Secret Colorado Hikes with Challenging Terrain

Thanks for checking out this guide to secret hikes in Colorado. Colorado is the ancestral home of the Ute, Navajo, Cheyenne, and Arapaho people. Many tribes call Colorado home, and it’s worth it to do a quick search to learn about the specific tribes that inhabit the area you recreate in.
Fox in the Forest aims to empower you to get outside. Covering incredible outdoor locations in Colorado, the American Southwest, and Lake Tahoe, I want you to travel like a local, not a tourist.
This list of secret hikes is literally my private stash. Many people opt not to share their favorite hidden gems, but I think gate keeping Colorado hikes is for suckers.
So get out there and enjoy these secret hikes in Colorado. Just remember, each of these trails are exceptionally challenging and should only be tackled after you have plenty of mountain hiking experience.
These notes are LOADED with resources to help you plan your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park like a local, not a tourist. So check them out below!
As always, visit wild spaces responsibly! Always pack out your trash including water bottles, fruit peels, toilet paper, and anything else you bring with you. Leave only footprints.
Follow all closures, fire bans, drone regulations, and dog laws.
✨Discover which Colorado hike best suits your personality: bit.ly/cohikes4you
✨Follow me…
Pinterest: / aforestfox
TikTok: / foxintheforestblog
Instagram: / megintheforest
For the latest local info about the best outdoor hot spots in Colorado (including places you’ve never heard of before), head on over to www.foxintheforest.net.
✨ Additional Resources ✨
More guides to secret hikes and peaks in Colorado that you never knew existed:
The complete list of secret hikes in Colorado that no one wants you to know about: bit.ly/secretcoloradohikes
Practice Leave No Trace: bit.ly/leaveitbetterthanufoundit
Hiking Safely in Colorado: bit.ly/cohikingtips
✨Discover more about visiting Colorado like a local:
The Ultimate Interactive Guide to Colorado: bit.ly/localcoloradoguide
Local Tips: bit.ly/localcotips
Colorado’s Top Hikes: bit.ly/bestcoloradohikes
The Prettiest Places in Colorado: bit.ly/beautifulcolorado
✨Packing Lists and Gear:
Hand-picked, incredible outdoor gear that keeps you moving: bit.ly/outdoorgearthatrocks
Snag the Colorado Packing List: bit.ly/coloradopackinglist
✨About the Photos and Video:
Transparency is important to me when it comes to photography. There is Instagram and there is reality. And you should be inspired by BOTH.
I intentionally use photos and videos that have been edited for color and lighting, and ones that haven’t.
All the photos and videos you see of these secret Colorado hikes were taken by me. I rarely edit other people out of photos (and I would make a note here if I did!).
✨Time stamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:24 - Sand Lakes Hike
00:58 - Columbine Lake
01:37 - Andrews Tarn
02:27 - Safety and hiking responsibly
02:40 - Outro

[@SarahRosner-ys3gk]

part 2 please! 🥰

[@megintheforestoutdoors]

Thanks for the feedback! I'll get it on the schedule. :)

[@AprilAdventuring]

So informative! You're convincing me I might need to move to Colorado 😂

[@megintheforestoutdoors]

You're welcome! There's lots to do and see in close proximity! Been here for 15 years and still exploring new places. :)

[@katleight3111]

part 2! part 2!!

[@megintheforestoutdoors]

I'll get right on it!

[@KhurshidsChannel]

Nice informative video. Thanks for sharing. sub & 👍6

[@megintheforestoutdoors]

Thank you!

[@trailvoyant]

Columbine Lake looks great! Google Maps shows 3 lakes with that name in the San Juans...looks like this one is just up the MDH from Silverton, not either of the ones east of Purgatory, correct?

[@megintheforestoutdoors]

Yes - this one is between Silverton and Ouray: www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/columbine-lake-trail-509. The "trailhead" isn't very official here, just a few pullouts along the dirt road.