Mount Flora Trail: A Moderate 13er Hike with Stunning Alpine Views Near Denver

Aug 13

ABSTRACT

Experience the Mount Flora Trail, a quintessential Colorado hike near Berthoud Pass. This 6.62-mile moderate hike offers stunning alpine lake views and a gradual 1791-foot climb to the 13,143-foot summit. Perfect for warming up to Colorado’s 13ers, the well-marked trail is just 55 minutes from Denver. It is ideal for avid hikers seeking a high-altitude challenge!

Keywords

Mount Flora Trail
Colorado hikes
Hiking in Colorado
Berthoud Pass hiking
13er hikes in Colorado
Moderate Colorado hikes
Best hikes near Denver
Summer hikes Colorado
Mount Flora trail review
Colorado hiking gear
Alpine lake views Colorado
Hiking with trekking poles
High-altitude hikes Colorado

Colorado Hikes: Mount Flora Trail

Time of Year: Early August.

Weather: 48 degrees and partly sunny. Up to 40 mph gusts on the ridge and peak.

Cover: 70% tree canopy up to the tree line.

Time: 8:53 am - 11:24 am.

Distance: 6.62 miles total.

Cost: None.

Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes.

Difficulty: Moderate level 5 for altitude (13143 feet), elevation gain (1791 feet), and length (6.62 miles).

Route: Mount Flora Trail out and back.

Traffic: Moderate.

Parking: 90% full by 8:45 am.

Equipment: La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX Hiking Boots, Black Diamond Alpon Carbon Cork Trekking Poles, Osprey Talon 33 Backpack

Terrain: A dry dirt path with some sections of rocks. A couple of short and easy scrambles.

Experience: Admittedly, Mount Flora Trail is the quintessential hike for me. It’s 55 minutes from Denver on Berthoud Pass and offers outstanding views within the first mile. The 1791-foot gradual climb over 3.31 miles makes it the most approachable 13er I’ve checked off. The route-finding was reasonably easy on the well-marked trail, and the 360 views above the treeline offered views of alpine lakes and the best of the surrounding peaks. For the ambitious, you can extend the trek across several 12ers. For a 2.5-hour hike, I couldn’t ask for anything more!

Personal Trainer Notes: If I wanted my personal training clients to warm up to Colorado’s 13ers and 14ers, Mount Flora would top that list. While it isn’t easy and requires an adequate cardio baseline, it won’t push your boundary line too far. I will introduce this Berthoud Pass hike to athletic, out-of-town guests and eager hikers seeking above-the-treeline experiences.

List of Hiking Trails in Colorado

To check out more hiking reviews with pictures, visit “List of Colorado Hikes.” You’ll find options across a spectrum of difficulty, including many trails in the foothills and front range.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER

As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.

Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).

If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!