Colorado is an outdoor enthusiast's dream come true, with a plethora of natural wonders and adventure possibilities. The state's hiking paths range from easy day treks to challenging backpacking trips, making it one of the most popular things to do in Colorado. Since the beginning of time, hikers have flocked to Colorado in droves. The magnificent Rocky Mountains, which almost encircle the whole state, are one of the state's most treasured natural assets.
There are so many trails in Colorado that sorting through all of the finest walks available can be a bit of a hassle. So, here are some of the best hikes in Colorado as of 2022.
10 Hanging Lake Trail
Hiking to Hanging Lake is one of the most spectacular walks in the Rocky Mountains. The 1.5-mile hike features an elevation increase of over a thousand feet, even though it is moderate in difficulty. During this hike, it is recommended that hikers bring plenty of water to keep themselves hydrated. The trail crosses a succession of wooden bridges that span Dead Horse Creek to the mountain's summit. Hikers can take a short path extension to the top of the hill to observe Spouting Rock; a waterfall that cascades down the rock face. Once the hikers reach Hanging Lake, they will be guided by a brief stretch of railing until they reach their last destination. Although to enjoy the best view of the rocky islands, one can also try hot air balloons.
9 Midland Trail
The Colorado River runs through this 5-mile trail, which connects the village of Manitou Springs with America the Beautiful Park in nearby Colorado Springs. There are also sections of the path alongside public roadways, making it perfect for first-time hikers.
8 Glacier Gorge Trail
Visitors to the Glacier Gorge trailhead are attracted to Alberta Falls, one of the most well-known waterfall hikes in the area surrounding Denver. However, once the main attraction has passed, the crowds begin to decrease. Hikers will climb through alpine meadows and several azure lakes to the summit to start their journey. The Loch is the first attraction they will encounter, followed by the Lake of Glass and Timberline Falls. Due to the distance and secluded location, hikers may want to bring a GPS device, as digital maps are simple to navigate. Various gadgets are equipped with communication capabilities in case of an emergency or disaster. They need to include a reliable compass in their Colorado mountain packing checklist, at the very least.
7 Cascade Creek Trail
The Cascade Creek Trail to Crater Lake is one of Colorado's top hikes. This route is a fantastic place to learn how to backpack because it is well-traveled and offers easy access to water. During the summer months, the area is a popular destination for hikers. This 6 miles hike cannot be considered as an easy hiking trail.
6 Warner Point Nature Trail
Extreme athletes frequently consider visiting the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, one of the least visited National Parks in the United States. The Warner Point Nature Trail is a short 1.5-mile walk that gains only a few hundred feet in height. In addition to providing panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges, the walk also provides views of the interior canyon.
5 Royal Arch Trail
The Royal Arch Trail is a popular hike among locals that leads to a magnificent rock formation known as the Royal Arch. The adventure begins with a visit to Chautauqua Park, where visitors can access a variety of trails, many of which lead to the Royal Arch. The shortest route is only 3.1 miles long, but it is steep and rocky with numerous switchbacks, so it is not recommended for beginners. At the trail's end, hikers are greeted by a breathtaking view as they will witness a stone arch that is 20 feet high.
4 Perkins Central Garden Trail
The Perkins Central Garden Trail is great for families and people of all skill levels because it is easy to get there and only has a slight elevation gain. The trail swings around the park's heart, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the massive sandstone rock formations. Traveling further along Scottsman Trail will bring hikers to picnic tables and views of the southern highlights of the park, which really is perfect for families who want to experience hiking.
3 South Colony Lakes Trail
According to many hikers that tried this trail, this one is difficult due to the elevation rise of over 2,205 feet. The first two miles of the track are on a dirt road, which some high-clearance cars can navigate, allowing for a quicker trip. After that, the trail becomes more difficult. After passing over this part, the vistas are breathtaking, making this one of the top treks in Colorado. So, whenever going here, hikers should make sure that they have researched well the hiking trail they will take.
2 Barr Trail
This trail is a 12-climb hike from Manitous Spring to the top of Pikes Peak. This is a challenging trail, according to many experienced hikers, as this is a one-way hike because this trail starts from the foot of a mountain and follows it to the top. The path that hikers will take going down differs from how they get up there.
1 South Canon Trails
This 3.2-mile trail will be appealing to mountain hikers of all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Great Escape is a steep singletrack climb that offers spectacular views of the south side of the Royal Gorge. This trail is for experienced hikers, but first-timers can still try to hike this trail as long as they are with an experienced hiker.