Colorado Front Range is a mega of hiking trails. If you don’t like the deep snow that covers the high altitude trails in springtime, then these trails will keep you ready for the more challenging trails when the milder weather returns at high altitude in the summer months.
There are numerous trails on the front range that get your adrenaline up with minimal snow in the springtime months. I thought I’d share a few favorites with you. Of course, all these trails are a plus in any season!
Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you).
Carpenter’s Peak Trail – Littleton, CO
SENSATIONAL IN WINTER & SPRINGTIME
Carpenter’s Peak Trail is a favorite hike located in Roxborough State Park. Winter and spring months find minimal crowds and sensational snow-capped rocks to hike through as you enter into beautiful forests while hiking to the highest peak in the park. In spring any conditions are always in play, snow, ice, and mud. However, it’s warmer and very pleasant in late spring as the snow disappears and the trails clear. READ MORE …
TIDBITS
6.4 mile out & back
Rated: strenuous
Fee: $10 per car or annual pass $80.
Visitor Center/restrooms
No dogs, camping, mountain bikes, horses, rock climbing, fires
Family Friendly
Having the appropriate gear when hiking on any trail in Colorado is essential! CLICK HERE> for practical gear that we love at Crazy About Colorado and have in our backpacks on every hike.
Eldorado Canyon Trail – Eldorado Springs, CO
A GEM IN THE FOOTHILLS
Eldorado Canyon State Park is small yet so big is its rugged mountain beauty. Located near Boulder, CO in the town of Eldorado Springs you don’t have to go far to experience scenic mountain trails. Eldorado Canyon Trail within the park is one of the more challenging trails. Highly recommend it in winter and spring for a sweet workout and pleasant hiking experience. READ MORE …
TIDBITS
Eldorado Canyon Trail
7.5 miles out and back
Rated: moderate
Add 7 more miles with Walker Ranch Loop
Fee: $10 per vehicle, $4 for walk-in, or purchase $80 annual permit.
Restrooms at Trailhead
Open to dogs on leash
Nearest Town: Boulder, CO
More information: Eldorado Canyon State Park
No camping – Park is open Sunrise to Sunset
Vehicle entry is denied when parking capacity is reached. No public parking nearby.
Elk Meadow Park – Evergreen, CO
VIEWING ELK HERDS ARE POSSIBLE HERE!
A hiking area that wins my heart. First took my kids here when they were young and hiked to Bergen Peak. They thought they did Everest! The trail experiences here are diverse and can be anything you desire from easier loop hikes to an option for a 4.7-mile difficult hike with a 2,100-foot elevation gain from the trailhead to 9,708-foot Bergen Peak.
TIDBITS
14.7 trail miles to choose from
Restrooms at trailheads
2 Trailhead locations
Open to dogs on leash, bikes
More information: Jefferson County Open Space
Eagle’s View Trail – Conifer, CO
SWEEPING VIEWS OF PIKES PEAK & BEYOND
Eagle’s View Trail located in Renoylds Park Open Space is a complete surprise when reaching the top of the loop. Unexpected gorgeous views of Colorado’s famous Pikes Peak and along the Rampart Range are incredible. Hiking Reynolds Park Open Space is a perfect get outside and enjoy nature day. Just enough uphill to get the muscles & heart pumped or easier trails for a gentle stroll. All with the added bonus of lush forests and views. Was totally unexpected how truly beautiful this area is. READ MORE …
TIDBITS
4.2.mile loop
Rated: moderate
Start elevation: 7200 ft
Elevation gain: approx: 1,082
Dog friendly
Family-friendly
Nearest town: Conifer, CO
Restrooms
Large parking area
Hidden Treasure Trail – Blackhawk, CO
HIKE TO THE SUMMIT FOR THE VIEWS
Hidden Treasure Trailhead is a new 12-mile long recreational trail system for hiking, running, and mountain biking on Maryland Mountain northwest of Blackhawk, CO. Looking to get out for a couple of hours hiking this is perfect. Several of the trails are designated “hikers only”. This entire area is a work in progress and you will find that going farther down the Tram Track there are more options for seeing old mine relics and mills, a waterfall, and another trail to the summit. READ MORE …
TIDBITS
12 miles of trails
easy to strenuous
Trails marked “hiker only”
Trails marked “bikes only”
Family-friendly
Vault Toilets
Waterton Canyon – Littleton, CO
HIKE, BIKE, RUN
Waterton Canyon is an area for anyone who enjoys simply a day outside. A winding dirt road along the South Platte River is mesmerizing as you go deeper into the canyon walls. Spotting Bighorn sheep, mule deer or even an eagle soaring above is one of its highlights. So many options that you can make this simply a short hike in and have a picnic or go all the way to the end and have a 12.4-mile out and back. Hiking, biking, and fishing have brought all ages here to spend the day. READ MORE …
TIDBITS:
12.4 mile out and back
Rated: easy
Perfect spot for families
Not much shade – bring suncreen & water!
Great bike ride
No dogs allowed – to protect wildlife
Popular for fishing
No camping
Free parking
Restroom
Getting Serious About Hiking? Items I never leave without.
Real serious – Garmin MIni
Red Rock Canyon – Colorado Springs, CO
TRAILS FROM GENTLE TO HEART PUMPING!
When you think of hiking Colorado, you think of pines, trees, mountains. Those are local favorites but if in Colorado Springs this area is a marvel. A mini “Garden of the Gods” without the hustle-bustle of people and cars. To see it from the road you simply drive by without a glance, but DON’T, it’s worth a venture in…
TIDBITS:
Open dawn til dusk
Open to dogs, bikes, horses
Off leash area for dogs
Free parking
Porta Potties
CLICK HERE for a Map of Trails
Manitou Incline – Manitou Springs, CO
BEST ALL-AROUND FOR GETTING IN SHAPE
I have a love-hate relationship with this hike! Manitou Incline is 2,744 steps and not for the faint of heart. It climbs over 2,000 vertical feet in less than a mile with sections as steep as 68% grade. Popular and strenuous it is a beautiful 3-mile hike back down Barr Trail. Reservations needed: Manitou Incline Reservations
TIDBITS:
Rated: Intense
Free
Reservations needed (during COVID)
Parking Info: click here
Shuttle running again Aug 2021
Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you).
Caribou Range Open Space – Nederland, CO
EASY TRAILS FOR HIKING BOOTS, & SNOWSHOES
You will be surprised when hiking Caribou Ranch Open Space how much history is located within its boundaries. A loop trail takes you past the historic DeLonde Homestead and the famous Blue Bird Mine from the late 1880s. History buffs will love this and if you are just wanting a day out and hike through meadows, trees and take in the views, this is perfect too. Something for everyone. READ MORE …
TIDBITS
Caribou Ranch Open Space– about 4 miles of trails.
Rated: easy
Nearest town: Nederland, CO
Day use only
No pets, bikes, camping, open fires
Restroom, picnic tables at trailhead
Closed: the months of April, May, June
Ever wonder what to do if you encounter wildlife? Click Here
Palmer Trail Loop, Manitou Springs, CO
A LOCAL FAVORITE
Palmer Trail Loop/Section 16 Trailhead at Red Rock Canyon Open Space is one of my favorite hikes in Colorado Springs. Problem is, it’s everyone’s! Can be crowded so get here early in the morning. A terrific workout with exceptional views and scenic settings. If possible hike here in late fall, winter, and early spring.
For a great map of this area try Pocket Pal Trail Maps
TIDBITS
5.7 mile loop
Rated: moderate
No restroom at trailhead
Limited parking
Come early
Staunton State Park, Pine, CO
MILES OF TRAILS & ALL AMAZING
Staunton State Park has so many trails options you could come here for several weekends. Offers a hike to Elk Falls (12 miles) Mason Trail to 3 overlooks (11 miles) and so many other ways to create your own trail adventures.
TIDBITS
Open year round
Staunton State Park website
Nearest town: Conifer, CO
Open to leashed dogs, horses, bikes
Fishing ponds, geocaching, camping
Junior Ranger program
There are numerous trails and several State Parks that line the front range of Colorado with options for beginner to avid hikers. It’s impossible to name them all but the ones listed are local favorites and now will be yours!
When ready for alpine adventure check a few of our favorites
ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE DROP ME A COMMENT BELOW. LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU. HAPPY TRAILS…
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Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you).
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