The Best Hiking in Colorado

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

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Hanging Lake

4.7

3.06 mi / 1168 ft gain

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...
Read more
Colorado Springs, Colorado

Climb and Hike in the Garden of the Gods

4.7

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...
Read more
Nederland, Colorado

3 Crater Lakes via South Boulder Creek

5.0

6.92 mi / 1804 ft gain

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...
Read more
Granby, Colorado

Mirror and Crater Lakes via Cascade Creek Trail

4.6

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 ...
Read more
Nederland, Colorado

King Lake via Hessie Trailhead

5.0

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 ...
Read more
Larimer County, Colorado

Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trailhead

4.7

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...
Read more
Aspen, Colorado

Conundrum Hot Springs via Conundrum Creek

4.3

16.77 mi / 2717 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 ...
Read more
Pitkin County, Colorado

Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells

4.8

25.99 mi / 7566 ft gain

Updates will be posted here. The Four Pass Loop begins at Maroon Lake, famous for its iconic view of the Maroon Bells (Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak), deemed the “most-photographed spot in Colorado.” After taking in this majestic view, continue to walk down the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail unti...
Read more
Evergreen, Colorado

Hike to Maxwell Falls

3.4

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...
Read more
Boulder, Colorado

Royal Arch Trail

4.3

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 ...
Read more
Larimer County, Colorado

Nymph, Dream, Emerald, and Haiyaha Lakes

4.9

4.51 mi

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...
Read more
Evergreen, Colorado

Hike Panorama Point at Corwina Park

4.7

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...
Read more
Durango, Colorado

Ice Lakes Trail to Island Lake

5.0

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...
Read more
Aspen, Colorado

Explore the Maroon Bells & Snowmass Wilderness

5.0

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 clas...
Read more
Estes Park, Colorado

Mt. Ida via Milner Pass

5.0

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...
Read more
Dillon, Colorado

Mount Bierstadt

4.6

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...
Read more