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Looking for the best hiking in Colorado? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Colorado. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top hiking spots in and near Colorado
Climb and Hike in the Garden of the Gods
If you are new to the area a stop by the visitor center can helpful to get a map of the trails and roads in the area as well as obtaining a climbing permit (one is needed to climb and is free).Once you have entered the area there are multiple trails and pull outs that you can explore. Many of the...
Hanging Lake is a beautifully unique natural wonder. Surrounded by dramatic, pine tree lined cliffs, a unique community of hanging plants thrive beside waterfalls cascading in to this glimmering turquoise pool of water. If this isn’t enough to entice you- the trail leading up to the lake is rathe...
3 Crater Lakes via South Boulder Creek
After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. The road will dead end at Moffat Tunnel where you'll find ample parking in a gravel lot with restrooms. You'll begin your hike along sweeping meadows until you ent...
Mirror and Crater Lakes via Cascade Creek Trail
14.94 mi / 2421 ft gain
Start at the Monarch Lake trailhead (where there is a $5 parking fee unless you have one of the national lands passes) and follow the cascade creek trail around the north side of the lake. After about 1.5 miles the trail splits with the Arapaho pass trail, follow the cascade trail to the left as ...
King Lake via Hessie Trailhead
11.32 mi / 2375 ft gain
The normal route from the east side is via the Hessie trailhead outside Nederland Colorado. From the west it is most often accessed via the short trail from Rollins pass, which is open in the summer. As noted above, it is also a lake and area ripe for creating your own adventure. The description ...
Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trailhead
8.43 mi / 1780 ft gain
Start at the Glacier Gorge trailhead on Bear Lake Road. Parking is limited so it is advised to get there very early. It's a longer hike so plan on taking a full day to complete or stay overnight to enjoy more of the scenery. Within the first mile on the Glacier Gorge Trail you will pass by Alber...
Backpack to Conundrum Hot Springs
18 mi / 2500 ft gain
After picking up your required overnight permit, start your morning with a coffee in Aspen, then drive out 15 min to the trailhead at the end of Conundrum Creek road. The trail is a straight shot 9 miles up the valley, through expansive meadows and an always incredible view of the mountains and ...
Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells
26.04 mi / 7572 ft gain
*A landscape-changing avalanche event has impacted Maroon Creek Road. The event occurred in early March during an active avalanche cycle across the Colorado mountains.  Maroon Creek Road will have a delayed opening this season while Pitkin County and Forest Service crews work to remove avalanche...
Hike to Maxwell Falls
4 mi / 644 ft gain
Located just outside of Evergreen, this is beginner hike is a great escape from the city for a few hours. There are three different options to hike to the falls: Maxwell Falls Lower Trail (4 miles), Upper Falls Trail (0.5 miles), and Cliff Trail Loop (3 miles). On this hike I started from the Max...
3.32 mi / 1220 ft gain
Royal Arch Trail climbs up Boulder's famous Chautauqua Park to an archway formed by sandstone rocks that tower over thirty feet high. Start at the Chautauqua Trail Station by the Ranger Station, and continue up Bluebell Road for 0.7 miles. You will then arrive at a more forested area, where you ...
Nymph, Dream, Emerald, and Haiyaha Lakes
From the Bear Lake Trailhead, the path to Nymph Lake is a moderate paved trail. At the lake there are several places to sit and take in the scenery. This is also where you'll find the most people. From here, continue up the trail towards Dream Lake. On the way, the trail forks. The left will take...
Hike Panorama Point at Corwina Park
2.7 mi / 640 ft gain
Jefferson County, the "Gateway to the Rockies" has dozens of great parks and trails. One of the best, however, is often overlooked, as it is sandwiched between bigger and more popular parks. Corwina Park is a small section located off Hwy. 74, near the village of Kittredge. Sitting between the po...
Ice Lakes Trail to Island Lake
7.75 mi / 2690 ft gain
Just north of Silverton, CO, lies the South Mineral Valley which is reachable down a well maintained, and paved dirt road and ends in the South Mineral Campground. The hike starts out with a sweat generating 1500+ feet of gain over its first two miles. However, there are numerous spots to stop a...
Explore the Maroon Bells & Snowmass Wilderness
The beautiful and iconic Maroon Bells-Snowmass wilderness is home to some of the most amazing scenery and adventures to be had in all of Colorado. It is world famous for the Maroon Bells, two challenging 14ers just outside of Aspen Colorado. The third 14er, Pyramid Peak is also considered a class...
Mt. Ida via Milner Pass
9.28 mi / 2112 ft gain
The hike to Mt. Ida offers some of the most stunning views of Rocky Mountain National Park. How to get there: From the east, take Trail Ridge Road all the way to the west side of the park. You will pass Alpine Visitor Center and the road sharply turns south at Medicine Bow Curve. The trailhead...
7.18 mi / 2697 ft gain
If you’re ready for your first 14er, Mount Bierstadt holds a reputation for a great “starter” 14er. Of course, experienced climbers will enjoy this (relatively speaking) easy mountain as well. Besides the joy of the hike itself, Bierstadt is a stunning wildflower hike in July and August. Thanks t...