One of the best ways to explore the Colorado Rockies is by hiking them. They offer so many different elevation changes, terrain types, and diverse vegetation and wildlife. The Colorado Rockies remain very diverse and offer many different places to go and explore. There are many popular and paved hiking trails that can take you on a great hike around the mountain ranges. Other trails are meant for more extreme wilderness campers. Where you choose to go and what you bring will depend on your budget, the condition of the trail, the weather, where you are staying, and how long you plan to be gone.
Here are some popular and common hiking trails in Colorado:
THE AMERICAN DISCOVERY TRAIL
American discovery trail, one of the most popular hikes in the Colorado Rockies, offers a variety of climates and vegetation. The trail is often called a “day hike” because it can be completed in one day. Generally, the trail is a mix of meadows and forests, and mountain peaks can be seen all around. The trail passes through several wildlife refuges before its final stretch back to Fort Collins. The trailhead in Old Fort Collins is at the intersection of Western Avenue and South Forest Road, and its best destination is in the town of Cade City.
Disney’s proprietary trail system in the U.S.A.A. starts at the Cape Florida State Park and ends at the Grand Canyon. This trail system will take you more than 2000 miles and 7 days to complete. There are more than 15 mountain passes in between and you can vary the route you take in order to do more or less than you planned.KIlly Colaoud Forest Bike Trailis one of the least used and marshiest of the trails in the Southern Rocky Mountains. This is a fantastic trail that offers a variety of great scenery and biking conditions. The trail clicks easily into existing trails and provides information on camping, fishing and more. Check for permits and other details at the Trinidad Parks and Wildlife office in Ladner.
Colorado State Forest Bike TrailThe Colorado state forest offers some of the best mountain biking in the world. Once you have experienced the lush, green, large-as-a-pancake scenery, you will never look at a forest cam with snow gray and peaks higher than 8,000 feet. When you are looking to do a full day of biking, doing everything from road biking to the dirt, the Colorado state forest bike trail will fill your vision.
Northern Hideaway Cycling TrailThe northern hideaway cycling trail is right at Grand lake in theIdaho state forest. This is a 24 mile trail that is completely graveled and offers a variety of routes to choose from. The trip is between 2 ½ and 5 miles depending on which trail you choose. The northern route includes many of the most popular mountain bike trails in the state including the Hyden Mountain Bike Trail.
If you are near Grand Lake, Grand Lake State Park is a great place to stay. There are no motorized boats or boats in the area, making itidae free and unique. You can fish, go kayaking, or take a boat out for yellow perch and sunfish. If your outdoor adventures take you far from home, you will be satisfy here.
Oviando a freshwater lagoon and calm waters on sunny days. Visit the asthmatic family while you are there. They can enjoy a boat trip or a tour of the waterfalls, caves and other features of the area.
Grand Mesa State ParkThis is one of the most beautiful, naturalest and most diverse state parks in the U.S. If you like to camp, hike or visit nature, you will not be disappointed. Relax and unwind while you are there. The water cascading down the canyons make for some great pictures. You can reach the top of the mesa top or canyon rim (about 7 miles/11.5 km) by biking or hiking on the trails.
Bryce Canyon National ParkThis is one of the most Wow! Pristine areas in the world! I am sure that you will love it. Bike, hike, picnic or camp. The lodge and cabins are available but you have to reserve in advance since it is a very popular location. The park offers several tour options.
Cape Lookout State ParkJust south of Phoenix (about 150 miles SE of Phoenix) you can enjoy Cape Lookout State Park camping, hiking, biking and more. Cape lookout state park is on the Phoenix metro area and is located south oficum city. It is easy to reach via Route 101 and also via Route 65.
Coronado National Forest Coronado National Forest is off Coronado Lake Road and west oficum. It is accessible by truck and takes about 4 hours to traverse.
