CW Guided Adventures: Hiking Trips - Best Hiking Trails in Colorado
- admin171125
- Mar 27
- 18 min read
Updated: 1 hour ago
Join Colorado Wilderness for an unforgettable adventure! Our hiking itineraries showcase Colorado's stunning landscapes, from peaks to alpine lakes. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there's a perfect trail for you. Discover the best routes in the Colorado wilderness with us.
In this article:
Hike/Peak: Half Day
1st Flatiron &/or 2nd Flatiron Trail
Boulder Colorado Hiking at it best! The hiking trail to this ‘hidden Boulder gem’ will include evergreen trees, soaring raptors, and a close up view of a 1000’ sandstone rock formation. The hike leaves out of Chautauqua and ascends a trail between the first and second flatiron. The final ascent will take you to the backside of Boulder’s iconic first flatiron with amazing views of Boulder and the plains 1000’ below. This hike is a good introduction to the mountain ascents right out of Boulder and is perfect for anyone that likes to work toward a goal.
Itinerary: We depart from and end at your hotel and travel to the designated trailhead. During the drive, we will cover vital safety, hiking considerations, and local natural history. After arriving at the trailhead, we head off for a 2hr 30min great guided hiking Boulder Colorado tour that is 2-3 miles in length and includes 1200’ of elevation gain. At the completion, we will rejoice in our memorable experience together.
Difficulty Description: Hiking Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Boulder Mesa Trail & Chautauqua Footpaths
This popular, moderate, 6.7-mile with 1650' of elevation gain trail offers virtually everything an outdoor enthusiast could ask for: diverse terrain, 4-season access, multiple trail connections, and abundant wildlife. Consider an adventure on the Boulder Flatiron Hiking Mega-Classic with your group! Some of the famous canyons, mountains, and sites we will pass along the way include: Green Mountain, Bear Peak, South Boulder Peak, Skunk Canyon, NCAR, Mallory Cave, Fern Canyon, and Shadow Canyon. The Mesa Trail, Boulder’s main north-south trail artery, is one of Boulder’s best hikes, tracing a lengthy section of its famous Flatirons, Front Range Foothills, and City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks. We’ll begin at either end of the Mesa Trail – Chautauqua Park (north trailhead), or near the mouth of Eldorado Canyon (south trailhead) – and hike 6.7 miles one-way beneath hundreds of large, sandstone rock formations called flatirons. The terrain is rolling and varied, but mainly through sparse forest and grassy hillsides with views to the open plains to the east, and Boulder’s three main peaks and the flatiron formations that sit on their shoulders to the west.
Itinerary: We depart from and end at your hotel or a central meeting spot. Our brief trip to the trailhead keeps non-hiking travel time to a minimum. However, during the drive, we will cover vital safety and hiking considerations, and other topics of interest. After arriving at the trailhead, we’ll head off for a beautiful guided hiking tour that is 6.7-miles in length and includes 1650’ of elevation gain. At the completion, we will rejoice in our memorable experience together.
Difficulty Description: Moderate Hike: Suitable for all physically fit people on a well-maintained trail.
Boulder Royal Arch
Boulder, Colorado, hiking at its best! This moderate hiking trail ascends steeply to one of our ‘hidden Boulder gems’. You’ll see raptors soaring above the evergreen forest, and get a close-up view of the Third Flatiron, a famous 1000’ sandstone rock formation nearby. The ascent will take you through a 50-foot sandstone arch with expansive views of Boulder and the plains 1500’ below. This hike is a good introduction to the mountain ascents right out of Boulder and is perfect for anyone who likes working toward a goal. Your guide will set an appropriate pace for your group.
Itinerary: We depart from and return to your hotel or a central meeting spot. Our short trip to the trailhead keeps non-hiking travel time to a minimum. During the drive, we’ll cover safety and hiking considerations, and local natural history. After arriving at the trailhead, we begin a trail ascent to Boulder’s Royal Arch which includes 1000’ of elevation gain. At the completion, we’ll rejoice in your success and our memorable experience together.
Difficulty Description: Moderate hike: Suitable for all physically fit people on a well-maintained trail. Portions of this trail, however, are steep and can be slippery.
Denver In The Footsteps Of Jefferson
Easy West Denver Hiking at it best! Have your choice: a historical tour that overlooks Red Rocks Park or a fir forest with scenic viewing through open meadows. You have the choice of two great hikes. Both of these hikes are around 4.5 miles with 300’-700’ of gain. One traces its history back to the roots of open space in Western Denver and the ‘summer home of the US presidents’, with distant views of Red Rocks Park 2000’ below. The first hike goes through fir forests and open meadows to 2 or 3 lookout points. The second hike winds through a desert sage and juniper landscape, as it ascends to a lookout location on the backside of Red Rocks Park. Both of these hikes are a good introduction to the amazing terrain, hogback formations, and foothill areas west of Denver.
Itinerary: We depart from and end at your hotel or a central meeting spot and travel 30-40 minutes to the trailhead from Downtown Denver. During the drive, we will cover vital safety, hiking considerations, and local natural history. After arriving at the trailhead, we head off for a 2.5 – 3 hour great Colorado guided hiking tour that is 4-4.5 miles in length and includes 350’ of gain for first hike option and 700’ of elevation gain for second hike option. At the completion, we will rejoice in our memorable experience together.
Difficulty Description: Easy Hike: Suitable for every member of the family on a good maintained trail.
Eldorado Canyon
A moderate hike in one of Americas climbing meccas, Eldorado Canyon State Park will certainly not disappoint when it comes to natural and historic beauty. Eldorado Canyon State Park Area is steeped in Colorado’s history for the healing properties of its water (Eldorado Springs), former site of one of Colorado’s famous historic hotels, magnificent cathedral like sandstone cliffs and the roaring sounds of South Boulder Creek. This hike ascends the backside of Shirttail Peak with great views of sandstone cliffs, Ponderosa Pine trees, rocky slopes to the West and East, plus the river below. Eldorado Canyon Hiking Tours is one of the best hiking destinations in the foothills of the Colorado Front Range Mountains.
Itinerary: We depart from and end at your hotel or a central meeting spot and travel 30-40 minutes to the trailhead. During the drive, we will cover vital safety, hiking considerations, and local natural history. After arriving at the trailhead, we head off for a 2.5 – 3 hr. great Colorado guided hiking tour. At the completion, we will rejoice in our memorable experience together.
Difficulty Description: Moderate Hike: Suitable for all physically fit people on a good maintained trail.
Green Mountain Hardy Challenge
For advanced hikers and adventure-seekers, Green Mountain Hardy Challenge offers a steep climb up Green Mountain and boasts 2,700 feet in elevation which lends remarkable views. Come experience one of the best mountain hikes, Green Mountain Hardy Challenge. This hike is one of the training routes for local endurance athletes wanting a great blend elevation gain, terrain variety, and beautiful scenery.
Itinerary: Starting at the famous Chautauqua Mountain Park, this hike climbs 2700-feet to the summit of Green Mountain. Views of Boulder, 3000-feet below, and of the Continental Divide, stretching more than 60 miles to the north and south, reward those that do this hike. This 6.3-mile loop hike is perfect for those wanting to challenge themselves while experiencing some of the most magnificent and beautiful terrain in the Flatirons of Boulder. Variation: At 1700ʼ of gain the trail comes to a junction, at this point depending upon how quickly the group is traveling, we can traverse north and shorten the hike to 4.4-miles.
Difficulty Description: Hard (Moderate Strenuous hike). Long length, substantial elevation gain, and/or difficult terrain. Suitable for experienced hikers only on a good hiking trail.
Green Mountain Mellow
If you are looking for beautiful scenic vistas without a strenuous hike, then the Green Mountain’s Mellow Side may be the right choice for your half-day hiking adventure. This is one of Boulder areas best easy hiking trails to a peak summit around Boulder, Colorado and in Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks. What separates this from any other Boulder Area hikes to a summit is easy access, minimal elevation gain, starting from a higher hiking point, and a great combination of sightseeing and hiking for this trip.
Itinerary: We depart from and end at your hotel or a central meeting spot. Our brief 20-30 minute trip to the trailhead keeps non-hiking travel time to a minimum. However, during the drive, we will cover vital safety, hiking considerations, and local natural history. After arriving at the trailhead, we head off for a 2.5hr – 3hr great guided hiking Boulder Colorado tour that is 3-miles in length and includes 700’ of elevation gain. At the completion, we will rejoice in our memorable experience together. The extra time in the vehicle will include some sightseeing and extra historical and natural history information on the area and Colorado.
Difficulty Description: Easy Hike: Suitable for every member of the family on a good maintained trail.
Mount Sanitas
This classic Boulder hike, Mount Sanitas, offers great views of the Continental Divide to the west and Boulder to the East…that is, if you can ascend the 1,500 feet to the summit. This is a moderate 3.3-mile circular hike that ascends 1500-vertical feet to the summit of Mount Sanitas. This hike has a bit of everything: great views of the city of Boulder to the east, Green Mountain to the south, intermittent view of the Continental Divide to the west, large sandstone formations, rocky hiking terrain, evergreen trees, and a super summit view. Mount Sanitas is ideal for people that like expansive vistas most of the way.
Itinerary: We depart from and end at your hotel or a central meeting spot. Our brief 5-10 minute trip to the trailhead keeps non-hiking travel time to a minimum. However, during the drive, we will cover vital safety, hiking considerations, and local natural history. After arriving at the trailhead, we head off for a 2.5hr – 3.5 hr. great guided hiking Boulder Colorado tour that is 3.3 miles in length and includes 1550’ of elevation gain. At the completion, we will rejoice in our memorable experience together. The extra time in the vehicle will include some sightseeing and extra historical and natural history information on the area and Colorado.
Difficulty Description: Moderate Hike: Suitable for all physically fit people on a good maintained trail.
Hike/Peak: Full Day
Alpine Lakes & Wildflowers
A moderate hike in late June – mid July, this exploration through Colorado’s Alpine Lakes and Wildflowers will coincide with the climax for wild flower blooming in the Colorado high mountains. This guided Colorado hike transitions from the montane forests to the alpine tundra. Along our way through the montane and sub-alpine ecosystem our hike winds through areas filled with more that 1000 different flowering plants. Some of the high meadows look like the Fourth of July fireworks with Lupine, Paintbrush, Columbine, and many other delicate Colorado wild flowers. Our goal will be to weave a hike that has the best Colorado hiking for wild flower colors and explore the sub-alpine or alpine lakes below the Continental Divide. We have a few different locations to chose from and based on flowers the week of the trip, our guides will choose the best option for Colorado’s Alpine Lakes and Wildflowers.
Itinerary: Plan on hiking between 5 – 9 miles and 1500′ – 2500 ‘ of elevation gain at altitudes from 9000’ – 12,000’. Hikes will be chosen based on wild flowers areas in bloom, group fitness levels and safety.
Difficulty Description: Colorado’s Alpine Lakes and Wildflowers is a Moderate Hike: Suitable for all physically fit people on a good maintained trail.
Crater Lake
This moderate, rugged, 6 mile trail at an elevation of over 9,000′ will afford incredible views of sup-alpine lakes, isolated valleys, evergreen trees, and seasonal wildflowers. Crater Lake is a moderate hike to one of Roosevelt National Forests Hidden Gems in a subalpine setting. Starting a Moffat Tunnel, a Colorado historic railroad achievement, the hikes begins in evergreen trees and rises up a beautiful cluster of 5 lakes spread about a rugged, isolated valley below the Continental Divide. Crater Lake has a bit of all the features of a great hike, evergreen trees, enjoyable hiking along south Boulder Creek, a short steep section to reward all hikers, spectacular sub-alpine lakes, and a dynamic alpine valley.
Itinerary: Plan on hiking about 6 miles and 1390‘ of elevation gain at altitudes from 9,200’ – 10,630’. Hike will be chosen based on wild flowers areas in bloom, group fitness levels and safety.
Difficulty Description: Moderate Hike: Suitable for all physically fit people on a good maintained trail.
Cub Lake
Looking for an all day adventure without the strenuous technical difficulties of most Rocky Mountain trails? The Cub Lake trail is an easy 4-6 mile hike that promises scenic views of lakes, pines, and possibly even elk. Great for groups and photographers. An easy to easy moderate year round hike to Cub Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. On this hike you will be able to see a beautiful lake, old growth ponderosa pines and the elk visit this area year round. We can do this as a loop or an out and back depending upon the group, weather, and your desires. This is a great family, large group, or great hike for photography and wildlife.
Itinerary: Plan on 4.2 miles for the out and back and 5.7 miles for the loop and 750′ of elevation gain at altitudes from 8120’ – 8,710’. Hikes will be chosen based on current conditions, group fitness levels and safety.
Difficulty Description: Easy Hike: Suitable for every member of the family on a good maintained trail.
Boulder Super Loop
A strenuous hike with 5000 feet of elevation gain, Boulder’s Super Loop will offer a remarkable journey to the three highest peaks surrounding the city of Boulder to the West. This hike climbs Green Mountain, Bear Peak, and South Boulder peaks in one wonderful day finishing with the Mesa trail back to the starting location. These peaks were named “the sleeping lady” by the local Native American tribe: The Utes. Hikers will be rewarded with a physically tough day, amazing views, and the opportunity to summit three peaks in one day on Boulder’s Super Loop.
Itinerary: Plan on hiking 12.5 miles and 5000‘ of elevation gain at altitudes from 5600’- 8,500’. Hikes will be chosen based on current conditions, group fitness levels and safety.
Difficulty Description: Strenuous: Full day’s hike over a long and often difficult route. Suitable for only experienced hikers in excellent physical condition.
Golden Gate Canyon
This six mile trail, perfect for individuals and groups alike, will lend beautiful scenery and wildlife viewing inside one of Colorado’s most serene state parks, just a short drive from the Denver area. An easy to easy moderate Denver hike on Burro Trail to Windy Peak in one of Colorado’s most beautiful state parks. Golden Gate Canyon State Park, located west of Denver and the town of Golden supports over 35 miles of multi-use trails across 12,000 acres ranging from 7,600′ to 10,400′. The Burro Trail circles the southeast flank of Windy Peak, located in the northeast corner of the Park. Visitors will enjoy remarkable views across numerous valleys, meadows and mountain ranges, varied terrain, and good wildlife viewing throughout.
Itinerary: Plan on hiking approximately 6 miles and 1,825’ of elevation gain at altitudes from 7,830’ – 9,132’ on a well maintained trail. Hikes will be chosen based on current conditions, group fitness levels and safety.
Difficulty Description: Easy Hike: Suitable for every member of the family on a good maintained trail.
Loch Vale & Sky Pond
Loch Vale and Sky Pond is a moderately strenuous hike that leads to beautiful vistas of Glass Lake and Sky Pond. These glaciers feed to lakes below including Taylor Glacier, Powel Peak, and the nationally famous Petit Grepon Climbing formation in Rocky Mountain National Park. Voted as the best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park voted by our world-renowned guides, the Loch Vale and Sky Pond trail leads through evergreen trees and scales a small ledge system through the subalpine up a large cirque off the east side of the Continental Divide. Hikers will be rewarded with evergreen forests, beautiful sub-alpine lakes, sculpted granite walls, soaring peaks and one of Rocky Mountain National Parks best hikes. The Estes hike to Sky Pond Glacier is a magnificent arguably the best day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Itinerary: Plan on hiking between 9 miles and 10,810‘ of elevation gain at altitudes from 9200’ – 10,810’. Hikes will be chosen based on current conditions, group fitness levels and safety.
Difficulty Description: Moderately Strenuous: Long length, substantial elevation gain, and/or difficult terrain. Recommended for experienced hikers.
RMNP Glaciers
Hiking N. Americas Southern Most Glaciers is a rewarding experience through one of the most active Glaciers in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Plan for a ~9 mile excursion in the high altitudes of the Rockies. A moderately strenuous hikes to one of the largest and most active glaciers in Rocky Mountain National Park. The hiking trail leads past lakes or Lochs and scales a steep ridge into one of four major cirques off the east side of the Continental Divide, between Longs Peak and Flattop Peak. Hiking N. Americas Southern Most Glaciers Hikers will offer a tour through evergreen forest, beautiful sub-alpine lakes, sculpted granite walls, soaring peaks and one of Rocky Mountain National Parks glacier hikes. The Estes hike to Andrews Glacier is a magnificent and one of the best hikes in the park.
Itinerary: Plan on hiking 9.3 miles and 2100 ‘ of elevation gain at altitudes from 9200’ – 11,400’. Hikes will be chosen based on current conditions, group fitness levels and safety.
Difficulty Description: Moderately Strenuous: Long length, substantial elevation gain, and/or difficult terrain. Recommended for experienced hikers.
Hike/Peak: Long Day - Colorado's Best Hiking Trails
Grays & Torreys
Grays and Torreys are two of the most classic 14ers in Colorado, and a wonderful introduction to Colorado mountaineering. This 8.35-mile hike will take you to two 14ers (Colorado’s peaks above 14,000 feet) with over 3,300 combined feet of elevation gain. We’ll start by hiking up Grays Peak, which will take us on steep uphill hiking trails and fields of talus, the loose rock deposited under the peak. We’ll slowly make our way towards the summit and take in the sunrise from the top. After topping out on Grays we will have the option to make our way across a low saddle and hike up Torreys Peak. Torreys is the lower of the two but it’s still a steep hike to the summit. Afterwards, we’ll make our way back down from Torrey’s Peak and rejoin the trail.
Itinerary: We designed our guided peak ascents for groups or individuals who want to explore the wilderness with the knowledge and expertise of a private guide. Our guides, trained in wilderness education and safety, provide a more in-depth understanding of the geography, history, wildlife and vegetation of the local area. Our itinerary is designed to give you the best chance of success while making sure safety is always our priority. Our peak ascents depart early in the pre-dawn morning so to safely summit our objectives early in the morning so we can get off the peak well before any afternoon weather moves in.
Difficulty Description: Moderate to Difficult. For experienced hikers only. Long distances of over 10 miles and 3000+ feet of elevation gain. Exposure and big drop offs can be expected. While not having to use your hands to make upward progress, the trail can be rocky, uneven and care will be needed to safely ascend the peak. This is a big day for anyone and clients need to be prepared for a full day of hiking.
Hidden Continental Divide Trail
So you want to conquer a hike that isn’t on everyone else’s weekend to-do list? Welcome to the Hidden Continental Divide Trail, a 17-mile one way gem nestled in the heart of the Rockies. The route begins on the Continental Divide and heads south along the crest and seldom visited peaks in the heart of the Rocky Mountain National Park. This hiking experience is done by very few and is one the great wilderness ‘gems’ in Rocky Mountain National Park. Doing a trip like this without support and a shuttle vehicle would make this high altitude hike almost impossible in a day’s time.
Itinerary: The one-way test piece nets seven peaks in 17 miles with 4800 feet of gain and 5800 feet of loss. Depending upon weather we may try to add 2-5 peaks and another 2 miles. This route is mostly class 2 (off trail hiking) with a little class 3 (need hands for balance) for an amazing experience. The Hidden Continental Divide Trail trip is limited to 8 participants due to environmental impact and exposure of the route above treeline.
Difficulty Description: The Hidden Continental Divide Trail is Very Difficult: Long and rugged route in extremely remote areas. Suitable only for experienced hikers in top physical condition. Class 2: More difficult hiking that may be off-trail. You may also have to put your hands down occasionally to keep your balance. May include easy snow climbs or hiking on talus/scree. Class 3: Scrambling or un-roped climbing. You must use your hands most of the time to hold the terrain or find your route. This may be caused by a combination of steepness and extreme terrain (large rocks or steep snow). Some Class 3 routes are better done with rope.
Longs Peak 14,259 FT
Come follow in the footsteps of the famous explorer John Wesley Powell as we traverse Longs Peak, the highest peak in Rock Mountain National Park. Our professional guides will safely lead you on this extremely difficult hike. This is an ascent of the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park (14,259 ft / 4,346 m). Due to the exposure of this mountain we usually only hike Longs Peak from mid-July to mid-September. The rest of the year it is usually a technical peak.
Why do many people use a guide on Longs Peak? The day is very long, there are many hours navigating by headlamp in the dark, the route finding can be difficult up high, the exposure above the Keyhole is very real, and the weather and conditions on the mountain are very dynamic. Fortunately, CWRAG’s professional guides log more miles and vertical feet on Longs Peak than any other guide service, so we know how to follow the best pace and the most up-to-date conditions for our visitors. Combined with our intimate local knowledge, we will give you the best opportunity for success.
In 2010, we successfully planned and assisted 11 Veteran Expeditions Team Members (disabled and able bodied veterans) and a 5-person film crew reach Longs Peak Summit on Sept 11, 2010. This was one of more than 25 successful ascents in 2010. Since then, we have logged hundreds of ascents up Longs Peak. Let us help you and your groups reach new heights safely!
Itinerary: Prepare for an epic day. We normal departure our lodging location at midnight or meet at the trailhead and depart from the Longs Peaks trailhead by 12:30 am. After departing from the trailhead, we head off for a 12hr – 18 hr great and long guided hiking tour that is 17-miles in length and includes 5350’ of elevation gain. This is a comparable summit day to Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania or Mt Elbrus is Russia, so prepare for a long hard day physically and mentally. At the completion, we will rejoice in our memorable experience together.
Difficulty Description: Very Difficult: Long and rugged route in extremely remote areas. Suitable only for experienced hikers in top physical condition. Class 2: More difficult hiking that may be off-trail. You may also have to put your hands down occasionally to keep your balance and therefore a waterproof, secure rucksack will be needed. May include easy snow climbs or hiking on talus/scree. Class 3: Scrambling or un-roped climbing. You must use your hands most of the time to hold the terrain or find your route. This may be caused by a combination of steepness and extreme terrain (large rocks or steep snow). Some Class 3 routes are better done with rope.
Mummy Range
If you’ve ever wanted to explore the majestic Mummy Range, then there’s no better way than to follow our guides as we head for an extra long day in the mountains. We’ll leave around 1am and won’t be back until after 5pm, so be prepared when you embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. It’s Mummy Mania! The Mummy range lines the skyline of northern Rocky Mountain National Park and can be seen from Estes Park and even Denver. This extreme route is a one-way tour with a pick-up and drop off at different locations far apart. Doing a trip like this without support and a shuttle vehicle would make this high altitude hike almost impossible in a day’s time. This is a trip and experience that is sure to last a lifetime and be on your ‘bucket list’.
Itinerary: The route is mostly class 2 (off trail hiking) with a little class 3 (need hands for balance) and spans 16 miles, 5,600 feet of vertical gain, and nets six peaks above 12,000’. All but one of them is above 13000’. Depending upon weather we will try to add another 2 peaks, which will add 2 miles and 700 additional feet. Trip is limited to 8 participants due to environmental impact and exposure of the route above tree line. Plan on leaving by 1-2 am and not being done until 5-7 pm.
Difficulty Description: Very Difficult: Long and rugged route in extremely remote areas. Suitable only for experienced hikers in top physical condition. Class 2: More difficult hiking that may be off-trail. You may also have to put your hands down occasionally to keep your balance. May include easy snow climbs or hiking on talus/scree. Class 3: Scrambling or un-roped climbing. You must use your hands most of the time to hold the terrain or find your route. This may be caused by a combination of steepness and extreme terrain (large rocks or steep snow). Some Class 3 routes are better done with rope.
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