Haley BakerExplorer
Technology and Digital Collections Librarian trying to have an adventure every weekend.
Hike the Evergreen Mountain Loop
Evergreen, Colorado
4.7
5.95 mi
/ 826 ft gain
The way up Evergreen Mountain is actually a few different trails stitched together throughout Alderfer/Three Sisters Park. The trail connects to both parking lots in the park, so if one is full you can just start from the other one, giving you lots of options for a quick day-hike.
If you start from the first parking lot, the trail is across the road - Evergreen Mountain Trail East. This portio...
Camp at Mt. Elbert Forebay Reservoir
Buena Vista, Colorado
5.0
At the base of Mt. Elbert there are three campgrounds. One is a National Forest campground - you have to pay for a spot and it is closed from October-May. The other two are first-come, first-serve free campground areas. As you drive past the south trailhead, right before the reservoir, there is a very large space with multiple campsites.We were here the first weekend in October and there were o...
Dispersed Camp at the Buffalo Creek Area in Pike National Forest
Pine, Colorado
3.8
50 miles from Denver, nestled in Pike National Forest, there are dozens of free dispersed camping sites. With quick access to the Colorado Trail and Buffalo Creek Mountain Bike Area, these campsites make for a perfect weekend getaway. The campsites begin on Forest Road 550, and are clearly marked with signs (be sure to follow these diligently, as a hefty ticket will be the result of parking/cam...
Hike the Creek Bottom Trail
Franktown, Colorado
5.0
4.1 mi
The West Side of Castlewood Canyon is the more "rugged" side of the park, it has a dirt road, gravel parking lots, and only vault toilets. Luckily, this also means this is a less popular side of the park, making for less crowded trails and easier parking!
Park at the first trailhead, for the Homestead Trail. You'll follow the Homestead Trail (J) until you meet up with the Creek Bottom Trail (G...
Inner Canyon Trail
Franktown, Colorado
5.0
2.17 mi
/ 213 ft gain
The Inner Canyon Trail begins at the Canyon Point Parking Lot. There are a few trails that leave from this lot, so make sure you're following signs for "K."
Right away, you'll descend down a few dozen stairs into the canyon itself. You'll quickly cross a bridge and be on your way. This trail is a lot of fun, with lots of rocks to climb over and stunning views of the canyon in both directions....
Perkins Central Garden Trail
Colorado Springs, Colorado
5.0
1.13 mi
/ 138 ft gain
Garden of the Gods has dozens of hiking trails that cover miles through the park itself. The Perkins Central Garden Trail takes you through the heart of the rock formations and really gives you perspective on the size of these red rocks.
This trail also takes you past several areas where rock climbing is allowed (with the required permits), which gives you either something fun to watch or a wa...
Winter Hike to Calypso Cascades
1046 County Highway 115, Colorado
6.25 mi
/ 580 ft gain
While most people go snowshoeing near the Bear Lake or Glacier Gorge area in RMNP, Wild Basin is a much less trafficked option. The entrance station isn't manned in the winter, so you'll get in for free, as well! You can put the Wild Basin Trailhead into your GPS, but you'll have to park at the winter parking area. The road is closed about 1 mile from the summer trailhead, so the beginning and ...
Palmer Lake Reservoir Trail
Palmer Lake, Colorado
4.11 mi
/ 656 ft gain
This hike starts with a steep uphill, and if that doesn't take your breath away, the views of the lakes definitely will. After the uphill slog, you'll immediately reach the lower reservoir. On still mornings, it offers perfect reflections of its surroundings. The trail continues along its northern shore and gently works its way to Palmer Lake.
You'll go through a meadow that, in the summer, ...
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