Welcome to hiker heaven, better known as Cortez, Colorado. There are dozens of trails around Cortez, but these 10 hikes are a good place to start. Long hikes, short hikes, easy and difficult trails can all be found in and around the Cortez area. Hikers who live here think this is some of the best hiking in the world.
What’s the best time of year to hike near Cortez? The weather in the Cortez area is snowy and cold in winter and hot in summer. If you like hiking in the summer, plan to go early in the season and don’t forget the water, sunscreen, and a hat.
Combine history, culture, nature, and exercise by visiting places like Canyons of the Ancients or Mesa Verde, where you can hike near the ruins of ancient civilizations. For more information about hiking these sites, visit Canyons of the Ancients or Mesa Verde.
Short, Easy Hiking Trails
These hiking trails are all less than five miles long and are considered either easy or moderately difficult.
Sand Canyon Pueblo Trail
This short trail is 0.7 miles long and takes only about 15 minutes. The trail itself is just 20 minutes from town. The pueblos there haven’t been excavated but there are kiosks depicting what they may have looked like.
Ruins Road Loop
This one-mile loop trail takes about 21 minutes to complete and is great for hiking, running, and walking. Look here for information.
Doc Sardis Trail Loop
Doc Sardis Trail Loop is an easy 3.8-mile hike that takes about 90 minutes to complete. If you bring your dogs, make sure they are on a leash.
Mud Springs Trail Loop
This moderately easy trail is 3.7 miles in length and takes about an hour and a half to complete. Dogs are welcome and can be off-leash in some areas. It’s a trail that’s good for hiking if there’s still snow in the mountains.
Trust and Hippie House Loop
Another short and easy trail is the popular Trust and Hippie House Loop, an enjoyable hike.
Moderate and Difficult Trails
Trust Loop
Trust Loop is a moderately difficult trail, 3.5 miles in length, and takes a little over an hour to hike. Dogs are also welcome here and can be off-leash in some areas.
Sand Canyon Trail
Here is a hard one for those who are prepared for a challenge. It’s almost 12.5 miles and takes more than five hours to complete. Dogs must be on a leash.
Highline and Canal Trail Loop
This is a moderate, 5.5-mile hike that takes a little more than two hours to complete. It’s unlikely you’ll meet many other hikers on this trail.
Sand Canyon to East Rock Creek Trail to Rock Creek Trail Loop
This moderately difficult 11.7-mile route takes about four and a half hours to complete.
Main, 2More, Trust, and Hippy House Loop
This 9.8-mile hike is considered moderately difficult and requires about three and a half hours to complete.
