Dillon, Colorado
Top Spots in and near Dillon
-
Boulder, Colorado
Woods Quarry via NCAR
4.23.28 mi / 755 ft gainYou can start from Chautauqua Park, but I prefer to start at NCAR, especially since there is ample parking and you can take a bathroom break inside before hitting the trail. From the intersection of Table Mesa Drive and Broadway in Boulder, drive west on Table Mesa to its end at the NCAR buildin...Read more -
Allenspark, Colorado
Ouzel & Ogallala Peaks
17.18 mi / 4403 ft gainBegin at the Wild Basin Trailhead in southeastern Rocky Mountain National Park near the town of Allenspark. Plan to start before sunrise if attempting this trek as a day trip in order to avoid afternoon thunderstorms above the treeline. This trip can easily be made into a backpacking experience b...Read more -
Allenspark, Colorado
Hike to Pear Lake
5.013 mi / 2112 ft gainPear lake is a beautiful alpine lake in the southern Wild Basin region of Rocky Mountain National Park. Once used as a reservoir, Pear Lake has been restored to its natural state and lies in scenic basin below some of the most isolated mountains in the park. The trail to Pear Lake passes through ...Read more -
Allenspark, Colorado
Hike to Finch Lake
3.08.96 miThere are several ways to reach finch lake but this will cover the route from the Finch Lake Trailhead in the wild basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park. You can also loop it with other trails in the area or begin at the Allenspark Trailhead, which is technically outside the park and a bit e...Read more -
Boulder, Colorado
Catch a Boulder Sunrise from NCAR
A great place to watch the sunrise in Boulder is at NCAR, the National Center for Atmospheric Research. Park in the parking lot at the top of the hill, and if you're feeling up to it, you can walk south for about 10 minutes to an adjacent hill with beautiful views. Either way, you will want to ge...Read more -
Lakewood, Colorado
Hike to Radio Tower Overlook
4 mi / 1312 ft gainI loved this trail when I lived in Lakewood. It has a decent elevation gain, close to the city, spectacular views, and you can pretty much hike it year round unless you just had a winter snow storm (though you could just hike in snow boots!). I take the John O Hayden Trail from the Utah Parking l...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Independence Ghost Town
4.3Back in the late 1800s, Ashcroft, Aspen, and Independence were booming mining town. While Aspen is still thriving today, Ashcroft and Independence are ghost towns. Independence Ghost Town is on Independence Pass, 16 miles east of Aspen on Highway 82. The Farwell Mill sits right along the highwa...Read more -
Boulder, Colorado
Hike the Flatirons Vista Loop Trail
4.73.3 miFrom the parking lot, take South Flatiron Vista Trail for 2.4 miles, where you'll cross onto North Flatiron Vista Trail. In 1 mile, take the connector trail back to the trailhead. To shorten the loop to 2 miles, hike South Flatiron for just 1 mile to Prairie Vista Trail, which leads back to the c...Read more -
Lakewood, Colorado
Green Mountain Trail Loop
4.16.37 mi / 1060 ft gainGreen Mountain Trail is a 6.5-mile loop and has a challenging ascent to the park's highest point. Because the mountain is one of the first to rise out of the plains, you get unique views of where the mountains meet the prairie and fascinating geology. The summit, at 6,857' offers stunning views o...Read more -
Lakewood, Colorado
Green Mountain Mountain Bike Loop
4.06.9 mi / 1047 ft gainSkip the bar and spend happy hour hiking/biking this fun and easy loop. With convenient access from the Denver-Metro Area, this spot is perfect for a quick ride after work, or hike with your dog. The park has three parking lots, and the trail can be completed as a loop system (in either directio...Read more -
Boulder, Colorado
Mars Blocks via Bear Canyon Trailhead
4.89 mi / 1923 ft gainThe Bear Canyon Trailhead is just one of many starting points for this hike, one could also start at NCAR, North Fork Shanahan, or any point on the Mesa Trail. For the purposes of this adventure, I'll start at Bear Canyon Trailhead in South Boulder. This hike will take you about 2-4 hours dependi...Read more -
Littleton, Colorado
Hike the Coyote Song-Swallow Trail Loop
3.83 mi / 350 ft gainWe all love to live our weekends to the fullest, but say you're itching for an adventure and it's midweek with the weekend still a good 3 or 4 days away? South Valley Park is the place to go if you're looking for an after-work adventure or just don't feel like driving too far from the city. A sho...Read more -
Sedalia, Colorado
Backpack the McCurdy Park Loop
25 mi / 7202 ft gainThe total distance of the loop is a little under 25 miles and you will climb a total of 7202 feet. It can be done as a 3 day backpacking trip as shown below.The LoopDay 1: After Parking in the trail head's parking lot, which fills up quickly on weekends, start down the trail after signing your pe...Read more -
Sedalia, Colorado
Backpack the Lost Creek Loop
33.5 mi / 6200 ft gainLost Creek Wilderness may be my favorite part of Colorado. It contains varied terrain and geography, and is less crowded than most places. This loop will take you through everything the wilderness area has to offer. You will get sweeping panoramas of mountain ranges to the south, as well has m...Read more -
Sedalia, Colorado
Camp at Goose Creek
3.08 mi / 1300 ft gainGoose Creek is a fantastic spot to hike or camp. There is a dirt road leading to the trailhead, and it winds through the mountains and offers a great view of the valley. The dirt road is relatively easy and well-maintained. The burn scar from the Hayman fire is still really evident, so there are ...Read more -
Boulder, Colorado
Hike the Red Rocks Loop Trail
3.71 miParking is available on either Canyon or Sunshine Roads. During the weekends it tends to get crowded around sunset so plan accordingly. The entire trail is a loop and is a little over 1 mile in length so it doesn't take too long. The main feature is the massive red sand stone rocks that jut out o...Read more