It’s no secret that Colorado is an outdoor-lovers paradise. There are SO many beautiful hikes to choose from that it may seem overwhelming at first. Although I do hope to hike a 14er someday (update…I conquered my first 14er) and try out some backpacking…for now, I consider myself a very amateur day hiker. I enjoy moderate day hikes to waterfalls, overlooks, or something unique. Keep reading for a list of the BEST day hikes in Colorado (under 10 miles).
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Table of Contents
Best Hikes in Central Colorado
East Inlet Trail- Rocky Mountain National Park
As experienced by Jolayne of Simply Jolayne
The East Inlet trailhead is located outside Grand Lake, Colorado on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. It is important to note that timed-entry reservations are required throughout the park. You will likely encounter forest rangers at the East Inlet trailhead checking reservations, so be sure to plan ahead.
Parking and restrooms are available at the trailhead.
A short distance from the trailhead, and an easy hike for most ages, is Adams Falls. If you are hiking with young children or are short on time, the hike to the falls is less than a mile out and back with minimal elevation gain.
But if you have the time, don’t stop there. The beauty of the East Inlet hike opens up as you enter East Meadow and follow the river as it meanders along the trail. The meadow sits in a lush valley surrounded by Mounts Cairn, Craig, and Wescott.
If you choose to complete the East Meadow hike (an easy 2.8 miles round trip) or even continue on to Lone Pine Lake (a moderate 11 miles out and back), the views will not disappoint.
Sky Pond- Rocky Mountain National Park
As experienced by Jessica from Uprooted Traveler
Sky Pond, in Rocky Mountain National Park, offers something for everyone- snow-capped mountain peaks, waterfalls, and two alpine lakes.
Along this 9.5-mile hike, you’ll meander through a towering pine tree forest, scramble up a flowing waterfall (with very cold water!), and end at a lake with dramatically jagged mountains (so cartoonishly pointy, in fact, one of the peaks is called Sharktooth!).
To access this trail, you’ll need to enter the National Park, which, during the peak season of May through October, requires a timed permit reservation, as well as a valid entrance fee ($35 for a week). Once you’re in the park, you’ll leave from the Glacier Gorge trailhead near the end of Bear Lake Road. While the parking lot here is large, it fills up quickly, so it’s a good idea to get here early or, alternatively, take the park’s shuttle to the trailhead.
If you want to avoid snow on the trail, be sure to visit between June through September; outside of this window, it’s likely you’ll encounter some measure of snow and ice. If you’re ready for a day of adventure in the Rocky Mountains, Sky Pond is one of the best choices!
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Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes- Rocky Mountain National Park
As experienced by Kassidy from The Hiking Helper
Found in Rocky Mountain National Park, the hike to Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes is one of the best Colorado day hikes that there is! (& definitely one of my favorite things we did during our weekend in Denver).
On this short and moderately challenging 3.2-mile roundtrip hike, you’ll get to marvel at 3 incredible alpine lakes. The trail starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead, one of the park’s most popular areas, so you’ll need to arrive early to snag a parking spot.
Nymph Lake is the first that you’ll arrive at, and it’s the smallest of the three. Dream and Emerald Lakes are next and boast amazing views of both the lake and the mountains in the background. They’re some of the best in the park!
It’s not often that you get to reach such beautiful alpine lakes for such minimal effort!
Keep an eye out for elk, bighorn sheep, marmots, and other wildlife while you’re on the trail!
If you’re feeling up to a little more hiking, you can add on Lake Haiyaha, which adds about 2 miles to the trip. Between May and October, it’s important to note that you’ll need a permit to enter Rocky Mountain National Park.
Red Rocks Park- Morrison, CO
As experienced by Michelle from Moyer Memoirs Empty Nest Travel Adventures
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater is located in Morrison, is just a short 15-mile drive from Denver, and is
one of the best day hikes in Colorado! Make a day trip out of the visit to this park, enjoy the views, and
take some scenic hikes.
Hiking at Red Rocks Amphitheater Colorado is an excellent opportunity for the outdoor-lover and nature
enthusiast. There are two main hiking trails that begin on the lower level of the amphitheater. They
lead around the sandstone red rocks surrounding the amphitheater and are also frequented by many
animals like prairie dogs and mule deer.
Trading Post Trail is the shorter trail that leads in a circular path around the amphitheater. It is 1.4 miles
long and will take the average hiker a little over an hour to hike through the level trail that travels
through the red rock terrain.
Red Rocks Trail is the longer hike. It is a breathtaking 6-mile hike that includes dramatic views of the red
rock landscape. It takes hikers about 3 hours on this trail that connects several other popular Colorado
hiking trails.
In addition to all the hiking, save time to see the centerpiece of the park, the unique amphitheater
which is surrounded on both sides by the beautiful red sandstone rock formations.
Mount Falcon Castle Loop- Morrison, CO
As experienced by Rachel from Caribbean Uncovered
Mount Falcon Castle Loop in Morrison, CO is a sunny hike with incredible views of Red Rocks Amphitheater, lakes, snowy mountain peaks, and the Denver Skyline. You’ll feel like you’re hiking through the desert and mountains during this hike!
The East Trailhead is located at the bottom of the mountain and West Trailhead is at the top. At the top of the mountain, you’ll find the remnants of an old castle, so keep an eye out for that!
There are free parking lots and restrooms at each trailhead. The full loop is 8 miles and 1600 feet of elevation. The terrain is rocky and the sun is strong with few shady spots; it’s recommended that you bring plenty of sunscreen, water, and good hiking shoes. This trail is also a popular spot for mountain biking, so be careful around the bends.
There are stops along the hike where you can take a break for snacks or lunch if you want to pack a picnic. Mount Falcon Castle Loop is located just three miles from the Red Rocks Amphitheater and 20 miles from Denver, so there’s plenty to do if you want to keep adventuring after your hike!
Herman Gulch Trail– Silver Plume, CO
As experienced by Meg of Fox in the Forest
Looking for one of the best day hikes in Colorado? If so then check out the Herman Gulch Trail. After all, it’s located a mere 45-minutes away from Denver and is known for its challenging terrain and stunning alpine panoramas, particularly during wildflower season.
Plus, it’s a perfect hike to try if you visit in the winter since it is open year-round and a great place to go backcountry skiing.
That being said, this stunning, 6.3-mile round trip, out and back trail can get inundated by visitors looking for wildflowers. So, get here well before 10:00 am on the weekends since the parking lot – just off of exit 218 on I-70 – fills up fast.
Other than that, just admire the Citadel in the distance and savor hiking along part of the Continental Divide Trail as you make your way to Herman Lake and take in the alpine awesomeness around you.
Yes, the last bit of the hike to the lake can be intense but it’s worth it to see Pettingell Peak in the distance and to see the lake covered in snow – sometimes until mid-June.
Manitou Incline- Manitou Springs, CO
I’m sure you have seen this famous hike all over the internet. The Manitou Incline consists of 2,763 stairs with a 1,992-foot elevation gain. At some points during the climb, it will feel as though you are going straight up.
Before hiking make sure you get a free permit and do your research on parking (we received a ticket). I now know that you are supposed to park in the Hiawatha Gardens lot (shuttle available) or the Iron Springs Chateau lot.
Dogs are unfortunately not allowed on this hike, but if you still want the famous picture at the top of the stairs, you can take the Barr trail to the top. This is an 8-mile round trip trail that goes up to the top of the stairs (it’s the trail that you will take on the way down as well).
If you are traveling with your pup, Colorado Springs has a lot of dog-friendly things to offer, so be sure to take time to explore the city a bit!
Tunnel Trail- Canon City, CO
This is a bit of a different type of Colorado hike. You aren’t in the mountains nor are you climbing hundreds of feet, but it’s still worthy of making this list. Located in Canon City, CO this is an easy 3.9-mile hike with views of the Royal Gorge Railroad and Arkansas River.
After your hike head over to Royal Gorge Park for a gondola ride, zipline, and a stroll across America’s highest suspension bridge.
Grays Peak (A 14er for First-timers)
Is hiking a 14er on your bucket list?! Grays Peak near Idaho Springs is a great Colorado 14er for first-timers, BUT it’s important to still be prepared.
Although this Colorado hike is under 10 miles, do not let the short distance fool you. It’s a challenge (learn from my mistakes here!). From the parking lot to the peak (and back), it’s only about 7.3 miles. But, during the 3.6-mile climb up, you’ll gain over 3,000 ft and end at over 14,000 feet.
The trail is easy to follow and no technical climbing is involved, but you may notice some signs of altitude sickness as you hike.
If you are up for it (I was not…), you can continue your hike to Torreys Peak. Yep, that means you’ll be able to bag two 14ers in one day (It adds about another mile and 500+ feet of elevation to your trek).
Then, reward yourself with a soak in the nearby Indian Hot Springs!
Best Hikes in Northwestern Colorado
Ptarmingan Trail – Silverthorne, CO
As experienced by Nikki of Inspired Routes
If you’re looking for the best day hikes in Colorado, then the Ptarmigan Trail in the White River National Forest is perfect! With epic views of Lake Dillon, this trail is one you won’t soon forget. This hike is one of the best ways to stretch your legs on a scenic drive in Colorado from Dillon to Leadville.
Coming in at 4.6 miles with an elevation gain of 1141 feet, this is a moderate trail. The most challenging part of the trail is actually at the beginning. Once you’re past the initial incline, you’ll be rewarded with a relatively easy hike thereafter.
Once on the trail, you’ll get phenomenal views of the lake and national forest. You’ll hike up into the forest, alternating open sky and tree cover. The trail offers incredible views of the Rocky Mountains in one direction and Lake Dillion in the opposite. It’s a great day hike, and you can expect it to take 2 to 3 hours, or more if you like to take lots of rest or photo breaks.
To get to the Ptarmigan Trailhead, you’ll head to Silverthorne Colorado, which is just on the north side of I-70, across from the Dillon Reservoir. While there’s no official address for the trailhead, you can use Google or AllTrails to get you there. The parking lot is a bit down the hill from the trailhead but is relatively easy to locate. The parking lot definitely fills up quickly, so get there early during weekends and the peak of summer hiking season.
Mayflower Gulch – Frisco, CO
Ever since seeing a photo of Mayflower Gulch on Instagram, I knew I wanted to check it out for myself. In an unexpected turn of events (flight cancellation…long story short) we found ourselves close by in Breckenridge.
Anyways…Mayflower Gulch is a moderate hike that passes an old gold mining cabins. At the parking lot, you can choose to drive the road (in the summer only with 4×4), or hike it. If hiking it, it is an easy 2-mile hike to the cabins and valley view. From here, you can choose to continue further up the trail for some views from above.
Mount Royal – Frisco, CO
This is a short but tough day hike. At less than 4 miles round trip, you will be met with epic 360 degrees at the top. But these views do not come easy as the hike up is pretty steep (1,374 feet). Be sure to wear shoes with great traction as the way down was a bit slippery. After this hike, you can choose to hike to Rainbow Lake as the trailhead starts from the same parking lot (Zach’s Stop).
After your day of hiking, be sure to spend the evening strolling the charming streets of Breckenridge. You can find art galleries, boutiques, cute restaurants, and delicious cookies!
Best Hikes in Southwestern Colorado
Four Mile Falls – Pagosa Springs, CO
As experienced by Taylor Nomads in Nature
Pagosa Springs is full of endless waterfalls and epic hiking trails! One of our favorite hikes off the beaten path is Four Mile Falls.
Contrary to the name, Four Mile Falls is actually a 6.7mile out and back trail. This trail is moderately challenging as you will climb over 1,100 feet in elevation, but the views of the entire trail are vast and endless.
The entire hike will have you surrounded by lush mountains, a flowing river, and waterfalls peaking out in the distance. Once you’ve made it out the 3.2 miles, you’ll cross Falls Creek and scramble up to the first waterfall where you can stand directly under the waterfall if it isn’t flowing at its peak.
Next, I highly recommend the straight uphill scramble for a quarter-mile where you will get to see another waterfall in the distance cascading off the cliffs into the picturesque San Juan Mountains.
The best time to hike Four Mile Falls is late spring to fall as the forest service road to the trailhead doesn’t open until early May due to heavy snowfall.
If the quaint mountain of Pagosa Springs is on your bucket list, check out the Best Free Things to do in Pagosa Springs!
Bridal Veil Falls – Telluride, CO
As experienced by Erin from Super Simple Salty Life
Bridal Veil Falls located in the San Juan Mountain Range is the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado, tumbling down the rocky mountain sides from 365 feet high. Hiking to the base of Bridal Veil Falls has a moderate difficulty rating and elevation gain of 1,650 feet. This is a popular hike so be sure to start early, the upper parking areas fill up quickly. The trailhead is right outside of downtown Telluride, an adorable mountain town worth exploring after your hike!
Park near the Pandora Mill in an unmarked parking area and begin the hike, following the switchbacks heading up the wall of the dramatic box canyon at the head of the Telluride valley. After 1.2 miles you will reach the base of Bridal Veil Falls, where you can turn around or continue hiking another steep 0.8 miles all the way to the top of the falls. The top of Bridal Veil Falls has a historic power plant perched along a ledge of the canyon and panoramic views of the valley below.
You can drive to the bottom of the falls but a high clearance, 4-wheel drive is highly recommended. The road is very busy with hikers, bikers, and 4-wheel drive traffic so driving should only be considered if you are unable to hike.
Best Hikes in Southeastern Colorado
High Dune Trail – Great Sand Dunes National Park
One of the most unique hikes you will take and a must-add to this best day hikes in Colorado list. Located in Great Sand Dunes National Park, the High Dune Trail is a 3-mile round trip and takes you up 692 ft in elevation gain.
Don’t let the low mileage fool you though, hiking in the sand is no joke. Be prepared for it to take much longer than you may expect.
There is also no shade or coverage so come prepared with sunscreen, hats, etc. If hiking in the hot summer months, be sure to get out early to avoid the hot sand (that can reach over 105 degrees) and afternoon thunderstorms.
After your hike, you can hang out by Medano Creek, try your balance at sandboarding, have a picnic, or take a drive to Zapata Falls.
Bonus! This national park is dog-friendly!
I’m obsessed. What an epic list. Grab you day pack and get ready for the ultimate Colorado adventure! What other day hikes in Colorado would you add to this list? Come let me know on Instagram! I’d love to add them to my list!
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