My Favorite Colorado Hiking Spots

The summer season is almost upon us which means it is time to dust off the old hiking boots! Here are some personal faves:

1) Rocky Mountain National Park

Is there a National Park that isn't beautiful year round? Well, summertime highlights Rocky's abundance of hiking trails and iconic views! Pick any trail in this park and I doubt you'll be disappointed. One of the most hiked areas is Bear Lake. There are multiple pristine lakes in this area to hike near, as well as, ascending mountain views. On the way up to Bear Lake is another favorite area with several waterfalls; called Glacier Gorge. For a less populated experience head over to the west side area of the park (either driving the picturesque Trail Ridge Road or entering through Grand Lake). Another beautiful but less traveled area is the Wild Basin area--check it out! One note of caution: check the website for weather or road conditions due to past flooding and weather updates.
website: http://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm

2) Hanging Lake

Definitely one of the most famous and dreamy mountain lakes in Colorado. I've posted on this hike before but it is worth mentioning again. Imagine a clear, emerald blue-green tiny lake with a few fallen trees....fashioned like an Ansel Adams photograph....and that is what Hanging Lake means to me. Also, it is a very popular hike in the summer so go early to beat the crowds! Tip: it is indeed a hike, bring water.
website: http://hikingincolorado.org/hang.html

3) The Colorado Trail

The Colorado Trail is a 500 mile stretch encompassing the essence of Colorado's Rocky Mountains! It is divided into 28 segments and varies in elevation and level of difficulty. Some folks take 4 to 6 weeks to hike all the way through while some do a little bit at a time over their lifespan. You can catch part of the trail (segments 5/6) at Kenosha Pass (about 40 min outside Denver...and this section is highly popular in the fall as there are several aspen groves in this section). Also, another segment that is pretty cool is segment 13 (North Cottonwood Creek Road to Chalk Creek Trailhead). Nearby are two popular hot springs to soak in. Also, leashed dogs ARE allowed on the trail except for segment 1 (Waterton Canyon) so as to protect the bighorn sheep habitat in that region.
website: http://www.coloradotrail.org/

4) Great Sand Dunes National Park

Amazing hikes, views, and photo opportunities abound at this park! Hike in the dunes, on the dunes, around the dunes....just seriously go see the tallest dunes in North America--in Colorado! However, in the summer the sand is very hot so definitely forget your flip flops and grab your boots instead! Seriously, they are like no sand dunes I have ever seen! Nestled beside the Sangre de Cristo mountains many trails abound! And many views to explore! For more trip planning ideas see my blog posted here.
website: http://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm

5) Collegiate Peaks Region

This area was mentioned in number 3 as part of segment 13 of the Colorado Trail....and this region is actually my favorite area in the summer. Have you always wished to have Ivy League blood in you? Well, now you can! Mt. Princeton, Mt. Harvard, or Mt. Yale; take your pick! Hot springs, rivers, recreational fun galore in this part of Colorado! Also, gem mining is popular in the region as agates and rubies have been found here.
website: http://www.coloradoswildareas.com/collegiate-peaks/


Honorable mentions closer to Denver:

Staunton State Park--Say hello to Colorado's newest addition to the State Park system! About 45 minutes west of Denver, near Conifer, is a tree hugger's paradise! Hike in solitude beneath conifer trees and mountain blue birds.

Pike National Forest--Hike and camp surrounded by rock outcrops and mountain pine trees in this calming nature escape.

Mt. Falcon Open Space--Scenic views, historic sites, and open space characterize this park. Just 35 minutes west of Denver.

Excursion Of The Week.

(Photo by Patrick Myers)

Trip: Crestone, Sand Dunes National Monument, Zapata Falls

One of my all-time favorite trips will take you about 4 hours southwest of Denver into the San Luis Valley. As you drive through this magnificent valley you will see the Sangre De Cristo ("blood of Christ") mountains on one side and the San Juan mountains on the other. This drive really makes me feel like I am in the Old West... a classic shot of a dusty, rugged and majestic landscape all around.

The destination is twofold: the city of Crestone and then further down the road to the Sand Dunes National Monument.

About Crestone:

The little town of Crestone is mainly made up of a community of New Agers, as some call this area the "crown chakra". I come to Crestone to hike and camp at the North Crestone Creek Campground. This campground is tucked away at the edge of the Rio Grande National Forest. The campsites lie just beside the creek, under a canopy of trees. There is a huge rock wall on the opposite side of the creek that makes for a nice secluded, niche of a camp. So, you can set up camp here and then venture out to some other cool sites not too far away. There are also a couple of hot springs a few minutes drive away...well...more like 20 minutes or so away....

Here are some more details regarding the N. Crestone Creek Campground:
http://gorp.away.com/gorp/publishers/menasha/cmp_colo.htm

Hot Springs Info:

http://www.joyfuljourneyhotsprings.com/
http://www.olt.org/

About the Sand Dunes National Monument:

When I first moved to Denver I had never heard of the Sand Dunes before. Since I am originally from a beachtown, and used to seeing sand dunes, I didn't understand what the draw was....Being as how Denverites seem to make a big deal out of puddles; calling them lakes and such...I figured this was another exaggeration and thought certainly that these sand dunes would really be more like dirt piles....Ummmmmm....I was wrong--completely and totally w-r-o-n-g! The Sand Dunes National Monument should really be called The Sand Dunes Range! These dunes are massive! It took me literally 45+ minutes to hike to the top of a freaking sand dune! The tallest dune is over 750 feet! Seriously, The Sand Dunes National Monument is a spectacular adventure! Come see the tallest dunes in North America!

There are also several campgrounds nearby, including inside of the park. So, if you don't want to drive an hour between the dunes and Crestone than there are some other campground options.

Here is a link for more info about the monument:

http://www.nps.gov/grsa/

http://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm


Zapata Falls:

There is a really cool waterfall that is somewhat inside of a short cave, near the Pinon Flats Campground inside of the park. There is a trail you can take up to the falls or you can access the falls from US Highway 150. Definitely check it out!

http://www.nps.gov/archive/grsa/zapata_falls.htm