Hiking and adventure tips for visiting Colorado
If you're heading to my current home of Colorado this summer to spend ample time outside, it helps to know what kind of terrain calls to you. There’s no shortage of mountains, alpine lakes and soft trails lined with wildflowers in this beautiful oasis I keep coming back to. But some places might feel better under your boots than others, depending on how active you want to be and what you want to see.
Here are a few of my favorites, for the views, the solitude or just the way they remind me to slow down.
Steamboat Springs: Best for easy-to-access beauty
Steamboat Springs might be known for snow, but its trails in warmer months are reason enough to visit. Even if you're not trying to log serious miles, you'll find places that feel worthy of exploring.
Spring Creek Trail is a top destination. You don’t have to go far to feel enveloped by its woodsy magic. The trail is soft and steady, a little narrow in spots but mostly gentle. It follows a creek the whole way, so you get that layered sound of water and wind, plus a mix of pine and aspen. Great for a casual walk or a run if you're acclimated to the elevation.
What to know if you go:
~10 miles out-and-back, moderate incline
Creekside, shaded, dog- and bike-friendly
Starts in town; parking can fill up fast
Blackmere Trail, which leads to the top of Emerald Mountain, is where I go if I want a little more climb without the crowd. You’ll pass the occasional mountain biker or dog charging ahead, but the higher you go, the quieter it gets. At the top, there's a bench and a breathtaking view with enough space to sit, enjoy a snack, and feel the air change.
What to know if you go:
~4 miles round-trip, moderate climb
Open views, aspens, a favorite for locals (like me!)
Great for sunrise and sunset
Fish Creek Falls is louder, both in terms of sound and the number of people who come through. But it’s worth it. If you take the short path to the overlook, it’s an easy reward. You can also continue hiking past the falls and into more rugged terrain. It’s flexible that way. I like it early or late in the day when the soft light looms over the water.
What to know if you go:
0.25 miles to lower falls; longer hikes beyond
Powerful waterfall, accessible path
Busy mid-day; best early or late
Flat Tops Wilderness: Best for gentle high-country exploration away from crowds
If you’ve got time to drive out a bit farther and want an authentic alpine experience, the Flat Tops are quiet and vast. This isn’t the spot for a quick look around! Plan to spend the day out here.
One hike that stays with me is the Devil’s Causeway Loop. For more of the hike, it’s peaceful, with meadows, lakes and open ridges. But then you reach the Causeway itself.
I didn’t cross it because it’s a narrow, exposed ridge with steep drops on both sides, but the views from the top, I hear, are beautiful if you’re brave enough. If you decide not to, there’s still lots of gorgeous scenery to keep you occupied. Part of what I love so much about being in nature is that you’re on no one’s timeline but your own.
What to know if you go:
Mornings are best for light, temperature, and fewer people.
Most trails are dog-friendly, but check leash rules.
Respect the pace of the trail, and let the place inform your level of movement.
Essential Colorado packing list for outdoor adventures:
Layers: The weather turns quickly, even in summer. A light rain shell and an extra layer for warmth are always worth carrying.
Water: Bring more hydrogen-rich, ionized water in a durable water bottle than you think you’ll need. Many of these trails are exposed, and the sun hits harder at elevation. The higher the quality of the water, the more hydrated you’ll be to traverse this expansive wilderness.*
Shoes: Invest in a pair that can handle rock and mud, especially in early summer when snowmelt is still active.
Altitude preparation: Allow a day or two to acclimate before hiking steep trails. Pack electrolytes, snacks, or salty foods, in addition to plenty of high-quality water (not filtered or tap water), and pace yourself with frequent breaks to adjust smoothly to higher elevations.
Offline maps: Cell service is spotty, especially in the Flat Tops. Download maps in advance and don’t rely on signal.
These certainly aren’t the most challenging hikes in Colorado, and they’re not meant to be. They’re the ones I most want to share with you because they always stay with me weeks after I’ve left them. These places made space for whatever I was carrying, and I hope they do the same for you.
Take your time, enjoy the sights, and let me know which one you liked best!