Underrated National Forest Hikes in Colorado That Rival Glacier National Park Trails

No need to head all the way to Montana to explore the scenery you’ll experience at Glacier National Park. Instead, check out Colorado’s stunning array of National Forest lands and take a trek on one of these stunning alpine glacier hikes! From Saint Mary’s Glacier in the Arapaho National Forest, to Lost Lake in the Roosevelt National Forest and beyond—there’s no shortage of glacier scenery, vivid green meadows, and alpine lakes to admire. Here are a few national forest trails in Colorado to consider for your next outdoor adventure:

Saint Mary's Glacier

This 1.7-mile out-and-back trek to Saint Mary’s Glacier in the Arapaho National Forest features beautiful views and a chance to visit an alpine lake and glacier in the summertime. After setting out on the path, you’ll soon arrive at a gorgeous lake, which can be a nice place to rest and take some photos with the gorgeous views. Once the trail continues onto the glacier, the path isn’t as clear, but it’s still easily passable. Spend some time exploring the lake and the glacier before heading back on the same pathway you came in.

Lost Lake via Hessie Trail

Located near the small town of Eldora Mountain Resort west of Nederland in the Roosevelt National Forest, this 4.1-mile scenic alpine out-and-back trail is a nice option for a day trip featuring stunning mountain views, a flowing river, and cooler weather at its higher elevation. Beware of moose, and do not approach them. It’s said these large wild animals are commonly seen along this trail! 

Silver Dollar Lake and Murray Lake Trail

This 4.2-mile out-and-back trail in the Arapaho National Forest is a nice, short trek close to urban Denver—but it feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. From Guanella Pass Road, take the dirt road to the parking area (a high clearance and four-wheel drive are recommended for this bumpy ride). Explore this route, which is a popular trail for seeing wildflowers in the spring, and swimming in the water in the summer. Admire the unparalleled views of Mount Blue Sky and the surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks from the well-marked pathway through the meadows.

Herman Gulch Trail

The Herman Gulch Trail in the Arapaho National Forest is just an hour West of Denver, but can be an ideal escape from the heat or chaos of the city for an afternoon. It’s also a small section of the much longer Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, so if you do this trek, you can say you hiked on (part of) this famous route. You’ll walk through picturesque meadows, gaze upon idyllic snow-capped mountains, following the cairns that lead the way to Herman Lake—all with the calming sounds of the creek babbling through the landscape. Eventually, you’ll ascend above the treeline, where you can admire sights including the mountain peaks towering above the crystal clear lake. 

Crater Lakes via South Boulder Creek and Crater Lakes Trail

This 6.8-mile out-and-back route is a popular hike that shows off some of the most beautiful sights in the Roosevelt National Forest. It can be either a long day hike or an overnight trip, featuring stunning mountain views and picturesque alpine lakes. Start off the journey by heading west along the South Boulder Creek Trail, then after a little over two miles, you’ll take a right turn onto the Crater Lakes Trail. This is where the pathway begins to get a bit more treacherous, but there are cairns you’ll see to guide the way. Soon, you’ll reach the Lower Lakes (which can be a nice place to turn around and still get some awesome alpine scenery in, for the day!). Or, continue the trek out to Upper Lake, which sits right below the Continental Divide and is worth the energy and effort with its fairytale-esque wildflowers and atmosphere. 

Which of these national forest trails in Colorado are you most excited to hike first? If you have a favorite hike in a Colorado national forest, please tell us about it by filling out our nomination form.