Are you a novice hiker (like myself) who wants to get out and hike Colorado but doesn’t quite know where to begin? Don’t let your experience level scare you away; just start with one of these 11 best short hikes in Colorado. Each trail below is either 5 miles or less, meaning you can enjoy exquisite scenery and breathtaking landscapes without committing endless hours to your outing. So lace up those hiking boots, pack plenty of water, and prepare yourself to enjoy these scenic hikes in Colorado:

Please note, Devil’s Head Lookout is closed, but set to reopen in mid-2022.

  1. Helen Hunt Falls (Colorado Springs)

Carolyn Kroll / AllTrails A hike along the south side of Cheyenne Canyon may just be perfect for a first-timer; not only is the scenery out of this world, but you can also complete the hike in less than 1 mile (0.8 miles, to be exact.)

  1. Gem Lake (Estes Park)

TripAdvisor/Marcya23 Get ready to experience Estes Park like never before from atop a stunning cliff. (The best part? You can complete the hike in 1.8 miles.)

  1. The Crags (Divide)

Flickr/mark byzewski The trail may seem a bit long (4.2 miles), but the trek is totally worth it when you get to see these beautiful formations and obtain lifelong bragging rights.

  1. Garden of the Gods Loop (Colorado Springs)

Dave Faulkner / EyeEm / GettyImages Garden of the Gods is home to several gorgeous hikes, but one of the most memorable of them all might just be this 4-mile loop around the park.

  1. Devil’s Head Lookout (Sedalia)

SFields1012 / TripAdvisor Devil’s Head Lookout may not be the most scenic hike in Colorado, but it is one of the most memorable and historic because of the National Register of Historic Place’s fire lookout at the top. (The trail runs 2.8 miles.)

  1. Stanley Canyon Reservoir Trailhead (Colorado Springs)

Luke Lafko / AllTrails Another one of Colorado Springs’ favorite trails is the 4-mile long Stanley Canyon, which offers breathtaking views of both the extravagant Air Force Academy and the Springs as a whole.

  1. South Rim Trail at Roxborough State Park (Littleton)

Dino Lenzini / AllTrails Roxborough State Park is home to several hiking trails and opportunities, but the visitor favorite is the windy, 2.5-mile South Rim Trail.

  1. South Boulder Creek Trail (Boulder)

Jack Bills / AllTrails Walk, run, or bike this 3.2-mile trail, which is located within city limits yet still offers outstanding sight-seeing opportunities.

  1. Red Rock Canyon Trail (Colorado Springs)

Selina Romero / AllTrails Fresh air and wide-open spaces await you and your family on this enchanting 5-mile hike through Red Rock Canyon.

  1. Mitchell Creek Canyon (Castle Rock)

Mitchell Creek Canyon Facebook Experience Castle Rock like never before by exploring the surrounding geologic wonders that make the area so special. (The trail is 1.5 miles.)

  1. Mount Herman (Colorado Springs)

TripAdvisor/ColoradoJAK Last but certainly not least on our list of the best short hikes in Colorado is Mount Herman, another Colorado Springs climb that packs a breathtaking punch in a mere 2.2 miles.

What are your thoughts on 11 of the best short hikes in Colorado? How many have you completed? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below! If you’re looking for even more beautiful trails, check out this list of incredibly scenic Colorado hikes.

Carolyn Kroll / AllTrails

A hike along the south side of Cheyenne Canyon may just be perfect for a first-timer; not only is the scenery out of this world, but you can also complete the hike in less than 1 mile (0.8 miles, to be exact.)

TripAdvisor/Marcya23

Get ready to experience Estes Park like never before from atop a stunning cliff. (The best part? You can complete the hike in 1.8 miles.)

Flickr/mark byzewski

The trail may seem a bit long (4.2 miles), but the trek is totally worth it when you get to see these beautiful formations and obtain lifelong bragging rights.

Dave Faulkner / EyeEm / GettyImages

Garden of the Gods is home to several gorgeous hikes, but one of the most memorable of them all might just be this 4-mile loop around the park.

SFields1012 / TripAdvisor

Devil’s Head Lookout may not be the most scenic hike in Colorado, but it is one of the most memorable and historic because of the National Register of Historic Place’s fire lookout at the top. (The trail runs 2.8 miles.)

Luke Lafko / AllTrails

Another one of Colorado Springs’ favorite trails is the 4-mile long Stanley Canyon, which offers breathtaking views of both the extravagant Air Force Academy and the Springs as a whole.

Dino Lenzini / AllTrails

Roxborough State Park is home to several hiking trails and opportunities, but the visitor favorite is the windy, 2.5-mile South Rim Trail.

Jack Bills / AllTrails

Walk, run, or bike this 3.2-mile trail, which is located within city limits yet still offers outstanding sight-seeing opportunities.

Selina Romero / AllTrails

Fresh air and wide-open spaces await you and your family on this enchanting 5-mile hike through Red Rock Canyon.

Mitchell Creek Canyon Facebook

Experience Castle Rock like never before by exploring the surrounding geologic wonders that make the area so special. (The trail is 1.5 miles.)

TripAdvisor/ColoradoJAK

Last but certainly not least on our list of the best short hikes in Colorado is Mount Herman, another Colorado Springs climb that packs a breathtaking punch in a mere 2.2 miles.

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Address: Helen Hunt Falls, Colorado 80906, USAAddress: Gem Lake Trail, Estes Park, CO 80517, USAAddress: The Crags, Colorado 80814, USAAddress: Garden of the Gods Road, Garden of the Gods Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, USAAddress: Devil’s Head Lookout, S Rampart Range Rd, Sedalia, CO 80135, USAAddress: Air Force Academy, CO 80840, USAAddress: Roxborough State Park, 4751 Roxborough Dr, Littleton, CO 80125, USAAddress: S Boulder Creek W Trail, Boulder, CO, USAAddress: Red Rock Canyon Trail, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, USAAddress: Mitchell Creek Canyon Trail, Castle Rock, CO 80104, USAAddress: Mt Herman Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Short Hikes in Colorado July 21, 2020 Beth C. What are the best hikes in Colorado for beginners? Colorado is renowned for its incredible hiking trails, some of which are considered the most beautiful in the world. And yet, finding the right hike in Colorado can be somewhat of a daunting task if you’re a beginner. Fortunately, there are hundreds upon hundreds of beginner-appropriate hikes for you to enjoy in Colorado. These easy hikes in Colorado include Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, Devil’s Head Fire Lookout, Castlewood Canyon State Park, Lair o’ the Bear in Jefferson County, and Brainard Lake, Long Lake, and Lake Isabelle in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. What are the most beautiful hikes in Colorado? Hiking in Colorado means an opportunity to experience some truly stunning scenery, whether it’s endless mountain views, lovely alpine lakes, or even sand dunes. Some of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado include Mount Bierstadt, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Bison Peak, Star Dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park, Lion Lakes at Rocky Mountain National Park, San Luis Peak, Lost Man Lake, and Mount Elbert. These beautiful hikes aren’t necessarily the easiest hikes in Colorado, so be sure to plan ahead with ample water, sunscreen, layers, food, and appropriate footwear. What are the best family-friendly hikes in Colorado? If you’re looking to take little ones out hiking, it’s best to choose hikes that aren’t too long in length and are relatively easy. Therefore, any of the 11 best short hikes in Colorado that we outlined in the above article would make a great candidate for younger hikers. Rocky Mountain National Park is also a great option for hikers of all skill levels. Plus, when you arrive at the park, you can stop by the visitor’s center to talk to park rangers who will recommend excellent hiking options for little ones. Looking for more inspiration? Here are 5 hikes under 1 mile that are totally kid-friendly.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Short Hikes in Colorado

July 21, 2020

Beth C.

What are the best hikes in Colorado for beginners? Colorado is renowned for its incredible hiking trails, some of which are considered the most beautiful in the world. And yet, finding the right hike in Colorado can be somewhat of a daunting task if you’re a beginner. Fortunately, there are hundreds upon hundreds of beginner-appropriate hikes for you to enjoy in Colorado. These easy hikes in Colorado include Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, Devil’s Head Fire Lookout, Castlewood Canyon State Park, Lair o’ the Bear in Jefferson County, and Brainard Lake, Long Lake, and Lake Isabelle in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. What are the most beautiful hikes in Colorado? Hiking in Colorado means an opportunity to experience some truly stunning scenery, whether it’s endless mountain views, lovely alpine lakes, or even sand dunes. Some of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado include Mount Bierstadt, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Bison Peak, Star Dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park, Lion Lakes at Rocky Mountain National Park, San Luis Peak, Lost Man Lake, and Mount Elbert. These beautiful hikes aren’t necessarily the easiest hikes in Colorado, so be sure to plan ahead with ample water, sunscreen, layers, food, and appropriate footwear. What are the best family-friendly hikes in Colorado? If you’re looking to take little ones out hiking, it’s best to choose hikes that aren’t too long in length and are relatively easy. Therefore, any of the 11 best short hikes in Colorado that we outlined in the above article would make a great candidate for younger hikers. Rocky Mountain National Park is also a great option for hikers of all skill levels. Plus, when you arrive at the park, you can stop by the visitor’s center to talk to park rangers who will recommend excellent hiking options for little ones. Looking for more inspiration? Here are 5 hikes under 1 mile that are totally kid-friendly.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Colorado is renowned for its incredible hiking trails, some of which are considered the most beautiful in the world. And yet, finding the right hike in Colorado can be somewhat of a daunting task if you’re a beginner. Fortunately, there are hundreds upon hundreds of beginner-appropriate hikes for you to enjoy in Colorado. These easy hikes in Colorado include Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, Devil’s Head Fire Lookout, Castlewood Canyon State Park, Lair o’ the Bear in Jefferson County, and Brainard Lake, Long Lake, and Lake Isabelle in the Indian Peaks Wilderness.

What are the most beautiful hikes in Colorado?

Hiking in Colorado means an opportunity to experience some truly stunning scenery, whether it’s endless mountain views, lovely alpine lakes, or even sand dunes. Some of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado include Mount Bierstadt, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Bison Peak, Star Dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park, Lion Lakes at Rocky Mountain National Park, San Luis Peak, Lost Man Lake, and Mount Elbert. These beautiful hikes aren’t necessarily the easiest hikes in Colorado, so be sure to plan ahead with ample water, sunscreen, layers, food, and appropriate footwear.

What are the best family-friendly hikes in Colorado?

If you’re looking to take little ones out hiking, it’s best to choose hikes that aren’t too long in length and are relatively easy. Therefore, any of the 11 best short hikes in Colorado that we outlined in the above article would make a great candidate for younger hikers. Rocky Mountain National Park is also a great option for hikers of all skill levels. Plus, when you arrive at the park, you can stop by the visitor’s center to talk to park rangers who will recommend excellent hiking options for little ones. Looking for more inspiration? Here are 5 hikes under 1 mile that are totally kid-friendly.