10. Ouray Perimeter Trail
5.9 miles / 1,600 ft Elevation Gain
Ouray, Colorado
Ouray is my favorite town in Colorado and this trail is the perfect way to take it in from every angle – You literally ciricle the town. It’s challenging, but you have to add it to your list when you’re road tripping through Southwest Colorado.
2.9 Miles / 649 ft Elevation Gain
Evergreen, Colorado
There’s not much that beats this view! It’s only three miles round trip for panorama views. Plus, the drive from Denver is beautiful the whole way and you get a little shade from the brutal Colorado sun.
2.3 Miles / 1,003 ft. Elevation Gain
Georgetown, Colorado
You have to put this 13er on your list for this summer (maybe late summer so most of the snow melts) because the views are unmatched for the entire, quick but steep trail. It’s definitely not easy, but well worth the effort.
6 miles / 994 ft Elevation Gain
Indian Peaks Wilderness
Indian Peaks Wilderness is one of my favorite spots for hiking but I tend to always go back to my favorite, Lake Isabel. Blue Lakes is on the other side and is incredibly stunning, with the lake living up to it’s name in a big way!
3.4 Miles / 990 ft. Elevation Gain
Estes Park, Colorado
Gem Lake is one of my favorite hikes near Estes Park (which is also one of my favorite weekend trips.) It’s not through the main entrance, so it can be a little easier to get to and the views are totally worth it. You get views of Estes Park and the surrounding mountains, plus a gorgeous lake at the top for just a few miles.
2.9 Miles /364 ft. Elevation Gain
Gunnison, Colorado
If one National Park is on your list for Summer 2022 in Colorado, it’s got to be Black Canyon of the Gunnison (perfect stop for a Southwest Colorado Road Trip.) It’s the least visited National Park in Colorado & this hike is quick, easy and has some of the best views I’ve ever seen in my life.
1.0 Miles / 147 ft. Elevation Gain
Woodland Park, Colorado
This little slice of paradise is south and west of Denver by about an hour and half. It’s a busy one so try to sneak off on a hot summer afternoon to cool down in this perfect little slice of paradise. Bring lunch, bring a float and enjoy!
9.2 Miles / 1,837 ft. Elevation Gain
Rocky Mountain National Park
Sky Pond is on my list every summer and it’s one of the few I’ll wake up at 3am for. This is a BUSY hike however, if you get started right at sunrise you’ll be rewarded in a big way. There is one tough part where you climb a waterfall but I promise – it’s worth it.
2. Upper Piney River Trail
6 Miles / 731 ft. Elevation Gain
Vail, Colorado
Save this hike for when the fall colors peak in September because there are enless Aspens. It’s out near Vail and there’s about 40 minutes on a dirt road to get to the trailhead but it’s such a stunner that it’s worth the trip.
7 miles / 902 ft Elevation Gain
Indian Peaks Wilderness
It’s no secret Lake Isabel is my all time favorite so if you haven’t done it yet make it a point to get up there this summer. Mid to late summer and into fall will be the best time once the snow melts. Don’t forget to bring lunch to enjoy at the iconic spot!
