So many memorable hiking trails in Colorado from mild to wild … there is a trail out there for you.
Having been on so many Colorado trails, a few stick out as the most memorable that I’d love to share. You know, the ones you would do again and again.
Of course, I still have many more hikes to go but until then do these!
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Herman Gulch Trail
rated: moderate memorable hiking trail…
One of the most popular hikes in Colorado is Herman Gulch Trail located near Loveland Pass and easy to get to from Denver. Which means it’s crowded, especially in summer. I don’t mean a little bit crowded, more like hoards of hikers lining the trail. Take it from a local… go in late September or October before the big snows and you’ll have it almost to yourself.
CLICK ANY PHOTO FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EACH HIKE.
McCullough Gulch Trail
rated: moderate memorable hiking trail…
Another popular Colorado hike near Breckenridge, CO on Hoosier Pass is McCullough Gulch Trail. Oh so many people on the trail but oh such a grand hiking experience. Get to the upper Lakes and the crowd thins out but to really enjoy it, try late September and October. The waterfall will be slightly frozen but the snow covered peak views and exquisite alpine setting make up for it.
Mohawk Lakes Trail
rated: moderate memorable hiking trail…
Well, I have to mention Mohawk Lakes Trail just outside of Breckenridge, CO on Hoosier Pass. YES, it’s popular and crowded but a must do hike. Cascading waterfall, abandoned cabins and alpine lakes make it a classic Colorado hike. Beautiful in the summer, wildflowers galore. If you hate crowds though try late fall, you won’t be disappointed!
NOTE: Owning a pair of snowshoes is like having hiking boots, you will get out there more!
Mayflower Gulch Trail
rated: easy memorable hiking trail…
For an easy hike yet popular trail and one of my all time favorites is Mayflower Gulch Trail. The Trailhead is easy to find 6 miles past Copper Mountain Ski on Fremont Pass towards Leadville. Hiking in summer or snowshoeing in winter it’s the perfect family day out. We’ve made it a yearly tradition and have never been disappointed. Beautiful setting sitting just under the Ten Mile Range above timberline.
Let’s go off the beaten path a little and find a few hidden gems.
Waterdog Trail
rated: moderate memorable hiking trail…
Just before Monarch Ski Area on Monarch Pass tucked in the trees is the Trailhead for Waterdog Trail. One of our favorite finds. A steady incline zigzags through tall pines until you reach timberline and 2 beautiful alpine lakes. We did this one in July and only saw a few other hikers. Would be a great first time backpacking weekend trip if desired.
Newlin Creek Trail
rated: moderate memorable hiking trail…
The Wet Mountains is a area we are just discovering. Just south of Florence CO we found Newlin Creek Trail. What a surprise! It’s a waterfall and water crossing paradise. A workout for sure as you hike a steady incline up a narrow canyon to the top. We saw a handful of hikers in the middle of summer. It’s an an easy drive from Colorado Springs or Canyon City and a sweet day hike.
Bridgeport Trail
rated: easy to moderate memorable hiking trail…
On the western slope in the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness, south of Grand Junction and north of Montrose is a totally different Colorado experience. Bridgeport Trail took our breath away. Hiking among red stone canyon walls through fields of cacti on sandy trails and even finding petroglyphs along the way. We loved it. We hiked in late September and it was quiet, very few hikers and quite warm weather.
Limber Grove Trail
rated: easy memorable hiking trail…
A easy hiking trail that we found so unusual was a real treat! Limber Grove Trail, south of Fairplay CO, not far off Hwy 285. We hiked through a forest of twisted, old trees, Bristlecone and Limber Pines, it was fantastic. There are only a few spots in Colorado where you will find the ancient trees. For something different, this trail is for you.
Three Lakes Trail
rated: easy to slightly moderate memorable hiking trail…
On Kebler Pass near Somerset,CO is Three Lakes Trail. The 4.7 mile loop is a family friendly hike with alpine lakes and a waterfall. One of the prettiest trails we’ve hiked. Not sure how “off the beaten path” it is. We went in early fall and had most of the trail to ourselves, not sure how the summer months are. However this area is known for its wildflowers in summer and I’ll be back crowds or not!
Platte River Trail
rated: slightly moderate memorable hiking trail…
A little north of Lake George, CO, just past Happy Meadows Campground was another surprise, Platte River Trail. You’d never know it was there! Beautiful easy to moderate trail meandering through tall pines and huge rock formations that ends at the South Platte River. Our hike was in late Feb and we pretty much had the trail to ourselves, but we did encounter a lot of snow as we went farther in.
It was hard to choose which 10 hikes to write about. I tried to do a mixture of different types of trails in various locations to start with but will certainly do more… until then HAPPY TRAILS!
A GENTILE REMINDER: Venturing off trails damages vegetation, leads to erosion and impacts wildlife.
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