Along with solitude, scenery is the most important factor in a really enjoyable hike. From quirky mountain towns to some of Colorado's most impressive natural offerings, there's lots to explore in the Colorado Front Range. This range spans from northern Park County and includes Jefferson, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Grand, Boulder, and parts of Teller, Fremont, Larimer, and Jackson counties. The Front Range is generally divided into three secondary ranges (north, central and south) which in turn are further broken down into tertiary ranges, and each has something accessible and scenic to offer for all ability levels.
Hessie Trail to Lost Lake
Northern Front Range, Indian Peaks Wilderness
The Hessie Trail is a four-mile out-and-back trail near Nederland, Colorado, with a mostly rocky surface and multiple bodies of water to see (lake, waterfalls, and streams). This trail is known for its gorgeous fall aspen colors, but it's open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Odds are you'l encounter some other people while trekking this hike, as it's one of the more popular spots for backpacking and camping, too. In fact, it can get so crowded that the parking lot can fill quickly on summer weekends, which is why there's a free shuttle that picks hikers up near Nederland High School that you can opt for if you wish.
Boulder Falls
Northern Front Range, Boulder County
A quick hike with big reward, this short, easily accessible trail features a stunning 70-foot waterfall surrounded by Ponderosa pines. The trailhead is just a short drive from Boulder, and it stretches over hills and through gullies for many miles as it approaches the high peaks of the Front Range. Thanks to the ease of the trail, it's popular for families and novice hikers, so expect some other folks around if you take the Boulder Falls Trail.
Kenosha Pass
Kenosha Mountains, Southern Front Range
A mainstay for fall foliage colors, this vast and expansive trail system also rewards visitors with panoramic views of South Park and the surrounding peaks. Along the way, there are creek crossings, makeshift log bridges, and plenty of flora to keep you occupied and enthralled. It's much longer and more challenging than a lot of others, so it may be easier to escape the crowds on this hike. However, there's more reason to be fully prepared with water, a first aid kit, and a backcountry communication device should you need some help.
Castle Trail
Mount Falcon, Central Front Range
In close proximity to the Denver metro, these historic ruins offer easy access to two different trailheads, with views along the top extending from Kansas to the continental divide! Stone shelters, castle remains, and a lookout tower are featured alongside great views of Red Rocks Amphitheatre on the way to the Falcon Castle. If you're looking for a little history mixed in with your nature, this is the hike to take.
Saint Mary's Glacier
Central Front Range
This popular year-round destination with a perennial snowfield near Denver is open to hiking, skiing, glissading, climbing, and sledding. St. Mary's Lake alone is breathtaking—especially in the morning calm—as it reflects the glacier in its mirror surface with alpine tundra situated above. The terrain above the lake offers panoramic views.
Fern Lake Trail
Rocky Mountain National Park, Northern Front Range
The Fern Lake Trail is a gorgeous lake hike that features views along the Big Thompson River, with lakes, streams, waterfalls, abundant wildflowers, and plenty of wildlife. Along the way, hikers encounter the Fern Creek Falls—a stunning canyon with wildlife viewing—as well as streams and an unnamed set of cascades called "The Pool" that can be heard and seen just below Fern Lake while passing over a sturdy bridge. Also, burn scars from the 2020 East Troublesome and Cameron Peak Fires ,where 147 acres of the park were scorched, can now be seen on this trail as primary and secondary succession has begun to take over as of mid-summer, 2022.
