Do you love to hike and explore Colorado’s many landscapes and attractions? If you do, get ready to have your mind blown (and your leg muscles worked) by walking these 5 historic hiking trails in Colorado that will lead you to some of the most extraordinary ruins in the state:
- Chimney Rock National Monument (Archuleta County)
Wikimedia Commons Located in the scenic San Juan National Forest, Chimney Rock is a massive 4,726-acre national monument that features not only the beautiful colors you would come to expect from the San Juans, but also Ancestral Puebloan sites from some odd 1,000 years ago. (Please note: Since the area is highly protected, it is only accessible via guided tours.)
- Mount Falcon Park (Morrison)
Yelp/J J. Do these large castle walls seem to be fit for a king? They are (or at least the POTUS, as was originally intended by builder John Brisben Walker)! Unfortunately, these early 20th-century dreams never came to surface, but you can still see Walker’s impressive work at Mount Falcon Park, which features a special 1.7-mile Turkey Trot Trail strictly for walkers and hikers. It’s one historic hiking trail in Colorado you won’t want to miss.
- Mesa Verde National Park (Cortez)
Wikimedia Commons Quite possibly the most famous ruins in all of Colorado are those of Mesa Verde, which is home to 5,000 known Ancestral Puebloan archeological sites and more than 600 cliff dwellings. When it comes to hiking this magnificent area, there is no shortage of designated trails to explore, running from a 1/2 mile all the way up to nearly 8.
- Hovenweep National Monument (Cortez)
Wikimedia Commons Located just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Mesa Verde is the impressive Hovensweep National Monument; another series of Ancestral Puebloan ruins that features not only several trails, but also jaw-dropping views.
- Tomboy
Flickr/Scott Ellis One final hike that we recommend doesn’t involve Ancestral Puebloan ruins, but ruins from the once-thriving mining town of Tomboy. The ghost town, which is located just east of Telluride, contains nothing but wide open spaces just waiting to be hiked and explored!
How many of these historic hiking trails in Colorado have you experienced? We’d love to hear from you — be sure to leave a comment below.
Wikimedia Commons
Located in the scenic San Juan National Forest, Chimney Rock is a massive 4,726-acre national monument that features not only the beautiful colors you would come to expect from the San Juans, but also Ancestral Puebloan sites from some odd 1,000 years ago. (Please note: Since the area is highly protected, it is only accessible via guided tours.)
Yelp/J J.
Do these large castle walls seem to be fit for a king? They are (or at least the POTUS, as was originally intended by builder John Brisben Walker)! Unfortunately, these early 20th-century dreams never came to surface, but you can still see Walker’s impressive work at Mount Falcon Park, which features a special 1.7-mile Turkey Trot Trail strictly for walkers and hikers. It’s one historic hiking trail in Colorado you won’t want to miss.
Quite possibly the most famous ruins in all of Colorado are those of Mesa Verde, which is home to 5,000 known Ancestral Puebloan archeological sites and more than 600 cliff dwellings. When it comes to hiking this magnificent area, there is no shortage of designated trails to explore, running from a 1/2 mile all the way up to nearly 8.
Located just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Mesa Verde is the impressive Hovensweep National Monument; another series of Ancestral Puebloan ruins that features not only several trails, but also jaw-dropping views.
Flickr/Scott Ellis
One final hike that we recommend doesn’t involve Ancestral Puebloan ruins, but ruins from the once-thriving mining town of Tomboy. The ghost town, which is located just east of Telluride, contains nothing but wide open spaces just waiting to be hiked and explored!
Ready to learn even more about the iconic Mesa Verde? Read these 12 Fascinating Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Mesa Verde In Colorado!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Chimney Rock National Monument, 3179 CO-151, Chimney Rock, CO 81121, USAAddress: Mount Falcon Park, Castle Trail, Morrison, CO 80465, USAAddress: Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330, USAAddress: Hovenweep National Monument, United StatesAddress: Tomboy Rd, Telluride, CO 81435, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
historic hiking trails in Colorado August 21, 2020 Beth C. What’s the oldest attraction in Colorado? If you’re fascinated by Colorado’s extensive history, you’ll love the opportunity to explore the evidence of Colorado’s earliest residents, the Ancestral Puebloans. Evidence of their fascinating culture can be found at Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and the Canyon of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum. The cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde are among the best-preserved ruins in North America. It’s believed that they date back over 700 years. What’s the most beautiful hike in Colorado? Colorado is home to thousands of breathtaking trails, each offering something unique. Yet many people agree that a handful of trails are the most beautiful in the state. Consistently on that list is Maroon Bells. Fortunately, this area provides an array of hiking trails, ranging from 1 to 13 miles in length, depending on the trail you choose. If you can, plan to visit during the fall when the foliage provides the most breathtaking backdrop to this scenic hike in Colorado. Here’s more on why Maroon Bells Wilderness is considered to be among the most beautiful places in the world. What are the best little known attractions in Colorado? Colorado is a vast, and it seems as though there are hidden gems awaiting discovery in every corner of the state. Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, you’ll agree that the following locations are considered to be some of the state’s best-kept secrets: Paint Mines Interpretive Park, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, Swetsville Zoo, Cheyenne Mountain Nuclear Bunker, Rainbow Falls, Denver’s Dinosaur Hotel, and the International Church of Cannabis.
The OIYS Visitor Center
historic hiking trails in Colorado
August 21, 2020
Beth C.
What’s the oldest attraction in Colorado? If you’re fascinated by Colorado’s extensive history, you’ll love the opportunity to explore the evidence of Colorado’s earliest residents, the Ancestral Puebloans. Evidence of their fascinating culture can be found at Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and the Canyon of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum. The cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde are among the best-preserved ruins in North America. It’s believed that they date back over 700 years. What’s the most beautiful hike in Colorado? Colorado is home to thousands of breathtaking trails, each offering something unique. Yet many people agree that a handful of trails are the most beautiful in the state. Consistently on that list is Maroon Bells. Fortunately, this area provides an array of hiking trails, ranging from 1 to 13 miles in length, depending on the trail you choose. If you can, plan to visit during the fall when the foliage provides the most breathtaking backdrop to this scenic hike in Colorado. Here’s more on why Maroon Bells Wilderness is considered to be among the most beautiful places in the world. What are the best little known attractions in Colorado? Colorado is a vast, and it seems as though there are hidden gems awaiting discovery in every corner of the state. Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, you’ll agree that the following locations are considered to be some of the state’s best-kept secrets: Paint Mines Interpretive Park, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, Swetsville Zoo, Cheyenne Mountain Nuclear Bunker, Rainbow Falls, Denver’s Dinosaur Hotel, and the International Church of Cannabis.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you’re fascinated by Colorado’s extensive history, you’ll love the opportunity to explore the evidence of Colorado’s earliest residents, the Ancestral Puebloans. Evidence of their fascinating culture can be found at Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and the Canyon of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum. The cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde are among the best-preserved ruins in North America. It’s believed that they date back over 700 years.
What’s the most beautiful hike in Colorado?
Colorado is home to thousands of breathtaking trails, each offering something unique. Yet many people agree that a handful of trails are the most beautiful in the state. Consistently on that list is Maroon Bells. Fortunately, this area provides an array of hiking trails, ranging from 1 to 13 miles in length, depending on the trail you choose. If you can, plan to visit during the fall when the foliage provides the most breathtaking backdrop to this scenic hike in Colorado. Here’s more on why Maroon Bells Wilderness is considered to be among the most beautiful places in the world.
What are the best little known attractions in Colorado?
Colorado is a vast, and it seems as though there are hidden gems awaiting discovery in every corner of the state. Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, you’ll agree that the following locations are considered to be some of the state’s best-kept secrets: Paint Mines Interpretive Park, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, Swetsville Zoo, Cheyenne Mountain Nuclear Bunker, Rainbow Falls, Denver’s Dinosaur Hotel, and the International Church of Cannabis.
