Best Hiking In Colorado Springs – Where to go on vacation in Colorado? There are hundreds of ways and places to choose from and it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the 10 best places to hike in Colorado. They range from an easy 1-mile hike at Maroon Bells to a challenging 8-mile round trip to a waterfall in Rocky Mountain National Park. You’ll find real variety in this collection of hiking trails, perfect for planning your Colorado vacation. Be sure to download our free Travel Guide to help you plan and pack smart for your day trip.
1. Maroon Bells E Hiking Distance: Five trails: 1-13 miles round trip, depending on route Driving time from Denver: 4 hours Difficulty: Moderately easy
Best Hiking In Colorado Springs
The Maroon Mountains offer many hiking trails and some of the best hiking trails in Colorado. This Rocky Mountain region is full of waterfalls, lakes, golden aspens, all against the backdrop of the Maroon Bells peaks. Check out our Ultimate Guide to the Maroon Bells which details various hiking trails, camping options and transportation information.
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2. Hanging Lake Hike reopens June 25, 2022 (reservations required) Distance: 2.4 miles Round trip from Denver: 2 hours 45 minutes Difficulty: Moderate.
Hanging Lake is a short but challenging hike to two waterfalls and one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. It’s definitely worth the three-hour drive south to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, the best family vacation spot in Colorado. This is the most popular spot in all of Colorado, so be sure to arrive early to park. Our Hanging Lake trail guide will give you tips and detailed information to make this day a great family memory.
3. Hike Alberta Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park Distance: 1.6 miles round trip from Denver Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Medium
If there is only one waterfall to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park, Alberta Falls is a good choice. It is very popular among short walks in the park. From Lake Alberta, tourists have the option of continuing to explore places such as the Loch, Timberline Falls and the Glacier Gorge area, all of which are featured on Dayhikes near Denver.
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4. Fern Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park Distance: 5.4 miles Round trip from Denver: 1 hour 40 minutes Difficulty: Medium
Fern Falls is located in the eastern part of Rocky Mountain National Park. The waterfall crashes over rocks and fallen trees, moss and ferns, as it descends through the forest, spraying a beautiful mist along the way. Tourists can go past Fern Falls to Fern Lake, another scenic spot in this important part of the National Park.
Looking for other waterfalls near Denver? Check out our 50+ waterfalls in Colorado, our favorite waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park, or 7 waterfalls in one hour in Denver.
5. Fountain Valley Trail at Roxborough State Park Distance: 2.3 miles Driving time from Denver: 45 minutes Difficulty: Easy
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Maybe you’re looking for a trip near Denver. The Fountain Valley Trail in Colorado’s Roxborough State Park is the Denver Garden of the Gods. Big pink and orange rocks against the blue sky, even in the rain or fog, the Fountain Valley Trail feels like a trip to a happy kingdom. As in Rocky Mountain National Park, pets are not allowed in this park, and a State Parks Pass or daily fee is required for all participants.
6. First and Second Hie Flatirons in Boulder Distance: 2.6 miles Round trip from Denver: 45 minutes Difficulty: Medium
Looking for something a little more challenging? A ride on the Flatirons Trail near Boulder, Colorado, takes hikers through a green meadow, then passes through the area between the first and second Flatirons. Behind the tree is a shaded alcove where you can enjoy views of the snowy front of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.
7. Devil’s Head Fire Lookout Hike Distance: 2.8 miles Round trip time from Denver: 1 hour and 15 minutes Difficulty: Medium
Best Family Hikes Near Denver, Colorado
Devil’s Head Trail is a trailhead on the Colorado Front Range and is just an hour from downtown Denver. The climb of 143 steps to the volcano can be intimidating, but the beautiful 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains is worth it.
8. Hike Timberline Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park Distance: 8 miles Round trip time from Denver: 2 hours Difficulty: Difficult
Climbing Timberline Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park is challenging but rewarding. The road passes Alberta Falls on the way to beautiful Loch Vale. Many tourists go past Timberline Falls to the mountain lakes beyond. Check out the full details on this Rocky Mountain National Park adventure.
9. Four Lakes and Waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park Distance: 6.4 miles Driving time from Denver: 2 hours Difficulty: Medium
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This 6.4 mile hike in RMNP takes you past four beautiful subalpine lakes and Alberta Falls, one of the park’s most visited waterfalls. If you are looking for a trip with great value for money, and you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, this can be a great option and a chance to enjoy different places and places.
10. Monarch Lake Loop Hike Distance: 4 miles Driving time from Denver: 2 hours 50 minutes Difficulty: easy
If you’re vacationing in Winter Park or Granby, the Circle Walk Around Monarch Lake is the perfect day trip. The Monarch Lake Loop takes hikers through shady forests, across streams and along the lake shore. It’s one of the easiest but most unique ways in this area. Monarch Lake is a popular destination for activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and backpacking in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Since this tour is very popular, be sure to arrive early or go during the week.
Aaron Johnson has been touring in Colorado for over 20 years. Day Trips Around Denver Owner and editor Aaron documents each trail photo as a local guide who has traveled hundreds of miles across the Front Range and deep into the Colorado Rockies. A hike in Colorado Springs will take you to amazing waterfalls and past the red rocks of the Garden of the Gods with the snow of Pikes Peak filling the blue sky. Because Colorado Springs sits directly at the foot of the hills, there are many trails within the city limits. You can be out of the car and on your way in minutes. If you live in the Denver area, Colorado Springs is just one hour south of the city.
Best Hikes In Colorado Springs
Blodgett Peak requires a challenging 3.2-mile hike up a rocky trail to the summit where hikers get sweeping views of Pikes Peak, Rampart Reservoir, and the United States Air Force Academy. Located in the northwest corner of Colorado Springs, Blodgett Peak is a local favorite for those looking for a serious workout or to enjoy a 360…
The hike to Catamount Falls is a 2.8 mile hike in 25 minutes outside of Colorado Springs. This waterfall tour takes hikers to three different waterfalls and two different rivers that flow from the heights of Pikes Peak. It’s a fun weekend game, and a great opportunity to eat breakfast at the Green Pantry…
The Crags Trail takes hikers on a gentle 2-mile path to the granite summit on the shoulders of Pikes Peak to view the snow-capped peaks. A shady spot perfect for families and out-of-towners, the Crags showcase summer wildflowers in the mountain meadows. See full details on the Crags park below for road maps, car routes,…
Eleven Mile State Park sounds like the proverbial “hiding in plain sight”. Located along highway 24 between Colorado Springs and Buena Vista, this round trip blesses visitors with breathtaking beauty. Hiking the 3.5+ mile trail offers a wonderful buffet of Colorado’s great outdoors: cottonwood and evergreen forests, meadows, rocky bluffs, mountain views, …
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The Fallen Timbers Loop is an easy 2-mile hike near Colorado Springs with great views of Pikes Peak. It’s a great family outing because of the shade from the ponderosa pines and the nearby playground at this Fox Run Regional Park hike. Search the complete travel guide for road maps, driving directions and tips. Trail Snapshot: Wawa…
Garden of the Gods is probably the best place to visit in Colorado Springs. The park has been designated a National Natural Landmark, and is known for its red sandstone formations and beautiful views of Pikes Peak. Hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, bird watching and rock climbing are some of the activities that can be enjoyed here. This Garden Guide…
Helen Hunt Falls in Colorado Springs is a 35-foot waterfall
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