Summer hiking : Rooftop Views

Rooftop Views

Summer hiking

This summer venture outdoors and take in all of Colorado’s scenic beauty. Here are some suggestions for day hikes regardless of your hiking skill level.

Easy

The hikes below are for sightseers and beginners alike who are looking for a nice day hike, without being stiff the next morning.

Kohler Mesa Boulder

Enjoy this short, 2.4-mile roundtrip, hike while getting a cardio workout on this tree-lined trail. Bring your camera, as there are some amazing views of the flatirons along this hike. For more information and directions to the trailhead visit www.localhikes.com/Hikes/kohler_mesa_2082.asp

Matthew Winters Park / Red Rocks Morrison Slide Golden/Morrison

Start on the Village Walk Trail and after about .4 miles take the Red Rocks Trail south. You will notice the Morrison Slide as you start switch backing on the trail. Eventually, after the decent of the Slide, you will see the Red Rocks trail, head north and you will get back to where you began. Enjoy the beautiful landscape and wildflowers, but beware there is little shade on this trail, so morning and evening hikes are best. The switch backs can get the heart pumping, but for the most part it’s a nice walking trail. For trail maps and directions visit www.co.jefferson.co.us/openspace/openspace_T56_R1.htm

Intermediate
The hikes below are for skilled hikers who enjoy an outdoor workout with varying elevations.

Devils Playground to Pikes Peak
Take the Pikes Peak Toll Road to the Devils Playground trailhead ($20 per car). From the parking lot walk across the road and find the hiker’s path that runs parallel to the road. The trail takes you to the summit of Pikes Peak. By hiking this trail you will have time to take in the breathtaking views and enjoy the beautiful panorama at the top. For the last stretch of the trail approaching the summit, look for cairns (rock stacks) that will help you stay on the trail. For more information and directions to the Pikes Peak area visit www.onedayhikes.com/Hikes.asp?HikesID=154

Montezuma Mine Aspen

Follow this old mine road and observe some refreshing waterfalls and historic mine ruins. As you hike along this path you will encounter meadows filled with wildflowers and cross over several streams. Although the mines are intriguing, please don’t play in or around them as they can be unstable and dangerous. For more information on safety and trailhead directions visit www.localhikes.com/HikeData.asp?DispType=0&ActiveHike=5&GetHikesStateID=1&ID=5866

Difficult
The hikes below are for experienced hikers seeking technical trails while getting an extreme workout.

Hermits Rest Trail Gunnison
Zigzag your way through this forest filled trail to the Morrow Point Reservoir. Campsites along the water are plentiful and definitely worthy of a picnic or a night’s stay. This is a 6 mile roundtrip strenuous hike. Visit www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com/page.php?pname=activities/summer/hiking/chart#curecanti for details on trailheads and more activities in the Gunnison area.

Maroon Peak Aspen
Albeit a strenuous hike, you will be happy you made the trek up to one of the most photographed peaks in the world. The view from Maroon Lake is the most famous in all of Colorado. Even though both the South and North Maroon Peaks are picturesque they can be dangerous because unlike other 14ers in Colorado they are made out of mudstone not granite or limestone. Rockslides are common, so take caution when hiking in the area. For more information and photos of this Colorado landmark visit www.localhikes.com/HikeData.asp?DispType=0&ActiveHike=22&GetHikesStateID=1&ID=6109