Hit the Trails With a Local to Experience the Best National Parks in Colorado

Many outdoor enthusiasts would argue that the best national parks in Colorado are also the country’s very best. Whether that’s your stance or not, there’s no arguing that Rocky Mountain National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park have some of the best hiking in the country.

Since moving to Boulder, I’ve spent nearly every free moment exploring the Colorado outdoors. Some of my favorite trails are in Colorado national parks—complete with mountain views, alpine lakes and majestic wildlife. Here are a few of my favorite trails, along with some insider tips!

Trek through Rocky Mountain National Park—Glacier Gorge Trail to Loch Vale and Sky Pond

Avoid the masses and try the Glacier Gorge Trail, which offers terrific scenery and alpine lakes. Photo Credit: Alexandra Sheehan

Length: 8.1 miles

Type: Out-and-back

Elevation gain: 1,765 feet

Difficulty: Intermediate

Many visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) head straight to Bear Lake—and the parking challenges that come with stopping in on one of the best national parks in Colorado. While the Glacier Gorge Trail parking lot also fills up during the busy season, it’s a bit less crowded. Watch out for rocks and roots on the trail, but remember to look up and around you every once in a while. The first time I was here, I walked right past a moose and didn’t even know it!

If you’re headed in from Estes Park or traveling from a Denver hotel, you’ll pass Donut Haus on the left as you hit the sharp bend right outside of town. The sugar rush may not be sustainable for your whole hike, but it’s definitely worth the stop. Get the cheesecake donut, and you will NOT be disappointed!

Hike Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve—Zapata Falls and Zapata Lake

If you like waterfalls, you’ll love the sheltered Zapata Falls, found within a rocky crevasse.

Length: 0.8 miles

Type: Out-and-back

Elevation gain: 183 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Zapata Falls Trail isn’t the most popular or well-known hike in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve—but I find it magical. A family-friendly activity, the trek to the hidden falls is less than a mile each way. Bring your swimsuit and a change of clothes (and your outdoor sandals so you fit in with the locals) and take a dip in the chilly water.

If you’re looking for a longer excursion, take the left turn on your way back. The turnoff isn’t far from the falls, and it’ll take you to the South Zapata Lake Trail, which also connects with other trail systems.

Challenge yourself at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park—Warner Route

Know where to go when you visit the steep cliffs of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Length: 4.2 miles

Type: Out-and-back

Elevation gain: 3,028 feet

Difficulty: Hard

There are plenty of easy-to-find short hikes and pull-offs with incredible views at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. But the real hidden gem here is Warner Route. On this tough hike that’s suitable for experienced outdoorspeople, you’ll face a nearly 3,000-foot elevation gain in less than three miles on one section. I just did a day hike, but there were plenty of backpackers on the trail as well.

Make sure you stop in at the South Rim Visitor Center to get a permit, as they’re required for the Inner Canyon. (They’re free and also available at the North Rim Ranger Station and East Portal registration board.)

See the view at Rocky Mountain National Park—Lulu Mountain

It may seem modest, but the views from Lulu Mountain are well worth the time it takes to hike it. Photo Credit: Alexandra Sheehan

Length: About 10 miles

Type: Out-and-back

Elevation gain: Approximately 2,700 feet

Difficulty: Hard

It’s easy to see why many consider RMNP to be at the top of the list of best national parks in Colorado. Earlier I mentioned the Glacier Gorge trail. Here, the hike to the summit of the 12,228-foot Lulu Mountain is unique because you enter RMNP by foot, avoiding the lines at the main park entrances. The hike is incredibly scenic, with views of the Rocky Mountains, the Never Summer Range and Medicine Bow-Routt. Last time I hiked here, I saw big-horned sheep AND a family of moose.

One item to note: Dogs are not allowed at RMNP, so don’t be surprised if you see a ranger-in-training standing guard at the park border to make sure no one breaks the rules. The area where the sheep live is extremely sensitive, and our four-legged hiking buddies could disrupt it.

Explore Mesa Verde National Park—Balcony House Loop Trail

Feel like an archaeologist when you make the trek along the Balcony House Loop Trail at Mesa Verde National Park.

Length: 0.4 miles

Type: Loop

Elevation gain: 91 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Unlike the other trails I’ve highlighted among the best national parks in Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park is known more for its archaeological sites than hiking. Hit the Balcony House Loop Trail to explore the ruins.

Though it’s one of the more popular spots, it’s worth your time—you’ll see cave-like homes literally carved into the cliffs, crouch through tunnels and climb up ladders for a one-of-a-kind hike. Visitors need to fork over a few bucks for the ranger-led tour, which is required in order to see the dwellings.

However you choose to explore the best national parks in Colorado, remember this one important tip: Safety always comes first. The outdoors here are beautiful but must also be respected. Bring a first aid kit, wear proper hiking shoes, drink plenty of water to help acclimate to the altitude, check the weather forecast and always tell someone your plans.

Written by Alexandra Sheehan