The best walks and hikes in Clear Creek County
4.8
(175)
7,545
hikers
115
hikes
Hiking in Clear Creek County offers access to high-altitude mountain terrain within the Colorado Rockies, with over 75% of the county designated as public land. The region is characterized by prominent peaks, including four "fourteeners," alpine lakes, and dense forests. Trails often feature significant elevation gains, leading to panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and showcasing a rugged natural environment.
Best hiking trails in Clear Creek County
- The most popular hiking route is Mount Bierstadt Trail, a 7.2 milesโฆ
Last updated: April 26, 2026
4.9
(13)
466
hikers
11.6km
05:24
760m
760m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
19
hikers
12.9km
06:59
920m
950m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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8
hikers
7.56km
03:01
490m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4
hikers
5.03km
02:15
530m
0m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4
hikers
8.11km
03:41
930m
80m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5
hikers
5.26km
01:32
130m
170m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
3.21km
01:31
330m
0m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
3
hikers
1.25km
00:33
160m
0m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4
hikers
3.97km
01:33
240m
40m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
2
hikers
7.96km
03:55
820m
70m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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Popular around Clear Creek County
Tips from the Community
There is plenty of parking at the trailhead and public restrooms are available. The CDT crosses a scenic bridge and climbs up Grays Peak via a gravel road / doubletrack the entire way. If you are headed up Torreys, take the spur trail from Grays โ not the Kelso ridge trail (the first turnoff). The Kelso ridge trail is treacherous class 3 mountaineering and not at all runnable. The other trails from here are all relatively nontechnical and very rewarding.
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At an elevation of 11,307 feet, Berthoud Pass is a high mountain pass in central Colorado. The route going over the pass used to be an old wagon route (the path was deemed unsuitable for a railroad). There is trail access, bathrooms, and lots of parking at the pass summit.
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James Peak is a 13,294-foot summit in the James Peak Wilderness. The Ute Trail and James Peak trail carry you to the ridge, which is steep at times but never calls for more than class 1 travel. There are numerous other 12,000 and 13,000 foot peaks in this area of the wilderness, and there is a multitude of alpine lakes in the surrounding basins.
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Mount Flora rises to 13,146 feet and offers unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks and forests. The summit can be reached from multiple angles, but it is most often approached from the Berthoud Pass side.
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Time to take a short break and catch some breath. There are some wooden benches at this small flattish area. Enjoy the scenery! There is still some climbing ahead to reach the summit of Mount Bierstadt.
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Mostly used as a milestone going up/down. It can be helpful to have hiking sticks to get across to avoid getting wet trail shoes.
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Mount Bierstadt has a reputation for being one of the easiest mountains over 14,000 feet to climb within Colorado state. The reality is that it's still a tough run!
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At the start of the trail that leads to Mount Bierstadt, you find yourself in a beautiful place that offers both a very beautiful view and a place to rest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the general difficulty level of hiking trails in Clear Creek County?
Clear Creek County offers a wide range of hiking difficulties. You'll find everything from easy strolls to very challenging summit ascents. Out of the 74 available routes, 16 are classified as easy, 34 as moderate, and 24 as difficult, catering to various experience levels.
Are there any easy hikes suitable for families or beginners?
Yes, Clear Creek County has several easy trails. For a relatively short and accessible option, consider the Chief Mountain Trail โ Arapaho National Forest, which is 2.8 miles (4.6 km) long and leads to a summit viewpoint through forested slopes.
What kind of terrain and natural features can I expect on the trails?
The region is characterized by high-altitude mountain terrain within the Colorado Rockies. You can expect prominent peaks, alpine lakes, and dense forests. Trails often feature significant elevation gains, leading to panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. The area includes parts of the Arapaho National Forest and Mount Evans Wilderness Area.
Are there any challenging hikes for experienced hikers looking for a strenuous climb?
Absolutely. For experienced hikers, Clear Creek County offers several demanding routes. The Torreys Peak Trail โ Arapaho National Forest is a difficult 11.8 km (7.3 miles) trail with significant elevation gain. Another challenging option is the Grays Peak & Torreys Peak loop via Kelso Ridge โ Arapaho National Forest, a 12.1 km (7.5 miles) route that combines two 14,000-foot peaks.
What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in Clear Creek County?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 80 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from alpine lakes to high mountain peaks, and the rewarding panoramic views after significant elevation gains. The variety of trails, from easy to difficult, is also frequently highlighted.
Are there any trails that lead to alpine lakes?
Yes, several trails in Clear Creek County lead to beautiful alpine lakes. The Herman Gulch Trail is a popular moderate route that takes you through a scenic valley to an alpine lake, often surrounded by wildflowers in summer. Another option is the Silver Dollar Lake Trail โ Arapaho National Forest, a moderate 6.9 km (4.3 miles) hike to a picturesque lake.
Can I hike to any prominent peaks or summits in the area?
Clear Creek County is home to several prominent peaks. Beyond Mount Bierstadt, you can hike to Grays Peak and Mount Sniktau. The Grays Peak Trail โ Arapaho National Forest is a challenging route to one of Colorado's 14ers, while the Mount Sniktau Trail โ Arapaho National Forest offers a moderate climb to another high summit.
Are there any mountain passes I can explore near the hiking trails?
Yes, Clear Creek County is known for its scenic mountain passes. You can explore areas like Berthoud Pass, Juniper Pass, and Jones Pass. These passes often serve as access points to trails or offer stunning viewpoints themselves.
Are there any trails that offer panoramic views?
Many trails in Clear Creek County provide expansive panoramic views due to the significant elevation gains. Routes like Mount Flora Trail, a moderate 11.5 km (7.1 miles) hike, ascend to higher elevations, offering sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges and wilderness.
How many hiking routes are available in Clear Creek County?
There are over 70 hiking routes available in Clear Creek County, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. This includes 16 easy, 34 moderate, and 24 difficult trails.
Most popular routes in Clear Creek County
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