The 7 Most Scenic Mountains in Colorado to Add to Your Bucket List

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Colorado’s mountains have been part of my life for years, and I’ve spent countless days hiking their trails, summiting their peaks, and photographing their jaw-dropping landscapes. From iconic fourteeners to hidden gems tucked deep in the Rockies, I’ve explored this state from the San Juans in the south to the rugged peaks near the Wyoming border.

What makes Colorado special isn’t just the height of its mountains, but the variety. Some offer dramatic alpine lakes and wildflower meadows, others sheer rock faces that challenge even seasoned climbers. In this guide, I’ll share the 7 most scenic mountains in Colorado that deserve a spot on your bucket list…places I’ve personally stood, hiked, and photographed.

Colorado’s Most Scenic Mountains at a Glance

If you’re planning to see Colorado’s most beautiful peaks, timing is everything. I usually hike between late June and early October, when alpine trails are snow-free and wildflowers are at their peak. For winter scenery or ski trips, December to March is best.

Colorado has more than 50 “fourteeners” (peaks over 14,000 feet), and several on this list are among the most iconic. Others are lower in elevation but just as photogenic…and often less crowded. I’ve included a mix of easy-to-reach viewpoints and challenging summits so there’s something for every skill level.

Altitude is a serious factor here. I always give myself at least a day to acclimate, drink plenty of water, and pace myself on climbs. Weather can change quickly in the Rockies, so I pack layers, check forecasts, and aim to start early in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. If you’re here to hike, climb, photograph, or simply enjoy the views, these seven mountains showcase the very best of Colorado’s high country…and I’ve explored each one firsthand.

1. Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak stands 14,115 feet tall and honestly, it’s way more accessible than most people think. You’ve got two main ways to get up there, and both are pretty awesome in their own way.

The Pikes Peak Cog Railway runs year-round now and takes about 3.5 hours round trip. I’ve done this trip multiple times, and the views from those train windows never get old. Tickets are pricey though – you’re looking at booking well in advance since they sell out quickly, especially during peak season. The train stops at the summit for 40 minutes, which is actually perfect timing to grab some photos and check out the new Summit Visitor Center.

If you’re driving, the Pikes Peak Highway requires timed-entry reservations ($2 per vehicle) plus admission fees from late May through September. You get a two-hour window to arrive at the gateway, and trust me, you’ll want to show up early because parking at the summit fills up fast. The drive itself is pretty spectacular, but it’s not for nervous drivers – there are no guardrails and it’s basically a winding dirt road for most of the way up.

I actually prefer taking the cog railway since you can relax and enjoy the scenery instead of white-knuckling the steering wheel. Manitou Springs makes a great base camp with solid restaurants and that quirky small-town vibe that Colorado does so well.

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2. Mount Elbert

Mount Elbert is Colorado’s highest peak at 14,439 feet, and it’s actually one of the more approachable fourteeners if you’re in decent shape. No permits or fees required, which is refreshing compared to some other popular peaks. The North Mount Elbert Trail is the most popular route – about 9.8 miles round trip with 4,458 feet of elevation gain. I’d budget 8-10 hours for the whole thing, and definitely start before dawn to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.

The parking situation at the trailhead can get crazy on weekends. I learned this the hard way when I had to park way down the road and walk an extra mile just to reach the actual trailhead. The trail itself is well-maintained and clearly marked, though you’ll hit some false summits that’ll mess with your head. Around 13,400 feet, things get steeper and rockier, but it’s still just a class 1 hike – no technical skills needed.

Twin Lakes at the base makes for great camping if you want to get an early start, and the little town of Leadville nearby has some surprisingly good food. The views from the top are incredible on clear days, but honestly, the weather can change in minutes up there, so pack layers and be ready to turn around if storms roll in.

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3. Longs Peak

Longs Peak is the real deal – a proper technical challenge that’ll test your scrambling skills on the famous Keyhole Route. At 14,259 feet, it’s not just about the height but the class 3 scrambling that makes this one memorable. You don’t need permits for day hikes, but if you’re camping in the backcountry, you’ll need reservations through Rocky Mountain National Park. The park also requires timed-entry permits during peak season, so plan ahead.

The Keyhole Route is about 15 miles round trip with serious exposure once you get past the Keyhole itself. I can’t stress this enough – start stupidly early, like 3 AM early. The afternoon thunderstorms up here are no joke, and you don’t want to be on those exposed ledges when lightning starts. The Trough, Narrows, and Homestretch sections require careful movement and a good head for heights.

Success rates are only around 50% because people either start too late, underestimate the difficulty, or turn back when weather moves in. Estes Park is your best bet for accommodation, and honestly, it’s worth spending a day there just to acclimate to the altitude. I’ve seen too many people from sea level try to tackle this without proper preparation and have a miserable time.

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4. Maroon Bells

The Maroon Bells are probably the most photographed mountains in Colorado, and for good reason – they’re absolutely stunning. But here’s the thing: visiting them requires some planning now. From May 15 through October 31, 2025, you need reservations to access the area. The RFTA shuttle system runs from May 23 through October 19, and honestly, it’s your best option. Shuttle tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for kids and seniors over 65.

If you’re driving, parking reservations cost $10 per vehicle, but you can only drive up before 8 AM or after 5 PM when the shuttles are running. I actually prefer the shuttle because parking at Maroon Lake is super limited and fills up instantly. The shuttle picks up at Aspen Highlands and takes about 15 minutes each way. Once you’re there, the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail is an easy walk with killer views.

If you want more of a challenge, the Maroon-Snowmass Trail to Crater Lake is moderate and gives you those classic alpine lake photos. Pro tip: the restroom situation at the trailhead is pretty rough, so use the facilities at the Maroon Bells Welcome Center before you board the shuttle. Aspen is your base for this one, which means you’re looking at premium prices for everything, but the area really is spectacular.

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5. Mount Evans (Mount Blue Sky)

Here’s the deal with Mount Evans (now officially called Mount Blue Sky): the road is completely closed for all of 2025 due to construction. Yeah, it sucks because this used to be the highest paved road in North America at 14,130 feet. The closure runs from the CDOT gate through the project area above Summit Lake and won’t reopen until Memorial Day weekend 2026.

But don’t write this one off completely. You can still hike to the summit via various trails, though it’s going to be way more challenging than the old drive-and-walk approach. The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway historically offered incredible wildlife viewing – mountain goats and bighorn sheep were practically guaranteed sightings. When it reopens, you’ll need timed-entry reservations (they were $10 per vehicle before the closure) because parking at the summit was always limited.

I’ve made this drive probably a dozen times over the years, and it’s honestly one of the most accessible ways to experience a fourteener without serious hiking. Echo Lake about halfway up is still accessible and makes for a nice day trip. The Echo Lake Lodge serves decent food and has that classic mountain cabin vibe. For now, if you want a similar high-altitude driving experience, Pikes Peak is your best alternative.

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6. Capitol Peak

Capitol Peak is hands down the most dangerous and difficult fourteener in Colorado. I’m not trying to scare you, but people die on this mountain regularly – five people in the summer of 2017 alone. The infamous “Knife Edge” ridge section is where things get real, with 1,500-foot drop-offs on both sides. This is seriously technical class 3-4 terrain, and honestly, if you’re not already comfortable with that level of exposure, this isn’t the mountain to learn on.

The standard route is about 16 miles round trip with over 5,000 feet of elevation gain. Most people camp at Capitol Lake and tackle the summit the next morning, but that requires advance permits through Recreation.gov that book up fast. Day hiking it is possible but makes for a brutal 12-15 hour push. I’ve done both, and camping definitely makes more sense if you can snag a permit.

The approach through the Elk Mountains is beautiful, but once you hit the technical sections above Capitol Lake, it’s game time. The rock is notoriously loose and crumbly, making rockfall a constant danger. If you’re serious about this one, consider hiring a guide from Aspen Expeditions – they know the route inside and out and can keep you safer than going it alone. This peak commands serious respect, and I wouldn’t attempt it without solid scrambling experience on other peaks first.

7. Mount Sneffels

Mount Sneffels sits at 14,158 feet in the San Juan Mountains and offers some of the most stunning scenery in Colorado. The standard approach via Yankee Boy Basin is spectacular, especially during wildflower season in July and August. The good news is there are currently no permits required for the Yankee Boy Basin route, though that might change in the future.

Getting to the trailhead is half the adventure – Yankee Boy Basin Road gets pretty rough after mile 6.7, and you’ll definitely want high-clearance 4WD to reach the upper trailhead. I’ve seen people make it in regular cars to the lower parking area with the restroom, but that adds about 3.5 miles round trip to your hike. The summit route involves class 2-3 scrambling with some loose rock, particularly in the Lavender Couloir and through the famous “V-notch.” A helmet is pretty much mandatory from the couloir up because of rockfall danger.

The technical crux is that V-notch section – it got harder in 2016 when some rocks were removed, bumping it from class 2 to class 3. I actually think this is one of the better peaks for people new to technical fourteeners because while it’s challenging, it’s not death-defying like Capitol Peak. Ouray makes an excellent base camp, and don’t miss the hot springs there after your climb – your legs will thank you.

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FAQs about the Best Mountains in Colorado

Here are some frequent questions I get about when to visit these gorgeous mountains in Colorado.

When is the best time to visit Colorado’s mountains?

I usually recommend late June through early October for hiking, when trails are snow-free and wildflowers are in bloom. For snowy landscapes or skiing, December through March is ideal.

Do I need a permit to hike these mountains?

Most day hikes in Colorado don’t require a permit, but a few popular spots like Mount Evans or Hanging Lake have timed-entry systems. I always check the official park or forest website before I go to avoid surprises.

How high are these mountains?

Colorado is home to more than 50 peaks over 14,000 feet. Some mountains in this list are fourteeners, while others are slightly lower but offer equally spectacular views.

Are these mountains beginner-friendly?

Some are, yes. I’ve included a mix of accessible trails and more challenging climbs. If you’re new to high-altitude hiking, I suggest starting with shorter routes and working your way up.

How do I prepare for altitude?

I always give myself a day or two to acclimate, drink plenty of water, and take it slow on the first hike. Altitude sickness can hit anyone, even experienced hikers.

What gear do I need?

For summer hikes, I pack layers, sturdy boots, a hat, sunscreen, plenty of water, and a trail map. If I’m hiking in early summer or fall, I bring microspikes for icy patches.

Can I camp near these mountains?

Yes. Many have nearby campgrounds or dispersed camping in national forests. I’ve camped at several trailheads to get an early start on summit day…just be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles.