Summary
- Colorado is home to over 50 named mountain ranges, making it a dream destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
- The Sawatch Range, San Juan Mountains, and Front Range are some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Colorado, offering stunning landscapes and excellent hiking opportunities.
- From rugged peaks and alpine lakes to historic mining towns and scenic drives, Colorado's mountain ranges offer a diverse range of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.
Colorado is home to some of the best hikes in the USA but is most renowned worldwide for its incredible mountain landscapes. With over 50 named mountain ranges spanning the state, the exact number is debatable, but likely over 50, adventure seekers and nature lovers alike are drawn to explore the peaks and valleys of the Centennial State, from popular ranges like the Rocky Mountains to more remote and untamed wilderness.
The state is home to 54 Fourteeners, which are scenic US mountain ranges that stand over 14,000 feet in elevation, including Mount Elbert's highest peak, at 14,440 feet in the Sawatch Range. To further prove why Colorado is the state with the best hiking in the US, here's a handful of the most beautiful mountain ranges Colorado has to offer.
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10 The Sawatch Range
Mount Elbert in the morning light
Travelers can start their mountain excursion in the heart of the Colorado Rockies with the majestic Sawatch range, home to some of the best mountains in Colorado. Stretching for nearly 100 miles across central Colorado, the Sawatch range contains 15 peaks over 14,000 feet, including the picturesque Mount Elbert, Colorado's highest summit.
With eight massive wilderness areas spanning over 1,600 square miles, the Sawatch range is a dream destination for backpackers. Follow segments of the famous Colorado Trail as it weaves through spectacular valleys and crosses mountain passes over 12,000 feet. See remnants of Colorado's mining heritage in well-preserved ghost towns like Winfield and Tenmile.
The sheer beauty and expansive wilderness of the Sawatch range epitomize the splendor of Colorado's high alpine region.
- Location: Central Colorado, from Tennessee Pass to Monarch Pass
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and fall for hiking. Spring for wildflowers.
- Length: Approximately 100 miles long
- Elevation: Eight peaks over 14,000 feet. The highest is Mt. Elbert, at 14,440 feet.
Prepare for rapidly changing weather in the high elevations of the Sawatch. Carry an extra Heavy coat; do not summit peaks if storms are approaching.
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9 The San Juan Mountains
San Juan Mountains along the Colorado Trail
The San Juans deliver an authentic taste of Rocky Mountain wild and are thus considered among the best mountain ranges in Colorado for hiking.
Journey southwest to the San Juan Mountains for some of Colorado's most rugged landscapes and some historic hotels, such as the Grand Imperial Hotel in Silverton. Sheer cliff walls, jagged 14,000-foot peaks, and steep scree slopes characterize this remote southern range.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a San Juan highlight, plunging 2,000 feet just three miles down sheer vertical walls of metamorphic rock. Adventure seekers can test their nerves by mountain biking along the ridable sections of the Continental Divide Trail.
An expansive network of old mining roads and trails stitch through the San Juans, allowing hikers to explore legendary mining towns like Silverton, Ouray, and Lake City. Just be ready for high altitude, unpredictable mountain weather, and the possibility of stumbling upon black bears, elk, and mountain goats.
- Top Attractions: Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP, Million Dollar Highway, San Juan Skyway, Durango & Silverton Railroad
- Tour Duration: Railroad Day trips around 5–7 hours
- Length: Roughly 120 miles long
- Highest Peak: Uncompahgre Peak, 14,309 feet
Bear activity is common in the San Juan Mountains. Take proper precautions, like using bear canisters and making noise when hiking.
8 The Front Range
Guanella Pass Summit - Colorado Front Range Rocky Mountain Pass
Sweeping down from the Continental Divide, the Front Range borders Colorado's populated urban corridor. Don't let the proximity to Denver and other cities fool travelers in the group; the sheer rising face of these mountains viewed from the east is an unforgettable sight.
Rocky Mountain National Park's impressive peaks dot the northern section of the Front Range. Farther south, Pike National Forest offers stunning vistas and excellent hiking and camping opportunities. Look for bighorn sheep grazing near rocky outcrops as you travel the scenic Mount Evans Road, the highest paved road in North America.
Whether one seeks an easy day hike close to town or a remote backpacking experience while enjoying the best tours in Rocky Mountains National Park, the diversity and accessibility of the Front Range make it a go-to mountain destination.
- Location: Borders eastern edge of Colorado's Front Range cities
- Top Attractions: Rocky Mountain NP, Pike National Forest, Mount Evans
- Highest Peak: Grays Peak, 14,278 feet
Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent in summer. Start hikes early and be below the treeline by early afternoon.
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7 The Rocky Gore Range
Hikers exploring the Rocky Gore range in Colorado, USA
The Gore Range northwest of Vail encompasses a jumbled landscape of craggy peaks, alpine lakes, and remnants of glacial U-shaped valleys.
Camp and fish beside peaceful mountain tarns before embarking on rugged hiking trails to summits like Mount Powell within the Eagles Nest Wilderness. Leave the crowds behind by venturing into the more remote sections like the Eagles Nest Primitive Area, known for its breathtaking mountain scenery.
Watch for wildlife like mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, and moose in this range that forms part of the Continental Divide. For stunning scenery without veering deep into the backcountry, the Gore Range's peaks and valleys offer the perfect blend of challenge and accessibility.
- Length: 70 miles long
- Highest Peak: Mount Powell at 13,550 feet
6 The Sangre De Cristo Mountains
Lightning strikes the Sangre de Cristo mountains near Taos
The Sangre de Cristo range stretching from south-central Colorado into New Mexico, contains the longest continuous stretch of peaks over 13,000 feet outside the Himalayas. This impressive height and separation from other major ranges give the Sangre de Cristos an untamed wilderness character.
Get the adrenaline pumping by hiking through Great Sand Dunes National Park (home to America's biggest sand dunes) before reaching the base of massive fourteeners like Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak. Or take a scenic drive over Medano Pass for spectacular views of the dunes with the craggy Sangre de Cristo peaks as a backdrop.
Whether hiking, camping, or just taking in the stunning scenery, the Sangre de Cristo range offers epic mountain wilderness guaranteed to inspire.
- Location: Southern Colorado into New Mexico
- Length: Roughly 220 miles long
- Highest Peak: Blanca Peak, 14,345 feet
Water sources are scarce in some parts of the Sangres. Carry extra water and plan to filter from creeks when possible.
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5 The Rocky Mountains
The Rocky Mountains in Colorado, U.S.
The Rocky Mountains need no introduction, forming the famous spine traversing 3,000 miles across western North America. Colorado is uniquely situated to provide access to the alpine riches of the Continental Divide, including beloved national parks like Rocky Mountain and Grand Teton (which promises plenty of scenic hikes).
Rocky Mountain National Park is a treasure trove of scenic peaks, alpine lakes, and meadows ripe for wildlife viewing. Search for moose at Sprague Lake or hike Sky Pond for classic views of jagged mountains reflected in still waters. Grand Teton National Park (which offers excellent lodging), farther north, delivers iconic pointed peaks towering above sagebrush flats.
From driving the scenic Trail Ridge Road to multi-day backpacking trips, the Rocky Mountains contain limitless opportunities for adventure and natural beauty.
- Location: Forms spine of western North America
- Length: Over 3,000 miles across western North America
- Highest Peak: Mount Elbert, 14,440 feet
4 The Mosquito Range
Snowy forests and scenery in Leadville, Colorado, United States
Stretching west from Leadville, the Mosquito Range reaches soaring elevations over 10,000 feet. In particular, Mount Lincoln and Mount Democrat reward hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding ranges. Quandary Peak, just south of Breckenridge, provides a challenging but popular 14,000-foot summit hike accessible from the ski town.
Escape to the Tenmile and Turquoise Lake areas within the White River National Forest for wild solitude. Immerse in lush alpine tundra, sparkling mountain lakes, and classic Rocky Mountain scenery. Whether going for peak-bagging glory or meandering through high-country meadows, the Mosquito Range encapsulates Colorado's finest high alpine hiking.
- Location: Between Leadville and South Park, CO
- Top Attractions: Quandary Peak, Mount Sherman, Tenmile Range
- Length: About 40 miles
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3 The Elk Mountains
Maroon Bells, Colorado, two peaks in the Elk Mountains
The Elk Mountains surrounding Aspen boast some of Colorado's most dramatic peaks. Fourteeners here erupt steeply upward from narrow valleys choked with aspen trees, including the iconic Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. Hanging valleys harbor shimmering alpine lakes prime for fly-fishing, while gushing waterfalls like Bridal Veil Falls feed thriving rivers.
Encounter scenic, historic towns like Crested Butte, dotted with Victorian homes and wildflower-filled meadows. Plus, backcountry skiing aficionados can find prized virgin powder in the Elks.
- Location: Around Aspen, CO
- Highest Peak: Castle Peak, 14,265 feet
Altitude sickness is a risk when hiking peaks over 14,000 feet. Take time to acclimate and descend immediately if experiencing symptoms.
2 The La Plata Mountains
La Plata Peak, Colorado, USA
The La Plata range of southwestern Colorado encompasses high peaks divided by the gorgeous Animas River Valley, punctuated with red sandstone. Test resolve by climbing the steep switchbacks up 14,336-foot Hesperus Mountain for incredible 360-degree vistas.
Take a break from the rugged terrain while strolling through the Victorian buildings of historic Durango. Don't miss , a scenic wonder tracing the Animas River through mountain passes and canyons. The San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway runs along the edge of the La Plata mountains, ranking as one of the most spectacular drives in the US.
- Location: Southwestern Colorado
- Highest Peak: La Plata Peak, 14,336 feet
1 The Park Range
TheWest face of Mt. Zirkel in the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness in northern Colorado, USA
Travelers can end their journey through the best Colorado mountains with the relatively unknown Park Range of the Mosquito Range. Stretching between South Park and the Arkansas River Valley, the secluded Park Range separates the bustling population centers of Colorado Springs and Denver from the state's rugged interior.
14,197-foot Mount Bross looms over the quaint historic mining town of Alma. Nearby, the scenic trail to Rock Lake meanders through meadows and spruce-fir forests. The subalpine peaks and valleys of the Park Range offer a perfect dose of off-the-beaten-path adventure without straying too deep into the wilderness.
After experiencing the renowned mountain ranges, wrap up Colorado explorations with this hidden gem.
- Location: Between South Park and Arkansas River Valley
- Top Attractions: Buffalo Peaks Wilderness, Mount Bross, Mount Lincoln
- Length: 60 miles
- Highest Peak: Mount Bross, 14,172 feet
Practice Leave No Trace principles when camping and hiking to preserve the environment. Pack out all trash.
