Top Things to do in Colorado
Top Hotels in Colorado
- 1. Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites
- 2. Grand Hyatt Denver
- 3. Monarch Casino Resort Spa - Black Hawk
- 4. Le Meridien Denver Downtown
- 5. Best Western Plus Executive Residency Fillmore Inn
- 6. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Trinidad
- 7. The Oxford Hotel
- 8. Origin Hotel Red Rocks
- 9. SCP Colorado Springs Hotel
- 10. Warwick Denver
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What to do and see in Colorado, United States: The Best Hiking Trails
Colorado is home to no less than twenty-six ski resorts such as those in Vail and Breckenridge; other winter activities include snowboarding, sledding, sleigh rides, snow hiking and snowmobiling. The state is blessed with national parks, grasslands and forests where in warmer weather you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking or rock climbing. Wildlife abounds, from bears to moose and raccoons to wolverines. More interested in local history? Head for either the Ute Indian Museum or the Koshare Indian Museum, and don't miss the forts such as Fort Garland and Bent's Old Fort. For a complete change, why not take a ride in a hot air balloon from South Park Valley or Boulder and admire Colorado's picturesque landscape from above?
Restaurants in Colorado
1. Blue Lakes Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
A challenging and beautiful hiking trail about 10 miles out of town.
Reviewed By baoh314 - Phoenix, United States
Directions to this trail is pretty spot on with All Trails app. The hike itself was about 8 miles round trip with a lot of elevation gain hiking in. Some minor switchbacks I would say around 8 -10 total, but nothing too significant. The views along this trail is picturesques with wildlife popping up here and there. The fields of flowers and waterfalls were my highlights. The end result is the Blue Lake and we got lucky cause there were still a little bit of snow.
2. Ice Lakes Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 96 reviews
This breathtaking hike can be done in a day: 3.5 miles one way that takes hikers from 9,900 feet to over 12,200 feet, with many steep switchbacks, waterfalls and sweeping views along the way.
Reviewed By CrisLett - Holly Springs, United States
My husband and I are both fit and active but this hike put us in our place! There were several times I thought I wasn’t going to make it hit truck through it, it’s worth it! I had never seen so many different shades of blue on lake! Once you reach the lower basin, the fields open and while the hike gets harder, it’s easier because you can see all the wonderful views! We did not make it to Island Lake but I heard Ice Lake is the real eye catcher. Hiking poles helpful but not necessary.
3. Hanging Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,186 reviews
Reviewed By debsA9982ZB
This is a very pleasant surprise when staying in Glenwood Springs CO. The location is an environmental protected area, allowing only specific numbers of visitors. Reservations are needed as bus takes you to the trailhead and from there your adventure begins. The trail winds and switchbacks up the cavern walls, the views are amazing and the quiet is covered by the running brook you criss cross over by small bridges as you ascend. The hike is strenuous at times, recommendation to take your time and breath in experience. Hanging Lake is peaceful, a place to reflect, the short detour to Sprouting Rock is well worth the effort brings a smile and gives a needed cooling spray.
4. Maroon Lake Scenic Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 429 reviews
Reviewed By Haejung - Napa, United States
Our first time in Aspen. Beautiful time of the year to experience fall. You must make time to visit Maroon Lake when here. You do have to make a reservation to get on the bus where it drops you off to the park. You really can’t drive to it & recommended to take the bus. Do bring your own drinks & food. Once you’re in the park, no stores there selling anything. Bring your own bathroom toiletries. We’re not much of big hikers but do wear hiking shoes if you plan on hiking to Crater Lake! Do invest in a walking stick for the Crater Lake. Hike to Crater Lake takes about 1 hour & 20 min for people like us. You’ll want to give yourself some time for round trip. Last bus leaves at 5 pm and they don’t wait. No cell service or order Uber per bus drivers. We booked 12:45 bus ride & managed to walk around Maroon Lake & Crater Lake & got back by 4. If you don’t want to do lot of hiking, easy walk around the Maroon Lake is perfect. It is beautiful here now with fall colors. So glad we did it!
5. Flatirons
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,107 reviews
Reviewed By kelshutch - Baltimore, United States
Beautiful area, great for walking. It's a big far/steep for toddler legs, so be prepared to carry little ones. But even if you don't get very far before turning around, the trip to see the park is worthwhile. Great couple of hours of sunshine, fresh air, and hiking for our family.
6. Yankee Boy Basin
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 457 reviews
Surrounded by several mountain peaks (Potosi Peak, Teakettle Mountain, Cirque Mountain, Stony Mountain, and Gilpin Mountain), Yankee Boy Basin is a popular scenic area visited by hikers, photographers, four-wheelers and nature lovers.
Reviewed By Tuxtails - Savannah, United States
We camped in the area and then drove all the way up to Sneffel's trailhead, such a beautiful area with lake, waterfall and flowers. I would love to come back and explore and hike more.
7. Piedra River Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 241 reviews
Reviewed By rfw1953 - Crested Butte, United States
My wife and I just happened to find this amazing hiking area. You travel down hwy 600 from hwy 160 in Pagosa Springs. Once on 600 (Piedra Road), you'll go about 15 miles until the road becomes hard dirt. Once on the dirt road, you will travel approx 5 miles to the trail head on the left. The trail head is on the river, so it's easy to find. The trail itself goes along the river with amazing views of cliffs and the river. If you're lucky there will be plenty of rock climbers to watch. I'm 67 years old and had two knee replacements within the past 6 months, so if I can walk the trail, just about anyone can. It's well marked, and easy to follow. The terrain can be a little tricky at times, but it's certainly not hard. Take plenty of water and a lunch to enjoy while sitting along the river. We stooped for our lunch at about 2.5 miles at a bridge that goes over the river. We turned around then and went back, but the trail continues on for several miles if you like. Once you finish your hike, take a drive on up the dirt road to Piedra River Falls and Williams Reservoir. Both are beautiful and a must see when in the area. If you have a kayak, take it up to enjoy lake kayaking on the reservoir.
8. Last Dollar Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By Gambrellgirl
Views are stunning, a must to experience while in the area. Highlight to see the Ross House from the original True Grit! We were in a 4-wheel drive but it hadn't rained for awhile so we didn't need 4 wheel. Road bumpy in places & you will need to make room for cars passing but it was not an issue. Fairly highly trafficked on the day we visited but also not an issue. We had an amazing time stopping along the way for photos of the beautiful scenery!
9. Emerald Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 523 reviews
Reviewed By Steve5863 - Avon, United States
This 3.6 mile (5.8k) roundtrip hike from the Bear Lake Trailhead is an excellent moderate hike starting at 9,500 feet (2,896m) and climbs fairly steadily to 10,105 feet (3,080m), passing three beautiful lakes, in order, Nymph, Dream and Emerald with a few small cascades along the way and many views of mountains and a couple of good overlooks of valleys where one can see for miles. Dream Lake is the most beautiful lake of the three lake and many people decide to shorted the hike by 1.4 miles (2.3k) and avoid the last 180 feet (55m) of elevation gain but if it is within your capabilities, I would definitely recommend going the full distance. This is a very popular trail and parking at the Bear Lake Trailhead fills quickly. If you want to park at the trailhead and avoid the worst of the crowds, arrive early, by 7am or so, midweek if possible. However, if this is not possible do not miss your opportunity to hike this excellent trail; simply park at the remote lot and take the efficient shuttle bus system to the trailhead.
10. Manitou Springs Incline
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 804 reviews
Reviewed By AshBernadette88 - Colorado Springs, United States
I've hiked the Manitou Incline several times over the past decade, but this was my first time hiking it since renovation. All of the dilapidated steps have been replaced, making for a much safer ascent, and markers are located every 100 steps allowing hikers to track progress. As always, this was very physically challenging but rewarding. The views of Colorado Springs and Garden of the Gods are spectacular throughout the hike. There is plenty of room at the top for hikers to rest and have a snack. If you hike a bit further on (take a right at the fork, hike for a quarter mile), you will reach an outlook that provides unmatched views of Pikes Peak. Note that hikers who summit are discouraged from going DOWN the Incline; there is a connector trail that starts left of the summit that hooks up to Barr Trail for an easier descent. Make sure to bring water and a snack for the top, and dress in layers. If you are not fit or have an underlying health condition (i.e. asthma or diabetes), THIS HIKE IS NOT FOR YOU. For many hikers, however, the mental game provides the biggest challenge. Put away the ego, take breaks as needed, and you'll make it!
