One day hike in Colorado’s Mountains and you will be forever hooked on hiking!
The first step onto a trail and you are immersed in beautiful forests, waterfalls, alpine lakes, wildflowers, incredible views, above treeline alpine tundra & snow-capped peaks.
Several offer old mining relics & old cabins. Always an extra treat!
20 trails listed below are just such day hikes that take you on Colorado’s most scenic trails.
BUTLER GULCH TRAIL
EMPIRE, CO
Butler Gulch Trail is an incredibly beautiful hike amid a sprinkling of wildflowers, old mining remnants, a waterfall, and snow-capped peaks. Take the loop hike and find unimaginable views that take your breath away while Marmots and Pikas check you out. One of Colorados’ best day hikes, easily accessible from Denver.
>>> READ MORE This trail is a gem! Just plain FUN!
HERMAN GULCH TRAIL
BAKERVILLE, CO
Herman Gulch Trail, a heart-pumping hike through fields of wildflowers, and landing at a crystal clear alpine lake surrounded by the Continental Divide Peaks. One of the most sought-after hikes in the front range of Colorado, for good reasons.
>>> READ MORE So many wildflowers! Unbelievable!
MOUNTAIN BOY RIDGE
INDEPENDENCE PASS, CO
Mountain Boy Ridge Trail at the Summit of Independence Pass is a must-do if prepared. Absolutely stunning as you hike past the Summit along Mountain Boy Ridge across the Continental Divide and see views like no other.
Bring your boots, hiking essentials, and wander far beyond the lookout.
>>> READ MORE You won’t be disappointed!
Carry a purifier for water sources you find on the trail.
Get lost, get hurt, gets dark. Black Diamond Headlamp – works great!
Never Hurts to be Safe! Lightweight. I carry one, have not used it.
LINKINS LAKE TRAIL
INDEPENDENCE PASS, CO
Linkins Lake Trail is short, steep, and gorgeous. For such a small adventure it is packed with everything Colorado. Take a break from the crowds near Aspen, CO, and take in this beauty that starts above the treeline to an Alpine Lake.
More trails leading in several directions from Linkins Lake make this an adventure.
>>> READ MORE Amazing hike!!
HOPE PASS TRAIL
TWIN LAKES, CO
Hope Pass via Willis Gulch Trail is a challenging climb that will test your strength & breathing! An incredible trail that takes you far above treeline to views beyond your expectations. One of Colorado’s exceptional hikes!
>>> READ MORE Captivating! Loved it!
CATARACT LAKE TRAIL
LAKE CITY, CO
Cataract Gulch Trail is packed with cascading waterfalls, dense forests, and abundant wildflowers. Located in the backcountry, yet accessible by car it’s the perfect hike for day hiking enthusiasts. Reaching Cataract Lake located on the Contentinal Divide high above the treeline is the perfect ending. Loved it!
>>> READ MORE Hiking enthusiast? This hike is for you!!
BRIDAL VEIL BASIN to BLUE LAKE
TELLURIDE, CO
Bridal Veil Basin to Blue Lake will leave you stunned with its scenic beauty. The popular 365′ Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado is the first highlight of many more to come as you hike deeper into the Bridal Veil Basin.
Hiking in the San Juan Mountains never disappoints! Located at the edge of town in Telluride, CO, it is one not to miss!
>>> READ MORE Loved this hike!!
LEAVE NO TRACE
ENCOUNTERING WILDLIFE
APPROPRIATE HIKING GEAR
BLUE LAKES TRAIL
RIDGWAY, CO
There is nothing like a hike in the rugged beauty of the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. Hiking Blue Lakes Trail was above and beyond our expectations. Looking for a trail that won’t disappoint? This is it!
>>> READ MORE this hike is one of my favorite all-time trails!
OURAY PERIMETER TRAIL
OURAY, CO
Ouray Perimeter Trail, I think I’d call this more of an adventure than a hike with so many natural sites along the trail. Bridges, aspen fields, unusual rocks, cliff drops, waterfalls, mining tunnels, and views! It’s approx. 5-6 miles of not knowing what to expect on the next corner.
>>> READ MORE Great hike, great fun!
ISABELLE GLACIER TRAIL
WARD, CO
Isabelle Glacier Trail is like hiking into a Colorado postcard. Unmatched in its scenic beauty from beginning to end. It’s a hike that screams “this is Colorado”. You can hike to gorgeous Isabelle Lake for an easier yet beautiful day or be adventurous and hike on to Isabelle Glacier.
>>> READ MORE This trail is unstoppable beauty!
MILL CASTLE TRAIL
GUNNISON, CO
Mill Castle Trail is so unique and different with its canyon walls, pinnacles, and massive aspens forests that photos simply can’t capture it. A hidden gem with few hikers and a dreamy area for those wanting solitude in the wild.
>>> READ MORE A hidden gem!
McCULLOUGH GULCH TRAIL
BRECKENRIDGE, CO
McCullough Gulch Hike, a popular sought-after trail in Breckenridge CO, you don’t want to miss! A bit on the strenuous side of moderate but so worth the effort.
Nothing is lacking on this trek, it’s an alpine playground sitting alongside Quandary Peak. You will find old miners’ cabins, a stunning waterfall, a gorgeous alpine lake, and log water crossings.
>>> READ MORE This trail is as good as it gets!!
NATIVE LAKE TRAIL
LEADVILLE, CO
Native Lake Trail, near Leadville CO, is one for the bucket list of hikes in Colorado. You’ll find yourself hiking uphill through dense pines and spruces, crossing creeks, hiking across alpine tundra above treeline then down again with towering views of Mt. Massive and the Continental Divide.
>>> READ MORE Unforgettable hike!
HOPE LAKE TRAIL
OPHIR, CO
Hope Lake Trail is one of the most sought-after trails near Telluride, CO, and we had the pleasure of finding out why. Loved it! High peaks hover above us as we hike through green lush forests, crossing creeks, incredible views all around, and a beautiful alpine lake high above the treeline in a basin lined with 13ers.
>>> READ MORE A true Colorado Experience!
Hiking Umbrella, My favorite gear!
Never go without electrolytes!
Lightweight, easy to carry!
PTARMIGAN LAKE TRAIL
COTTONWOOD PASS
Ptarmigan Lake Trail is a fantastic half-day or full-day hike. Ascend a moderate grade through a spectacular forest. Pass a sweet lake and dreamy dispersed campsites along the trail before breaking out at the tree line. Here, views of the highest peaks surround you as you hike across an expansive meadow and upward to Ptarmigan Lake.
>>> READ MORE Would be a perfect first time backpacking trip
NORTH TEN MILE CREEK
FRISCO, CO
Looking for a relaxing hike through classic Colorado scenery and a babbling creek alongside you? North Ten Mile Creek Trail is it! Perfect trail for all seasons. Bring your snowshoes in winter, your camera in fall, your fishing pole, your wildflower book in summer, and relish all Colorado has to offer in one place.
>>> READ MORE A trail for beginner to avid hiker!
Get Inspired!
Colorado Wildflower Field Guide
Colorado Wildlife Field Guide
MAYFLOWER GULCH
LEADVILLE, CO
Mayflower Gulch Trail is an awesome adventure in any season. An easy uphill mile tops out at what some call the Mayflower Amphitheater with its surrounding views of Mayflower Hill (elevation 12,389 ft), Pacific Peak (elevation 13,950 ft), and Fletcher Mountain (elevation 13,951 ft). Stunning!
You can explore here or keep going on several trail options leading in all directions!
> >> READ MORE You will be back!
MOHAWK LAKES TRAIL
BRECKENRIDGE, CO
Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado’s favorite day hikes. Starting at 10,390′ elevation and reaching 12,000′ this hike has it all. Alpine lakes, old cabins, creek crossings, summer wildflowers, a stupendous waterfall, and unimaginable views.
>>> READ MORE You will want to hang out here all day!
BROWNS CREEK FALLS
NATHROP, CO
Browns Creek Falls is an exhilarating day hike in Colorado’s Mountains. Reach the end of the trail and you suddenly happen upon Browns Creek Falls, it’s that unexpected and incredible. Rushing white water thundering down from a rocky ledge high above. You’ll just have to hike to Browns Creek Falls and see for yourself!
>>> READ MORE Add 3 miles to Browns Lake!
BOOTH LAKE TRAIL
Vail, CO
Booth Lake Trail was strenuous, exhilarating, and left us speechless when reaching the tree line. Beautiful from beginning to end with the added bonus of popular 60′ Booth Falls!
>>> READ MORE Sensational!
HOPE ONE OR ALL OF THESE TRAILS LEAVES YOU LOVING HIKING AND WANTING MORE!
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