The Best Views From Colorado’s Mountain Peaks

If you want to experience the best of the Centennial State, you have to climb a few thousand feet. Whether you’re hiking or driving to the top, Colorado’s mountain peaks offer some of the best views in the country. Looking out over rugged mountainsides, elegant alpine forests, and an endless blue sky is an experience unlike any other. It’s a sight you’ll never forget, and one that you’ll want to chase again and again. Luckily, Colorado is full of glorious mountain views for you to explore. See the best of the Centennial State when you add these mountains to your Colorado bucket list.

Mount Sanitas

Mount Sanitas is one of Boulder’s most beloved hikes. It’s easily accessible from downtown Boulder, but the challenging terrain will make you work for the reward at the top. Follow the Mount Sanitas Trail that meanders up the ridge to the summit and back in a round trip that’s just over 3 miles. Stop for a breather in the gorgeous open meadows, then tackle the steep sections of rugged boulders and rocky outcroppings. If you want a more relaxing day trip, try the Dakota Ridge trail instead. Either way, the hike offers beautiful views of Boulder’s charming sprawl among the classic Colorado landscape.

Green Mountain

One of the best parts of living in Denver is that you can hop in your car downtown and be on a hiking trail in less than an hour. This includes the Green Mountain Trail in the William F. Hayden Green Mountain Park just west of the city. The trail up Green Mountain is a beginner-friendly 6-mile loop that offers stunning views of Red Rocks and the surrounding foothills. You’ll also get a great view of Denver’s skyline.

Its proximity to the city does mean the trail can get crowded, but it’s perfect for a glimpse of how beautiful Colorado’s urban areas look against the stunning mountain landscape.

Lookout Mountain

Want a history lesson with a gorgeous view? Head to Lookout Mountain in Golden, Colorado. The summit stands over 7,300 feet above the city, offering an incredible view of downtown. The hike to the top is steep and intense, but you can also take a car up the scenic road to the peak.

While you’re there, step into the past with the Buffalo Bill Museum—home of Buffalo Bill Cody’s gravesite and other fascinating Old West artifacts. You can also check out the Lookout Mountain Nature Center to learn more about the local flora and fauna.

Pyramid Peak

The Maroon Bells-Snowmass area offers breathtaking sights of Crater Lake, wildflower meadows, and the surrounding Elk Mountains. If you really want a photo-worthy view, we suggest heading up Pyramid Peak. This is a more adventurous and technical climb that requires some experience. The adrenaline-fueled ascent will have you scrambling up into the sky alongside mountain goats and other local wildlife.

Deer Mountain Summit

As one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s many beautiful peaks, Deer Mountain offers incredible views of the surrounding park and mountain range. The Deer Mountain Trail is a moderately challenging out-and-back trail that’s just over 3 miles one way. The mountain itself stands at about 10,000 feet, making it a great introduction to the park’s elevation before you tackle some of the taller peaks.

Deer Mountain’s summit offers some of the best panoramic views of the park. You can see the glorious Longs Peak, Upper Beaver Meadows, and more from this stunning peak.

Mount Blue Sky

Mount Blue Sky, formerly known as Mount Evans, is one of Colorado’s most famous 14ers. It’s also one of the only places in the world where you can drive to such a high elevation peak. The Mount Blue Sky scenic byway is the highest paved road in North America. It’s open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, offering incredible views of the surrounding Rocky Mountain ranges and valleys.

You’ll experience gorgeous alpine lakes, breathtaking rock formations, and, if you’re lucky, some incredible wildlife before you even reach the summit. At the top, you can park and take a quick hike to the summit, where you can bask in vast views of the Front Range and the nearby Pikes Peak.

Handies Peak

If you’re looking to bag your first 14er, Handies Peak is a great choice. The American Basin Trail is an adventurous yet beginner-friendly hike that even families with kids can enjoy. The trail is an accessible round-trip that’s just over 5 miles. It’s well-marked and easy to follow, though you’ll want to avoid going before June when the snow is melting. Visit in the height of summer to see the wildflowers blooming vibrantly all along the trail.

Lone Eagle Peak

At only 11,000 feet, Lone Eagle Peak is far from Colorado’s tallest mountain. Yet its imposing spire and sheer cliff faces make it both an intimidating and rewarding climb. It’s also a popular backpacking destination. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can spend a night at one of the area’s campgrounds, sleeping under the stars and the shadow of this iconic peak.

The hike itself is rugged and challenging, with the Cascade Creek Trail clocking in at over 14 miles with an elevation gain of 2,244 feet. The experience is undoubtedly worth it, though. At the base of the peak are Crater Lake and Mirror Lake, the latter of which holds an elegant reflection of the mountain’s rugged peak.

At the top, you can experience sprawling fields of vibrant flowers, gorgeous reflections in the crystal-clear lake, and jaw-dropping views of the surrounding mountain range.

Longs Peak

As the highest point in Rocky Mountain National Park and one of Colorado’s most popular 14ers, Longs Peak is home to one of the best views from Colorado’s mountain peaks. The mountain’s magnificent size and rugged terrain make it a satisfying challenge to tackle. If you can make it past the vertical rock faces and narrow ledges littered with loose rock, you can stand at the flat summit and bask in the picturesque view of Rocky Mountain National Park.

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Whether you’re tackling a 14er or enjoying an easy walk through the meadows of the foothills, Colorado is full of breathtaking views everyone can enjoy. Sport your love for this beautiful state when you shop for Colorado t-shirts online at YoColorado. Our store includes fun, stylish designs celebrating all the things people love about Colorado. Visit us today and gear up for your next outdoor adventure in the Centennial State.