Posted in Colorado Hiking, Nature February 21, 2022 by

7 Cool And Calming Hikes To Take In Colorado To Help You Reflect On The Year Ahead

If you are a red-blooded human, you may have already been dreaming up ways to make this year the best it’s ever been. No matter the time of year you decide you want to begin a new hobby or get outside and explore more – it will always be the right time. Anyone looking to create the ultimate bucket list of best hikes in Colorado, then you’ve come to the right place. These gems aren’t strenuous by any means, but are cool and calming and will help you reflect on everything you want to accomplish in the year ahead. Maybe you’ll find a new favorite on this list of some of the best hikes in Colorado… just be sure to come prepared with your favorite winter hiking essentials as you hit the trails!

1. Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs)
Flickr/Steve Walser
Situated on a gorgeous 1,335 acres, the Garden of the Gods is comprised of numerous 300-million-year-old red rock formations, making it one of the most unforgettable hikes in the state! Whether you are looking for something short and sweet or long and strenuous, you will find it at the Garden of the Gods, which has trails ranging from .5-miles to ones that span the entire premise. 
Click here to find out more about this Colorado hike.
Garden of the Gods Road, Garden of the Gods Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
2. Skaguay Power Plant (Penrose)
TripAdvisor/666kristi
For a Colorado trail that is as historic as it is fascinating, make a trip to Penrose and the nearby Skaguay Power Plant Dating back to 1901, the dam was the world’s first steel-reinforced and rock-faced dam. While the plant closed in the 1960s, its remains can still be seen today via a stunning 10-mile trek that passes through canyons and old homesteads. Does walking 10 miles sound a bit much? It's not everyone's cup of tea.
Click here to find out more about this Colorado hike.
Skagway Power Plant, Penrose, CO 81240, USA
3. Bear Lake Trail (Estes Park)
AllTrails/Nicole Shaw
The short and sweet Bear Lake Trail is truly a marvel. Located within Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Lake Trail is a mere .7 miles each way and captures the very essence of Colorado through its surrounding trees, snow-capped mountains, and namesake Bear Lake. 
Click here to find out more about this Colorado hike.
Bear Lake Trail, Colorado 80517, USA
4. St. Mary's Glacier (Idaho Springs)
Flickr/Glenn Harper
You know Idaho Springs for the easy-to-recognize Argo Gold Mine & Mill and delicious Beau Jo's Pizza, but did you know that it is also home to one of the best hikes in the state? Welcome to St. Mary's Glacier, which boasts a scenic 1 1/2-mile out-and-back trail that leads you directly to and from this must-see lake! 
Click here to find out more about this Colorado hike.
St Mary's Glacier Trail, St Mary's Glacier Trl, Colorado 80452, USA
5. Mount Falcon Castle Trail (Morrison)
AllTrails/Taylor McElroy
When you think of castles, which places come to mind? Anywhere but Colorado, right? Contrary to popular belief, the Centennial State is indeed home to several beautiful palaces, including the ruins of Mount Falcon Castle, which can be reached via a breathtaking 6.7-mile out-and-back trail. 
Click here to find out more about this Colorado hike.
Mount Falcon Park, Castle Trail, Morrison, CO 80465, USA
6. Pawnee Buttes Trail (Grover)
Flickr/Bryce Bradford
Shh... do you hear that sound? No? Me neither... which is why we love this quiet and serene 4.6-mile out-and-back trail, which is nestled away in the heart of the Eastern Plains. 
Click here to find out more about this Colorado hike.
Pawnee Buttes, Colorado 80729, USA
7. Black Canyon of the Gunnison (Montrose County)
Flickr/daveynin
Whether you decide to get out and explore the many trails or simply walk to the nearest lookout, you will find only the most dramatic of views at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and its steep, 48-mile-long ravine.
Click here to find out more about this Colorado hike.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, USA

Which of these would you consider to be the best hikes in Colorado? Let us know in the comments! Now that you know which trails to check out this winter, be sure to also visit these 15 Restaurants You’ll Want To Eat At In Colorado.

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Best Hikes In Colorado

February 24, 2022
Marisa Roman

What are the best hikes with a view in Colorado?

There is nothing like searching for hiking trails near me and getting a list of some of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. Between the overlooks, the mountain vistas, and the incredible changes in elevation, Colorado really has some spectacular views when you travel different trails. For anyone looking for easy hikes in Colorado with a view, these 11 gems are truly worth the trek. All of these hikes clock in at under five miles, so even beginners can enjoy the trail.

What are the best wildflower hikes in Colorado?

When seasons change, so do hiking trails, so anyone looking to experience more nature should adventure out in the spring or summer. We have a wildflower trail that is one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado and you don’t want to miss out. Crested Butte is nicknamed the "Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” so it’s only fair that this is also the best wildflower hike in the state. Check out the Rustler’s Gulch nine-mile out and back for an especially beautiful trek.

What are the best family-friendly hikes in Colorado?

If you’re ready to take your kids along on nature’s journey, then we have the places for you! These five kid-friendly hikes around Colorado are the perfect outdoor activity to add to your bucket list during the summer when the kids are out of school and filled with energy. Start at the Paint Mines Archeological District in Calhan and end up in the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Commerce City.