Whether it's short strolls, picturesque day walks, or long, strenuous mountain treks, one particular state takes home the gold medal for the best hiking trails in the US. Naturally, what makes a hike incredible to one person may not apply to another; everyone's preferences are unique, after all. Still, in terms of excellent environments, stunning scenery, and hikes ranging from easy to technical, which state is the best for hiking?

With thousands of miles of hiking trails complemented by vast mountain vistas and glistening lakes, one state takes the baton for the best trails in the US. Offering diverse terrains suitable for hikers of all skill levels and preferences, this state delivers endless variety for those who can't get enough of leisurely saunters, backpacking trips, and adventurous exploration on foot.

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Which State Has The Best Hiking Trails?

Lined with the best bucket list hikes that USA visitors and residents could ever dream of, Colorado hiking trails always come out on top. Ultimately, Colorado is considered the best state for hiking for numerous reasons; hiking fans of all skill and fitness levels can tackle a wealth of unique routes ranging from easy to hardcore - all while exploring Colorado’s beautiful scenery and observing its fascinating wildlife.

It's not just the variation in trail types, diverseness of difficulty levels, and the gorgeous Colorado vistas that make this state one of the USA's best-hiking destinations. A few other unique qualities for which the state's outdoors is famed truly put this special USA spot on adventurists' map. So, why is the Centennial State the best state for hiking? Several reasons are listed below!

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Colorado Fourteeners

A '14er' (literally pronounced 'fourteener') is the term to describe a mountain peak that's at least 14,000 feet in height (4,267 meters). Colorado has the most fourteeners of all US states; while the exact number is debated, there are over 50 that are currently accepted as official. Some Colorado hiking enthusiasts argue that the state has around 54 or so, while many others disagree, claiming there are 58. Alaska comes in second place with 22 fourteeners, followed by California in third place, which is home to 12 of these giants.

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The Rocky Mountains

Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is among the most visited national parks in the United States and is always a favorite on the Colorado hiking trails map. Over three million people visit the park annually, beckoned by the towering mountain peaks and roaming wildlife performing natural spectacles in the sprawling valleys.

Amazingly, more than 100 mountain peaks at 11,000 feet in altitude rise from the grounds - a collection that includes the mighty Longs Peak (detailed below), which skyrockets to 14,259 feet in height (4346 meters). It is these staggering Colorado mountains that attract visitors and hikers, opening up tons of outdoor adventures and offering breathtaking mountain views.

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What Are The Best Hikes In Colorado?

With so many incredible trails in this state, the best hikes Colorado has to offer its adventurers are a tough category to discern. However, based on popularity, beauty, fame, and year-round appeal, the following contenders are some of the most stunning hikes in Colorado.

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The Colorado Trail

  • The Colorado Trail Length: 567 miles
  • Best Time to Hike The Colorado Trail: July to October
  • Colorado Trail Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

The Colorado Trail is known as one of the state’s best long-distance trails and is even cited as one of the best hiking trails in the United States. It's popular with hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, offering trails suited to all three types of outdoor enthusiasts. Featuring over 560 miles of trails between Durango and Denver, the trail takes adventurers through some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. From the beginning to the end of the trail, the entire 33-segment route showcases pristine lakes and majestic peaks of mountain ranges dominating the horizon.

Impressively, the Colorado Trail’s average elevation is 10,300 feet and tops out at about 13,271 feet in elevation, granting plenty of physical challenges for those who enjoy putting their stamina to the test. There's just one important question, though: when is the best time to hike the Colorado Trail? The answer to that question depends on hikers' preference, but the consensus in terms of when to hike the Colorado Trail tends to be summer. Better weather and a comfortable climate make this trail much more appealing for many hikers in the warmer months.

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The Continental Divide Trail

  • The Continental Divide Trail Length: 3,100 Miles (740 miles of which is in Colorado)
  • Best Time to Hike The Continental Divide Trail: May to September
  • Continental Divide Trail Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

The Continental Divide Trail Colorado offers a boundary separating the continent’s river systems, which creates a distinctive flow of water. Every continent has a continental divide, with North America having approximately three to five. The Continental Divide in North America is the longest in the world, running all the way from Alaska down to the Colorado Rockies, eventually heading onto the Andes in South America,

The Continental Divide Scenic Trail separates the western slope and front range mountains, a journey that's around 3,100 miles in length. 740 miles of said trail are in Colorado, providing ample adventure for those who seek it out in this glorious part of the US. The trail's front range section goes along the Indian Peaks Wilderness and the Rocky Mountain National Park, with the highest point of the route at Grays Peak in Colorado (approximately 14,270 feet tall).

One of the most popular hikes on the Continental Divide Trail in the front range segment is the Devil’s Thumb Loop, where hikers can enjoy snowy-capped summits, observe elk in lovely meadows, soak up views of snow-capped peaks, and witness the famous granite spire coined 'The Devil’s Thumb.'

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Pikes Peak

  • Distance to Climb Pikes Peak: 13.5 miles
  • Time to Hike Pikes Peak: 6-8 hours
  • Best Time to Hike Pikes Peak: May to October
  • Pikes Peak Difficulty: Challenging

Among Colorado’s most famous peaks, Pikes Peak offers adventurers a road and a trail up to the top. Iconically known as one of Colorado’s most beautiful hikes, this peak finds itself one of the state's top attractions, which also has a place in American history.

Historians claim that American author and poet Katharine Lee Bates once stood atop Pikes Peak in the summer of 1893, the view thus inspiring her to write her poem America. In her legendary anthem, 'America the Beautiful,' she described the spacious skies, amber grain waves, and the purple mountains of Colorado’s peaks - a tune that became the national song of the USA.

When hiking this beauty, people can see exactly what inspired Bates to write her iconic depiction of the most beautiful sights in America. As well as lakes, smaller mountain peaks, and nearby cities and towns, hikers can also witness the Great Plains reaching out to Kansas, the Sangre de Cristo mountain range extending out to New Mexico, and Denver’s imposing skyscrapers. Although this fourteener delivers what could be some of the most sensational views on the planet, it's not a hike for the inexperienced or ill-equipped.

Adventurers must be prepared to hike Pikes Peak, which sends challengers about 13.5 miles on an uphill climb at around 7,400 feet in elevation. The Barr Trail is the only one that grants access to the summit of Pikes Peak, and while it's very well-maintained, there's not much in the way of signposts to help hikers navigate - so taking some form of GPS and a backup map is essential.

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Pikes Peak Camping

Those wishing to make more than a day of hiking Pikes Peak can find accommodation and food at Barr Camp, which is open year-round and serves as the perfect halfway point for hikers to rest. This campground is remote (but very scenic), so visitors can't bring vehicles as it's only accessible via a 6.5-mile hike along its namesake Barr Trail.

Barr Camp has different accommodation types, including hostel-style cabins and tent camping, as well as space picnic spaces and lean-tos for those who may not wish to stay overnight but rather prefer a pit stop rest. Visitors can also have breakfast and dinner at Barr Camp, but this may require an advanced booking. Furthermore, the camp's dinner service is limited to set nights; however, dry meals and refreshments are available for purchase.

Overnight camping at Barr Camp may require an advanced reservation, so be sure to book ahead.

Longs Peak

  • Distance to Longs Peak Summit: 15 miles
  • Time to Hike Longs Peak: 10-15 hours
  • Best Time to Hike Longs Peak: Mid-July to Mid-September
  • Longs Peak Difficulty: Very Challenging

Longs Peak in Colorado is classed as one of the most challenging and even dangerous hikes in the state. Still, despite being a difficult trek, the magnificent adventure to the summit is one of the best hikes in the Rockies. This incredible fourteener comprises over 5,000 feet of elevation gain and commands around 15 miles of hiking across rugged, stormy terrains.

Hikers must be up for the challenge, as this hike is one of the deadliest in the state and is absolutely not for beginners and those without excellent skill, stamina, and mountain hiking experience. Rocky Mountain National Park rangers do patrol the trails to help keep hikers safe, but parts of the Long Peak trail - such as the Keyhole - are closed off when storms are due.

According to records, over 70 people have perished climbing Longs Peak since the park's inauguration in 1915. Proceed with caution.

Hikers up for the task who make it to the peak's tip after navigating all the sudden drops and scrambling over rocks are rewarded tenfold. Upon reaching Longs Peak summit, unbelievable panoramas of Colorado can be soaked up in all their glory, making the trek to the top worth every step for those who dare.

Aspiring Longs Peak hikers without the necessary experience should first attempt some easier, beginner-friendly Colorado mountain hikes first. This hike is not for the faint of heart!

Handies Peak

  • Distance to Handies Peak Summit: 5.5 miles round trip
  • Time to Hike Handies Peak: 4-5 hours
  • Best Time to Hike Handies Peak: July to September
  • Handies Peak Difficulty: Easy

Handies Peak is a formidable hike through the American Basin - famously celebrated as one of the prettiest valleys decorated with wildflowers and meadows (especially in early August).

On the Handies Peak hike roster is a visit to the picturesque Sloan Lake - a lovely alpine lake on the trail - which is followed by an accent to Handies Peak summit, where adventurers get to soak up dramatic vistas of the San Juan Mountains. This trail is tremendously steep in some parts. However, the climb to the peak is often deemed one of the easiest Colorado fourteeners.

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With such diverse terrain, impeccable mountain range panoramas, and hikes to suit every skill level, it's no wonder Colorado is one of the United States' top hiking destinations - and is considered by many as the very best.

There are hundreds of hiking trails in Colorado - from relaxing strolls to challenging climbs - each granting some of the most scenic views in all of America. Therefore, many hiking enthusiasts agree: the Centennial State is the best state for hiking - hands down.