Best overnight Hikes in Colorado

[mitchellmountain]

My son and I are going out in August for 5 days and am looking for a couple over night hikes to do. Nothing too crazy( we're flatlanders) but good vistas. I have done a lot of backpacking ,he has not but is 17 and in great shape. Gear is not an issue. I've hunted quite a bit out there but haven't really hiked outside of the area around Estes and the park. Any input is appreciated!!

MM

 

[Poser]

In the entire state?

 

[SandyCreek]

Throw a dart at the map, or have your son pick a place that looks cool and hike it.

 

[GunsAreFun]

Throw a dart at the map, or have your son pick a place that looks cool and hike it.

Man, I was going to say as a fellow flatlander, but one who still is relatively spoiled to spend a lot of time in the beautiful Ozarks, that you really can’t go wrong. I get that there are so many options that it is overwhelming.

Personally, I’d go where I hunt but maybe a new part of the unit so it can double as a scouting trip.

Another option is to follow the Continental Divide Trail on the map and find some spots where you can combine it with other trails to make a loop hike. There’s going to be views for days up there.

I personally like to avoid crowds so I look for random pulls offs on Forest Service roads. Drive up those roads as far as your vehicle will take you and walk the rest until it connects with a trail or other roads.

 

[mitchellmountain]

I should have worded it a little differently, we're flying into Denver and going out from there . Basically if anyone has a favorite hike they've done, that's what I'm asking. I hunt the northwest corner and it's not the most scenic of places, lol

 

[The_Jim]

How far are you looking to travel from Denver?

 

[mitchellmountain]

I'm open to pretty much anywhere in the state. It's just a father son trip to go out and see the mountains

 

[Poser]

Rio Grande Pyramid

Rio Grande Pyramid Trip Report 09/12/2019

14ers.com Trip Report - Redemption on RGP 09/12/2019

www.14ers.com

 

[TaperPin]

I think the panorama from the middle of Rocky Mountain National Park looking south into the Loch and Bear Lake area is one of the best views in all of the western states, but first hiking the area above Bear Lake gives you the impressive up close look.

Keep in mind this part of Colorado is part of the lightning belt and it’s best to be off the top of any ridge or peak by noon to avoid the afternoon lightning shows. I have no idea what backpacking or camping regulations are, but these are fantastic day hikes. I’ve been there maybe 20 times and it never gets old. Maps and photographs don’t do it justice.

Depending on the altitude you’re used to, it’s often not a bad idea to spend the night down lower and play in the higher areas during the day.

 

[fngTony]

Would you consider a scenic day trip?

 

[mitchellmountain]

Would you consider a scenic day trip?

Sure! Anything is on the table except really long multiple night trips.

 

[justinspicher]

Do an out and back on the Colorado trail. The trail head is off 470 in Littleton.

 

[huntineveryday]

We hiked the Pawnee-Buchanan Loop in the Indian Peaks Wilderness area, it's a gorgeous hike. Access from the Brainard Lake area requires some planning to get access, but day trips in that area would be good as well. Hiking up into the area from the west would eliminate a lot of crowds and headaches.

We hiked the 4 Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells last summer, it's an epic trip. A lot of work and not the easiest to get access, but it's a beautiful area as well. A trip up to Geneva Lake from the Crested Butte side would be a lot of fun without doing the whole Loop.