7 Illegal Trails in Colorado That Hikers Should Avoid

Colorado’s mountains and public lands draw hikers from every corner of the world, but not every well-worn path is legal or safe to explore. Some trails cross into private property, enter protected habitats, or cut through areas closed for safety or restoration. Stepping onto these routes can bring not just fines or legal trouble, but also serious harm to fragile ecosystems that need our protection.

As someone who loves Colorado’s wild spaces, I’ve learned it’s crucial to know which trails to avoid. Steering clear of off-limits paths doesn’t just help you dodge legal headaches, it also safeguards these remarkable places for generations of hikers yet to come. Here’s a closer look at seven illegal trails you’ll want to skip, and why respecting closures is so important.

1. Social Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park

Picture this: You’re hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, and you spot a faint path veering away from the main route. It looks tempting, a shortcut or a way to escape the crowds. But these ‘social trails’ are not just unofficial, they’re illegal and can cause real harm.

When hikers blaze their own trails, the landscape pays the price. Erosion becomes a serious issue, especially in fragile alpine meadows. Wildlife habitats shrink, and native plants have a harder time recovering after repeated trampling. Rangers work hard to restore these sites, but recovery can take years.

Stick to the marked trails, even if you’re curious or in a hurry. The park’s established paths exist for good reason, guiding visitors safely while protecting natural treasures. Every off-route adventure chips away at the environment’s ability to recover. If you love these mountains, helping preserve them starts with where you set your feet.

2. Closed Sections of the Manitou Incline (Manitou Springs)

The Manitou Incline is legendary among Colorado hikers for its lung-busting ascent, but not every path here is fair game. While the main route is open and legal, it’s managed through a free online reservation system to help reduce crowding. Certain side trails and shortcuts branching off the incline remain strictly off-limits. These closed sections sometimes look harmless, but they come with major consequences.

Many of these paths cut over private property or traverse unstable ground, making them dangerous for hikers and a headache for landowners. Law enforcement and local volunteers regularly patrol for trespassers, and fines can add up quickly. It’s not just about breaking rules, it’s about respecting boundaries and protecting your own safety.

If you’re drawn to the Manitou Incline, stick to the well-marked, legal route and reserve your spot in advance. The challenge is rewarding enough without risking legal trouble or injury. Respecting the closures helps keep the incline accessible for everyone while supporting those who work to maintain it.

3. Hanging Lake Side Trails (Glenwood Canyon)

Hanging Lake is a jewel tucked deep in Glenwood Canyon, and its popularity has only made protecting it more urgent. The main trail remains open, but entry is strictly managed through a paid, timed-entry permit system. Venturing onto side trails or getting too close to the lake’s delicate shoreline is illegal and strictly enforced.

People sometimes try to climb around the lake edge for photos or solitude. But just a few footsteps can damage sensitive vegetation or disrupt the fragile ecosystem. The Forest Service has posted clear signs, and rangers patrol frequently, issuing fines to those who break the rules.

If you visit, let the designated trail and platforms guide you. The view is breathtaking from every legal vantage point. By reserving your permit and respecting the boundaries, you’re helping ensure that this rare spot remains as pristine as possible for those who come after you.

4. Trails Across Red Mountain (Ouray area)

Red Mountain’s slopes are dotted with remnants of Colorado’s mining past, but not all paths are open to hikers. Some trails that look like public routes actually cross private land, especially those that once served miners and prospectors. Ignoring ‘No Trespassing’ signs can quickly turn a scenic walk into a legal headache.

Landowners in this region have faced issues with vandalism, liability concerns, and environmental degradation. As a result, many have posted their boundaries clearly and may press charges or call authorities if hikers ignore the warnings. It’s not worth the risk to wander into these contested areas.

If you’re passionate about history, there are still plenty of legal, well-maintained trails around Ouray. Stick to those and you’ll avoid trouble while still soaking in the wild beauty and storied past of Red Mountain country.

5. Unpermitted Routes in the Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness

The Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness is every adventure-seeker’s dream, but it’s also home to some of Colorado’s most fragile habitats. Official trails are plentiful, but bushwhacked or unofficial shortcuts between peaks and lakes are forbidden. These unpermitted routes take a heavy toll on alpine vegetation.

Wildlife and plant life in this region are especially vulnerable to human impact. Even a handful of people straying off-trail can leave scars that last for decades. Rangers in the area are vigilant, and fines for off-trail travel are steep for a reason.

What’s left to explore legally is already spectacular. Staying on permitted routes means you’re not only avoiding penalties but also making sure these wild places remain wild. Let the established paths take you where you want to go, and leave the rest untouched.

6. Private Ranch Lands in the San Luis Valley

Some of the San Luis Valley’s most inviting spots are just out of reach for most hikers. Scenic hot springs and old wagon trails often cross private ranch lands, where entry is strictly prohibited without the owner’s permission. This isn’t just a courtesy, it’s the law.

Local landowners sometimes post signs, but not all boundaries are obvious. Trespassing here can result in fines, confrontations, or even legal action. Colorado law protects ranchers’ rights, and authorities take unauthorized access seriously in these parts.

If you’re eager to explore, look for public lands or secure written permission before setting out. Many ranchers offer tours or day passes, which let you enjoy the landscape while respecting those who care for it. A little planning goes a long way toward a peaceful adventure.

7. Abandoned Mining Roads in Summit County

Tucked away in Summit County are dozens of forgotten mining roads, remnants of a boom that shaped the Rockies. While some are open for recreation, many remain off-limits, gated, signed, or even patrolled because they cross private property or unstable terrain. It’s tempting to follow these relics, but the risks outweigh the rewards.

Old mining infrastructure is often unsafe, with unstable ground and hidden hazards. The legal aspect is just as serious: property owners and county officials can issue hefty fines for anyone caught ignoring posted warnings or cutting locks. There’s simply no shortcut to the high country worth that trouble.

There are plenty of legal trails in Summit County, offering rich history without crossing any lines. Choose those, and you’ll get your fill of adventure, along with peace of mind.