Here in Colorado, we’re downright spoiled when it comes to ways to enjoy the great outdoors. One of the most popular, of course, is hiking. The Centennial State boasts thousands upon thousands of trails, each offering a different glimpse of the state’s varied landscape. To help you make the most out of your hiking career, we’ve compiled a list of the five best hikes in Colorado. These trails vary in length, difficulty, and scenery, so you’ll be sure to experience the best that the state has to offer. Ready to start exploring?
- Dinosaur Ridge (Morrison)
Flickr/Mark Ryan The next time you head to a concert at Red Rocks, make plans to leave early so that you can experience the fascinating Dinosaur Ridge; a Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark that houses an epic 1.5-mile trail that passes through hundreds of dinosaur tracks AND bones. Learn more about this epic trail in Colorado where dinosaurs once roamed. Dinosaur Ridge Road, Dinosaur Rdg Rd, Morrison, CO 80465, USA
- Vindicator Valley Trailhead (Cripple Creek)
TripAdvisor/Texasmom04 Located near Victor, this two-mile gravel trail leads pedestrians on a journey through several late-19th-century gold mines, while at the same time telling the story of these historic buildings and the people who once mined/worked them. Begin your expedition at the 1895 Theresa Gold Mine before passing the hauntingly beautiful Anna J. Mine and several hundred others like it. Whether you walk, bike, run, or ride (horseback), you are sure to find something to love about this “gem” of an area. There’s a lot to love about this Colorado trail that leads to an abandoned mine. Vindicator Valley Trailhead, Country, Co Rd 81, Victor, CO 80860, USA
- Chimney Rock National Monument (Pagosa Springs)
TripAdvisor/lowemanc Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Chimney Rock National Monument is a massive 4,726 acres that features an old Ancestral Puebloan site that is thought to have housed some 2,000 Native Americans between AD 925 and 1125. (Please note: Since Chimney Rock National Monument and its dwellings are extremely delicate, the area is highly protected; however, tours are given by knowledgable guides every day from between mid-May and September. When it comes to the best hikes in Colorado, TEXTChimney Rocks National Monument definitely belongs on your radar. Chimney Rock National Monument, 3179 CO-151, Chimney Rock, CO 81121, USA
- Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs)
Flickr/Zach Frailey With its winding, scenic and unforgettable trails, Colorado Springs’s Garden of the Gods may just have the best hike in the entire state. Offering both short beginner (like the Perkins Central Garden Trail, which features a short, 1 1/2 mile trek through the heart of the formations) and moderate hikes (the Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Trail runs 3-miles around the main park and contains uneven, rocky paths), there is truly something for everyone at this Colorado gem. Learn more about this fascinating hidden treasure in Colorado. Garden of the Gods Road, Garden of the Gods Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
- Devil’s Head Lookout Trail (Sedalia)
Flickr/sfgamchick Nestled within the Pike National Forest lies the Devil’s Head Lookout Trail: a 1.4-mile trail that begins at the popular Devil’s Head Campground and ends at one of the best hidden gems in the state, which is that of the National Register of Historic Places-inducted Devil’s Head Lookout! The view from this breathtaking Colorado trail is positively astounding. Devil’s Head Lookout, S Rampart Range Rd, Sedalia, CO 80135, USA
Do you agree that these are the best hikes in Colorado? Which trails would you add to the list? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!
Flickr/Mark Ryan
The next time you head to a concert at Red Rocks, make plans to leave early so that you can experience the fascinating Dinosaur Ridge; a Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark that houses an epic 1.5-mile trail that passes through hundreds of dinosaur tracks AND bones. Learn more about this epic trail in Colorado where dinosaurs once roamed.
Dinosaur Ridge Road, Dinosaur Rdg Rd, Morrison, CO 80465, USA
TripAdvisor/Texasmom04
Located near Victor, this two-mile gravel trail leads pedestrians on a journey through several late-19th-century gold mines, while at the same time telling the story of these historic buildings and the people who once mined/worked them. Begin your expedition at the 1895 Theresa Gold Mine before passing the hauntingly beautiful Anna J. Mine and several hundred others like it. Whether you walk, bike, run, or ride (horseback), you are sure to find something to love about this “gem” of an area. There’s a lot to love about this Colorado trail that leads to an abandoned mine.
Vindicator Valley Trailhead, Country, Co Rd 81, Victor, CO 80860, USA
TripAdvisor/lowemanc
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Chimney Rock National Monument is a massive 4,726 acres that features an old Ancestral Puebloan site that is thought to have housed some 2,000 Native Americans between AD 925 and 1125. (Please note: Since Chimney Rock National Monument and its dwellings are extremely delicate, the area is highly protected; however, tours are given by knowledgable guides every day from between mid-May and September. When it comes to the best hikes in Colorado, TEXTChimney Rocks National Monument definitely belongs on your radar.
Chimney Rock National Monument, 3179 CO-151, Chimney Rock, CO 81121, USA
Flickr/Zach Frailey
With its winding, scenic and unforgettable trails, Colorado Springs’s Garden of the Gods may just have the best hike in the entire state. Offering both short beginner (like the Perkins Central Garden Trail, which features a short, 1 1/2 mile trek through the heart of the formations) and moderate hikes (the Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Trail runs 3-miles around the main park and contains uneven, rocky paths), there is truly something for everyone at this Colorado gem. Learn more about this fascinating hidden treasure in Colorado.
Garden of the Gods Road, Garden of the Gods Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Flickr/sfgamchick
Nestled within the Pike National Forest lies the Devil’s Head Lookout Trail: a 1.4-mile trail that begins at the popular Devil’s Head Campground and ends at one of the best hidden gems in the state, which is that of the National Register of Historic Places-inducted Devil’s Head Lookout! The view from this breathtaking Colorado trail is positively astounding.
Devil’s Head Lookout, S Rampart Range Rd, Sedalia, CO 80135, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Colorado March 07, 2022 Beth C. Are there any kid-friendly trails in Colorado? You bet! While Colorado may be known for some of its epic trails that will take you to breathtaking elevations, it’s also true that there are plenty of hikes that even the youngest hikers can enjoy. One of our favorite kid-friendly trails in Colorado is the Paint Mines Archeological District near Calhan. Just outside of Colorado Springs, this beautiful geological marvel encompasses 750 acres. There are four miles of walking trails in the area, and you can choose shorter trails to accommodate the little ones in your crew. Another great spot for hiking with the kiddos is the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Commerce City. This is a great option for kids that love animals, as there’s plenty of wildlife to be admired here. The landmark boasts 15,000 acres and is home to no less than 330 species of animals! Other kid-friendly trails in Colorado include Helen Hunt Falls Trail in Colorado Springs, Dotsero Crater, and Adams Falls Trail in Grand Lake. Learn more about each of these trails when you check out our previous article: 5 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In Colorado That Are 1 Mile And Under.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Colorado
March 07, 2022
Beth C.
Are there any kid-friendly trails in Colorado? You bet! While Colorado may be known for some of its epic trails that will take you to breathtaking elevations, it’s also true that there are plenty of hikes that even the youngest hikers can enjoy. One of our favorite kid-friendly trails in Colorado is the Paint Mines Archeological District near Calhan. Just outside of Colorado Springs, this beautiful geological marvel encompasses 750 acres. There are four miles of walking trails in the area, and you can choose shorter trails to accommodate the little ones in your crew. Another great spot for hiking with the kiddos is the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Commerce City. This is a great option for kids that love animals, as there’s plenty of wildlife to be admired here. The landmark boasts 15,000 acres and is home to no less than 330 species of animals! Other kid-friendly trails in Colorado include Helen Hunt Falls Trail in Colorado Springs, Dotsero Crater, and Adams Falls Trail in Grand Lake. Learn more about each of these trails when you check out our previous article: 5 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In Colorado That Are 1 Mile And Under.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
You bet! While Colorado may be known for some of its epic trails that will take you to breathtaking elevations, it’s also true that there are plenty of hikes that even the youngest hikers can enjoy. One of our favorite kid-friendly trails in Colorado is the Paint Mines Archeological District near Calhan. Just outside of Colorado Springs, this beautiful geological marvel encompasses 750 acres. There are four miles of walking trails in the area, and you can choose shorter trails to accommodate the little ones in your crew. Another great spot for hiking with the kiddos is the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Commerce City. This is a great option for kids that love animals, as there’s plenty of wildlife to be admired here. The landmark boasts 15,000 acres and is home to no less than 330 species of animals! Other kid-friendly trails in Colorado include Helen Hunt Falls Trail in Colorado Springs, Dotsero Crater, and Adams Falls Trail in Grand Lake. Learn more about each of these trails when you check out our previous article: 5 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In Colorado That Are 1 Mile And Under.
