A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Cotopaxi, Colorado

Regional Classics Icon

Regional Classics

Discover the must-do hikes in the area, handpicked and curated by local experts who know the trails best. These routes are beloved for good reason, offering standout scenery, rewarding terrain, and detailed descriptions with tips that tell you exactly what to expect. Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a local doing them on repeat, they offer a reliable and memorable hiking experience.

Columbine - Bear Creek Loop

Classic Hike Route

Columbine - Bear Creek Loop

River/Creek
moderate
8.22 mi
+1,469 ft
Race Track Loop

Classic Hike Route

Race Track Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
2.78 mi
+505 ft
Chicken Dinner Loop

Classic Hike Route

Chicken Dinner Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
6.41 mi
+639 ft
Rise-n-Shine - Frontside Loop

Classic Hike Route

Rise-n-Shine - Frontside Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
6.84 mi
+780 ft
Cottonwood Gulch to Rumba Ridge Viewpoint

Classic Hike Route

Cottonwood Gulch to Rumba Ridge Viewpoint

Views
strenuous
11.46 mi
+1,944 ft
Sand Dunes - Pano Loop

Classic Hike Route

Sand Dunes - Pano Loop

Geologically Significant
strenuous
3.09 mi
+821 ft
Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Race Track Loop

Classic Hike Route

Race Track Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
2.78 mi
+505 ft
Sand Dunes - Pano Loop

Classic Hike Route

Sand Dunes - Pano Loop

Geologically Significant
strenuous
3.09 mi
+821 ft
S-Mountain via Backside

Classic Hike Route

S-Mountain via Backside

Historical
moderate
1.89 mi
+485 ft
S-Mountain via Frontside

Classic Hike Route

S-Mountain via Frontside

Family Friendly
moderate
3.33 mi
+492 ft
Rusty Lung - Frontside Loop

Hike Route

Rusty Lung - Frontside Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
4.24 mi
+482 ft
Arkansas River Trail - Franz Lake Lollipop

Hike Route

Arkansas River Trail - Franz Lake Lollipop

ADA Accessible
easy
4.18 mi
+74 ft
Logo

Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Rito Alto Four Pass Loop

Hike Route

Rito Alto Four Pass Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
22.18 mi
+6,379 ft
Cottonwood Gulch to Rumba Ridge Viewpoint

Classic Hike Route

Cottonwood Gulch to Rumba Ridge Viewpoint

Views
strenuous
11.46 mi
+1,944 ft
Tanner Peak

Hike Route

Tanner Peak

Dogs Allowed
extreme
12.57 mi
+4,150 ft
Double Rainbow-Pot-O-Gold Out-and-Back

Classic Hike Route

Double Rainbow-Pot-O-Gold Out-and-Back

Views
moderate
11.4 mi
+1,893 ft
Venable - Comanche Loop

Hike Route

Venable - Comanche Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
11.51 mi
+4,017 ft
North Crestone Trail

Hike Route

North Crestone Trail

Lake
extreme
11.21 mi
+3,526 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Columbine - Bear Creek Loop

Classic Hike Route

Columbine - Bear Creek Loop

River/Creek
moderate
8.22 mi
+1,469 ft
Little Rainbow Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Little Rainbow Out-and-Back

moderate
9.56 mi
+810 ft
Chicken Dinner Loop

Classic Hike Route

Chicken Dinner Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
6.41 mi
+639 ft
Rise-n-Shine - Frontside Loop

Classic Hike Route

Rise-n-Shine - Frontside Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
6.84 mi
+780 ft
Spartan Loop

Classic Hike Route

Spartan Loop

Views
moderate
5.5 mi
+455 ft
Beasway to Rumba Ridge Viewpoint

Hike Route

Beasway to Rumba Ridge Viewpoint

Views
moderate
6.93 mi
+989 ft