Gardner, Colorado
Top Spots in and near Gardner
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Gardner, Colorado
Mount Lindsey (CLOSED)
1.08.5 mi / 3300 ft gainNOTE: As of September 2021, Mount Lindsey has been closed to public access indefinitely. (Source) At 14,042 Mt. Lindsey is not one of the tallest 14ers, but it is a fun objective regardless. The Lily Lake trailhead can be somewhat difficult to access without a high clearance car, but most cars ...Read more -
Mosca, Colorado
Hike to Star Dune
5.08 mi / 750 ft gainThere is no established trail or route to summit Star Dune which is the beauty of the ever changing and serene nature in the Great Sand Dune National Park. Star Dune is the tallest sand dune in North America, at 750' tall and reaching a summit of 8617'. However, High Dune to its north is at a hig...Read more -
Alamosa County, Colorado
Backpack the Great Sand Dunes
4.8Few places can match the epic scale of this bizarre wilderness in southern Colorado. Great Sand Dunes National Park contains 750 foot tall sand dunes (the tallest in North America) resting at the foot of 13,000 foot peaks (the Sangre de Cristo range). However, to really experience the park in its...Read more -
Alamosa County, Colorado
Sandboard in Great Sand Dunes National Park
4.8Outside of the national park there are two different companies that can rent sand boards and sleds for your day use at around $20 per board per day. However, If it is raining a lot and the dunes are too wet, or if the dunes are frosted over both companies will not rent out their boards in order t...Read more -
Alamosa County, Colorado
Mosca Pass Trail, Great Sand Dunes NP
5.06.49 mi / 1549 ft gainThe Mosca Pass trail is an (approx) 6.5 mile out and back hike that takes you through beautiful ponderosa and aspen forests to summit 1500 above the start. The trailhead parking is the first left after the Great Sand Dunes visitor center. It is a moderate hike, but allow for several hours, as the...Read more -
Mosca, Colorado
Sand Dunes Loop Trail
5.03 mi / 650 ft gainSand Dunes Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Mosca, Colorado.Read more -
Mosca, Colorado
Hike High Dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park
4.82.5 mi / 700 ft gainThe Great Sand Dunes are one the most unique landscapes in Colorado. These massive dunes are the tallest sand dunes in North America. Hiking these dunes can be very difficult, but well worth the amazing views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. If you plan on visiting in the summer, be sure t...Read more -
10746-11764 Greenhorn Highway, Colorado
Explore Bishop Castle
4.00.25 mi / 26 ft gainThis adventure is a unique experience, perfect for the off seasons. Park along the highway on CO-165 in Rye, Colorado, cross the street and walk into the largest one man project in the USA. You’ll enter under the grand front gate and follow the path that leads to the castle. There you’ll find mul...Read more -
Alamosa County, Colorado
Zapata Falls
4.70.5 mi / 150 ft gainDriving towards the Sand Dunes, you will see a sign marker that indicates the road up to Zapata Falls. Turn right onto the road a follow it for about 2 miles until you hit the parking lot at the top. The road is in pretty rough condition so if your car doesn't have high clearance make sure you ta...Read more -
Mosca, Colorado
Summit Little Bear Peak
12 mi / 5000 ft gainThis hike starts on Lake Como Road with the goal of eventually reaching Lake Como. If you have a modified 4WD car you can get all the way to the lake in it, but if you do not feel like risking damage to your vehicle park as low as you deem necessary to do that. Most 4WD stock vehicles can make ...Read more -
Lake Como Trailhead, Colorado
Summit Blanca and Ellingwood Peaks
7 mi / 6800 ft gainBlanca Peak is nestled at the heart (and the top) of a four peak ceiling located at the southern-most tip of Colorado's intimidating Sangre de Christo range. The peak is known for its impeccable 360 degree views, as you can see well over 100 miles in every direction thanks to Colorado's clean, c...Read more -
Westcliffe, Colorado
Venable-Comanche Trail
5.012.08 mi / 4085 ft gainVenable-Comanche Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Westcliffe, Colorado.Read more -
Westcliffe, Colorado
Hike to Willow Lake, CO
5.09 mi / 2800 ft gainNestled in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, Willow Lake offers a stunning destination to a rigorous hike. The hike is approximately 9 miles out and back with 2800 feet of elevation gain. The trail is well marked and maintained. However, the hike rarely levels off. Be prepared for a steady incline...Read more -
Westcliffe, Colorado
Summit Kit Carson Peak
12.4 mi / 6323 ft gainThere are a couple different trailheads that lead to Kit Carson Peak, but the one from Willow Creek Trailhead will give you the opportunity to peak another fourteener, Challenger Point, and let you pass through and/or camp at Willow Lake, which is a beautiful destination by itself. If approaching...Read more -
Aguilar, Colorado
Hike West Spanish Peak
5.07.2 mi / 2.38 ft gainThe West Spanish Peak is best reached by way of CO Hwy 12, which connects south and west through the town of La Veta, Colorado. From Denver travel I-25 south to Walsenburg (about 3.5 hours). At Walsenburg take US 160 to CO 12 southwest through the towns of La Veta and Cuchara.Cordova Pass Trailhe...Read more -
Westcliffe, Colorado
Backpack to Sand Creek Lakes
5.04 mi / 1700 ft gainStart at the Music Pass trail head south of Westcliffe, Colorado off County Road 119. You will need a 4x4 with high clearance to get to the actual trailhead as the last 2.5 miles are rough. Otherwise, park at the Crape Creek TH and walk the 2.5 miles up to Music Pass Trailhead.Once on the trail...Read more
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Gardner
County Road 374
Ponderosa Group Lake Isabel
Overview
Ponderosa Group Campground, located near the sparkling 40-acre Lake Isabel, beckons large groups for picnicking and camping in t...
County Road 374
Spruce Group Lake Isabel
Overview
Spruce Group Campground, located in the Lake Isabel Recreation Area, is a great place to bring groups for picnicking and camping...
County Road 374
St Charles Campground Lake Isabel
Overview
Nestled among aspen and tall Douglas fir trees, St. Charles Campground is in a quiet part of the Lake Isabel Recreation Area. Lo...
Rye, Colorado
Southside Campground Lake Isabel
Overview
Southside Campground is a small RV facility situated in the Wet Mountains by Lake Isabel. The popular recreation area offers a s...
Rye, Colorado
Lake Isabel Cabin
Overview
Lake Isabel Cabin is ideal for guests who wish to experience camping in the Pike and San Isabel National Forest, yet sleep in a ...
Rye, Colorado
La Vista Campground Lake Isabel
Overview
La Vista Campground is situated in a meadow overlooking the west side of the 40-acre Lake Isabel. It is set along the Frontier P...