Which Colorado Hike is Perfect for You?

Quiz Questions

• 1.
  When I dream about the outdoors I dream about...

  • A.
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    Water, water everywhere!
  • B.
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    Truly unique landscapes that put me on another planet
  • C.
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    The more effort it takes to get there, the better the view!
  • D.
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    If it's all over IG, I want to be there!
• 2.
  I wish I knew how to…

  • A.
    Make it to the top of a mountain! I'd love a thrilling adventure.
  • B.
    SCUBA dive. I want to find Nemo!
  • C.
    Speak another language. It'd be so cool to chat with people from different places.
  • D.
    Bake the perfect pie. Mmmm can you smell what's in the oven?
• 3.
  From 1-10, what's your level of hiking intensity?

  • A.
    1-4 – I'm new to hiking, but I'm eager to learn!
  • B.
    5-7 – I've hiked a few times and know the basics, but I'm ready to level up!
  • C.
    8-10 – Hiking is my life.
• 4.
  Which of the following quotes do you need taped to your fridge?

  • A.
    “It’s all about finding the calm in the chaos.” – Donna Karen
  • B.
    “If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good.” – Dr. Seuss
  • C.
    "Nothing can dim the light that shines from within" – Maya Angelou
  • D.
    "The quieter you become the more you are able to hear." – Rumi
• 5.
  If you could have any super power what would it be?

  • A.
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    X-ray vision
  • B.
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    Flying
  • C.
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    Breathe underwater
  • D.
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    Invisibility
• 6.
  It's movie night! Do you reach for a tried 'n true classic or a recent release?

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  • A.
    The tried 'n true classic – If I liked it once, odds are I'll like it again, am I right?
  • B.
    The recent release – I'm all about new experiences and getting to know the unknown.
• 7.
  On a scale of 1-10 how much do you care about crowds on trails?

  • A.
    1-4: Crowded hikes are crowded for a reason. I'm not about to wake up well before the sun to beat them.
  • B.
    5-8 - I'll avoid crowds if the hassle is worthwhile. But the occasional crowded hike doesn't bother me.
  • C.
    9-10 - I'll do anything to avoid the crowds. You'll frequently see me starting by headlamp or avoiding popular trails altogether.
• 8.
  You'd rather visit a place less traveled than see the exact spot posted all over Instagram...

  • A.
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    True
  • B.
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    False
• 9.
   Have you ever travelled to Colorado?

  • A.
    Yes and I can't wait to come back for more.
  • B.
    No — but I’m planning on it soon!
  • C.
    I'm moving to Colorado or moved here in the last 18 months.
  • D.
    I've lived in Colorado for a while, but I'm interested in seeing more of this amazing state.
• 10.
  What was your favorite class in high school and why?

  • A.
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    P.E. – When I needed to burn off all my extra stress and tension, gym class did the trick.
  • B.
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    Geometry – Numbers and shapes make more sense to me than most people do.
  • C.
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    Art – A time for creativity really let me truly express myself.
  • D.
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    Biology – I loved learning about how the living world works.
• 11.
  Which hashtag are you most likely to use?

  • A.
    #selfcare
  • B.
    #cantstopwontstop
  • C.
    #adventureawaits
  • D.
    #sorrynotsorry

Quiz Outcomes

• 1.
  Your Top Colorado Hike Hits all the Classics

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  You love finding inspiration on social media. Checking off all the most popular places hit you in your happy place. You love nothing more than visiting the exact places you draw inspiration from.Because you love "the best of" classics, you are able to find calm in the crowds. You know the key to successfully navigating the bustle of hot spots means planning ahead.Sometimes you get annoyed at the throngs of people, but you know that the trick to beating crowds is to just wake up a little earlier...Incredible Classic Colorado Hiking Trails You Need to Check Out1) Garden of the Gods Loop in Colorado SpringsBeautiful red rock spires jut up against the Rocky Mountains in a dreamy garden landscape. These towering sandstone spires present an unexpected landscape against the mighty Pike's Peak in the backdrop.Mileage: 6.2-mile loopDifficulty: easyTime: 3 hoursRed Tape: Several different options exist inside the park to shorten or lengthen your hike. Parking fills up fast, so get there before 8 am.2) Crater Lake in the Maroon Bells near AspenArguably one of the most iconic scenes in all of Colorado, Crater Lake and Maroon Lake deliver the most incredible views of the famous Maroon Bells Mountains. If you arrive early in the morning, you may just get lucky and see these mighty mountains reflected perfectly on the water.Mileage: 3.5 miles round-tripDifficulty: ModerateTime: 2 hoursRed Tape: Parking and shuttle reservations are required in advance from May through October.3) Sky Pond in Rocky Mountain National ParkAs one of the tougher hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Sky Pond holds a true display of mountain magic, if you have the endurance to make it to the top. You'll pass plenty of classic hot spots along the way. The end of the hike requires the use of your hands to climb a gentle waterfall. But the views from the top will take your breath away.Mileage: 9.4 miles round-tripDifficulty: ChallengingTime: 5 hoursRed Tape: Advanced reservations are required to access the park from May through October."Who's behind all these incredible hiking recommendations?" I'm glad you asked...Hey there, and welcome – I'm Meg Atteberry 👋 I'm a hiking pro and enthusiastic outdoor adventurer. As a long-time writer for the outdoor industry and full-time Colorado blogger, it's my mission to empower you to travel the Centennial State like a local, not a tourist.I've been a Colorado local for over 12 years. Throughout the years I've scoured Colorado to bring you the best hiking, camping, and backpacking recommendations out there. After writing for big-name companies like Backpacker Magazine and REI, I'm a literal professional hiker. ✨🙌I want to give you the tools you need to get outside like a seasoned hiker. So if you're into playing in the dirt, then you're in the right place. Not sure where to get started? Check out some of these top Colorado hiking destinations...1) Bucket List Colorado Hikes – This is the must-see list of E-P-I-C Colorado hikes.2) Incredible Lake Hikes in Colorado for All Abilities – Make a splash with these top watering holes in Colorado.3) Where to Find the Best Wildflower Displays in Colorado – Get bloomin' with these top wildflower hikes in the state.P.S. Expect to see me in your inbox with juicy tips about how to hike in Colorado!
• 2.
  Your Ideal Colorado Hike Goes to...Unique and Unexpected Places

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  You're a cutting-edge adventurer. You revel in the deep cuts that off unique beauty not found anywhere else. Some may call you the hipster of hiking - and that's a good thing!When your idea of a perfect adventure means seeing the deep cuts, it means you'll need to put in the work to uncover the true gems. Sometimes, you bite off a little bit more than you can chew, but that's just part of the adventure immarite?Incredibly Unique Colorado Hiking Trails You Need to Check Out1) Mayflower Gulch near Copper MountainA quintessential Colorado hike without the permits and pesky parking issues. Mayflower Gulch delivers the rugged drama of the Rockies without having to slog it out for miles on end. This trail does see traffic, but a sunrise or sunset here skips the crowds. Mileage: 4.5 miles round-tripDifficulty: easyTime: 2.5 hours2) Devil's Canyon in Grand JunctionWho knew that Colorado is also home to red rock canyons whose beauty rivals that of nearby Moab? Devil's Canyon in Grand Junctions brings you right into the heart of the action. Stunning red rock formations, towering canyon walls, and exquisite desert scenery make this a must-hike trail.Mileage: 6.7-mile loopDifficulty: ModerateTime: 3.5 hoursRed Tape: It gets hot here in the summer, so consider hiking this trail from October through May.3) Star Dune at the Great Sand Dunes National ParkDid you know that Colorado is home to the largest sand dunes in North America? These natural (and growing) sand dunes butt up right against the mighty Sangre de Cristo mountains, making for one unique scene you can't find anywhere else on the planet. Don't let the low mileage fool you - this is a challenging hike since the deep sand will have you feeling like you're taking one step forwards, two steps backward.Mileage: 3 miles round-tripDifficulty: ChallengingTime: 3 hoursRed Tape: Wear long sleeves to protect yourself from the wind-whipped sands. Big adventurers should consider getting an overnight permit (first-come-first-served) to sleep out on the dunes."Who's behind all these incredible hiking recommendations?" I'm glad you asked...Hey there, and welcome – I'm Meg Atteberry 👋 I'm a hiking pro and enthusiastic outdoor adventurer. As a long-time writer for the outdoor industry and full-time Colorado blogger, it's my mission to empower you to travel the Centennial State like a local, not a tourist.I've been a Colorado local for over 12 years. Throughout the years I've scoured Colorado to bring you the best hiking, camping, and backpacking recommendations out there. After writing for big-name companies like Backpacker Magazine and REI, I'm a literal professional hiker. ✨🙌I want to give you the tools you need to get outside like a seasoned hiker. So if you're into playing in the dirt, then you're in the right place. Not sure where to get started? Check out some of these top Colorado hiking destinations...1) Fall Hikes in Colorado that You've Never Heard of– This is the must-see list of E-P-I-C Colorado hikes for fall that you won't find on a typical list.2) Incredible Lake Hikes in Colorado for All Abilities – Make a splash with these top watering holes in Colorado.3) Where to Find the Best Wildflower Displays in Colorado – Get bloomin' with these top wildflower hikes in the state.P.S. Expect to see me in your inbox with juicy tips about how to hike in Colorado!
• 3.
  Your Personal Colorado Hike is All About Butt Busting Elevation

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  Friend, you thrive on a challenge. Sure, hiking to beautiful spots is a real treat, but for you, the joy in walking comes from the challenge it takes to get there.Your try-hard for big adventures means that you sometimes over-exhaust yourself, so remember to listen to your body. Either way, you're always up for a challenge in a beautiful setting.Incredibly Challenging Colorado Hiking Trails You Need to Check Out1) Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National ParkThis non-stop butt-buster takes you up, up, and then up some more to the famous Chasm Lake on Long's Peak. You'll really werk it to gain this impressive alpine lake that features the stunning Diamond rock formation in the background. Did you know that the Diamond is the largest-known, high-elevation granite rock face in America?Mileage: 8.8 miles round-tripDifficulty: ChallengingTime: 4.5 hoursRed Tape: The parking lot often fills up by 2am on weekends, so plan for a sunrise hike.2) Mount Sniktau Near Loveland PassShort mileage with steep terrain leads to big views on this classic Colorado uphill climb. Once you finally top out you'll be treated to mountain views in every direction. Check out nearby Greys and Torreys Peaks, the mighty Tenmile Range to the west, and the rugged Citadel Mountain to the north. Now that's a view worth the lung-busting elevation!Mileage: 4 miles round tripDifficulty: ChallengingTime: 4 hours hoursRed Tape: Only attempt to hike Mount Sniktau when it's snow-free (typically June through November) without a threat of thunderstorms. This mountain is dangerous in a storm.3) Gore Lake near VailArguably one of the most stunning alpine lakes in all of Colorado, Gore Lake combines the challenge of over 3,000 feet in elevation gain and over 10 miles of hiking round-trip. You'll have to earn your snacks on this challenging, yet rewarding romp into one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful mountain ranges in Colorado.Mileage: 12 miles round-tripDifficulty: Very challengingTime: 6.5 hoursRed Tape: Parking can fill up quickly on the weekends."Who's behind all these incredible hiking recommendations?" I'm glad you asked...Hey there, and welcome – I'm Meg Atteberry 👋 I'm a hiking pro and enthusiastic outdoor adventurer. As a long-time writer for the outdoor industry and full-time Colorado blogger, it's my mission to empower you to travel the Centennial State like a local, not a tourist.I've been a Colorado local for over 12 years. Throughout the years I've scoured Colorado to bring you the best hiking, camping, and backpacking recommendations out there. After writing for big-name companies like Backpacker Magazine and REI, I'm a literal professional hiker. ✨🙌I want to give you the tools you need to get outside like a seasoned hiker. So if you're into playing in the dirt, then you're in the right place. Not sure where to get started? Check out some of these top Colorado hiking destinations...1) Bucket List Colorado Hikes – This is the must-see list of E-P-I-C Colorado hikes.2) Beginner Colorado 14ers that Will Challenge Your Hiking Skills – Stand on the summit with this list of challenging mountain hikes3) 13ers Near Denver that Will Get Your Heart Rate Up – Level up your mountain game with this list of 13,000-foot peaks catering to all kinds of hikers and climbers.P.S. Expect to see me in your inbox with juicy tips about how to hike in Colorado!
• 4.
  Your Perfect Colorado Really Makes a Splash

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  Simply put, you're a water child. You dream of quenching your wanderlust with a dip into an alpine lake. Nothing soothes your tired tootsies quite like that icy-cold mountain stream.Colorado may not have palm-lined beaches, but it's packed with utterly scenic alpine lakes. Making the state the tranquil hiking paradise you've always dreamed about.Water-Filled Colorado Hiking Trails You Need to Check Out1) Emerald Lake and Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National ParkThe names say it all. This three-lake hiking trail takes you past the fairy tale Nymph Lake, up to the unbelievable Dream Lake, and then onwards to Emerald Lake (yes, the water really is that deep-colored green). Three lakes in one easy hike - what's not to like?Mileage: 3.2 miles round-tripDifficulty: EasyTime: 1.5 hoursRed Tape: Advanced reservations are required to access the park from May through October.2) Herman Gulch Near Loveland PassTake your time along this varied hiking trail. It starts off steep, but don't worry, the incline decreases to a lush mountain meadow that features stunning wildflowers. As if the landscape didn't get dreamy enough, Herman Lake caps the end of this other-worldly Colorado hike.Mileage: 6.3 miles round tripDifficulty: ModerateTime: 3 hours hoursRed Tape: In order to beat the crowds, start before 8 am on weekends.3) Lone Eagle Peak in the Indian Peaks WildernessFor the water lover, there is no better hike than Cascade Creek to Mirror Lake. This trail winds its way past three different lakes, following a roaring creek for part of the way. You'll get everything from fishing lakes to a waterfall on this long-mileage hike. The real treat though is Mirror Lake, where on a calm morning you can see a perfect reflection of Lone Eagle Peak - Colorado's most beautiful mountain. Go ahead - dip your toes in the waterMileage: 14.3 miles round-tripDifficulty: ChallengingTime: 8 hoursRed Tape: If you'd like to spend the night, you'll need to make advanced reservations"Who's behind all these incredible hiking recommendations?" I'm glad you asked...Hey there, and welcome – I'm Meg Atteberry 👋 I'm a hiking pro and enthusiastic outdoor adventurer. As a long-time writer for the outdoor industry and full-time Colorado blogger, it's my mission to empower you to travel the Centennial State like a local, not a tourist.I've been a Colorado local for over 12 years. Throughout the years I've scoured Colorado to bring you the best hiking, camping, and backpacking recommendations out there. After writing for big-name companies like Backpacker Magazine and REI, I'm a literal professional hiker. ✨🙌I want to give you the tools you need to get outside like a seasoned hiker. So if you're into playing in the dirt, then you're in the right place. Not sure where to get started? Check out some of these top Colorado hiking destinations...1) Colorado's Best Lakes – Take a dip in these top-notch scenic lakes around Colorado.2) Incredible Lake Hikes in Colorado for All Abilities – Make a splash with these top watering holes in Colorado3) Perfect Waterfall Hikes in Colorado – Get bloomin' with these top wildflower hikes in the state.P.S. Expect to see me in your inbox with juicy tips about how to hike in Colorado!