6 Easy And Beautiful Spring Hikes Everyone In Colorado Will Love
Temperatures are heating up, the wildflowers are blooming, and the sun is staying out longer than ever, which can only mean one thing: it is springtime in Colorado, and it is time to get outside and enjoy it! Are you ready? If so, lace up your hiking boots and take one (or all!) of these six easy and beautiful spring hikes that everyone in Colorado will love:
Treasure: that is what you are, Treasure Falls, as you boast not only a big and beautiful waterfall but also a short and sweet hike to reach it! Unlike other waterfall hikes that involve steep inclines and long distances, the 105-foot-tall Treasure Falls is situated a mere 1/4-mile from the road, making for a memorable hike that everyone can enjoy.
2. Garden of the Gods Perkins Central Garden Trail (Colorado Springs)
Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, USA
For an easy and beautiful Colorado hike that is as short and sweet as it is iconic, look no further than the Garden of the Gods and its Perkins Central Garden Trail! Spanning 1.1 miles, the Perkins Central Garden Trail runs through the heart of the Garden of the Gods and passes by some of the most jaw-dropping of rock formations. Learn more about hiking at Garden of the Gods in this article.
You have heard of Old Faithful and the Valley of Geysers, but did you know that the Centennial State is home to its own must-see geyser? Welcome to the Geyser Spring Trail: a short and sweet 1.5-mile trek that runs through the heart of the San Juan National Forest before ending at an authentic geyser that erupts (or, in this case, bubbles) every hour!
Are you hiking with kids? Then this one is for you! Located near Lookout Mountain, the Colorow Mountain Forest Loop is a stunning .6-mile loop trail that is short and easy to navigate and features some of the region's best wildlife sightings.
Did you know that not only is Colorado home to an active volcano but that you can hike it? Epic, right? Spanning 2,300 feet wide and 1,300 feet deep, Dotsero (which erupted 4,200 years ago) features a distinct 2-mile-long lava trail that can still be seen and explored today. Learn more about this active volcano in Colorado here.
Address: Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, USA
Address: Geyser Spring, Colorado 81323, USA
Address: Colorow Mountain, Colorado 81641, USA
Address: Dotsero, Colorado 81637, USA
Address: Dinosaur Ridge, Colorado 80401, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Colorado
March 03, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some wonderful, easy hikes in Colorado?
Colorado is the essential outdoorsy person’s paradise. It’s filled to the brim with incredible hikes and amazing mountains to climb. With more than 5,000 trails to choose from, it might be a little hard to decide where to begin, so why not start with some easy hikes? Our favorites include absolutely must-do gems like Dream Lake Trail, which is just two miles long out and back, and Alberta Falls Trail, which is 1.6 miles long and is a family-friendly waterfall hike. Both of those are at Rocky Mountain National Park, which is home to dozens more amazing trails as well. Outside of the park, you’ll want to check out Red Rocks Trading Post Trail. It’s one and a half miles long and features all sorts of fascinating geological formations. Finally, add the Forsythe Canyon to Waterfall and Gross Reservoir Trail, which is 3.2 miles long – though a four-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended for that one. Want some more ideas? Check out this article for a list of calming hikes in Colorado to do ASAP.
What are some of the most popular scenic hikes in Colorado?
With a ridiculous number of hiking trails comes a ridiculous number of scenic, absolutely breathtaking hikes. Some of our favorite scenic hikes in Colorado include the amazing Emerald Lake Trail, at Rocky Mountain National Park. This stunning trek through Tydall Gorge to Emerald Lake is 3.2 miles of easygoing hiking; it’s easy and scenic enough that you won’t even realize you’re hiking three miles! While at Rocky Mountain National Park, be sure to also check out the Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail, which is a lot longer – 9.4 miles! – and a lot harder, but well worth the effort (the payoff is some of the best views in the entire park). Other than those, you’ll want to check out St. Mary’s Glacier Trail, which is nestled within Arapaho National Forest and is rated as moderate. It’s 2.4 miles long and features lovely alpine lake and glacier views!
Address: Treasure Falls, Colorado 81147, USA
Address: Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, USA
Address: Geyser Spring, Colorado 81323, USA
Address: Colorow Mountain, Colorado 81641, USA
Address: Dotsero, Colorado 81637, USA
Address: Dinosaur Ridge, Colorado 80401, USA
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