15 of the Best Hikes in Colorado

Are you looking for a great place to go on some of the best hikes? The beautiful state of Colorado has you covered! Home to numerous national parks and forests, the possibilities for experiencing nature are endless.

A few things to keep in mind before you hike:

• Check to be sure that the trail is open.

Some of these trails listed below are subject to seasonal closure due to weather conditions, risks of avalanches, etc. Check ahead of time so you’re not disappointed by a closure when you arrive!

• Check to see if you need a pass or make a reservation.

You don’t want to be thrown off by any fees to enter the park, so check ahead of time so that you know how much money to expect to spend. Some also require reservations, so make sure you research that ahead of your hike as well.

• Make sure you have all of the proper hiking gear.

From a backpack to the right shirt and pants, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to stay comfortable and prepared for anything that comes your way on the trail! Check out this post if you’re planning on hiking during the hot summer months for a guide on what to wear!

15 Best Hikes in Colorado

1. Boulder Falls Trail – Platt Park

Difficulty: very easy

Length: 0.3 miles

Route type: out & back

Elevation gain: 52 ft

Starting off our list of best hikes in Colorado is this super short trail located in Platt Park. This is a great option if you have young children and are looking for something short and easy for them. You’ll get to see a beautiful waterfall at the end of the trail!

2. Adams Falls Trail – Rocky Mountain National Park

Difficulty: easy

Length: 0.8 miles

Route type: loop

Elevation gain: 104 ft

Next on our list of best hikes in Colorado is this beginner-level loop that’s located in Rocky National Park. This is another hike where you will experience a stunning waterfall view. Horses are also allowed to use this trail, so keep that in mind if horseback riding is another activity you enjoy!

3. Canyon View Nature Trail – Castlewood Canyon State Park

Difficulty: easy

Length: 1.1 miles

Route type: out & back

Elevation gain: 49 ft

Another easy hike that’s great for all ages and skill levels in the Canyon View Nature Trail in Castlewood Canyon State Park. You’ll get to take in the sights of Colorado wildflowers and wildlife. Dogs are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash.

4. Blue Grouse Trail – Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Difficulty: easy

Length: 1.4 miles

Route type: out & back

Elevation gain: 249 ft

Great for nature walks and bird watching, this trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park is another good option for those who are looking for easy hikes. Whether you’re working your way up to more advanced trails or you’re simply looking for a place to explore in Colorado with your kids, you can’t go wrong here!

5. Devil’s Head Fire Lookout – Pike National Forest

Difficulty: medium

Length: 2.5 miles

Route type: out & back

Elevation gain: 885 ft

This is a fun hike if you’re looking for something a little more challenging with a little something different! This trail features the only fire tower lookout in Colorado that is staffed by the National Forest Service. Much of this trail is shaded, and it can be a great hike for seeing all of the fall colors!

6. Hanging Lake Trail – White River National Forest

Difficulty: medium

Length: 3.1 miles

Route type: out & back

Elevation gain: 1,187 ft

This is one of the best hikes in Colorado for those who are looking for something fairly short, so manageable, but takes a bit more time! This hike is more of a challenge with a steady incline and rocky terrain, but it is a great choice for those who are looking to up their game and test their limits as they progress to tougher hikes!

7. Emerald Lake Trail – Rocky Mountain National Park

Difficulty: medium

Length: 3.2 miles

Route type: out & back

Elevation gain: 698 ft

This is a popular trail and known as one of the best hikes in Colorado for its stunning views of mountains and lakes. While many people hike this trail in the late spring through early fall, you can also snowshoe this trail for a fun winter activity!

8. Bridal Veil Falls Trail – Uncompahgre National Forest

Difficulty: medium

Length: 4.8 miles

Route Type: out & back

Elevation gain: 1,368 ft

Looking for a longer trail in Colorado that leads to breathtaking waterfalls? Look no further than Bridal Veil Falls! Be sure you take your camera along so that you can get some stunning photos along the way. May through October are the recommended months for hiking this trail, so keep that in mind and plan accordingly!

9. Independence and Lost Man Lakes via Lost Man Loop – Hunter Fryingpan Wilderness

Difficulty: medium

Length: 5.5 miles

Route type: out & back

Elevation gain: 1,601 ft

If you’re searching for one of the best hikes in Colorado that’s dog friendly, this trail is a great choice! You’ll experience a beautiful lake view, but keep in mind that there is very little shade. Be sure you bring along plenty of sunscreen!

10. Glacier Gorge Trail – Rocky Mountain National Park

Difficulty: easy

Length: 5.8 miles

Route type: loop

Elevation gain: 1,138 ft

This is another great option for those who are building up their hiking skills and training to perform their best on longer and tougher hikes. Located in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park, this trail has some of everything—lakes, waterfalls, wildflowers, and more. There are a few rock scrambles, so keep that in mind and be sure you have proper hiking shoes before you head out!

11. The Incline Trail – Pike National Forest

Difficulty: hard

Length: 3.8 miles

Route type: loop

Elevation gain: 1,922 ft

While this trail isn’t long, it’s definitely a challenge so it’s only recommended for experienced hikers! This makes our list of best hikes in Colorado because of its stunning views at the top, and it also makes a great training trail for those who are working up to even longer, tougher hikes!

12. Mount Bierstadt Trail – Mount Evans Wilderness

Difficulty: hard

Length: 7.1 miles

Route type: out & back

Elevation gain: 2,729 ft

This advanced-level trail climbs up one of Colorado’s most well-known 14ers. While it’s not one of the longest hikes on our list, it is definitely a challenge, so don’t take on this hike unless you’re experienced! The views of the Rocky Mountains are some of the best and will be worth the climb.

13. Pyramid Peak – Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness

Difficulty: hard

Length: 7.2 miles

Route type: out & back

Elevation gain: 4,399 ft  

If you’re comfortable with a bit of climbing and rock scrambling, Pyramid Peak might be the best hike for you! With steep sections and switchbacks, this is a challenging trail that will test your skills and is sure to wear you out by the end. Make sure to bring along your water bottle!

14. High and Star Dune Loop – Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Difficulty: hard

Length: 8 miles

Route type: loop

Elevation gain: 1,309 ft

Another unique trail on our list of best hikes in Colorado is this hike in the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. This is a difficult hike through the sand, so be sure you’re in good shape and prepared for plenty of strenuous activity. Because you’re in the sand, you’ll want to be prepared for if the winds pick up. A bandana and high socks are best to keep you covered from pelting sand.

15. The Keyhole and Longs Peak via Longs Peak Trail – Rocky Mountain National Park

Difficulty: hard

Length: 14.8 miles

Route type: out & back

Elevation gain: 5,039 ft

Ready to test your limits? This may be one of the most challenging hikes topping off our list of best hikes in Colorado! You’ll need some rock-climbing experience to tackle this one, so keep that in mind. Be sure you have all of the climbing equipment you need, including a helmet to keep you safe from falling rocks!

That wraps up our list of best hikes in Colorado! Explore a few of these the next time you visit this beautiful state!