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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Nederland, Colorado
Hike Rollins Pass to Devils Thumb
2.1 mi / 622 ft gainCorona Lake is an easy, short hike if you're pressed for time. It's scenic, secluded, and will put you in a great spot to hike to Devils Thumb the next day. There are two ways to reach Devils Thumb. This is considered the "easier" route because of the "lack of elevation gain." The sun and wind re...Read more -
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Hike Nordenskiold Site No. 16 Trail
2 miThis two mile round-trip trail leaves from the information kiosk near Long House and Step House, and leads through and area severely burned by the 2000 Pony Fire. There's no shade on this trail, so if you are doing it during the hotter months, be sure to bring a lot of water and sun protection. ...Read more -
Cañon City, Colorado
Drive Skyline Drive
5.0Skyline drive is a one way scenic roadway mainly going north to south. The 3 mile drive takes you about 800 feet above Cañon City. It starts on the west side of 50, and ends in a residential neighborhood southwest of where it begins. There are multiple pull offs on the right and left side of the...Read more -
Buena Vista, Colorado
Hike Missouri Mountain
5.010.5 mi / 4500 ft gainGetting there: The trail begins at Missouri Gulch TH. If you are a car camper or are trying to snag a sunrise summit, there are many many drive off sites in trees and near water before and after the trailhead. The road to get to the trailhead is not paved, but is well maintained - a super high cl...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 -
Grand Lake, Colorado
Photograph Moose in Rocky Mountain National Park
4.3Moose are the largest members of the deer family. They can stand over 6ft tall at their shoulders and weigh over 1500lbs. Males have antlers which can reach 6ft across and weigh up to 40lbs each. Amazingly these impressive creatures are strictly herbivores and will eat several dozen pounds of veg...Read more -
Pueblo, Colorado
Catch Sunset on the North Shore Pueblo Reservoir
1.0The sunset is great all around the park, but if you're looking for a bit of an adventure and one of my favorite unknown spots follow along below: Entering the North entrance of the park turn right onto the gravel road right before entering the park gates. Continue down the gravel road through the...Read more -
Grand Lake, Colorado
Hike the Colorado River Trailhead Loop
5.013.6 mi / 1245 ft gainSince this hike is 13.6 miles (according to my watch the hike was more around 14 miles, but it's in that range), I'm going to break it down into four different parts. To Lulu CityTo Little Yellowstone / Thunder PassThe Grand Ditch Red Mountain Trail The first 0.5 miles and the last 0.5 miles a...Read more -
Cañon City, Colorado
Shelf Road
5.0Shelf Road, which was once a toll road from Cripple Creek to Canon City, is now a maintained dirt road that most high clearance two wheel drive cars can make. It will take over an hour to travel the 25 miles or so, and it can be completed going from north to south or the opposite. I will explai...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 -
Estes Park, Colorado
Hike Deer Mountain
6.03 mi / 1200 ft gainBeginning in Rocky Mountain National Park near the Deer Ridge Junction (where US 34 & US 36 meet), park your car in one of the 20 spots on either side of the road. Start at the trailhead booth and head north, keeping to the right-side trail at the first intersection about a tenth of a mile fr...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Photograph Elk in Moraine Park
The perspective here is vastly different from other areas in Rocky Mountain National Park as Moraine Park is essentially a large, very flat valley surrounded by tall mountains. You'll want to come during the elks' rutting season, which is between mid-September and mid-October. Park at the lot on ...Read more -
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Hike, Climb, or Bike Red Rock Open Space
2.03 mi / 300 ft gainRed Rock Canyon Open Space was made public in the early 00's after years of use as a quarry and landfill. Some of the stone quarried from the area have even been used in some of the downtown buildings. Getting there is straightforward, heading West on 24 there is an obvious turn off left between ...Read more -
Silverton, Colorado
Drive to California Pass
California Pass’s summit is a jaw dropping 12,960 feet above sea level. A long way from the valley floor, California Gulch, but, as drivers start their trek, the valley floor starts to shrink and gives way to steep climbs and switchbacks. Off road vehicles are needed to reach the top, and drivers...Read more -
Lakewood, Colorado
Hike to Radio Tower Overlook
4 mi / 1312 ft gainI loved this trail when I lived in Lakewood. It has a decent elevation gain, close to the city, spectacular views, and you can pretty much hike it year round unless you just had a winter snow storm (though you could just hike in snow boots!). I take the John O Hayden Trail from the Utah Parking l...Read more -
Crested Butte, Colorado
Backcountry Ski at Snodgrass Mountain
Settled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Crested Butte is a mecca for winter sports. Crested Butte Mountain Resort is a local favorite for downhill skiing, but if lift lines (or lifts in general) aren't really your thing, head to Snodgrass Mountain for miles of untouched snow.Snodgrass lies ...Read more
