Best Day Hikes in Colorado: 2009 Top 10 List

All given between 4 and 5 stars by users of Falcon Guide, these are the top ten most popular day hiking routes in Colorado.

1: Glacier Gorge, Estes Park

9.6 miles. Part of Rocky Mountain National Park and features waterfalls, wildflowers and lakes.

2: Blue Lake, Nederland

5 miles. Part of the Indian Peaks Wilderness and takes you to an alpine lake surrounded by peaks.

3: Longs Peak, Estes Park

14 miles. Located in North Colorado along the Front Range. One of the most famous climbs in Colorado. More difficult hike with slabs and ledges.

4: Canyon Loop Trail, Boulder

3.2 miles. Weaves through the Betasso Preserve between Fourmile and Boulder Canyons. Scenic peaks, wildflowers, historic relics. Dog friendly.

5: Arapaho Pass, Nederland

6.4 miles. Hike to Lake Dorothy. Extremely popular trail. Tons of wildflowers.

6: Baker Pass, Grandby

12 miles. In the Never Summer Mountains of Rocky Mountain National Park. Named for having snow on the ground almost all year round.

7: Booth Falls, Vail

4.2 miles. A stream lined more vertical hike with a grand finale. Can continue on for a few more miles to Booth Lake.

8: Chicago Basin, Needleton

16 miles. The most popular hike in Weminuche Wilderness and the most scenic in the San Juans. Trailhead is accessible by steam-powered train.

9: Lost Lakes, Yampa

19.5 miles. Part of the Flat Tops Wilderness. Known as the Devils Causeway leading from the Stillwater Reservoir to the Lost Lakes.

10: Mount Elbert, Leadville

8.6 miles. Part of the Sawatch Range. Fourteener that climbs to the highest point in Colorado.