A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Grand Lake, 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.

Pawnee-Buchanan Loop

Classic Hike Route

Pawnee-Buchanan Loop

Birding
strenuous
25.68 mi
+7,121 ft
Red Deer Lake

Classic Hike Route

Red Deer Lake

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
13.58 mi
+1,882 ft
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
Columbine Lake Out-and-Back

Classic Hike Route

Columbine Lake Out-and-Back

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
6.78 mi
+1,134 ft
Isabelle Glacier Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Isabelle Glacier Out and Back

Fall Colors
strenuous
8.18 mi
+1,875 ft
Long Lake Loop

Classic Hike Route

Long Lake Loop

Birding
moderate
3.51 mi
+315 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.

Adams Falls Loop

Hike Route

Adams Falls Loop

Birding
moderate
0.77 mi
+132 ft
Emerald Lake

Hike Route

Emerald Lake

Birding
moderate
3.2 mi
+759 ft
Lake Haiyaha Hike

Hike Route

Lake Haiyaha Hike

Lake
easy
3.73 mi
+965 ft
Bear Lake Trail

Hike Route

Bear Lake Trail

ADA Accessible
easy
0.69 mi
+29 ft
Bierstadt Lake Loop

Hike Route

Bierstadt Lake Loop

Birding
moderate
2.83 mi
+659 ft
Sprague Lake Loop Hike

Hike Route

Sprague Lake Loop Hike

Lake
easy
0.82 mi
+0 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.

Continental Divide Trail: Colorado Section 36

Hike Route

Continental Divide Trail: Colorado Section 36

Views
extreme
27.2 mi
+4,856 ft
North Inlet/Tonohutu Creek Loop

Hike Route

North Inlet/Tonohutu Creek Loop

Birding
strenuous
25.86 mi
+4,573 ft
Continental Divide Trail: Colorado Section 35

Hike Route

Continental Divide Trail: Colorado Section 35

Lake
strenuous
12.04 mi
+1,757 ft
Continental Divide Trail: Colorado Section 37

Hike Route

Continental Divide Trail: Colorado Section 37

Views
extreme
18.92 mi
+4,933 ft
Baker Gulch to Bowen Lake

Hike Route

Baker Gulch to Bowen Lake

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
19.26 mi
+5,217 ft
Timber Lake Trail

Hike Route

Timber Lake Trail

Birding
strenuous
10.17 mi
+2,991 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.

Cascade Falls and Big Pool

Hike Route

Cascade Falls and Big Pool

Birding
moderate
7.3 mi
+804 ft
Shadow Mountain

Hike Route

Shadow Mountain

Birding
moderate
9.63 mi
+1,765 ft
Andrews Glacier Trail

Hike Route

Andrews Glacier Trail

Less Crowded
strenuous
9.07 mi
+2,329 ft
Mount Ida

Hike Route

Mount Ida

Lake
strenuous
9.32 mi
+2,643 ft
Mt. Alice via Hourglass Ridge

Hike Route

Mt. Alice via Hourglass Ridge

Birding
strenuous
8.77 mi
+3,606 ft
Sky Pond

Hike Route

Sky Pond

Birding
strenuous
8.64 mi
+1,916 ft