One Of The Most Treacherous Hikes In America Is Right Here In Colorado

For those of us who love nothing more than to get outdoors and enjoy incredible views from up above, there’s no place like Colorado. Our high elevations draw in visitors from all over the country, many of whom are making the trip to the Centennial State to take on our best mountains. While we have plenty of trails that are short and sweet, many of which are only under five miles long, there’s nothing like challenging yourself to one of our most strenuous hikes. It might be hard, but it’s easily one of the best hikes in Colorado. Think you can handle it? Check it out!

Colorado's Barr Trail has earned quite the dangerous reputation over the years. It's well-known as a trail that will get your blood pumping,

mark byzewski/Flickr

Right within the Pike National Forest beginning in Manitou Springs, you can find one of the most difficult trails that you'll ever explore inside Colorado.

Gaining over 7,000 feet in elevation over the course of this 13 miles, Barr Trail's vertical challenges aren't the only thing that make it so dangerous.

lxbrianWikimedia Commons

While the trail is loved by many of our residents as a great place to get some exercise, the Barr Trail has become problematic over the years for several reasons. Beginning in Manitou Springs and concluding at the Pikes Peak Summit, this trail is always rated as difficult and strenuous.

Since 2000, Colorado has seen 50 lightning strikes, roughly half of which have involved hikers and those who were camping.

Pmsyyz/Wikimedia Commons

What many consider to be the most difficult trail in all of the Pikes Peak region, it'll serve you well to keep an eye on the forecast and weather while you're exploring the Barr Trail.

Chances of lightning strikes are most common after 11:00 a.m., so those exploring the Barr Trail are advised to be off of the mountain by noon.

Janet D./Yelp

Janet D./Yelp

With never-ending views from Pikes Peak, there's no need to rationalize to us why you would want to climb this mountain. But, if you find that the weather looks iffy along the way? Stop what you're doing and head back to the trailhead. The most popular areas for lightning to strike surround the 14,000 foot peak, making it a place that you won't want to be during bad weather and lightning storms.

Have you ever had the courage to take on this entire trail? To get out into nature even more, try taking an adventure to this Remote, Isolated Spot In Our State That’s Absolutely Breathtaking!

What are your choices for the best hikes in Colorado? Tell us about it by filling out this form!