Best Beginner Backpacking Trips in Colorado
This page may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our "About Us" page.
Best Beginner Backpacking Trips in Colorado
Here is a list of some of the best beginner backpacking trips located in Colorado. While there are probably hundreds more we could have included, this is a nice overview of what the state has to offer. Most of these are kid friendly, dog friendly and a few are even wheelchair accessible. As a beginner, your hiking and backpacking adventures have to start somewhere, and we feel that these are the perfect place to get your feet wet!
Editor’s Notice – Always practice safety when out and about. Stay brushed up on your first aid practices at RedCross.org.
1. Red Rock Canyon Open Space (Mesa, Greenlee & Red Rock Canyon Path Loop)
Located just outside of Colorado Springs, Colorado, the Red Rock Canyon Open Space contains nearly 800 acres of trees, lakes, canyons, ridges and mesas. With 14 easy-to-moderate designated trails, as well as endless variations, this is a popular destination for hikers, as well as trail runners and bicyclists. The Mesa, Greenlee and Red Rock Canyon loop is an easy hike that gives a nice overview of what the area has to offer. This well-marked trail includes grand views of the area’s red-rock features, the old quarry, and off in the distance you can see Pikes Peak. Overall there’s about 270 feet of elevation gain, and there is little shade, but with a water bottle in your day pack this loop is pretty easy for all ages, and conveniently located just outside the city.
Total Distance: 1.9 Miles
2. Garden of the Gods Loop Trail
Across Highway 24 from Red Rock Canyon Open Space you’ll find an equally popular park, Garden Of The Gods. As this park is located just outside of Colorado Springs, it’s pretty popular, so you might want to visit on a weekday, or in the morning hours. To complete the loop you’ll follow the Palmer, Buckskin Charlie, Ute and Susan Breitag trails. Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971, you’ll soon discover why as you take in gorgeous views of the red rock formations that make up the center of this nearly 1400 acre park. Formed through thousands of years of wind and rain erosion, you’ll gaze in wonder at the Gateway Rocks, Tower of Babel, Siamese Twins, Cathedral Spires and Balanced Rock formations. There is just over 400 feet of elevation gain on this loop hike, which isn’t bad over nearly 4 miles of walking, and it’s well suited to families and you can bring your dog as well.
Total Distance: 3.7 Miles
3. Seven Bridges Trail
This one has the most elevation gain of all of the hikes we’re featuring in this article, but with the 1000+ feet of gain spread out over nearly 4 miles it isn’t too strenuous. What makes this fun for kids, as well as just about anyone else, is the fact that like the name implies, there are 7 bridges you cross as you make your way along North Cheyenne Creek. There’s even a small waterfall along the way. If the weather is warm, there are plenty of stops where you can stop and soak your feet. You’ll find this hike just outside of Colorado Springs, so it’s convenient to get to, but also fairly popular so this is another one to do on a weekday or during the morning.
Total Distance: 3.7 Miles
4. Sprague Lake - Rocky Mountain National Park
This is a quick, easy and scenic loop hike that follows the shores of Sprague Lake, located just outside Estes Park within Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s flat, with an elevation gain of just 32 feet, and has a well maintained crushed gravel surface making it suitable for all ages and is fairly wheelchair accessible. Named after Abner Sprague, a noted guide and owner of a resort on the lake in the early 1900’s (it no longer exists, and is now the parking lot for the lake). You’ll be awed by incredible views of the surrounding snow-capped Rockies, and have an opportunity to see moose grazing along the lake’s shores (just keep your distance!). In the winter you might want microspikes, although it’s so popular there’s usually a decent track to follow through the snow.
Total Distance: 0.8 Miles
5. Flatirons Vista Loop Trail
Located just south of Boulder, this is a relatively flat 3 ½ mile loop hike that features wide open areas to enjoy wildflowers, ponderosa pine and views of Eldorado Mountain and Shirttail Peak. You’ll want to bring sunscreen and water, as there is very little shade on this trail. If you’re lucky you might see deer, bluebirds and golden or bald eagles. There is a fair amount of bicycle traffic on the trail, but it’s wide most of the way so there’s plenty of room for everyone to enjoy. Overall this is a great hike to get a decent workout on, without lots of ups and downs that will wear at your knees. There are quite a few connecting trails in the area as well, so you can make it longer or shorter if you wish. A popular variation is to take the Prairie Vista Trail – this cuts through the middle of the Flatirons Vista loop, making for a 2 mile loop hike. Note: There is a $5 parking fee at the trailhead, unless you are a resident of Boulder.
Total Distance: 3.5 Miles
6. Roxborough State Park / Fountain Valley Loop Trail
Located just south of Denver, this relatively short loop trail features great scenery, wildflowers, and a chance to see deer, fox and eagles. You’ll likely be taking lots of photos on this one, as the red rock formations, eroded over time, are quite stunning and there are several lookouts along the way to take in the view. If you use your imagination the formations kind of look like the upright plates of a huge Stegosaurus dinosaur spine. With just over 300 feet of elevation gain and a smooth, gravel-covered double track trail, this one is definitely appropriate for all ages and skill levels. It’s recommended to allow 1-2 hours for this hike, and like many other hikes in the Denver area, it’s a good idea to visit during the morning hours, or weekdays when there’s fewer people on the trail.
Total Distance: 2.3 Miles
7. Bear Lake Nature Trail - Rocky Mountain National Park
Similar in distance to the previously-discussed Sprague Lake trail, the Bear Lake Nature Trail is likewise accessible to all ages and wheelchair friendly. It’s recommended to follow the trail counter-clockwise, since there are interpretive signs along the trail that are in numerical order in that direction. While the lake is beautiful, the surrounding peaks are the stars of the show, as you’ll have views of Longs Peak, Hallett Peak and Half Mountain. There is snow, or snow-patches, along the trail most of the year so microspikes or snowshoes are recommended (the snow-free months are typically June through September). There is a free park shuttle that can be used during peak tourist season, recommended since the parking lot is almost-always full.
Total Distance: 0.7 Miles
8. Grottos Trail
If you are in the Aspen area, this is a short kid and dog friendly trail that features gorgeous scenery, a waterfall, and what some people refer to as ice caves (but is actually a slot canyon with ice at the bottom that usually lasts year-round due to lack of sun and heat down there). The trail follows the Roaring Fork River and there are plenty of spots to cool your feet, or just sit back and enjoy the view. There’s nothing challenging about this hike, but it’s a beautiful way to experience the best of what the Rockies have to offer (and the ice caves/slot canyon are pretty cool!). Definitely one of the best beginner hiking and backpacking trips you’ll find in Colorado!
Total Distance: 0.6 Miles
9. Bear Canyon Loop Hike
Located just south of Boulder at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), this hike is easy to get to, and with it’s 730 feet of elevation gain spread over 4+ miles, it’s not too difficult. If you are looking for a hike that will get you quickly into the Rockies with views of the city this is a great choice. Along the way you’ll enjoy views of the Flatirions formations, as well as a nice little creek to cool your feet. Of note, while rare, there have been sightings of mountain lions and black bears so don’t let it’s proximity to Boulder lull you into a false sense of security. The trail starts off with little shade, but there are more trees as you gain elevation. Overall this is a fun, scenic hike that is convenient and features beautiful, expansive views.
Total Distance: 3.3 Miles
10. Canyon View Nature Trail
Located about an hour south of Denver, this state park features a beautiful canyon bordered on the southern side by this easy out-and-back trail that measures just over a mile in total length. The views of the canyon are why this hike is recommended, but it also enjoys expansive views of the nearby Front Range and Pikes Peak mountains. Turkey vulture can often be seen during the summer months – you’ll also see wrens, bluebirds, raptors, deer and elk. There are also rattlesnakes in the area, so make sure you keep an eye out for them as well. There used to be a dam in the area, which burst in 1933, sending a fifteen-foot wall of water heading towards Denver. You can still see portions of the former dam, as well as the homestead that existed here long ago. The paths are paved, making it perfect for kids, people with creaky knees and is wheelchair friendly. Dogs are allowed too, but must be kept on leash. You will need a Colorado State Park day or annual pass.
Total Distance: 1.1 Miles
Best Beginner Backpacking Trips in Colorado - Conclusion
Colorado is loaded with kid and dog friendly outdoor activities, and these beginner backpacking trips are among some of the best. After tackling these destinations, you should have a much better idea what hiking and backpacking are all about. If this article has sparked your curiosity, then check out another one of our pieces – “6 of the Best Secluded Hikes Near Portland“, or click the “Destinations” link in the menu. Safe journeys and happy traveling!
