Of all the various outdoor recreational activities, hiking is perhaps our favorite. At The Outdoor Corps, we feature hike guides, lists of an area’s best hikes, and many other tips. Our objective — to help you discover your next hiking adventure around the Rocky Mountain West.
The Outdoor Corps’ hiking articles provide recommended hikes for all skill levels, from novice to advanced. You’ll often find recommendations for some of the most popular hikes in an area (e.g., a national park or wilderness area). However, you’ll also find recommendations on hidden gem hikes that see far fewer crowds. In addition, we back up our recommendations with hike ratings, focused on difficulty, scenery, crowds, and a general fun factor.
There certainly is no shortage of amazing hikes in the Rocky Mountains. Whether you’re looking for a quick day hike or a multi-day backpacking route, The Outdoor Corps has it all.
La Plata Peak is the 5th tallest mountain in Colorado at 14,336ft. Located near Twin Lakes, CO in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness and within the stunning Sawatch Range, La Plata Peak's standard route is a straightforward but steep Class 2 ascent via its Northwest Ridge. Overall roundtrip, 9.0 miles and a 4,200ft. gain in elevation.
Mount Bierstadt is the 38th tallest mountain in Colorado at 14,065ft. Located near Georgetown, CO in the Mount Evans Wilderness of Pike National Forest, Mount Bierstadt is considered an easier 14er mountain to summit. Most hikers ascend via the Class 2 West Slopes route, which begins at the Guanella Pass Trailhead and is 7.2 miles roundtrip.
Mount Yale is the 21st tallest mountain in Colorado at 14,200ft. Located near Buena Vista in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, most hikers ascend via the Class 2 Southwest Slopes route. Beginning at the Denny Creek Trailhead, this route is non-technical, but requires a steep 4,300ft. climb and 9.2 miles roundtrip.
Mount Audubon (13,223ft.) is a 13er mountain located in Colorado's Front Range and within the Indian Peaks Wilderness near Ward, CO. The standard route to Mount Audubon's summit is via its Class 2 North Slope. At 8.0 miles roundtrip with about 2,700ft. of elevation gain, this hike is fairly strenuous, but is a great introduction into 13er hiking.
Challenger Point and Kit Carson are two Colorado 14er mountains in the Sangre de Cristo Range and are typically summited in the same outing. This hike review covers the popular 14.5 mile Easy Class 3 route of Challenger Point's north slope and the west ridge of Kit Carson.
Mount Sniktau (13,240ft.) is a 13er mountain located in Colorado's Arapaho National Forest near Loveland Pass. The standard route to Mount Sniktau's summit is via its Class 1 Southwest Ridge. At 3.7 miles roundtrip with about 1,250ft. of elevation gain, this hike is challenging but relatively easy in comparison to other Colorado 13er and 14er hikes.
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