11 Best Hikes In Southern Colorado 2024

Are you searching for the best hikes in Southern Colorado?

Southern Colorado is a real gem, offering up gorgeous landscapes and tons of outdoor adventures, especially if you’re into hiking.

Whether you’re exploring the towns below Denver, like Colorado Springs, Pueblo, or Trinidad, or you’re heading to Southwest Colorado to check out places like the Rio Grande National Forest, Durango, or Pagosa Springs, there’s always something cool to do.

We used to call Colorado home, and let me tell you, it’s not just about the amazing hikes, you’ll also find stunning mountain views, delicious food, and a whole lot more to love in Southern Colorado.

Best Hikes in Southern Colorado for Your Next Adventure

Below I have highlighted the best hiking trails in Southern Colorado for you to enjoy.

1. Music Pass Trail

The Music Pass Trail is a great option for those looking for a short moderate hike near Westcliffe, Colorado.

This trail is found in the San Isabel National Forest and is about 3 miles out and back and has some truly incredible mountain views.

Additionally, dogs are welcome so feel free to bring your furry friend along with you!

• Hike Distance: 2.6 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Location: San Isabel National Forest
• Dog Friendly: Yes

2. Animas Mountain Trail

One of the most stunning hikes near Durango, Colorado is the Animas Mountain Trail.

This hike is a moderate 6 mile loop and has some breathtaking views of mountains and forest landscape.

Plus, dogs are welcome on this trail and may be off leash in some areas!

• Hike Distance: 6 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Location: Animas City Mountain
• Dog Friendly: Yes

3. High Dune Trail in Great Sand Dunes National Park – One Of The Best Day Hikes In Colorado

Home to the largest sand dunes in North America, Great Sand Dunes National Park has some of the greatest hiking trails in Southern Colorado including High Dune Trail.

This trail is 3 miles out and back and ranked hard due to the sand you will be walking on and the climb to get up the dunes.

We recommend that you bring sandals to wear or that you just wear socks while hiking this trail, we found it to be better than wearing tennis shoes or hiking shoes. 

• Hike Distance: 3 miles
• Difficulty: Hard
• Location: Great Sand Dunes National Park

4. Crater Creek Trail

Found in the great San Juan Wilderness area, Crater Creek Trail is a marvelous hiking option for those looking for one of the best hikes in Southern Colorado.

This trail is about 8 miles in length out and back near Antonito, Colorado and you’ll experience a wide array of gorgeous scenery including a lake, forest views, and mountain landscapes. 

• Hike Distance: 7.6 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Location: San Juan Wilderness

5. Reilly and Levsa Canyons

This trail is in Trinidad Lake State Park and about 9 miles in length out and back.

You will experience some truly great views of Trinidad Lake and the surrounding State Park area.

This hike is fairly popular and is a great option for dog lovers as pets are welcome on this trail. 

• Hike Distance: 8.6 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Location: Trinidad Lake State Park
• Dog Friendly: Yes

6. Lizard Head Trail

If you are searching for a more intense hike in Southwest Colorado, be sure to check out the Lizard Head Trail.

This hike is rated hard and is about 18 and a half miles in length out and back.

Be sure to wear your favorite hiking socks to prevent blisters so that you stay comfortable on this long and challenging journey!

As you hike this trail near Ophir, Colorado you will experience some truly breathtaking views of surrounding mountains, rock formations, and meadows.

Plus, this hike is dog friendly!

• Hike Distance: 18.4 miles
• Difficulty: Hard
• Location: Lizard Head Wilderness
• Dog Friendly: Yes

7. Ice Lake Basin – One Of The Most Scenic Hikes In Colorado

The Ice Lake Basin trail is one of the more popular hikes in Southern Colorado and is found in the San Juan National Forest.

This hike is ranked hard and is about 8 miles in length out and back.

If you are looking for some stunning lake and mountain views, look no further.

Plus, this hike is dog friendly and your pet may be off leash in some areas.

• Hike Distance: 8.3 miles
• Difficulty: Hard
• Location: San Juan National Forest
• Dog Friendly: Yes

8. Ptarmigan Lake Trail

One of the most fabulous hikes in San Isabel National Forest is the Ptarmigan Lake Trail.

This hike is 6 miles out and back and considered a moderate trail.

This trail is very popular in the area and you will experience some spectacular views of mountains and a lake during your hike.

Additionally, this hike is dog friendly and your pet may be off leash in some spots. 

• Hike Distance: 6 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Location: San Isabel National Forest
• Dog Friendly: Yes

9. Blue Lakes Trail – One Of The Best Hikes For Beginners In Colorado

The Blue Lakes Trail near Blue River, Colorado is a fantastic short hike for those looking to get outside on a small excursion but experience some magical views of a lake and mountain views in the meantime.

This hike is 1 mile in length out and back and is very popular.

Plus, dogs are welcome on this trail and may be off their leash in some areas.

• Hike Distance: 1 mile
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Blue River
• Dog Friendly: Yes

10. South Colony Lakes Trail

If you have not realized by now, San Isabel National Forest is home to some truly magnificent hikes in Southern Colorado.

The South Colony Lakes Trail is an excellent option for hikers looking for a bit of a challenge.

This hike is rated hard and is about 9 miles out and back and is dog friendly.

You will experience some truly unbelievable distinct mountain and lake views as you gain an elevation of over 2,200 feet.

Considering the demanding and challenging nature of this hike, we recommend bringing along some of the best protein bars for hiking, PROTABAR®.

These bars are loaded with 15 grams of protein, providing a significant surge in energy to fuel your outdoor adventure as you embark one of the best hikes in Southern Colorado.

• Hike Distance: 8.9 miles
• Difficulty: Hard
• Location: San Isabel National Forest
• Dog Friendly: Yes

11. Sneffels Highline Trail

For hikers looking for an intense trail, be sure to check out Sneffels Highline trail for an awesome exercise and great views.

This trail is rated hard and is about 12 and a half miles in length.

This hike can be found in the Uncompahgre National Forest near Telluride and you will gain over 4,300 feet in elevation!

You will experience some excellent mountain and forest views during your time.

Furthermore, this trail is dog friendly and your pet may be off leash in certain parts.

• Hike Distance: 12.4 miles
• Difficulty: Hard
• Location: Uncompahgre National Forest
• Dog Friendly: Yes

Colorado Hiking FAQs

Continue reading below as I answer some of the most commonly asked questions about hiking in Colorado.

What is the prettiest hike in Colorado?

Colorado has countless pretty hikes throughout the state. Some hikes that have stood out to us are the Maroon Bells, Quandary Peak, and High Dune Trail in Great Sand Dunes National Park.

What town in Colorado has the best hiking?

One of the best towns in Colorado for hiking is Breckenridge. This town is not only outstanding for skiing but incredible for hiking.

Plus, once you finish hiking, there are endless shops, restaurants, and bars to explore in the area. 

Another marvelous town for hiking and outdoor adventures is Steamboat Springs.

This town has so much to offer all year round but if you plan on visiting Steamboat Springs in winter and would like to go on a hike, be sure to grab crampons or microspikes for an optimal experience so you are prepared for snow and ice conditions.

Where is the most beautiful place to hike?

We believe one of the most beautiful places to hike is within the state of Colorado. One of our favorite trails has been Quandary Peak near Breckenridge. 

What are the best hikes in Colorado near Denver?

If you are looking for some of the greatest hikes near Denver, check out this post 15 Fabulous Dog Friendly Hikes Near Denver.

Each of these hikes are within an hour of the city and they are all dog friendly!

We hope you enjoyed this post on the best hikes in Southern Colorado.

For similar posts, be sure to check out the Best Backpacking in Colorado and Best Energy Bars for Hiking. Happy Trails!