19 Epic Colorado Hiking Trails

Colorado’s rugged terrain delivers some of the most spectacular hiking experiences you’ll find anywhere in America. Towering peaks scratch the sky while hidden alpine lakes nestle in remote mountain valleys, creating adventures for hikers of every skill level. Weekend warriors seeking their next big challenge will find plenty to love here, yet those who prefer gentler walks through wildflower meadows won’t feel left out either.

The sheer diversity is staggering. You might begin your morning navigating red rock formations that could easily pass for Martian landscape, then wrap up your day watching sunset transform snow-capped summits into glowing pink and gold masterpieces. Colorado doesn’t simply provide trails — it creates lasting memories that’ll stay with you years after you’ve headed home.

Here is a list of 19 epic hiking trails that capture Colorado’s finest outdoor offerings. Every single one delivers its own distinctive brand of mountain magic.

Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness

The Maroon Bells probably hold the record for most-photographed peaks in North America — one glimpse makes it obvious why. These identical summits shoot up dramatically from Maroon Lake, producing a reflection so flawless it borders on surreal. Trail options range from the gentle lake loop that families adore to more demanding routes that’ll push your limits. Consider this Colorado’s ultimate greatest hits collection, with everything that makes the state remarkable crammed into one jaw-dropping location.

Mount Elbert

At 14,440 feet, Mount Elbert wears the crown as Colorado’s tallest peak. That shouldn’t scare you off though — this massive mountain offers one of the more welcoming fourteener experiences available. The standard route winds through well-maintained switchbacks, passing aspen groves and alpine meadows before breaking above treeline for the final ascent. It’s essentially a very tall, extremely friendly giant that genuinely wants to see you reach the top.

Hanging Lake

This trail has arguably become Colorado’s most Instagram-famous hikes, with crowds that prove its popularity. The path climbs sharply for slightly more than a mile to reach a brilliant turquoise lake that appears to mock gravity — perched on a limestone ledge with waterfalls tumbling into crystal-clear waters. Required reservations now control access, which actually enhances the experience by managing the mayhem that previously threatened this fragile ecosystem. While the short distance keeps it accessible, that steep grade guarantees you’ll work for those picture-perfect shots.

Garden of the Gods

Colorado Springs hosts this geological wonderland where hiking trails snake between massive red sandstone formations. The stark contrast between crimson rocks and brilliant Colorado sky produces scenes that seem almost too vibrant for reality. Trail choices let you tailor your experience — paved walkways work perfectly for families, while rougher paths help you escape the masses. Walking here feels like strolling through a natural sculpture garden crafted by millions of years of relentless wind and weather.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison

The name tells you everything — this destination caters to folks who appreciate their landscapes intense and mildly threatening. Canyon walls drop nearly 3,000 feet in sheer vertical plunges, creating viewpoints that’ll make your knees wobble. Multiple rim trails showcase different angles of this geological masterpiece, each highlighting the incredible force of the Gunnison River that carved this wonder across countless millennia. Picture nature’s version of a skyscraper, except it plummets downward instead of reaching skyward.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Hiking up 750-foot sand dunes in Colorado sounds like someone seriously messed up their navigation, yet this bizarre landscape exists in stunning reality. Golden sand contrasting with snow-topped peaks creates one of America’s most unusual hiking adventures. No marked trails exist here — you simply choose your route up the dunes and start the climb. It’s tougher than it appears, like attempting to sprint up a mountain made of powdered sugar, though the summit views justify every challenging step.

Conundrum Hot Springs

This 17-mile round-trip journey combines Colorado’s best hiking with a natural prize at the finish line. The trail meanders through aspen forests and alpine meadows before arriving at natural hot springs positioned at 11,200 feet elevation. Soaking in geothermally heated water while towering peaks surround you feels like hitting the wilderness jackpot. The substantial distance deters casual hikers, meaning you’ll share this mountain paradise with dedicated adventurers who understand that premium experiences demand effort.

Mount Bierstadt

Here’s another fourteener that rolls out the welcome mat for newcomers, offering a reasonably straightforward ascent with enormous rewards. The trail passes through the stunning Guanella Pass region before climbing to the 14,060-foot summit via a popular, well-established route. What distinguishes this peak is its approachability — you can claim your first fourteener without requiring advanced mountaineering expertise. Think of it as the beginner-friendly version of serious peak bagging, though the panoramic views are anything but amateur.

Mesa Verde National Park

These paths transport you through history as much as geography, leading to remarkably preserved cliff dwellings constructed by ancestral Puebloan peoples over seven centuries ago. The Cliff Palace Loop and Balcony House tours blend moderate hiking with captivating lessons about the advanced civilization that once inhabited these canyons. Walking these ancient routes connects you to human narratives spanning hundreds of years — every footstep feels like moving through a living archaeological site.

Ice Lake Basin

This high-elevation adventure near Silverton treats hikers to some of Colorado’s most spectacular wildflower exhibitions. The trail ascends through multiple distinct ecosystems before reaching a cirque containing numerous pristine alpine lakes. During peak blooming season, meadows burst with colors so vivid they’re almost painful to look at — Indian paintbrush, lupine, and countless other species forming a natural light show. It’s like hiking directly into someone’s fever dream of the perfect mountain meadow.

Royal Arch

This Boulder classic merges moderate challenge with incredible rewards, leading to a natural stone arch positioned high above the city. The trail weaves through quintessential Colorado landscape: ponderosa pines, rocky outcrops, and mountain meadows before reaching the famous arch formation. From this vantage point, hikers enjoy sweeping views of Boulder and the Front Range extending for miles. Think of it as Boulder’s premier outdoor viewing deck, complete with unbeatable scenery.

Emerald Lake

Beginning at Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, this route visits three gorgeous alpine lakes consecutively. Each lake showcases its own character: Nymph Lake provides intimate charm, Dream Lake offers flawless reflections, while Emerald Lake delivers dramatic mountain backdrops. The relatively modest distance makes it manageable for most fitness levels, yet the scenery matches anything Colorado offers. It resembles a highlight reel of alpine lake hiking condensed into one achievable adventure.

Mount Evans

Among Colorado’s most accessible fourteeners, Mount Evans can be reached by vehicle or on foot, though hiking the summit provides infinitely more satisfaction. The trail from Summit Lake covers the final section to the 14,271-foot peak, delivering magnificent views across the Front Range. Despite a road reaching nearly to the summit, earning your peak the challenging way feels immeasurably more meaningful. It’s like choosing stairs over an elevator: technically optional, but emotionally necessary.

Booth Falls

Situated near Vail, this moderate hike culminates at a magnificent 60-foot waterfall cascading down layered rock formations. The trail follows Booth Creek through aspen and evergreen forests, crossing multiple smaller streams before reaching the main spectacle. During peak runoff in late spring and early summer, the falls roar with remarkable power, while autumn transforms surrounding aspens into golden cathedrals. It’s nature’s own theater, featuring a waterfall as the star performer.

Mount of the Holy Cross

Missouri Lakes From Missouri Pass, in the Holy Cross Wilderness, near Fancy Pass, Red Cliff, CO. USA

This legendary fourteener near Vail earns its name from distinctive snow-filled couloirs forming a cross pattern on its northeast face. The approach demands serious dedication: a lengthy, challenging hike that tests endurance and navigation abilities. However, reaching the 14,005-foot summit delivers views justifying every difficult moment, including glimpses of the famous cross formation that has moved visitors for generations. Consider it Colorado’s most spiritually significant mountain experience, where the journey carries equal weight with the destination.

Chasm Lake

This Rocky Mountain National Park favorite leads to a dramatic alpine lake positioned directly beneath Longs Peak’s imposing east face. The trail climbs consistently through various ecosystems, from montane forests to alpine tundra, before reaching the lake nestled in a spectacular cirque. The towering Diamond face of Longs Peak rises straight from the water, creating one of Colorado’s most intimidating yet beautiful mountain scenes. It’s like securing front-row tickets to nature’s most impressive rock show.

Mount Quandary

Standing at 14,265 feet, Mount Quandary near Breckenridge provides another accessible fourteener experience with outstanding summit panoramas. The East Ridge route follows a well-established trail gaining elevation steadily without particularly technical sections. What sets Quandary apart is its convenience from Denver plus incredible 360-degree views from the summit spanning multiple mountain ranges. It serves as Colorado’s welcoming committee for aspiring fourteener climbers: challenging enough to feel accomplished, approachable enough to build confidence.

Blue Lake

Positioned in the Mount Sneffels Wilderness near Ouray, this trail leads to one of Colorado’s most photogenic alpine lakes. The moderate hike winds through wildflower meadows and past cascading waterfalls before reaching the pristine lake encircled by dramatic peaks. Mount Sneffels’ reflection in the lake’s still waters looks almost too perfect to be real. It’s like hiking into a glossy postcard, except the experience is completely three-dimensional and infinitely more rewarding.

Crater Lake

This demanding hike near Aspen leads to a stunning alpine lake tucked beneath the dramatic Maroon Bells. The trail climbs steeply through aspen forests and alpine meadows, gaining considerable elevation before reaching the lake at 11,500 feet. The payoff is a pristine mountain lake surrounded by some of Colorado’s most celebrated peaks, offering tranquility and beauty few places can equal. Think of it as the Maroon Bells’ best-kept secret: all the magnificence with a fraction of the crowds.

Where Trails Lead Tomorrow

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado – July 26, 2021 – Visitors hike on crowded Emerald Lake Trail on sunny summer morning.
— Photo by fblanco7305

These 19 trails represent merely a taste of Colorado’s remarkable hiking possibilities, each providing its own distinctive perspective on the state’s varied landscapes. From Garden of the Gods’ accessibility to Mount of the Holy Cross’ formidable challenge, Colorado’s trail system continues evolving as new routes develop while existing ones receive improvements. The state’s dedication to trail maintenance and wilderness conservation guarantees future generations will inherit these same breathtaking landscapes that inspire today’s hikers. Whether you’re mapping out your inaugural Colorado adventure or your hundredth expedition, these trails serve as reminders that the mountains always harbor more stories waiting to unfold.