Hiking with the kids - ages 4 & 7
best hikes in colorado
People always ask me where they should go hiking. ALWAYS. These are some of my absolute favorite hikes that are either unmatched in scenery, offer a lot of "bang for your buck," or are so close to home that I keep going back.
Ice Lakes Basin is one of the most spectacular hikes ever! Unfortunately it is closed, probably until the end of July 2021, due to a fire in October of 2020. There is also talk of a permitting system that will be instituted to keep crowds down, so watch for news of that.
Blue Lakes between Ridgway & Telluride are beautiful, but you absolutely have to hike up to the third lake! From there you can continue and summit Mt. Sneffels, a 14er, if you are feeling adventurous.
Herman Gulch is always a crowd-pleaser, especially if you catch the wildflowers at peak or see a moose (or three!) Herman Gulch has some of the most gorgeous wildflowers around and it is less than an hour from metro Denver. It is steep, but not too steep. This is a crowded trail that can have moose, so leash up your dogs and pack out your poop!
Mohawk Lakes near Breckenridge is so pretty! Seven miles, seven lakes. Hard to beat!
Mt. Flora is a great 13er off Berthoud Pass, if you want the views and high altitude experience of a 14er, without a 14er.
Lake Isabelle in the Indian Peaks Wilderness/Brainard Rec Area *pro tip: book a campsite in Pawnee campground if you can, and then you can hike from your site in the morning!
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Roxborough State Park is great!
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The Crags, near Mueller State Park, is a fun hike for the whole family
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Mayflower Gulch is a great snowshoe and summer hike with cabin ruins near Copper Mtn
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Hanging Lake near Glenwood is steep, but worth it! Check for status and permits.
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In RMNP? Take a stroll around Sprague Lake (great for visiting flatlanders!)
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Also in RMNP, hikes to Bierstadt Lake and Dream Lake are fun with kids
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Three sisters/Brother overlook in Alderfer near Evergreen
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Waterton Canyon (go as far you as like then turn around! Also bike friendly)
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Maxwell Falls is great summer or winter, but crowded - Evergreen
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Mitchell Creek Canyon - Castle Rock
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Rim Rock to Creek Bottom in Castlewood Canyon State Park
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Ranch View & Sandstone Meadow - Larkspur Meadow Open Space
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Shrine Ridge Trail - Vail Pass
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Silver Dollar/Murray Lakes - Georgetown