Explore Hiking Trails with ColoradoHiking.org
🏞️ Welcome to Your Colorado Hiking Resource Hub
At ColoradoHiking.org, we’re here to help you hike smarter, safer, and with more confidence — whether you’re venturing out on your very first trail or preparing for a multi-day backpacking trip along the Colorado Trail.
We’ve gathered the best tools, maps, gear suggestions, safety tips, and planning resources — all tailored for exploring Colorado’s diverse landscapes. From dispersed camping to navigation apps and trail databases, this is your one-stop guide to hiking and backpacking in the Centennial State. 🥾🌲
🥾 Trail Guides & Route Planning
Your guide to trusted tools, websites, and communities to help you hike smarter and adventure further in Colorado.
🥾 Trail Guides & Route Planning
🌐 The Colorado Trail Foundation
Website: coloradotrail.org
An official hub for the 486-mile Colorado Trail. Offers segment maps, trail conditions, packing lists, GPS data, and volunteer opportunities. They also publish the official Colorado Trail Databook.
📍 AllTrails
Website: alltrails.com
A crowd-sourced platform for trails all over Colorado. Includes reviews, elevation profiles, user photos, and GPS navigation. Filter by difficulty, length, dog-friendliness, and more.
🗺️ Gaia GPS
Website: gaiagps.com
Professional-level topographic maps and offline GPS navigation tools. Great for dispersed hiking and remote backpacking routes in Colorado’s national forests and wilderness areas.
🧭 Hiking Project (by REI)
Website: hikingproject.com
REI-supported hiking guide with user-curated trail maps, photos, difficulty ratings, and interactive terrain overlays. Especially useful for regional trip planning.
📲 COTREX (Colorado Trail Explorer)
Website: trails.colorado.gov
Official state-run mapping tool featuring nearly every trail in Colorado. Includes detailed overlays, closures, elevation, trail use type, and accessibility info.
🏕️ Camping & Dispersed Site Resources
🛏️ The Dyrt
Website: thedyrt.com
Nationwide campground directory with reviews, photos, and dispersed camping info. Use their "Pro" version to access offline maps and public land camping zones.
🚐 Campendium
Website: campendium.com
Focuses on free and low-cost campsites. User reviews include road access info, cell coverage reports, and RV suitability.
🆓 FreeCampsites.net
Website: freecampsites.net
A bare-bones but powerful tool for finding true dispersed (free) camping on federal land. Includes coordinates, site descriptions, and local rules.
⛺ Recreation.gov
Website: recreation.gov
Book federal campsites in National Forests and Parks. Useful for reserving popular spots along the Colorado Trail or near major trailheads.
🎒 Backpacking Logistics & Gear Prep
🪶 LighterPack
Website: lighterpack.com
Plan your gear loadout and visualize pack weight by category. Ideal for Colorado Trail section hikes and gear shakedowns.
🔧 Garage Grown Gear
Website: garagegrowngear.com
Online shop featuring small-batch ultralight brands and innovative outdoor gear, many of which are perfect for Colorado terrain.
🏬 REI Colorado Stores
Website: rei.com/stores
In-person gear consultations, rentals, and local trail clinics. Check locations in Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs.
🆘 Safety, Conditions & Navigation
❄️ Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC)
Website: avalanche.state.co.us
Essential for winter and early spring hiking. Tracks avalanche risk zones and conditions across Colorado's mountain ranges.
🌤️ NOAA Colorado Forecasts
Website: weather.gov → Click Colorado on map
Get accurate and up-to-date weather forecasts by zone. Crucial for any backpacking trip above treeline.
🧭 CalTopo
Website: caltopo.com
Custom map-building and printing for backcountry trips. Great for offline navigation and emergency planning.
🌨️ Spring Snow Still a Hazard
Website: Track snowpack »
Snowpack remains on many higher elevation trails, including large sections of the Colorado Trail. Expect melting snow, postholing, and lingering drifts.
🌄 Community, Education & Stewardship
🌱 Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics
Website: lnt.org
Teaches the 7 principles of Leave No Trace. Learn how to reduce impact on Colorado’s fragile alpine and wilderness ecosystems.
⛰️ Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI)
Website: 14ers.org
Supports trail maintenance and conservation on Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks. Offers volunteering and education resources.
💬 Backpacker Forums (r/Ultralight, r/CampingandHiking)
Website: reddit.com
These active subreddits provide real-time trip reports, gear suggestions, and community advice from people hiking in Colorado and beyond.
Need help choosing a trail or planning your route? Check out our Trails Page or Contact Us — we’re always happy to help fellow hikers explore with confidence! 🌄
🏞️ Colorado Hiking FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
The prime hiking season in Colorado typically spans from late June to early October. During this period, most trails are free of snow, and the weather is generally favorable. However, always check local trail conditions before heading out, as snow can linger at higher elevations even into July.
Most day hikes in Colorado do not require a permit. However, certain wilderness areas and popular trails may require permits, especially for overnight stays. Always research the specific trail or area you plan to visit to determine if a permit is necessary.
Some of the hiking trails in the area require a small fee for parking or access. Check with the local park service for more information on fees and permits.
Regardless of the trail’s length or difficulty, always carry the Ten Essentials:
- Navigation: Map, compass, or GPS device.
- Sun protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Insulation: Extra clothing layers.
- Illumination: Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries.
- First-aid supplies: Basic kit tailored to your needs.
- Fire: Matches, lighter, or fire starter.
- Repair kit and tools: Multi-tool or knife.
- Nutrition: Extra food.
- Hydration: Extra water and a means to purify it.
- Emergency shelter: Tent, bivy sack, or space blanket.
Altitude can significantly impact your hiking experience. To prepare:
- Acclimate gradually: Spend a day or two at higher elevations before strenuous hikes.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water.
- Eat a balanced diet: Fuel your body with nutritious foods.
- Ascend slowly: Pace yourself and take breaks.
- Recognize symptoms: Be aware of altitude sickness signs like headaches, nausea, or dizziness.
Colorado is home to diverse wildlife, including black bears, moose, elk, and mountain lions. To stay safe:
- Keep a safe distance: Never approach or feed wild animals.
- Store food properly: Use bear-proof containers or hang food away from your campsite.
- Make noise: Announce your presence to avoid surprising animals.
- Know what to do: Research specific animal encounters and appropriate reactions.
Consider the following when selecting a trail:
- Distance and elevation gain: Start with shorter, less strenuous hikes.
- Trail conditions: Check recent reports for obstacles or closures.
- Weather forecast: Avoid trails with potential for sudden storms.
- Personal fitness: Be honest about your physical condition and experience.
Weather in Colorado can change rapidly, especially in mountainous areas.
- Start early: Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
- Dress in layers: Prepare for temperature fluctuations.
- Carry rain gear: Even if the forecast is clear.
- Monitor conditions: Turn back if weather deteriorates.
Solo hiking can be rewarding but carries additional risks.
- Inform someone: Share your itinerary and expected return time.
- Stay on marked trails: Avoid venturing off-path.
- Carry communication devices: A fully charged phone or personal locator beacon.
- Trust your instincts: If something feels off, turn back.
Many Colorado trails are dog-friendly, but regulations vary.
- Check trail rules: Some areas require leashes or prohibit dogs.
- Prepare for your dog’s needs: Bring water, snacks, and waste bags.
- Protect their paws: Be cautious of hot surfaces or rough terrain.
Leave No Trace is a set of principles promoting responsible outdoor ethics:
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impact
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Adhering to these principles helps preserve natural areas for future generations.
