11 Incredible Beginner Hiking Trails in Colorado with Breathtaking Views
Colorado is known for its beautiful hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. For beginner hikers, there are plenty of trails that offer stunning views and are perfect for getting started on your hiking journey. Here are 11 must-hike trails for beginner hikers in Colorado:
- Chautauqua Trail, Boulder
The Chautauqua Trail is a popular hiking trail located in Boulder that offers stunning views of the city and the Flatirons. The 1.2-mile round trip trail is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities.
- Hanging Lake Trail, Glenwood Springs
The Hanging Lake Trail is a popular hiking trail located near Glenwood Springs. The 2.8-mile round trip trail offers stunning views of the crystal-clear Hanging Lake and its surrounding waterfalls.
- Royal Arch Trail, Boulder
The Royal Arch Trail is a popular hiking trail located in Boulder that offers stunning views of the Flatirons and the surrounding landscape. The 3.5-mile round trip trail is relatively easy but has some steep sections, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear.
- St. Mary's Glacier Trail, Idaho Springs
The St. Mary's Glacier Trail is a short but steep hike that offers stunning views of the St. Mary's Glacier and the surrounding mountains. The 1.5-mile round trip trail is suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities.
- Garden of the Gods Trail, Colorado Springs
The Garden of the Gods Trail is a popular hiking trail located in Colorado Springs that offers stunning views of the iconic red rocks and towering cliffs. The 1.5-mile round trip trail is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities.
- Bear Creek Trail, Telluride
The Bear Creek Trail is a popular hiking trail located in Telluride that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The 2.5-mile round trip trail is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities.
- Spruce Creek Trail, Breckenridge
The Spruce Creek Trail is a popular hiking trail located in Breckenridge that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The 3.3-mile round trip trail is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities.
- Ouzel Falls Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park
The Ouzel Falls Trail is a popular hiking trail located in Rocky Mountain National Park that offers stunning views of the Ouzel Falls and the surrounding landscape. The 5.4-mile round trip trail is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities.
- Devil's Backbone Trail, Loveland
The Devil's Backbone Trail is a popular hiking trail located in Loveland that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the iconic Devil's Backbone rock formation. The 4.2-mile round trip trail is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities.
- Flatirons Vista Trail, Boulder
The Flatirons Vista Trail is a popular hiking trail located in Boulder that offers stunning views of the iconic Flatirons and the surrounding landscape. The 3.3-mile round trip trail is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities.
- Mayflower Gulch Trail, Summit County
Mayflower Gulch Trail is a 2.8-mile round trip hike in Summit County. The trail takes you through the Mayflower Gulch, which is known for its stunning views of wildflowers and colorful foliage. The trail is relatively easy and is suitable for beginner hikers of all ages. At the end of the trail, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the historic Boston Mining Company ruins. This trail is a must-hike for anyone who loves scenic views and history.
In conclusion, these 11 must-hike trails for beginner hikers in Colorado are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the incredible hiking opportunities that the state has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just getting started, there's no shortage of beautiful trails to explore in Colorado.
To make your trip planning easier, you can check out Alltrails for more detailed information about each trail, including difficulty level, trail maps, and user reviews.
Here are the AllTrails URLs for each of the trails:
- Chautauqua Trail, Boulder - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/chautauqua-trail
- Hanging Lake Trail, Glenwood Springs - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/hanging-lake-trail
- Royal Arch Trail, Boulder - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/royal-arch-trail
- St. Mary's Glacier Trail, Idaho Springs - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/st-mary-s-glacier-trail
- Garden of the Gods Trail, Colorado Springs - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/garden-of-the-gods-loop
- Bear Creek Trail, Telluride - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/bear-creek-trail-telluride
- Spruce Creek Trail, Breckenridge - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/spruce-creek-trail
- Ouzel Falls Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/ouzel-falls-trail
- Devil's Backbone Trail, Loveland - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/devils-backbone-trail
- Flatirons Vista Trail, Boulder - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/flatirons-vista-trail
- Mayflower Gulch Trail, Summit County - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/mayflower-gulch-trail
