Hiking should be Colorado's national pastime.

We love to hike, we look for great places to go hiking and we all have our favorites.

Well, if you haven't hiked Cortez, prepare for a few new favorites.

This is a nice, moderate hike that is an eight-mile round trip with Hesperus Mountain just over your shoulder. You can circle back or connect to other trails if you want to keep on going. Cross the river on some river rocks,(just not in early spring) check out the beautiful wildflowers, Get to the top of the basin for some amazing views.

If you love the silence of solitude this might be your hike. Bird watching, stargazing and just loving the scenery with very few people around to ruin your moment.

The roar of the water, the scents of the fragrance of aspen and fir and some extraordinary views of Mount Hesperus. And deer. And bears. And, you get the idea. Make sure you have your phone charged because you will be snapping a lot of pictures.

Hovenweep is a Paiute/Ute word meaning "deserted valley." Ancient ruins and a canyon rim hike make this one of the more fascinating hikes. Designated as a National Monument in 1923 by President Harding, the Pueblo who lived here found a paradise for themselves. Check out the ancient rock towers and more.

Get out and enjoy the wonderful trails we have all over Colorado.

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