Honest, boots-on-the-ground guides to the Centennial State's best hikes — from gentle foothill loops to sunrise summits above 14,000 feet.
Explore Trails Read the JournalA hand-picked mix of classics and lesser-known gems. Filter by difficulty to find your next outing.
Three alpine lakes in a row — Nymph, Dream, and Emerald — tucked beneath Hallett Peak. Go at dawn to beat the timed-entry crowds and catch glassy reflections.
The most approachable 14er near Denver, with a well-marked ridge and mountain goats as company. Hard on the lungs, easy on the route-finding. Start before 5 a.m.
Boulder's signature stair-master through the Flatirons, ending at a natural sandstone arch with a view clear to the plains. Short, steep, and worth it.
The most photographed peaks in Colorado, framed by golden aspens in late September. Crater Lake adds a gentle climb and far fewer people than the viewpoint.
Class 3 scrambling across the Ledges, Trough, Narrows, and Homestretch. Exposure is real and weather windows are short. Not a first 14er — but an unforgettable one.
A paved, stroller-friendly loop weaving between towering red sandstone fins with Pikes Peak looming behind. Perfect for rest days, sunsets, and visiting relatives.
Impossibly turquoise water in a bowl of 13ers. Steep switchbacks through wildflower meadows; add Island Lake for the full payoff. Permits may be required in peak season.
The state's most famous fall-color walk. Hike as far as you like along the Colorado Trail through dense aspen groves that turn electric gold in the last week of September.
The infamous Knife Edge: 100 feet of ridge with thousands of feet of air on either side. Loose rock, a long approach, and a serious reputation. Helmet, partner, and perfect weather mandatory.
Trip reports, seasonal notes, and the occasional rant about parking lots.
Kenosha was early, the Maroon Bells were late, and Last Dollar Road stole the whole show. Here's what I learned from driving 900 miles in six days.
Read more →Afternoon thunderstorms above treeline aren't a maybe in Colorado summers — they're a schedule. How I plan turnaround times, and the morning I ignored them on Mount Bierstadt.
Read more →Snow lingers above 11,000 feet well into July. A no-nonsense breakdown of traction, plus the three trails where I've regretted leaving spikes in the car.
Read more →Which permit you need, when reservations drop, and the loophole (it's legal, promise) for hitting Bear Lake Road without one.
Read more →Columbine, lupine, paintbrush, and a sea of sunflowers taller than my trekking poles. The wildflower capital of Colorado earns its nickname every July.
Read more →The high country plays by its own rules. A few things worth knowing before you lace up.
Summer lightning rolls in almost daily after noon. Be off summits and back below treeline by early afternoon.
Spend a night or two above 5,000 ft before pushing high. Hydrate, go slow, and turn around if headaches or nausea set in.
RMNP, Maroon Bells, Hanging Lake, Ice Lakes and more now require reservations in season. Book early — they vanish fast.
Stay on trail through fragile tundra, pack out everything (yes, orange peels too), and give moose a very wide berth.
One email every two weeks: new trail guides, snow and wildflower conditions, and permit reminders. No spam, ever.