Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Grant, Colorado
Grant sits at the edge of Pike National Forest in the South Platte River corridor, tucked between Kenosha Pass and the Mount Evans Wilderness, and the hiking here reflects that geography.
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Grant sits at the edge of Pike National Forest in the South Platte River corridor, tucked between Kenosha Pass and the Mount Evans Wilderness, and the hiking here reflects that geography. Trails and forest roads fan out in every direction, from mellow valley walks like Burning Bear Trail and Buno Gulch Road to the serious alpine push up Abyss Lake Trail, which gains significant elevation before reaching one of the highest lakes in Colorado. The Rosalie Trail connects into the broader wilderness trail network, while routes like South Park Trail and Threemile Creek Trail keep things manageable for hikers who want scenery without committing to a full-day effort. Many of the 32 active listings in the area follow forest roads — Red Cone via Forest Road 565, Upper Hall Valley Road, Twin Cones Road — which means high-clearance vehicles can extend your range, but the routes are also walkable on foot. The terrain shifts quickly here: you can start a morning in lodgepole pine at around 9,000 feet and be above treeline within a few miles. That elevation swing is the main thing to plan around, both for weather and for physical preparation if you're coming from lower elevations.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to hike around Grant?
July through mid-September is the reliable window for most trails, including the alpine routes like Abyss Lake Trail. Snow can linger on higher terrain well into June and return by October. If you're sticking to valley-level routes like Burning Bear Trail or Buno Gulch Road, late May and early October are often workable, but expect muddy conditions after snowmelt.
How difficult are the hikes near Grant? Are there options for beginners?
There's a real range. Burning Bear Trail, Buno Gulch Road, Abyss Lake Trail (the lower section), and South Park Trail are all listed as easy, making them reasonable starting points for families or hikers still adjusting to altitude. Rosalie Trail is listed as moderate and involves more sustained climbing. The Abyss Lake Trail in its full form is a significant effort regardless of how the lower portion is rated, so don't let the easy tag on early segments mislead you about the full route.
Do I need a permit or pass to hike in this area?
Most trailheads in Pike National Forest don't require a permit for day hiking, but some parking areas charge a fee or require a valid America the Beautiful pass. It's worth checking the specific trailhead before you go, particularly for popular access points like Abyss Lake Trail. Wilderness area regulations apply once you enter the Mount Evans Wilderness, including group size limits.
Many listings mention forest roads. Can I hike those, or do I need a vehicle?
You can hike them on foot, and several like Buno Gulch Road and Lininger Ditch Road make for pleasant walks with less foot traffic than named trails. That said, routes like Forest Road 565 to Red Cone and Upper Hall Valley Road are also used by OHVs and high-clearance vehicles, so expect to share the route and stay aware of traffic, especially on weekends.
What gear should I bring for a day hike out of Grant?
Layers are non-negotiable. Afternoon thunderstorms are common from July onward, and temperatures above treeline can drop fast even on clear mornings. A rain shell, sun protection, and at least two liters of water per person are baseline. Trekking poles help on the steeper sections of Rosalie Trail and the upper Abyss Lake Trail. If you're driving forest roads to a trailhead, a high-clearance vehicle handles the rougher approaches more comfortably than a standard sedan.
