Prior to my stay in Colorado, I had never even owned a pair of hiking boots, but I was determined to try a new outdoor hobby while in the state. Because when in Rome, am I right?
Over the course of the 8 weeks I was in this state, I managed to hike over 70 miles. Which is a LOT considering my history with hiking and my sea-level lungs. Just as any new activity usually is, this was not easy for me and still isn’t. It has however gotten a lot easier than it was when I took my first hike on the trails of Colorado.
Before getting into the hikes themselves, there are a few things as a novice hiker that I learned along the way that helped me tremendously. I believe these are things any person thinking about getting into hiking should know about prior to hitting the trails.
First is hiking etiquette. This is something I had no idea existed but with the popularity of some of the trails within this beautiful state, it is important to know some basic unspoken rules on the trails. Downhill hikers should typically yield to those that are hiking uphill. Uphill hikers typically have a smaller range of vision and the hikers are working against gravity so it is best to allow them the right of way. Another is that solo hikers should yield to larger groups. Don’t play your music or podcasts out loud. You get the idea.
Practice Leave No Trace and be sure to pack out any trash you might have or come across on your journey. Lastly, always be mindful of staying on the trail to avoid damaging the surrounding environment and leaving things just as you found them. It can be tempting to mess with rock cairns, but it is important that you do not remove rocks or make your own structures, as the ones you see are typically associated with navigating the trail.
Next is remaining safe while hiking. It is wonderful that I have found a new appreciation for being in nature, but being able to enjoy it while being safe is my number one priority. Most of the hikes I complete are in an area where there is little to no cell service which can be a double-edged sword. While it is nice to unplug and not hear the ringing of my phone, from a safety standpoint, this is a little nerve wracking. So, for Christmas I was gifted a Germin inReach Mini 2. A satellite communicator that will allow me to stay in touch with my family and reach out to the authorities using an SOS button should I ever find myself hurt and unable to get back to my vehicle or in any unsafe situation.
I also utilize AllTrails, not only as a tool for navigating the terrain and trails but as a way to communicate to my family the coordinates of where I will be as well as the estimated distance and duration of the hike I will be on. The annual $35 fee is well worth the price of knowing where I am going, even while my phone is without service.
Having the proper equipment is the last thing in regards to safety I would like to touch on. There is nothing worse than being on a trail and not having the proper gear, clothing, water etc. This is setting yourself up for failure. Always be sure to check the weather report the day of and pack anything additional you might need. You would be surprised at how quickly the weather can change in the mountains. Having the proper hiking boots and socks is essential, even if they are expensive, being comfortable is always worth it. Lastly, personal protection, being whatever that means to you. For me, that is carrying bear spray within reach every time I get on a trail. This is a multipurpose tool that is $30 on Amazon and should be something all hikers have in their pack, no matter the terrain.
Now that we have some of the more logistical things out of the way, we are ready to lace up our hiking boots and hit the trails! Here are five of my not to miss hikes when visiting the Denver area.
Saint Mary’s Glacier
Located about an hour outside of Denver near Idaho Springs is an easy-moderate 1.5 mile out and back hike to a beautiful glacier and alpine lake. Once you make it to the trailhead, it is a short hike to the lake, but there is about 528 feet of elevation gain. Take it slow if needed, bring hiking poles for additional support as the first portion of the trail is pretty rocky. This is a very well-known hiking spot so it does get crowded and parking fills up fast, arrive early to beat the crowds and get views without a ton of people in the background. Parking is on private land and does require a $20 fee at the trailhead so bring cash and prepare accordingly.
Due to the starting elevation being at over 10,000 feet, if you are planning on visiting during the winter months make sure you dress accordingly and have crampons for your hiking boots.
This trail sees all different ages, skill and fitness levels. I highly recommend this hike to those that are looking to go a short distance but want to be rewarded with some of Colorado’s best views.
Chief Mountain Trail
A friend that had visited Colorado for three months on a travel-nursing contract recommended this hike. Shout out to you Katie for the great recommendation!
Located in the Arapaho National Forest, this 2.8 mile out and back trail you gain about 950 feet in elevation. It is definitely a good uphill workout that provides you with incredible views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. Your hike up Chief Mountain starts with you hiking up through pines within the national forest; you will then reach a break in the trees before ascending through a final steep section of the trail. You will finally arrive at the summit where you are rewarded with 360 degree vista views. From this point, you are able to see some more well-known peaks such as Pikes and Longs.
This tail was well maintained and well-marked. The elevation of this hike causes drastic weather change compared to that in Denver so dress in layers and be prepared to run into snow-covered ground. Be sure to give yourself plenty of daylight time to make it to the summit, but if you can, I suggest staying around to start watching the sun go behind the mountains.
10/10 recommend. The hike was well worth the effort and the reward at Blue Pan Pizza afterwards.
Lake Isabelle via Pawnee Pass Trail
Located within the Indian Peaks Wilderness just over an hour outside of Denver, this 8-mile hike takes you to yet another alpine lake. While this was one of my longer hikes, the majority of the hike was in shaded areas and the steepest portion did not come until about half a mile from Lake Isabelle itself.
Along with the incredible views of the lake and glacier, this area is also well known for their common moose sightings. I unfortunately did not get the chance to see one on this trip but it is worth noting they frequent this area.
This hike does require a permit to park at the Lake Brainard Recreational Area which you can pick up at recreation.gov. The months of July-September are mentioned to be the best months to visit this trail, however, I think it would be beautiful year round.
Do know that in the early fall, the levels of the lake are lower, but I think that the distance and elevation gain of over 670 feet are still worth the effort to see the views.
Lake Haiyaha
Finally, we have arrived at our Rocky Mountain National Park hikes. Every hike that I did in the park was amazing but this one in particular really stuck out to me, as I was able to see three different alpine lakes in one hike. The trailhead for this popular hike is located in the Bear Lake Corridor, which requires a special timed entry permit for access on top of the entry permit needed for the national park itself. I have said it once and I will say it again, always opt for the earliest time slot possible when selecting your timed entry. These permits can be found on recreation.gov.
Once you have secured your permit, you are ready to hit the 4-mile trail to Lake Haiyaha. This out and back trail has an elevation gain of 846 feet but you are able to stop and take in the beautiful views along the way. You might even be able to catch a glimpse of Longs Peak through the trees. After leaving the trailhead and climbing up the mostly paved path, you will come to Nymph Lake, the first lake that is on this trail. This is the smallest of the three lakes but is still beautiful nonetheless. From this lake, you continue your ascend to Dream Lake.
You have another half of a mile to hike along with about 425 feet of elevation gain before arriving at this second alpine lake. The effort is absolutely worth it, dare I say this was my favorite lake within the national park. From Dream Lake you have a few options, continue to trail to the left and head to Lake Haiyaha, take the right trail and head to Emerald Lake or head back to the trailhead. I highly suggest pushing on to either of the lakes.
Lake Haiyaha is now a unique milky shade of turquoise that is not commonly seen in the Rocky Mountain National Park. It is important to know that this color is not caused by algae. This color is attributed to a rockslide that took place in 2022. Water brings down the disturbed rock sediment, known as glacial flour into the lake. These particles are then suspended in the water column and create the cloudy or murky appearance you see today.
Visiting and seeing all of these lakes are an absolute must if you are in the Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Loch via Glacier Gorge Trail
The last hike that I think needs to be on your Colorado bucket list is also within the Rocky Mountain National Park. This hike is an incredible route that features views of the Eastern Glacier Knobs, Taylor Glacier and several surrounding peaks.
This hike starts out on a more gradual incline as you make your way from the trailhead past Albert Falls. From here, you start ascending as you make your way around the Eastern Glacier Knobs. Once you make it between the knobs, you come to a junction where you can choose between heading to The Loch, Lake Haiyaha or Glacier Falls and Mills Lake.
Just past this junction, you are faced with your last push up switchbacks through an impressively scenic gorge. This section to The Loch was the toughest, which it always seems to be. Just as I feel like I am running out of energy in my tank, I am faced with the most challenging portion of the trail. As always, my efforts were rewarded with views that are even more beautiful than you can imagine.
At The Loch Vale, peaks and glaciers of the Continental Divide surround you. Be sure to pack layers, as it is typically very windy here. It was incredibly beautiful.
If you find that, you have it in you to continue, you can follow the trail around The Loch and head to Sky Pond. This adds an additional 3 miles to the hike and 700 feet of elevation gain. If you are planning to add this additional lake to your hike, be sure to have micro spikes with you, as the trails at this elevation are often quite icy. For me, the 5.4 miles and 1,064 feet of elevation gain to The Loch itself were far more than enough for me in one day!
It was another great day in the RMNP.
I think that you could spend a lifetime exploring the terrain that Colorado has to offer and still not see it all. This was an incredible place to start hiking and reignite my interest and passion for being outdoors, hard not to like it when you are in the a place like Colorado.
I look forward to returning to this state to hike more trails and mountains. In the meantime, go and check out these five for yourself and be sure to send me all of your pictures and thoughts!
Happy hiking!
