Hiking trips list for a large ration of vacations and getaways, and for some good reasons. Hiking is an activity that provides corporal exercise and allows one's mind to drift away from the troubles and stresses of everyday life and focus on what's right in front of them: nature. Whether it's a summer hike straight through Glacier Gorge Colorado to appreciate the waterfalls or a winter hike straight through Canyon Loop Trail, a sense of wonder and amazement is bound to set in.
Naming the "best" hiking spots in Colorado would be strictly up to the observer; as trails range from beginner to more advanced, risky areas. However, here are my picks for the top three prettiest, most enjoyable trails for "getting away from it all."
Glacier Gorge
Length: 9.6 miles
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Top Elevation: 10,600 feet
Nearby City: Estes Park
Season: Midsummer straight through mid-fall.
Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, you will see wildflowers and alpine lakes. Glacier Gorge is a U-shaped canyon that was carved by glaciers. Within a few feet of the trailhead is Bear Lake Branches to the right and thirty minutes in you will arrive at the first point of interest: a gorgeous waterfall called Alberta Falls.
Longs Peak
Length: 14 miles
Trail type: Out-and-back
Top Elevation: 12,800 feet
Nearby City: Allens Park
Also located in Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak is unmistakably the top in the Rockies. Longs Peak boasts of the most climbed route of any fourteener route in the state: The Keyhole Route. This is regularly a pretty busy trail which might not work for you if your goal is to avoid other people, but it can be ideal if you are traveling alone, since there will be others nearby to help if you need it. Tip: It's a long one so save your strength!
Devil's Canyon Loop
Length: 3.2 miles
Trail type: Loop
Top Elevation: 7,420 feet
Nearby City: Boulder
Devil's Canyon Loop Trail is a astounding sight. The painted canyon walls, red valleys and weighty rock columns make this trail a must see. The Loop is full of waterfalls and sandstone cliffs and is colored with sage and juniper (making it a fragrant hike as well)!
Whichever trail you choose, your Colorado hike is sure to be a memorable one. Make sure that you are prepared with a plan, a map and adequate supplies for the distance of your journey. Someone else tip: bring a camera so that you can share your adventure with family and friends when you get back home!
