Where: Colorado Springs, CO
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 4 miles
This suggested loop is a combination of the best trails in the Garden of the Gods, circling the epic rock formations at the center of the park. The trails are dog and kid friendly, but it can get dry and hot so pack extra water.
Where: Rocky Mountain National Park
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.8 miles
Short, gorgeous, and easily accessible, this hike is perfect for newbies, families, or anyone just looking for a super chill hike. To get the most out of this serene beauty, try to hit the trails first thing in the morning if you're going in season.
Where: Boulder, CO
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 5.5 miles
The Boulder Creek path is about 5 and a half miles long between Boulder Canyon on the west and Stazio Ballfields in town on the east. This popular trail is basically a microcosm of Colorado: Starting in the rolling plains, quickly passing through a bustling but chill city, and ending in the shadow of mountains.
Where: Colorado National Monument
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1 mile
Don't be deceived by the short distance; this trail will get you to everything worth seeing in Colorado National Monument. You're in for treat, because you're entering the northeast corner of the Colorado Plateau, which also hosts the Grand Canyon and Arches National Park.
6. Coyote Trail
Where: Rifle Falls State Park
Difficulty: Easy-to-Moderate
Length: 1.5 miles
One of three trails in the park, this one offers the best views of Rifle Falls, as well as access to a couple awesome limestone caves along the way (bring your flashlights!). It's a relaxing, winding trail that follows Rifle Creek under a thick canopy of boxelder and cottonwood trees.
Where: Arapaho National Forest
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2.8 miles
This out-and-back trail starts from the Hessie Trailhead and offers beautiful views of creeks, tress, and the Devil's Thumb before the big payoff at Lost Lake. It's pretty popular in summer and fall, so get an early start if you can, especially if you plan on camping.
Where: Crested Butte, CO
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 6 miles
The "dyke" for which the trail is named is a rocky spine ridge that hikers cross on this trek, while enjoying amazing aspen groves and meadows for miles. If you're going in fall, get ready for some top-notch foliage, and don't ignore the equally beautiful views of the Ruby Range and Anthracite mountains.
Where: Jefferson County, CO
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 10 miles
This loop will get you around the best parts of this incredibly accessible park, taking in the best views of the Three Sisters Peaks, Brothers Peak, and miles of wildflowers in between.
10. Blue Lakes Trail
12. Abyss Lake Trail
Where: Mount Evans Wilderness Area
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 8 miles
Nestled between Mt. Evans and Mt. Bierstadt, you get constant views of some impressive peaks. It culminates at Abyss Lake, where rocky slopes surrounding the lake are home to bighorn sheep and mountain goats, so keep your eyes peeled for the wooly creatures.
Where: Pike and San Isabel National Forests
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2.8 miles
The first part of this hike is nice, with hefty historical significance, though often crowded. But it's all worth it once you get to the only fire lookout in Colorado, which offers a ridiculously gorgeous panoramic view. It's at its most stunning in fall colors.
Where: White River National Forest
Difficulty: Moderate-to-Hard
Length: 17 miles
This trail is pretty manageable and incredibly scenic, but it is certainly a lengthy out-and-back trek. It follows Conundrum Creek as it weaves up through woods and meadows and passes under the shadows of Mt. Hayden, Cathedral Peak, and Castle Peak. When you spot a cabin, the Conundrum Hot Springs are just ahead!
Where: Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 6.7 miles
This moderate-to-hard hike is packed with high mountain wilderness beauty, but balances demanding inclines with rolling green vistas. It's a quintessential Rocky Mountain experience, and is lovely at almost anytime of the year.
Where: Rocky Mountain National Park
Difficulty: Mad Hard
Length: 9 miles
This Colorado's highest mountain and one of the more strenuous of the 14ers. The first part of the trail is a decent incline through thick, beautiful forests with tons of wildlife, and though it's only a couple miles until you're above the tree line, you're far from done. Prepare yourself for an intense workout with a gorgeous payoff.