There are so many summer hikes in Colorado, this list barely scratches the surface. However, this list features some of our favorite and most epic summer hikes in Colorado that we’ve done over the years! These trails are located all over Colorado and have wildly different landscapes and environments. We hope you enjoy these trails as much as we do!
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Hiking Responsibly in Colorado
The mountains are known for their off the grid vibe, but that means cell service may be spotty. Download offline trail maps with the AllTrails app! Keep Colorado beautiful and follow these tips to leave no trace:
- Stay within the width of the trail to minimize damage and erosion to natural areas
- Uphill hikers have the right of way. It’s common courtesy to step to the side (while still remaining on trail) to let them pass
- Follow leave no trace principle #2 and always hike on durable surfaces like rocks, sand, and gravel. Avoid fragile areas like vegetation and never step on, walk through or pick wildflowers
- If you have to travel off trail (for example, to use the bathroom), look for durable surfaces that can withstand repeated foot traffic
- Pack in everything that you pack out! That includes things like orange peels and cherry pits
- Don’t play music on the trail as this is not considerate to other hikers. It’s not recommended to use headphones either as it interferes with you being present with your surroundings
- Be sure to choose hikes that are appropriate for your fitness level and plan to start as early as possible to avoid the midday heat. It’s not recommended to start hikes in the dark at Glacier due to wildlife
- Don’t forget to download a trail map before your hike and know where you’re going
- If you encounter wildlife on the trail, do not approach them! Stay at least 25 yards from wildlife and 100 yards away from bears
- Stay hydrated! Many Colorado trails are at very high elevation which causes you to lose water faster than low elevation. Try to drink 3-4 liters of water per day.
1. Herman Gulch Trail
Location: Silver Plume, Colorado
Length: 7.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,774 ft
Difficulty: moderate
Route Type: out and back
This hike is accessible year round, but it shines during the summer which is why it’s number one on our list of epic summer hikes in Colorado! In the middle of July, this is one of the best wildflower hikes near Denver. In July, you will see fields of wildflowers including a huge field of columbines, Colorado’s state flower. This hike is a steady uphill nearly the entire way, with many shaded parts of the trail as well. This is a stunning hike with views almost the entire way and the trail ends at a beautiful alpine lake.
Responsible Recreation on Herman Gulch Trail:
- Please remember to respect the environment, stay on the trail, and leave no trace
- Do not pick wildflowers or walk in wildflower field
- Plan to start by 7 AM at the latest on a weekend to avoid crowds
- Bring bug spray and sunscreen
- Bring layers for the lake as it can be windy and cold
2. Hanging Lake Trail
Location: Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Length: 3.1 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,187 ft
Difficulty: moderate
Route Type: out and back
One of Colorado’s most popular summer hikes for a reason, the beautiful Hanging Lake Trail is a true wonder. It’s a steady uphill nearly the entire way with very steep stairs at the top. When you get to Hanging Lake, there’s a fork and Spouting Rock Falls is to the left. We highly recommend visiting both the lake and the Spouting Rock Falls! We loved walking behind the waterfall.
Responsible Recreation on Herman Gulch Trail:
- Please remember to respect the environment, stay on the trail, and leave no trace
- This hike requires an advance parking reservation and costs $12/person
- This area is extremely fragile due to a recent wildfire and this is one of the most popular hikes in Colorado
- Bring bug spray and sunscreen
3. Mayflower Gulch Trail
Location: near Frisco, Colorado
Length: 4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 700 ft
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Route Type: out and back
The peaks on this hike were beautiful. The trail is wide and the wildflowers were popping in late July. This hike is incredibly scenic and relaxing with stunning mountain views surrounding the trail! There are old mining cabin ruins that make for great photos. You can also do this hike in the winter, but we think the flowers make it one of the most epic summer hikes in Colorado.
Responsible Recreation on Mayflower Gulch Trail:
- Please remember to respect the environment, stay on the trail, and leave no trace
- Parking lot is large so no need to arrive early
- Bring bug spray and sunscreen
- The beginning of the hike is also a 4WD road and you can park at the cabin ruins. Multiple route options including the Traverse trail to the right of the ruins
4. Crater Lake Trail
Location: Maroon Bells, Aspen, Colorado
Length: 3.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 688 ft
Difficulty: moderate
Route Type: out and back
This hike is simply stunning. It’s a steady uphill through an Aspen forest that opens up to expansive views before arriving at beautiful Crater lake. This hike is a perfect short add on to your time at Maroon Bells! Check out our Aspen weekend itinerary if you will be in the area!
Responsible Recreation on Crater Lake Trail:
- Please remember to respect the environment, stay on the trail, and leave no trace
- This hike requires an advance parking reservation and costs $12/person
- The trail may have wildlife, including Moose which you should stay at least 25 yards away from
- Bring bug spray and sunscreen. There are MANY mosquitos by the lake in the summer.
5. Sky Pond
Location: Rocky Mountain National Park
Length: 10 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,758 ft
Difficulty: moderate
Route Type: out and back
This is a super fun hike that includes several lakes and a climb up a small waterfall. We went in June and got to glissade down a snow slide. You will pass Alberta Falls, Loch Lake, Lake of Glass, and end at beautiful Sky Pond. We’ve done this hike in September and June and both were incredible, yet wildly different experiences due to the lingering snow in June.
Responsible Recreation on Sky Pond Trail:
- Please remember to respect the environment, stay on the trail, and leave no trace
- Timed entry reservation needed to enter the park (specifically for Bear Lake Road)
- Campground reservation will work as a timed entry reservation
- Snow possible until late June, make sure to check recent trail reports!
- Bring crampons and hiking poles if snow on the trail
- Be prepared to climb up a small waterfall
- Parking is limited at trailhead and can fill by 4-5 AM
- If the parking lot is full, you should take the Park and Ride shuttle
- Don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray
- Pack layers as it can be extremely windy at the lake
6. Lake Haiyaha Trail
Location: Rocky Mountain National Park
Length: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 735 ft
Route Type: out and back
Difficulty: moderate
A recent rockslide caused this lake to turn a milky blue color due to excess rock sediment known as glacial flour. The result is one of the most unique colors we’ve seen in a lake! You pass Bear Lake, Nymph Lake and Dream Lake on this hike and can also add on Emerald Lake at the end for an additional 0.6 miles. The trail is minimal elevation at the beginning but climbs steadily after Dream Lake before reaching a boulder field near Lake Haiyaha
Responsible Recreation on Lake Haiyaha Trail:
- Please remember to respect the environment, stay on the trail, and leave no trace
- Timed entry reservation needed to enter the park (specifically for Bear Lake Road)
- Campground reservation will work as a timed entry reservation
- Be careful with the rock scrambling at the end of this hike
- It can be very windy at the lake so bring layers
7. Upper Cheesman Canyon Trail
Location: Sedalia, CO
Length: 4 miles
Elevation gain: 930 feet
Route type: out and back
Difficulty: moderate
This hike has stunning views of Cheesman reservoir nearly the whole way and ends at the South Platte River.
There is a steep incline to the river at the end of the hike. The river is a great place to relax with a book before hiking back!
We were really impressed with how scenic this hike was.
Responsible Recreation on Upper Cheesman Canyon Trail:
- Please remember to respect the environment, stay on the trail, and leave no trace
- Very minimal shade on the trail so be sure to bring sunscreen
- Pack out everything you pack in
- Wear hiking boots with good traction for steep sections
8. Snodgrass Mountain Trail
Location: Crested Butte, Colorado
Length: 5.8 miles
Elevation gain: 1,594 feet
Route type: out and back
Difficulty: moderate
This hike is one of the most epic summer hikes in Colorado that we’ve ever done because of the wildflowers! It’s located in Crested Butte which is known as the wildflower capital of Colorado. You’ll find wild sunflower fields that seem to stretch on forever as well as beautiful views of Mount Crested Butte. Doing the entire trail isn’t necessary as there is no view at the end and the best views are at the beginning and middle of the trail. This trail is all about the journey and not the destination.
Responsible Recreation on Snodgrass Mountain Trail:
- Please remember to respect the environment, stay on the trail, and leave no trace
- Very minimal shade on the trail so be sure to bring sunscreen
- Pack out everything you pack in
- Do not pick wildflowers
- Do not walk in wildflower fields or trample wildflowers
9. Paint Mines Trail
Location: Calhan, Colorado
Length: 3.4 miles
Elevation gain: 334 feet
Route type: loop
Difficulty: easy
This hike is known for its fascinating geological features, bright pink and yellow colored mounds of rock. This trail is easy, family friendly, and accessible year round. It’s a great trail for photography as the entire trail has beautiful views of the colored rocks. To see the most saturated colors, visit at sunrise or sunset.
Responsible Recreation on Paint Mines Trail:
- Please remember to respect the environment, stay on the trail, and leave no trace
- Very minimal shade on the trail so be sure to bring sunscreen
- Pack out everything you pack in
10. Dream Lake
Location: Rocky Mountain National Park
Length: 2 miles
Elevation gain: 456 feet
Route type: out and back
Difficulty: easy to moderate
One of the most popular trails in Rocky Mountain National Park for a reason, Dream Lake lives up to its name. You can keep going past Dream Lake to Emerald Lake, which we recommend during the summer. We’ve done this trail in almost every season and the view is also magical during the winter. However, if you do this hike for sunrise during the summer, you’ll likely be treated to a beautiful reflection and alpenglow on the mountains making this one of the best summer hikes in Colorado.
Responsible Recreation on Dream Lake Trail:
- Please remember to respect the environment, stay on the trail, and leave no trace
- Very minimal shade on the trail so be sure to bring sunscreen
- Pack out everything you pack in
- Microspikes will be necessary during the winter
- The altitude can make this trail more difficult for visitors who are not acclimated to the elevation
