Trails are emptying. Snow is coming.

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 2,768 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.

Mount Sneffels Trailhead: Yankee Boy Basin Road, 2WD vs 4WD, and Parking

The Mount Sneffels trailhead sits at the top of the Yankee Boy Basin road above Ouray. Here's the drive, where 2WD cars stop, where 4WD is needed, parking, and season.

Vallecito Creek Trail: Trailhead, Parking, the Ford at Mile 7, and Where It Goes

A plain guide to the Vallecito Creek Trail (#529) north of Durango: the trailhead at Vallecito Reservoir, parking, the bridges and the mile-7 ford, Johnson Creek, and dogs.

Upper Purgatory Trailhead: Parking, the Purgatory Flats Trail, and Where It Goes

A plain guide to the Upper Purgatory (Purgatory Flats) trailhead north of Durango: parking, the trail down to the Animas River, the long Chicago Basin approach, and dogs.

Mount Princeton Trailhead: The Road, Parking, and How High to Drive

How to reach the Mount Princeton trailhead near Buena Vista: the rough CR 322 road, where 2WD cars should park, the radio towers, 4WD access, and seasonal gates.

Longs Peak Deaths: How Many Have Died, Where, and Why

Longs Peak Trailhead: Parking, the 2 AM Rule, and Reservations

The Longs Peak Trailhead off Highway 7 has an easy paved drive and a brutally small lot that fills by 2 AM. Here's parking, the timed-entry rule, and what else you can hike from it.