Travel Tips & Trends

Scenic stress reduction

Colorado offers magnificent places to ponder, and lush quiet on solitary hiking trails. Taking time for yourself in nature is a great way to get back in touch with what you treasure. A leisurely walk can lower blood pressure, increase energy and improve concentration and efficiency in daily life.

Knowing where to get out of the car for a walk and a refill of stillness is an art in itself. Here are a few ideas for easy hikes where worries can lose their foothold to wilderness, vivid colors, natural sounds and deep breaths of crisp, clean air.

Lost Lake Trail at Pristine Lake in Steamboat Springs is a two-mile hike in mountainous terrain at 9,500 feet. Allow 1.5 hours. From Granby, take Highway 125 to County Road 4, about three miles south of Willow Creek Pass and 17 miles north of U.S. Highway 40. Follow the gravel road six miles along Willow Creek to the Stillwater Pass junction, then take County Road 456 half a mile to the Lost Lake trailhead and parking area.

Blue Heron Ponds Loop Trail at Highline Lake State Park, northwest of Grand Junction, runs below a dam in an area rich with wildlife. The 2.2 mile hike is at 4,700 feet. Drive west on I-70 from Grand Junction to the Loma exit, then north onto Colorado Highway 139 for six miles to Q Road. Go west on Q Road for 1.2-miles, then turn north onto 11.8 Road and continue to the park entrance.

Elk Trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, 30 miles west of Denver, is a pet-friendly 3.4-mile trail at 8,500 feet. The trailhead is at Ole Barn Knoll by Reverend's Ridge Campground. Take Highway 93 north from Golden one mile to Golden Gate Canyon Road. Turn left and continue for 13 miles to the park.

Waterdog Lakes Trail #1417 is a two-mile hike at 10,000 feet near Salida. From Poncha Springs, just west of Salida, take U.S. Highway 50 west toward Monarch Pass for approximately 13.5 miles. Pass the Monarch Mountain Lodge on the left, and drive another 2.5 miles to a small highway pullout on the left. The trailhead is located on the opposite side of the road between mile marker 202 and 203 and is difficult to see at highway speeds, so use caution. A small brown sign marks the start of the trail.

Marble SR 314 to Crystal is on the north side of McClure Pass, southwest of Aspen. This stunning five-mile walk from Marble, along a four-wheel drive road beside the Crystal River shaded by aspens and evergreens, culminates at the ghost town of Crystal and scenic Lost Horse Mill. Start in Marble on the only road and drive east 1.5 miles past Beaver Lake to the junction of the roads leading to Lead King Basin and Crystal. The right fork is SR 314, where the walk begins.