The Centennial State

Colorado

Fifty-eight fourteeners, endless wildflower meadows, and trails that start above most eastern summits.

1Forest Guide

8Trail Guides

2.3MAcres Covered

14,440 ftHighest Peak

Colorado at a Glance

Fourteeners

Colorado has 58 peaks above 14,000 ft, more than any other state, with 53 of them on national forest land

Wilderness Areas

42 designated wilderness areas protect over 3.7 million acres of Colorado's most pristine backcountry

Continental Divide

The Continental Divide Trail crosses 800 miles through Colorado, its longest and highest stretch in any state

Ski to Hiking

Colorado's ski resorts transform into hiking and mountain biking destinations from June through October

Wildflower Season

Alpine meadows above 10,000 ft explode with columbine, Indian paintbrush, and lupine from late June through August

Altitude Prep

Most Colorado trailheads start above 8,000 ft. Acclimatize for at least a day before attempting high-altitude hikes

When to Visit

Late June through early October for most trails. Wildflower season peaks in mid-July. Afternoon thunderstorms are common above treeline from July through August. Snow can fall any month above 11,000 ft.

National Forests in Colorado

White River National Forest

2,285,970 acresJune through October

Complete guide to White River National Forest in the Colorado Rockies. Trail recommendations, campgrounds, permits, fourteeners, and trip planning resources.

13 min read

Trails in Colorado

moderateout-and-back

Booth Falls Trail

4.4 mi1,100 ft gain

ColoradoJune through October

Guide to the Booth Falls Trail in Vail, Colorado. A popular 4.4-mile out-and-back hike to a 60-foot waterfall in the Eagles Nest Wilderness.

9 min read

strenuousout-and-back

Conundrum Hot Springs Trail

17 mi2,500 ft gain

ColoradoJuly through September

Guide to Conundrum Hot Springs in White River National Forest, Colorado. A strenuous 17-mile out-and-back to geothermal pools at 11,200 feet in the Elk Mountains above Aspen, typically done as a two-day overnight with a permit required June through October.

7 min read

moderate-hardout-and-back

Grizzly Lake Trail

8 mi2,000 ft gain

ColoradoJuly through October

Guide to the Grizzly Lake Trail near Aspen, Colorado. An 8-mile out-and-back hike through wildflower meadows to an alpine lake in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.

9 min read

moderate-hardout-and-back

Hanging Lake Trail

3 mi1,200 ft gain

ColoradoMay through October

Guide to the Hanging Lake Trail in Glenwood Canyon, Colorado. A steep 3-mile out-and-back hike to one of Colorado's most iconic travertine lakes. Timed entry permit required.

9 min read

moderateloop

Lost Man Loop

8.6 mi1,700 ft gain

ColoradoJuly through September

Guide to the Lost Man Loop near Independence Pass in White River National Forest, Colorado. A moderate 8.6-mile high-country loop connecting Lost Man Lake, Linkins Lake, and Independence Lake, entirely above 11,000 feet with wildflowers, elk, and golden aspen.

7 min read

easyloop

Maroon Bells Scenic Loop

1.8 mi200 ft gain

ColoradoJune through October

Guide to the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop at Maroon Lake near Aspen, Colorado. An easy 1.8-mile loop with views of the most photographed mountains in North America.

9 min read

moderate-hardout-and-back

Mystic Island Lake Trail

7.6 mi1,800 ft gain

ColoradoJuly through September

A 7.6-mile out-and-back in the White River National Forest through the Eagles Nest Wilderness to a remote cirque lake at high elevation above Silverthorne, Colorado, via the Rock Creek drainage.

7 min read

strenuousout-and-back

Pitkin Lake Trail

9.8 mi2,800 ft gain

ColoradoJuly through September

A strenuous 9.8-mile out-and-back in the White River National Forest climbing to an alpine lake at 11,400 ft in the Eagles Nest Wilderness, ringed by 13,000-ft Gore Range peaks above East Vail.

7 min read

Trip Planning Guides

Best Hikes Near Denver, Colorado

Best Hikes Near

The best day hikes within 2 hours of Denver and Boulder, Colorado. From White River National Forest alpine lakes to the Indian Peaks Wilderness, these are the trails worth your weekend.

6 min read

Did You Know?

White River National Forest is the most visited national forest in the country, with over 12 million visitors per year.

The Maroon Bells in White River National Forest are the most photographed peaks in Colorado, requiring a shuttle bus during peak season.

Colorado's highest paved road reaches 14,130 ft at the summit of Mount Evans, inside Arapaho National Forest.

The Colorado Trail spans 486 miles from Denver to Durango, passing through eight mountain ranges and six national forests.

Rocky Mountain columbine (the state flower) grows wild in most Colorado national forests between 6,000 and 12,000 ft.