Backpacker Magazine – May 2009

America's Best Day Hikes: Rockies

With alpine views, hot springs, wildflowers and wildlife, these hikes in Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana offer the best of the Rockies.

by: Kelly Bastone

 

 

PLUS
Specimen Mountain, CO
This easy two-miler in Rocky Mountain National Park almost guarantees a bighorn sheep sighting; they're attracted to the area's natural mineral lick.
Info nps.gov/romo

Sacajawea Peak, MT
Climb the highest peak in the Bridger Range on this round-trip route. Trail 534 to the 9,665-foot summit gains 2,000 feet in 2.5 miles and comes with mesmerizing alpine views.
Info (406) 522-2520

Shower Bath Hot Springs, ID
Hike six rugged miles into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, where steaming water showers over an 80-foot cliff and collects in crystalline soaking pools.
Info (208) 879-4100

Mt. Goliath, CO
This wildflower-rich 3.3-miler is so lush with summer blooms that the Denver Botanical Garden sponsors hikes here. Info (303) 567-3000

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