Hi travel fam! If you guys are like me, you are out enjoying every last summer memory you can! Which includes lots of hiking. If you guys are looking to find some new hikes in Colorado, look no further! And be sure to check out my other blog: The Ultimate Guide to Colorado Hiking here.
For all you novice solo hikers, or if you are new to hiking in general, click here for my blog about solo hiking. It has lots of tips that will make you a pro hiker in no time! With all that said, here are even more of my favorite Colorado hikes to explore! As always, make sure you download and use the AllTrails App for hiking. It's definitely my favorite app out there for it.
Best Wildflower Hike: Herman Gulch
This hike is best done in early July. If you want to see Columbines (the state flower of CO), this is the place to be. A very beautiful variety of forest, meadow, and mountain terrains can be found all on one trail. Be warned this is a challenging hike! Approximately 7 miles round trip with 1700 feet of elevation gain. But the views of the valley and the Citadel are incredible.
Best Hike to Epic Views: Mayflower Gulch
If you want those epic bowl views and the feeling of being in a gulch, without a crazy strenuous hike, this is yours! The cabins at the top serve as the perfect photo op as well. The hike to the cabins is approximately 1.5 miles each way with a gentle slope. We did the trail in winter and seeing the bowl covered in snow was indescribable. For you adventure seekers you can continue on the trail and traverse the ridge!
Best Challenge Close to Denver: Chief Mountain
This hike can be found near the town of Evergreen, Colorado. It’s approximately 3 miles round trip but it has a respectable 1,000 foot elevation gain. The views from the top are incredible and it is perfect for a nice day hike. There is no set parking area so you will be parking on the road. This one is pretty popular so go early if you can.
Most Iconic Colorado Hike: Hanging Lake
This trail leads to one of the most photographed spots in Colorado. As of now, Hanging Lake is closed due to trail damage, but click here to get the latest updates. Be sure to also hike the extra five minutes past the lake to spouting rock! It’s a beautiful waterfall worth a stop. This is a very steep trail (over 1,000 feet gain in 1.5 miles/way) so be prepared.
Best of Boulder: Mallory Cave
This 3.5 mile hike has just under 1,000 feet of elevation gain which leads to some beautiful views of the iconic Boulder Flatirons. Be warned though, despite the name, you cannot actually go into the caves at the top. They are gated off to protect the native bats that live there! And beware of rattlesnakes on this trail. We saw one that some other hikers luckily warned us about first!
Best Fourteener: Quandary Peak
This is a perfect fourteener especially for all of you novice fourteeners out there! Be warned: you have to either get parking reservations or take the shuttle from Breckenridge. More information on parking for this one here. Fourteeners are a full experience in and of themselves, so stay tuned for my next blog with tips to conquer your first fourteener! Basically, be prepared for a full day, 3,000 feet of elevation gain, and pure exhaustion but it's worth it!
Best Lake Trail: Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond itself is beautiful, but the real gems of this area are the unnamed lakes that lie beyond it! Walk up to Loch Lomond (or you can even drive up if you have the right car) then head to the left of the lake. There is a small, semi-undefined path that leads up above the lake. You will have to go through some shrubbery and cross several muddy streams, but it leads to two more lakes and a gorgeous overlook of Lomond! You can even explore further (I found a fourth lake up the next ridge). Absolutely wild! Be prepared for a rough walk down a very bumpy dirt road if your car cannot drive you all the way to the first lake!
Best Epic Adventure: Sky Pond
This hike is also on my Part 1 blog, but I truly love it so much! Lakes, waterfalls, and beautiful landscapes are made even better by the waterfall scramble to the top. This one is not for novice hikers as it is almost 10 miles round trip with a very respectable elevation gain. Also watch out for the friendly marmot looking for food at the top of this one, and never feed the native wildlife. You currently need reservations to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. Click here for details.
Well there it is guys! Even more epic Colorado hikes to fuel your adventurous spirit. Have any I should add to the list? Comment below and be sure to subscribe to get the latest updates. Happy travels, fam!
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