Colorado

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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

Climb and Hike in the Garden of the Gods

Colorado Springs, Colorado

4.7

If you are new to the area a stop by the visitor center can helpful to get a map of the trails and roads in the area as well as obtaining a climbing permit (one is needed to climb and is free).Once you have entered the area there are multiple trails and pull outs that you can explore. Many of the trails are paved and most of the year easy to follow. During the summer expect crowds during the da...

Hanging Lake

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

4.7

3.06 mi / 1168 ft gain

Hanging Lake is a beautifully unique natural wonder. Surrounded by dramatic, pine tree lined cliffs, a unique community of hanging plants thrive beside waterfalls cascading in to this glimmering turquoise pool of water. If this isn’t enough to entice you- the trail leading up to the lake is rather delightful. Note: This hike requires permits. Visit the Glenwood Springs website for more informa...

3 Crater Lakes via South Boulder Creek

Nederland, Colorado

5.0

6.92 mi / 1804 ft gain

After turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. The road will dead end at Moffat Tunnel where you'll find ample parking in a gravel lot with restrooms. You'll begin your hike along sweeping meadows until you enter Roosevelt National Forest where you'll hike along the South Boulder Creek. Enjoy a casual incline...

Mirror and Crater Lakes via Cascade Creek Trail

Granby, Colorado

4.6

14.94 mi / 2421 ft gain

Start at the Monarch Lake trailhead (where there is a $5 parking fee unless you have one of the national lands passes) and follow the cascade creek trail around the north side of the lake. After about 1.5 miles the trail splits with the Arapaho pass trail, follow the cascade trail to the left as it rises through the forest. The trail continues to rise steadily in places and moderate in others u...

King Lake via Hessie Trailhead

Nederland, Colorado

5.0

11.32 mi / 2375 ft gain

The normal route from the east side is via the Hessie trailhead outside Nederland Colorado. From the west it is most often accessed via the short trail from Rollins pass, which is open in the summer. As noted above, it is also a lake and area ripe for creating your own adventure. The description will be based on the normal route but feel free to use your imagination and combine off-trail advent...

Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

4.6

No matter the time of year, if you are going to be anywhere near Steamboat Springs, Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a can’t-miss experience. Steamboat is known primarily as a ski resort, but the area also offers amazing hikes and fishing in the summer, and top-notch leaf-peeping in the fall. Add area attractions like horseback riding, Jeeping, hot ballooning, museums, and more … and there is no ...

Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trailhead

Larimer County, Colorado

4.7

8.43 mi / 1780 ft gain

Start at the Glacier Gorge trailhead on Bear Lake Road. Parking is limited so it is advised to get there very early. It's a longer hike so plan on taking a full day to complete or stay overnight to enjoy more of the scenery. Within the first mile on the Glacier Gorge Trail you will pass by Alberta Falls which is a really popular tourist destination. Continue past this to get to the really good...

Backpack to Conundrum Hot Springs

Aspen, Colorado

4.3

18 mi / 2500 ft gain

After picking up your required overnight permit, start your morning with a coffee in Aspen, then drive out 15 min to the trailhead at the end of Conundrum Creek road. The trail is a straight shot 9 miles up the valley, through expansive meadows and an always incredible view of the mountains and aspens that cover the slopes. There are 16 campsites in the area of the hot springs, varying in prot...

Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells

Pitkin County, Colorado

4.8

26.04 mi / 7572 ft gain

*A landscape-changing avalanche event has impacted Maroon Creek Road. The event occurred in early March during an active avalanche cycle across the Colorado mountains. Maroon Creek Road will have a delayed opening this season while Pitkin County and Forest Service crews work to remove avalanche debris. This includes compacted snow and downed timber across Maroon Creek Road. It is estimated ...

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