Colorado is known as the holy grail of backpacking and the outdoors. There is an abundance of water available on most hikes and the views are, of course, outstanding!
Whether you’re looking for a hiking spot near Denver or want to extend your horizons to the further reaches of the state, you’re in no short supply of outstanding backpacking routes that are just right for you.
Know before you go
While it is possible to do many of Colorado’s backpacking trails year-round, higher elevations typically have snow from October through mid-June, so you must always be prepared for snow and cold conditions. Some of the best summer backpacking is accessible in these higher elevations typically from July through September.
The summers might be snow-free, but there are still weather obstacles to consider. The mountains of Colorado are known for their regular afternoon thunderstorms — which just means you need to be ready to hike down when the dark clouds roll in for the afternoon. These storms can pass quickly and leave plenty of hiking time for the late afternoons and evenings.
Difficulty ratings are calculated based on trail conditions, steepness of grade, elevation gain (and loss) and natural barriers that must be navigated. Time to complete is the minimum recommendation, but if you have the time to take it slow and explore the surrounding areas, definitely enjoy your time out there as long as you want to!
Whether you are local to Colorado in our luxury Denver apartments or are just taking a trip to visit, here are some prime-time backpacking trails you should not miss!
4 backpacking routes in Colorado
Pine River Trail to Weminuche Trail
Distance: 27.6 miles point to point
Elevation gain: 3,667 feet
Time to complete: 2-4 days
Difficulty: Moderate
This point-to-point trail can be walked in two very long days or spread out over multiple days to fully enjoy the expansive views and terrain. Following a river almost the entire way makes for a smooth trail with minimal steep inclines. There is ample opportunity to sit and soak your feet in the river while also soaking up the views.
On this hike you will get to experience walking through vast meadows and forests and hopping over boulder fields, all with astounding mountains in the distance. With plenty of available camping and limitless water, this backpack can easily be an enjoyable several day trip.
Be sure to coordinate a pickup or car drop-off so you have an exit plan on the other side. Or, be a little bold and retrace all your steps back to the start for an extensive backpack.
Ice Lake Basin Trail
Distance: 8.3 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 2,877 feet
Time to complete: 2 days
Difficulty: Hard
Located in the San Juan National Forest, the Ice Lake Basin Trail is an iconic, must-see hike.
While considered a challenging route, it’s worth every ounce of energy spent to see and enjoy the ice-blue lakes sitting among the San Juan Mountains. This trail is incredibly popular due to its breathtaking views which makes it quite busy on the weekends and holidays, so if you’re able to make a mid-week trip you may luck out and have a few moments of solitude to enjoy it all by yourself.
There are a handful of lakes along the trail allowing you to select campsites that are best for you. If you have the time to spare, consider making this a three day trip so you have a day to explore the area without all your pack weight. Take a dip in one of the lakes if you are brave enough — they are quite chilly year round sitting at 12,000 feet and filled by snow melt.
A side note: in October 2020, a massive wildfire roared through the surrounding area, and while the lakes were untouched, parts of the trail were heavily damaged by the fire. Trail crews have put in significant time to mitigate the damage but still travel the burned sections with caution to minimize any further damage.
High and Star Dune Loop
Distance: 8 mile loop
Elevation gain: 1,309 feet
Time to complete: 2 days
Difficulty: Hard
Have you ever thought the Sahara Desert looked pretty cool but can’t check out the real thing? Check out the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve!
You’re unlikely to see any camels, but you will see the tallest sand dunes on the continent.
The beginning of this hike follows Medano Creek for a while. After you leave the creek, however, you won’t have any other water sources to draw from, so be sure to pack what you need while you still have a chance.
Just like any desert, weather can be extreme and quite volatile during storms. Be sure to follow the Leave No Trace principles and come prepared for any conditions.
If weather allows, consider sleeping without your tent fly or cowboy camp under the stars. The nighttime sky is mostly unaffected by light pollution and offers some of the best starry views in the state.
Mount Elbert Loop
Distance: 13.9 mile loop
Elevation gain: 4,980 feet
Time to complete: 2 days
Difficulty: Hard
This trail starts off high at right around 10,000 feet and continues up from there. It is recommended to tackle this backpack with ample physical training and, if possible, acclimatization training.
Hike about a mile from the trailhead until you reach a junction of the CDT/CT trail and the Mt. Elbert Northeast Ridge trail. At this point, stay left and take this loop clockwise. Most day hikers travel out-and-back on the Mt. Elbert Northeast Ridge trail, so it can get quite congested.
Continue onto the CDT/CT trail and you’ll reach great camping spots about 5 miles from the trailhead, putting you in a great position to ascend the mountain the next day. Take the South Mount Elbert Trail to climb to the summit and you will have a much quieter day with other hikers. Keep in mind there is a false summit, but don’t lose hope! Once you reach the false summit the true summit is not too far and the amazing views will suck you in and give you the last little push needed to get up there.
After enjoying your favorite snacks and some hydration on the summit you can cruise down the Mt. Elbert Northeast Ridge trail to return to the trailhead. Celebrate your climb in Leadville with a tasty meal and rest up for the next adventure!
These backpack trips are a little outside of Denver and our luxury Denver apartments, but they are one-hundred percent worth the drive! If you have a Colorado bucket list, these are certainly prime contenders for it and well worth a mention.
Happy hiking!
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Featured photo courtesy Pixabay/Sorbyphoto
Amy has lived most of her life in Washington state and enjoys baking and adventuring with her dog, Ki. Her favorite thing about the Pacific Northwest is the four seasons and the access to mountains and other outdoor activities.
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