With hundreds of trails to choose from, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. This guide cuts through the noise with 25 incredible hikes in Colorado near Denver—ranging from an easy half-mile lake stroll to an epic 11.2-mile round trip from East Inlet to Lone Pine Lake. There is something here for every skill level and every kind of adventure.
Chris and I have hiked these trails—some of them multiple times—and Colorado never gets old. You don’t have to venture far from Denver to find stunning mountain views, waterfall hikes, alpine lakes, and trails that make your Instagram followers genuinely jealous.
About This Guide
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Chris and I have hiked most of these trails over the years—some multiple times—so you can trust these recommendations come straight from the trail. I’ve done all the leg work for you (pun intended) to find the best hikes in Colorado near Denver. This guide covers everything you need to plan your adventure in the Centennial State:
- 25 incredible hikes in Colorado near Denver
- Hike distance, elevation gain, difficulty, and permit requirements
- Local tips to help you make the most of every trail
- Best time of year for each hike
- Colorado trail gear list and backpack recommendations
25 Hikes in Colorado Near Denver from A to Z
This collection covers real scenic variety—rivers and streams, thundering waterfalls, alpine lakes, and plenty of wildlife sightings along the way. Whether you’re building your Colorado hiking bucket list or just looking for a great day on the trail, these hikes deliver.
While most are accessible year round, Denver winter hikes require some advance preparation—the Rocky Mountains don’t mess around in winter. Be sure to check reservation requirements before you head out, and if you’re planning a bigger Colorado adventure, don’t miss my complete Colorado Road Trip guide for the best stops across the Centennial State.
Spoiler Alert * It is cold in the Rocky Mountains in the winter!
1. Alberta Falls Trail
Alberta Falls is one of our family’s favorite easy hikes; it is only one out of a handful of hiking trails with waterfalls in the state. This family-friendly hike is great for all ages. Discover more family-friendly hikes in RMNP. The trailhead for Alberta Falls is at the Glacier Gorge Junction. Due to the popularity of this hike, this parking lot is often full.
Alberta Falls is one of the most popular hikes in all of Rocky Mountain National Park, and you will need to be sure to have a timed-entry reservation to the park during the summer months and specifically to the Bear Lake Road Corridor to access the trailhead.
PARKING OPTIONS: Once you enter RMNP, park at the Park & Ride at the beginning of the Bear Lake Road Corridor and take the shuttle bus up to the Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead or to the Bear Lake Trailhead. You may think taking the shuttle bus is just a suggestion, but the Park Rangers WILL turn you back at the entrance to the Bear Lake Trailhead parking lot in the busy summer months. Just saying.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.6 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 250 feet
- Best time to visit: May to October
It was only a couple of years ago that Chris and I discovered via the AllTrails App that the trailhead continues on past Alberta Falls to Mills Lake, Black Lake, and Lake Haiyaha.
2. Alberta Peak Trail
This popular trail is a section of the Continental Divide Trail #813; the Alberta Peak: Continental Divide National Scenic Trail begins at Wolf Creek Pass just outside of South Fork, Colorado. The trailhead STARTS at an elevation of 10,857 feet!
Chris had checked the weather for us and knew that rain and thunder would be coming our way later in the afternoon, so we wanted to make it to the top and be hiking back down the mountain to avoid the worst of it.
Continue on by following a narrow path along the edge of the mountain. The views here are breathtaking as with many of the hikes in Colorado. The weather cools a bit at the top with fewer windbreaks. You will want to bring something warm to put on.
Once you reach the top of Alberta Peak, there is the final scramble over huge rocks and boulders to reach the tip top of the peak. You may find it to be a little precarious.
While this is not one of the easy hikes in Colorado, I love this hike. It deserves a top spot as one of my favorite hikes AND as one of the best hikes in Colorado near Denver!
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 5.8 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,187 feet
- Best Time to Visit: May to October
3. Bear Lake Nature Trail
The hike around Bear Lake is a nature trail that counts as one of my favorite easy hikes. Set off in a counter-clockwise direction to follow interpretive guides published by the Rocky Mountain Conservancy. The guides provide historical, natural, and geological information at 30 different marked spots along the trail.
The interpretive guide is a small booklet that can be purchased at the trailhead. You’ll find this trail is family friendly and perfect for the little hikers in your life.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0.6 mile loop trail
- Elevation Gain: 42 feet
- Best Time to Visit: All year long
4. Bierstadt Lake Trail
There are a number of options when you choose to hike to Bierstadt Lake. The easiest option is an out and back hike beginning from the Trailhead at Bear Lake.
Another option is the loop hike around Bierstadt Lake that begins at the Bierstadt Trailhead. Be aware that you begin with an immediate 600 foot elevation climb as you take switchbacks up the Bierstadt Moraine. This hike is 3.2 miles in length.
A third option is to begin your hike at the Bear Lake Trailhead and hike to Bierstadt Lake and then down to the Bierstadt Trailhead (If you hike around the lake that will add to the distance of your hike). This hike is approximately 2.5 miles.
Shuttle buses within the Bear Lake Road Corridor of RMNP make frequent stops here for pick ups and drop offs as well as at Glacier Gorge. Perfect for accessing many of these hikes in Colorado near Denver.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate from the Bear Lake Trailhead
- Distance: 4.4 round trip to the lake (add more if you hike around the lake)
- Elevation Gain: 255 feet
- Best Time to Visit: June to October
5. Black Lake
Black Lake makes a popular destination for backpackers, campers and hikers alike. This hike—NOT one of the EASY hikes in RMNP—continues on past Alberta Falls and Mills Lake and is considered to be a challenging hike.
If you are looking to test your endurance on one of the best hikes in Colorado, then Black Lake is a good choice for you.
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Distance: 10.0 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~ 2,200 feet
- Best Time to Visit: June to October
6. Deer Mountain Trail
The Deer Ridge Junction is about 3 miles west of the Beaver Meadows Entrance in RMNP just outside of Estes Park. You can park along the roadside at the trailhead. This hike features 1,400 feet of elevation gain and pretty much starts climbing from the trailhead. You might argue, “You’re climbing a mountain! It is going to be steep.” True, but usually the elevation gain is not quite so dramatic.
The view from the top is pretty fantastic. You look down on one side of the mountain to the town of Estes Park and over a vista of Rocky Mountain National Park in the other direction.
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Distance: 6.0 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet
- Best Time to Visit: Not in the Winter!
7. East Inlet Trailhead to Lone Pine Lake
You WILL need a RMNP reservation in the summer months!
This is one of the hiking trails with waterfalls in RMNP; be sure to stop first at Adam’s Falls.
As you venture past the waterfall, the East Inlet hike opens up to a beautiful meadow of tall grasses. A small river meanders through the meadow. After passing through the meadow, the trail begins to climb significantly.
You may want to rest for a bit once you reach Lone Pine Lake, eat some snacks to build up your energy, and take some pictures before starting your return trip back.
After such a hike, you’ll love pulling off your hiking boots and sinking into the seat of your car. Congratulations on a hike well done.
- Difficulty: Starts out Easy—Becomes Moderate
- Distance: 11.6 miles out and back
- Elevation Gain: ~ 1,700 feet
- Best Time to Visit: Year round in the meadow, May to October to Lone Pine Lake
8. Garden of the Gods: Siamese Twins Loop Trail
Colorado Springs is home to the amazing Garden of the Gods—supernatural red rock formations that create one of the most unique and picturesque parks in the world. “The Garden” is simply breathtaking and offers some pretty awesome hikes in Colorado.
The Siamese Twins Loop Trail is 0.5 miles long with great photo opportunities. If you are looking for fun and easy hikes with your kids this trail is popular for walking and exploring.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0.5 miles out and back
- Elevation Gain: 104 feet
- Best Time to Visit: May to October, open year round
9. Hanging Lake Trail
One of the iconic hiking trails with waterfalls in Colorado is Hanging Lake outside of Glenwood Springs. Is this hike on your Colorado hiking bucket list? If so, you will definitely need a reservation.
Be prepared to climb steps and boulders up through the canyon. There are only a few level sections along the way—and seven or eight bridges to cross.
I recommend that you hike first to the source of Hanging Lake—Sprouting Rock Falls. As you can imagine from the name, the waterfall springs right out of the side of the mountain. You can walk behind the falls and explore the area. After taking some pictures, climb a short way back down to Hanging Lake which is skirted by Bridal Veil Falls. The water is a stunningly clear blue with little fish swimming around. Benches are provided.
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Distance: 3.1 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
- Best Time to Visit: May to October
10. Lake Haiyaha Trail
Chris and I found Lake Haiyaha in the summer of 2021. It has since become my FAVORITE hike in Rocky Mountain National Park and one of the best hikes in Colorado near Denver. Not only because of the scenery in getting to the lake but also because the lake is a stunning turquoise blue.
Chris and I hiked past the trail to Lake Haiyaha a number of times before finally adding it on after our hike to Nymph Lake, Dream Lake and Emerald Lake along the Dream Lake Trail. Lake Haiyaha was the lake that caused a quick intake of breath as we scrambled over giant boulders to reach it.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Distance: 4.0 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 846 feet
- Best Time to Visit: June to October
11. Lake Isabelle Trail
You will need reservations at Brainard Lake Recreation Area to hike to Lake Isabelle via the Pawnee Pass Trail.
If you arrive at the ranger station without a reservation, you can still enter but will have to park at the lot outside of the park entrance and hike at least 2.5 miles in to reach the trailheads.
The Isabelle Trail will likely be busy with young hikers, families, inexperienced hikers…lots of people. It seems to be one of the favorite easy hikes; definitely one of the best hikes in Colorado near Denver for many people.
Start at the Long Lake Trailhead and hike a short 0.15 mile to reach the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. Just beyond that is the Jean Lunning Trail Junction. Stay to the right if you want to continue on to Lake Isabelle. Long Lake is the destination for many families.
The trail grows in difficulty as you reach the West Jean Lunning Trail Junction and continue on to Lake Isabelle. You will find yourself traversing rock fields, walking on snow, skirting over rocks along the shore line and then beginning a climb up to the falls toward the base of the glacier.
Hiking poles will make a huge difference, especially walking across the snow pack and keeping from sliding down the hill into the lake! Keep your eyes open as moose are often in the area.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 5.5 out and back
- Elevation Gain: 551 feet
- Best Time to Visit: May to October (there will still be snow in spots)
12. Lily Pad Lake Trail
The first part of the hike in the Eagle’s Nest Wilderness—just outside of Silverthorne, Colorado—is a rather steep incline up to the trailhead. In fact, that’s a lot of your elevation gain right there. The rest of the trail is one of the easy hikes in Colorado.
Follow the trail through the forest, past an occasional creek, through a few clearings, and next to a few tall lodgepole and aspen stands. As you near the first lake, home to hundreds of lily pads, the trail descends slightly. Mid to late June is the best time to see the vibrant yellow water lilies in full bloom.
You can continue on to the second larger lake that has a small “beach” area and excellent views of Buffalo Mountain to the west.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 3.3 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 396 feet
- Best Time to Visit: May to October
13. Lily Lake Loop
Lily Lake is just over 6 miles outside of Estes Park within the boundaries of Rocky Mountain National Park. We have never needed a reservation to hike this family-friendly, fully accessible trail.
It is one of the easy hikes for all ages and skill levels.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0.8 mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 10 feet
- Best Time to Visit: May to November
14. Lumpy Ridge to Gem Lake
Lumpy Ridge is found on the north side of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. From the Lumpy Ridge trailhead, the path climbs for a sharp ascent and then an equally rapid descent down into the valley of the MacGregor Ranch. The trail continues to be fairly flat along the Black Canyon Trail and is considered one of the easy hikes in the area.
The MacGregor Ranch is located within the authorized boundary of RMNP. Be mindful that it remains as private property. Gem Lake has neither an inlet or outlet stream. It is formed instead by trapped snowmelt as well as rainwater that collects in a basin carved out of granite cliffs that surround the lake.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 3.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
- Best Time to Visit: May to October
15. Manitou Incline
All hikers are required to make a FREE online reservation prior to climbing the Manitou Incline. Check the link for parking options as well; parking at the base of the incline is not free.
Most people refer to this hike as simply “The Incline”. This strenuous hike is no joke. If you are not acclimated to the Colorado altitude, you may find this climb extra challenging with over 2,000 vertical feet to the summit. Consider it the stairmaster workout from hell! This is NOT one of the EASY hikes in Colorado!
Once you reach the summit, you will be met with confetti. Just kidding. But congratulations on the climb! The Incline Trail connects to the Barr Trail for a scenic, but steep, 3-mile path back down to the base of the mountain.
- Difficulty: Extreme
- Distance: ~ 4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,020 feet of elevation gain with 2,744 stairs
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime the incline is open and conditions are good
16. Maroon Bells – Scenic Loop Trail
Maroon Bells is among the most beautiful places in Colorado and should be on your Colorado hiking bucket list. There are a number of easy hikes in the area; the Scenic Loop Trail is perfect for families and anyone wishing for a nice meandering trail.
If you are looking for some fantastic photo opportunities, visit Maroon Bells in the fall, early in the morning, or at the evening golden hour.
What are the Maroon Bells? Considered to be the most photographed mountains in North America, this series of 14,000 foot, bell-shaped, wine-colored peaks tower above the pristine Maroon Creek Valley,
You will need to have a reservation to visit Maroon Bells from May to October.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 49 feet
- Best Time to Visit: May to October
17. McCullough Gulch Trail
Parking is a bit of a challenge for this hike outside of Breckenridge, Colorado. You will want to park in the lot for the Quandary Peak and McCullough Gulch trailhead. From there, you’ll walk in 1.5 miles on a road to the actual trail head.
You will start this hike at an 11,000 elevation and continue up to almost 12,000. Even as Coloradans who are acclimated to the altitude here, when Chris and I hiked this trail, we had to stop for frequent breaks as we climbed up and up and up. It was definitely NOT one of the easy hikes.
We scrambled over large boulders, rocky trails, lots of roots across the path and finally made it to the Upper Blue Reservoir. Talk about how to make you feel as though you are in the worst shape ever!
The “lake” was unimpressive and rather anticlimactic, but as one of the hiking trails with waterfalls it was beautiful.
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Distance: ~ 6.4 miles round trip (add 3 miles round trip if you hike from the parking lot)
- Elevation Gain: 1,607 feet
- Best Time to Visit: May to October
18. Mills Lake Trail
The trails to Mills Lake continues on past Alberta Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a great hike with outstanding views any time of year. Be prepared in the winter months with your Colorado trail gear list.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: Mills Lake 5.4 miles; Loch Vale 5.7 out and back
- Elevation Gain: Mills Lake 780 feet; Loch Vale 1,040 feet
- Best Time to Visit: May to October (Winter if you want to try out new crampons!)
19. Mitchell Lake Trail
Hiking to Mitchell Lake in July offers abundant wildflowers and possibly a moose sighting. The trailhead is located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area and you will need a timed-entry reservation.
This is NOT one of the easy hikes in Colorado as you scramble over rocks, ford streams, and walk tentatively across snow pack hoping you don’t sink to your knees. Mitchell Lake will be your first destination, but if you look ahead on your map and see that the trail leads to Blue Lake and then Little Blue Lake, you might just keep going.
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Distance: ~ 6.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,443 feet
- Best Time to Visit: June to October (there will still be some snow)
20. Mount Margaret Trail
Chris and I hiked the Mount Margaret Trail on January 2, 2021 with the wind nipping at our faces.
If you choose this trail, it is one of the relatively easy hikes. The path is nice because you don’t feel as though you have to watch your footing every step of the way. As you reach the end of the trail before turning around, you can scramble up the rocks to the top of Mount Margaret.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 7.5 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 542 feet
- Best Time to Visit: April to November (but January works too)
21. Ouzel Lake Trail
To reach Ouzel Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, you will pass by Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades, and Ouzel Falls—fairly easy hikes on their own. Because this is one of the hiking trails with waterfalls, the trail is often busy.
This is one of the incredible hikes in Colorado near Denver that is pretty popular in the summer months. Parking will be crazy too. And yes, you will need a timed-entry reservation as it is in Rocky Mountain National Park outside of Allenspark.
After moving past Ouzel Falls, the trail opens up and you will encounter fewer and fewer hikers. The hike to Ouzel Lake takes a couple of hours if you are moving at a moderate speed.
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Distance: 10.2 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,695 feet
- Best Time to Visit: May to October
22. Perimeter Trail in Ouray
If you plan to hike the Perimeter Trail in Ouray, Colorado and want to join the trail close to the Visitors Center in Ouray, you should know that it is pretty much a steep ascent up the side of the mountain just to get to the trail. Except for this steep ascent on this part of the trail, most of the trail can be classified as one of the easy hikes in Colorado.
One feature of the trail is that you can join or leave the trail at many different points around the perimeter and simply walk back into the main area of town.
As one of the hiking trails with waterfalls—Cascade Falls—it may be fairly busy with all ages and skill levels of hikers.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 6 mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 1,512 feet
- Best Time to Visit: May through October
23. Sand Dunes National Park: High Dune Loop
You should definitely add hiking at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve to your Colorado hiking bucket list.
There are not many hikes in Colorado near Denver where you get to sink into a mountainous sandbox of epic proportions. Be prepared for the calf burn as you hike the dunes.
Note * The sand can be as hot as 150° in the summertime. Chris wore only water shoes for this hike and regretted that decision the whole time. He had hot sand in his shoes nonstop. Wearing socks with his water shoes would have helped a ton. And a “ton” seemed like the amount of sand collecting in my shoes.
We climbed part way up the dunes, watching many young people and families sand sledding on the dunes and then pulling out the wax to add another layer to their board for another trip down. Sledding is a commitment. You have to be willing to hike back up to the the top of the dunes once sledding down.
Hiking to the very top of High Dune Loop is difficult. There is no designated standard trail here, you’re basically just trying to find the easiest way to the top along the ridges of the dunes.
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Distance: 3.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 643 feet
- Best Time to Visit: May to October
24. Ypsilon Lake
To hike to Ypsilon Lake enter Rocky Mountain National Park through the Fall River Entrance Station on Highway 34. Turn right at the sign for Old Fall River Road.
If you are hiking to Ypsilon Lake, the trail begins at the Lawn Lake Trailhead. The switchback trail skirts up the side of the mountain behind the Alluvial Fan and follows Roaring River for approximately 1.4 miles until you reach the junction for Ypsilon Lake and Lawn Lake. The Ypsilon Lake Trail heads off to the left.
Give yourself plenty of time for either of these two hikes. Ypsilon Lake is 9 miles round trip and Lawn Lake is 12.6 miles round trip—neither are easy hikes.
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
- Distance: 9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,424 feet
- Best Time to Visit: June to October
25. Zapata Falls
Let’s just say that if you want to drive your small car or sedan up the road to the Zapata Falls parking lot, you are doing so at your own risk. We drove our Honda Pilot, and even then I hoped it would make it through some of the ruts and potholes and around or over the big rocks in the road.
While the trailhead to Zapata Falls is not very far from the parking lot, the path is almost as crazy and bumpy as the road itself, but lots of families with young children make the hike as it is one of the easy hikes.
Among the hiking trails with waterfalls, Zapata Falls is unique as you have to walk upstream through the river to get to the falls. I saw so many people not equipped as they walked in flip flops, bare feet, or soaked their tennis shoes. Be safe.
The falls are gorgeous. One of the must-do hiking trails with waterfalls. I thought I thought l had a good view of the falls, and then as people moved out of the way and it was Chris’ and my turn to move forward, I walked a little further upstream and looked up.
Awesome. It was totally worth the effort. And I am not a get your feet wet in freezing cold water kind of girl. Our water shoes were great for the rocks in the river, just know that if you happen to step on a wet log, the water shoes may not work quite as well. Just saying.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0.9 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 213 feet
- Best Time to Visit: April to October
Colorado Trail Gear List
Be prepared for your Colorado day hikes by packing the “Ten Essentials”. Don’t be caught unprepared.
Amazon makes it easy to buy your hiking gear online. Check out my Amazon Storefront for my recommended hiking equipment.
- Plenty of extra water and a Camelbak hydropack. These also come as a hiking backpack with hydration pack. Zipfizz packets are great to add to your water for a little extra oomph. You would need a water bottle.
- Snacks
- Extra sun protection – This include sunscreen, a hat/visor, and sunglasses
- Hiking or trekking poles
- Rain jacket
- A bag to pack out all of your trash: fruit peels/cores, snack bags, toilet paper, and other waste.
- A camera. I bring my camera and my phone when hiking. Check out my camera gear recommendations.
- A backpack – Chris and I both love our The North Face Recon Backpacks
- Hiking boots are essential for all hikes in Colorado—sturdy, comfortable footwear. Chris loves his Merrells. I am breaking in a new pair of Oboz.
- Fleece layer or puffy jacket (depending on the time of year) – If you are planning winter hikes in Colorado, you really need winter hiking equipment.
- There is a Hiking and Cold Weather Gear section on my Amazon Storefront. Fleece ear warmers will be your best friend.
- Hikes in the winter means you also get to be in the cool kids crampons club (they are so helpful)!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some tips for hikes in Colorado?
1. Start early in the day so you deal with fewer hikers on the trails and avoid the afternoon storms that can come in quickly.
2. Check the weather before you leave for your hikes.
3. Acclimatize to the Colorado altitude.
Where are the best hikes in Colorado in Denver?
Everywhere! But if you want to pick one location, Rocky Mountain National Park has dozens of hikes—easy hikes to moderate to challenging.
What is the best time of year for hikes in Colorado?
While you can hike all year long in Colorado with the right preparation, hiking between June and September when trails tend to be snow-free is optimal.
What is the most scenic route in Colorado?
There are so many options, but if you have to pick two, I would suggest Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park and Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.
What are some things you should NOT do while hiking?
1. Don’t be a loud and obnoxious hiker
2. Don’t litter
3. Don’t drink alcohol
4. Don’t ignore medical conditions as you hike
5. Don’t pee in streams!
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Lace Up & Hit the Trail
Colorado hikes have a double meaning when it comes to “breathtaking”—the scenery will stop you in your tracks and the elevation will remind you that you’re not at sea level anymore. Whether you’re a casual Sunday hiker or someone who considers a 10-mile day a warm-up, this list has something worth adding to your Colorado hiking bucket list. Before you head out, grab my free Day Hike Packing List so you show up prepared for whatever the trail throws at you.
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These hikes look incredible! The Colorado landscapes look amazing! I’d love to hike to see Sprouting Rock Falls, it looks like such a magical waterfall! Thanks for the wonderful guide, I ope I’m able to visit Colorado some time to tick a few off my bucket list!
We have loved hiking in Colorado. Twenty years and we still haven’t run out of new hikes.
I’ve always wanted to spend at least a month or even more in Colorado and do as many hikes as possible. This is a fantastic list of hikes, the views are amazing and the waterfall ones as just stunning. I really hope I can do a few of them in the future, so thank you for sharing this list!
I’m sure you can find hikes that you will love here. Rest up those feet!
I hope to make it back to CO one day! Pinned for when I do 🙂
Oh, I hope you do. There are so many amazing things to see and do.
Oh this is my sign to take a trip to Colorado. I have only been to Denver, but would love to explore more. Such a great list of hikes! Pinning so I have this guide when I visit again!
Thanks for pinning. I am sure you would love trying out some of these hikes.
These hikes look amazing. I want to go so bad! I love Colorado. Haven’t been there in about 10 years. I think it’s time to take a trip…
Yep, it is time to come back to Colorado.
Beautiful trails and hikes in Colorado! We have done Hanging Lake but that is it on this epic list. Thanks for sharing.
That is an awesome hike for sure. We happened to hike it last month before all of the mud slides have caused damage. Here’s hoping it will recover quickly.
I hope that the world begins to open back up to travel so you can come visit Colorado.
Wish I had had this list for our last Colorado road trip! We didn’t get to do half of these and I would’ve loved to! Ouzel Lake looks absolutely stunning! Can’t wait to hike there again.
Hope you can make it back soon!
We are doing a road trip to the west coast in the fall and hope to stop in Colorado. I am saving this post for potential hikes in Colorado along the way. I love the variety and amazing scenery to be found.
You won’t be disappointed.
This is such a helpful guide. I love the way you’ve set out the difficulty and best time for each hike, makes planning so much easier.
Well, some people might find the hikes easier or more difficult, but hopefully it is a general guide.
Such great hikes. Would love to do one of the hikes in winter. I love walking on a frozen lake (or river) although I hope I don’t get wet feet.
These hikes look awesome! I’ve maybe only done half of these. RMNP really has some gorgeous trails, and I especially love ones with waterfalls, so I’ll have to add Alberta to my list next time we go!
I’ll be hiking up past Alberta Falls this weekend. Check my Instagram feed for an updated photo or two.
Lone Pine Lake in the snow is now on my bucket list! Thank you for the inspiration. I just can’t wait to get back to Colorado!
At least the meadow in the snow is awesome. The 11-mile hike to the lake would be a challenge for me.
this looks so awesome, i could definitely use some of this colarado air!
Well, it is filled with California smoke right now. Fingers crossed it blows out of here soon.
I have never been to Colorado, but it seems amazing! I would love to see all those waterfalls and lakes.
I hope you can come and see for yourself! Colorado is pretty amazing.
I love Colorado! I got to go there 2 years ago and would love to go back to visit someday! Out of your list, I’ve only done the Lily Lake Loop + Zapata Falls so far, but definitely hoping that’ll change soon!
I would love to visit Colorado one day! I am saving your post for the future.
So very beautiful! I’d love to visit Colorado! Congrats on hitting your hike goal! 22 hikes since January is impressive!! Great guide!
Thanks! We are planning for hike #26 tomorrow!
That’s exciting you get to plan a trip back and cool that you plan travel so far in advance!
Wow, 21 hikes in a year? Honestly, I’m impressed! And most of these places look stunning, so I can understand why would you like to do more of it. Well done!
This is such a great post! I love that hiking goal you set too, how fun! My husband works out of Colorado, so I’ll keep these hikes on my radar for the next time I tag along on one of his work trips. Thanks for sharing!
Those hikes look stunning, and with your detailed guide with information like difficulty and time to visit! This guide got everything I’d need to plan for the trip, will definitely save this for future when I’m planning my trip to Colorado!
Colorado has so many hikes. I could do a number of posts on all of the amazing hikes here.
This is a great list of amazing Colorado hikes, and I love all the details you’ve included – had to laugh at the Zapata falls tip about wearing a sports bra, LOL! We have a hike near us like that, too.
I love your curated list of the 15 most breathtaking (literally and figuratively) hikes in Colorado! Gorgeous photos and appreciate your insider’s tips and recommendations.
These photos are unbelievable! Great summary of different places to visit.
Thanks. The pandemic gave us a great opportunity to explore Colorado more.
We’ve hiked many of these and loved them! So many amazing trails in CO!
Such an inspirational post. I hope to make it to Colorado very soon.
Wow there are so many awesome hikes to choose from here! We visited Glenwood Springs years ago and found it to be an incredible place. I wished that I had known about the hike there? Thank you for a great read, will have to get back out there someday soon!
I always love going on a hike and these recommendations look just perfect! Will definitely save this for the moment I visit Denver 🙂
This is a great list! I have actually been to Colorado many times but haven’t spent much time hiking. I’ll have to save this list for my next trip!
If I can get to Denver this year for a business trip, I want to hike Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park and Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Great post!
Colorado is so picturesque and has so many great hikes! I haven’t made it to Colorado yet but Estes Park always calls to me!
Oh my goodness they are all so beautiful. It’s hard to decide which ones to pick. The East Inlet Trailhead to Lone Pine Lake looks incredible. Thank you so much for sharing. This really makes me want to visit Colorado to go hiking!
Wow! Lake Haiyaha is stunning!! I need to visit!
These hikes look amazing – which one to choose first?
Colorado is my absolute favourite state, and would love to be able to live there. This is probably one of the most beautiful in the USA.
If I ever visit Colorado, I will make sure to go to Alberta Falls.
When in the fall do you have to start being worried about snow in the national parks?
It varies. You could get snow as early as September or later in October.
We definitely would want to head out for some hikes when we finally make it to Denver. I love the variety in sights on the hikes you found. And great to know there are some for all skill levels!
You always have the best hiking guides, and this one did not disappoint. There are so many great options for hikes near Denver. Lake Haiyaha would be my first stop. It looks so beautiful.
Great list! We’ve never tried Zapata Falls, so adding this one to our list. One of our other favorites near Denver is Herman Gulch, especially when the wildflowers are in bloom.
These hikes look amazing. I like the detail you provide on each, especially the difficulty level. izzy
So many incredible hikes. I love detailed information which makes it easier to plan your itinerary. Thanks for sharing!
So many great hikes! I would enjoy doing some of the easier ones. The scenery along these hikes is stunning, especially Hanging Lake.
So many beautiful places to hike in Colorado! Such a gorgeous state 🙂
Fantastic content!