Colorado hikes that will leave you wanting more! I put together all my favorite hikes of 2020 for ideas of where to go in your 2021 spring/summer/fall outdoor adventure list. All of these trails have their own unique beauty and I am thrilled to share them with you.
Hoping one or two or all of them grab your heart and lead you out to explore beyond where you live.
Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you).
Hope Lake Trail – near Telluride, CO
IS A HIKE LIKE NO OTHER! BEAUTIFUL …
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 hovering above us as we hike through green lush forests, crossing creeks, and hiking up switchbacks to find a beautiful alpine lake high above the treeline in a basin lined with 13ers. READ MORE…
5.3 mile out and back
Rated: moderate
Start Elevation: 10,750 ft.
Lake Elevation: 11,880 ft.
Open to hiking, horseback
Closest town: Telluride, CO
No restroom
Busy in summer, popular
Known for wildflowers
Dispersed camping alongside FR #627
Wasatch Trail to Nellie Mine – Telluride, CO
AND THE ADDED BONUS OF BEAR CREEK FALLS!
Wasatch Trail is a loop of 14 miles across Telluride’s high peaks and known as one of Colorado’s most spectacular hikes. We hiked to the historic Nellie Mine and not the entire loop for our day hike and found ourselves lost in wonder at the surrounding terrain and views. READ MORE…
Rated: strenuous
Approx: 9 miles out and back
No restrooms
Popular wildflower hike in summer
Uncompahgre Wilderness
Located end of Pine Street downtown Telluride
PLEASE check at the Telluride Visitor Center at 236 W. Colorado Ave. for accurate directions before deciding on the entire loop. It’s a full 8-10 hour day hike. Lots of trail options too!
On your way up to Wasatch Trail or on your way down take a detour of only 1/2 mile and see Bear Creek Falls!
Perimeter Trail – Ouray, CO
A TOTAL SURPRISE AT HOW AMAZING IT IS!
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. A super FUN hike! Full of mystery and curiosity. Highly recommend! READ MORE…
Rated: moderate/strenuous
5.9-mile loop
Elevations range from 7661 ft – 8413 ft
In the town of Ouray, CO – start at the Visitor Center
Herman Gulch Trail – Bakerville, CO
BEST WILDFLOWER HIKE OF THE SUMMER!
Herman Gulch Trail, a heart-pumping summer 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. I’ve often hiked here in the offseason but decided to try a summer day which turned out to be spectacular. READ MORE…
6.5 miles out and back
Elevation gain: 1,755ft.
Herman Lake sits at 11,987 ft.
Rated: moderate
2 portable potties at the Trailhead
Open to leashed dogs, horses, bikes
Arapahoe National Forest – for camping information
Clear Creek Ranger District – for trail conditions
Nearest Town: Georgetown
Late fall is a great time to hike in Colorado. The wildflowers and fall colors are gone but so are the crowds. Herman Gulch in Late Fall
Native Lake Trail – Leadville, CO
LOVED IT, & NO CROWDS TOO!
Native Lake Trail is a bucket list hike in Colorado. One of my favorite hikes this summer. 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…
8.2 miles out and back
Rated: moderate
Elevation start: 10,780 ft. Across the tundra 11,879 ft. at the lake 11,293 ft,
Open to leashed dogs
No restrooms
Nearest town: Leadville, CO
So much variety in terrain and scenery. One of those pleasant hikes you can’t go wrong choosing.
Mayflower Gulch Trail – Summit County, CO
I HAVE AN OBSESSION WITH THIS HIKE!
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…
Boston Mine Camp, 1.8 miles, starts at 10,994 ft., ends at 11,980 ft.
Gold Hill and across top: approx: 4 miles out and back
Gold Crest Mine Site: approx: 3 miles out and back
No restrooms at the trailhead
Rated: easy to moderate
Open to: hiking, snowshoeing, nordic skiing, dogs, mountain bikes
Kid-Friendly
Located in: Arapaho National Forest
Booth Lake Trail – Vail, CO
ONE OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR HIKES I’VE HIKED!
Booth Lake Trail was strenuous, exhilarating, and left me speechless when reaching the treeline. Beautiful from beginning to end with the added bonus of popular 60′ Booth Falls! READ MORE…
10 mile out and back
Rated: difficult
Trail # 2011
Elevation gain: 3,053 feet
Open to hiking, horseback, dogs on leash
Not open to mountain bikes
Popular for trout fishing in late summer – Colorado Fishing License
Parking: limited – another option: East Vail Free Shuttle
Eagle – Holy Cross Ranger District – Camping Information
Eagles Nest Wilderness
Kroenke Lake Trail – Buena Vista, CO
WAY BACK IN THE COLLEGIATE PEAKS WILDERNESS AND JUST PLAIN FUN!
There is nothing like a hike to an alpine lake and Kroenke Lake Trail is one to add to your bucket list! Beautiful from start to finish, we hiked through lush forests, leading to incredible views of Colorado’s Collegiate Peaks, did a few water crossings, and nestled in the basin just below treeline, found Kroenke Lake. READ MORE…
8.6 miles out and back
Rated: moderate
Start elevation: 9,860 ft
Lake elevation: 11,500 ft
Open to: hiking, dogs on leash, horses
San Isabel National Forest
Nearest town: Buena Vista
Ptarmigan Lake Trail – Cottonwood Pass, CO
YOU WILL HIKE THIS ONE AGAIN AND AGAIN!
Ptarmigan Lake Trail is a Colorado favorite trail for 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…
Rated: moderate
6.8 miles out and back
Trail #1444
Elevation start: 10,680 ft.
Elevation end: 12,300 ft.
Restroom at trailhead
Dog friendly
Chaffee County
Nearest town: Buena Vista
Hartenstein Lake Trail – Buena Vista, CO
YOU CAN’T GO WRONG IN THE COLLEGIATE PEAK WILDERNESS!
Hiking to Hartenstein Lake is for Colorado outdoor enthusiasts! In the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, you will find your trail options are so many. Start on Denny Creek Trail and find Hartenstein Lake Trailhead just before reaching the top of Browns Pass. READ MORE…
Rated: moderate/challenging in spots
6 miles out and back
Start elevation: 9,880 ft.
End elevation:11,480 ft
Parking at trailhead
Restroom at trailhead
Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area
San Isabel National Forest
Nearest town: Buena Vista
Brown’s Creek Falls – Nathrop, CO
GREAT TRAIL FOR A FAMILY ADVENTURE!
Browns Creek Falls is an exhilarating day hike in Colorado’s Mountains. Reach the end of the trail and you suddenly happen upon the falls, it’s that unexpected. Roaring, rushing, white water thundering down from a rocky ledge high above. My description just doesn’t give it the credit it deserves. You’ll just have to hike to Browns Creek Falls and see for yourself! READ MORE …
Rated: moderate
6.2 miles out and back
Trail #1429
Start at 8,990 ft, elevation, End at 9,830 ft
Open to: leashed dogs, horses, mountain bikes
No motorized vehicles
Dispersed camping allowed but not at the Trailhead
Fire restrictions common
Chief Mountain – Near Evergreen, CO
SHORT, STEEP, AND UNSURPASSED VIEWS!
Chief Mountain Trail is a great beginner summit hike. It’s a decent climb, right from the start for 1.5 miles while gaining 1000 ft in elevation. 360-degree views at the summit rival those of Colorado’s 14ers. Once you do this trail, you’ll be excited to do more high-altitude hikes in the substantial peaks! READ MORE…
3 miles out and back
Rated: moderate
Trail #58
Elevation start: 10,800′ gain: 1,000′
No restrooms
Family-friendly
Open to leashed dogs, hiking, snowshoeing
Arapaho National Forest
Clear Creek Ranger District
St. Mary’s Glacier Trail – Near Idaho Springs, CO
CROWDED BUT DIFFERENT THAN ANY OTHER HIKE YOU WILL FIND!
St Mary’s Glacier Trail is a must-see hike in Colorado not far from Denver and doable for anyone. Avid hikers can keep on going and it just gets better! Short hike to the Glacier and incredible scenery plus snow year-round!. READ MORE...
HIke to Lake: 1 mile out and back
Rated: moderate
Portable Restrooms
Open to leashed dogs
Family Friendly
Nearest Town: Idaho Springs, CO
Arapaho National Forest
Clear Creek Ranger District
Threemile Creek Trail – Near Grant, CO
DELIGHTFUL HIKE THROUGH TREES, ROCKS, AND BEAVER PONDS!
Threemile Creek Trail is a moderate hike through the forest with numerous creek crossings as you hike up into the Mt. Evans Wilderness. The added treat was finding the biggest beaver pond I’ve run across to date. READ MORE…
9 mile out and back (varies)
Rated: moderate, lots of rocks & roots
Open to leashed dogs, horseback
Known for wildflowers, fall colors
Family-friendly
Restroom at Trailhead
Large parking area
Pike & Arapaho National Forest
Silver Dollar Lake Trail – Guanella Pass, CO
I’ll BE HONEST, THIS TRAIL IS CROWDED, BUT IT’S GORGEOUS!
Silver Dollar Lake Trail on stunning Guanella Pass is a true Colorado experience! Beautiful dense pine forest to high above timberline reaching spectacular views while passing one alpine lake, being greeted by a 2nd alpine lake, and reaching the 3rd lake at 12,178 in elevation. READ MORE…
Trail #79
3.3 miles out and back to Silver Dollar Lake
4.3 miles out and back to Murray Lake
Rated: moderate
Silver Dollar – 11,950′ elevation
Murray Lake – 12,178′ elevation
Camping: Guanella Pass Campground
Open to leashed dogs, horses
Nearest town: Georgetown, CO
American Lake Trail – Aspen, CO
ABSOLUTELY STUNNING TOP TO BOTTOM AND A LUNG BUSTER!
American Lake Trail has got it all. Just minutes from Aspen CO, this hike is what Aspen is all about. Beautiful aspen groves line the trail soon leading into a dense forest of pines and spruces, arriving at an alpine lake with sweeping high peaks views. READ MORE…
6.4 miles out and back
Rated: Strenuous
Elevation gain: approx: 2000′
Highest elevation: 11,390′
No restrooms
Dogs ok on leash
Nearest Town: Aspen, CO
Known for Wildflowers in Summer!
After the hike check out Ashcroft Ghost Town. A short hike through Colorado history just minutes from American Lake Trailhead.
Crater Lakes Trail – Rollinsville, CO
MOUNTAIN AMAZING ALL THE WAY!
Crater Lakes is in the heart of the James Peaks Wilderness and the perfect day hike or backpacking weekend. Nestled just below the Continental Divide, the setting is unbeatable. READ MORE…
6.5 miles out and back
Rated: moderate
Restrooms at Trailhead
The trail starts on South Boulder Creek Trail
No bikes
Open to dogs on leash & horses
Crystal Mill Hike – Marble, CO
HIKING TO CRYSTAL MILL IS THE WAY TO GO!
Crystal Mill and the town of Crystal are the main attraction but hiking the 9 miles there and back is packed with pristine views along the Crystal River, passing colorful Lizard Lake, and the amazing mountains of the White River National Forest surrounding you. You can go by 4×4, by horse, by bike but hiking in is magical and much more rewarding. READ MORE…
9 miles out and back
Rated: easy/moderate
Open: only in summer and fall months
High 4×4 off-road traffic in summer
Family-friendly
Rough, rocky & muddy
No restrooms
Bring water & snacks!
Dogs ok on leash
TIP: go in late October to miss most of the 4×4 traffic!
Limber Grove Trail – Fairplay, CO
OFF THE BEATEN PATH AND FIND ANCIENT TREES!
Limber Grove Trail is a little-known hidden gem and just off the beaten path, it’s a bit of a secret! We had an adventurous snowshoe hike leading us to a forest of ancient trees above the tree line. I’ve also hiked this in summer and found it just as exciting. It’s like a magical forest in the middle of nowhere on top of nowhere! READ MORE…
Rated: easy
3 miles out and back
Start Elevation: 10,565 ft. end 10,921 ft.
No restrooms at the trailhead
Mosquito Range Heritage Initiative: has a brochure you can print
Closest Town: Fairplay, CO
Located between Horseshoe Campground and Four Mile Campground
South Park Ranger District: for more information
Not recommended for horses
Dog and family-friendly
North Ten Mile Creek Trail – Frisco, CO
A TRAIL FOR ANYONE – SO PEACEFUL!
Looking for a relaxing hike through classic Colorado scenery and a babbling creek alongside you? North Ten Mile CreekTrail 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…
Trail #37
7.3 mile out and back
Rated: easy/moderate
No restrooms
Nearest town: Frisco, CO
Dillon Ranger District; Silverthorne, CO
Buffalo Mountain Trail – Silverthorne, CO
KNEE BENDER, LUNG BUSTER, AND EXHILARATING!
Incredible scenery as you hike 3008 ft in elevation in just 3 miles to the summit. Definitely worth the climb for the views! Sounds difficult but if you take your time it’s doable for moderate hikers who don’t mind a lot of rock scrambling. READ MORE...
6 miles out and back
Rated: strenuous
3008 ft Elevation gain
Open to leashed dogs, horses
No restrooms at the trailhead
Eagles Nest Wilderness, White River National Forest – for camping information
Dillon Ranger District – 970-468-5400, for the latest trail & weather conditions
Nearest Towns: Silverthorne & Frisco
Mohawk Lakes Trail – Breckenridge, CO
THE FAVORITE HIKE FOR LOCALS LIKE ME! I KEEP GOING BACK…
Mohawk Lakes Trail is one of Colorado’s best 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…
6 miles out and back – to lower lake
6.7 miles out and back – to the upper lake
Rated: moderate/strenuous
No restrooms at the trailhead
Crazy crowded in summer months – come early!
Nearest Town: Breckenridge, CO
Open to: hiking, snowshoeing, dogs on leash, horses and mountain bikes
Dillon Ranger District – dispersed camping information
Hoosier Pass Loop – Hoosier Pass Summit, CO
EASY WAY TO BE ABOVE TREELINE & GAP AT ALL THE VIEWS!
Hoosier Pass is an adventure in any season. Glorious views when summer hiking, famous for winter backcountry snow sports, skiing, snowshoeing & snowboarding. We hit the top of the pass just a week before the winter snows came. Great summer hike to grab mind-boggling views! READ MORE…
Loop is approx. 3.5 miles
Rated: moderate
No restrooms
Large parking area
Known for extreme weather conditions
Dogs ok on leash
Park & Summit County
AND THAT IS THE BEST OF THE YEAR in 2020, IT’S BEEN A PRIVILEGE SHARING TRAILS WITH YOU AND HAS PUSHED ME TO GET OUT THERE MORE AND I AM HOPING IT IS DOING THE SAME FOR YOU,
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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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