By Michael Hodson
Overland Travel Expert, about.com
[post_ads_2]Colorado is a state that is made for those who love the outdoors, and when it comes to hiking routes there is certainly no shortage of stunning scenery and interesting walks to enjoy. One aspect to be aware of when hiking in the higher mountain areas of Colorado is that altitude sickness may affect some people, and if these symptoms do become apparent, then it is best to return to a lower altitude. However, hiking to the high points of the state will also reveal some amazing mountain scenes, and there are trails to suit people of every ability and fitness too.
North Mount Elbert Trail
Reaching
the highest point in Colorado is a fairly straightforward hike in the
summer months, with no technical climbing experience required, although
it does require plenty of effort to reach the peak. Most of the climb is
above the treeline, and especially in the summer it is worth getting an
early start as this part of the state is well known for getting summer storms in the afternoon.
However, if it is still clear when you reach the
peak, you will be rewarded with some spectacular views across many of
the surrounding mountains, and the beautiful twin lakes below.
The Colorado Trail[post_ads_2]
If
you are looking for a longer challenge that will take you to several
different beautiful areas in Colorado, then the Colorado Trail may well
be the hiking route
that you are looking for. The full route covers nearly five hundred
miles, and takes hikers through eight different mountain ranges, and is
at its best between June and September, with the full route usually
taking between four to six weeks to complete. Because the trail has been
planned to be accessed either in part or hiked in full, it is possible
to walk it in smaller sections, while some of the less used sections
will often allow you to enjoy time in the wilderness without meeting
another person for hours.
The Devil's Thumb Pass
This
trail is a great day walk that will take you through some wonderful
natural scenes up into the mountains and above the tree line, where you
can see some spectacular rock formations
near the pass that gives the trail its name. There are some spectacular
sights along the way, and spending some time enjoying the Jasper Creek
Waterfalls and Jasper Lake is well worth planning for. It is worth
starting early, as the car park can become crowded during the peak
period, particularly at weekends, and while the path takes you near the
summit of the path, you can also choose to hike right up to the pass
which is a short steep climb after reaching Alpine Pond.
Mount Bierstadt[post_ads_2]
This
is a great hike if you are based in Denver during your stay in
Colorado, as it is just a short drive outside the city, and is a great
introduction to climbing 'the Fourteeners', those mountains in Colorado
above fourteen thousand feet. The hike begins on a raised path through
the wetlands
where the shrubs cover most of the terrain, before climbing up the
Headwall, and reaching the ridge where there are cairns to guide you on
the path to the summit. On a good day the views from the top include
three other high mountains, with the closest being Mount Evans to the
north east.
Fern Lake Trail
Located within
Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, this beautiful trail is a
fairly straightforward hike for those with a good level of fitness,
with most of the trail fairly flat, with a climb for the last mile as
you approach the lake. Conditions can get snowy here in the winter when
snowshoes become essential, but if you are hiking in summer then it will
usually be a lovely walk through meadows and forests before reaching
the lake itself.
Choose Your Trail
Choosing
which trail is best suited for you is an important first step before
setting out on your hike. You must take into consideration your fitness
level, the weather, and the amount of time you want to dedicate to your
hike. Remember to prepare and pack the necessary items.
