Colorado
It's hard to beat what the Rockies have to offer. A plethora of world-class skiing in the winter, and all the hiking, backpacking, camping, mountain biking, and rafting you could hope for in the summer. Looking for a challenge?Maybe try your hand at one of Colorado's 14,000 ft peaks (there's somewhere between 53 and 58, depending who you ask).
Top Spots in and near Colorado
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Buena Vista, Colorado
Ptarmigan Lake near Buena Vista
5.06.01 mi / 1608 ft gainWhen you begin the trail, make sure to choose the correct trailhead from the parking lot (located on the south side of the lot to the left, NOT behind the bathroom). From there, begin a moderate climb through a shaded fir forest to the tree line. Emerge in a meadow at a pond and the lower lake, ...Read more -
Vail, Colorado
Sunset Hike on the West Vail Trail
3.02 mi / 300 ft gainStarting in Lionshead, Vail, CO take the Gondola 19 up to the top of the mountain and head west straight out past Chair 26 and towards the Vail Mountain Wedding deck. Past the deck there will be a trail that you can follow out onto the edge of the mountain called the W Vail Trail. This trail will...Read more -
Allenspark, Colorado
Hike to Finch Lake
3.08.96 mi / 1926 ft gainThere 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 -
Grand Lake, Colorado
Hike to Cascade Falls, Rocky Mountain NP
5.06.67 mi / 443 ft gainCascade Falls is accessed through the North Inlet Trail on the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The trailhead, North Inlet Trailhead, is north of the main town area of Grand Lake. Parking at the trailhead is limited, so hikers can also park along the road leading to the trailhead. Th...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Backpack to Copper Lake
10 miLooking for a wildflower hike, we decided on Copper Lake in the Maroon Bells Wilderness as a place to base camp for 4 nights. It is 5 miles from the Trailhead, which is off Gothic Road above Crested Butte (2WD Accessible).Copper Lake is this beautiful alpine lake, situated right at treeline, with...Read more -
Breckenridge, Colorado
Hike the East Ridge of Pacific Peak
5.08 mi / 3500 ft gainStart from the McCullough gulch trailhead. If possible it would be worth having 2 cars and leaving one at the main McCullough trailhead so you don't have to walk the road on your way down. Bushwack through trees and willows up the ridge directly to the north of the trailhead. You might be lucky a...Read more -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Explore 'The Hidden Gems' of Loch Lomond
5.04.6 mi / 950 ft gainGetting There From Denver, go W on I-70 and take exit 238 for Fall River Rd. Continue on this road before taking a left on Alice Rd. Continue on Alice Rd. until you see the right hand turn for Steuart Rd. This is where you park. Do not attempt this road in a AWD or 2WD you definitely need a good ...Read more -
Walden, Colorado
Backpack to Kelly Lake In State Forest SP
13.2 mi / 2624 ft gainRound trip will take you along 13.2 beautiful miles of Northern Colorado backcountry. Starting from the trail head which can be found within the entrance of the park (near the horse ring and car camping), you'll head into some beautiful backcountry. Before you reach the woods, a 4x4 trail will be...Read more -
Minturn, Colorado
Climb Mount of the Holy Cross, North Ridge
4.5Just a few miles South Minturn, Colorado, turn onto Tigiwon Road (dirt) and take it about 5 miles to the Half Moon trailhead at . Tigiwon Road is easily accessed by 2WD vehicles and the trailhead should be reachable in the Summer months after the snows have melted.Start early as, at 12 miles, thi...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Backpack the Gorge Lakes
11.5 mi / 3200 ft gainStart at the Rock Cut Parking Area. Head east on Trail Ridge Road 0.25 miles to a more gradual and bald western slope leading down into Forest Canyon. This bald is located between two creeks which merge before joining the Big Thompson River (a small creek in mid September). Use the creeks to navi...Read more -
Meeker, Colorado
Backpacking Lost Lake
This is an intermediate trip involving leave no trace camping practices, 5.5-6miles of approach with approximately 1500ft of climbing before dropping some 800 feet into the valley that holds West Lost Lake.The draw of the West Lost Lakes area is that it is a relatively easy approach to undisturbe...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
Hike to Diamond Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness
5.05.7 mi / 1361 ft gainDiamond 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 -
Boulder, Colorado
Trail Run Near Boulder - NCAR Hill Climb
4.52 mi / 700 ft gainThe NCAR Hill Climb, so named because it ends at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, is popular with cyclists, but is a great choice for runners as well. Follow the NCAR - Table Mesa Trail to the top, with beautiful views of the Flatirons and surrounding hills during any season.Make sur...Read more -
Leadville, Colorado
Mounts Democrat, Lincoln, Cameron and Bross (CLOSED)
4.08 mi / 3500 ft gainNOTE: As of March 2023, access to parts of this loop that are on private property (including Mt. Democrat & Mt. Lincoln) are closed to the public indefinitely. (Source) Find your way to the Kite Lake trailhead near Alma, Colorado. The road up to the trailhead is suitable for most vehicles, i...Read more -
Chaffee County, Colorado
Camp in Browns Canyon Wilderness Study Area
4.0Head toward Nathrop, CO on U.S. High 295. Turn east between mile markers 144 and 145 onto Chaffee County Road 301. Take the road until the pavement runs out and turn right onto Chaffee County Road 300. Drive a couple miles on the road and through the Ruby Mountain campgrounds (paid lots only) unt...Read more -
Dillon, Colorado
Hike the 7:30 Mine Road in Silver Plume
4.05 mi / 1200 ft gainWith a name like 7:30 Mine Road, this is one hike I had to investigate to see if it lives up to its name. Even though this is an easier hike than I normally choose, what it lacks in challenging terrain, it makes up for in historic interest. The view isn’t too bad, either.7:30 Mine Road is about t...Read more
