Falls colors | Fun Colorado Hikes

Herman Gulch Trail

Herman Gulch Trail (TR 98) is a popular 5 mile roundtrip hike just off I-70 before reaching Loveland Ski Area (Exit 218). It is a well-maintained trail that connects to the Continental Divide Trail.

With fantastic mountain and valley views, elevation gain, and many wildflowers, this trail is a very popular area leading to the base of the Continental Divide. Patches of snow often last throughout the summer and wildflowers line the trail and fields.

After starting out on a level jeep trail, the trail then begins to head uphill continuing to Herman Lake – the elevation gain is significant from base to summit (1,600ft gain over a 2.5 mile distance). The gulch area has is all: beautiful streams, cascades, high peaks, valleys and lush meadows surround the trail. Fireweed and marsh lily grow along the wet areas. Coming up out of the woods above treeline, the trail steepens and offers views of the surrounding peaks, sometimes snow covered, as well as the tundra-like fields and flowers. The trail steepens and brings you up to the lake.

The view from the top is fabulous! With Herman Lake (a beautiful glacial lake) and the Continental Divide at your back, it is a crisp and refreshing hike. The tundra has subalpine flowers; take a close look because they grow low to the ground – tiny white and yellow flowers.

Trail and Platte River in Waterton Canyon

Colorado Trail (Segment 1) Waterton Canyon

Trailhead Sign

The beginning of the Colorado Trail is the Waterton Canyon Trail segment adjacent to Chatfield State Park on Waterton Rd. This section of the famous trail is very popular due to its proximatey to Denver and easy access to the trailhead.
Though segment-1 is 15 miles long ending in the Foxton area, many hikers and mountain bikers chose to travel in-and-out without completing the entire 15 miles from end-to-end (or 30 miles roundtrip).

Starting up waterton canyon

The first portion of the hike travels along the water access road along the South Platte River. This is a pleasant hike that leads under huge cottonwood trees,towering canyon cliffs and near rushing water.
This trail is heavily traveled but there is plenty of space for all hikers, mountain bikers and casual day hikers who enjoy the many attributes of the area.

Waterton Canyon Trail through the trees

We traveled in one mile and out again but got a taste of the canyon scenery and the wildlife in the canyon. Big horn sheep are commonly seen on the cliffs and dogs are not allowed on this portion of the trail for that reason.
As the trail enters deeper into Waterton canyon, the trail narrows to a footpath shared by hikers and bikers.

Entering the Waterton Canyon

Waterton Canyon Trail first portion

Platte River in Waterton Canyon

Platte River in Waterton Canyon one mile mark

Trail and Platte River in Waterton Canyon

Trail and Platte River in Waterton Canyon 2

Waterton Canyon big horn sheep

Indian Creek Trail

Indian Creek Trail Head sign

Nestled in the foothills just 11 miles west of Sedalia, sits this pleasant and surprisingly pretty trail. The south end of the Indian Creek Trail #800 in Pike National Forest offers a three mile loop trail that begins and ends at the Indian Creek Campground.
Indian Creek Trail sign
The trail begins at the south end of the parking lot just past the rest station. But before heading out on the trail be sure to register and pay the day fee for parking ($6) – the National Forest Service has collection boxes at the parking lot where you can pay with cash or check. (We saw a car parked out on CO-67; obviously parking out there allowed them a free day of biking or hiking).
Indian Creek Trail Marker
The trail begins on a gentle incline through pine and aspen trees. It is a well-traveled and well-maintained trail that winds through shady forest up over several ridges. Wildflowers are scattered alongside the trail for the entire 3 miles. Look for redish Indian Paintbrush, pink Wild Rose, yellow Milkweed, pale purple Columbine, and dark purple Larkspur.
Indian Creek Trail
The hike is a moderate climb. Not too steep but enough to bring you up to some wonderful vantage points where the views of the western mountains will surprise you!
Indian Creek Trail 2
Looking west towards the mountains, you will see the Deckers area as well as Devil’s Head to the south. Further south you can glimpse Pikes Peak on a clear day. These views are the big payoff of the hike.
Indian Creek Trail 3

Indian Creek Trail 4

Indian Creek Trail 5
As you continue past the first lookout on the first ridge, you can catch glimpses of the views to the northern mountains as well. Keep looking, you will see several areas where views of the mountains will awe you.
Indian Creek Trail view
After hiking for about 40 minutes (1.6 miles) the trail comes to a junction. It is a busy crossing where we encountered many mountain bikers and horseback riders. You will see signs for the Ringtail Trail to the north and a sign for the Indian Creek Trail #800. Do not continue on the Indian Creek Trail (unless you are planning a 14 mile loop hike out to Roxburough Park). Instead, go right (south) on the fire road. This will take you back to the Indian Creek campground and parking lot to finish this three-mile loop hike.
As you head down to your car, you will enjoy the scenery along the rough fire road as well as the lush grasses and wildflowers. When you reach the campground on your right, cut through it to get back to the parking lot/trailhead where you began.

Indian Creek Trail 6

Indian Creek Trail horses
Indian Creek Trail flowers
Indian Creek Trail flowers 2
Indian Creek Trail trees
Indian Creek Trail road
Indian Creek Trail road 2
Fire road heads south to the Indian Creek campground and trailhead.
Indian Creek Trail flowers 3
Indian Creek Trail butterfly
Indian Creek Trail trees2
Indian Creek Trail parking

Colorado Trail (Segment 6): Kenosha Pass to Goldhill

This section of the Colorado Trail, Kenosha Pass toward Goldhill, is absolutely beautiful with Rocky Mountain views and views of South Park valley area. If you have ever hiked any section of the Colorado Trail, you know that it’s a fun experience to be on a trail that winds 468 miles through beautiful Colorado.

This trailhead is easily accessible by car with parking along the west side of Hwy 285.

The trail begins just off of Hwy 285 at Kenosha Pass campground. From there, the trail leads through pine and aspen forest for about 2 miles until it emerges at the edge of an enormous valley overlooking South Park and Fairplay. The surrounding peaks to the south and west are part of the Mosquito Range.

This is a fantastic section of trail. There are many wildflowers and butterflies in the area and the open trail along the side of the hill allows you to see views overlooking the massive plains and valley below. We usually hike down the side of this south-facing hill and into the woods until we come to a large clearing on the right side of the trail (it looks like a good place to camp and could have been a lake at one time; now all dried up). It’s a good area to rest, take-in the scenery, have a bite to eat and then head back for the parking lot.
No Restrooms available at parking lot.

Other trails in this area you may enjoy: Colorado Trail Kenosha Pass to Long Gulch segment

Picnic recommendation:
Once you come over the hill and see the valley and the Rockies in the distance, use the wooden bench or continue on the trail to the field pictured above (this is our favorite place to stop and then head back to the car; making it a 4-mile round trip hike. The entire segment ending at Goldhill is 32 miles)!

Chief Mountain Trail on Squaw Pass Road

Bierstadt Lake Trail (Rocky Mountain National Park)

Rocky Mountain National Park offers so many hiking trails that you will be sure to get on at least one that really has it all!! The Bierstadt Lake trail is uphill to the top (1.2 miles). The gradual uphill climb is a workout, but well worth every switchback.

There are fabulous views all the way. Rocky peaks, Aspen groves, grassy hills, wild flowers and at the end of the trail, a small lake.

The best part of this hike is that the lake is the perfect habitat for moose to hang out. We were fortunate enough to be there at the right time – a female moose was feeding on the grass in the lake. What a treat!!
Restrooms available at trailhead.

The Lake at the end of the trail offers the best picnic area around. Views, water and wildlife!

Colorado Trail (Segment 5): Kenosha Pass To Long Gulch

This hike is a segment of the Colorado Trail. When you reach Kenosha pass you will need to go to the east side of HWY 285 to park. The trail is located just to the south of the parking lot.
This hike is easy to moderate and offers nice, shady forest, grassy meadows, views of the Rockies and a pleasant climb. The trail is well maintained and heavily traveled. You will enjoy the views over Park County as you gradually ascend this portion of the trail. The wildflowers along the trail vary and are plentiful.

It is a wonderful fall hike – the huge aspen trees tower above the trail in golden colors. It is a pleasant trail that wanders through the forest at a slight uphill grade with wonderful views of the valley looking south toward Fairplay.

We hiked with our kids (all under age 7) for about an hour (approx. 1 mile). This took us to a lookout area with rocks and logs where we had lunch and looked down into the valley and out to the south. It was a beautiful picnic spot.

One thing we noticed was at this time of year, September, there are still a lot of mosquitos and gnats in the area. Be sure to take bug spray with you – it will make your hike a lot more pleasant. Restrooms available at parking lot.

Other hikes in this area you may enjoy Colorado Trail Kenosha Pass to Goldhill segment

Picnic Recommendations: Anywhere along the trail – we like eating where there is a nice view.

Bergen Peak Trail at Elk Meadow Open Space Park

In the beautiful town mountain town of Evergreen lies Bergen Peak at Elk Meadow Open Space Park. This is a popular hike spot for locals as well as vacationers. The trail offers easy access by car, ample parking and a variety of well-maintained trails. The trail that we enjoy with our family (Meadow View Trail connecting with Bergen Peak Trail) slowly ambles up the side of Bergen mountain above the expansive Elk Meadow that you will get glimpses of as you go.

The trail, shaded by huge Ponderosa Pines, offers views of the town below, Denver in the distance, Aspen tree stands, cool and lush ground coverage and the towering Bergen Peak. The climb is long and uphill with switchbacks taking you to the top of Bergen Peak – a hike well worth the effort. The top offers great views.

Some history about the area: Elk Meadow was a ranching area for cattle since the 1870’s and purchased by Jefferson County beginning in the 1970’s. Grab a map at the trailhead to take with you.

Picnic spot recommendations:
After hiking for about 35 minutes from Meadow View Trail and then onto Bergen Peak trail, and just off the side of the trail looking south, there are some beautiful views of the foothills – we like to picnic here. If you would prefer, there are also picnic tables near the parking area. Restrooms available at trailhead.

Burning Bear Trail #601 (West Entry)

Along Burning Bears Trail 1

Burning Bear Trail TR #601 is a nice, pleasant trail with views, forest, wildflowers and a trickling creek. Whether you hike 11 miles from end-to-end and back again or just a section in-and-back, you will enjoy the hike.
This is a low use trail with few hikers because of its obscure, almost hidden trailhead. It is a diverse trail that will take you through open meadow, aspen stands, through lodge pole pine forest, and alongside Lamping Creek for most of your hike.

It is an easy to moderate trail with some gentle uphill sections and some flat sections. As you move along the trail there are beautiful aspen stands. There are views through the trees. And there are sections of trail through the lodge pole pine forest and up over the hills toward the Guanella Pass Road and the east entry of Burning Bear Trail (TR #601).

If you complete the trail you will find yourself finishing at the east trailhead (5.5 miles one way). You may want to hike the entire trail 11 miles round trip. Or from one end to the other if you can arrange to have a car at each end. Or, like us, hike in a couple miles and back out again to the west trailhead. Whichever option you choose, you will enjoy this peaceful, scenic trail.

Along Burning Bears Trail 2

Along Burning Bear Trail 3

Along Burning Bear Trail 4

To view the east trailhead entry see: Burning Bear Trail East Entry.

Maxwell Falls Cliff Loop Trail

From the parking lot (upper Maxwell Falls trailhead) start down the trail toward the falls. The trail will fork two times; take the left trail both times and you will be moving up a slight incline.

This loop trail (called The Cliff Loop) goes through pine, aspen forest, and up-over-and-around huge rocky cliffs and then eventually down along the Maxwell Falls.

The falls are really a series of cascades in a beautiful lush, green forest. There is plenty of shade all along the trail. It is well-traveled and maintained. There are many hikers and dogs along the way.

Be careful when you near the end of the loop (above the falls) it is a long way down. (You will see people lounging on the cliffs above the falls). This is a great place to spend a lazy day and/or make it an early evening hike. Weekdays and evenings at Maxwell Falls are not so busy. No restrooms available at the trailhead.

Picnic Spot Recommendations: Pack a picnic and eat on one of the high points of the trail where you can see some views of the surrounding mountains in shades of blue and green trees.

Deer Mountain Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park

The trailhead is at Deer Ridge Junction just a couple of miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance to the Rocky Mountain National Park (entering from the Estes Park side).The space for parking is limited along the side of the road so it is best to arrive early.

The trail begins its gradual ascent up the side of Deer Mountain in pine forest. This hike offers beautiful views all the way.The forest is not thick as you make your way up the first 3/4 of the trail allowing you to see surrounding peaks in the park. Views from the trail are plenty; you will see meadows, snow covered mountains, wildflowers on the hillsides and pine forests as you amble up the side of Deer Mountain.

After a series of switchbacks near the top of the mountain, you will finish your hike at the peak (elevation 10,013 ft.) with fantastic views of all the surrounding mountains and valleys in the park including Moraine Park and Longs Peak. Well worth the hike up!

The trail is well-traveled and well-maintained. During late spring and early summer, you may find snow in shady areas and at the top depending on the winter snowfall amounts. Ask a ranger at the visitor center for trail conditions. Other hikes inthe park you may enjoy: Alpine Ridge Trail

Mountain Lion Trail

mountain lion trail

Just like Burro Trail, the Mountain Lion trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park is challenging and a little bit longer. The trail will take you in a 6.7 mile loop that moves through small meadow, aspen stands, up hills, through pine tree stands and past “Forgotten Valley” wilderness campground. You may also take a jaunt out to “Windy Peak” lookout.

Lookout

This is one of the park’s longer trails, so start early, take your lunch, wear your boots and enjoy a great hike. Grab a park map and start this trail at the Nott Creek trailhead.

Golden Gate State Park is 30 minutes drive west of Denver. There is a park fee and a visitor center for info and unique wildlife displays. You may also be interested in Burro Trail or Raccoon Trail at Golden Gate Park.

Bear Creek Trail and Bruin Bluff Trail (Lair O’ the Bear Park)

A nice easy loop hike at the Lair O’ the Bear Park starts at the parking lot and follows the Bear Creek Trail west, then go left over the bridge to Castor Cutoff Trail to Bruin Bluff Trail, and then go left over the Ouzel bridge to Bear Creek Trail again. Grab a map at the parking lot for a personal trail map.

This loop trail follows Bear Creek under huge cottonwood trees to a wood planked bridge.

It is a pleasant hike, shaded in areas, slightly uphill through pine trees along the side of a grassy meadow with views of the canyon and the creek. It is a good loop trail within the park where you can experience a little bit of the various micro climates of the park (creek, pine forest, canyon views, grassy meadow).

For a more challenging hike, you may like the Bruin Bluff Trail that moves up over the top of the hill/side of the canyon (1.9 miles loop trail).

One thing to keep in mind is that this park is very crowded on weekends so come on a weekday or early morning to avoid crowds. There are picnic pavillions and grills available along the creekside too.