Mount Bierstadt
Mount Bierstadt is a popular and accessible 14,065-foot mountain located in the Front Range of the Colorado Rockies. It is one of the most climbed 14ers in Colorado due to its proximity to Denver and its moderate difficulty level. The trailhead for Mount Bierstadt is located just off Guanella Pass Road, which is easily accessible from both Denver and Summit County.
The Trail
The trail to the summit of Mount Bierstadt is a well-defined and maintained path that starts at the trailhead parking lot. The trail begins with a gentle incline through alpine meadows before reaching a steeper ascent up rocky switchbacks. The final push to the summit consists of boulder hopping and scrambling up steep rocks. At the top, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Tips for Hiking Mount Bierstadt
- Start early: Due to its popularity, Mount Bierstadt can get crowded later in the day. Starting early will not only give you more solitude on the trail but also increase your chances of avoiding afternoon thunderstorms.
- Bring proper gear: Even though it’s considered an easy 14er, hikers should still bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, layers, and appropriate footwear for rocky terrain.
- Be prepared for changing weather conditions: As with all high-altitude hikes in Colorado, weather conditions can change rapidly. Check weather forecasts before heading out on your hike and be prepared for any sudden changes in temperature or precipitation.
Greys and Torreys Peak
The combination hike of Greys Peak (14,270 feet) and Torreys Peak (14,267 feet) is one of the most popular 14er hikes in Colorado. Located just outside of Keystone, this hike provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The Trail
The trailhead for Greys and Torreys Peak is located just off I-70 at the Bakerville exit. The trail begins with a steady incline through alpine meadows before reaching a steeper ascent up rocky switchbacks. Hikers will then reach a saddle between Greys and Torreys Peak, which provides stunning panoramic views. From there, hikers can choose to summit either peak or both.
Tips for Hiking Greys and Torreys Peak
- Start early: As with Mount Bierstadt, starting early will not only give you more solitude on the trail but also increase your chances of avoiding afternoon thunderstorms.
- Bring proper gear: Even though this is a moderate 14er hike, hikers should still bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, layers, and appropriate footwear for rocky terrain.
- Be prepared for changing weather conditions: Weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. Check weather forecasts before heading out on your hike and be prepared for any sudden changes in temperature or precipitation.
Quandary Peak
Quandary Peak (14,265 feet) is located near Breckenridge and is one of the most accessible 14ers from Denver. It’s considered to be an easier 14er due to its well-maintained trail system and gentle slope gradients.
The Trail
The trailhead for Quandary Peak is located just outside of Breckenridge on Blue Lakes Road. The first few miles consist of a gentle incline through alpine meadows before reaching a steeper ascent up rocky switchbacks. The final push to the summit consists of boulder hopping and scrambling up steep rocks. At the top, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Tips for Hiking Quandary Peak
- Start early: As with all 14er hikes, starting early will not only give you more solitude on the trail but also increase your chances of avoiding afternoon thunderstorms.
- Bring proper gear: Even though this is considered an easy 14er hike, hikers should still bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, layers, and appropriate footwear for rocky terrain.
- Be prepared for changing weather conditions: Weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. Check weather forecasts before heading out on your hike and be prepared for any sudden changes in temperature or precipitation.
Grays Peak Trail
The Grays Peak Trail is a popular hike for those looking to summit one of Colorado’s famous “14ers”. The trailhead is located just outside of Georgetown, about an hour and a half drive from Denver. The hike itself is challenging but rewarding, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It’s important to note that this trail can get crowded on weekends during peak hiking season, so plan accordingly.
Trail Details
- Distance: 8.4 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Best Time to Hike: July-September
Longs Peak Trailhead
For experienced hikers looking for a challenge, the Longs Peak Trailhead offers a difficult climb to the summit of Longs Peak, one of Colorado’s most iconic peaks. This hike requires proper planning and preparation, as it involves exposure to high altitude, steep drop-offs, and unpredictable weather conditions. However, those who make it to the top are rewarded with breathtaking views of Rocky Mountain National Park and beyond.
Trail Details
- Distance: 14.5 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 4,850 feet
- Difficulty: Very Strenuous
- Best Time to Hike: June-September (weather dependent)
Hanging Lake Trail
The Hanging Lake Trail is a unique hike that takes you through a narrow canyon before opening up to reveal an emerald green lake suspended above the valley floor. The trail can be steep in places but is well maintained and accessible for most hikers. Due to its popularity, reservations are required to hike this trail and parking can be limited, so plan ahead.
Trail Details
- Distance: 2.8 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time to Hike: Year-round (but busiest in summer)
Chautauqua Park
Located in Boulder, Chautauqua Park is a popular hiking destination for both locals and tourists. The park offers a variety of trails ranging from easy to difficult, making it suitable for hikers of all levels. One of the most popular hikes in the park is the Flatirons Trail, which offers stunning views of the iconic rock formations that tower over Boulder. Other notable trails include the Royal Arch Trail and the Chautauqua Trail.
Getting There
To get to Chautauqua Park from Denver, take US-36 west towards Boulder and exit onto Baseline Road. Follow Baseline Road until you reach 9th Street and turn left. Continue on 9th Street until you reach Baseline Road again and turn right. Follow Baseline Road until you see signs for Chautauqua Park.
Tips
– Parking can be limited during peak hours, so arrive early or consider taking public transportation.
– Bring plenty of water and snacks as there are no facilities within the park.
– Dogs are allowed on leash.
Flatirons Vista Loop
The Flatirons Vista Loop is a moderate 3.3-mile hike located just outside of Boulder with stunning views of the Flatirons rock formations. The trail starts at the Flatirons Vista Trailhead and winds through meadows and pine forests before reaching a scenic overlook with panoramic views of Boulder Valley.
Getting There
To get to Flatirons Vista Trailhead from Denver, take US-36 west towards Boulder and exit onto CO-157/Foothills Parkway South. Turn left onto CO-170/Western Drive and continue straight until you reach Shanahan Ridge Road. Turn left onto Shanahan Ridge Road and follow it until you reach the trailhead parking lot.
Tips
– The trail can be muddy and slippery after rain or snow, so wear appropriate footwear.
– Bring sunscreen and a hat as there is little shade on the trail.
– Dogs are allowed on leash.
Garden of the Gods
Located in Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods is a registered National Natural Landmark with stunning red rock formations that offer breathtaking views. The park offers several hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult, including the Perkins Central Garden Trail, which is a 1.5-mile loop that takes hikers through some of the park’s most iconic formations.
Getting There
To get to Garden of the Gods from Denver, take I-25 south towards Colorado Springs and exit onto Garden of the Gods Road. Follow Garden of the Gods Road until you reach the park entrance.
Tips
– Parking can be limited during peak hours, so arrive early or consider taking public transportation.
– Bring plenty of water and snacks as there are no facilities within the park.
– Dogs are allowed on leash.
Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness
The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is a breathtaking area located just outside of Aspen, Colorado. The wilderness area is home to some of the most stunning peaks in all of Colorado, including the iconic Maroon Bells. There are many hiking trails in the area that offer incredible views of these majestic mountains, including the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail and the Crater Lake Trail. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the West Maroon Pass Trail takes hikers through alpine meadows and over a high mountain pass.
Maroon Lake Scenic Trail
The Maroon Lake Scenic Trail is an easy 1-mile loop trail that takes hikers around Maroon Lake and offers stunning views of the Maroon Bells. This trail is perfect for families or anyone looking for a leisurely stroll in a beautiful setting.
West Maroon Pass Trail
The West Maroon Pass Trail is a challenging 10-mile hike that takes hikers over a high mountain pass and through alpine meadows. This trail offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, but should only be attempted by experienced hikers.
Royal Arch Trail
The Royal Arch Trail is one of the most popular hikes near Denver. The trailhead is located in Chautauqua Park in Boulder, Colorado and offers stunning views of Boulder Canyon and the Flatirons. The hike itself is challenging, with steep inclines and rocky terrain, but hikers are rewarded with incredible views at the top.
Tips for Hiking Royal Arch Trail
– Bring plenty of water and snacks
– Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction
– Start early in the morning to avoid crowds
– Be prepared for changing weather conditions
Four Pass Loop Trail
The Four Pass Loop Trail is a challenging 27-mile hike in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The trail takes hikers over four mountain passes and offers incredible views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. This hike is not for the faint of heart, but those who complete it are rewarded with an unforgettable experience.
Tips for Hiking Four Pass Loop Trail
– Plan to camp along the trail
– Bring plenty of water and food
– Be prepared for changing weather conditions
– Make sure you have proper gear, including a good backpack and hiking boots
Mohawk Lakes Trail
The Mohawk Lakes Trail is a beautiful 6-mile hike near Breckenridge, Colorado. The trail takes hikers through dense forests and past several stunning alpine lakes. The final destination is Upper Mohawk Lake, which sits at an elevation of over 12,000 feet.
Tips for Hiking Mohawk Lakes Trail
– Start early in the morning to avoid crowds
– Bring plenty of water and snacks
– Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction
– Be prepared for changing weather conditions
Emerald Lake Trail
The Emerald Lake Trail is a popular hiking destination in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail takes hikers through dense forests and past several stunning alpine lakes before reaching Emerald Lake, which sits at an elevation of over 10,000 feet.
Tips for Hiking Emerald Lake Trail
– Get an early start to avoid crowds
– Bring plenty of water and snacks
– Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction
– Be prepared for changing weather conditions
St Mary’s Glacier Trailhead
The St Mary’s Glacier Trailhead is a popular destination near Idaho Springs, Colorado. The trail takes hikers up to St Mary’s Glacier, which sits at an elevation of over 10,000 feet. The glacier is a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding in the winter months.
Tips for Hiking St Mary’s Glacier Trailhead
– Bring plenty of water and snacks
– Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction
– Be prepared for changing weather conditions
– Consider bringing skis or a snowboard in the winter months
In conclusion, Denver, Colorado offers a plethora of breathtaking hiking trails that cater to all skill levels and preferences, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
