorado, there is no way all of them can be featured in this article. Here are the regions we will use. Some hikes may recommend hiking poles, or even a helmet while scrambling on more technical hiking trails. The magnificent Maroon bell mountains tower over Maroon lake. Fall would be the best time to make this hike. This has arguably the highest concentration of accessible hikes in the state due to the Boulder area as well as the Indian Peaks Wilderness, and Rocky Mountain National Park. It might be the only hike in the state to safely do barefoot! This is a heavily trafficked area, so be sure to get there early. You can learn more about avalanche forecasting and avalanche safety at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. A 4×4 vehicle is a must to get up to the trailhead. Location: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. For example, if you were flying in from sea level, it would be dangerous to try and hike a 14er the next morning. A few miles from downtown Boulder, CO. 30 minutes NW from Downtown Denver. A small, packable rain jacket can be great to throw in your pack. Not all public lands are free to enter. This hike is for experienced hikers only. This is the high country so be sure to bring extra layers and drink plenty of waterfall. Read breaking headlines covering politics, economics, pop culture, and more. Depends on road conditions and the seasons snowpack. Here comes the big question! Others also have parking fees. These hikes are much harder to get too but provide more solitude and more adventure than hiking in other parts of the state. In many parts of the state, fall colors highlight the woods. Location: Northern front range. The hike is as difficult as it is rewarding and it can be considered one of the best hikes in Colorado. Or if you’re looking for more information about this thru-hike, then check out the Florida National Scenic Trail website. Where should I hike in Colorado? If adventure is what you’re after, that’s exactly what you’ll find in Colorado Springs – home to premier destinations such as Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and Red Rock Canyon Open Space. This area is roughly the region south of I-70 and encompasses a huge area. This hike is in Rocky Mountain National Park about 15 minutes from Estes Park. Due to the hikes popularity, you must have a permit to hike the trail between May and October. Hikes near towns such as Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen will be included in this area. Generally speaking, if the hike is on National Forest land, there will not be any fees associated with accessing the hike. This is another great 14er hike to do in the I-70 area. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. Because the hiking is on sand, there isn’t much of an established trail. Quick rainstorms and thunderstorms are also not uncommon up in the high country. If you are in the area for this hike, it is worth it to drive to the summit of Mt. While hiking in Colorado, it is advisable to wear hiking boots that give your feet and ankles good support. A fantastic way to explore hiking trails on public land in Colorado is via the Colorado Trail Explorer App. There are two main lakes to visit on the ice lake basin trail hike. This hike turns into more of a technical adventure towards the summit, as it involves a 3rd class scramble. The majority of hiking on Mount Elbert is above tree line. Season: Summer. Even for such a short distance, expect this hike to take 3-4 hours. Both are great options, feature several steep sections, but rise to the summit relatively quickly. If you are flying into Colorado, Denver International Airport is the best option. It is recommended to go early in the morning or late in the evening. Thank you! Located inside Rocky Mountain National Park outside of the town of Estes Park. Aspen, Colorado is obviously known for its Aspen trees! Trekking poles can be helpful for this steep section. Evans as well. This is a great way to have a visual look at all of the trails in the state. Much of this land has developed hiking trails, spanning 12 National Parks, 41 State Parks, and 58 mountains above 14,000 feet. Location: Start of the I-70 corridor. It is very important to be off of the summit in the early afternoon to prevent exposure to thunderstorms. For the purpose of this article, we will divide the state into different regions and look at some of the best hikes in different parts of the state. Be sure to be physically prepared for this hike. Colorado has some of the most incredible hiking in the country. Be on the lookout for mountain goats in the summer. Be sure to be off of the hike in the early afternoon before the thunderstorms, as the hike is nice and exposed. From the the deep Black Canyon of the Gunnison, to the highest point in Colorado on Mount Elbert, there is a lifetime of hiking to explore. A lighter snow season will allow for earlier season hiking. Find the latest U.S. news stories, photos, and videos on NBCNews.com. Dependent on the seasonal opening of Independence Pass. It is tough to narrow down the best Colorado hiking trails and hikes, but you definitely can’t go wrong with any of these ones. Location: San Juans. The views from the tower at the top are gorgeous. So, what do you think about The Florida Trail? The view from the summit of Mt. Generally speaking, areas above 9,000 feet in spring time are definitely still covered in snow. Royal Arch is one of the most popular local trails, and provides some of the best views in the area! Different public lands have different guidelines and restrictions, so it is important to be familiar with the area that you are hiking in. Be sure to have checked the forecast multiple times, and do always bring extra layers as well as a rain jacket.
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