Outbound Collective logo

Jefferson, Colorado

Looking for the best running in Jefferson? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Jefferson. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Running Spots in and near Jefferson

  • Golden, Colorado

    Hike the Sawmill to Maverick Loop

    4.3
    2 mi / 450 ft gain
    For this adventure, you'll be completing the Sawmill to Maverick loop. It is a short, but gentle trail that will take you through open meadows, to pine forests, and great views of Denver and Golden.Starting from the west parking area, cross the road and hit the Sawmill Trail. This trail starts ou...
    Read more
  • Golden, Colorado

    Hike the Golden Cliffs Trail

    5.0
    From here, you can choose a few different hiking paths. This out-and-back trek starts at the trailhead up and to the left. Along the way you'll pass a bench dedicated to Craig Luebben — a writer, photographer and climbing guide. At this point, you probably haven't even broken a sweat yet. It's ti...
    Read more
  • Buena Vista, Colorado

    Summit La Plata Peak

    5.0
    9.25 mi / 4500 ft gain
    The Northwest Ridge is the most easily accessible and popular route, and for good reasons. The trailhead is on the side of Hwy 82, otherwise known as Independence Pass, about 14.5 miles from the Hwy 24 junction, or about 10 miles from Twin Lakes to the east. The trailhead is hard to miss, and you...
    Read more
  • Nederland, Colorado

    Hike to Diamond Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness

    5.0
    5.7 mi / 1361 ft gain
    Diamond Lake is located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This is a super popular destination, so make sure you arrive early to get a parking spot (and be sure to follow all parking rules, they do give out tickets at this trailhead and others nearby). The drive to the trailhead is about 4 miles dow...
    Read more
  • Independence, Ohio

    Hike Mountain Boy Ridge from the Top of Independence Pass

    5.0
    6 mi
    The trailhead is to the Independence Pass viewing deck is located at the Summit parking area, which is about 20 miles from Aspen and 24 miles west of Highway 24 on the Leadville side. At the parking area you will notice a paved walkway that takes you to the viewdeck, which is a easy five minute w...
    Read more
  • Meredith, Colorado

    Hike to Chapman Lake

    1.6 mi
    From downtown Basalt, drive up the Fryingpan River Road 28 miles and turn right on CR #504, also known as Elliot Way, just before Norrie Colony. Drive across the river and up the switchbacks for approximately 3 miles. Take the left fork, continue 1 mile and take the right fork approximately 1/2 m...
    Read more
  • Nederland, Colorado

    Hike to Columbine Lake

    5.0
    7 mi / 1200 ft gain
    The hike is about seven miles, give or take, however it feels longer. The elevation gain is little over 1000 feet. The drive here is about 45 minutes from both Granby and Winter Park, and is definitely worth it.  You follow a trail dusted with wildflowers for the majority of the hike, and occasio...
    Read more
  • Boulder, Colorado

    Hike or Bike the Walker Ranch Loop

    4.7
    7.7 mi / 1740 ft gain
    When it comes to hiking trails in Boulder, the standard response usually consists of either Chautauqua Park or Mt. Sanitas, and while both offer excellent hiking options, they are both usually jam packed on the weekends. If you’re looking to stay close to the city, but want a little more seclusio...
    Read more
  • Boulder, Colorado

    Rattlesnake Gulch Trail

    3.49 mi / 1093 ft gain
    Rattlesnake Gulch Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Eldorado Springs, Colorado.
    Read more
  • Woodland Park, Colorado

    Lowell Gulch Upper and Lower Ridge Trail

    4.0
    4.45 mi / 719 ft gain
    Lowell Gulch Upper and Lower Ridge Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Woodland Park, Colorado.
    Read more
  • Woodland Park, Colorado

    Lovell Gulch Trail

    5.22 mi / 814 ft gain
    Lovell Gulch Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Woodland Park, Colorado.
    Read more
  • Basalt, Colorado

    Backpack & Fish at Lake Charles

    11 mi / 1700 ft gain
    I decided to make an Outbound listing for this because the AllTrails listing is incredibly inaccurate. Hopefully you're reading this one!  Your adventure starts at the trailhead of Fulford Cave / Fulford Cave Campground in Yeoman Park. Yeoman Park is just past Sylvan Lake State Park and is consid...
    Read more
  • Boulder, Colorado

    Hike Bear Peak

    4.8
    7 mi / 2810 ft gain
    The best advice I can give you? Wake up early to start this hike.Even though the Bear Peak hike will only take you about 4-5 hours round trip, it will still be advantageous to get off the mountain before afternoon and evening storms might pass through. This is a steep 7-mile out and back trail.St...
    Read more
  • Boulder, Colorado

    Hike the Big Bluestem Trail Loop

    4.0
    4.35 mi / 841 ft gain
    This is a great spot for an easy/moderate hike or trail run. The trail is accessible year round and can often be hiked in winter as well as other seasons. You start out at the Mesa Trailhead parking lot off of Hwy 170. There is a parking lot here but this is a starting spot for several hikes into...
    Read more
  • Boulder, Colorado

    Doudy Draw Trail

    4.37 mi / 433 ft gain
    Doudy Draw Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Boulder, Colorado.
    Read more
  • Boulder, Colorado

    Catch the Sunrise on Sugarloaf

    4.5
    1 mi / 400 ft gain
    To get there from downtown Boulder, head west on CO 119 and almost 4.5 miles after you have left Boulder, turn right onto Sugarloaf Road. 4 miles after the turn from CO 119, turn right onto Sugarloaf Mountain road (located at the top of the road). If the road starts descending, you've gone too fa...
    Read more