It’s fall and the mountain colors are shining in all their glory. While the mornings an evenings are getting chilly, the days are still warm and begging for adventure. Don’t pack your hiking boots away just yet! Get out to explore a few Colorado hikes that don’t even require a long drive.
Here are 5 nearby hikes to explore before winter:
Hanging Lake
1+ Mile | Difficulty: Moderate | 10 Miles East of Glenwood Springs along I-70
One of the most popular hikes in Colorado, but will with the trek. Bring your camera to capture the incredible view. You also might want to consider heading a short distance from Hanging Lake to Sprouting Rock where icy water from the Flat Tops sprays through a narrow hole in the limestone.
Here are 5 nearby hikes to explore before winter:
Hanging Lake
1+ Mile | Difficulty: Moderate | 10 Miles East of Glenwood Springs along I-70
One of the most popular hikes in Colorado, but will with the trek. Bring your camera to capture the incredible view. You also might want to consider heading a short distance from Hanging Lake to Sprouting Rock where icy water from the Flat Tops sprays through a narrow hole in the limestone.
Stanley Canyon
4.4 Miles | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Air Force Academy
Venture through a canyon to a beautiful, secluded reservoir at the top of Rampart Range. The trail is steep and quickly gains elevation, but you will have unobstructed views of the academy before climbing into the canyon. Check with the Air Force Academy before you begin to make sure the trail is open.
Devil’s Head Fire Lookout
2.8 Miles | Difficulty: Easy | West of Castle Rock
The whole family will enjoy hiking to the only fire lookout in Colorado staffed by the National Forest Service. Once you reach the top you will enjoy views of 100+ miles in all directions. It can be a busy trail, so plan on taking your time.
Maxwell Falls
1, 3 or 4 Mile Loops | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Near Evergreen
With several loop options, Maxwell Falls is a great hike for a family or an adventurous group. As you come up to the falls, you will hear them before you see them and enjoy valley views and a nice mountain creek along the way.
St. Mary’s Glacier
1.5 Miles | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | I-70 & Fall River Road
Hike to a crisp mountain lake fed by St. Mary’s Glacier where you can enjoy snowball fights year round. The hike is relatively flat, but rocky.
Get out and enjoy the colors while you still can!
4.4 Miles | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Air Force Academy
Venture through a canyon to a beautiful, secluded reservoir at the top of Rampart Range. The trail is steep and quickly gains elevation, but you will have unobstructed views of the academy before climbing into the canyon. Check with the Air Force Academy before you begin to make sure the trail is open.
Devil’s Head Fire Lookout
2.8 Miles | Difficulty: Easy | West of Castle Rock
The whole family will enjoy hiking to the only fire lookout in Colorado staffed by the National Forest Service. Once you reach the top you will enjoy views of 100+ miles in all directions. It can be a busy trail, so plan on taking your time.
Maxwell Falls
1, 3 or 4 Mile Loops | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Near Evergreen
With several loop options, Maxwell Falls is a great hike for a family or an adventurous group. As you come up to the falls, you will hear them before you see them and enjoy valley views and a nice mountain creek along the way.
St. Mary’s Glacier
1.5 Miles | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | I-70 & Fall River Road
Hike to a crisp mountain lake fed by St. Mary’s Glacier where you can enjoy snowball fights year round. The hike is relatively flat, but rocky.
Get out and enjoy the colors while you still can!