11 Most Beautiful Hiking Trails In Colorado To Explore In 2026
Colorado is a hiker’s dream come true, packed with jaw-dropping mountain views, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and trails that make your heart race with excitement.
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just starting out, the Centennial State has something magical waiting around every bend.
From the iconic red rocks near Colorado Springs to the towering peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park, these trails showcase nature at its absolute finest.
Get ready to lace up your boots and discover eleven spectacular hiking adventures that will make 2026 your most unforgettable year on the trail yet!
1. Maroon Lake Scenic Trail – Aspen, CO
Picture-perfect doesn’t even begin to describe this stunner near Aspen.
Maroon Lake Scenic Trail loops around one of the most photographed spots in all of North America, where the majestic Maroon Bells peaks create mirror-like reflections that’ll make your Instagram followers weep with envy.
The 1.8-mile loop is wonderfully easy, making it perfect for families, casual hikers, or anyone who wants maximum scenery with minimum sweat.
Wildflowers explode with color during summer months, while fall transforms the surrounding aspen groves into a golden wonderland.
Pro tip: arrive early or take the shuttle from Aspen Highlands since parking fills up faster than a pancake breakfast on Sunday morning.
Location: Maroon Creek Road, Aspen, CO 81611
2. Sky Pond Trail – Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Adventure seekers, this one’s calling your name loud and clear!
Sky Pond Trail delivers a thrilling 9-mile round-trip journey that includes scrambling up waterfalls, navigating rocky terrain, and reaching an absolutely breathtaking alpine lake cradled by towering cliffs.
You’ll pass gorgeous Glass Lake and the enchanting Lake of Glass before conquering the final ascent.
The waterfall scramble adds just enough spice to keep things interesting without being too intimidating for confident hikers.
Summer brings wildflowers galore, while the turquoise waters of Sky Pond sparkle like somebody dropped a giant sapphire in the mountains.
Pack layers because mountain weather changes faster than a teenager’s mood.
Location: Bear Lake Road, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO 80517
3. Hanging Lake Trail – Glenwood Canyon, Glenwood Springs, CO
Mother Nature really showed off when she created this geological masterpiece.
Hanging Lake Trail climbs a steep 1.2 miles through Glenwood Canyon to reveal a surreal turquoise lake that seems to defy gravity, perched on a cliff ledge like something from a fantasy novel.
The travertine formations and delicate ecosystem make this spot incredibly fragile, which is why reservations are absolutely required year-round.
Don’t let the short distance fool you—this trail gains over 1,000 feet in elevation and will definitely get your legs burning.
The payoff is worth every huffing, puffing step when you reach the cascading waterfalls and impossibly clear waters.
Remember to book permits well in advance!
Location: Hanging Lake Trail, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
4. Emerald Lake Trail – Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Triple the lakes means triple the fun on this crowd-pleasing favorite!
Emerald Lake Trail treats hikers to a spectacular 3.6-mile round-trip adventure that visits Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and finally the stunning Emerald Lake.
Each lake has its own personality and charm, kind of like the three bears but way more photogenic.
The trail is well-maintained and relatively moderate, making it accessible for most fitness levels while still delivering those epic Rocky Mountain views.
Wildflowers paint the meadows in brilliant colors during July and August.
Early morning visits reward you with peaceful solitude and incredible lighting for photography.
The emerald-green waters of the final lake are absolutely mesmerizing against the dramatic mountain backdrop.
Location: Bear Lake Trailhead, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO 80517
5. Ice Lakes Trail – Silverton, CO
Prepare to have your mind absolutely blown by colors you didn’t know existed in nature.
Ice Lakes Trail is a challenging 7.5-mile trek that rewards tough hikers with electric-blue alpine lakes surrounded by wildflower meadows so vibrant they look Photoshopped.
Located near the historic mining town of Silverton, this trail gains serious elevation—over 2,800 feet—but every switchback brings you closer to jaw-dropping beauty.
The lakes get their incredible turquoise color from glacial minerals, creating a stunning contrast against the rugged peaks.
July through August showcases an explosion of wildflowers that’ll make your heart sing.
This isn’t a beginner trail, but experienced hikers will find it absolutely unforgettable.
Location: South Mineral Creek Road, Silverton, CO 81433
6. Garden Of The Gods Perkins Central Garden Trail – Colorado Springs, CO
Who says you need to climb mountains to experience Colorado’s magic?
Garden of the Gods Perkins Central Garden Trail offers an easy 1.5-mile loop through otherworldly red rock formations that’ll transport you to another planet without breaking a sweat.
These ancient sandstone towers have been standing tall for millions of years, creating a natural sculpture garden that’s completely free to explore.
Pikes Peak provides a stunning snowy backdrop to the rust-colored rocks.
The trail is paved and wheelchair-accessible, making it perfect for absolutely everyone in your crew.
Sunrise and sunset paint the rocks in spectacular shades of orange and pink that photographers dream about.
Rock climbers often scale the formations, adding extra entertainment to your stroll.
Location: 1805 N 30th Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
7. Blue Lakes Trail – Ridgway / Mount Sneffels Wilderness, CO
Get ready for a backcountry adventure that’ll make you feel like you’ve discovered Colorado’s best-kept secret.
Blue Lakes Trail near Ridgway is a strenuous 7-mile round-trip journey through the spectacular Mount Sneffels Wilderness, featuring multiple gorgeous alpine lakes stacked like nature’s staircase.
The lower lake sits at around 11,000 feet, while the upper lakes climb even higher into the thin mountain air.
Wildflowers carpet the meadows in mid-summer, creating a colorful pathway to paradise.
This trail demands good fitness and proper acclimatization to the altitude, but the views are absolutely worth the effort.
Camping is permitted with proper permits if you want to extend your adventure overnight.
Location: Blue Lakes Trailhead, Ridgway, CO 81432
8. St. Mary’s Glacier Trail – Idaho Springs, CO
Craving snow and ice in the middle of summer? This trail delivers year-round winter vibes!
St. Mary’s Glacier Trail is a short but sweet 1.5-mile hike near Idaho Springs that takes you to one of Colorado’s few remaining glaciers and a beautiful alpine lake.
Kids absolutely love sliding down the snowfield on their backsides, turning a simple hike into an impromptu sledding party.
The trail is rocky and gains elevation quickly, but the distance is manageable for most families.
Being so close to Denver makes this a perfect quick escape when you need a mountain fix without driving all day.
Bring extra layers because temperatures drop significantly at the glacier, even during summer months.
Location: St. Mary’s Glacier Road, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
9. Mount Bierstadt Trail – Guanella Pass, Georgetown, CO
Bagging your first fourteener just got a whole lot more achievable!
Mount Bierstadt Trail is considered one of Colorado’s easiest 14,000-foot peaks, offering a 7-mile round-trip adventure that puts you literally on top of the world.
Starting from Guanella Pass near Georgetown, the trail climbs steadily through gorgeous alpine terrain with views that expand with every step.
The final push to the summit requires some scrambling over rocks, adding just enough challenge to make you feel like a real mountaineer.
Start ridiculously early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which can be dangerous above treeline.
The 360-degree views from the summit are absolutely incredible, stretching across endless mountain ranges.
Celebrate your accomplishment with snacks at the top!
Location: Guanella Pass Road, Georgetown, CO 80444
10. Chautauqua Trail To The Flatirons – Boulder, CO
Boulder’s most iconic landmark beckons hikers with its tilted rock slabs that look ready to topple over any second.
Chautauqua Trail to the Flatirons offers multiple route options ranging from easy meadow strolls to challenging scrambles, letting you choose your own adventure level.
The historic Chautauqua Park area provides a charming starting point with its vintage cottages and community vibe.
These dramatic rock formations were created millions of years ago when tectonic forces pushed ancient seabeds skyward at crazy angles.
Rock climbers tackle the steep faces while hikers enjoy trails that weave around and between the formations.
Spring wildflowers and fall colors make the already stunning scenery even more spectacular.
The views over Boulder are absolutely fantastic!
Location: Chautauqua Park, 900 Baseline Road, Boulder, CO 80302
11. Rattlesnake Arches Trail – McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, Fruita, CO
Colorado’s western slope serves up desert magic that rivals anything you’ll find in Utah.
Rattlesnake Arches Trail near Fruita is a moderate 8-mile loop through the stunning McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, showcasing spectacular natural arches carved by wind and time.
Unlike the crowded national parks, this hidden gem offers peaceful solitude among the red rocks.
The trail visits multiple arch formations, each with its own unique character and photo opportunities.
Spring and fall provide the best hiking conditions since summer temperatures can absolutely roast you in the exposed desert terrain.
Wildflowers bloom surprisingly abundantly after spring rains, painting the desert in unexpected colors.
Bring plenty of water and sun protection for this adventure!
Location: Black Ridge Road, Fruita, CO 81521