Top Colorado Hiking Destinations

Colorado is full of spectacular hiking destinations. This state is home to at least 5,683 miles of mapped hiking trails and 41 state parks, 4 national parks, 8 national monuments, 13 national forests, and 8.3 million acres of public land. Throw in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world (OK, we’re a little biased), and you’ve got a dream scenario for hiking.

• Check out our wildflower hiking recommendations.
• Top Family hikes in Colorado.
• Hiking near Denver.

Hiking for All Types

One of the greatest parts about hiking in Colorado is there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re packing your ultralight gear and hitting the 500+ mile Colorado Trail or just trying to get some energy out of the kids so they fall asleep at bedtime, Colorado has beautiful trails for everyone, and we can guarantee there are hiking destinations close to you.

Glamorous Hiking Destinations

Of all the natural beauty in Colorado, two hiking destinations might be the most photographed. The first is Hanging Lake, near Glenwood Springs. This incredibly beautiful lake is a stunning emerald green and was formed by a geographic fault that gives the lake its unique, breathtaking appearance. The hike is only about a mile long each way, but that mile includes about a thousand feet of elevation gain, so be prepared to sweat.

The second classic hiking destination for exquisite photographs is Maroon Lake. If you’ve ever seen a photo of a reflective alpine lake with two mountains rising on either side, you’re probably viewing a picture of Maroon Lake with the gorgeous Maroon Bells that frame it. Both these destinations require a reservation, so you’ll have to plan to obtain a permit but believe us, you won’t regret it.

And hey—if the tourist hotspots aren’t your thing, you’re in luck because Colorado is bursting with scenic views and jaw-dropping natural beauty to capture with your camera. You’ll get that perfect selfie. We have faith in you.

Hiking Destinations for the Family

One of the most challenging parts of hiking with little ones is not the length but the elevation gain. Rifle Falls State Park in Garfield County has some fantastic short trails with less than 100 feet of elevation gain and the trio of 60-foot high waterfalls the park is named for. Rifle Falls is also home to several limestone caves just past the falls, which explorers of all ages can venture into after a short hike on the Coyote Trail. Make sure to bring headlamps and flashlights!

Other stand-out hikes perfect for the family are found throughout the state. Depending on where you travel, check out our recommendations and add a stop or two for a family hike.

Off the Beaten Path Hiking Destinations

The 10th Mountain Hut Association has 34 huts and cabins across the Rocky Mountains, some of which are about an eighth of a mile away from parking, but others are deep in the backcountry. Each hut has its personality and level of amenities, from the most rustic options without electricity or running water to some with solar power, wood-burning saunas, and flush toilets. Getting there is half the fun when you stay in one of the huts. They’re all technically connected by 350 miles of trail, and you’ll find terrain of various difficulty. Some of the huts are deep in high-altitude backcountry, meaning they have lots of elevation gain and require lots of preparation beforehand. You’ll need to pack in food, a sleeping bag, water, and emergency gear, but cabin camping doesn’t get much further from the beaten path than some of these huts. They are an excellent hiking destination, especially if you prefer cabin camping. Usually, they’re a great way to make friends with other campers. Reservations are required, and rules can vary from cabin to cabin. Go here for more information about the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association and to make a reservation.

History Buff Hiking Destinations

Colorado is full of history, and there are several ways to include historical hiking destinations in your road trip through the state. Mesa Verde National Park, in the southwest corner, is an amazing preservation full of cliff dwellings and other historical artifacts. You can take guided tours or opt for the self-guided walking tour, which involves climbing ladders and hiking between sites.

Ghost towns abound in Colorado, mainly from the historic silver gold rush days of the mining boom. While some are accessible by vehicle, others have become inaccessible unless you have an OHV… or a pair of feet and a little conviction. The ghost town of Carson, near Lake City, is accessible via the Wager Bulch Road off Road 30 from Highway 149. The seven-mile out-and-back trail culminates in an abandoned town with many intact structures that look much like they did in the late 19th century when the gold and silver mines were running strong. A hike to Carson is scenic and unique, and you’ll find not just the town but also great views of the Weminuche Wilderness Area and the Rio Grande Pyramid.

Are you interested in even more historical destinations? Please check out some more top historical destinations to add to your itinerary.

Refreshing Swim or Take a Dip Destinations

You should note that swimming at higher elevations, no matter the time of year, is liable to be downright cold, thanks to the snow runoff and mountain springs that feed many of our alpine lakes and watering holes. However, sometimes, after a strenuous hike, a cold dip in the water is exactly what you need.

Next time you’re out toward Independence Pass near Aspen, stop by Devil’s Punchbowl, a swimming hole surrounded by tall rock formations and fed by a waterfall from the Roaring Fork River. It’s popular with cliff jumpers (though legally, it isn’t condoned), swimmers, and picnickers. You can hike to Devil’s Punchbowl from the town of Crystal for a 3-mile hike each way, though bear in mind you’ll be sharing the trail with off-road vehicles, or you can park off Highway 82 by the Grotto Day Use parking lot to find the swimming hole just a few steps away—but where’s the fun in that?

Many of Colorado’s hiking trails lead to beautiful lakes. Sometimes swimming is not permitted such as Hanging Lake, where the area is protected. However, most high-mountain lakes don’t have restrictions on swimming. For the brave at heart or for those wishing to cool off after working up a sweat on the trail. A quick dip can be invigorating. The higher the elevation, the colder the water and most lakes are not just cold but almost freezing. Unless you have found a milder temperature, lower elevation lake, don’t plan on swimming; your swim will be a quick dip. Just enough to take your breath away.

Backpacker Destinations

Many, many multi-day hikes in Colorado are spectacular. Here are some worth mentioning:

• The Colorado Trail, which runs 500+ miles from Denver to Durango
• Conundrum Hot Springs near Aspen, a destination trail, where your 17-mile hike will culminate in a beautiful and relaxing soak in the natural hot springs overlooking Conundrum Peak Valley.
• For a multi-day hiking excursion that shows off some of the best Colorado has to offer, check out the Continental Divide Loop in Rocky Mountain National Park, which starts and ends near Bear Lake, though you can also choose to start near Grand Lake. This 45-mile loop includes 20 miles on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and will take you over peaks and through valleys, past waterfalls, lakes, and grassy meadows. You will spend a good portion of your time above the tree line.

*  Hiking the Continental Divide Loop requires a permit and should only be attempted by experienced hikers who have researched and prepared appropriately for the journey and possible conditions. The backcountry is no joke, and if you’re inadequately prepared, it could mean life or death. If you want to get out there but don’t have the experience, hire a guide. Or set it as a goal and start working your way up to a bigger trip for the following season.

Hiking Destinations for the Peak Bagger

The tallest mountains in the Rockies are those that extend to over 14,000 feet in elevation—fondly known as 14ers. There are more than fifty of them in Colorado, and they range in difficulty, though it should be noted that you should never attempt a 14er without proper preparation or if you’re not an experienced hiker. Grab two Colorado 14ers in one go with Greys and Torreys, or four in one day on the DeCaLiBron (only three are technically classified as 14ers due to prominence). Especially during the summer and on weekends, 14ers are getting increasingly busy, so get there early—like, really early—if you want to find a good parking spot and don’t want to hike up with a crowd.

For a high-altitude hike with fewer crowds, start trying to knock some of Colorado’s 13ers off your list. Many 13ers offer the same incredible views, but with the coveted solitude, you might be looking for at the summit.

As with all high-altitude hiking above the tree line, follow the hiking rule of thumb: Be off the mountain by noon and watch the sky closely for the afternoon thunderstorms, which roll in a lot faster than you’d think.

Fitness-Enthusiast Destination

Have you ever wanted to see if you could manage climbing the stairs to the top of the Empire State Building—and then some more, just for fun? Yeah, us neither, but if you ever get the itch, head to Manitou Springs, where you’ll find the Manitou Incline, just called “the incline” by locals. This brutal stretch of trail stairs set into the side of a mountain clocks in at a whopping 2,000’ elevation gain over one mile for a grand total of 2,744 stairs. The view at the top is stunning, especially if you manage to catch it early in the day as the sun is still rising, and there’s a trail back down so your poor knees can take a little break. The Manitou Incline requires free reservations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and bookings open up a week in advance, so plan ahead!

Hiking Destinations in Colorado

This list barely scratches the surface of what Colorado offers regarding hiking destinations. The more people you talk to, the more you’ll realize everyone has opinions on what makes a hiking destination great. So, whatever type of hiker you are, the only way to find the best hikes for you is to get out there and start exploring! Happy trails!

By Emily Krempholtz