As we continue through the hottest weeks of summer, with fire bans, drought warnings, and all sorts of other problems throughout Colorado, there is still hope of having a great summer. Hikers have been coming to North Park for generations, with some of the most rugged and pristine wilderness as well as wide open spaces, alpine trails, and scenic vistas to enjoy. The best part is North Park is one of those off-the-beaten-path places in Colorado where you won’t encounter big crowds, tourist-saturated trailheads, or miles of trail marked with the ubiquitous dog poop bags.

So if you want to beat the summer heat and hit some of the finest and most challenging hiking trails in the state, set your navigation app for Walden, CO. In just a few days you might just fall in love with the place and ditch the influencer-heavy hikes in favor of the real Colorado. 

Crossroads of Two Big Hikes

Only the hard-core hikers know that two big thru-hikes pass through North Park. The Continental Divide Trail, which runs 3100 miles between the borders of Canada and Mexico. In North Park, it follows the Never Summer Range and Park Range along the southern and western borders of Jackson County. A newly discovered trail known as the Northern Colorado Trail runs about 300 miles between Estes Park and Glenwood Springs, CO. Right in the middle of both is North Park. 

Walden, CO is a great place for long-distance hikers to stop and rest, resupply, and reconnect with the “real world” on their big hike. With grocery stores, a library, available potable water, and even some delicious restaurants, thru-hikers have been making a stop in Walden for years. It’s something of an oasis for weary travelers and a welcome break from the isolation of the trail, without being overcrowded and tough to navigate like other gateway cities.

The Continental Divide Trail

The Continental Divide Trail is the latest of the Triple Crown of US long hikes. Each year a couple thousand hikers attempt to complete the length of the trail, which takes them through high country deserts, alpine forests, prairie, and even glaciated peaks along its length. Walden is about 28 miles north of the CDT, but it is a doable resting point along the trail without having to hike to Steamboat Springs. Eleven miles of highway hiking along CO HWY 14 through Muddy Pass represents the last gap of the CDT in Colorado. Read more about this here. 

Much of the CDT in North Park cuts through pine forest and along a chain of dormant volcanic mountain peaks, the most prominent of which is Rabbit Ears Peak. The train continues along the southern end of Jackson County and continues where it meets the Wyoming Trail and continues north along the Park Range up towards Encampment, WY. This portion of the CDT will take you within sight of Hahn’s Peak, Mt. Zirkel, and Buffalo Pass. High country lakes, meadows, trails cut through tundra, and plenty of wildlife will keep you company on your trek.

NoCO Trail

The Northern Colorado Trail was recently created by some grass roots hikers who decided to connect the dots on the map, finding a pathway between public trails and lands to establish a route between Estes Park and Glenwood Springs. Though not an “official” US hiking trail, the route still stands as a viable prospect for some of the most untouched and dramatic landscape in Colorado. Read all about it here. 

This East-West route follows several mountain ranges, intermountain basins, and interesting towns throughout northern Colorado. In Jackson County, the trail enters near Cameron Pass and the Rawahs, traveling north along the Medicine Bow Mountain range, crossing through Colorado State Forest State Park land, Colorado Trust Land, and the Rawah Wilderness before continuing west near the North Sand Hills and Jackson County Road #8. 

Some highway hiking along HWY 125 will take hikers to Walden, and then west again towards Lake John and Delaney Lakes, before climbing back up into the Park Range and into Routt County. This hike is as beautiful as it is challenging, so be sure to stock up on food, water, and getting back in touch with loved ones in Walden, where we have strong cellular signals and available WiFi at the Jackson County Public Library. The Walden Post Office would also be a good location for General Delivery for care packages.

Day Hiking

If big thru-hikes aren’t your thing, or you just have a weekend to burn, check out some of our trail systems in North Park. Places like Lake Katherine, the Grizzly-Helena Trail, Rainbow Lakes, Lake Agnes, Kelly Lake, Montgomery Pass, and trail systems throughout the Gould and Rand areas are diamonds in the rough for varying degrees of difficulty. Just be sure that your skillset matches the terrain, as most trails in North Park are not paved, much less groomed. Many of our trails are based on the remnants of old logging roads, game trails, and forest service access roads. 

What to Expect

Long distance hiking can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a hiker’s life. More than just a day hike destination, you’ll get to experience a true sense of what it really feels like to be on your own, and part of nature. Here’s some things you need to keep in mind before your trek.

Widow-makers

During the early 2000s, Colorado found itself in the middle of a ten year drought which weakened our pine forests. Invasive pine-borer beetles decimated our once healthy forests and fires and windstorms took their toll on what remained. Though our forests are recovering, standard government forestry practices often leave singular trees standing in large swathes of clearcuts. Because pine forests have relatively shallow root systems in some thin loess and sand soils, they tend to rely on each other for windbreaks and support. Take away these systems and those standing trees can become what are known as Widow-makers. Strong, sudden winds often bring down these trees with a single gust, so be sure to avoid camping next to these trees and keeping a safe distance while hiking.

Monsoons and Lightning

We are just entering the summer monsoon season in North Park. Hot mornings and early afternoons often bring about sudden thunderstorms. With those storms come the possibility of lightning strikes. Be aware of these drastic weather conditions and seek shelter and avoid the dangers of being struck by lightning, especially when hiking along mountain ridges and open fields. Massive downpours can cause flash flooding and lightning strikes have been known to start wildfires.

Wildfire Warnings!

Northern Colorado is currently under a Stage 2 fire ban (as of July 2026). This means no campfires, outdoor smoking, BBQ grills, welding, fireworks, or any other potential sources of accidental wildfires allowed. Conditions are highly susceptible to fire, especially after such a mild winter. Wildfires have begun to spring up all over Colorado and not only do they move quickly and burn down homes and other structures, they can quickly cut you off from the safety of the trail when they get going. Read more about how our forests are coming back here.

Scarcity of Water

Water is vital to long distance hikers, and is logistically one of the hardest parts of a long hike. It is heavy and constantly running out, which is why the Colorado high country is often so welcoming to hikers, due to the availability of free water sources along the trail. With the drought, many of the creeks you might find on your map have stopped flowing for the season as snow fields have dried up. Some high country lakes are still good sources of water, but be sure to filter all water to avoid waterborne illnesses like giardia. 

During wildfire fighting, some lakes might be contaminated by fire retardant as fire breaks are made. Be sure to be up to date on current conditions and avoid suspicious dyes and foam on some waterways as these chemicals are dangerous to humans. Walden is often on water restrictions during the middle of summer, but you can still refill water bottles at the RV Sanitation Station on 3rd and Washington Street at the Walden baseball diamond.

Wildlife in the Forests

North Park is a haven for wildlife, from large browsers such as deer and elk to the majestic moose. We have our share of predators as well. Bears, mountain lions, and even wolves. Hot summer days tend to draw wildlife into the shade of the forests. Moose in particular with their dark colors sheltering from the harsh UC light and exposure to predators. When hiking be sure to make enough noise to not surprise wildlife. Moose can be very aggressive if they feel threatened.  

A Great Place to Stop for a Break

North Park has plenty of places for you to get off your feet, take some time to enjoy the quiet scenery of a small town, and grab some dinner, a hotel room, or resupply yourself for the next leg of the journey. All without feeling like you are cheating all that much. Hikers and TransAmerica bike riders have pitched their tents in Hanson Park in Walden for years, with a beach volleyball court, sheltered picnic tables, and striking distance of downtown. 

Swing by our local history museum (and enjoy the AC), or take in one of our weekend celebrations which have been happening all throughout the summer.

Our other communities such as Gould and Rand have campgrounds, cold beverages, and snacks as well. Walden is working on becoming a gateway town for outdoor adventure enthusiasts just like you. We hope you enjoy your visit!

Let’s Get Social!

You’ve already found the VisitNorthParkCO.com site. If you like what you’ve seen, subscribe to our Visit North Park Newsletter and follow us on social media on  Facebook or Instagram, for regular updates of events, stunning photos, and historical tidbits. Make North Park your new favorite place in Colorado!