Can’t-Miss Colorado Hikes, From Easy to Challenging | Ultimate Colorado Hiking Guide

September 18, 20244 Comments

I’m sharing the ultimate Colorado hiking guide to some of my favorite can’t-miss hikes in Colorado, ranging from easy to challenging. I recently relocated from Colorado after four wonderful years, and I was fortunate to tackle many unforgettable hikes during my time there. Colorado has trails for all ages, abilities, and experience levels, making it the ideal destination for outdoor lovers. Check out these essential Colorado hikes next time you’re in the Centennial State!

Easy

Paint Mines Trail

Best Colorado hikes and ultimate Colorado hiking guide, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

Paint Mines Interpretive Park is an underrated hiking area near Colorado Springs. It’s easy to see where the location got its name—the park is full of colorful clay deposits and rock formations. Wandering through the park feels like stepping onto another planet, and all of the trails here are beginner-friendly.

Zapata Falls Trail

Just 20-30 minutes outside Great Sand Dunes National Park (another Colorado spot worth exploring) is Zapata Falls. The trail is easy and short, taking you to a partially hidden, 25-foot waterfall. In the winter, the falls freeze over, creating a magical icy wonderland.

Blue Lakes Trail

Blue Lakes Trail is an excellent option if you’re short on time or looking for a casual all-ages hike. This stunning outdoor area is located near Breckenridge, making it the ideal afternoon activity.

You’ll be blown way by the scenery, with serene lakes framed by jagged peaks. Watch for mountain goats in the parking lot and on the trail!

Perkins Central Garden Trail

There are tons of hiking options in Garden of the Gods, but you can’t go wrong with the Perkins Central Garden Trail. This paved walking path takes you through picturesque meadows in the heart of the garden’s iconic formations. Garden of the Gods is beautiful any time of year and a must-visit when in Colorado Springs.

Rampart Reservoir via Rainbow Gulch Trail

The Rainbow Gulch Trail is an easygoing hike that takes you to Rampart Reservoir, a popular outdoor spot for fishing and kayaking. Admire the striking landscape blanketed in snow during the winter, or visit in summer to see blooming flowers and watch fishermen casting lines to try their luck at snagging a fish.

Moderate

Lake Isabelle via Pawnee Pass Trail

Lake Isabelle is one of my favorite hikes in Indian Peaks Wilderness. It has a little bit of everything, from lakes to wildflower fields, forests, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains. If you’re lucky, you might see a moose along the way.

The Crags Trail

I highly recommend tackling the Crags Trail in fall to see the golden aspens. There are some steep sections at the beginning and end of the hike, but it’s overall fairly moderate. The aspen groves, rock formations, and sweeping views make this hike 100% worth the effort.

Crater Lake (Maroon Bells)

You’ve probably seen photos of the Maroon Bells even if you didn’t realize it. These iconic peaks are incredibly popular among photographers and nature enthusiasts.

The hike to Crater Lake is less than four miles with a couple hundred feet of elevation gain, making it appropriate for hikers of all experience levels. Seeing Crater Lake with the Maroon Bells in the background is insanely beautiful, and pictures truly don’t do it justice.

Loch Lomond Trail

Loch Lomond is a short but somewhat challenging hike near Empire. The trail is technically a 4×4 road you can drive on, but hiking is much more fun (in my opinion). I didn’t get to see the lake in summer while living in Colorado, but it was an unforgettable winter adventure.

Rogers Pass

Rogers Pass is far less popular than other hikes in the Winter Park area but is just as beautiful. It provides the perfect amount of challenge for beginners and is a fantastic introduction to the Colorado mountains. From the old train trestle to the aspens and scenic overlooks, there’s a lot to love about this underrated trail.

Diamond Lake Trail

Diamond Lake is another classic Indian Peaks Wilderness trail. The hike gains over 1,000′ of elevation, so it’s definitely a good workout. Diamond Lake itself is picture-perfect, with lots of room to spread out and explore.

Bluebell, Royal Arch, Flatiron, Bluebell-Baird, and Meadow Trail Loop

Get up close and personal to Boulder’s famous Flatirons on the Bluebell, Royal Arch, Flatiron, Bluebell-Baird, and Meadow Trail Loop (try saying that five times fast). Don’t underestimate this under-2.5-mile-long hike—there’s enough elevation gain to make you break a sweat. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the distinctive rock formations, downtown Boulder, and the surrounding mountains.

Dream Lake Trail

If you only have time for one hike in Rocky Mountains National Park, make it the Dream Lake Trail. This is my go-to when hosting friends and family who want to do some hiking in the park. I’ve only experienced it in winter (which is gorgeous and dramatic), but it’s a great option any time of the year.

Mayflower Gulch Grand Traverse

Discover an abandoned mine tucked among the mountains along the Mayflower Gulch Grand Traverse. The trail follows an old wagon road to a historic mining site, and you can add mileage by hiking around what remains of the log cabins and wooden structures. Summer is an excellent time to hike Mayflower Gulch because all the flowers will be in bloom.

Mule Creek Trail

Mule Creek Trail is a must when visiting Woodland Park. It follows the creek along seven miles of forests and canyons, making you feel like a rugged wilderness explorer. This hike is moderately challenging if you tackle the entire route, but you can always shorten it for a less intense adventure.

Devil’s Head Lookout

I love every step of the trail to Devil’s Head Lookout, a picturesque fire tower in Pike National Forest. The tower is staffed by forest rangers, and it’s fascinating to see where they work and live while on duty. Devil’s Head Lookout is less than three miles roundtrip but steadily gains elevation, with an intense final push up a set of stairs leading to the tower.

Silver Dollar Lake and Murray Lake Trail

See two stunning alpines lakes along the Silver Dollar and Murray Lake Trail. This was one of the first hikes I ever stepped foot on in Colorado, so it holds a special place in my heart.

You’ll travel through a forest before ascending above the tree-line, eventually arriving at Silver Dollar Lake. Continue up and over a saddleback to see Murray Lake, which is equally beautiful.

Challenging

Mount Democrat via Kite Lake Trail

Mount Democrat is one of four 14ers that make up the DeCaLiBron, an intense loop that summits multiple peaks in one strenuous hike. While Mount Democrat is relatively moderate compared to other Colorado 14ers, it isn’t easy by any stretch of the imagination. Regardless if you do the entire DeCaLiBron or turn back after the summit of Democrat, you’re in for a stunning high-altitude adventure.

Crater Lake and Lone Eagle from Long Lake Trailhead (Indian Peaks Wilderness)

The trail to Crater Lake and Lone Eagle in Indian Peaks Wilderness might be my all-time favorite Colorado hike. It’s around 15 miles to Crater Lake and Lone Eagle from the Monarch Lake Trailhead, so many camp overnight to tackle it over two days.

My husband, dog, and I hiked the entire route in one day, which was very challenging and exhausting. However, the views of Mirror and Crater Lakes and Lone Eagle Peak were absolutely breathtaking and made every step feel worthwhile.

Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans) via Summit Lake

Mount Blue Sky is a popular pick among hikers eager to summit their first Colorado 14er because it’s an easily accessible and fairly short trail. It gains around 2,000′ of elevation over 5.5 miles, which is pretty doable if you’re up for the challenge.

Some portions of the hike are steep, but I found the rocks leading up the final stretch to the summit to be the hardest part. You have to watch where you’re walking and step carefully to avoid going off trail or slipping.

Mount Bierstadt Trail

Mount Bierstadt is the first 14er I ever attempted in Colorado. Spoiler alert: I didn’t successfully summit it the first time due to weather. Thankfully, I got to return a few years later and finish the hike with my husband!

This peak is another top choice for those interested in hiking their first 14er, as you’ll gradually ascend Mount Bierstadt over roughly seven miles. Mountain goats and moose are frequently spotted along the trail, adding to its appeal.

Barr Trail

Summiting Pikes Peak via the Barr Trail is one of the most difficult hikes I’ve tackled in my lifetime. The route is over 12 miles one-way and almost entirely uphill, gaining around 7,300′ of elevation. It’s an incredibly intense yet fulfilling experience, giving you a new appreciation for America’s Mountain.

Mount Sherman Trail via Four Mile Creek Road

Last but certainly not least is the Mount Sherman Trail via Four Mile Creek Road—my first successful 14er! The roughly 5-mile route winds through some abandoned mining structures before turning into a rocky stretch of terrain leading to the summit. Mount Sherman isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s pretty straightforward and less technical than many other 14ers throughout Colorado.

What are your favorite hikes in Colorado? I’m already missing this beautiful state and will definitely return for more hiking adventures in the future!

Mount Democrat – Colorado 14er

August 17, 2022August 17, 20222 Comments

My husband and I recently had some friends in town and one of their goals was to summit a 14er during their visit. We were ready for a challenge, so I suggested checking out the DeCaLiBron Loop, a well-known trail in Colorado that covers four 14ers in one hike! The loop leads you up and over Mount Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, and Bross (though the official summit of Bross is technically on private property and closed to hikers). I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do the entire loop this time around, but I set a goal for myself to do at least one of the 14ers, which ended up being Mount Democrat.

We arrived at the trailhead around 6am, which many in the Colorado hiking community would probably consider a late start. Thankfully, we scored the very last parking spot in the lot so we didn’t have to park along the road. There is a $5 fee to park and you will get a ticket if you choose not to pay, so don’t skip out!

Technically, you can hike the DeCaLiBron Loop either clockwise (starting with Democrat and ending with Bross) or counterclockwise (starting with Bross and ending with Democrat). I read mixed opinions on which way is easier – many commented that the descent from Bross (or ascent, if you begin with that 14er) is very rough as it mostly consists of gravel and loose rock. With that in mind, we decided to start with Democrat.

The trail to Mount Democrat (the leftmost peak)

The trail to Mount Democrat begins at Kite Lake Trailhead, which sits at 12,000′ in elevation, and meanders upward as you near the base of Democrat. You start gaining elevation almost as soon as you leave the trailhead, so don’t expect much of a warmup for this hike! You’ll eventually reach a saddle between Mount Democrat and Mount Cameron, which is a good place to catch your breath.

Views from the saddle between Mount Democrat and Cameron

From the saddle, the trail turns into rocky switchbacks as you begin the final ascent up to the summit. There is a false summit before a short stretch of relatively flat trail that leads you up the last 100′ or so to the actual summit of Mount Democrat. From here, you’ll be rewarded with incredible sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.

The summit of Mount Democrat

I decided to head back to the car after Democrat while the rest of my group pushed on to complete the full loop. On the way down, I encountered a family of mountain goats which was a real treat to see! In total, the hike from Kite Lake Trailhead to Mount Democrat ended up being about four miles in length with over 2,000′ of elevation gain. The hike was tough but relatively short and sweet, and I’m so glad we all got to summit together.

Mountain goats and a view of Kite Lake

I’m super proud that the rest of my group pushed on and completed the DeCaLiBron Loop. Their pictures looked amazing and they all had a blast, but they did agree the descent off Bross was pretty brutal and unpleasant. I can’t wait to return and finish the loop for myself by summiting Cameron, Lincoln, and Bross!

Summit Lake to Mount Evans – Colorado 14er

June 22, 2022June 22, 20224 Comments

This past weekend I decided, a bit spontaneously, to take on the challenge of summiting a 14er, which is a mountain with a summit at 14,000+ feet in elevation. I’ve already completed three other Colorado 14ers (Mount Sherman, Mount Bierstadt, and Pikes Peak) and wanted to check off another: Mount Evans. While there’s actually a paved road leading all the way to the top of Mount Evans, there are also a variety of routes you can take to hike to the summit. I opted for the Summit Lake to Mount Evans route which is considered a moderate hike, but fairly easy compared to other Colorado 14ers. At around 5.5 miles roundtrip with 2,000′ of elevation gain, the hike is challenging but relatively beginner-friendly. This hike is also rated Class 2 out of 5, meaning it has minimal exposure/risk. Some hikers will argue that you only properly summit a 14er if the route has at least 3,000+ feet of elevation gain, but I say: hike your own hike and be proud of yourself regardless!

The trail begins at Summit Lake in Mount Evans Wilderness. You will need to purchase a $2 timed-entry reservation to park here, but if you arrive before 8am you can just display the printed reservation in your windshield, regardless of what time slot it’s for. There is also a $5/vehicle fee which you self-pay at the parking area, unless you are an interagency pass holder in which case you only have to worry about the reservation fee (display your pass in the windshield as well). More info can be found at Recreation.gov. I arrived around 6:15am and the main parking lot was already full, so I had to park in an overflow spot along the road. Mount Evans is an incredibly popular hike so if you visit on a weekend, plan to arrive as early as possible.

Summit Lake

From the parking area, you’ll begin on a marked trail that leads you around the lake and up to the summit of Mount Spalding, which has an elevation of 13,840′. The initial ascent out of the parking lot is almost entirely uphill, and you’ll gain around 1,000′ of elevation in about a mile. This portion of the trail is well-marked with cairns, and I had no issues sticking to the route. After around 45 minutes I made it to the summit of Mount Spalding where I stopped for a quick snack. From here, you’ll have fantastic views of Mount Evans and the surrounding mountains.

Views from Mount Spalding

The next portion of the trail leads you down and over a saddle that will connect you with the ridge that eventually leads to the summit of Mount Evans. As of June 18 there was still a little bit of snow on the trail, but nothing too serious. The saddle is a welcome break from the ascent to Mount Spalding, and the trail is very easy to follow.

Views from the rocky ridgeline

Once you reach the rocky ridgeline, your pace will likely slow down significantly as you have to step carefully in certain areas and keep a sharp eye out for cairns. I didn’t have any issues sticking to the trail, but I really took my time and didn’t rush through this section. My main priority was to prevent altitude sickness and keep a steady pace. There is a bit of a false summit that you’ll hike around, and the trail stays below the ridgeline for the last mile or so. Eventually, the road and summit complex will come into view and you’ll finish the ascent on some moderate switchbacks that lead you to the summit.

Views of the trail, summit complex, survey marker, and an obligatory summit photo!

After snacking on a sandwich and grabbing some photos at the summit, I began the descent. I would say heading back down the trail almost felt rougher than going up. Going downhill on such rocky terrain was uncomfortable on my knees, and I did stray off-trail once or twice. I believe there are a few routes along the rocky ridgeline and I managed to get off of the main one, which is the easiest. I’ll also note that my watch ended up tracking the hike as closer to 6.75 miles in total. All in all, I was back at my car by 11:30, so I wrapped up the hike in almost exactly 5 hours. I felt totally fine during the hike but was hit with some altitude sickness once I made it back to the car. I definitely recommend staying well-hydrated and bringing plenty of snacks to combat this as much as possible. If you’re visiting from out of town, it’s also important to let yourself acclimate to the elevation before attempting this hike.

If you squint you can spot a marmot!

I thoroughly enjoyed the hike from Summit Lake to Mount Evans. It was sufficiently challenging that I felt I was pushing myself, but not so hard that I questioned my ability to summit. For locals, I’m sure this hike is a walk in the park! I would definitely recommend this hike if you’re visiting from out of town or looking for a beginner-friendly 14er.