Colorado checks off every box for nature lovers. It’s home to some of the world’s most beautiful mountains, canyons, and rolling grasslands, from the 300-million-year-old sandstone formations at Garden of the Gods to the crystal-clear Hanging Lake. So it’s no surprise that when it comes to the best hikes in Colorado, there are plenty to choose from.
If you’re visiting and want to explore some of the most stunning parts of The Centennial State, hiking is a great way to get up close and personal with all the jaw-dropping wonders it has to offer. And while it will most definitely be hard to decide where to begin, these hikes won’t disappoint.
The 7 Best Hikes in Colorado
1. Perkins Central Garden Trail
Location: Colorado Springs
Skill Level: Easy
Total Length: 1.5 miles round trip
Hikers of all skill levels will enjoy the Perkins Central Garden Trail at Garden of the Gods. The easy access and minimal elevation trail is paved with concrete, making it a great option for families. The trail loops around the park’s most distinctive sandstone rock formations, allowing you to see the magic up close with minimal effort.
2. Emerald Lake Trail
Location: Estes Park
Skill Level: Moderate
Total Length: 3.5 miles round trip
Emerald Lake Trail is home to some seriously gorgeous scenery—from stunning wildflowers to not one, not two, but three alpine lakes. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, it’s considered one of the most beautiful trails in the state, making it a hotspot for locals and tourists alike.
3. Rattlesnake Arches Upper Trailhead
Location: Grand Junction, Colorado
Skill Level: Moderate
Total Length: 6.2 – 8.2 miles round trip
If you’re up for a challenge, Rattlesnake Arches will make the extra effort worth it. Located outside of Grand Junction, the trail will lead you to otherwordly reddish-orange rock formations and arches. In total, there are 35 natural arches—the second-largest collection of arches outside of Utah’s famous Arches National Park.
4. Hanging Lake Trail
Location: Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Skill Level: Moderate to Difficult
Total Length: 2.4 miles round trip
Hiking Hanging Lake Trail allows you to witness a “rare example of a travertine geological formation.” The steep and rigorous backcountry hike to the lake is a 1,200 ft. climb, but there’s no better reward than enjoying the waterfall views once you arrive at your destination.
