Our Top 15 Day-Hikes in Colorado

1. Zapata Falls Trail

Great Sand Dunes National Park - 0.9mi round trip, 213ft elevation gain

Zapata Falls

@andrewandbrenna

Located about an hour and a half west of Pueblo, Zapata Falls is nestled in the mountains directly outside of Great Sand Dunes National Park. This hike only takes about 30-45 minutes and is very flat. The unique falls are located through a river and inside of a slot canyon.

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2. Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail

Aspen, CO - 1.9mi round trip, 160ft elevation gain

Maroon Bells

@andrewandbrenna

Maroon Bells is arguably the most photographed mountain range in the world, and it is no question why. This hike requires a permit and reservation to visit, information is available at https://aspenchamber.org/plan-trip/trip-highlights/maroon-bells/reservations.

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3. Rim Rock Nature Trail

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - 1.7mi, 206ft elevation gain

Rim Rock Trail

@andrewandbrenna

Rim Rock Nature Trail is located in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. This National Park is only a few miles wide, and this trail takes you around the south rim to all of the best views. The trail only takes about an hour and a half.

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4. Mesa Top Loop Trail

Mesa Verde National Park - 4.6mi round trip, 265ft elevation gain

Mesa Top Loop

@andrewandbrenna

The Mesa Top Loop Trail is one of the few at Mesa Verde National Park. This trail is the entire west loop of the park and features two of the park's famous dwellings. This trail can also be driven.

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5. Bridal Veil Falls Trail

Telluride, CO - 4.2mi round trip, 1,043ft elevation gain

Bridal Veil Falls

@andrewandbrenna

Bridal Veil Falls is Telluride's most popular hike for a reason. This short trail features three waterfalls and is something that can't be missed. Although there is 1,000+ ft of elevation gain, the top waterfall is only about 800ft up, and you are welcome to turn back at any time. This trail also connects to hotspots such as Mt. Sneffels and Island Lake.

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6. Emerald Lake Trail

Rocky Mountain National Park - 3.2mi round trip, 702ft elevation gain

Emerald Lake

@andrewandbrenna

Emerald Lake is one of Rocky Mountain's most popular hike due to its ease and its beauty. Because its popular, permits need to be obtained ahead of time. This trail can also be used to see Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Lake Haiyaha.

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7. Devil's Head Lookout 

Pike National Forest - 2.7mi round trip, 869 elevation gain

Devils Head Lookout

@andrewandbrenna

Devil's Head Lookout is an active fire lookout located in the heart of Pike National Forest. This hike is moderately rated and features 360 degree views, showcasing Pikes Peak and downtown Denver.

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8. Lake Haiyaha Trail

Rocky Mountain National Park - 4.0mi round trip, 846ft elevation gain

Lake Haiyaha

@andrewandbrenna

Lake Haiyaha is Rocky Mountain National Park's iconic alpine lake. This trail is shared with Emerald Lake, and is only 0.9 miles away.

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9. Bear Creek Falls via Bear Creek Trail

Telluride, CO - 4.5mi round trip, 1,092ft elevation gain

Bear Creek Trailhead

@andrewandbrenna

With its trailhead located in downtown, Bear Creek is my personal favorite hike in Telluride. The trail is lined with aspen trees, features stunning falls, and rewards you with panoramic views of Telluride.

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10. Red Mountain N3 Trail

Ouray/Silverton, CO - 4.3mi round trip, 1,427ft elevation gain

Red Mountain

@andrewandbrenna

Red Mountain is one of the most unique hikes we found in the state. This trail follows a former 4x4 road up to the mountain, and totals 4.3 miles round trip with 1,427ft of elevation gain. The hike is short and steep, but offers rewarding panoramic views at the summit.

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11. Ouray Perimeter Trail

Ouray, CO - 5.4mi round trip, 1,512 elevation gain

Perimeter Trail

@andrewandbrenna

Ouray Perimeter Trail is one of the few hikes on this list that I recommend everybody do, despite its moderate difficulty. The town of Ouray is named "Little Switzerland of America", and this hike proves that statement to be correct. The trail takes you a few hundred feet above town, then 5.4 miles around Ouray to complete a full circle. The views from this hike are some of the best in Colorado.

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12. Little Yellowstone via Colorado River

Rocky Mountain National Park - 12.2mi round trip, 1,866ft elevation gain

Colorado River Trail

@andrewandbrenna

This trail along the Colorado River is located in the Kawuneeche Valley portion of Rocky Mountain National Park. This trail is alongside the river nearly the entire time, and is the only place in Colorado that we found moose! This total trail is 12.2 miles, but you are welcome to stop and turn around wherever you'd like.

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13. High Dune Trail

Great Sand Dunes National Park - 3.0mi round trip, 629ft elevation gain

High Dune

@andrewandbrenna

With this trail only being 3.0 miles round trip, it is possible to underestimate its difficulty. I promise after a quarter mile through the sand, you'll realize why its ranked highly difficult on our list. This entire trail is uphill through the deep sand dunes, but the views from the top of High Dune offer the best views in the park.

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14. Spruce Creek to Mohawk Lakes Trail

Breckenridge, CO - 8.4mi round trip, 2,106ft elevation gain

Upper Mohawk Lake

@andrewandbrenna

This Mohawk Lake trail is the epitome of high-alpine hiking. This 8.4 mile trail takes you through the alpine forests, across rivers and past numerous waterfalls and lakes, including lower and upper Mohawk Lakes. This hike is extremely steep and took us about six hours.

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15. Island Lake via Ice Lakes Trail

Silverton, CO - 6.9mi round trip, 2,650 elevation gain

Island Lake

@andrewandbrenna

Lastly, we have the trail to Island Lake. One of Colorado's most photographed lakes requires a trek to visit. This hike is extremely difficult, and requires about 7-8 hours to complete. The views from the summit are incredible, and Island Lake features the most turquoise blue water we've ever seen.

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