A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Johnstown, 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.

Picture Rock+Wild Turkey+Ponderosa Lollipop

Classic Hike Route

Picture Rock+Wild Turkey+Ponderosa Lollipop

Birding
strenuous
14.84 mi
+1,429 ft
Hall Ranch Loop

Classic Hike Route

Hall Ranch Loop

Birding
strenuous
9.48 mi
+1,520 ft
Boulder Skyline Traverse

Classic Hike Route

Boulder Skyline Traverse

Birding
extreme
16.75 mi
+5,693 ft
Indian Peaks Traverse (IPT)

Classic Hike Route

Indian Peaks Traverse (IPT)

Commonly Backpacked
extreme
69.02 mi
+10,046 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.

Keyhole Balloon

Hike Route

Keyhole Balloon

Birding
easy
2.25 mi
+281 ft
Coyote Ridge Natural Area

Hike Route

Coyote Ridge Natural Area

Views
easy
2.11 mi
+577 ft
Dixon Reservoir Loop Trail

Hike Route

Dixon Reservoir Loop Trail

Dogs Allowed
easy
2.07 mi
+71 ft
Stout, Sawmill + Nomad Trail Loop

Hike Route

Stout, Sawmill + Nomad Trail Loop

Lakefront
moderate
4.55 mi
+807 ft
Horsetooth Falls Out and Back

Hike Route

Horsetooth Falls Out and Back

Family Friendly
easy
2.21 mi
+484 ft
Maxwell Natural Area Ridge

Hike Route

Maxwell Natural Area Ridge

Birding
easy
3.89 mi
+638 ft
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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.

Heil - Picture Rock Combo

Hike Route

Heil - Picture Rock Combo

Fall Colors
extreme
20.64 mi
+2,207 ft
Picture Rock+Wild Turkey+Ponderosa Lollipop

Classic Hike Route

Picture Rock+Wild Turkey+Ponderosa Lollipop

Birding
strenuous
14.84 mi
+1,429 ft
Lumpy Ridge Loop

Hike Route

Lumpy Ridge Loop

River/Creek
strenuous
10.44 mi
+2,517 ft
Crystal Lakes Long Loop

Hike Route

Crystal Lakes Long Loop

Birding
extreme
26.81 mi
+5,443 ft
Boulder Skyline Traverse

Classic Hike Route

Boulder Skyline Traverse

Birding
extreme
16.75 mi
+5,693 ft
Deer Mountain Loop

Hike Route

Deer Mountain Loop

Birding
strenuous
10.59 mi
+1,915 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.

Devil's Backbone Wild to Laughing Horse Loop

Hike Route

Devil's Backbone Wild to Laughing Horse Loop

Views
moderate
6.11 mi
+753 ft
Horsetooth Rock

Hike Route

Horsetooth Rock

Views
moderate
5.97 mi
+1,728 ft
Horsetooth Falls and Rock Trail Loop

Hike Route

Horsetooth Falls and Rock Trail Loop

Dogs Allowed
strenuous
7.88 mi
+2,145 ft
Rabbit Mountain

Hike Route

Rabbit Mountain

Birding
moderate
5.9 mi
+728 ft
Round Mountain Summit Adventure Trail

Hike Route

Round Mountain Summit Adventure Trail

Fall Colors
strenuous
8.91 mi
+2,979 ft
Hall Ranch Loop

Classic Hike Route

Hall Ranch Loop

Birding
strenuous
9.48 mi
+1,520 ft