Hiking in Grand County
Alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and summit views
Grand County is hiking paradise. From easy riverside walks to challenging fourteener attempts, the trails here deliver wildflower meadows, alpine lakes, aspen forests, and summit panoramas.
The best part? While Rocky Mountain National Park trails get mobbed, the trails around Winter Park and Grand County see a fraction of the traffic. You can find solitude even in peak summer.
This guide covers our favorite trails by difficulty, plus tips on timing, wildflowers, and fall colors.
Easy Hikes (Families & Beginners)
Gentle trails with big rewards—perfect for acclimating to altitude.
Fraser River Trail
Paved, flat, 8 miles
Walk as much or little as you want, river views
Coyote Valley (RMNP)
1 mile boardwalk
Moose common, wheelchair accessible
Monarch Lake Loop
4 miles, minimal elevation
Beautiful lake, wildflowers
Moderate Hikes
More elevation, bigger payoffs.
Byers Peak Trail
9 miles round trip, 2,800ft gain
Classic summit hike, 360° views
Corona Pass / Rollins Pass
Various distances
Drive high, hike higher, alpine tundra
Cascade Falls (RMNP)
7 miles round trip
Waterfall destination, forest hike
Challenging Hikes
For experienced hikers looking for a full day out.
James Peak
10 miles, 2,700ft gain
Thirteener summit, stunning views
Devils Thumb
12+ miles
Remote, alpine lakes, long day
Tip: Start early (before 7am) for any summit hike—afternoon thunderstorms are real.
Seasonal Highlights
Timing matters for the best experiences.
Wildflowers
Late June - mid July
Peak bloom in subalpine meadows
Fall Colors
Late September
Aspen gold, best near Byers Peak
Summer Solstice
Longest days
15+ hours of daylight for big objectives
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best hike near Winter Park for families?
Monarch Lake Loop is perfect—4 miles, mostly flat, beautiful scenery, and you can turn around early if kids get tired.
When are wildflowers at peak bloom?
Late June through mid-July at subalpine elevations. Higher alpine areas peak a bit later, through early August.
Do I need to worry about altitude?
Yes. Most trailheads are at 8,500-10,000 feet. Drink extra water, take it slow, and plan easier hikes for your first day.
Where should I stay for a hiking trip?
Chateau Relaxo is central to the best trailheads and has a hot tub that's essential after big hiking days.
Basecamp for Hikers
Central to the best trailheads with recovery amenities you'll actually use.
- Close to all trailheads
- Hot tub for tired legs
- Gear storage
- Full kitchen for meal prep
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