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.
17 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 leading to a natural sandstone arch with stunning views of the city and Flatirons. The trail passes through Chautauqua Park's meadows.
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.
Booth Falls
A beautiful waterfall hike through aspen and conifer forests leading to a 60-foot cascade. Popular among Vail visitors for its accessibility and scenery.
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.
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 Evans. The trail follows an old mining road through beautiful subalpine forest.
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
A diverse mountain park trail 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.
Acorn Creek Trail
A quiet trail offering solitude and wildlife viewing through aspen groves, sagebrush meadows, and spruce-fir forests. Reaches the Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness with spectacular Gore Range views. One of the first trails to clear of snow in spring.
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.