If you’ve never hiked before these beginner trails will get you hooked.
Have you been nervous to start hiking? These trails will ease your fears.
Thinking you’d hate hiking? Try a trail and decide if hiking is for you.
Getting into Colorado’s backcountry is easy peasy with the right trail for beginners and we’ve hiked some great easy trails to share with you.
THREEMILE CREEK
GUANELLA PASS, CO
Threemile Creek Trail is an easy/slightly moderate hike through a beautiful forest of pines and aspens. Numerous creek crossings feel like an adventure as you hike up into the Mt. Evans Wilderness. Note: rocky and lots of roots line the trail.
>>> READ MORE This trail is a gem! Just plain FUN!
SAWMILL GULCH TRAIL
BRECKENRIDGE, CO
Sawmill Gulch is a family-friendly summer surprise. A treat for any age, a fun forest wonder. Muddy areas, water to run through, leaves squishy beneath your feet, bridges to cross, sticks and rocks to collect, your kids will feel like they are on a great adventure.
>>> READ MORE Arrive at Sawmill Reservoir!
RAINBOW LAKE TRAIL
FRISCO, CO
Rainbow Lake Trail, a surprise in the heart of Colorado A sweet, short Colorado hike hidden off the trails behind Frisco, CO, below Mt. Royal. Bring the kids, the dogs, you’re hiking boots in summer, or snowshoes in winter, this trail is exceptional.
Easy peasy Colorado hike.
>>> READ MORE You will love it!
Hiking Umbrella, Lightweight & Fits on Backpack
Get lost, get hurt, gets dark. Black Diamond Headlamp – works great!
My backpack for bringing all the essentials for a day hike.
MAYFLOWER GULCH
SUMMIT COUNTY, CO
Mayflower Gulch is a local favorite! Hike one mile among tall pine trees and a deep green dense forest, and reach the treeline. The entire basin opens up before you with views of the Ten Mile Range. Explore amazing remnants of the early 1800s Boston Mine scattered throughout.
A breathtaking sight and one not found on other trails!
>>> READ MORE Amazing hike!!
LOWER CATARACT LAKE
SUMMIT COUNTY, CO
Lower Cataract Lake Trail Loop is short but “oh so sweet”! An adventure for both young and old. The perfect casual day hike or beginner snowshoe trek.
>>> READ MORE Perfect beginner day hike!
ST MARY’S GLACIER
IDAHO SPRINGS, CO
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 One of a kind trail!
THE CRAGS TRAIL
DIVIDE, CO
The Crags Trail – Get ready for the unexpected! You won’t be disappointed, instead, you’ll be giddy with awe. Not your normal trek through the Colorado forests when reaching the top. The views and the rock formations will leave you stunned. Slightly moderate in short sections.
>>> READ MORE Loved this hike!!
LEAVE NO TRACE
ENCOUNTERING WILDLIFE
APPROPRIATE HIKING GEAR
SEVEN BRIDGES TRAIL
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
Seven Bridges Trail is a hike for anyone who loves to enjoy the woods. Waterfalls, bridges, and beautiful forests leave you transfixed and loving every minute as you hike this trail. It’s both enjoyable and gorgeous. Perfect for families, visitors, and newbies to Colorado.
>>> READ MORE a magical woodland!
JUDD FALLS TRAIL
CRESTED BUTTE, CO
Judd Falls is a hike for all levels and if new to hiking, you’ll soon be hooked! You simply can’t go wrong hiking Judd Falls or any trail near Crested Butte.
Crested Butte is known as one of the most sensational wildflower areas in the state.
>>> READ MORE Absolutely stunning!
THREE LAKES TRAIL
KEBLER PASS, CO
One of our favorite “off the beaten path” trails we’ve happened upon. Three Lakes Trail, located on beautiful Kebler Pass near Crested Butte.
4.7-mile loop on a moderately easy hike of alpine wonder.
>>> READ MORE a hidden gem!
NYMPH LAKE TRAIL
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, CO
Nymph Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park is a short, sweet, fairytale-like hike for all skill levels. A perfect trail to see Colorado’s Rocky Mountains without much effort in all its majestic glory.
>>> READ MORE Easy hiking to reach a high-altitude alpine lake!
CARIBOU RANCH
NEDERLAND, CO
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.
>>> READ MORE Something for everyone!
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 Unforgettable hike!
HIKING ESSENTIALS for a Safe & Happy Hike > CLICK HERE
BRIDGEPORT TRAIL
DOMINGUEZ CANYON, CO
Bridgeport Trailhead, Dominguez Escalante Wilderness, easy hiking near Grand Junction. Off the beaten path doesn’t even begin to explain the unsurpassed beauty and solitude of Colorado’s Dominguez Canyon Wilderness.
Hands down one of our favorite Colorado hikes on the western slope.
>>> READ MORE Find Petroglyphs!
Babies thrive in the outdoors!
Kids like hiking gear too!
Lightweight, easy to carry!
LOVELAND LAKES TRAIL
LOVELAND PASS, CO
Want to see one of Colorado’s most beautiful spots without any effort? Here you go, Loveland Lakes Trail is easy peasy and breathtaking.
Views at the far end of the loop are absolutely stunning. Situated above treeline and high alpine tundra, you’ll spend hours here sitting and starring at its wonder.
>>> READ MORE Even avid hikers enjoy this area!
SAPPHIRE POINT TRAIL
DILLON, CO
Sapphire Point Overlook and Trail – Head out for a short drive from Breckenridge or Dillon, in the heart of Colorado’s Ski Country, and find a “not-to-be-missed” easy peasy trail. The perfect spot for bringing kiddos, the elderly, visitors, and newbie hikers.
The overlook and trail show off Colorado in spades, with sweeping views of surrounding mountain towns and snow-capped peaks.
>>> READ MORE Short 0.6 mile gentle loop
INTER-LAKEN TRAIL
TWIN LAKES, CO
Sitting at the base of Independence Pass in Twin Lakes, CO, Inter-Laken Trail rolls gently up and down right alongside one of Colorado’s most beautiful lakes.
Explore the historic “Inter-Laken Resort” built-in 1879. One of our favorite trails!
> >> READ MORE Beginner hike or snowshoe!
BEAR CREEK FALLS TRAIL
TELLURIDE, CO
Bear Creek Falls Trail is one of Telluride’s most popular hikes with an impressive, very scenic waterfall at the end. I loved this hike!
>>> READ MORE You will want to hang out here all day!
HOPE ONE OR ALL OF THESE TRAILS LEAVES YOU LOVING HIKING AND WANTING MORE!
Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you).