One of the best things about living in Colorado is that adventure is never very far away.
You can be answering emails in Denver in the morning and standing beside an alpine lake a few hours later. No flight, elaborate itinerary or major life planning required. Just water, snacks, sunscreen and the willingness to sit in a little mountain traffic.
Whether you are looking for a quick morning hike, a full-day adventure or somewhere beautiful to take out-of-town guests, these six trails are worth adding to your summer list.
Trading Post Trail | Morrison
Trading Post Trail is a great option when you want beautiful scenery without committing your entire day to the mountains.
The trail winds through the red rock formations surrounding Red Rocks Park and offers classic Colorado views almost immediately. It is close to Denver, easy to pair with lunch in Morrison and especially beautiful in the morning before the day heats up.
Best for: A quick escape, visiting friends and red rock views.
Chief Mountain Trail | Idaho Springs
Chief Mountain gives you the rewarding feeling of a summit hike without requiring an all-day expedition.
The trail climbs steadily through the trees before opening to expansive mountain views near the top. It is relatively short, and the elevation makes it feel more challenging than the mileage might suggest.
Best for: Big views without a massive time commitment.
Royal Arch Trail | Boulder
Royal Arch is not a casual little stroll, and the payoff is worth the climb.
The trail starts near Chautauqua and works its way through steep, rocky terrain before reaching the impressive natural stone arch. Along the way, you will get beautiful views of Boulder and the surrounding foothills.
Best for: A workout, dramatic scenery and earning your post-hike brunch.
Dream Lake Trail | Estes Park
Dream Lake is one of those places that looks exactly like the Colorado postcard people imagine before they move here.
The trail begins in Rocky Mountain National Park and passes Bear Lake and Nymph Lake before reaching Dream Lake, surrounded by dramatic peaks. It is popular for a reason, so an early start is absolutely your friend.
Best for: Out-of-town guests, iconic Colorado views and a gentler alpine experience.
Lake Isabelle Trail | Ward
Lake Isabelle is a summer favorite for wildflowers, mountain views and the kind of alpine scenery that makes the drive completely worthwhile.
The trail follows a beautiful route through the Brainard Lake Recreation Area before reaching the lake. It is longer than some of the others on this list, and it is one of those hikes where the scenery keeps getting better as you go.
Best for: Wildflowers, alpine lakes and a full Colorado summer day.
Herman Gulch Trail | Silver Plume
Herman Gulch is a classic Colorado hike with wildflower-filled meadows, mountain views and a gorgeous alpine lake waiting at the top.
The climb is steady and can feel challenging, especially at elevation, and the views make it easy to understand why this trail is so loved. During peak wildflower season, it is especially spectacular.
Best for: A bigger hiking day, wildflowers and a very satisfying finish.
Colorado summers move quickly, and this is your reminder to actually use one of those weekends you keep saying you are going to spend outside.
Start early, bring more water than you think you need and always check trail access, parking and weather conditions before heading out.
The mountains are close.
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