Hiking In Southern Colorado – Colorado is known for its extensive hiking trails and mountain ranges that people from all over the world come to see.
The state is famous for peaks called fortineri, at least 14,000 feet high, which people climb. Southern Colorado is home to at least 24 14-year-olds in the entire region.
Hiking In Southern Colorado
There are two main mountain ranges, the San Juan Mountains in the southwest and the Sangre de Cristo in the east.
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Mount Kit Carson and Cape Challenger of the Sangre de Cristo range, located near West Cliff, are on the west side of the range. Located outside of the town of Creston, this trail is a challenging 4.5 mile trail that will take you halfway to the summit.
“Most people hike to the lake, camp overnight, climb two peaks the next day, then spend another night at the lake before descending,” says Bob Falcon, a Colorado Springs-based hiking expert. . Email
The lake-to-summit trail was updated after a multi-year project by the Rocky Mountain Field Institute under contract with the US Forest Service.
On the east side of the Sangre de Cristo range is Humboldt Peak, which is 14,065 feet high. The trail is 11 miles round trip and starts at County Road 120 and leads to the South Colonial Spur Trail in Custer County.
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“Experienced users with a suitable four-wheel drive vehicle can drive to the South Colony Trail, but driving beyond the trailhead is otherwise not recommended,” Falcon said.
There are three trails south of the mountains, including Blanca Peak, Ellingwood Point and Little Bear Peak in Alamosa County. These trails are very difficult and are recommended for experienced hikers and climbers.
The routes usually last several days and start at Lake Como, followed by a long climb to the peaks.
Little Bear is one of the fourteen hardest to complete. It is located more than 6,000 feet above the San Luis Valley.
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This carries a high level of rockfall risk, but there are alternative routes that are much safer.
The San Juan Mountains, located in Hinsdale County, is one of the largest ranges in the state and includes approximately 14 different peaks of varying length and difficulty.
These include easy hikes such as Handy’s and Red Cloud Peaks. Because these are less strenuous hikes, the trails tend to be busier than others.
“These are beautiful, beautiful walks. They are beautiful and relatively easy, which draws people from all over the state to hike,” said Jill Mattoon, president of the Pueblo Chapter of the Colorado Mountain Club.
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Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs is one of Colorado’s most famous fourteener peaks and the most difficult to hike, as the trail is 23.5 miles long and 14,115 feet high.
People can reach the top of the mountain by car, train or on foot along the Bar trail.
The peaks serve as a backdrop for local attractions such as Colorado Springs, Fort Carson, the US Air Force Academy and the Garden of the Gods. Where are the best hiking trails near Denver? We have compiled a list of over 20 hiking trails that are approximately 30 minutes from the city center. These hikes offer a variety of scenery, from the red cliffs of South Valley Park to the cottonwoods along the Highline Canal, you’ll see expansive views of the Flatirons or aspen-covered meadows near Evergreen. There are even a few trails that take hikers above the city to see the distant snowy Rockies or downtown Denver below. See this page for an overview. But that’s not all, as each hike has a detailed page with trail maps, driving directions and photos.
Let’s start with a family favorite. Bear’s Lair is the best name for any park near Denver. Our family found the perfect spot for a quick escape from the city and an afternoon picnic in the summer shade along Bear Creek. The short drive to Bear Creek Canyon is beautiful. The trail follows Bear Creek, so keep an eye out for eagles, small birds also known as ospreys, that dive underwater to feed.
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If you’re looking for a challenging peak hike that’s only 35 minutes from downtown Denver, Bergen Peak is a great option. Bergen Peak is located on the western edge of Elk Meadows, near the town at the base of Evergreen. It’s an instant escape from the summer heat, and from the top there’s a beautiful view of the meadows below and the mountains to the west. The trail has seasonal dog closures, so be sure to check out the full trail profile for full details.
Bluffs Regional Park is located in south Denver in the town of Lone Tree. If you’re in town on business, it’s just minutes from the Denver Tech Center, near Hyke Cabelas. A few hundred yards from the trail, you’ll start to see great views of Denver and the western foothills. This is a wide dirt trail that eventually leads to a wide plateau with incredible views of the Front Range Mountains. Look for forage grass, especially in the late afternoon and early evening.
Located in the heart of Castle Rock, about 30 minutes south of downtown, the Castle Rock Trail at Rock Park leads to the base of the rock that gives the town its name. Stop and explore the rock conglomerates that make up this massive crag and enjoy views west of the city, to Devil’s Head and beyond to the Front Range.
If you’re up for a real hike, Chimney Gulch, near the town of Golden, is only 25 minutes from downtown Denver. Watch paragliders take off from the top of Mount Zion and catch the wind at its base.
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Looking for more waterfalls near Denver? Explore our 50+ waterfall hikes in Colorado, our favorite waterfall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, or 7 waterfalls within an hour of Denver.
Clear Creek Trail was a great experience for our little ones. The first segment in the center of Golden is paved, and after exiting 470, it turns into a dirt road. You can plunge into the cool waters of Clear Creek and watch kayakers race down the chute. If you are lucky, you may be able to attend the annual water rescue training.
Deer Creek is in the foothills south of Ken Carrell in Littleton Valley. Combine the Meadowlark and Plymouth trails for a short hike. If you live in the suburbs south of Denver, this loop is a great place to take your dog for a walk after work.
The Plum Creek Trail follows its namesake for 6 miles through the town of Castle Rock. Our family often chooses Plum Creek Trail over the small trail along Meadows Parkway to walk or bike after work and school. The path serves as an artery connecting the eastern and western parts of the city. Tall poplars and isolated pines rise above the meadows around the stream.
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Not far from the town of Evergreen, at the foot of Bergen Peak, there is a fairground. Elk Meadows are aptly named, so check the fields occasionally to see if you can spot a grazing elk. A great walk to see the colors change and one of our favorite dog walks near Denver.
If you’re looking for wide open spaces, you’ll find them in Flatirons Vista, just south of Boulder. The view of the distant Flatirons formation rising above these meadows is breathtaking. We describe just two of the many trail options that lead off the Flatirons Vista Trail. Parking is charged in front of the trail and there is absolutely no shade – so don’t forget your sunscreen.
One of the best hikes for our dog because it’s close to the highway, small, and has a 17 acre off-leash dog park next to it. Note the view of Devil’s Head to the west, Longs Peak to the north, and Pikes Peak to the south.
The High Line Canal Trail runs 66 miles south and north of Denver and the city, forming a downtown waterfront area. This section of the High Line is located at Highlands Ranch and is accessible from the trailhead along County Line Road. Just two miles southwest leads to historic Flynnby Park, a restored old house with a pond and picnic area.
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Get our daily walks in addition to our Denver walking guide. It includes our favorite hikes near Denver, packing lists, food and breakfast ideas for hiking, and tips for hiking in the Colorado Front Range.
Off Interstate 25 in the town of Castle Rock, you will.
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