Moderate Trails, Step it Up from Beginner Hikes

Moderate hikes that we love, so when you are ready to step it up, these trails will get you loving Colorado’s Mountains. Beautiful waterfalls, alpine lakes, and adventure into some of our most scenic areas that some never see.

Notable:

> Altitude sickness is real, know the signs and symptoms

Check the weather before you go. Colorado weather can change rapidly in our mountains, especially at higher altitudes. Watch for lightning and quickly get down from the tree line if thunderclouds are approaching.

Bring appropriate clothing for rapid temperature changes

10 EXCITING MODERATE HIKES

Browns Creek Falls

Browns Creek Falls is an exhilarating day hike in Colorado’s Mountains. Reach the trails end, and you suddenly happen upon Browns Creek Falls; it’s that unexpected and incredible. Rushing white water thunders down from a rocky ledge high above.

I’d recommend this hike even if you are new to hiking and have acclimated to a higher elevation. It’s moderate initially, but If you can do the first mile and a half, the rest is a stroll. You’ll be excited about the next hike you do…

Chief Mountain Trail

Summit hike perfect for your first easy/moderate trail, Chief Mountain is a 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. The views are mind-boggling!

Once you make this trail, you’ll want to do high-altitude hikes to the substantial peaks!

Ptarmigan Lake Trail

Ptarmigan Lake Trail never disappoints and is a Colorado favorite 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.

Ultralight/Watertight Hiking Medical Kit

Ouray Perimeter Trail

Ouray Perimeter Trail, 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. Full of mystery and curiosity. Highly recommend!

Native Lake Trail

Native Lake Trail is ever-changing scenery! One for the bucket list of hikes in Colorado. 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. 

Lost Lake Trail via Hessie Trailhead

Indian Peaks Wilderness, near Nederland, CO, is a mecca of sensational hiking trails. Hessie Trailhead is a starting point for several hikes within Indian Peaks. Today’s adventure, Lost Lake, is a family-friendly trail for backpacking and day hiking. Waterfall, bridges, and an alpine lake; you can’t go wrong!

Isabelle Lake Trail

Isabelle Glacier Trail is unstoppable beauty. Unmatched in its scenic beauty from beginning to end. You can hike to gorgeous Isabelle Lake for a more leisurely moderate hike or be adventurous and trek onto Isabelle Glacier.

Moose sightings are common here!

Notable items you might regret not having with you while hiking in Colorado. > Day Hiker Checklist

Gem Lake Trail

Gem Lake is just how the name sounds! Fun hike with water crossings, rock steps, and gorgeous sweeping views. Not a long trail but full of adventure as you hike upward. We loved it. 

Raspberry Mountain via Ring the Peak Trail

Raspberry Mountain is 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 it all in is the best part!

Butler Gulch Trail

Butler Gulch is a lovely hike amid a sprinkling of wildflowers, old mining remnants, a waterfall, and snow-capped peaks. Take the loop hike and find incredible views that take your breath away while Marmots and Pikas check you out. Note: The loop trail takes you on a steep short ascent and descent. Hiking into just the basin as an out-and-back is moderate.

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