Hard & Expert Hikes in Colorado
14ers, long backcountry days, and routes that demand respect. These are the trails that turn into Type II fun if you misjudge the weather or forget to drink water above treeline.
71 trails in our directory.
Mount Elbert
Colorado's highest peak offers a challenging but non-technical climb with incredible panoramic views. The standard East Ridge route is the most popular approach.
Blue Lakes Trail
Three stunning alpine lakes nestled in the Mount Sneffels Wilderness beneath 14er Mount Sneffels and neighboring 13ers Dallas Peak and Gilpin Peak. One of Colorado's most scenic high-alpine destinations.
Manitou Incline
An extreme workout on the old railway bed with railroad ties creating natural steps. Reservations required for this bucket-list Colorado challenge.
Quandary Peak
One of Colorado's most popular 14ers with well-maintained trails and stunning views of the Continental Divide. The East Ridge route is straightforward but demanding.
Chasm Lake
A challenging hike to a pristine alpine lake beneath the dramatic east face of Longs Peak. The lake sits in a spectacular cirque surrounded by towering granite walls.
Grays and Torreys Peaks
A challenging double-peak 14er adventure offering two summits in one day. The trail features alpine terrain with stunning Continental Divide views.
Crater Lake Trail
A challenging hike through aspen groves and alpine meadows to a pristine cirque lake surrounded by dramatic peaks in the Maroon Bells wilderness.
Mount Bierstadt
One of Colorado's most accessible 14ers with a well-defined trail through beautiful alpine terrain. Popular choice for first-time peak baggers.
Columbine Lake Trail
A challenging wilderness hike to a remote alpine lake beneath dramatic peaks with pristine wilderness settings and stunning mountain views.
Four Pass Loop
Colorado's premier backpacking route crosses four mountain passes above 12,000 feet through the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. A 3-4 day trek with stunning wildflower meadows, alpine lakes, and panoramic views of the Elk Mountains.
Conundrum Hot Springs
A long but rewarding trail to one of Colorado's most famous natural hot springs at 11,200 feet. The route follows Conundrum Creek through forests and meadows in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Permit required for overnight stays.
Cathedral Lake Trail
A steep climb through Pine Creek canyon to a gorgeous alpine lake at nearly 12,000 feet in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Forests give way to meadows and wildflowers before reaching the dramatic lake basin below Electric Pass.
American Lake Trail
A steep switchback climb through aspen groves and spruce forests to a pristine alpine lake at 11,365 feet. Meadows ablaze with wildflowers from mid-July to mid-August and a waterfall near the lake make this a rewarding destination.
Pitkin Lake Trail
A challenging hike in the Eagles Nest Wilderness climbing nearly 3,000 feet to a stunning alpine lake. The trail offers dazzling views of East Vail and the surrounding peaks, with the final approach through open alpine terrain.
Booth Lake Trail
Extends beyond popular Booth Falls into the Eagles Nest Wilderness backcountry to a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by rugged peaks. Wildflower meadows and wildlife viewing opportunities reward those who push past the falls.
Gore Lake Trail
A long and rewarding hike through the Eagles Nest Wilderness to a remote alpine lake beneath the dramatic Gore Range. Stunning fall colors, rocky terrain, and wildlife sightings make this a Vail-area classic for experienced hikers.
Notch Mountain Trail
Climb to the summit of Notch Mountain in the Holy Cross Wilderness for one of Colorado's most iconic views: the cross-shaped snow couloir on Mount of the Holy Cross. A historic stone shelter sits at the top.
Missouri Lakes and Fancy Lakes Loop
A stunning loop through the Holy Cross Wilderness visiting multiple alpine lakes and crossing Fancy Pass at 12,005 feet. The route passes through pristine forests, wildflower meadows, and offers views of the Sawatch Range.
Willow Lake Trail
A steep, challenging trail in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness climbing through a gulch into alpine meadows before reaching secluded Willow Lake. The trail passes near Buckskin Pass with views of the surrounding peaks.
Aspen to Crested Butte via East Maroon Trail
The most direct hiking route between Aspen and Crested Butte with outstanding views of Pyramid Peak, wildflower fields, and access to Copper Lake. Several challenging river crossings require planning. Arrange transportation from Crested Butte in advance.
Anthracite Pass Trail
A short but very steep trail through the Raggeds Wilderness climbing to a mountain pass with beautiful views of surrounding peaks. Passes through aspen groves, pine forests, and open meadows with great wildflower displays.
Gore Creek Trail to Red Buffalo Pass
Follow Gore Creek deep into the Eagles Nest Wilderness through meadows, aspen groves, and conifer forests to Red Buffalo Pass. The first 4 miles are relatively gentle before the trail steepens significantly toward the pass.
Devils Causeway Trail
Famous ridge traverse in the Flat Tops Wilderness. The Causeway is a 4-foot-wide rocky knife-edge ridge with dramatic exposure on both sides. From the Stillwater Reservoir Trailhead, climb to the ridge and traverse the narrow section. Vertigo-inducing for some.
Gilpin Lake Trail
Premier Mount Zirkel Wilderness loop combining Gilpin Lake, Gold Creek Lake, and Mica Basin. The lakes are dramatic alpine destinations with the Sawtooth Range looming above. Backpack-friendly with multiple camp sites.
Mica Lake Trail
From the Slavonia Trailhead, climb to Mica Lake in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. The lake is set in a dramatic cirque with talus slopes and alpine meadows. Mica deposits give the bedrock a sparkly appearance.
Mount Zirkel Trail
Summit climb to Mount Zirkel (12,180 ft), the high point of the Park Range. From the Slavonia Trailhead, climb past Gilpin Lake, then up to the summit. Real backcountry day requiring acclimatization and full preparation.
Wheeler Trail
Long ridge traverse between Breckenridge and Copper Mountain crossing the Tenmile Range. Pass Wheeler Lakes, the high passes between Peaks 1-10, and dramatic ridgeline views. Best as a point-to-point with shuttle.
Lake Constantine Trail
From the Half Moon Trailhead near the Mount of the Holy Cross, climb to Lake Constantine. The lake sits at 11,400 feet below Notch Mountain. Famous alpine lake in the Holy Cross Wilderness.
Eccles Pass Trail
Steep climb in the Eagles Nest Wilderness to Eccles Pass at 11,800 feet. The Eagles Nest area provides excellent backcountry hiking with Tenmile Range views from the pass. Backpack-friendly with camps in the upper basins.
Buffalo Mountain Trail
Steep climb from Lily Pad Lake area to the summit of Buffalo Mountain at 12,777 feet. The Gore Range's most accessible big summit, with full panorama of Lake Dillon, the Tenmile Range, and the Gore Range itself.
Engineer Mountain Trail
Steep climb from Coal Bank Pass on Highway 550 to the summit of Engineer Mountain. Wildflowers in July, distinctive layered rock formations near the top, and full San Juan panorama from the summit.
Imogene Pass Trail
Famous Imogene Pass connects Ouray and Telluride at 13,114 feet. Most use it as a 4WD road, but hikers and runners do it as a brutal mountain pass crossing. The Imogene Pass Run is held here every September.
Sneffels Highline Trail
Spectacular high ridge walk along the spine of the Sneffels Range. The route crosses Mears Pass, traverses high alpine ridges with continuous views of the Sneffels group, and descends into a glacial cirque. A classic San Juan backcountry day.
Crater Lake Trail (Weminuche)
Long approach into the Weminuche Wilderness via the Andrews Lake Trail and Continental Divide Trail to a remote alpine lake beneath Vestal and Arrow peaks. Backpack-worthy destination.
Black Bear Pass Trail
Famous (and infamous) high alpine route between Red Mountain Pass and Telluride. Used mostly by experienced 4WD drivers; hikers do the upper section as a day climb to the pass. The descent into Telluride involves extreme exposure.
Endlich Mesa Trail
Long Weminuche Wilderness mesa traverse from Vallecito Reservoir. Very quiet backcountry, excellent for backpacking. Aspen forest below treeline, alpine meadows above.
Wetterhorn Basin Trail
Approach trail for Wetterhorn Peak (14er) from the Matterhorn Creek Trailhead. Long climb through a high basin with the iconic horn of Wetterhorn dominating views. Common as a 14er approach but worth doing as a basin hike alone.
Bear Peak Trail
Steep Boulder summit climb via Fern Canyon or West Ridge. Summit views span the entire Boulder Valley and out to the plains. Local conditioning hike for Front Range mountaineers.
South Boulder Peak Trail
Boulder's highest summit at 8,549 feet. The Shadow Canyon route is the most direct but steep on loose talus. Often combined with Bear Peak for a two-summit day.
Green Mountain Trail (Boulder)
Steep summit hike from Gregory Canyon Trailhead to the top of Green Mountain. Multiple route options (Saddle Rock, Gregory Canyon, EM Greenman). Summit views over the Flatirons and Indian Peaks.
Hall Ranch Loop
Boulder County Open Space loop near Lyons with sandstone outcrops, ponderosa forest, and views to Longs Peak. Bighorn sheep are sometimes spotted in the western side of the property.
Buchanan Pass Trail
Long backcountry climb from the Camp Dick area to Buchanan Pass on the Continental Divide. Lakes, alpine meadows, and big high-country views. Suitable as a long day or an overnight backpack.
Crosier Mountain Trail
Steep climb to a forested summit between Estes Park and the plains. The summit has views back to Longs Peak and the Mummy Range. Quiet alternative to RMNP destinations.
Mount Morrison Trail
Steep summit hike from Red Rocks Park to the top of Mount Morrison. Short but unrelenting climb, with views over Red Rocks Amphitheater and Denver. Brutal training hike for fitness.
Barr Trail
The classic 13-mile foot-trail from Manitou Springs to the summit of Pikes Peak. Climbs through ponderosa forest, past Barr Camp at the midpoint (a popular overnight stop), into the high alpine, and up to the 14,115-foot summit. The longest standard-route 14er trail in Colorado.
Conundrum Creek Trail
The actual trail leading to Conundrum Hot Springs, the highest hot springs in North America. The 8.5-mile one-way approach climbs through aspen and spruce forest along Conundrum Creek into a high alpine basin. Most hikers backpack rather than day-hike. Permits required for overnight stays.
Arapaho Pass Trail
Steep climb from the Fourth of July Trailhead to Arapaho Pass on the Continental Divide. Wildflowers in July, lingering snow into August, and big views down to Lake Granby on the west side. Connects to Caribou Lake and Diamond Lake for longer days.
Browns Lake Trail
High-alpine lake hike from the Pingree Park area into the Comanche Peak Wilderness. Climbs through pine forest into open meadows with views of Comanche Peak before descending to Browns Lake. One of the quieter alpine destinations near Fort Collins.
Andrews Glacier Trail
From Glacier Gorge Trailhead, climbs past Loch Vale and up into Andrews Tarn beneath Andrews Glacier — one of the few true glaciers remaining in RMNP. The final stretch is on talus and snow even in midsummer.
Broken Hand Pass Trail
Steep climb from Cottonwood Lake to Broken Hand Pass at 12,940 feet. The pass is the gateway to Crestone Needle's standard route and the eastern approach to Crestone Peak's South Face. Wildflower meadows in mid-July, scree near the top.
Hot Springs Trail
Long approach to a remote backcountry hot spring in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Climbs through aspen and conifer forest before reaching the springs in a high meadow. Best done as an overnight backpack.
Crystal Peak Trail
Climb a high 13er in the Tenmile Range from the Spruce Creek Trailhead. Trail goes past Mohawk and Mayflower Lakes before turning up the south slopes to the summit. Excellent acclimatization climb for those preparing for 14ers.
Greyrock Mountain Trail
A challenging climb up to the granite dome of Greyrock in the Cache la Poudre canyon. The final scramble to the summit lake rewards with one of the best views in northern Colorado.
Mount Massive (Southwest Slopes)
Colorado's second-highest peak via the Colorado Trail approach from the Mount Massive Trailhead. Long, sustained climb through forest to alpine tundra and a broad summit ridge. Less crowded than Elbert across the valley.
Mount Harvard (South Slopes)
Third-highest peak in Colorado via the long but non-technical North Cottonwood Creek approach. Often combined with Mount Columbia for a brutal double-summit traverse. Plan for a 10+ hour day.
Mount Yale (Southwest Slopes)
Popular Collegiate Peak with a steep but straightforward Class 2 standard route from the Denny Creek Trailhead. The summit views span the Arkansas Valley and the rest of the Collegiate Peaks.
Mount Princeton (East Slopes)
Class 2 route that starts on a rough 4WD road. High-clearance vehicles can drive partway, otherwise add 6 miles of road walking. The upper mountain is a wide, talus-covered ridge.
La Plata Peak (Northwest Ridge)
Colorado's 5th highest peak with a Class 2 standard route from the South Fork Lake Creek Trailhead. Steep, sustained climb on a well-defined trail. One of the most accessible Sawatch 14ers.
Mount Belford and Mount Oxford
Classic Sawatch double 14er from the Missouri Gulch trailhead. Belford comes first, then a 600-foot drop and re-climb gets you Oxford. Some hikers add Missouri Mountain for a triple.
Missouri Mountain (Northwest Ridge)
Class 2 route from Missouri Gulch with a narrow but non-technical summit ridge. Often combined with Belford and Oxford for a triple 14er day from the same trailhead.
Mount Antero (West Slopes)
Famous for aquamarine mining at high elevation. Long approach via 4WD road, then steep alpine route. High-clearance vehicles can shorten the day significantly.
Mount Shavano and Tabeguache Peak
Class 2 double 14er from Blank Gulch Trailhead. Shavano comes first; Tabeguache requires a 500-foot drop and re-climb. The Angel of Shavano snow couloir is visible from town in spring.
Mount of the Holy Cross (North Ridge)
Named for the cross-shaped snow couloir visible in spring. Standard route crosses Half Moon Pass (twice: once on the way in, once on the way out), making this one of the harder 14er days for the distance.
Mount Columbia (West Slopes)
Often combined with Mount Harvard via a long, scree-laden ridge traverse. The standalone West Slopes route is steep and direct from the North Cottonwood Creek trailhead.
Crestone Peak (South Face)
One of Colorado's toughest 14ers. Class 3 South Face route from South Colony Lakes. Solid conglomerate rock, real exposure, and a long approach. Helmet required.
Crestone Needle (South Face)
Famous Class 3 line up the south face from Broken Hand Pass. Tight gully route requires solid scrambling skill and helmet. Pair with Crestone Peak for the classic traverse.
Humboldt Peak (West Ridge)
Easiest 14er in the Sangres at Class 2. Standard route from South Colony Lakes basin, with stunning views of the Crestones across the cirque. Solid first 14er in the range.
Kit Carson Peak and Challenger Point
Two 14ers in one long day via the West Ridge from Willow Lake. Challenger Point first, then a tricky route-finding section called the Avenue to reach Kit Carson. Class 3.
Blanca Peak and Ellingwood Point
Two 14ers in the Blanca Massif. Lake Como Road is one of the roughest 4WD approaches in Colorado; most hikers start lower and add miles. Class 2 once on the peaks.
Mount Lindsey (Northwest Gully)
Class 2+ standard route up a loose gully on the northwest face. Note: trailhead access has been intermittent due to private-land issues. Check current status before driving down.
Manitou Incline
One of Colorado's most famous workouts. 2,768 stairs gaining 2,000 feet in less than a mile. Reservation required during peak season. Descend via Barr Trail to complete the loop.