From peaceful nature trails on the front range to stunning alpine loops in the high country, Colorado is loaded with easy-going hiking for beginners. It’s also tracked with just as many moderate and difficult trails. Beginners looking for simpler trails have such a wide variety of hikes to choose from, it can be almost daunting.
Whether you’re a newbie or an avid backpacker, here are some of the most interesting trails that don’t have much elevation gain and are only a few miles away. If you’ll be in the Mile High area consider the best Denver hikes under 3 miles.
Of all US states, Colorado offers a particularly interesting mixture of geographic elements. It’s a captivating patch of Americana to hike through. With spectacular landscapes that provide an immensely rewarding experience, you’ll be astonished with every step. It can be a peaceful adventure, something akin to a pilgrimage and an introspective journey.
Luckily as a beginner, you don’t need to go far or high to find a simple hiking trail, even if you’re looking for an overnight backpacking hike. From city parks in nearly every notable town, to larger state and national parks, as well as millions of acres of federal land in the backcountry, Colorado is one hiker-friendly state.
There are a myriad of public parks and open spaces available year-round for the public’s enjoyment. Because everybody wants to spend their time hiking something truly amazing, we’ve assembled just a few of the finer gems. Keep in mind there are countless beginner hikes available in all parts of the Centennial State.
Top Hiking Trails around Colorado:
- Alamosa hiking trails
- Aspen hiking trails
- Bailey hiking trails
- Boulder hiking trails
- Buena Vista hiking trails
- Carbondale hiking trails
- Colorado Springs hiking trails
- Creede hiking trails
- Delta hiking trails
- Denver hiking trails
- Evergreen hiking trails
- Fairplay hiking trails
- Golden hiking trails
- Gunnison hiking trails
- Montrose hiking trails
- Ouray hiking trails
- Pagosa hiking trails
- Paonia hiking trails
- Pueblo hiking trails
- Salida hiking trails
- Silverthorne hiking trails
- Steamboat Springs hiking trails
- Telluride hiking trails
- Trinidad hiking trails
- Westcliffe hiking trails
Fountain Valley Trail — Roxborough Park, CO
Located around 45 minutes from Denver by car, Roxborough State Park’s topography is truly a sight to behold. The 2.3-mile Fountain Valley Trail that cuts through the park is not particularly long, but it is well worth the trip. Due to its short length, it can be an opportune experience for families with children.
Gigantic slabs of orange rock protrude out of the slopes like the scales on the back of some chthonic dragon. The way they contrast with the eucalypt blue haze of the skies and distant ranges is truly a breathtaking natural composition. It will make you feel as if you are transported to an enchanted realm akin to the one from the Middle Earth films.
Maroon Bells — Aspen
You’ll have to delve deeper into the Colorado Rockies to reach the iconic Maroon Bells mountain peaks. Hikes here range from a mile to 13 miles. Located only a few miles from downtown Aspen, Maroon Bells Scenic Area is a picturesque hiking experience that you should take up simply due to its iconic beauty. The surrounding nature and the chance to visit the Roaring Fork Valley add to the reason to visit.
From summer through fall you can access the lush landscapes in the Maroon Bells Wilderness. You can expect cascades, aspens, and lakes on the assembly of trails, which vary in length depending on your preferences. Three campsites are available at the start, perfect for both RVs and tent camping.
Four Lakes and Waterfall Loop
It’s worth noting that because of the 6.4-mile length this is rated a moderate hike, though it’s fine for in-shape beginners. Rocky Mountain National Park boasts over 200 wonderful trails, so if you’d be forced to pick one out of the bunch, you should embark on the Four Lakes and Waterfall Loop hike.
It’s not a challenging trail by any stretch of the imagination but be prepared for a quality leg exercise as you gawk at the titular four lakes and their diverse appearance. Waterfalls, set against fir trees and rugged rocky peaks that cut across the sky, are the showcase here. You’ll finally get a chance to witness why Alberta Falls is so widely lauded by the people who visited the park before.
What to take on your beginner hike
Naturally, what you take depends on where you’re going and for how long you could be gone. Sunglasses and hats come in handy, and sunscreen should be a part of your first aid kit, which also includes painkillers, antihistamines, mosquito spray, disinfectants, bandages, gauze, and sterile dressing pads.
A working compass, reliable lighter, knife, at least two light sources, a detailed map of the Colorado region you’re visiting, along with extra food and water — these are other crucial aspects of that safety net.
For clothing start with the basics and take it from there. Take at least a comfortable shirt and shorts (better to pack pants and a jacket at elevation too for longer hikes), hiking shoes, a couple of pairs of wicking socks, and underpants.
The backcountry is positively brimming with diverse topographical features and legendary sites that are world-renowned. As long as you (and your group) are well-prepared, this should be one of the most enjoyable escapades of your lifetime. If you’re a newcomer to Colorado, hardly any track will disappoint you.
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