Colorado is a famous hiking destination, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from across the globe to its dramatic mountain landscapes. Unfortunately, many of the state’s most popular trails—like those in Rocky Mountain National Park and Garden of the Gods—fill up with dense crowds, making for a frustrating hiking experience.
Escape the tourist crowds and unlock personal paradise along Colorado’s underrated hiking trails.
Devil’s Head Lookout
Devil’s Head Lookout is a unique route that leads hikers to a working fire watchtower. After less than a mile and a half of hiking, you’ll reach the active lookout. This memorable trail offers captivating, unobstructed views and the opportunity to learn about how the National Forest Service oversees Colorado’s hikes and natural areas.
Loch Lomond Trail
Enjoy a short, scenic hike to Loch Lomond in Arapaho National Forest. The trail is located on the Continental Divide and leads hikers 4.6 miles to a stunning alpine lake. Off-road vehicles can drive directly to the lake, but hiking is a better way to admire the surrounding mountains and colorful wildflowers.
Upper Cheesman Canyon Trail
The Upper Cheesman Canyon Trail has something for everyone to enjoy. Throughout the 4-mile-long hike, you’ll experience everything from forests to magnificent views of the reservoir below. Watch for elk and deer on the trail, and try your hand at fishing in the river.
South Park 600 to Square Top Lakes
South Park 600 to Square Top Lakes is a demanding but rewarding 5-mile hike. The trail steadily gains elevation, leading hikers to two picturesque mountain lakes. Prepare for several water crossings and rock scrambles, making this an adventure that is challenging yet fun.
Blue Lakes Trail
The Blue Lakes Trail near Breckenridge is among the area’s most family-friendly hikes. It’s just one mile and requires minimal effort but boasts serene alpine lakes and native wildlife. Pack a picnic lunch and fishing rods to enjoy a leisurely outdoor adventure amidst the stunning Colorado peaks.
Raspberry Mountain Trail via Ring the Peak Trail
See some of Pike National Forest’s best scenery along Raspberry Mountain Trail. This route begins on the Ring the Peak Trail, ascending several steep switchbacks.
The path levels out, taking you through a rolling meadow before the final uphill push to the top of Raspberry Mountain. Plan to tackle this hike early in the morning for cool temperatures and beautiful sunrise views.
Grizzly Peak and Cupid Peak via Mount Sniktau Trail
Test your limits by attempting to summit Grizzly and Cupid Peak, two 13,000′ tall mountains, in one hike. Expect an intense physical challenge—the route is only 5.6 miles but gains over 2,800′ elevation. The peaceful wilderness environment makes this strenuous hike worthwhile.
Long Lake
Hikers of all ages and experience levels can tackle the hike to Long Lake. While the trail is less than two miles long, it features picture-perfect mountain landscapes every step of the way. Stroll around the lake and watch for moose, which call the area home.
Four Pass Loop
Four Pass Loop is an epic journey through the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. It’s a multi-day hiking route that covers over 25 miles and traverses four high-altitude mountain passes. The scenery along the Four Pass Loop is incredibly captivating, with lush alpine meadows and jagged peaks.
Crater Lake and Lone Eagle from Long Lake Trailhead
Experience jaw-dropping scenery by hiking to Crater Lake and Lone Eagle from Long Lake Trailhead. This tough route covers 17 miles and gains over 4,700’ of elevation. Many hikers camp overnight at Crater Lake to break it up over two days. Despite the challenging trek, this remote wilderness area’s beauty makes the physical effort worthwhile.
High Dune Loop
Otherworldly dunes may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Colorado, but you can find them at Great Sand Dunes National Park. Many visitors overlook this area, but it’s worth exploring to get off the beaten path and escape the crowds.
To reach the tallest point of the expansive dunes, take the almost 3-mile-long High Dune Loop. The trail isn’t officially marked, so be prepared to navigate without signage.
Conundrum Hot Springs via Conundrum Creek Trail
Follow Conundrum Creek Trail for about 8.5 miles to reach Conundrum Hot Springs. These natural pools are a hidden gem and the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. The hot springs stay warm year-round and provide a welcome relief for achy feet.
Red Mountain N3 Trail
The Red Mountain N3 Trail takes hikers into the heart of Colorado’s vibrant mountains and dramatic valleys. This hike follows a rough gravel road, ascending just over two miles to reach the summit. From there, you can spot nearby peaks and old mine buildings.
Scotsman Trail
While Garden of the Gods has many hiking paths, the Scotsman Trail is one of the most beautiful, yet not quite as frequented as the Perkins Central Garden Trail or Garden of the Gods Outer Loop. It’s a heavenly hike that loops almost four miles around the distinctive Scotsman formation. Along the way, admire striking rock features and Pike’s Peak in the distance.
Island Lake and Ice Lake via Ice Lakes Trail
Getting to Island Lake and Ice Lake via Ice Lakes Trail is not for the faint-hearted. This strenuous route gains almost 2,700’ elevation over 7.7 miles, challenging even the fittest hikers. Thankfully, the dramatic scenery is so beautiful it’ll make you forget how physically taxing the journey was.
Discover more hidden hiking gems throughout the U.S.
Busy trails can make it hard to unplug and enjoy your surroundings. Leave the crowds behind on the most underrated U.S. hiking trails.
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
