A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Walden, 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.

Rainbow Lake

Classic Hike Route

Rainbow Lake

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
7.72 mi
+1,475 ft
Zirkel Circle

Classic Hike Route

Zirkel Circle

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
10.67 mi
+2,615 ft
CDT: Buffalo Pass to North Lake

Classic Hike Route

CDT: Buffalo Pass to North Lake

Lake
moderate
20.35 mi
+3,104 ft
CDT: FR 104 to Rabbit Ears Pass

Classic Hike Route

CDT: FR 104 to Rabbit Ears Pass

Fall Colors
moderate
29.91 mi
+1,805 ft
CDT: Rabbit Ears Pass to Buffalo Pass (CO Sec. 41)

Classic Hike Route

CDT: Rabbit Ears Pass to Buffalo Pass (CO Sec. 41)

Birding
moderate
15.29 mi
+1,752 ft
Wyoming Trail to Lake Elmo

Classic Hike Route

Wyoming Trail to Lake Elmo

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
14.13 mi
+1,381 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.

Fiddlehead Trail

Classic Hike Route

Fiddlehead Trail

Birding
easy
1.97 mi
+193 ft
Panorama Trail Loop

Classic Hike Route

Panorama Trail Loop

Family Friendly
easy
1.44 mi
+174 ft
Uranium Mine Trail

Classic Hike Route

Uranium Mine Trail

Historical
moderate
3.14 mi
+730 ft
Fish Creek Falls Overlook

Hike Route

Fish Creek Falls Overlook

ADA Accessible
easy
0.59 mi
+15 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.

State Forest State Park North Loop

Hike Route

State Forest State Park North Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
28.14 mi
+5,876 ft
Carey/Island Lakes Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Carey/Island Lakes Out-and-Back

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
13.1 mi
+2,759 ft
Zirkel Circle

Classic Hike Route

Zirkel Circle

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
10.67 mi
+2,615 ft
Continental Divide Trail: Colorado Section 42

Hike Route

Continental Divide Trail: Colorado Section 42

Views
extreme
20.35 mi
+3,104 ft
CDT: Buffalo Pass to North Lake

Classic Hike Route

CDT: Buffalo Pass to North Lake

Lake
moderate
20.35 mi
+3,104 ft
Continental Divide Trail: Colorado Section 40

Hike Route

Continental Divide Trail: Colorado Section 40

Views
extreme
29.91 mi
+1,805 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.

Rainbow Lake

Classic Hike Route

Rainbow Lake

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
7.72 mi
+1,475 ft
Kelly Lake Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Kelly Lake Out-and-Back

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
8.81 mi
+2,804 ft
North Diamond Peak

Hike Route

North Diamond Peak

Views
strenuous
6.89 mi
+2,196 ft
Crags Campground to American Lakes

Hike Route

Crags Campground to American Lakes

Fishing
strenuous
5.81 mi
+1,556 ft
Rabbit Ears Peak

Classic Hike Route

Rabbit Ears Peak

Birding
moderate
5.37 mi
+1,009 ft
Parkview Mountain

Hike Route

Parkview Mountain

Views
strenuous
9.38 mi
+2,957 ft