Drop Dead Gorgeous Day Hikes in Colorado

by | Dec 30, 2022 | BEST HIKES, HIKES | 0 comments

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Day hikes in Colorado will leave you wanting more! I put together all my favorite hikes of 2022. Each of these trails has a unique beauty, and I am thrilled to share them with you.

Hoping one or two, or even all, grab your heart and lead you to explore beyond where you live.

DAY HIKES – 23 TRAILS!

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DAVOS TRAIL

Davos Trail, minutes from the town of Vail, CO, is stunning in winter! Deep snowbanks sparkle in the bright sun as bare Aspen trees mixed with pines line the trail. The higher you hike, the more winter wonderland awaits, with views that will take your breath away.

Beginner or avid hiker, this is a trail for winter months to get outside!

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CHICAGO LAKES TRAIL

Chicago Lakes Trail is a popular Colorado hike in the summer, but it’s quiet and gorgeous in winter. Tucked behind Mt Evans 14er, the views of snow-capped peaks are breathtaking as you descend a narrow trail along slight cliff edges until reaching the valley floor. Soon hiking uphill in snow-laden forests until reaching the first lake and onto more spectacular hiking.

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Favorite Hiking Boots

Favorite Winter Hiking Boots

Favorite Snowshoes

Get outside year-round!

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PTARMIGAN PEAK TRAIL

Ptarmigan Trail in Silverthorne, CO, is about the views of many surrounding peaks! Aspen groves, pine forests, and the beginning of springtime buds make for a great day out before summer begins. But, of course, any season on this trail would be just as beautiful.

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COLORADO TRAIL, CHAMPION TRAIL & HIPPO TRAIL LOOP

Breckenridge Trails Loop hike is a mixture of 3 trails we found under the name Colorado Trail, Campion Trail, and Hippo Trail Loop on the AllTrails App.

A great trail, a great workout, and miles of high peaks views within a pine forest and meadows. We hiked in early May while waiting for the snow to melt on the higher-elevation hikes. In town, the trails were pretty dry.

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MAD CREEK TRAIL

Mad Creek Trail, located 10 minutes from Steamboat Springs, CO, is a favorite among locals and visitors. Hike to Mad Barn, a historical landmark, and find marmots scurrying about. Picnic by the river and take in the sounds of nature.

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I wanted to share my favorite outerwear for Colorado hiking. I love the Nano Puff Vest and Nano Puff Jacket. They are pricey, but you will have them for years of hiking & everyday use. Lightweight and packs up intensely small.

Nano Puff Hoodies are a favorite in intensely cold weather.

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FISH CREEK FALLS TO LONG LAKE

Fish Creek Falls to Long Lake Trail is a mecca of stunning waterfalls and will steal your heart. Beautiful from start to finish and packed full of all Colorado has to offer.

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PTARMIGAN LAKE TRAIL

Ptarmigan Lake Trail never dissapoints 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 path before breaking out at the tree line. Views of the highest peaks surround you as you hike across an expansive meadow and upward to Ptarmigan Lake.

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HAGERMAN TUNNEL TRAIL

Hagerman Tunnel Trail, also known as Midland Trail near Leadville, CO, is famous for its stunning scenery throughout your hike. It is one of our favorite trails with history, an alpine lake, and gorgeous views

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WINDSOR LAKE TRAIL

Windsor Lake Trail on Hagerman Pass near Leadville, CO, is a beautiful hike. It might be short, but it is strenuous! Lung and leg are busting with tremendous rewards at the top.

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Osprey Hiking Backpack. I love this backpack for day hiking.

Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System. Not always essential in a day hike, but I always bring on long, strenuous hikes,

Darn Tough Hiking Socks. Socks matter! Another great brand is Smartwool Socks. Both keep your feet dry and comfortable.

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FANCY LAKE TRAIL

Fancy Lake Trail is an enchanted forest with lush greenery, wildflowers, birdsong, craggy ledges, cascading waters from snowmelt, and one stunning alpine lake. Options for more alpine lakes can keep you hiking for days in wonder!

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SAND CANYON TRAIL

Sand Canyon Trail, located in the Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, is remarkable and scenic. You can find Ancient Puebloan ruins deep in the Canyon walls. Desert landscape, numerous canyons, and views. It’s a stunning hike.

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GUDY’S REST via COLORADO TRAIL

Colorado Trail to Gudy’s Rest is a beautiful woodland hike not far from downtown Durango, CO. Lovely, laid-back hike with a bench awaiting you at the top filled with sweeping views of the valley below.

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MT FLORA 13er

Mt Flora is a stunning hike up a Colorado 13er that starts at treeline at the summit of Berthoud Pass with spectacular 360-degree views. A perfect beginner peak bagger trail with an elevation gain of 1,778′.

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LEAVE NO TRACE 

ENCOUNTERING WILDLIFE  

APPROPRIATE HIKING GEAR

MT PARNASSUS 13er via WATROUS TRAIL

Mount Parnassus 13er is a challenging and sensational hike to the Summit of 13,580′ with breathtaking views across the highest peaks in Colorado.

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best day hikes

MOHAWK LAKES TRAIL

Mohawk & Mayflower Lakes is one of Colorado’s favorite day hikes. This hike has it all. You begin at 10,390′ elevation and reach 12,000′, with alpine lakes, old cabins, creek crossings, summer wildflowers, a dazzling waterfall, and incredible views. It is Colorado at its best.

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Ultralight/Watertight First Aid Kit for hiking.

Counter Assault Bear Spray. I’ve never had to use mine but feel better always having it with me hiking.

THREEMILE CREEK TRAIL

Threemile Creek Trail is a woodland wonder. It is a delightful trek in the forest with dense pine forests, aspen trees, rushing waters, numerous creek crossings, and beaver dams. A happy place!

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DEVIL’S PLAYGROUND TRAIL

Devil’s Playground is a dance with the weather, hiking big rocks, and views beyond your imagination. One adventurous trail and an exhilarating hike to the top of America’s Mountain, Pikes Peak. Short, fun, and challenging.

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LOCH VALE

Loch Vale, also known as The Loch, is one of the most popular hikes within Rocky Mountain National Park. The subalpine lake sits nestled below 13,153-foot Taylor Peak and Taylor Glacier. 30 ft Alberta Falls is an added treat while hiking up to the Loch. One of my favorite trails!

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Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park Guide. A Guide to the Park’s Greatest Hiking Adventures

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GEM LAKE TRAIL

Gem Lake Trail is just how the name sounds; located in Rocky Mountain National Park and is a fun hike with water crossings, rock steps, and sweeping, gorgeous views. Not a long hike but full of adventure as you hike upward. We loved it.

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BLACK POWDER PASS TRAIL

Black Powder Pass Trail at the Summit of Boreas Pass near Breckenridge, CO. is a 3.2-mile, slightly challenging trail. A hike to a panorama of gorgeous high-peak views! Pack a lunch, check out the railroad relics of yesteryear and wander up Black Powder Pass.

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RASPBERRY MOUNTAIN TRAIL

Raspberry Mountain Trail is all about the Summit and the 360-degree views of Colorado’s incredible mountain peaks & valleys. The fun of scrambling and finding your spot among the boulders to take in the view is the best part! Located near Divide, CO.

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CHICAGO LAKES TRAIL

Chicago Lakes Trail is a high-altitude delight as it winds its way to two alpine lakes into the Mt. Evans Wilderness. Wildflowers, wildlife, and views are abundant in summer. Fall and Winter hold magic as the snow settles in on the peaks. A favorite local trail!

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MAYFLOWER GULCH TRAIL

Mayflower Gulch is a family favorite and the best backcountry getaway in every season. Winter is exceptional! Easy to get to and doable for just about anyone. Make this trail once, and you will be back!

We hike Mayflower Gulch at the start of winter, and it’s a great kickstart to the winter season.

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Yaktak Diamond Grip Traction Microspikes for your boots. Excellent in winter when the trails are packed with snow and ice. Common in winter and spring.

Swany Arctic Mitt. I wanted to share my favorite winter mitten that keeps my hands warm. I add Hand Warmers and my fingers stay toasty.

HIKES IN ARIZONA & UTAH

Two unforgettable road trips to Arizona and Utah in 2022 with trails that exceeded our expectations! I wanted to share these trips with those who like to explore beyond.

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ARIZONA

Arizona was a treat and so invigorating! In January, I spent a week in Scottsdale, AZ.,  with a girlfriend and found terrific trails I’d love to share. Being warm and wearing less than our Colorado winters was a shock. My first love is still in Colorado. However, I would do this again! 

Five hikes surprised and exceeded our expectations and left us in awe of Arizona’s incredibly scenic trails. 

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KANAB, UTAH

Kanab, Utah, stole our hearts. We zipped out of Colorado to explore another area of southern Utah in late October before the snow encompassed Colorado’s high passes. After basing ourselves in the town of Kanab, UT, we had five days of a beautiful, adventure-filled short vacation!

Three trails that took our breath away that any avid hiker would love. Plus, several notable smaller hikes & tourist attractions worth mentioning.

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Can't wait to see you on the trail!

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