A Guide to the Centennial State’s Best Trails
Colorado’s diverse landscape offers some of the most spectacular hiking in North America, from towering fourteeners to serene alpine lakes, dramatic red rock formations to pristine wilderness areas. Whether you’re seeking challenging summit ascents or gentle meadow strolls, the Centennial State delivers unforgettable trail experiences year-round.
Easy | Family-Friendly | Shorter Hikes
- Trading Post Trail (Red Rocks Mountain Park) — ~2.8 mi loop, gentle, scenic and close to Denver. (Switchback Travel)
- Chautauqua / Mesa Trail (Boulder / Flatirons area) — offers easy to moderate loops, beautiful views. (Switchback Travel)
- Washington Park Loop (in Denver) — city trail, pleasant and accessible. (AllTrails.com)
- Sloan’s Lake Loop — city loop, good for a casual walk/run. (AllTrails.com)
- Sugarloaf Mountain Trail (Roosevelt National Forest) — short (~1.3 miles RT), moderate in spots. (Kimberly Crist Photography)
- Bear Creek Trail at Lair O’ the Bear — nice “escape trail” near Denver, moderate/ pleasant terrain. (Day Hikes Near Denver)
Moderate | Mid-Difficulty Hikes
- Emerald Lake Trail (in Rocky Mountain National Park) — classic mid-elevation hike, scenic lakes. (AllTrails.com)
- Chasm Lake (below Longs Peak) — steeper, more adventure, great views. (Zanna Van Dijk)
- Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge — challenging but among the “best” in RMNP. (AllTrails.com)
- Nymph / Dream / Emerald Lakes cluster — daylight loop hikes in RMNP, moderate. (AllTrails.com)
Expert | Strenuous | Alpine Adventures
- Hanging Lake Trail — steep, technical in places, but very popular. (Tripadvisor)
- Manitou Springs Incline (“the Manitou Incline”) — very steep, intense grade, for experienced hikers. (Tripadvisor)
- Flatirons long routes / ridge traverses — combining trails at higher elevation can push into “expert” territory. (Tripadvisor)
Tips for Hiking in Colorado
Colorado’s high elevation and variable weather demand proper preparation for safe and enjoyable hiking experiences.
Altitude affects everyone differently, but most people notice reduced stamina above 8,000 feet. Arrive a day or two early to acclimatize, drink plenty of water, and pace yourself. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, and dizziness—descend immediately if symptoms worsen.
Weather changes rapidly in the mountains. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, often arriving by noon above treeline. Start early, carry rain gear, and be prepared to turn back if storms approach. Lightning poses serious danger on exposed peaks and ridges.
Colorado’s sun is intense at high elevation. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat even on cloudy days. The UV radiation increases about 4% for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
Wildlife encounters enrich the hiking experience but require respect and distance. Black bears inhabit most of Colorado’s forests—properly store food and make noise on trails. Mountain lions are rare but present; never run if encountered. Elk and moose can be aggressive during mating season (fall) and when protecting calves (spring).
Trail conditions vary seasonally. Many high-altitude trails remain snow-covered into July, requiring microspikes or snowshoes. Autumn brings stable weather and golden aspens but also hunting season in some areas—wear bright colors and check regulations. Winter hiking below treeline can be magical with proper gear, while avalanche danger makes many high-elevation trails unsafe.
Conclusion
Colorado’s hiking opportunities span from easy nature walks to extreme mountaineering challenges, ensuring every outdoor enthusiast finds their perfect trail. These top areas represent just a fraction of the state’s hiking wealth, with thousands of miles of trails crossing national forests, wilderness areas, and state parks.
The key to enjoying Colorado’s trails lies in matching your fitness and experience level to appropriate objectives, preparing for mountain conditions, and respecting the fragile alpine environment. Whether you’re drawn to the iconic fourteeners, serene alpine lakes, dramatic canyons, or ancient cultural sites, Colorado’s diverse landscapes promise unforgettable hiking adventures.
Remember to practice “Leave No Trace” principles, respecting both the natural environment and other trail users. With proper preparation and respect for the mountains, Colorado’s trails offer lifetime opportunities for exploration, challenge, and connection with some of America’s most spectacular wilderness.