Where’s A Good Place To Hike In Colordo Right Now?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Maroon Bells Hikes. …
  2. Hanging Lake Hike. …
  3. Alberta Falls Hike at Rocky Mountain National Park. …
  4. Fern Falls Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. …
  5. Fountain Valley Trail at Roxborough State Park. …
  6. First and Second Flatirons Hike in Boulder. …
  7. Devil’s Head Fire Lookout Hike.

Is the Colorado Trail open?


Now Open 7 Days A Week

(the canyon and trail are fairly normal *, opening a half hour before sunrise and closing a half hour after sunset) […]

Where can I hike in Colorado without a permit?

An Icon. If anywhere in Colorado can rival RMNP’s popularity as a hiker’s paradise, it’s this

federally designated wilderness 12 miles southwest of Aspen

. So it’s wild that you don’t need a permit to tackle the world-class, 28-mile Four Pass Loop, which circles the wilderness’ famous twin fourteeners.

What is the best hiking near Denver?


Wild Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park

1/2 to 12+ Miles; Easy to Difficult
Waterton Canyon 1 to 12.4 Miles; Easy to Moderate Castlewood Canyon State Park 0.2 to 4 Miles; Easy to Moderate Devils Head Lookout Trail 2.8 Miles; Moderate White Ranch Loop Hike 2 Miles; Easy to Moderate

How much does it cost to hike the Colorado Trail?

In general assuming an average hike of The Colorado Trail of 4-5 weeks, figure roughly

$1200 +/-

taking into the account of inflation vs years past. This price does not include the cost of gear or transportation costs to and from the trail.

How many days does it take to hike the Colorado Trail?

The Colorado Trail Foundation states that the average thru hike typically takes

4-6 weeks

so 33 days falls almost squarely in the middle of that range.

Do you need a permit to hike the Colorado Trail?


You do not need a permit to hike The Colorado Trail with the exception of where it passes through wilderness areas

.

Where do you start the Colorado Trail?

Most thru-hikers and bikers begin their trips from

The Colorado Trail’s northern terminus at Waterton Canyon

, southwest of the Denver metro area.

When should I start the Colorado Trail?

Late summer is generally the best time to hike the Colorado Trail due to altitude and snowpack conditions. The Colorado Trail Foundation recommends a hiking window of

July 1 to September 30

. Start too early (May or June) and much of the trail will still be covered by late-melting snow.

Can you hike into RMNP?


Rocky Mountain National Park has 355 miles of hiking trails

. They range from flat lakeside strolls to steep mountain peak climbs. If you are new to the park consult with rangers at the visitor centers and backcountry office.

Can I get into Rocky Mountain National Park without a permit?

No permit needed: You can access the park without a timed-entry permit before 5 a.m. and after 6 p.m. for the Bear Lake corridor and before 9 a.m. and after 3 p.m. for the rest of the park, excluding the Bear Lake Road corridor.

Where are you allowed to backpack in Colorado?

There are also plenty of smaller backpacking trails in Colorado, like the Lost Creek Wilderness Loop (28 miles), the Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop in Aspen (27 miles), the Devil’s Thumb to King’s Lake Loop in Nederland (16 miles), or Zirkel Circle near Steamboat Springs (11 miles).

How far are hikes from Denver?

Just

90-minutes

North of Denver, you’ll find hundreds of miles of hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. Take-Your-Breath-Away landscapes await in the wild high-country of the park where you’ll find still alpine lakes, meadows where elk graze, streams, waterfalls, and abundant summer wildflowers.

How long is the Red Rocks trail?

Hike Distance

6 miles

Round Trip
Duration Approx 3 hr Round Trip Trail Type Loop Elevation Gain +1300’/-1500′ Seasons All Year

Is Denver a good place to hike?


The Trading Post Trail is our go-to hike near Denver

! It’s the perfect hike for visiting friends and family because it’s relatively easy and short. No snowcapped peaks here, but your surrounded by towering red rock. If you have limited time in Denver, this is your best option.

Is it safe to hike alone in Colorado?


CO is a pretty safe place in general, low levels of personal crime

. over a year ago. Absolutely! It’s probably really nice to hike alone and just be in nature.

How difficult is hiking the Colorado Trail?

However, because of its length, altitude — and in many places, sheer ruggedness —

the Colorado Trail can be hard to get your hands around at first

. It can take four to six weeks to hike the whole thing, but you can hike it in smaller segments.

Are bear canisters required in Colorado?


It is generally advisable to have a bear canister any time you plan to camp in bear country regardless of local regulations

. Practicing good food safety keeps you and the bears safe. As the saying goes, “A fed bear is a dead bear.” Note: Regulations are ALWAYS subject to change at any time.

What do I need to hike the Colorado Trail?

  1. A guidebook or map. The official Colorado Trail guidebook is a good place to start. …
  2. Flashlight or headlamp.
  3. Sun protection. …
  4. A lightweight puffy for cold alpine nights.
  5. A wind shirt or breathable, light shell to protect you from the breeze when it’s warm out.
  6. Raingear for summer storms.

What is the longest hiking trail in Colorado?


The Colorado Trail

It runs 486 miles from Waterton Canyon to Durango, topping out at 13,271 feet and spending a good portion of time above treeline. The trail traverses six national forests and six wilderness areas – and for most hikers, takes between four to six weeks.

How late can you do the Colorado Trail?

Timing. Because of heavy winter snow along the the trail, hiking season is only from

late June through early October

. This is the widest possible window for hiking. It’s best to be on the Colorado Trail only from July 1st through mid-September.

How long does hiking a mile take?

How long does it take to hike a mile? While there are many variables involved, it takes the average person

30 minutes

to hike a mile on gentle terrain. It is important to know your pace compared to an average hiker when planning a hike. This way you know approximately how long it will take you to complete your trip.

Are there shelters on the Colorado Trail?

Shelters –

There are no shelters on the CT

, nor are there many formal campgrounds. Travelers can camp almost anywhere they choose, usually in one of the many dispersed sites along the way.

Can you have fires on the Colorado Trail?


Campfires Are Prohibited

– Campfires are prohibited. This prohibition means that CT travelers cannot legally make a campfire. The only exception does not usually pertain to Colorado Trail travelers as it deals with metal fire grates in campgrounds where CT folks seldom stay.

Where is the halfway point of the Colorado Trail?


Salida

, an old railroad town near the midpoint of The Colorado Trail, is now a commercial center for the Arkansas Valley and a popular spot for CT travelers who want to take a break from the Trail.

When can I hike the Colorado Trail?

Thru-hikers should allow at least 4-6 weeks

between July 1 and Sept 30

to cover the entire 485 miles between Denver and Durango. All multi-day users should be familiar with basic backcountry techniques and orienteering skills and exercise caution.

Where does Colorado Trail start and stop?

The Colorado Trail is a long-distance trail running for 486 miles (782 km)

from the mouth of Waterton Canyon southwest of Denver to Durango

in Colorado, United States. Its highest point is 13,271 feet (4,045 m) above sea level, and most of the trail is above 10,000 feet (3,000 m).

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.