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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Leadville, Colorado
Backcountry Ski at Fremont Pass
Starting at 11,319 feet of elevation, you can choose which direction to head into the backcountry. Park at the pull-off area at the bend in the road. From here, you can head into the woods to the right (there are usually tracks from other skiers to follow) or follow Trail Rd. to reach some peaks ...Read more -
Manitou Springs, Colorado
Manitou Springs' Mineral Springs
5.0Manitou Springs is home to eight mineral springs all fairly close to the main shopping strip of Manitou. The springs were originally utilized by the Native Americans. In the 19th century, they were utilized by visitors from all over the world due to their supposed health benefits. They all taste ...Read more -
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Hike the Petroglyph Point Trail
4.02.7 mi / 698 ft gainPick up a trail brochure for information on the interpretive signs. There are some steep and narrow portions of the trail, so make sure everyone in your party is of able physical capability.Read more -
Palisade, Colorado
Hike Mt. Garfield in Palisade
4 mi / 1940 ft gainThis hike is approx. 4 miles long and takes between 2.5-4 hours to complete depending on pace and stoppage time. This hike begins at the parking lot located at the base of the trail. Directions to Parking Lot: - Start at the Grand Junction Visitors Center, 740 Horizon Dr, Grand Junction, CO 8150...Read more -
Del Norte, Colorado
Climb in Penitente Canyon
Located in the San Luis Valley of south central Colorado, this beautiful piece of BLM land is a place loved by locals and most Colorado climbers. Upon arriving at the Penitente Canyon parking area, which is free of charge, head towards the map at the entrance on of the canyon. From here hang a r...Read more -
Bellvue, Colorado
Hike to Comanche Lake in Pingree Park
3.58 mi / 700 ft gainYou start out hiking through the average Colorado forest for the first 4 miles of the 7-8 mile trip at about 6,500 feet. The trail is largely downhill for the first couple miles until it levels out and you are headed North. A little more than halfway, you come to Comanche Reservoir and hike up al...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 -
Vail, Colorado
Ice Climb Pumphouse Falls in Vail
To get to Pumphouse Falls take Interstate 70 toward East Vail, Colorado, get off at exit 176 S. Frontage Road headed east. At the traffic circle take the third exit and continue on South Frontage Rd. for 2.5 miles, turn right into the small parking lot next to the Nordic ski track. Follow the sig...Read more -
Wellington, Colorado
Hike the Mahogany Loop Trail at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area
7.4 mi / 330 ft gainTo get to Soapstone Prairie from Fort Collins, take Highway 287 north out of town, then turn right onto Highway 1. Continue on Highway 1 until it meets with County Road 15. Take County Road 15 north all the way to Rawhide Flats Road, which leads directly into Soapstone Prairie. As you begin to ap...Read more -
Minturn, Colorado
Ski Notch Mountain
10 mi / 3000 ft gainWhat's not to love - you'll be skiing in the off season! We did this hike/ski in late June, our skis, boots, and avi gear packed with our hiking shoes on our feet. May could potentially be the most opportune time for this adventure. The hike you will take is the traditional Notch Mountain Hike. T...Read more -
Telluride, Colorado
Fat Bike In Telluride
5.0There are great fat bike trails leaving directly from the town of Telluride, CO with picture-perfect views of the San Juan Mountains. You can leave directly from where the main gondola takes off and go towards Bridal Veil, to the Valley Floor, or combine both for a perfect day of adventure. If yo...Read more -
Crawford, Colorado
Hike to the Painted Wall
4.51 mi / 25 ft gainAt 2,250 feet, the Painted Wall in Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a sight that cannot be truly captured in photos. The layers of rock along the cliff's wall resembles a canvas with streaks from a paintbrush. This canyon took eons to create, and this view of the river and canyon walls is the high...Read more -
Silverton, Colorado
Explore Hurricane Pass and Lake Como
Spending much of the trek above tree line, Hurricane Pass is situated at 12,730 feet above sea level and offers up views of Poughkeepsie Gulch (a more extreme off-road trail) and sapphire blue mountain lakes, such as Lake Como. One of the most beautiful roads in the lower 48 states, Hurricane Pas...Read more -
Fort Collins, Colorado
Fat Tire Bike the Foothills Trail
5.08.5 mi / 1000 ft gainThe Reservoir Ridge and Foothills trail system around Horsetooth Reservoir and Fort Collins is excellent for mountain biking, trail running, and hiking. During the winter it is particularly great for fat tire mountain biking, and the Foothills Trail is one of the best. The trail itself is roughly...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Ski the Rocky Mountain High Trail at Snowmass
This is part of the Aspen Snowmass ski area so you'll have to buy a ski pass to take the lift up. The easiest way to get there is to take the Village Express lift to the top and once you get off turn left. You'll ski down the "blue" trail, Max Park, to Trestle and end at the Sheer Bliss lift. Tak...Read more -
Granby, Colorado
Ice Fish on Lake Granby
Looking to catch some fresh trout? This might be the place to get it! If it's your first time fishing Lake Granby, here's some pointers:Those of you coming from Denver, take US 40W past Winter Park, Fraser and Tabernash until you hit Granby. After you pass through the town of Granby, turn right o...Read more