12 Unmissable Hikes in Colorado That Prove It’s the Best Place for Adventurers

In Colorado, it seems like everyone is always dressed and ready to hit the trails at a moment’s notice. With over 300 days of sunshine a year and an impressive amount of 14,000-foot peaks, hiking is definitely a favored activity in the state.

With so many beautiful hikes to choose from, which ones are worth the effort to get to? I’ve lived the van life for two years, road-tripping through West USA, and have picked up quite a few tips and tricks for finding the best hiking spots.

Here, we’ve done the legwork for you and compiled a list of our top 12 favorite hikes in Colorado. These trails are some of the best hikes in Colorado and a great workout!

1. Blue Lakes Trail, Mount Sneffels Wilderness

• Length: 8.7 miles round-trip
• Elevation: 2,500 feet gain
• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

Blue Lakes Trail is one of those hikes where the effort pays off big time. You’ll trek through beautiful meadows full of wildflowers, past streams, and up to three incredible alpine lakes. The last bit can be a bit of a challenge, but the turquoise waters of the lakes are worth every step. If you start early, you’ll avoid most of the crowds and catch the lakes in the best light.

2. Emerald Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park

• Length: 3.2 miles round-trip
• Elevation: 702 feet gain
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Emerald Lake is one of those hikes you just have to do if you’re in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s an easy hike where you’ll pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake on the way. The final destination, Emerald Lake, spreads straight across to the foothills of towering peaks.

The path is well-maintained and great for families or beginners.

3. Four Pass Loop, Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness

• Length: 25.7 miles loop
• Elevation: 7,750 feet gain
• Difficulty: Strenuous

This one’s not for the faint of heart but well worth the effort if you’re looking for a long trek. The Four Pass Loop takes you through some of Colorado’s most dramatic landscapes, with sweeping views at every turn. You’ll traverse four mountain passes with incredible views of meadows and alpine lakes throughout the 26.7-mile hike.

Make sure you’re prepared for changing weather and well-prepared with plenty of food, water, and a good pair of hiking boots.

4. Hahns Peak Trail, Steamboat Springs

• Length: 3.6 miles round-trip
• Elevation: 1,410 feet gain
• Difficulty: Challenging

Hahns Peak offers a relatively short but rewarding hike with panoramic views from the summit. It’s wonderful in the summer when the wildflowers are in bloom. There’s even an old fire lookout tower for a touch of history. Don’t forget to bring a windbreaker; it gets chilly up there!

5. Pikes Peak via Barr Trail, Pike National Forest

• Length: 23.2 miles round-trip
• Elevation: 7,400 feet gain
• Difficulty: Strenuous

Pikes Peak is one of Colorado’s iconic “fourteeners” and a serious bucket-list hike. It’s a tough climb where you’ll experience varied terrain from forests to alpine tundra as you walk through. If hiking the whole way sounds daunting, you can always take the cog railway back down. Since the elevation changes so rapidly, be aware of any altitude effects.

6. Hanging Lake Trail, Glenwood Springs

• Length: 3.1 miles round-trip
• Elevation: 1,187 feet gain
• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

Hanging Lake is one of Colorado’s most photographed spots. This short but steep hike takes you to a crystal-clear turquoise lake with a beautiful waterfall that mirrors that of Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. Due to its popularity, a permit is now required to visit Hanging Lake to control the crowds.

7. West Maroon Creek Trail, from Crested Butte to Aspen

• Length: 10.3 miles one-way
• Elevation: 2,247 feet gain
• Difficulty: Strenuous

West Maroon Creek Trail is a favorite among seasoned hikers. You’ll cross fields of wildflowers and over picturesque mountain passes. Starting from Crested Butte and ending in Aspen (or vice versa) makes for a fun day hike or multi-day backpacking trip. There’s also the option to take a shuttle back to your starting point.

8. Crater Lake, Aspen

• Length: 3.5 miles round-trip
• Elevation: 688 feet gain
• Difficulty: Moderate

Crater Lake is an easier hike that rewards you with incredible views of the Maroon Bells reflected in the lake. It’s a 3.8-mile round-trip hike with a 500-foot elevation gain, perfect for a relaxed day out. The trail is well-maintained and family-friendly.

9. Capitol Peak, Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness

• Length: 15.9 miles round-trip
• Elevation: 5,032 feet gain
• Difficulty: Extremely Strenuous

Capitol Peak is a great example of the wild yet tough beauty of the Colorado Rockies. With its notorious knife-edge ridge, this hike is both thrilling and terrifying. I’d even say it’s one of the hardest mountains to summit in the USA.

This route demands preparation, advanced climbing skills, and proper gear. But if you’re up for it, the views and sense of accomplishment are unbeatable.

10. Lake Isabelle, Brainard Lake Recreation Area

• Length: 6.6 miles round-trip
• Elevation: 672 feet gain
• Difficulty: Moderate

Lake Isabelle is a gem of a hike that’s accessible for most people. The trail winds through meadows filled with wildflowers before reaching the serene alpine lake. Snow can linger into early summer here, but it’s a great spot for a relaxing day hike.

11. Mirror and Crater Lakes via Cascade Creek Trail, Arapaho National Forest

• Length: 14 miles round-trip
• Elevation: 2,145 feet gain
• Difficulty: Challenging

This hike is a double treat. You’ll journey through green forests, cross bubbling creeks, and pass numerous waterfalls before reaching the twin jewels: Mirror Lake and Crater Lake. These pristine alpine lakes perfectly reflect the surrounding peaks, so fall would be an especially great time to come.

12. Keyhole Route, Longs Peak

• Length: 13 miles round-trip
• Elevation: 5,100 feet gain
• Difficulty: Extremely Strenuous

The Keyhole Route is a classic climb for those looking to conquer Longs Peak. It’s a long, tough hike with lots of scrambling and exposure, but the satisfaction of reaching the summit of the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park is immense.

You’ll be dealing with snow and ice for most of the year, so have crampons and trekking poles ready. The Keyhole section can get pretty tricky and dangerous when the weather’s bad.

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.