Sophia May
Best Easy Hiking Trails In Colorado – From wanderers to migrants who moved here for the outdoors, no one loves their mountain like Coloradans. Here are our picks for the best day trips from Denver, from easy hikes in the foothills to the 14th highest in the state (and the second highest peak in the United States). All Colorado hikers should watch the altitude and make sure they drink water and don’t push their bodies beyond their comfort level. Also be aware that afternoon storms are common in summer and especially lightning. Climbers should plan to get up early and climb the mountain at noon before the weather changes.
The Trading Post Trail is one of the easiest and most family-friendly hiking trails on this list, but it’s still a great way to get out of Denver, stretch your legs, take in the fresh air, and even visit. Also famous Red Rocks Amphitheater. Less than 20 miles from downtown is the small town of Morrison and one of the country’s top concert venues. The whole area is a public park (Red Rocks Mountain Park) and is known as the big rock that grows from the foot of the mountain. South of the amphitheater is the Trading Post Trail: a well-maintained 2.8-mile loop with beautiful views. Be sure to get there early because everything closes at 2pm. On concert days, more often in the summer months.
Best Easy Hiking Trails In Colorado
About 30 miles west of Denver is the outdoor mecca of Boulder. The historic village of Chautauqua is located below the Flatirons, with spectacular views and many attractions in the area. Some easy trails wind from the Chautauqua Ranger Station through the Bluebell Mesa, and many just walk until they want to turn. If you want to have a goal in mind, the first Flatiron Trail is about 2.9 miles with a nice view over Boulder and the Royal Arch is 5.2 miles. Note that according to the beauty of Chautauqua and Live U.S. US-36, these are the most popular tourist routes from Boulder. Flatirons are also loved by mountaineers, so keep your eyes peeled for people climbing ropes or soloing in front of rocks.
Best Hikes In Rocky Mountain National Park
If you have two cars, our favorite is the Mesa Trail from Chautauqua to Eldorado Springs (or vice versa). This 10.7-mile hike covers ancient boulder lands with views of the Flatirons, the Foothills and Denver. Just drop a car at the end of the road, park on the other side and you have a great climb up the hill in Boulder. And don’t forget to stop at Pearl Street on your way out of town to celebrate your day out.
This national landmark just outside of Colorado Springs is another example of the magnificent red rock formations that lie between the mountains. Way from the center visitors wind through the park with short hiking trails everywhere (some roads are paved, but you can turn off the main road to avoid crowds). Cathedral Valley is one of the most attractive areas in the park and Longs Peak can be seen in the background on a clear day. The Garden of the Gods is great for families: the full route is about 4 miles, but the climb is easy and the parking lot is not far. For more privacy and similar views, the Red Rock Canyon Open Space is just 2 miles south.
It can be argued that Brainard Lake is the true beginning of Rocky Wilderness. The ascents are at the foot of the mountains – as beautiful as they are – but Brainard feels like an impressive Colorado: stunning alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks, spring and spring wildflowers. Hot and cold air. Brainard can be crowded due to the high mountain experience, but for more solitude you can walk through the boards and tables near the parking lot and to Mitchell and Blue Lakes (Blue Lakes is 1.5 miles from the Mitchell Lake trailhead). The bonus is a nice drive on Peak to Peak Highway, but beware of the high altitudes that come straight out of Denver.
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of Colorado’s jewels and Emerald Lake is one of the best short day walks in the park. Leaving the Bear Lake trailhead at an elevation of 9,475 feet, it traverses Nymph Lake and Dream Lake with views of Longs Peak in the distance. 2.8 miles from the trailhead and at an elevation of over 10,000 feet, the stunning Emerald Lake appears. The lake is fed by Tyndall Glacier, one of the five active glaciers in the park and a great place for lunch and sightseeing. For hiking in the area, the nearby Flattop Mountain Trail crosses the Continental Divide and is 13.6 miles around the Bear Lake Trailhead. For both hikes, be sure to leave early or use the bus as the parking lot will fill up quickly. Also note: From spring to fall, scheduled entry is required to drive into the RMNP (unless you have a reservation for a service such as camping or excursions), so plan ahead in advance.
Best Hikes In Colorado In 2023 With Secret Local Tips
Less than two hours from Denver on I-70, Breckenridge is our favorite mountain town in Colorado. A weekend in Breck is fine, but you can take a day trip to Mohawk Lake with plenty of time to get back to town. Elevation is a factor here: Mohawk Lake below is 11,861 feet and Mohawk Lake itself is 12,110 feet. If you can climb the mountains vertically, the view is spectacular of the Colorado mountains, lakes, the Alps, wildflowers and wildlife. Popular in the area ends with hiking opportunities and views of the Pacific and Crystal Peaks, which are embarrassing for more than 14 situations. Peak diggers staying in Breckenridge can climb near 14er Quandary Peak, the 13th highest mountain in the state.
Length: 9.2 miles single trail to Fern Lake trailhead; .8 miles to Fern Creek car park
To beat the crowds in Rocky Mountain National Park, take a look no further than Bear Lake to Fern Lake, a one-way walk. The park offers a free and efficient transportation system: due to altitude reasons, most hikers start at Bear Lake and end at Fern Lake and take the bus back to their car (the bus runs from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., from spring to fall). Those who choose this walk will be rewarded with beautiful countryside, alpine lakes, waterfalls and expansive mountain views. The 2012 Fern Lake fire, caused by a fire at an illegal camp in the countryside, caused heavy damage to vegetation around the lake. However, things recover quickly and this should not be a deterrent for those who choose to climb the mountain.
Adjacent peaks Grace and Tory are the 14 most accessible peaks (over 14,000 feet) in Colorado and the two highest peaks on the continent. With I-70 heading at 11,280 feet, the climb up the Grace and Saddle to Tory was tough but manageable for many hikers (again, the climb was a huge struggle). The easiest ascent begins at Grays and Torreys on Stevens Gulch, just 3 miles from the state. The road to the trailhead can be rough in some places – if you have low traffic, it might be a good idea to park in a dirt spot near the highway exit and drive by other climbers. On the way up to the top of Mount Grace comes first and it’s easy to skip the haunting to Tori if you’re tired or the weather looks suspicious (the falcon requires a second climb). The total traverse distance is 8.4 miles and the two peaks are over 14,270 feet high.
Best Hikes In Colorado, From Alpine Meadows To Otherworldly Rock Formations
We don’t have Longs Peak on our list here because it’s classified as a climb, not a climb. The popular keyhole has many 3rd grade stairs: climbing or climbing without ropes when ropes are always a good idea. Because of its difficulty, a large number of people (approximately 50%) who try to climb to the top are unsuccessful. However, the magnificent Lake Chasm lies below the famous Diamond Wall of Longs Peak in a stunning rock circle that offers a view of Longs Peak that is probably more beautiful than you can see from the top of the mountain. You will also likely see fewer people there. The trail is also a great place to see wildlife, including monkeys, sheep, mountain goats and mammoths. Conditions fluctuate at all times of the year, so be prepared for wind and cold weather, even in summer – and be sure to check the forecast before you go: the high face of Longs Peak prevents views of the storm returning from the east.
At 14,439 feet, Mount Elbert is the highest mountain in Colorado and the second highest in the United States (Mount Whitney, California, is first at 14,505 feet). Outside Colorado, Mount Elbert does not exist.
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