Top 10 Best Hikes In Colorado | Ultimate Guide

Colorado is simply our favorite state, that’s why we lived there for 5 years. Hiking amongst the mountains to some of the most stunning aqua blue lakes has set the bar high for any hiking adventure. Not to mention the various 14’ers (mountain peaks over 14,000 feet) that make you feel like you are on top of the world. We have explored all around the whole state of Colorado and always crave more adventure. So here are the top 10 hikes in Colorado.

Mt sneffels view of upper blue lakes near telluride, CO

Do note that almost all of these hikes are best hiked in summer/fall (late June-September). Because most of the hikes are covered in snow and ice most of the year. That’s not to say they can’t be done in the winter months, but you might need the proper hiking attire such as Yaktraxs or snowshoes.

Check out our post: What To Wear Winter Hiking if you plan to do these hikes in the colder months.

Hanging Lake:

blue-green water with a waterfall flowing into it, making it one of the best hikes in colorado

2.8 miles – 1204 elevation change

Hanging Lake is a staple of Colorado. It’s located near Glenwood Springs, CO. The aqua blue water, travertine layers amongst the lake floor and the beautiful waterfalls is certainly a sight to see. Hanging lake now has a permit system in place to limit the amount of people who can hike it per day. I think this adds a benefit of peace and solitude along the hike, which didn’t exist before Spring of 2019.

But there is a wide deck that has a bench along the back so you can sit and enjoy the view with a nice snack. There is also a unique waterfall just a short hike up from the lake called Spouting Rock. A sheer rock wall that towers 50 feet high has a spout of water rushing through.

No swimming is allowed, so please stay on the trail and observe posted signs.

Also if you are traveling from the East, the drive through Glenwood Canyon is absolutely breathtaking.

For more details on this best hike in Colorado check out our post: Hanging Lake In Colorado | Everything You Need To Know

Ice Lake & Island Lake:

6.5 miles – 2736 feet elevation change

One of our all-time favorite hikes in colorado is Ice Lake and Island Lake. Both lakes offer stunning wildflowers in the summer and water color that looks like a fairy tale. The trail begins steeply climbing through dense pine forest and eventually opens up to lush alpine meadows. The mountains surrounding have jagged cliffs and spires, uniquely colored with red, beige, and gray. The trail then finishes with two of the most stunning lakes in all of Colorado. Ice Lake is a breathtaking vibrant blue and Island Lake is a blue-green lake with an rock island in the middle. But do note, this hike is a big climb to the top, but it will be one of the most rewarding end results, I promise.

Ice Lake and Island lake can be done both as a day hike or a backpacking trip. But it has increasingly gotten more popular over the years, so don’t expect any solitude. Also, the prime window for hiking to witness the beautiful flowers and green plants is from late July to the end of August, which is primarily why it is so busy. But there are plenty of great places to pull off to the side to either let people pass or take a break up the steep climb to the top.

For more details on this best hike in Colorado check out our post: Ice Lake & Island Lake | Colorado’s Most Breathtaking Hike

Blue Lakes:

6.2 miles – 2217 feet elevation

Blue Lakes hike is another breathtaking hike to stunning blue lakes. Many people are happy to just turn back at the first lake, but if you want to continue the hike you can hike up to two more blue lakes. But in our opinion, the first lake is the most jaw dropping. And if you are up for a real long adventure, you can even add Mt. Sneffels (14’er) to the hiking adventure. But we highly suggest if you add in Mt. Sneffels to make it a backpacking trip because the total trip is 13 miles with 5501 feet elevation change.

But if you decide to stick with the shorter hike, it is a steady but moderate climb to the top. The trail is a well maintained dirt path that winds up a dense beautiful forest. There is one river crossing, but there are rocks placed along it so you can usually cross the river without getting your feet wet. There is plenty of space along the lake shoreline to enjoy a nice snack and enjoy the view.

For more details on this best hike in Colorado check out our post: Blue Lakes Hike Near Telluride, CO | Ultimate Hikers Guide

Conundrum Hot Springs:

16.7 miles – 2791 ft elevation change

Conundrum Hot Springs is a big adventure, so it is often advised as a backpacking trip. But it can still be done as a long day hike if you start early. But the added bonus to this hike is you get to enjoy a nice soak in the hot springs at the end of the hike! Plus the views along the hike are superb as well, especially during fall when the colors of the aspen trees are changing. You do need a permit to backpack this hike. There are 20 different campsites in the area, so be sure to apply for a permit as soon as you know the dates of your trip!

Beware that some people will treat these hot springs as clothing optional.

For more details on this best hike in Colorado check out our post: Conundrum Hot Springs | Ultimate Backpacker’s Guide

Mount Bierstadt:

6.9 miles – 2729 ft elevation change

When in Colorado, you have to at least do one 14’er, which is a mountain peak over 14,000 ft. And Mount Bierstadt is one of the easier 14’ers on the list. But you will want to get a very early start for this one to get a head-start on the hundreds of people who hike it everyday. Jake and I started around 4:30am and we passed soooooo many people on our way down. And not to mention the handful of people already up there when we got there.

The beginning of the hike starts off along a marsh that has a boardwalk to carry you over the muddy terrain. Shortly after questing through the marsh, the trail begins a steep climb for here. But the view on top of this 14’er is so worth the hard climb to the top. Some minor scrambling is required towards the top.

For more details on this best hike in Colorado check out our post: Climbing Mount Bierstadt | Everything You Need To Know

Columbine Lake:

8.3 miles – 2,933 ft elevation change

If you can’t tell by now, we love the Southwest part of Colorado. The abundance of aqua blue lakes with legendary mountain peaks holds a special place in our heart. But you will have to work for this view as the 2,933ft elevation change is no joke. By the numbers, it’s an even harder hike than Mt. Bierstadt (the 14’er). Columbine Lake can be done as a day hike or backpacking trip.

The hike starts through a beautiful forest with many switchbacks quickly bringing you up in elevation. After climbing about 2 miles you will reach the tree line and the forest quickly thins out into alpine meadows. The remainder of the hike is exposed and very steep! Right before getting to the lake, you will follow a creek that flows from the lake. But once you reach the end of the creek you will be rewarded with a stunning view of aqua blue water and large mountain peaks surrounding it. There are plenty of great stops to enjoy the view and have a nice snack.

For more details on this best hike in Colorado check out our post: Columbine Lake: Silverton, CO | Ultimate Hikers Guide

Mt. Sneffels:

7.1 miles – 3,320 feet elevation

As mentioned above, Mt. Sneffels can be paired with Blue Lakes Trail near Telluride. But it can also be a stand-alone hike via Yankee Boy Basin. Or if you have an off-road vehicle, you can make the hike even shorter (1.9 miles with 1,765 feet elevation) and park at the Blue Lakes Upper Parking Lot. But no matter the route you choose, the views from the top are absolutely unreal. You really feel as though you are on top of the world, looking out many miles in the distance.

Be prepared for a challenging hike as the climb is consistent the whole route and only gets steeper as you near the summit. There is also a bit of class 2 scrambling near the top which requires moderate experience to help navigate. Plenty of loose rock and climbing with hands and feet makes this hike extra challenging.

Also, be sure to check the weather before summiting Mt. Sneffels, because the weather in Colorado can change on a dime. It’s best to summit Mt. Sneffels earlier in the day, before potential afternoon thunderstorms (which is common in the mountains).

For more details on this best hike in Colorado check out our post: Summiting Mt. Sneffels: Ouray, CO | Everything You Need To Know

Paint Mines Interpretive Park Loop:

3.4 miles – 334 ft elevation

If you are searching for a unique hike in Colorado, then the Paint Mines Interpretive Park Loop is your answer. Hidden in an unsuspecting prairie landscape, the Paint Mines emerge as a maze of enchanting rock formations. The mines are named for the colored clay that eroded over millions of years to form tower-like hoodoos. The highly saturated orange, yellow, pink, and purple colors create a stark contrast with the bright white rock. It’s cool to see how the colors vary in the different areas of the park. The trails wind through a stunning landscape that feels like another planet!

For more details on this best hike in Colorado check out our post: Paint Mines Interpretive Park | Ultimate Hikers Guide

St. Mary’s Glacier:

1.9 miles – 807 ft elevation

St. Mary’s Glacier is one of the coolest hikes near Denver which is why it tends to be pretty busy. This was actually the first hike I ever did in Colorado. It was literally one of the reasons that swayed me to move to Colorado in the first place. The hike is a steady climb up, but it’s not too long, so I suggest this hike to most people who are looking for a great way to get outdoors from the city.

The trail is rocky for most of the route, so make sure you have a good pair of hiking boots. Once you get to the lake, most people venture to the right of the lake toward the glacier. You might even pass some hikers on the trail carrying up their skis/snowboards. The glacier is there for most of the year depending on how hot the summer is. But it’s a great hike to climb up top and get a view of some mountain peaks.

Bear Lake to Emerald Lake:

3.5 miles – 702 ft elevation change

Rocky Mountain National Park is known for being one of the highest National Parks in the U.S., and one of my favorite hikes was 4 unique lake hikes that you could do in a 3.5 mile hike.

Along the hike, you quickly approach Bear Lake, which is only a short walk from the parking lot. Shortly after, you encounter Nymph Lake which is layered in beautiful lily pads. After that, you come upon Dream Lake and the view is quite literally a dream with a beautiful rocky formation in the distance.

You end at Emerald Lake which has a beautiful emerald color and stunning mountain view. This is a great spot to enjoy a lunch or snack break.

For more details on this best hike in Colorado check out our post: 4 Unique Lake Hikes In One At Rocky Mountain National Park

Takeaway | Top 10 Best Hikes In Colorado | Ultimate Guide

Colorado is near and dear to both Jake and I. We moved there for the skiing/snowboarding, but the hiking quickly became one of our all time favorite hobbies. The endless amazing views that Colorado offers is why you must add these hikes to your bucket list.

There are TONS more legendary hikes in Colorado, it is hard to choose just 10 of the best. We hope you enjoy this ultimate guide to the top 10 best hikes in Colorado.