Best Places to Hike in Colorado: 16 Must Do Trails

Best Places to Hike in Colorado

The best places to hike in Colorado are Rocky Mountain National Park (Emerald Lake and Sky Pond), Maroon Bells near Aspen, Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon, and Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Beyond those icons, the best hikes in Colorado include alpine lake routes in the Indian Peaks and San Juan Mountains, waterfall and canyon walks on the Western Slope and in Steamboat Springs, short Front Range outings, famous 14ers like Quandary Peak, and unusual landscapes like Great Sand Dunes. Colorado hiking trails range from flat paved loops to 14,000 foot summits, so the right pick depends on your fitness, your time and how well you handle altitude.

Several of these hikes require reservations or permits, and agencies reset dates and prices every year. As of October 2026, the 2027 rules for most of them had not been published. This guide therefore describes how each system works and tells you what to confirm, instead of quoting dates that may change. Trail statistics come from agency pages where available and are shown as ranges where sources disagree.

Colorado Hikes at a Glance

Distances are round trip unless noted. Published mileage and elevation gain differ by source and trailhead, so many figures are rounded or shown as ranges. Difficulty labels use one simple scale (easy, moderate, strenuous, very strenuous) and are this guide’s own ratings, so an agency or trail site may rate a hike differently.

• Emerald Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park: about 3.4 to 3.6 mi, moderate, about 600 to 770 ft gain. Best for a first alpine lake hike.
• Sky Pond, Rocky Mountain National Park: about 9 to 10 mi, strenuous, about 1,650 to 1,800 ft. Best for waterfalls and a glacial cirque.
• Lake Isabelle, Indian Peaks Wilderness: about 4.5 mi, moderate, about 750 ft. Best for an alpine lake with Continental Divide views.
• Royal Arch, Boulder: about 3.4 mi, strenuous, about 1,200 to 1,400 ft. Best for Flatirons views.
• Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs: 1.5 mi on the Central Garden Trail, easy, minimal gain. Best for families and red rock scenery.
• Manitou Incline, Manitou Springs: about 1 mi uphill, very strenuous, about 2,000 ft. Best as a fitness challenge.
• Mohawk Lakes, Breckenridge: about 6 to 6.8 mi to the lower lake, moderate, about 1,400 to 1,800 ft. Best for waterfalls and lakes.
• Quandary Peak, Breckenridge: 6.75 mi, very strenuous, 3,450 ft. Best for a popular, non technical 14er.
• Mount Sherman, Fairplay and the Mosquito Range: about 5 to 5.25 mi, strenuous, about 2,100 ft. Best for a first 14er.
• Maroon Lake and Crater Lake, Aspen: 1 to 3.6 mi, easy (Maroon Lake) to moderate (Crater Lake), up to about 500 ft. Best for photography and fall color.
• Hanging Lake, Glenwood Canyon: 2.4 mi, strenuous, 1,200 ft. Best for turquoise water on a short hike.
• Devils Kitchen, Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction: about 1.5 mi, easy to moderate, roughly 300 ft. Best for red rock canyon scenery.
• Fish Creek Falls and Upper Falls, Steamboat Springs: about a quarter mile each way to the lower falls (easy), about 5 mi round trip to Upper Falls (moderate to strenuous), about 1,100 to 1,400 ft of gain to the upper falls. Best for a waterfall with a choice of effort. The Upper Falls route may be closed in spring and early summer, so check current Forest Service conditions.
• Blue Lakes, near Ridgway and Ouray: about 6.4 mi to the lower lake, moderate to strenuous, about 1,600 ft to the lower lake. Best for jagged San Juan scenery.
• Ice Lakes Basin, near Silverton: about 7 to 8.4 mi, strenuous, about 2,400 to 2,550 ft. Best for wildflowers.
• Great Sand Dunes (High Dune), southern Colorado: about 2.5 mi, moderate, about 700 ft. Best for an unusual landscape.

How to Choose Among Colorado’s Hiking Destinations

Most visitors pick a trail from a photo, then get surprised by the numbers. Trailhead elevation matters more than mileage. A three mile hike that starts above 9,000 feet feels very different from one that starts near 6,000 feet, especially in your first two days in the state.

Three questions narrow the field quickly. How many days have you spent above 7,000 feet? Are you willing to book a reservation or start early? And do you want a destination, like a lake or a viewpoint, or a physical challenge? Your answers point you toward different parts of the list below.

The 16 Best Places to Hike in Colorado

The hikes are grouped loosely by region, from the northern Front Range through the central mountains and Western Slope to the San Juans and southern Colorado.

Emerald Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park

Distance: 3.6 mi round trip | Gain: About 600 to 770 ft | Difficulty: Moderate | Best season: Summer to early fall; snowshoes in winter

The National Park Service lists Emerald Lake at 1.8 miles one way with 605 feet of elevation gain on its hiking trail list. Its Bear Lake Road guide gives a slightly different figure of 1.7 miles one way with 771 feet of gain. Plan for roughly 3.4 to 3.6 miles round trip and 600 to 770 feet of climbing. The trail passes Nymph Lake and Dream Lake on the way, so you see three lakes from one trailhead. The grade is steady rather than brutal, though a starting elevation near 9,450 feet makes it harder than it looks.

During the summer season, daytime access to the Bear Lake Road corridor has required a timed entry reservation (see the permits section below). Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the park, so start early and aim to finish before storms build. On exposed alpine routes, plan to get below treeline well before storms develop.

Sky Pond, Rocky Mountain National Park

Distance: About 9 to 10 mi round trip | Gain: About 1,650 to 1,800 ft | Difficulty: Strenuous | Best season: Midsummer to early fall

Sky Pond rewards effort better than almost any trail in the state. From the Glacier Gorge trailhead you pass Alberta Falls, continue along The Loch, then climb beside Timberline Falls before reaching a glacial cirque beneath the peaks of the Continental Divide. Published distances vary with the starting trailhead, and the Park Service trail list shows 4.9 miles one way from Glacier Gorge Junction.

The waterfall climb is short but can be wet and slippery, and it is the one point where the hike stops being a simple walk. Glacier Gorge sits inside the Bear Lake Road corridor, so the same reservation rules apply as for Emerald Lake.

Lake Isabelle, Indian Peaks Wilderness

Distance: About 4.5 mi round trip from the Long Lake trailhead | Gain: About 750 ft | Difficulty: Moderate | Best season: July to September

The Brainard Lake area is a gentle way into high alpine terrain. The trail stays on easy ground past Long Lake, then makes a short climb to Lake Isabelle at about 2.1 to 2.3 miles from the trailhead, near 10,900 feet below the Continental Divide.

Driving into the Brainard Lake Recreation Area has required a timed entry reservation, booked on Recreation.gov, during the summer operating season. The lower Gateway trailhead is open year round without a timed entry reservation, though a Forest Service day use fee has been listed there. Starting from Gateway adds extra road or trail miles to your day. Dogs must be on a leash throughout the recreation area. The Forest Service notes that moose are frequently seen here, and that black bears and mountain lions also frequent the area.

Royal Arch, Boulder

Distance: About 3.4 mi round trip | Gain: About 1,200 to 1,400 ft | Difficulty: Strenuous | Best season: Spring, fall and summer mornings

Royal Arch starts near Chautauqua Park and climbs steeply through Flatirons terrain to a sandstone arch above Boulder. It is short, but the climb is steady, and a short rocky scramble comes near the end.

Because it sits at lower elevation than most trails on this list, it works well in shoulder seasons when higher routes hold snow. Parking near Chautauqua is limited and can be paid at busy times, and the trailhead gets crowded, so go early and check the City of Boulder parking rules.

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs

Distance: 1.5 mi (Central Garden Trail) | Gain: Minimal | Difficulty: Easy | Best season: Year round

Garden of the Gods is the best low effort hike in the state. The park has about 21 miles of trails, including the 1.5 mile Perkins Central Garden Trail and the roughly one mile Siamese Twins Trail, where a natural window frames Pikes Peak. Admission is free and the trails are dog friendly.

For more of a workout, move to the moderate loops such as Scotsman and Buckskin Charlie. Parking near the Central Garden fills early, so arrive in the morning or on a weekday.

Manitou Incline, Manitou Springs

Distance: About 1 mi uphill | Gain: About 2,000 ft | Difficulty: Very strenuous | Best season: Year round; ice is possible in winter

The Incline is a one mile climb with about 2,000 feet of gain up a steep, uneven staircase that follows a former cable railway bed. The step count is commonly given as roughly 2,700, and sources differ on the exact number, so do not rely on a single figure. The City of Colorado Springs has required a free timed reservation and a signed waiver, and a reservation does not include parking. It is not scenic in a postcard sense; the draw is the challenge and the view over Colorado Springs from the top.

Most hikers descend via Barr Trail instead of walking back down the steps, which makes the full loop about four miles. Dogs are not allowed. Arrive acclimatized, since a steep climb at this pace feels much harder at altitude.

Mohawk Lakes, Breckenridge

Distance: About 6 to 6.8 mi round trip to Lower Mohawk Lake | Gain: About 1,400 to 1,800 ft | Difficulty: Moderate (altitude makes it feel harder) | Best season: July to September

Mohawk Lakes packs a lot into a half day. From the Spruce Creek trailhead at about 10,400 feet, the trail follows a creek through forest, passes Continental Falls, and reaches lakes set among remnants of old mining operations. Upper Mohawk Lake adds roughly a mile round trip.

Snow lingers on the upper trail into early summer. The Spruce Creek lot fills quickly on weekends, so a weekday or early start is the practical way to get a space. Parking management around Breckenridge has been expanding, so check current town and Forest Service rules before you go.

Quandary Peak, Breckenridge

Distance: 6.75 mi round trip | Gain: 3,450 ft | Difficulty: Very strenuous (Class 1) | Best season: Late June to September

Quandary Peak rises to 14,265 feet in the Tenmile Range just south of Breckenridge, and the East Ridge route is one of the most popular 14er hikes in the state. The route is a non technical trail, but the altitude, the long climb and afternoon storms are what make it hard. The trailhead sits near 10,850 feet, and the route climbs above treeline in less than a mile. Plan to be off the summit and below treeline before afternoon storms.

Summit County and the Town of Breckenridge have required a parking reservation or a shuttle ticket from Breckenridge for the summer season since 2021. In 2026 the season ran from mid June to mid September, full day parking reservations were reported at $30 on weekdays and $55 on weekends and holidays, and shuttle tickets cost $7 per passenger (free for Summit County residents). The shuttle is the cheaper option for most visitors. Confirm the 2027 season dates and prices before you go. Mountain goats are common near the trail, so keep your distance and never feed them.

Mount Sherman, Mosquito Range

Distance: About 5 to 5.25 mi round trip from the upper Fourmile Creek lot | Gain: About 2,100 ft | Difficulty: Strenuous (Class 2) | Best season: Late June to September

Mount Sherman rises to 14,036 feet in the Mosquito Range and is often described as one of the more approachable 14ers. It is reached from Fairplay in South Park, not from the Breckenridge side. The trailhead is about 10 miles up Fourmile Creek Road (County Road 18) from Fairplay, and the upper lot sits near 12,000 feet. Published round trip figures run from about 4.6 to 5.5 miles because parking at a lower lot adds road miles.

The route follows an old mining road, then a rocky ridge on the final stretch. The upper road is rough, and a gate near the trailhead is usually closed, so check current road conditions. To better understand high-elevation topography before tackling terrain like this, review our mountain range peaks guide. Treat it as a serious mountain day: start at dawn, be off the summit and heading down before afternoon storms can develop, turn around if clouds build, and do not attempt it on your first day at altitude.

Maroon Bells (Maroon Lake and Crater Lake), Aspen

Distance: 1 to 3.6 mi round trip | Gain: Up to about 500 ft | Difficulty: Easy (Maroon Lake), moderate (Crater Lake) | Best season: Late September for aspen color; summer for wildflowers

Maroon Bells is one of the most photographed mountain scenes in Colorado. The Maroon Lake Scenic Trail is a short, mostly flat walk of roughly one to two miles depending on the route you take. The Crater Lake trail continues from Maroon Lake and is about 1.8 miles each way, with around 500 feet of climbing through aspen and rock.

Access has been regulated for cars and shuttles, and overnight trips in the surrounding wilderness, including the Four Pass Loop, need advance permits. Details are in the permits section below.

Hanging Lake, Glenwood Canyon

Distance: 2.4 mi round trip (1.2 mi each way) | Gain: 1,200 ft | Difficulty: Strenuous | Time: About 3 hours | Best season: Year round with a permit

The official Hanging Lake reservation page rates this trail moderate to strenuous. It is 1.2 miles each way with 1,200 feet of gain on rocky steps and switchbacks, and the route crosses seven bridges over Deadhorse Creek. The lake sits at 7,323 feet and is a National Natural Landmark. Spouting Rock waterfall pours through the cliff above the lake, and visitors can walk behind the falls.

Mileage is the most commonly misreported detail for this hike, so note that 1.2 miles is one way. The official rules prohibit swimming, wading and pets, and there are no restrooms or drinking fountains along the trail. The trail has been closed for repairs in recent years, so confirm it is open when you reserve.

Devils Kitchen, Colorado National Monument

Distance: About 1.5 mi round trip | Gain: Roughly 300 ft | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Best season: Spring and fall

Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction is the Western Slope’s red rock answer to Garden of the Gods, with sheer sandstone canyons and monoliths. The Devils Kitchen trail leads into the shaded interior of a large sandstone formation. The Park Service hiking map lists it at about 0.75 mile and 300 feet of gain, which most sources treat as one way, so published figures vary.

For a bigger day, the Monument Canyon Trail to Independence Monument is far longer, and its distance depends on which trailhead you use. Summer afternoons are hot in this part of Colorado, so hike early. A national park entrance fee applies, so check the Park Service page for current prices.

Fish Creek Falls and Upper Falls, Steamboat Springs

Distance: About a quarter mile to the lower falls; about 5 mi round trip to Upper Falls | Gain: Minimal (lower falls); about 1,100 to 1,400 ft (Upper Falls) | Difficulty: Easy (lower falls), moderate to strenuous (Upper Falls) | Best season: Lower falls year round; Upper Falls from July to fall

This is the most popular outing in the Steamboat Springs area, and the Forest Service trailhead is only a few miles from town at about 7,440 feet. A short paved path leads to views of the roughly 280 foot lower falls, and a gravel trail drops to a bridge at the base. Beyond the bridge the trail climbs steeply up the canyon to Upper Fish Creek Falls, with one exposed section near the end. Published distances for the upper falls vary, so rely on the Forest Service map.

Check the Forest Service’s current conditions before you plan the Upper Falls hike. The footbridge and the section of trail beyond it have been closed each year from April 1 to July 1 during high water, and the Forest Service says this may continue through 2027 depending on repairs. The lower falls viewing areas stay open. The Forest Service has listed a day use fee of about $5 per vehicle, and the lots fill by mid morning in summer, so confirm the current fee before you go.

Blue Lakes, Mount Sneffels Wilderness

Distance: About 6.4 mi round trip to Lower Blue Lake; about 8.2 to 8.8 mi to Upper Blue Lake | Gain: About 1,600 ft (lower); about 2,400 ft (upper) | Difficulty: Moderate (lower lake), strenuous (upper lake) | Best season: July to September

The San Juans look different from the rounded ridges closer to Denver: jagged, steep and dramatic. This trail starts near 9,400 feet off a gravel road near Ridgway and climbs to three turquoise lakes beneath Mount Sneffels. Lower Blue Lake sits near 10,980 feet.

Strong hikers can continue to Blue Lakes Pass, roughly 11 miles round trip with about 3,500 feet of gain, though sources vary. The Sneffels summit via the southwest ridge is a Class 3 climb, which is beyond a typical hike. The trail is busy and sits in a designated wilderness, so check current Forest Service rules for permits and camping limits before you go.

Ice Lakes Basin and Island Lake, Silverton

Distance: About 7 mi to Ice Lake; about 8.4 mi with Island Lake | Gain: About 2,400 to 2,550 ft | Difficulty: Strenuous | Best season: July to September

The trail starts near 9,840 feet and gains elevation immediately: a forest climb, a flatter stretch across the lower basin, then a steep push to Ice Lake at about 12,260 feet. Waterfalls, alpine meadows and Island Lake’s blue water explain why this is a favorite for wildflower photography.

Snow often stays on the trail into June, and bloom timing shifts with each year’s snowmelt. Start early because the high basin is exposed to lightning. Confirm current parking and camping rules with the Forest Service.

Great Sand Dunes National Park (High Dune)

Distance: About 2.5 mi round trip | Gain: About 700 ft | Difficulty: Moderate (soft sand) | Time: About 2 hours | Best season: Spring and fall

Great Sand Dunes holds the tallest sand dunes in North America, with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains behind them. There is no formal trail to High Dune, so you cross Medano Creek and pick a ridge. Soft sand makes every step slower than the mileage suggests.

The National Park Service warns that sand can reach 150 degrees Fahrenheit on summer afternoons and recommends hiking in the morning or evening to avoid heat and thunderstorms. Medano Creek typically flows from about April through June, depending on snowmelt. A park entrance fee applies.

Best Scenic, Lake and Waterfall Hikes in Colorado

If you want the most beautiful hikes in Colorado, the strongest scenery clusters around three landscapes: alpine lakes, aspen valleys and red rock. As part of the broader major mountain ranges in the United States, the towering peaks here provide unmatched backdrops. Emerald Lake, Sky Pond, Lake Isabelle, Blue Lakes and Ice Lakes Basin cover the first. Maroon Bells in late September covers the second, and Garden of the Gods and Colorado National Monument cover the third.

For lakes beyond the main list, Cathedral Lake near Aspen is a strong alternative when Maroon Bells is crowded. It is roughly 5.6 to 5.8 miles round trip with about 2,000 feet of gain, ending near 11,900 feet, and the trailhead is reached by a dirt road off Castle Creek Road.

Waterfall hikes vary widely. Hanging Lake, Fish Creek Falls, Alberta Falls on the way to Sky Pond, and Continental Falls on the Mohawk Lakes trail are the headliners. Zapata Falls near Great Sand Dunes is a rocky, steep half mile each way that finishes by wading the creek, so wear shoes that can get wet.

Best Day Hikes in Colorado by Home Base

Many visitors have one free day and a base city. These regional picks keep the drive reasonable and the hike realistic for a single day.

Best Hikes Near Denver

Royal Arch in Boulder is the quickest of the listed options. Devils Head Lookout, in Pike National Forest southwest of Denver, is a good moderate half day. The Forest Service trail runs 1.4 miles each way, roughly 2.8 miles round trip with about 940 to 950 feet of gain, ending with 143 steps up to a historic fire lookout at 9,748 feet. The access is on Rampart Range Road, which is a mountain road of about 9 miles beyond the highway turnoff, so plan on well over an hour from Denver. Sources describe the lookout as staffed from about mid May to mid September, and the road is typically closed in winter. Check the Forest Service page for current road conditions and any fees at the trailhead area before you go.

For a bigger day, Lake Isabelle and Rocky Mountain National Park are within about two hours of Denver. Both have needed reservations in season.

Colorado Springs and Southern Colorado

Garden of the Gods and the Manitou Incline sit within a short drive of each other. Pairing one easy hike with one hard hike gives you a full day with variety.

Aspen and Glenwood Springs

Maroon Bells and Hanging Lake are separated by a drive of more than an hour, and each requires its own reservation. Treat them as separate days unless your time slots line up with room to spare.

Breckenridge and Summit County

Mohawk Lakes is the best moderate hike, and Quandary Peak is the signature 14er. Mount Sherman is reachable for a strong, acclimatized hiker, but it sits on the South Park side of Hoosier Pass near Fairplay.

Steamboat Springs and Grand Junction

Fish Creek Falls is the easy choice in Steamboat Springs, though the Upper Falls route may be closed in spring and early summer. Colorado National Monument is the easy choice near Grand Junction, and both make good alternatives when the Front Range is crowded or snowed in.

Best Time to Hike in Colorado

Colorado hiking has distinct seasons, and the best time depends on elevation. High trails open late and close early, while lower trails are often better in spring and winter.

• Spring (April to early June): Foothills, Garden of the Gods, Royal Arch, Colorado National Monument and Great Sand Dunes work well. Watch for snow and mud above 9,000 feet and unpredictable storms.
• Summer (late June to August): Alpine lakes, Rocky Mountain National Park, the San Juans, 14ers and wildflowers are at their best. Watch for afternoon thunderstorms, crowds and reservations.
• Fall (September to October): Aspen color at Maroon Bells and Cathedral Lake and stable weather are the draws. Watch for early snow at elevation, shorter days, and shuttle and timed entry seasons that end by mid October.
• Winter (November to March): Snowshoeing to frozen lakes and lower foothill and desert trails are the options. Watch for avalanche terrain, ice and cold, and carry traction devices.

Wildflowers typically peak from July into early August at high elevation, depending on snowmelt. Aspen color usually arrives in late September in the high country and later at lower elevations.

In winter, Hanging Lake permits are still required, and the official page recommends microspikes, trekking poles and warm waterproof clothing. Emerald Lake is a popular snowshoe destination. Check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center before heading into any terrain beyond well traveled, low angle trails.

Colorado Hiking Permits, Altitude and Safety

Permits and Reservations: What to Check Before You Travel in 2027

The most popular hikes manage access, and rules change each year. As of October 2026, the 2027 rules had not been published for the systems below, so no 2027 dates or fees are given here. Check the official source for your travel dates, and book as soon as reservations open.

• Rocky Mountain National Park: The park uses a timed entry reservation system, booked through the official Recreation.gov timed entry portal. In 2026 it had two permit types, one for the Bear Lake Road corridor (covering Emerald Lake and Sky Pond) and one for the rest of the park with a $2 processing fee and two-hour entry windows. Check the portal before traveling to confirm updated hours, dates, and permit rules for your trip. You will also need a standard park pass or entry fee.
• Maroon Bells: Parking or shuttle reservations have been required during the summer and fall season, with private vehicles restricted during daytime hours. Season dates, fares and parking rates change yearly, so check the official Maroon Bells reservation site. Overnight wilderness trips, including the Four Pass Loop, need separate permits.
• Brainard Lake (Lake Isabelle): A timed entry reservation has been required to drive into the recreation area during its summer season, with a $2 reservation fee plus a Forest Service fee. The Gateway trailhead stays open year round without a timed entry reservation. Check the Forest Service page for the 2027 season dates and any road closures.
• Hanging Lake: A timed entry permit is required year round and is booked on the official Hanging Lake page. Reservations cover a three hour hiking window, reservation times vary by season, parking is included, and there is no shuttle. The official page currently lists $12 per person, so confirm the price when 2027 reservations open. Reservations cannot be changed or cancelled within 48 hours of your hike.
• Quandary Peak: Parking or shuttle reservations have been required each summer through the hikequandary site. Parking and shuttle prices and the season dates for 2027 are not yet confirmed. Parking and the shuttle are priced separately, and parking costs far more than a shuttle ticket.
• Manitou Incline: A free timed reservation and a signed waiver have been required. Parking is separate.
• Fish Creek Falls and national park sites: Expect a day use fee at Fish Creek Falls and entrance fees at Colorado National Monument, Great Sand Dunes and Rocky Mountain National Park. Amounts change, so check the Forest Service or Park Service page for each. The Fish Creek Falls footbridge closure affects Upper Falls hikes in spring and early summer. For Devils Head, check the Forest Service page for any trailhead fees.

Garden of the Gods and most Front Range open space trails have no reservation system, though parking can be the real bottleneck.

Altitude

Many Colorado hiking trails start above 8,000 feet, and some of the best sit above 11,000. Even Hanging Lake, at 7,323 feet, carries an official warning that visitors from lower elevations may have trouble breathing or feel nauseated.

Spend a night or two at moderate altitude before a high trail, begin with a gentler route, and drink more water than you expect to need. For Hanging Lake the official guidance is at least half a liter per hour of hiking. If symptoms worsen, descend rather than push on.

Weather

Summer afternoon thunderstorms are the leading hazard on exposed high trails, and they can develop earlier than you expect. In Rocky Mountain National Park the Park Service’s rule of thumb on trails like Emerald Lake is to be back at the trailhead by about noon. On longer or higher routes, plan to be below treeline and off exposed ridges and summits well before afternoon storms. Turn back when clouds build, even if you have not reached your goal.

Bears and Moose

Colorado has black bears and moose, and both turn up on popular trails, including around Brainard Lake. Most encounters end quietly if you give animals space.

• Bears: Keep food, trash and scented items secured and never leave them unattended. If you see a bear, stay calm, keep your distance, speak in a firm voice and back away slowly without running. Carry bear spray where it is easy to reach, and know how to use it. In the rare event a black bear attacks, fight back.
• Moose: Moose often rest near water and thick willows, so be alert in those areas. Stay well back, ideally 150 feet or more, and treat any reaction as a sign you are too close. Laid back ears, raised hackles, a licked snout or a turn to face you mean back away. Never approach a calf. If a moose charges, run and put a tree, rock or vehicle between you and the animal. Do not stay on the ground.
• Dogs: Most moose conflicts involve dogs, which moose treat as predators. Keep dogs on a leash, or leave them at home in moose country. Pets are not allowed on many of the trails in this guide.
• Trailhead signs: Read posted wildlife warnings before you start, and report aggressive animals to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Leave No Trace

Stay on the trail, pack out everything, and keep your distance from wildlife. This matters most at fragile sites like Hanging Lake and alpine tundra, where footprints can take years to recover.

Mistakes That Ruin a Colorado Hike

• Booking the hardest hike first. Altitude makes your first day harder than the mileage suggests.
• Missing a reservation. Arriving at Bear Lake Road, Maroon Bells, Hanging Lake or Quandary without a plan can end your day before it starts.
• Starting late. Parking, crowds and storms all favor early starts.
• Trusting a single mileage figure. Published distances vary by trailhead and route, so check the official trail map for your starting point.
• Crowding wildlife. Moose and bears are more dangerous than they look, especially when dogs are along.
• Relying on cell service. Download offline maps before you lose signal.

Frequently Asked Questions

This guide will be updated when agencies publish their 2027 rules. As of October 2026, 2027 reservation dates, seasonal schedules and fees for the major reservation systems listed above were not yet confirmed. The Fish Creek Falls footbridge closure may continue through 2027 depending on repairs, so check current Forest Service conditions before visiting.