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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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 -
Leadville, Colorado
Ski or Snowshoe to Vance's Cabin
3.1 mi / 750 ft gainVance's Cabin is a private hut near Tennessee Pass booked by the 10th mountain division. The hut was completed in 1988 and sleeps 16; 6 beds upstairs in a loft and 10 bunk beds downstairs in a communal bunked area around the wood stove. It's a compact cabin compared to some of the other huts in...Read more -
Carbondale, Colorado
Climb South Maroon Peak
5.011.5 mi / 4800 ft gainStarting at the Maroon Lake Trailhead, walk on the trail past the lake and turn onto the trail heading towards Crater Lake. Hike approximately 1.75 miles to reach another signed trail junction, then turn left and continue on the West Maroon Creek trail to Crater Lake. Eventually you will reach a ...Read more -
Crested Butte, Colorado
Trail Run at Snodgrass Mountain
7 mi / 950 ft gainLooking for an easy trail run, close to town, with killer views? Snodgrass Mountain Trail is one of your best bets, with flowy singletrack through aspen groves and views of Mt. Gothic and Mt. Crested Butte. While there are endless beautiful trails to hike and run in the Crested Butte area, this o...Read more -
Winter Park, Colorado
Twin Cones via Second Creek Trailhead
5.04.85 mi / 1614 ft gainThis hike begins at Second Creek Trailhead off of US Highway 40. It's pretty steep right off the bar gaining about 800ft of elevation in the first mile. This first mile takes you to Broome Hut, which has a bathroom and is a great place to stop and take a break. Keep in mind that there are no dogs...Read more -
Mesa County, Colorado
Snowshoe around Mesa Lakes
5.02 mi / 300 ft gainThis short loop trail starts and ends at Mesa Lakes Lodge, it is a little less than 2 miles round trip. From the lodge, we walked up the road towards our cabin (Bear cabin). Just past the cabin a trail starts that skirts the edge of the first lake and then winds around a few other lakes (Mesa Lak...Read more -
Silverton, Colorado
Explore Animas Forks
5.00.25 mi / 40 ft gainThe ghost town of Animas Forks, CO is located in the San Juan Mountains at an elevation of 11,200 feet. There are several original buildings remaining. The best way to explore the region is by Jeep or other high-clearance 4×4. The cabins began being built by prospectors in 1873. Three rivers meet...Read more -
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Hike the Spruce Canyon Trail
5.03.1 mi / 754 ft gainThe Spruce Canyon trail is very well taken care of. The trail begin with a descent into Spruce Tree Canyon and then follows a stream for 3/4 of a mile before climbing a side canyon back up to the ridge. The trailhead is located on the Chapin Mesa within Mesa Verde National Park. The trail is open...Read more -
Turquoise Lake, Colorado
Escape to Turquoise Lake
5.0Turquoise Lake is an 'off the beaten path' gem only 3 hours from the Denver Metro Area. The area surrounding the lake is home to some spacious and tree-shaded campgrounds. If you plan ahead and book early, you'll have your pick of the best spots within close proximity to the lake. The campground ...Read more -
Ouray, Colorado
Lower Cascade Falls
3.00.5 miLocated within the picturesque town of Ouray, Colorado, Cascade Falls is what most city parks strive to be. This park and amazing waterfall are located on the edge of town along the longer 5+ mile Perimeter Trail and provides a place for picnics, relaxing, and further days hikes through connector...Read more -
Lone Tree, Colorado
Hike Bluffs Regional Park Trail
2.7 mi / 200 ft gainThis loop trail is 2.7 miles long but has several options for overlooks that add 0.8 miles to the trip. This is an easy hike with minimal elevation gain and is a great option for the whole family. Every time I've done this hike I've seen numerous deer which only adds to the hike!Read more -
Manitou Springs, Colorado
Walk to Rainbow Falls
0.5 miThis waterfall was designated a historic site in 2016 due to its rich history dating back to the Native Americans and more recently the locals of Manitou Springs. The bridge itself that crosses over the falls was created in the early 20th century and was an architectural marvel during the time. ...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Chasm Falls
3.02.57 mi / 443 ft gainParking in Rocky Mountain National Park is tricky for Chasm Falls. Depending on where you are able to park, the hike will be a 0.1 mile, 2.8 mile, or 4.8 mile round-trip hike. It’s also important to know that Old Fall River Road is closed during the winter months from Nov 30th until the end of Ma...Read more -
Cañon City, Colorado
Hike Tunnel Drive
3.8 mi / 521 ft gainThis 3.8 mile out and back trail is a very easy hike but can have moderate to high foot traffic depending on the season and time of day. I recommend doing this hike early in the morning to not only beat the heat, but to beat the other hikers. What I love about this hike is the chance to see the t...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Downhill Mountain Bike the Verde and Viking Trails at Aspen Snowmass
3.8 mi / 1900 ft gainThe Verde and Viking trails at Aspen Snowmass resort are long winding trails perfect for beginners and intermediates. The trails are a combination of open and forest-lined paths varying from 1 to 6 feet wide. They both do a nice job of combining large wide turns where you can keep your speed to e...Read more -
Florissant, Colorado
See the Stars at Florrisant Fossil Beds
While Florrisant is known mostly for its history and collection of fossils, it is also one of the darkest places in the Colorado Springs area. While the park closes daily at dusk, it has Night Sky Programs monthly which allows visitors to view the stars with the help of the Colorado Springs Astr...Read more