Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Looking for the best hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Rocky Mountain National Park. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Rocky Mountain National Park

  • Boulder, Colorado

    Hike the Enchanted Mesa Trail

    4.0
    1.4 mi / 440 ft gain
    Start out on McClintock Trail for 0.7 miles (this particular stretch can get muddy), before switching over to Enchanted Mesa Trail. To add a scenic 0.4 miles to your hike, take the Quarry Loop by turning right at the stone cabin, then following the steps up to the quarry, where you can overlook t...
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  • Idaho Springs, Colorado

    Snowshoe Jim Creek Trail

    5 mi / 965 ft gain
    Starting at 9,220 feet of elevation, this 5 mile out-and-back snowshoe begins its 965 foot elevation gain meandering through a quiet forest. The trail will take you through the woods for a few miles, and you can turn around whenever you like. If you're up for a challenge and have a lot of time, y...
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  • Bellvue, Colorado

    Climb Greyrock Mountain

    5.0
    7.1 mi / 3000 ft gain
    The main trail begins at the Cache La Poudre river on the Poudre Canyon Highway about 30 minutes from Fort Collins. After about .75 miles the trail splits. To go left on Greyrock Meadows trail adds 2 miles to your trip and provides excellent views of Greyrock Mountain and Meadows from the south, ...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Walker Ranch Loop

    4.7
    7.65 mi / 1601 ft gain
    When it comes to hiking trails in Boulder, the standard response usually consists of either Chautauqua Park or Mt. Sanitas, and while both offer excellent hiking options, they are both usually jam packed on the weekends. If you’re looking to stay close to the city, but want a little more seclusio...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Scramble Angel's Way

    5 mi / 1000 ft gain
    Angel's Way is an amazing 8 pitch rock climb scramble (5.2) that is tucked away in Skunk Canyon, hidden from the crowds of Chautauqua. The best part of this scramble is you only need your climbing shoes and chalk-bag. It is similar to the 'Free Way' on the Second Flatiron. I would encourage ev...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Woods Quarry via NCAR

    4.2
    3.28 mi / 755 ft gain
    You can start from Chautauqua Park, but I prefer to start at NCAR, especially since there is ample parking and you can take a bathroom break inside before hitting the trail. From the intersection of Table Mesa Drive and Broadway in Boulder, drive west on Table Mesa to its end at the NCAR buildin...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Mars Blocks via Bear Canyon Trailhead

    4.89 mi / 1923 ft gain
    The Bear Canyon Trailhead is just one of many starting points for this hike, one could also start at NCAR, North Fork Shanahan, or any point on the Mesa Trail. For the purposes of this adventure, I'll start at Bear Canyon Trailhead in South Boulder. This hike will take you about 2-4 hours dependi...
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  • Bellvue, Colorado

    Hike the Black Powder Trail

    1.5 mi / 450 ft gain
    The Gateway Natural Area, part of the City of Fort Collins public lands system, is a wonderful (and close to the city) place to begin exploring the many outdoor assets and activities found in the greater Fort Collins area. The Black Powder Trail is a relatively easy, well-marked 1.5 mile out and ...
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  • Fraser, Colorado

    Summit Byers Peak

    8.8 mi / 2774 ft gain
    The drive to the start of the trail is okay, having a high clearance vehicle would make the drive easier, but is not necessary.  Free parking is available along the side of the road.The trail starts on a closed service road at a gate and requires you to either hike or bike up the dirt road (2 mil...
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  • Fort Collins, Colorado

    Hike the North Loop via Foothills Trail

    5.0
    6.5 mi / 700 ft gain
    Despite its singular name, the Foothills Trail in Fort Collins is an interconnected series of trails that follows the ridges and hogsbacks which comprise the majority of the eastern side of the Horsetooth Reservoir. The trail can be accessed at several points along its length (by trails also call...
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  • Fort Collins, Colorado

    Fat Tire Bike the Foothills Trail

    5.0
    8.5 mi / 1000 ft gain
    The Reservoir Ridge and Foothills trail system around Horsetooth Reservoir and Fort Collins is excellent for mountain biking, trail running, and hiking. During the winter it is particularly great for fat tire mountain biking, and the Foothills Trail is one of the best. The trail itself is roughly...
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  • Laporte, Colorado

    Bellvue Dome (Private Property)

    2.8
    1.75 mi / 600 ft gain
    This adventure is on Private Property. Please do not access this adventure without permission from the property owner.  Gorgeous views up and down the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, from Greyrock Mountain to Boulder, all while overlooking the Cache la Poudre River some 600 foot below. Th...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Boulder's Skyline Traverse

    5.0
    14.77 mi / 4583 ft gain
    Have you ever reached the bottom of a hike with some friends and thought, 'That was nice, but I'd still like to hike more... a lot more.'? Then the Skyline Traverse is for you. Instead of hiking just Green Mountain or Bear Peak, the Skyline Traverse links South Boulder Peak, Bear Peak, Green Mou...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Shanahan Ridge Trail

    4.0
    3.84 mi / 715 ft gain
    Starting on the edge of a neighborhood in South Boulder, this 3.8 mile loop begins its 869 foot elevation gain by meandering through a pine forest. You can 'choose your own adventure' by exploring the handful of trails that meet up with the Shanahan Ridge Trail, such as the South Mesa Trail, Shad...
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  • Black Hawk, Colorado

    Racoon Trail to Panorama Point

    4.0
    3.49 mi / 686 ft gain
    Summer is a magical time of year in the Rocky Mountains. One great way to experience this stunning beauty is through hiking Raccoon Trail to Panorama Point at Golden Gate State Park. Raccoon Trail is 3.3 mile moderately difficult hike which can be completed in under an hour, although it will like...
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  • Idaho Springs, Colorado

    Camp and Fish at Loch Lomond

    5.0
    The trail to Loch Lomond is very rocky. I suggest a high clearance 4x4 vehicle (I did see a small SUV and a Subaru..Not sure how they did it!!!). There are a few campsites at the lake and several along the way. I set up camp by the lake but had to move because the wind was so intense. I recommend...
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