Studded with more than 50 mountain peaks exceeding 14,000 feet (known as “14ers”), there’s no doubt about it—Colorado is a hiker’s paradise. But the Centennial State’s other spectacular trails are worth the trip, too. From otherworldly red rock formations and blossoming wildflower fields to ancient river canyons and serene pine tree forests, here are the routes you shouldn’t miss when you’re in Denver.
Emerald Lake Trail
Where: Larimer County, Colorado
Length: 3.2 miles out-and-back
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
What to Expect: When it comes to iconic hiking destinations, it’s hard to do much better than Rocky Mountain National Park, which offers more than 300 miles of trails and some of the most enchanting scenery in the country. But which path should you choose first? Emerald Lake Trail hits three of the park’s gorgeous lakes (Bear, Dream, and Emerald) and passes by Hallett Peak, Flattop Mountain, and Tyndall Gorge.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are not allowed.
Royal Arch Trail
Where: Boulder County, Colorado
Length: 3.4 miles out-and-back
Time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Hard
What to Expect: A serious workout, this popular hike is a favorite among locals. On your way up through Chautauqua Park, expect lots of rock steps and tight switchbacks. Your reward: dramatic views and a 20-foot-tall sandstone arch.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are welcome, and may be off-leash in some areas.
Quandary Peak
Where: Summit County, Colorado
Length: 6.6 miles out-and-back
Time: 6 hours
Difficulty: Hard
What to Expect: Because Quandary Peak isn’t quite as difficult as Colorado’s other 14ers, it’s popular with hikers who have never summited one before. That doesn’t mean reaching the top will be easy, though—this trail gains 3,229 feet over just three miles.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Homestead Meadows
Where: Larimer County, Colorado
Length: 6.6 miles out-and-back
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
What to Expect: Found just outside Rocky Mountain National Park, this scenic trail—which wanders up the narrow Lion Gulch—shows there’s plenty to discover off the beaten path. See the historic remains of a ranching ghost town and, if you’re lucky, moose and elk.
Permitted: Dogs are welcome, and may be off-leash in some areas.
Garden of the Gods Inner Loop
Where: El Paso County, Colorado
Length: 1.3 miles loop
Time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
What to Expect: A geological wonder of towering red rocks, this registered National Natural Landmark boasts 21 miles of trails. Start with the basic loop that passes through the most impressive formations like the famous White Rock and Kissing Camels before branching out onto other routes.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Shrine Ridge Trail
Where: Eagle County, Colorado
Length: 4.3 miles out-and-back
Time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
What to Expect: Located in White River National Forest, this challenge route was originally used by the Ute tribe. Meander through fields of wildflowers and pine trees to the top of Colorado’s Sawatch Range, and bask in 360-degree views of Mount of the Holy Cross and Uneva Peak.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Mohawk Lakes
Where: Summit County, Colorado
Length: 6.8 miles out-and-back
Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
What to Expect: Offering picturesque views of the 13,164-foot Mount Helen and the Tenmile Range, be sure to pause and enjoy the scenery on this dreamy hike through fragile alpine tundra. There’s plenty to see between cascading waterfalls, abandoned mineshafts, and small dams.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Arthur’s Rock Trail
Where: Larimer County, Colorado
Length: 3.4 miles out-and-back
Time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
What to Expect: One of the top hikes in the Fort Collins area, this trail through Lory State Park’s meadows and evergreen trees ends in a natural staircase that leads you up to the eponymous Arthur’s Rock. It’s a perfect stopping point for a picnic with epic views of Horsetooth Reservoir.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Mount Sanitas Loop
Where: Boulder County, Colorado
Length: 3.2 miles loop
Time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Hard
What to Expect: Climb up a steady incline to the summit of Mount Sanitas for a stellar view of neighboring Boulder and Colorado’s Front Range. Along the way you’ll pass through open meadows and rugged rock outcrops.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Grays and Torreys Peak
Where: Clear Creek County, Colorado
Length: 8.1 miles out-and-back
Time: 7.5 hours
Difficulty: Hard
What to Expect: Because Grays and Torreys Peaks are commonly hiked together via a lollipop loop, it’s possible to check both of these 14ers off your list in one day. Pass through a wildflower-filled, high alpine meadow before reaching a rocky talus slope where you’ll begin to climb in earnest.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Hanging Lake Trail
Where: Garfield County, Colorado
Length: 3.1 miles out-and-back
Time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
What to Expect: Quite possibly Colorado’s most popular hike (it even requires reservations), this short but challenging trail guides you to one of the state’s most iconic natural wonders: Hanging Lake. Formed by a geologic fault that caused the lakebed to drop away from the valley floor, multiple waterfalls drop into the lake and plants dangle from the rockface.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are not allowed.
Alberta Falls Trail
Where: Larimer County, Colorado
Length: 1.6 miles out-and-back
Time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
What to Expect: This family-friendly trail leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s most impressive waterfalls. After a relaxing stroll through aspen groves and pine forest, marvel at the power of Albert Falls as it plummets 30 feet into Glacier Creek.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are not allowed.
Peak 10
Where: Summit County, Colorado
Length: 13 miles out-and-back
Time: 8 hours
Difficulty: Hard
What to Expect: Standing at 13,639 feet, Peak 10 falls just below the required height to qualify as a 14er, making it fall off a lot of hikers’ radar. Take advantage of the quiet(er) trails as you soak up the silence (and the stunning views).
Pets Permitted: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Fountain Valley Loop Trail
Where: Douglas County, Colorado
Length: 2.6 miles loop
Time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
What to Expect: Found in Roxborough State Park, this trail winds through some of the area’s most spectacular red rock formations, including the Fountain and Lyons. A hotspot for wildlife, you may also have the opportunity to see golden eagles, mule deer, fox, and other animals.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are not allowed.
Monarch Lake to Crater Lake
Where: Pitkin County, Colorado
Length: 14.9 miles out-and-back
Time: Varies
Difficulty: Moderate
What to Expect: A lesser-visited area of Colorado, Indian Peaks Wilderness boasts some of the wildest backcountry hiking in the state, including this trail packed with waterfalls, wildflowers, and a glacier lake. Because of the length of the trip, some hikers choose to backpack overnight.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
