Hiking

The best way to define hiking in Colorado is through the numbers: 42 Colorado state parks, 13 national parks and monuments, 13 national forests and grasslands and 58 14ers (peaks that rise more than 14,000 feet above sea level). All of these add up to more than 39,000 miles of Colorado hiking trails (and there’s 17,000-plus of those) waiting to be explored.

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Three hikers head downhill between to rising peaks, toward the sun, which is setting — Hiking through the Rockies

Two hikers with trekking poles cross a rocky field on the way to a snow-covered summit under a bright blue sky — Redcloud Peak near Lake City, CO

A sign that says "Wilderness" is posted next to a trail that runs through a green valley and next to a small blue lake. Snowcapped peaks rise in the distance — Piney Lake in Eagles Nest Wilderness near Silverthorne

Three hiker head on a trail uphill. They wear backpacks and carry trekking poles. — Hiking near Vail

Three hikers walk carefully across fallen logs that span a body of water — Hiking in the Gore Range

Two adults, one with a child perched on his shoulders, walks across a grassy ridge on a trail lined with evergreens — Hiking near Grand Junction

Two people walk along a flat trail beneath the shadow of Castle Rock — Castle Rock

Two hikers stand at a trailhead that faces a red-sandstone rock formation that looks a few miles away — Hikers in Unaweep Canyon

Six people walk through the dune field wearing hats under the bright sun; the wind blows as they make their way — Hiking in Great Sand Dunes National Park

Colorado.com — Hiking Devil's Causeway's narrow trail near Yampa, CO

A view of Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Park

Where to Hike in Colorado

If you’re somewhere within Colorado’s state lines, there’s a good chance you’re pretty close to a hiking trail — even in major cities like Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs.

Our state and national parks offer seemingly endless options across varied landscapes. Find high-desert routes dotted with scrubby juniper and flowering cacti. Look for birds on treks that cut through golden prairie grasses. And take on the famously mountainous Colorado hikes that lead to icy blue alpine lakes. Park visitor centers provide excellent trail maps and advice on which Colorado hiking trails are best suited for your skill level.

Learn more about Colorado’s national parks

Colorado Hikes

Thanks to our many trails and the variety found within each route, it can seem overwhelming when you’re trying to decide which Colorado hiking trail to set out on. Here are some ideas to get you started:

The Colorado Trail

One of the state’s highest profile routes is the Colorado Trail. Popular with backpackers and experienced hikers, the nearly 500-mile trail climbs, crosses and descends the Rocky Mountains between Denver and Durango, passing beneath 14ers, beside rushing rivers, along alpine ridges and through wildflower meadows. One of the nation’s premier long-distance trails, the Colorado Trail takes at least four to six weeks to complete as a whole, though backpacking shorter sections is also a popular pursuit.

Hiking Words of Wisdom

Before setting out on any Colorado hike, make sure you have adequate water (at least two quarts per person), sunscreen, enough clothing and layers for changing conditions, and a good map.

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