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10 Best Hikes you should do in Colorado

Colorado features a diverse landscape that consists of snow-covered rocky mountains, arid desert and river canyons. Therefore this makes it a great place to partake in outdoor activities. With numerous state parks, monuments and national parks, outdoor enthusiasts have a variety of hiking trails that they can take to enjoy nature.

Therefore, this article looks at the ten best hikes that one should try if they live in Colorado or are just visiting. The experience will ensure that they have a wholesome as they will enjoy the sites and the features that they will encounter along the way. The places give fresh air and postcard-worthy views that will mesmerise the hikers and allow them to create memorable moments.

1. Emerald Lake Trail Colorado

The hiking trail which is 3.6 miles long is located near Estes Park in Colorado. The trail is viewed as an average trail to means that it is not very challenging. It takes about one hour and a half to finish the trail since it is a round trip. While taking this trail, the hikers will pass through Dream Lake, Nymph and Bear before reaching Emerald Lake.

Furthermore, the trail is ideal for catching the sunrise. To access the trail, visitors have to pay an entry fee. Therefore, they plan on getting an annual permit or having the funds while going to the trail.

2. Devil’s Head Fire Lookout Hike

The Devil’s Head Lookout Trail is one of the prettiest hikes in Colorado. The trail is located about an hour from Denver and thus making it accessible to hiking enthusiasts living in the city. The trail is 2.8 miles round trip and a person can take an hour to complete it.

Additionally, the hikers can picnic when they go for a hike since it has a picnic area. There is a Fire Lookout which is also a highlight of the hiking experience.

3. Alberta Falls Hike

The beautiful hiking trail is one of the most famous hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The round trip length of the hike is 1.7 miles. This hiking trail is ideal for people who have a short time to hike or beginners as they will encounter scenic sites while taking the shortest time possible.

Additionally, the best time to take a hike on this trail is from May to October. Dog lovers who wish to take a hike will have to leave their dogs at home because dogs are not allowed on the trail.

4. First and Second Flatirons Loop

This is a relatively short trail but very challenging. It takes a hiker so close to the rock formations and thus making it one of the best trails in the region. The trail is a challenging one with a fair amount of elevation gain. It requires a hiker to be keen on the foot placement so that they do not slip.

One interesting fact about hiking on this trail is that the primary trail can be used in both directions meaning that one does not have to go to the other side to start the hike. This trail that has great views takes an individual about forty minutes to finish.

5. Sky Pond- Glacier Gorge Trail

The out and back trail spans 9.4 miles. This trail is ideal for hiking professionals because it is considered to be one of the challenging routes. It can take an individual four and a half hours on average to finish the trail. As it is one of the popular trails, one will meet other outdoor enthusiasts who are also exploring.

Additionally, in instances where the trail is covered with snow, hikers should have spikes and poles to offer them extra support from the shaky ground. The Sky Pond is the highlight of this trail but if one does not reach the pond, one will still encounter beautiful sites.

6. Mount Bierstadt

This trail is an out and back hiking trail in Mount Evans Wilderness that is 7.8 miles long. It is located near Idaho Springs, Colorado. This is also a challenging trail and therefore it takes a hiker approximately 5 hours and 10 minutes to complete it. Its significant elevation gain is what makes the trail so hard.

Furthermore, the best time to go hiking on this trail is from May to October as one will get to experience great weather and good views.

7. Crater Lake- Cascade Creek Trail

Hiking professionals and outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy this trail as it is filled with a nice feature that will ensure they have a memorable experience. The length of the trail is 25.7 kilometres and it has an elevation gain of 708 metres. While hiking on this trail, the hikers will pass through many small waterfalls and creeks that will interest them. Therefore, this is one of the trails one should try while in Colorado.

8. Ice Lakes Basin

This trail gives the outdoor enthusiast a lot of variety. With 7 miles in length and an elevation gain of 2420, it is one of the most difficult trails. People who like a challenge and those who are very good at hiking should try this trail because it will be a fulfilling experience for them.

The trail takes a person through an old forest to the meadows and the view of mountain peaks and lakes. It ends at the Ice Lake where one will see one of the bluest lakes.

9. Four Pass Loop

The hiking trail is located near Aspen and it goes on for 25.7 miles. It usually takes about three to four days to complete this trail and therefore it is ideal for backpackers. However, the long hike is worth it because the outdoor enthusiasts will encounter some of the finest sceneries.

10. Maroon Bells Hikes

This hiking trail starts at the outlet of Maroon Lake and goes along the Creek and passes through the alpine meadows, forests and rocky slopes. The trail is one way and spans 3.2 miles. While going through these trails one will spot wildlife like bighorn sheep, mule deer, red fox and porcupines.