August in Colorado
Alpine lakes are clear. The high country is open.
196 trail guides, 57 14ers ranked, plus the alpine lake hikes that peak this month.
Best alpine lakes →Jump to hikes near:
Popular Colorado Trails
Browse All 59 Trails →
Emerald Lake Trail
A stunning alpine lake hike that passes Nymph Lake and Dream Lake before reaching the spectacular Emerald Lake. Perfect introduction to Rocky Mountain National Park's high country.
Hanging Lake Trail
Colorado's most photographed lake features turquoise waters and a spectacular waterfall. Reservations required year-round due to its popularity and fragile ecosystem.
Manitou Incline
One of Colorado's most famous workouts. Roughly 2,744 railroad-tie steps gain 2,000 feet in under a mile on the old cable railway bed. A free online reservation is required year-round. Descend via Barr Trail to complete the loop.
Royal Arch Trail
A popular Boulder hike from the Chautauqua Park trailhead leading to a natural sandstone arch with stunning views of the city and Flatirons. The upper half involves stair-steps and short Class 2 scrambling, so older kids handle it well; younger kids may find it tough.
Maroon Lake Trail
An iconic easy loop around Colorado's most photographed peaks. The trail offers stunning reflections of the Maroon Bells in the alpine lake.
What Are You Looking For?
Trail Guides
Detailed guides to Colorado's best hiking trails, from easy day hikes to challenging 14ers.
🎒Gear Reviews
Honest reviews and recommendations for hiking boots, backpacks, and essential gear.
🗺️Tips & Planning
Trail etiquette, safety tips, packing lists, and everything to plan your next adventure.
Latest Posts
View all →
Summit Lake, Colorado: The Highest Lake You Can Drive To
Summit Lake sits at 12,836 feet on the Mount Blue Sky road, the highest lake you can drive to in Colorado. Trails, 2026 reopening, permits, and what to pack.
Crestone, Colorado: A Hiker's Guide to the State's Wildest Mountain Town (2026)
Crestone, Colorado sits at the foot of the Sangre de Cristos, part spiritual retreat town, part basecamp for the state's hardest 14ers. Where to hike, stay, and go.
Huron Peak: A Complete Guide to Hiking Colorado's Sawatch 14er
Huron Peak (14,003 ft) hides the best summit view in the Sawatch. Your 2026 guide to the Class 2 Winfield route, the 4WD road, gear, and when to climb it.
The Continental Divide in Colorado: Where It Is and How to Reach It
The Continental Divide runs about 750 miles through Colorado. Here's where it crosses the state, the passes you can drive, and the best hikes to reach it.
Radium Hot Springs, Colorado: A Wild Riverside Soak Near Kremmling
Radium Hot Springs is a free, wild soak on the Colorado River near Kremmling. Here's the drive, the scramble down, water temps, camping, and safety.
Cottonwood Creek Trailhead: Gateway to Mount Harvard, Columbia, and Two Alpine Lakes
The North Cottonwood Creek Trailhead near Buena Vista opens Mount Harvard, Mount Columbia, Bear Lake, and Kroenke Lake. Here's the road, routes, and timing.
Find Hikes Near You
Curated trail guides for Colorado's biggest hiking hubs.
Get the Colorado 14er Packing Checklist (free PDF)
Plus a weekly note on the best Colorado trails, gear deals, and seasonal hike picks. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your inbox. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ready to Hit the Trail?
Browse our latest guides and gear reviews to plan your next Colorado adventure.
Explore All Posts