Skip the Crowds: Explore Colorado’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

Colorado's hiking trails are popular for a reason. Our beautiful landscape is just begging to be explored on foot! Of course, it's always nice to find yourself on a trail with no one else around. Check out some of the quietest trails in Colorado for a secluded adventure. Be sure to have an AllTrails account and download the trail maps for these trails before you go!

1. Homestead Ranch Outer Loop

Homestead Ranch Park is a beautiful 450-acre regional park that’s nestled right at the edge of Black Forest. This 3.2-mile loop is a moderately challenging hike, but well worth the effort. If you get your timing right (and have luck on your side) you could find yourself the only one on the trail!

2. Lovell Gulch Trail

This 5.2-mile loop trail in Pike National Forest is hit or miss. Timing is key to getting the trail all to yourself, so I’d recommend heading out early during the weekdays to increase your odds. Tackle the hardest part of the trail first and go counterclockwise. 

3. Chessman Canyon

You’ll find this 5.5-mile trail not far from Lovell Gulch Trail. As another Pike National Forest trail, this is one you’ll probably encounter few people on. We’d strongly recommend downloading a trail map before you begin—it’s easier than you think to get off trail in this remote area. A good pair of trekking poles can help wonders on this trail, and depending on the time of year you visit, you may need spikes. 

4. Ice Lakes Trail

There are so many beautiful trails in the San Juan National Forest. This one will make you work for it! This trail clocks in at 8.6 miles with a 2,883-foot elevation gain. This is not a trail for beginners, which is why there are fewer folks on it. Now, this is a popular trail on the weekend and during the summer, but if you tackle this trail early morning during the week, you’ll probably have it all to yourself. Make sure you’re prepared and have all the hiking essentials with you before hitting this trail. You’ll want some trail snacks to fuel up once you reach the beautiful lake views!

5. Crater Creek Trail

The South San Juan Wilderness area is subject to seasonal road closures, so be sure to check before you go. This 7.6-mile trail is offensively beautiful from start to finish, and we’d recommend giving yourself at least four hours to complete. Trust me, you’ll be taking many breaks to enjoy the scenery! There’s a 1,873-foot elevation on this trail, so make sure you’ve got your trekking poles and hiking boots that you trust.

As always, safety first. Get yourself an All Trails + account before you hit one of these secluded trails in Colorado.

Read on to discover some of the best state parks in Colorado.