Best Hikes in Colorado: 9 Day Hikes and Scenic Hiking Trails

by Ryan Nicholson | Last Updated: August 31, 2021

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Narrowing down a list of the best hikes in Colorado to ten or less is no easy task.

There are literally hundreds of hiking destinations and bucket list trails in pretty much every city in Colorado.

From springtime hiking to winter trails and every season in between, there is never a shortage of places to hike.

You can enjoy the great outdoors and spend time hiking in this beautiful state.

There are endless hiking spots, trails and open spaces available in Colorado! You can’t really go wrong with any of them.

Even if you’re just pulling off on a side road, you’re bound to find a trail that goes into the woods or up the mountain.

Here are the best scenic hikes in Colorado and how to experience each one.

1. Garden of the Gods Loop Trail

Garden of the Gods tops many bucket lists and hiking guides in Colorado for good reason.

It truly is an epic destination for being one of the most picturesque and photographed places in the state.

And Garden of the Gods Loop Trail will take your breath away.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or are a native to Colorado, this hiking spot is fairly easy.

The Loop can be customized for how long you want to walk and can be as long as 4 miles in length.

It crosses over other popular paths like Palmer Trail and Scotsman Trail so you can explore the garden at your own pace.

Difficulty: easy

2. Timberline Falls Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park

There are so many trails to explore in Rocky Mountain National Park but one of the best is the hike to Timberline Falls.

The trailhead is located on Bear Lake Road about 8 miles from Highway 36.

Due to the popularity of this trail in peak tourist season, you may want to consider parking and taking the free shuttle to the trailhead.

The entire trail is about a 9 mile-long loop that features Sky Pond and lots of bird watching.

The hike is moderate to difficult so you may not want to hike this with small children or if you are not at this fitness level.

It’s also important to know that you may be limited to which trails you can hike on depending on the time of year.

Rocky Mountain National Park is a very wild place, and there are lots of animals that you’ll probably cross paths with.

Stay out of the animals’ way and practice smart safety tips.

Difficulty: hard

3. Chautauqua Trail at Boulder Flatirons

Chautauqua Park in Boulder is absolutely amazing and is a must-visit when crafting your list of the best hikes in Colorado!

With views of the Flatirons and lots of trails and paths to take, this hike is one of a kind.

And the good news is that dogs are allowed as long as they are leashed.

You can choose from lesser known trails that are a bit more difficult, or easier but more trafficked paths.

Chautauqua Trail is a moderately difficult hike that goes out and back for 1.2 miles.

The views of the park are gorgeous and showcase the magnificence of the Flatirons near the Front Range.

To reach the Flatirons, it’s easy to take the bus from Union Station in Denver and get off on Broadway and Baseline, and walk over to the park.

Or you can get off on the University stop and walk over to start your hike.

Difficulty: moderate

4. Seven Bridges Trail at North Cheyenne Canon Park

North Cheyenne Canon is a very rugged hiking destination with access to gorgeous windy roads through the mountains.

A popular hike in this area is Seven Bridges Trail which is a 3.8 mile trail that is moderately difficult.

It features a waterfall and breathtaking views of the city below.

Some areas tend to get a little bit steep so the best times to visit are between March and November.

Located near Colorado Springs, North Cheyenne Canon Park offers many of the trails on the side of the mountain.

So, practice safety, and don’t hike this area if you’re afraid of heights.

One of the easier hikes in the area is Mount Cutler Trail, which is a 1.7 mile hike that is good for all skill levels.

Difficulty: easy to moderate

5. The Manitou Incline

If you’re looking for an intense hike to test your physical abilities, then the Manitou Incline is the hike for you.

Located in Manitou Springs this is one of the most challenging hikes in all of Colorado.

The Incline has over 2,700 steps with a 2,000 foot elevation gain that is less than one mile straight up the mountain.

Most people train for months before climbing this trail, so hike with caution.

The views from the top of the mountain are like none other, and the hike down the mountain is equally picturesque.

The Barr Trail is a 12.5 mile trail that intersects from Pikes Peak to Manitou Springs and is a very difficult hike.

It is the best hike to climb Pikes Peak as well as the main way to climb down the Manitou Incline.

Difficulty: extremely hard

6. Sloan’s Lake Park in Denver

If you live in the city of Denver, Sloan’s Lake is the perfect little getaway for a scenic walk.

Located right in the middle of the city, Sloan’s Lake is over 177 acres and is the city’s second largest park.

The walking and biking path around the lake is just over 2.5 miles one-way.

It offers picturesque views of downtown Denver in one direction, and the Rocky Mountains from the other direction.

Since this is a city park there are nice facilities nearby including two playgrounds, picnic areas, tennis courts, restrooms and more.

Difficulty: easy

7. Ute Valley Park Loop Trail

Ute Valley Park is another one of our absolutely favorite hiking spots in Colorado!

And within the park is the Ute Valley Park Loop Trail.

It’s nestled in the center of the city but still very secluded and quiet.

The trail is a loop that is nearly 4 miles long that starts and ends at the parking lot.

It features a gorgeous overlook, a small creek, plus lots of birds and wildlife that are native to the area.

The path is moderate with some relatively easy climbs, and is considered good for many skill levels.

Dogs are also able to use the trail but must be kept on a leash.

Once near the top of the climb you’ll be able to see the entire city of Colorado Springs and surrounding areas for miles.

Difficulty: easy to moderate

8. The Trollstigen Trail in Breckenridge

Even though the Trollstigen Trail is less than a mile long it is a true Colorado gem.

At the end of the trail is something you would never expect, a 15-foot tall Troll made out of recycled wood and scraps.

This sculpture was custom made in 2018 and was named Isak Heartstone.

He permanently lives in Breckenridge on his own custom trail. The path is very easy and can be accessed by any skill level, even small children.

Visiting the Breck Troll is easy and completely free. Check out our guide to the Breckenridge Troll for more info.

Difficulty: very easy

9. The Colorado Trail

For anyone who likes thru-hikes, check out the Colorado Trail.

It’s over 567 miles through the entire state, from Denver to Durango.

This is for more advanced hikers and backpackers who want to challenge themselves to an outdoor adventure.

Some honorable mentions for best hikes in Colorado are also the Grand Junction and Salida areas.

They offer a wide array of trails and outdoor activities for the southern areas of the state.

Beware when hiking on any trails in the mountains, specifically in Vail or Breckenridge, as the restrooms can be pretty awful.

Difficulty: moderate to hard

5 tips for safe hiking in Colorado

Before heading out on a hike in Colorado, there are few important things you should know.

Here are some tips for safe hiking outdoors, anytime of year.

1. Verify current weather conditions

Check current trail conditions and weather before going out on your hike.

The Colorado weather can change rapidly, because the altitude changes what the weather will be.

Know what the weather is projected to be and bring lots of layers, even if it’s the summer or spring time.

We’ve had massive snow storms blow in even during months like April or May.

2. Follow the signs

Stay on the trail and don’t go into the restricted boundary areas.

Colorado is constantly trying to protect nature and the wildlife so a path you took last year may be closed off for preservation.

3. Keep wildlife wild

Do not approach wildlife, they can get scared and hurt you, or even kill you.

Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially in the summer when the dry air is even drier and hotter.

It’s easy to get dehydrated and experience a heat stroke.

4. Pay attention to your body

Take care of your body if you’re visiting Colorado and are not used to the altitude.

Altitude sickness is a real thing and it can dramatically hamper the amount of oxygen your body is taking in.

5. Take breaks and go slow

Get a lot of rest and take it easy with your first bit of physical exertion when arriving in Colorado.

We recommend avoiding a major hike within a day or two of visiting the state.

If you plan on hiking at high elevations during the winter months, you should expect the trails to be covered with snow and ice.

Wear the proper shoes and layer your clothing to stay warm.

Colorado’s weather can be very warm and very cold all in the same day, especially as you ascend and descend on the mountains.

10 essential items for every hike

Here is a quick checklist of the top 10 essential items you need for every hike.

Map
Compass
First-aid Supplies
Firestarter
Matches
Sunglasses & Sunscreen
Headlamp & Flashlight
Knife
Extra Food
Extra Clothing

Check out the top hiking essentials kit on Amazon.

Ryan Nicholson is a homegrown born and raised Colorado native. Being a rare unicorn to have grown up in CO, he has a unique perspective on the changes here and knows all the hidden spots to get outside in this state. Ryan's a classically French trained chef so he LOVES to try new foods and places to eat. When he's not experimenting in the kitchen or working as a personal chef along the Front Range, he loves to get outdoors and away from it all hiking, camping and backpacking.