A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Estes Park, 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.

Saint Vrain - Meadow Mountain Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Saint Vrain - Meadow Mountain Out and Back

Fall Colors
strenuous
9.26 mi
+3,742 ft
Hall Ranch Loop

Classic Hike Route

Hall Ranch Loop

Birding
moderate
9.48 mi
+1,511 ft
Red Deer Lake

Classic Hike Route

Red Deer Lake

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
13.58 mi
+1,882 ft
Pawnee-Buchanan Loop

Classic Hike Route

Pawnee-Buchanan Loop

Birding
strenuous
25.8 mi
+7,136 ft
Picture Rock+Wild Turkey+Ponderosa Lollipop

Classic Hike Route

Picture Rock+Wild Turkey+Ponderosa Lollipop

Birding
strenuous
14.84 mi
+1,442 ft
Isabelle Glacier Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Isabelle Glacier Out and Back

Fall Colors
strenuous
8.18 mi
+1,875 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.

Lumpy Ridge Short Loop

Hike Route

Lumpy Ridge Short Loop

Birding
moderate
1.64 mi
+404 ft
Gem Lake Hike via Lumpy Ridge Trailhead

Hike Route

Gem Lake Hike via Lumpy Ridge Trailhead

Lake
easy
1.67 mi
+1,034 ft
Lily Mountain Hike

Hike Route

Lily Mountain Hike

Lake
easy
1.9 mi
+1,215 ft
Lily Lake and Ridge Loop

Hike Route

Lily Lake and Ridge Loop

Birding
moderate
0.78 mi
+0 ft
Lily Lake Loop Hike

Hike Route

Lily Lake Loop Hike

Lake
easy
1.61 mi
+29 ft
Bridal Veil Falls via Cow Creek Trail

Hike Route

Bridal Veil Falls via Cow Creek Trail

Less Crowded
moderate
3.02 mi
+975 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.

Crystal Lakes Long Loop

Hike Route

Crystal Lakes Long Loop

Birding
strenuous
30.99 mi
+6,435 ft
Deer Mountain Loop

Hike Route

Deer Mountain Loop

Birding
moderate
10.59 mi
+1,916 ft
Lumpy Ridge Loop

Hike Route

Lumpy Ridge Loop

River/Creek
strenuous
10.44 mi
+2,492 ft
Longs Peak Valley Loop

Hike Route

Longs Peak Valley Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
22.62 mi
+4,901 ft
Mummy Kill Route (Mummy Marathon)

Hike Route

Mummy Kill Route (Mummy Marathon)

River/Creek
strenuous
16.71 mi
+6,460 ft
Longs Peak - Keyhole Route

Hike Route

Longs Peak - Keyhole Route

Lake
strenuous
13.57 mi
+5,372 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.

Gem Lake and Balanced Rock

Hike Route

Gem Lake and Balanced Rock

Birding
moderate
7.31 mi
+1,787 ft
Deer Mountain

Hike Route

Deer Mountain

Birding
moderate
6.03 mi
+1,374 ft
Twin Sisters

Hike Route

Twin Sisters

Birding
strenuous
6.97 mi
+2,443 ft
Cub Lake Loop

Hike Route

Cub Lake Loop

Birding
moderate
6.04 mi
+894 ft
Pole Hill Road

Hike Route

Pole Hill Road

Views
strenuous
6.23 mi
+1,154 ft
Bear Lake TH to Fern Lake TH

Hike Route

Bear Lake TH to Fern Lake TH

Birding
moderate
8.26 mi
+1,435 ft