Great Hikes in Colorado

Mount Muscoco Trail

4 miles
Medium

El Paso County, Colorado 80906

The route starts at the Mount Cutler/Mount Muscoco Trailhead along N Cheyenne Canyon Road. You'll go southeast along the Mount Cutler Trail for about a mile, before turning right onto the Mount Muscoco Trail. 

Can be challenging but the breathtaking views are worth it. In one direction you will see the mountains and in the other you see Colorado Springs. It's a pretty easy hike except for the last half mile to the summit of Mount Muscoco is extra steep. Definitely recommend hiking boots over sneakers because of the loose gravel. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.-AllTrails

Royal Arch Trail

3.4 miles
Hard

Royal Arch Trail Head, Chautauqua, 900 Baseline Rd, Boulder, CO 80302

This trail starts near the ranger cottage at the Chautauqua Park Trailhead. Start hiking along the Bluebell Trail and head south. You could also follow the Chautauqua Trail and eventually meet up with this route at the Bluebell Shelter by way of the Bluebell-Baird Trail. 

Located just off Baseline Road, this fantastic hike features great views and gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal with the incredible rock formations that have come to characterize the city of Boulder. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
-AllTrails

Emerald Lake Trail

3.2 miles
Easy

Bear Lake Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517

Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, you do need to pay or have a pass to enter. The parking lot for Emerald Lake Trail is at the end of Bear Lake Road - a short drive from Estes Park in Colorado.  Parking lots tend to fill up quickly during the summer season.

Throughout your trip you’ll come across incredible views of Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak, Glacier Gorge, and Tyndall Glacier. Very popular for snowshoeing. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. You may need timed entry passes. Dogs aren't allowed on this trail. -AllTrails

The Loch via Glacier Gorge Trail

5.4 miles
Medium

Glacier Gorge Trailhead, Colorado 80517

Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, you do need to pay or have a pass to enter.  Located near the Bear Lake Trailhead, this hike starts along the Glacier Gorge Trail. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and snowshoeing. The best times to visit this trail are March through October.You may need timed entry passes. Dogs aren't allowed on this trail. -AllTrails

High Dune Trail

3 miles
Hard

Parking lot, Mosca, CO 81146

Located in the Great Sand Dunes National Park, you do need to pay or have a pass to enter.
High Dune trail at the Great Sand Dunes National Monument is not a marked trail. Follow the ridges of the dunes or just get lost on the dunes. Dogs are allowed on the trail to High Dune and on the front range of Dunes, but are not allowed past the highest point on High Dune.     -AllTrails

Perkins Central Garden Trail

1.1 miles
Easy

Main Parking Lot, 1423-1427 Juniper Way Loop, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Located in Garden of the Gods, the trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. All trails are paved and wheelchair accessible. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.-AllTrails

Chavez and Beaver Brook Trail Loop

5 miles
Medium

Mount Vernon, Lakewood, CO 80401

Located in Genesee Park, To get here, you’ll take the Chief Hosa Exit (Exit 253) and park in the parking lot on Stapleton Road to begin along the Beaver Brook Trail. There is an additional, smaller parking area just past the main lot where the Chavez Trail meets the road.
The left side of the loop is much gentler and wider, whereas the right route (the Chavez Trail) is steeper with a few ledges to maneuver and is steep and rocky.  The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.-AllTrails


Maxwell Falls Lower Trail

4.4 miles
Medium 

Maxwell Falls Lower Trail, 7627 S Brook Forest Rd, Evergreen, CO 80439

This popular loop is the perfect option for anyone looking for day hikes near the Denver area. The Maxwell Creek Trail will take you by two small waterfalls and Upper Maxwell Falls. This forested trail has two trailheads to choose from, the lower and upper trailhead, both located on Black Mountain Road near Evergreen. 
The best times to visit this trail are March through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.-AllTrails

Gem Lake Trail

3.1 miles
Medium

Just North of Estes Park. Intersection of Wonderview Ave (34 Bypass Rd) and MacGregor Ave in Estes Park. Turn to travel NB on MacGregor Ave. Lumpy Ridge Trailhead will be your left after driving 1.2 miles. Park in the parking lot. 

Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, you do need to pay or have a pass to enter. Beginning before the park’s main entrance. You can find the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead just off Devils Gulch Road in Estes Park.

The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Dogs aren't allowed on this trail. -AllTrails

Mount Sanitas and Sanitas Valley Loop Trail

3.2 miles
Hard

501 Sunshine Canyon Dr, Boulder, CO 80302


Walk or drive to the Centennial Trailhead on Sunshine Canyon Drive from downtown Boulder. The trailhead has a small parking area that gets full quickly in the morning, so it’s best to arrive early. If it’s full, there is more parking down the road.

The peak offers beautiful views, with enough challenge to get you sweating. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.-AllTrails

Dream Lake Trail

2 miles
Easy

Bear Lake Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517

Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, you do need to pay or have a pass to enter. Start at the Bear Lake trailhead parking lot in Glacier Gorge. There are also options to shuttle buses there as well from other parts of Rocky Mountain National Park.

The trail is clearly marked and easy to follow. Once you reach Dream Lake, you are in for a scenic view.  Highly recommend wearing microspikes in the winter months due to icy parts of the trail. It can be very windy by the lake, so make sure to bring appropriate clothing.
The best times to visit this trail are April through November. Dogs aren't allowed on this trail.-AllTrails

Alberta Falls Trail

1.6 miles
Easy

Glacier Gorge Trailhead, Colorado 80517

Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, you do need to pay or have a pass to enter. The trail starts at Glacier Gorge Junction trailhead, and heads south, paralleling the creek. At about 0.3 miles, the trail intersects with two others, one branching back toward the north to Sprague Lake, and slightly further with the trail coming down from Bear Lake. At the intersection with Bear Lake Trail, turn left.

The hike is short and easy and one of the most scenic hikes in the park. 
 
The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Dogs aren't allowed on this trail.-AllTrails

Red Rocks Trading Post Trail

1.5 miles
Medium

ChargePoint Charging Station, 17900 Trading Post Rd, Morrison, CO 80465

This trail features interesting rock formations along with great views. Several sets of stairs are featured throughout the trail.  
The best times to visit this trail are May through November. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.-AllTrails

Green Mountain West Trail

4 miles
Medium

5097 Flagstaff Rd, Boulder, CO 80302

The trailhead is located right off Flagstaff road. There are beautiful wildflowers and lush evergreen forest along the Green Mountain West Ridge Trail. From the summit of Green Mountain, enjoy 360-degree views of Bear Peak, South Boulder Peak, and the famous 14ers to the west. 
The best times to visit this trail are April through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.-AllTrails

Red Rocks and Morrison Slide Trail

3 miles
Medium

Red Rocks Trail, Golden, CO 80401


The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.-AllTrails

Red Rocks to Dakota Trail Loop

6.4 miles
Medium

Red Rocks and Morrison Slide Trailhead, Lakewood, CO 80401

Located in Red Rocks Park, this trail starts on the Dakota Ridge Trail and returns on the Red Rocks and Village Walk Trails. You will be able to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater, the surrounding hills, and even Denver if the sky is clear.
 
The best times to visit this trail are April through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.-AllTrails

Lost Lake via Hessie Trail

4 miles
Medium

Eldora, Colorado 80466

Located near the small town of Eldora, west of Nederland, this route starts at the Hessie Trailhead off County Road 130 and leads to the Devils Thumb Trail. After about a mile and a half, you’ll come to a trail junction. The trail leading straight follows the Middle Boulder Creek and eventually comes to King Lake. To get to the Lost Lake Trail, stay left and follow the Devil's Thumb Bypass.

Lost Lake is a beautiful place to stop for lunch and to enjoy the scenery and wildlife that inhabits the area. Keep an eye out for moose as they are commonly seen along this trail. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.-AllTrails 

Coyote Song Trail

3 miles
Easy

South Valley Park South Trailhead, 12447 W Deer Creek Canyon Rd, Littleton, CO 80127


This is a great option for a family walk on a free morning or afternoon. Although there is not much shade along the trail, you will get some cool valley views towards the end! Just be sure to bring sun protection and plenty of water.

The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.-AllTrails

Grazing Elk Trail

4.6 miles
Easy

Coyote Song Trail, Littleton, CO 80127

This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. 

The best times to visit this trail are March through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.-AllTrails

Coyote Song and Prairie Falcon Loop

1.3 miles
Easy

Parking lot, 12447 W Deer Creek Canyon Rd, Littleton, CO 80127

This is a popular trail for running and walking, but mid day quieter. 

The best times to visit this trail are April through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.-AllTrails

Picture Canyon Trail

2 miles
Easy

Picture Canyon, Campo, CO 81029

Facilities at the trail head, clearly-marked and well-maintained with a wealth of opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. Hikers have commented that the trail is hard to find and follow so you may want to download the offline map before you go.

The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.-AllTrails

Vogel Canyon Trail

1.1 miles
Medium

La Junta, Colorado 81050

Located in Comanche National Grassland.
The trail wanders down the canyon walls to the valley below through pinon pine and sandstone formations, remnants of old ruins of the Westbrook settlement, Native American rock art and natural springs.

The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.-AllTrails

Vogel Canyon-Overlook Trail

1.3 miles
Easy

La Junta, Colorado 81050

Located in Comanche National Grassland
Vogel Canyon is a gorgeous sandstone canyon with pinon pine and native shortgrass prairie. It was formed by the Purgatoire River. Three springs are found in the valley. Native Indian petroglyphs are also found on the canyon walls. 

The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.-AllTrails

Vogel Canyon- Prairie Trail

3.8 miles
Medium

La Junta, Colorado 81050

Located in Comanche National Grassland
The Prairie Trail is a trail that passes the ruins of an old stage coach station for the Barlow and Sanderson Stage Line, continues on past the ruins of an old settlement, several side-visits to a rock corral and some natural springs, and eventually landing in the canyon itself, where spur trails take you to Native American petroglyphs. This is an excellent hike for history buffs or anyone interested in seeing a glimpse of the past

The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.-AllTrails

Bluffs Regional Park Trail

2.8 miles
Easy

Parking lot, Crooked Stick Trail, Lone Tree, CO 80124

This awesome route offers hikers some sweeping views of the Colorado Front Range mountains, the Denver metro area, and grassland vegetation and wildlife.
The best times to visit this trail are April through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.-AllTrails

Cherry Creek Trail Loop

1.8 miles
Easy

Parking lot, Castlewood Canyon Rd, Franktown, CO 80116

Castlewood Canyon has a small fee to enter

The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.-AllTrails

Columbine Open Space

2.7 miles
Easy

Columbine Open Space and Trail, 2 Faraway Pl, Castle Rock, CO 80104


The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs aren't allowed on this trail.-AllTrails

Waterton Canyon

12.6 miles
Medium

Colorado Trail, Littleton, CO 80125

Chatfield State Park requires and entry fee per vehicle
This trail is along a gravel road that follows the river. It's open with not much shade. There is a lot of wildlife to spot on the cliffs. 
Turn around whenever you want. It is an out and back hike.
The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs aren't allowed on this trail.-AllTrails

Highline Canal Trail

3.6 miles
Easy

Farmers Highline Trail, Thornton, CO 80241
The trailhead begins in a residential neighborhood so please be mindful of parking, and be respectful of the neighborhood.

Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.-AllTrails

Carpenter Peak Trail

6.3 miles
Medium

Roxborough State Park, 4751 Roxborough Dr, Littleton, CO 80125

Roxborough State Park charges a fee to enter. Entrance fees are per vehicle or per person for any non-vehicle entry.
The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Dogs aren't allowed on this trail.-AllTrails

Castlewood Canton Falls Trail

1.1 miles
Easy

Parking lot, Castlewood Canyon Rd, Franktown, CO 80116

Castlewood Canyon State Park charges a fee to enter.

Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.-AllTrails

Willow Creek Trail

1.4 miles
Easy

Roxborough State Park, 4751 Roxborough Dr, Littleton, CO 80125

Roxborough State Park charges a fee to enter. Entrance fees are per vehicle or per person for any non-vehicle entry.
The best times to visit this trail are March through October. Dogs aren't allowed on this trail.-AllTrails
 

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