Favorite Colorado State Day Hikes

Following is a snapshot of my favorite Colorado state day hikes:

Mileage: 9.4 mi; Elevation Gain: 1,758 ft; High Point Elevation: 10,900 ft

Two friends joined me on this adventurous trek to The Loch, Lake of Glass, and Sky Pond in Rocky Mountain National Park. We purchased our 6:00-8:00 a.m. timed entry permit for Bear Lake area at 7:00 p.m. MST the night prior on Recreation.gov. We scored a permit easily and provided electronic evidence of our permit at the entrance station. Once inside the park, we headed to the Bear Lake park-n-ride and caught a shuttle to the Glacier Gorge parking area. Shuttles run every 10-15 minutes. We began our trek at 7:15 a.m. and finished at 2:15 p.m. We probably could have finished earlier, but we stopped to take lots of photographs along the way!

The Lock, Lake of Glass, and Sky Pond is my favorite hike of 2024 for the following reasons: I had wonderful trekking friends to go with; we challenged ourselves by scrambling up and down (the hardest part!) the side of a waterfall, just before the Lake of Glass; and the beauty of this hike was incredible!

Notes: If you trek in the summer, I recommend starting this hike very early (between 5:00-6:00 a.m.) AND during a weekday as the trail gets very crowded. There will likely be lots of families and groups on this trail. Expect longer wait times for the waterfall scramble and at the bus stops. Finally, if you visit the park regularly, I recommend you purchase a $15 transponder for your car windshield so you can bypass the line at the park entrance.

Mileage: 4.8 mi; Elevation Gain: 900 ft; High Point Elevation: 11,370 ft

Two friends joined me on this very scenic hike to Mitchell Lake and Blue Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. I purchased our 5:00-8:00 a.m. timed entry permit for the Mitchell Lake parking area two weeks in advance on Recreation.gov. I provided evidence of my electronic permit at the entrance to Brainard Lake Recreation Area. We began our trek at 8:00 a.m. and finished at 12:15 p.m. We probably could have finished faster, but we took our time with photographs and just enjoyed the splendor of the area!

Mitchell and Blue Lakes is my second favorite hike of 2024 for the following reasons: I had wonderful trekking friends who joined me; this relatively easy hike wowed us with a variety of flowers and views the entire way; and seeing a momma and baby moose was breathtaking!

Notes: If you trek in the summer, I recommend starting this hike early (before 7:00 a.m.) and/or during a weekday as the trail gets very crowded. Just because you have a parking permit does not guarantee you will find a parking spot!

Mileage: 10.0 mi; Elevation Gain: 1,800 ft; High Point Elevation: 12,000 ft

I completed an invigorating solo hike to Long Lake, Isabelle Lake, and Isabelle Glacier in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Having purchased my 5:00-8:00 a.m. timed entry permit for the Brainard Lake parking area two weeks in advance on Recreation.gov, I provided evidence of my electric pass at the entrance to Brainard Lake Recreation Area. My trek began at 8:20 a.m. and finished hiking at 2:00 p.m. I probably could have finished faster, but this was my first time route-finding after Lake Isabelle, I got off-track a couple times, and I stopped to chat with hiking friends along the way.

Long Lake, Isabelle Lake, and Isabelle Glacier is my third favorite hike of 2024 for the following reasons: I hiked at my own pace; I challenged myself with some route-finding and scrambling to arrive at the Glacier; and I had the glacier practically to myself!

Notes: If you trek in the summer, I recommend starting this hike early (before 7:00 am) and/or during a weekday as the trail gets very crowded around Long and Isabelle Lakes. Just because you have a parking permit does not guarantee you will find a parking spot! Finally, you will need to scramble quite a bit, cross swampy areas, and route-find after Isabelle Lake. Bring extra socks in case your feet get wet and be sure you know how to navigate!

Mileage: 9.0 mi; Elevation Gain: 2,500 ft; High Point Elevation: 11,760 ft

I completed heart-pounding hike to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park with my hiking group. We met at the Longs Peak parking area at 6:45 a.m., in time to find parking. We started our hike at 7:00 a.m. and finished around 3:00 pm.

Chasm Lake is my fourth favorite hike of 2024 for the following reasons: I joined a highly skilled and fun group of hikers and leaders; I challenged my physical and mental capacities with the snowfield crossings and scrambling; and the scenery of the subalpine forest, alpine tundra, and Longs Peak Diamond Face across Chasm Lake were all phenomenal!

Notes: I recommend doing this hike in mid-late July until the start of snow season in order to avoid crossing a snowfield. It’s scary! Also, if you trek in the summer, I recommend starting this hike early (between 5:00-6:00 am) and/or during a weekday as the trail gets very crowded. The parking lot fills very early, and there is a good chance you may be parking along the road. Finally, it’s important to display your National Park Pass on your dashboard when parking in the lot.

Mileage: 8.4 mi; Elevation Gain: 3,250 ft; High Point Elevation: 12,170 ft

I completed an incredible hike to St. Vrain Mountain in the Indian Peaks Wilderness with my hiking group. We met at the St. Vrain trailhead parking lot at 7:15 a.m., in time to find parking. We started our hike at 7:30 a.m. and finished around 2:30 p.m.

St. Vrain Mountain is my fifth favorite hike of 2024 for the following reasons: I hiked with a fun group, including two of my favorite hike leaders; I challenged myself during the steep “off-trail” trek to the summit; and the scenery along the way (meadows, forests, rocky slopes) and at the summit views exceeded my expectations!

Notes: If you trek in the summer, I recommend starting this hike early (between 6:30-7:30 a.m.) and/or during a weekday as the parking lot only accommodates 12 vehicles. Please be aware the road to the trailhead is rough, with several potholes. Finally, the last portion of the trek to the summit is essentially “off-trail” – be sure you know how to navigate.

What are your favorite hikes in 2024? I’d love to hear from you!