Moderate Hikes in Colorado
The sweet spot for most hikers: enough elevation to feel earned, a real destination, and you're back at the car by mid-afternoon. Bring water, layers, and start early to beat the storms.
45 trails in our directory.
Emerald Lake Trail
A stunning alpine lake hike that passes Nymph Lake and Dream Lake before reaching the spectacular Emerald Lake. Perfect introduction to Rocky Mountain National Park's high country.
Hanging Lake Trail
Colorado's most photographed lake features turquoise waters and a spectacular waterfall. Reservations required year-round due to its popularity and fragile ecosystem.
St. Mary's Glacier
A short but steep hike to Colorado's most accessible glacier. The trail leads to St. Mary's Lake and continues to the permanent snowfield above.
Royal Arch Trail
A popular Boulder hike from the Chautauqua Park trailhead leading to a natural sandstone arch with stunning views of the city and Flatirons. The upper half involves stair-steps and short Class 2 scrambling, so older kids handle it well; younger kids may find it tough.
Bridal Veil Falls
Colorado's tallest free-falling waterfall drops 365 feet from a hanging valley. The trail follows a historic mining road with spectacular mountain views.
Mohawk Lakes
A scenic hike through historic mining country to pristine alpine lakes surrounded by rugged peaks. The trail passes several mining ruins and artifacts.
Indian Peaks Wilderness Loop
Classic Indian Peaks hike from Brainard Lake Recreation Area to Lake Isabelle, a stunning alpine lake set beneath the Continental Divide. Wildflowers explode in July, the lake water levels drop dramatically by late August, and aspens turn in late September.
Eldorado Canyon Trail
A dramatic canyon hike through golden sandstone walls with South Boulder Creek flowing below. Popular for rock climbing access and scenic beauty.
Chicago Lakes
A long but gentle hike to two pristine alpine lakes beneath Mount Blue Sky, the peak renamed from Mount Evans in 2023. The trail follows an old mining road through beautiful subalpine forest.
Rabbit Ears Pass Trail
Moderate hike from Dumont Lake to the distinctive rabbit-ear-shaped rock formations on the summit of Rabbit Ears Peak. Wildflower meadows in summer, aspen color in late September, and one of the most photographed peaks along the Continental Divide.
Devil's Head Lookout
A historic fire lookout tower hike through ponderosa pine forest with 360-degree views from the restored 1919 fire tower at the summit.
Ice Lake Basin
A spectacular hike to a pristine turquoise alpine lake surrounded by colorful peaks and abundant wildflowers. One of Colorado's most beautiful destinations.
Highland Mary Lakes
A scenic hike through historic mining territory to a series of alpine lakes with dramatic views of the surrounding San Juan peaks.
Pueblo Mountain Park Trail
Closed since the July 2026 Aspen Acres Fire while the City of Pueblo assesses the damage. A mountain park trail network through ponderosa pine forests and open meadows with views of the Sangre de Cristo Range and Arkansas River valley.
Upper Piney River Falls Trail
A scenic, family-friendly trail following the Piney River past Piney Lake through open wildflower meadows, aspen stands, and pine forests. The waterfall at the end is a refreshing reward with views of the Gore Range.
Savage Lakes Trail
A moderately steep climb east of Basalt to a pair of subalpine lakes surrounded by rugged peaks. The trail passes through aspen and conifer forests with good fishing opportunities at the lakes.
Linkins Lake Trail
A short but high-altitude trail just below the summit of Independence Pass leading to a small alpine lake above treeline. The trail starts at nearly 12,000 feet, offering immediate alpine tundra scenery and wildflowers.
Fern Lake Trail
A longer alternative to the crowded Bear Lake corridor. The trail follows the Big Thompson River through Moraine Park, passes The Pool and Fern Falls, and climbs to subalpine Fern Lake. Quieter than Emerald Lake even in peak season.
Bierstadt Lake Trail
Short but steep switchbacks climb to Bierstadt Lake, a quiet forested lake with classic reflection views of Longs Peak and the Continental Divide. The lake is busier in winter for snowshoers than in summer.
Mills Lake Trail
Starts at Glacier Gorge Trailhead and climbs past Alberta Falls into the dramatic Glacier Gorge to Mills Lake, with direct views up to the Keyboard of the Winds and Longs Peak. The trailhead is also the start for Loch Vale and Sky Pond on longer days.
Buffalo Pass Trail
Continental Divide pass east of Steamboat. The trail / road climbs through dense forest to the open pass with views back to town. Mountain bike popular; hike-friendly in shoulder seasons.
Service Creek Trail
Lower-elevation Flat Tops trail through aspen forest along Service Creek. Excellent shoulder-season option when high country is still snowy. Wildlife viewing for deer and the occasional moose.
Wheeler Lakes Trail
From Vail Pass, climb to a chain of alpine lakes in the Eagles Nest Wilderness. Wildflowers in July, fewer crowds than the Breckenridge-side trails. Lake reflections of the Tenmile Range from the upper lakes.
McCullough Gulch Trail
Climb past a waterfall into a high alpine basin in the Tenmile Range. The basin holds unnamed alpine lakes with Quandary Peak rising directly above. Short but scenic; popular with Breckenridge locals.
Spruce Creek Trail
Spruce Creek Trailhead is the main approach for Mohawk Lakes and Crystal Peak. The lower trail follows Spruce Creek through aspen and conifer forest before the trail splits. Standard access for multiple destinations.
American Basin Trail
One of Colorado's most famous wildflower hikes. The basin explodes with color in mid-July through early August. Trailhead at the end of a rough 4WD road from Lake City. Also the standard start for Handies Peak (14er).
Ouray Perimeter Trail
Loop around the town of Ouray with views down to the streets and out to the surrounding peaks. Passes Cascade Falls, Box Canyon, and a series of viewpoints. The classic Ouray locals' hike.
Vallecito Creek Trail
Day-hike or backpack approach into the southern Weminuche Wilderness following Vallecito Creek. Less crowded than the Pine River. Excellent for shorter day-hikes from the Vallecito Reservoir area.
Mount Sanitas Trail
The most popular Boulder trail. Steep climb up Mount Sanitas with city views the whole way, then a faster descent on the East Ridge Trail. Reliably crowded mornings and evenings.
Mesa Trail
The classic Boulder Open Space trail running along the base of the Flatirons. Can be done as a point-to-point with shuttle or sections out-and-back. Multiple side trails branch up to Bear Peak, Green Mountain, and Royal Arch.
Picture Rock Trail
Connector trail between Heil Valley Ranch and Lyons. Open meadows, rolling terrain, mountain bike popular. Can be done as a point-to-point or shorter out-and-back.
Carpenter Peak Trail
Steep climb to the highest summit in Roxborough State Park. Sandstone red rock formations on the lower half, then a forested climb to a 7,205-foot summit with views back to Denver.
Lost Lake Trail
From the Hessie Trailhead, climb through aspen and pine to Lost Lake, a small alpine lake. No pass or permit is needed, but Hessie parking is tiny and fills before dawn in summer; Boulder County runs a free shuttle from Nederland on summer Fridays, weekends, and holidays, no reservation needed.
Big South Trail
Long river trail into the Comanche Peak Wilderness following the Big South Fork of the Cache la Poudre. Aspen and conifer forest, granite slabs above the river, and strong fall color in late September through the 2020 Cameron Peak burn. Suitable as a day hike to about mile 4 or as an overnight backpack.
Berry Creek Trail
Local Vail Valley trail from Edwards climbing through pine and aspen forest along Berry Creek. Popular with mountain bikers in summer; quieter for hikers in shoulder seasons. Connector to the broader USFS trail system above Vail.
Lovell Gulch Trail
Forested loop in the hills above Woodland Park with views of the Pikes Peak massif from the upper ridges. Multiple trail intersections allow shorter or longer loop options. Popular with Colorado Springs locals avoiding the Manitou crowds.
Hunter Creek Trail
Hunter Creek Valley trail starting from the east end of Aspen. Climbs through aspen and conifer forest along Hunter Creek to a high meadow with views back to Aspen Mountain. Popular with locals for after-work jogs and dog walks.
Mount Falcon Park Castle Trail
A loop hike through Denver Mountain Parks land with views of Red Rocks, the Front Range, and the Denver skyline. The ruins of John Brisben Walker's stone castle anchor the upper section.
North Table Mountain Loop
A flat-topped mesa hike with sweeping Front Range views, raptor sightings in spring, and one of the best Denver-area sunset viewpoints. Wide gravel roads make it stroller and bike friendly.
Hermosa Creek Trail
Long valley trail through the Hermosa Creek Wilderness, popular as a backpack or a mountain-bike shuttle. Hikers usually do a 6-10 mile out-and-back from either trailhead. Aspens turn early September.
Huron Peak (Northwest Slopes)
Often called the most scenic Sawatch 14er. Class 1-2 route from the Huron Peak Trailhead through alpine meadows. Views of the Three Apostles (13ers) from the summit are spectacular.
Mount Sherman (Southwest Ridge)
Shortest standard route on any 14er. Trailhead at 12,000 feet, summit at 14,036 feet. Mining history visible along the route. Excellent first 14er for fit hikers from a high starting altitude.
Red Mountain Trail (Manitou Springs)
Short, steep summit hike from downtown Manitou. Views over Manitou Springs and out to Pikes Peak. Less crowded alternative to the Incline.
Grizzly Creek Trail
Closed beyond the first 0.3 mile as of September 2026 under a Forest Service order while fire and flood damage is repaired. Follows Grizzly Creek up Glenwood Canyon. Wildflowers, beaver ponds, and a quiet alternative to Hanging Lake. Check the White River National Forest alerts page before going.
Boy Scout Trail
Local favorite uphill grind that ends at a viewpoint over Glenwood Springs and the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork. Steep but short.