In his spare time, entrepreneur Spencer Schar enjoys hiking in Boulder, exploring the Flatiron and Mount Sanitas trails. This article will take a closer look at hiking in Colorado, providing an overview of the region’s best-known national parks and tips for beginner hikers.
Hiking presents a unique opportunity to experience the great outdoors, observing wildlife and spectacular scenery. The pastime has seen a sharp increase in popularity in recent years, presenting significant physical health benefits as well as positively impacting mental health.
According to statistics shared by JerseyIslandHolidays, there are some 57.8 million hikers across the United States today. The hobby is more popular among men than women, with men accounting for approximately 55% of U.S. hikers. Every year, some 4,000 hikers attempt the Appalachian trail, but 75% fail.
Hikers burn up to 550 calories per hour, enjoying a 50% reduction in the risk of mental health problems and a 13.4% drop in cortisol levels after hiking for just 20 minutes. America’s National Trails System encompasses 200,000 miles of trails across federal lands, enabling 9 million backpackers and 8 million mountain bikers to enjoy this extensive network alongside hikers.
Boasting a mosaic of diverse landscapes, from the majestic Rocky Mountains to its sprawling plains, Colorado draws hikers from near and far, presenting a paradise for adventurers. Located between the towns of Grand Lake and Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park is once of America’s most popular national parks. Covering 415 square miles and featuring more than 60 peaks above 12,000, Rocky Mountain National Park also ranks as America’s highest altitude national park, culminating in some stunning alpine views.
Mesa Verde National Park is a World Heritage Site situated near Cortez. Established by Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 to preserve the works of man, the park incorporates more than 4,700 archaeological sites, including cliff dwellings, farm structures, pueblos, and masonry towers. Inhabited for circa 1,400 years, Mesa Verde National Park is the ancestral home of 24 Native American nations.
Gunnison National Park is home to the renowned Black Canyon, which gains its name from the shadows that shroud its walls, making it appear black. Spanning 48 miles, the Black Canyon drops 2,722 feet at its deepest, measuring 1,100 feet across at its widest point and just 40 feet across at its narrowest. Gunnison National Park’s best-known geological feature is Painted Wall, which rises 2,250 feet above the river, with its distinct, veiny white streaks composed of a type of granite called pegmatite.
For beginner hikers, Colorado is the ideal place to start, although it is important for those visiting from a lower elevation to give their body time to acclimatize to the high altitude. Take for example a hike to Crater Lake, beneath the renowned Maroon Bells. By the time the hiker reaches the Maroon Lake Welcome Station, they are already 9,500 feet above sea level before even starting the hike. Arriving at Crater Lake, they will have reached an altitude of 10,075 feet. For a visitor from Missouri, this would represent a 20% decrease in effective oxygen, placing them at significant risk of altitude sickness. The key to avoiding altitude sickness is taking appropriate preventative measures.
The best time for hiking Colorado trails is between June and September, when trails are snow-free and mountain highways are open. Hikers must ensure they eat well, consuming a healthy, filling dinner the night before a big hike. Fajitas, tacos, and other dishes high in carbohydrates and protein are ideal. It is also crucial for hikers to eat a hearty breakfast prior to setting out.
Hikers should bring along layers, a water reservoir, and medical kit. They must take care to keep abreast of weather updates, keeping in mind that afternoon thunderstorms are common in Colorado throughout the summer months.
