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Aspen, Colorado

Looking for the best chillin in Aspen? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Aspen. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Chillin Spots in and near Aspen

  • Twin Lakes, Colorado

    Kayak Twin Lakes

    Twin Lakes are two bodies of water that are connected by a short run of water with a dam at the eastern end. There are a few different places to put in your boat including boat ramps by the access point on the east end of the lake. There is also a boat ramp and a place to seasonally rent boats by...
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  • Twin Lakes, Colorado

    Camp at Twin Lakes' White Star Campground

    4.5
    This area is located on the other side of Independence Pass from Aspen, which is only accessible during the summer, or can be reached year-round via Leadville, which is about 20 miles away along Highway 24. From Twin Lakes Village drive approximately 1.5 miles east on Highway 82 and take the exit...
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  • Leadville, Colorado

    Overnight at the Emma and Marceline Yurts, Leadville

    11 mi / 1200 ft gain
    Drive past the main downtown of Leadville and then head into the mountains south of town, following Mt. Sherman Road to the Yurt parking along a ridge before you come to the Black Cloud Mine. There are signs that say "Yurt Parking". Follow the road a little further down to a jeep road just before...
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  • Minturn, Colorado

    Hike to Tuhare Lakes

    12 mi / 3000 ft gain
    Overview: About a 12 mile hike, with 3 alpine lakes, a significant climb and views worthwhile Photos: See all photos here. Getting There: The hike is accessed from the Half Moon pass parking lot - from the Fall Creek trailhead. The parking lot and trailhead are accessed at the end of Tigiwon Rd. ...
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  • Somerset, Colorado

    Camp at Lost Lake Slough

    5.0
    Lost Lake Slough offers camping, hiking, photography, kayaking, and more in a remote and beautiful part of Colorado. At an elevation of over 9,600 ft., the lake typically opens in mid-June after the snow is melted, and closes in October after the first significant snowfall. The campground is on...
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  • Gunnison County, Colorado

    Take in the Views on Cottonwood Pass

    4.7
    Starting in the town of Buena Vista, head west on E Main Street until it turns into State Highway 306. After about 40 minutes of driving and some winding roads the Continental Divide sign welcomes you to a gravel parking lot. You can get out and hike as you please, but the view from the parking l...
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  • Gunnison County, Colorado

    Hike to Lost Lake

    4.2
    2.4 mi / 600 ft gain
    This Trail starts at about 11,200 feet right before the top of cottonwood pass. The trailhead starts at the LAST pull-off before you reach the top of the pass, so if you reach the top, you've gone too far. The hike isn't a super difficult one, but you will go through numerous streams and flooded ...
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  • Buena Vista, Colorado

    Backpacking to Kroenke Lake

    9 mi / 2750 ft gain
    Starting at the North Cottonwood trailhead just outside of Buena Vista, Colorado. This hike will take you 4.5 miles to the lake with about 2750 feet of elevation gain. The hike is mostly mellow and you'll likely see hikers heading up to Horn Fork basin to hike Mt. Harvard and Columbia. Campsites ...
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  • Gypsum, Colorado

    Camp at Dotsero Crater

    COLORADO'S YOUNGEST VOLCANO The Dotsero crater is Colorado's youngest volcano, erupting a mere 4,200 years ago. While the crater may not be as dramatic as Mt. St Helens, Mt. Baker, or other volcanos in the U.S., it's quite an unusual terrain feature to come across in Colorado, and offers some gre...
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  • Glenwood Springs, Colorado

    Relax at Glenwood Hot Springs

    4.5
    Glenwood is best known for its large hot springs pool, kept between 90 and 93 degrees, while the minerals in the water are meant to provide a natural therapy to the body. There is also a smaller therapy pool, at 104 degrees, and a spa, as well. You'll find all the amenities you need here, and wi...
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  • Leadville, Colorado

    Mt. Democrat (CLOSED)

    4.8
    4 mi / 2150 ft gain
    NOTE: As of March 2023, access to parts of this loop that are on private property (including Mt. Democrat & Mt. Lincoln) are closed to the public indefinitely. (Source) To begin this wonderful hike, drive from the town of Alma, Colorado and head up Buckskin Street for about 6 miles. I would ...
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  • Leadville, Colorado

    Camp at Kite Lake

    5.0
    Kite Lake is a beautiful little lake that is surrounded plenty of fourteeners. Just outside of Alma, Colorado, Kite lake can be accessed from Buckskin Street. Buckskin is a simple left turn after the only bar in Alma, or a right turn before the only bar in Alma... Do note, this road is not drivab...
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  • Frisco, Colorado

    Hike to Mayflower Gulch

    4.7
    4 mi / 1000 ft gain
    Getting to the Mayflower Gulch is pretty easy, you can either hike an easy 2 mile forest road or drive all the way to end (you need decent clearance for the drive). At the end of the hike you are greeted with a stunning view of the Old Boston mining site. During the summer, wildflowers are abunda...
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  • Vail, Colorado

    Hike the Upper Piney River Trail

    4.0
    5.6 mi / 350 ft gain
    Beginning at an elevation of 9,397 feet, this hike provides an easy 2.8 mile (one way) trip through the gorgeous meadows against the distant aspens and alpines. Wildflowers and wildlife are abundant, which make this trip a fantastic education and play experience for kids.Coordinates for the trail...
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  • Breckenridge, Colorado

    Discover Ancient Trees on Windy Ridge

    The Windy Ridge Bristlecone Pine Scenic Area is a remote stand of trees off a 4WD road near Alma, Colorado. This grove of bristlecone pines was given protected status in 1964 due to its uniquely shaped trees influenced by the winds blasting off nearby 14er, Mount Bross. The area sits at 11,700 ...
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  • Buena Vista, Colorado

    Photograph Cottonwood Lake, CO

    0.1 mi / 1 ft gain
    Wherever you are in Colorado, turn your route towards Buena Vista in South West Colorado - you will not be disappointed. To start, Buena Vista is a really cool town with great places to eat and visit. So make sure you check out the city before heading up Cottonwood Pass. When you are ready to hea...
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