12 Magnificent Hidden Gems To Discover In Colorado This Year
If getting outside and reconnecting with nature is one of your biggest goals this year, you have come to the right place, as Colorado is chock-full of more stunning trails than we can ever list! Our favorites, however, are no-brainers, and we think you will like them too, especially when you spread them out over a year:
Located near Alamosa, Zapata Falls is a short and oh-so-sweet hike that leads to a hidden waterfall that cascades down a narrow rock crevice. While Zapata is glorious year-round, it is especially beautiful in the winter when it freezes over and creates a stunning ice formation.
Zapata Falls, Colorado 81146, USA
Boasting lovely views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding mountains, Catamount is the very definition of a hidden gem, as this Woodland Park-area hike is lesser-known, making for a quieter and more peaceful experience.
Catamount Trail, Catamount Trl, Colorado 80863, USA
Nestled away south of Woodland Park near Canon City, Shelf Road is THE place for jaw-dropping 360-degree views and an up-close look at ancient rock formations. Like Catamount, Shelf Road is less crowded than other trails, so take some time to slow down and enjoy the first signs of spring!
Shelf Road, Shelf Rd, Colorado, USA
Quite possibly the coolest hike in Colorado is around the Wheeler Geologic Area, a Rio Grande National Forest landmark that is home to bizarre rock formations created by volcanic ash deposits. (Please note: the hike does require elevation gains and fancy footwork, so use caution when hiking Wheeler.) Speaking of more challenging trails...
Wheeler Geologic Area, Colorado 81130, USA
...This may be one of the most difficult of all! Welcome to the Devil's Causeway: a 4-foot-wide causeway with - in some places - a 500+-foot drop on each side. Why would anyone want to try the tricky Devil's Causeway? To check out the view, of course (and who can blame them?)
Devil's Causeway, Forest Rd 900, Meeker, CO 81641, USA
The hike, tucked away in the always stunning San Juan Mountains, may sound like a great winter hike, but it is our favorite come late spring and summer, thanks to the many colorful wildflowers along the 8+ mile trail.
Ice Lake Basin, Colorado 81301, USA
No time to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city? No problem, as Deer Creek Canyon is located just outside of Littleton! Despite its more urban location, Deer Creek Canyon hikers will feel millions of miles away from the ordinary and may even see a bear or mountain lion in the distance!
Deer Creek Canyon, Colorado 80128, USA
Summer is coming to a close, meaning it is time to make a pilgrimage to the picturesque Chicago Lakes. Boasting an alpine tundra landscape, Chicago Lakes is deemed difficult but always worth the effort.
Chicago Lakes, Colorado 80439, USA
If you are looking for an iconic butt-busting workout, look no further than the Manitou Incline! Needless to say, a 2,744-step climb and 2,000-foot gain in elevation are exhausting, which is why we prefer to visit in the cooler months.
Manitou Incline, Cascade, CO 80809, USA
Yes, it is crowded and famous, but you cannot beat Aspen's fall foliage!
Maroon Bells, Colorado 81654, USA
This moderate, 6-mile trail is encompassed by the Pike National Forest, making it a picture-perfect jaunt in these late fall months! (Please note: Raspberry Mountain contains many hills and steep switchbacks, so use caution when visiting.)
Raspberry Mountain, Colorado 80814, USA
It may sound a little scary and morbid, but Gore Canyon is as Colorado as it gets, thanks to the route inside a peaceful canyon and along the glorious Colorado River.
Gore Canyon, Colorado 80459, USA
For even more to see and do around the Centennial State this year, click on Get Away From It All Each Month Of The Year With These 12 Magnificent Escapes In Colorado.
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