The Best Hikes in ColoradoDiscover Colorado's diverse hiking trails, from easy strolls to challenging treks! Explore scenic paths in Rocky Mountain National Park 🏞️ and conquer rugged peaks in the San Juan Mountains. The views never disappoint 🌟Authorskatherinebeard
DestinationsRocky Mountain National ParkItinerary

EASY

Tenderfoot Trailhead
Under two miles, this hike offers VIEWS at a lowkey pace! 1.6 miles, 275 ft.
See More
The Broadmoor Seven Falls
Right on Broadmoor Hotel property in Colorado Spring, this hike offers accessibility of all kinds… from elevators to paved walkways and even a trolley for those who are hit by the thin air 💨 It is a beautiful hike to do with people of all ages! It will cost anywhere from $13-$19 per person to enter, be sure to make a reservation ahead of time! 3.5 miles, 912 ft. (approx.)
See More
Oak Flat Trail
Explore this lesser known national park in Colorado… Black Canton of the Gunnison is famous for some gnarly climbing routes, but stay above the canyon to admire ribbons of rock on the trails 🪨 1.4 miles, 334 ft.
See More
Alberta Falls
This short hike rewards you with a gushing falls at the end! 💦 100% worth the trek.
See More
Bear Lake
Starting point for many trails, what better place to stop for a picnic while you’re adventuring through Rocky Mountain National Park. P.S. the stars out here are beautiful during a new or low lit moon 🌟 💫
See More
St. Mary's Glacier
Just outside of Denver, this is the perfect place to explore for a day-trip out of the city 🏔️ St. Mary’s is one of Colorado’s 16 glaciers and super accessible via this trail 🚨
See More
Saint Mary's Glacier (base)
Bring a swimsuit and jump into the lake at the top on a hot summer day 🌞
See More
Garden of the Gods
Orange rocks jut out of the Colorsdo Springs skyline! GoG (as the locals call it!) as expert climbing routes, moderate Charles paved walkways for many to enjoy 🧡 it can get really busy in the afternoon so if you’re an early riser, try for a sunrise hike through the park 🌄
See More
Blue Lakes Trailhead
The perfect day hike just outside of Breckenridge offers a great picnic spot! If you’re lucky you might even spot some mountain goats along the trail 🐐
See More
Zapata Falls
Deep in southwest Colorado, Zapata Falls is a hideaway from all of the sand at Sand Dunes National Park. This beautiful waterfall is a short hike that brings on the adventure as you wind through the towering walls on either side of you 🚿
See More

MODERATE

Hanging Lake
Worth the research, you need a permit to hike this trail! Beautiful cerulean waters meet the Rocky Mountains at this moderate trail… It rewards you with views at the top 🤩
See More
Dream Lake
This lake sits at the foot of the Rockies and can be visited during the summer or winter 🏔️ The lake acts as a mirror in the summer or an alpine skating rink in the winter ⛸️
See More
Ouray Ice Park
Ouray Ice Park is THE place for climbers and viewers alike! With opportunities to free climb or train, there is no shortage of thrill here in the winter ❄️🧊🥶
See More
Manitou Incline
Short, but deadly! This massive staircase in the side of the mountains is nestled just outside Manitou Springs… with over 2000 ft. of vertical in under 2 miles it will have you sweating!
See More
Emerald Lake
The top of the Three Lakes Trail in RMNP, it offers beautiful views of Longs Peak and vibrant waters below. Enjoy a sandwich or snack once you finally arrive up here 🤤
See More

HARD

Royal Arch Trail
Just outside of Boulder, Chautauqua is famous for the Flatirons 🪨 Get up close and personal with them on this trail and overlook all of Boulder!
See More
Mount Bierstadt
Considered one of the easiest 14ers, Mount Bierstadt will make you forget that you’re in Colorado! Be sure to pack snacks and lots of water 🥨💦
See More
Ice Lake Basin
Have you ever seen water this blue?! Tucked away near Silverton, CO this trail will lead you into the gorgeous San Juan Mountains to several lakes of different hues of blue 💙
See More
Blue Lakes
The hike up to Mount Sneffels, a Colorado 14er, has two main routes: one up the backside, or the scenic route that is filled with bright blue Alpine Lakes! in this case, take the road more traveled in order to spend time in this stunning landscape 🏔️
See More
Blue Lakes Trail
Blue Lakes Trail PICTURED HERE 😱
See More
Mount Blue Sky
Another 14er trail, just outside of the adorable town of Idaho Springs… offers beautiful views of the lake below and ruins of a restaurant that once was at the top! If the hike isn’t for you, but you still want to enjoy the views you can also drive up to the 14,000 foot Summit 😳🚘
See More
Conundrum Hot Springs
Mostly used as a backpacking trail, Conundrum Hot Springs will lead you into the elk mountains where you can enjoy a restful soak in the hot water after a long day 🧖‍♀️💦
See More
Willow Lakes
The perfect place to enjoy summer wildflowers or fall colors! Enjoy snacks by the beautiful lakes ⛵️
See More

Stays

Bradshaw Cottages
Bradshaw Cottages is a great place to stay if you are exploring the hiking trails near Fort Collins, just north of Denver. It is near the Bear Lake and Alberta Falls trailheads.
See More
Book
The Lodge at Breckenridge
The Lodge at Breckenridge is a great place to stay when visiting the hiking trails that are on the Front Range. It’s close to Blue Lakes trailhead and Tenderfoot Trailhead.
See More
Book
Ouray Riverside Resort • Cabins & Inn & RV Park
This resort is a great stay when hiking the San Juan Mountains and southwestern Colorado. Just 45 minutes from Telluride and 45 minutes from Silverton, it’s near the Ouray Ice Park and Ice Lake Basin.
See More
Book
Garden of the Gods Resort
This luxurious resort is the perfect place to come back and relax after a long day of hiking. It is located in Colorado Springs, overlooking the iconic Garden of the Gods Park and Pikes Peak. It is near Garden of the Gods, the Manitou Incline, and 7 Falls.
See More
Book

Outdoor Experiences

Sunrise Tour of Rocky Mountain National Park
This tour takes you up into Rocky Mountain National Park to watch the sunrise. It's a unique way to spot early-morning wildlife and get to the park before the crowds.
See More
Book
Private Geology Tour in Rocky Mountain National Park
This private tour focuses on the geological history of Rocky Mountain National Park. A guide will take you to amazing rock formations where you will get to learn about how they formed many years ago.
See More
Book