Top 9 Hiking Adventures in Como, Colorado

Why Como Is a Standout Hiking Destination

Como sits at the edge of something quintessentially Colorado: a broad, high valley where weather sculpts the land and seasons rewrite the route. Walk out of the little town and you quickly move from abandoned rail-era relics and aspen groves into alpine meadows that swell with wildflowers in mid-summer. Hikers here feel a particular kind of openness — long sightlines to the Mosquito Range and Hoosier Pass, and trail grades that let you sense elevation in your lungs while still keeping your footing. That combination means Como is equal parts contemplative day hike and accessible mountain gateway.

The trails around Como are defined by variety more than by length. You can loop near Como Lake in an hour, watching waterfowl and dragonflies, then spend a full day on exposed ridgelines above treeline where the wind sharpens every view. Because elevations are high and weather can flip in hours, this is a place where planning matters: start early to miss thunder, carry layers for wind and sun, and expect boggy patches in spring as snowmelt finds its way down to the basin. On clear mornings you’ll trade color with grasses and wildflowers; on evenings, migrating hawks and long light make the same routes feel cinematic.

Culturally, Como is threaded with history. The ghost-town energy—old homesteads and railroad remnants—gives trail junctions an anthropological flavor. Hikes that pass historic mining features or abandoned cabins turn a simple walk into a layered story about settlement, logging, and the rhythms of mountain life. Ecologically, the basin is a patchwork of wetlands, sagebrush flats, aspen groves, and alpine tundra. That variety supports a surprising range of birdlife and small mammals; it also means trail footing and creek crossings can change quickly across a single mile. For travelers, Como’s appeal is pragmatic: you get high-country scenery and solitude within a short drive of Denver and Colorado Springs, but you also need to treat the area with the respect due to mountain terrain. In practice this means choosing routes suited to your fitness, carrying basic navigation tools, and treating afternoon clouds like a deadline rather than an afterthought. When you do the planning, Como returns the favor—with big skies, quiet trails, and the kind of hiking that feels both restorative and raw.

Como pairs short, family-friendly loops around wetlands and lakes with longer ridge climbs that access Mosquito Range viewpoints.

Historic railroad and mining sites give many trails an added cultural layer—expect interpretive sights along less-traveled routes.

Weather shifts fast: afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, and late snowpack can linger on higher approaches into June.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Insider Tips & Local Knowledge

Always verify trail access, closures, weather alerts, and seasonal regulations before heading out.