Here is a sneak peek into our favorite easy trails that are guaranteed to get you loving hiking.
All offer up Colorado outdoors in amazing ways and we’ve loved all of them. If new to hiking or to Colorado or an avid hiker there is one for you… or 2 or 3 or… all of them!
Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you).
Inter-Laken Trail
WANDER THROUGH A HISTORIC RESORT!
Need an easy trail with stunning views in Colorado’s high country? Sitting at the base of Independence Pass in Twin Lakes, Inter-Laken Trail rolls gently up and down right alongside one of Colorado’s most beautiful lakes. Upon hiking about 2.4 miles you will find the remains of the historic “Inter-Laken Resort” built-in 1879 which is remarkable!
Inter-Laken Trail is perfect for families, a great beginner trail, a perfect snowshoe trail, a trail to show off Colorado to visitors, and a nice hike to acclimate to the altitude before hitting higher trails.
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TIDBITS
Rated: easy
4.7 miles out and back
Start Elevation: 9,272 ft. minimal gain
No restrooms at trailhead
Popular for: hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, horseback, fishing and trail running
Open year round
Nearest Towns: Twin Lakes, Leadville, Buena Vista
Part of the Colorado Trail/Collegiate West Trail
Mayflower Gulch Trail
WE 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!
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TIDBITS:
Boston Mine Camp, 1.8 mile, 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 trailhead
Rated: easy to moderate
Open to: hiking, snowshoeing, nordic skiing, dogs, mountain bikes
Kid Friendly
Located in: Arapaho National Forest
SNOWSHOEING IS MAGICAL HERE: Mayflower Gulch Trail – in winter! Great beginner snowshoe trail.
Lily Pad Lakes Trail
THIS TRAIL IS A GEM!
HIke into the forest and deeper into magical lush greens, tall lodgepole pines, and crossing small trickles of water crisscrossing on the path. An unexpected surprise when reaching the lakes. Flowering Lily pads cover the surface of the lake. Take every social trail you can find and wander around both lakes. Abundant wildflowers and birdsong greet you in summer.
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TIDBITS
3.2 miles out and back
Rated: easy
Trail # 50
Start elevation: 9,928 ft.
End elevation: 10,009 ft.
Open to leashed dogs & horses
Bikes not allowed
Fishing is permitted in the second lake with valid Colorado fishing license
Eagles Nest Wilderness, White River National Forest – for camping information
Dillon Ranger District – 970-468-5400, for the latest trail & weather conditions
Nearest Town: Silverthorne & Frisco
Loveland Lakes Trail
A LOT OF “WOW” ON THIS SHORT HIKE!
Hiking around Loveland Lakes is easy peasy with 3 alpine lakes and views that are breathless. One of the best areas to experience what other hikers spend hours getting to above timberline. Perfect for the non-hiker who wants to see wildflowers, alpine tundra, and experience the amazing views that always comes with being above the treeline.
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TIDBITS
Rated: easy
0.8 mile out and back
Trail #9044
Elevation: Above 11,000 ft.
No Restrooms
Dog friendly
Family friendly
Judd Falls Trail
A HIKE YOU WON’T FORGET!
Judd Falls is a hike for all levels and if new to hiking, you’ll soon be hooked on finding more trails! Wander through fields of wildflowers in summer and towering Aspens in fall to an impressive waterfall cascading down a narrow slot canyon far below.
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Rated: easy to moderate
2.2 miles out and back from parking lot
Start Elevation: 9,600 ft. Gain 300 ft.
Family friendly
June – October: Best months
Gunnison National Forest
Nearest Towns: Crested Butte, Gunnison
Free Shuttle to Trailhead in the summer months
Popular Event: Crested Butte’s Annual Wildflower Festival
Lower Cataract Lake Trail
A LOCAL FAVORITE FOR SNOWSHOEING TOO!
You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the unexpected beauty surrounding you on the trail. Hike around Lower Cataract Lake in thick Aspen grooves and eventually leading into a dense spruce-fir forest where in season a waterfall greets you. This is one of our favorite casual day hikes, perfect beginner hike, or snowshoe trek.
READ MORE ON Lower Cataract Lake Trail
TIDBITS
2.5-mile loop
Rated: easy
Trail # 57
Family and dog friendly
Open to: Hiking, Snowshoeing, Fishing
Start Elevation: 8,652’ Minimal elevation gain
Restrooms
Three Lakes Trail
AN EASY HIKE ON KEBLER PASS!
3 stunning alpine lakes and a waterfall on a rolling trail through wildflowers, aspens, and pines.So close to the tree line, yet perfect for seasoned or newbie hikers. Sporadic views of Ruby Range & Beckwith Mountain were stunning, yet you’ll find that Dollar & Lost Lake are the highlights!
READ MORE ON Three Lakes Trail
TIDBITS
4.7 mile loop
Trail #843
Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests
Start elevation: 9,612 ft
Rated: easy/moderate
Open to hiking and horseback
Facts on Kebler Pass
Nearest towns: Crested Butte, Paonia
Bridgeport Trail
FINd PETROGLYPHS!
Off the beaten path doesn’t even begin to explain the unsurpassed beauty and solitude of Colorado’s Dominguez Canyon Wilderness. If you haven’t discovered Colorado’s high desert on the western slope, start here!
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TIDBITS – Bridgepoint Trail – Big Dominguez Canyon
7-14 miles out and back
Rated: easy/moderate
2 miles from Trailhead to access Dominguez Canyon Wilderness
Approximate 2 miles from access to petroglyphs
Backpacking haven
No fresh drinking water
Family, dog & horseback friendly
Horse trailer parking
Minimal cell service
Django Trail
UNSURPASSED VIEWS OF THE COLLEGIATE PEAKS!
Django Trail and Fistful of Dollars Trail is a fun loop with stellar views of the Collegiate Peaks on every bend. Easy hiking through beautiful rock outcroppings, and pinon forest. You’ll stop often to take it all in. Close to the picturesque town of Buena Vista, it can be an easy all-day adventure.
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TIDBITS
Django Trail #6033
Fistful of Dollars Trai #6034
Loop hike – 3.4 miles
Rated: slightly moderate
Nearest Town: Buena Vista (known by locals as BV)
Located in the Four Mile Travel Management Area
Mini Mine Trail
EXCEPTIONAL IN FALL!
Short but sweet hike with exceptional views of the mountain peaks while hiking through some of Colorado’s most historic remnants of mines. Even though rated moderate you will find this trail quite easy and the surrounding beauty will keep you going! In the fall this trail is known as the most colorful trail in Breckenridge.
READ MORE ON Mini Mine Trail
TIDBITS
1.8-mile loop
Rated: moderate
Dog friendly
Family-friendly hiking and snowshoeing
Popular for mountain biking
Lots of history
Nearest Town: Breckenridge
Views of Breckenridge Ski Resort
Want to step it up a little? 3 Trails to get you started.
Browns Creek Falls – family friendly!
Native Lakes Trail – gets you above tree line!
Chief Mountain Trail – perfect beginner summit hike!
Hoping one of these hikes makes it to your list of hikes to do! Guaranteed to make you happy and excited to do more trails. Have questions, need help, or simply want to share your hiking adventures leave a comment below. Love to hear from you.
Happy trails!
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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