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Aurora, Colorado

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Aurora

  • Nederland, Colorado

    Upper Diamond Lake via Fourth of July Trailhead

    4.8
    8.12 mi / 2037 ft gain
    The trail begins at the 4th of July trailhead, which is located near the Eldora ski area and can be crowded during the summer and weekends. The road is rough in places but passable by any car when dry. From the parking area begin hiking the Arapaho pass trail, which will gently gain elevation thr...
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  • Nederland, Colorado

    Backpack to Caribou Lake

    4.0
    8.2 mi
    This is one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever done in Colorado. It is a great trip for photographers, fisherman or anyone who enjoys mountain views, forests filled with wildlife and peaceful meadows. Distances: Arapaho Pass: 3.2 miles, Caribou Lake: 4.2 miles, Caribou Pass: 6.4 miles, Meado...
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  • Nederland, Colorado

    Hike the Arapaho Traverse

    8.3 mi / 3500 ft gain
    Begin at the Fourth of July Trailhead.  Day parking is free and overnight parking is $5.  Fourth of July is a popular trailhead and to ensure parking, you should arrive early in the morning (6am-ish... cause, I mean, you gotta 7 hour day in front of you). Follow the Fourth of July trail from the ...
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  • Nederland, Colorado

    Hike to Diamond Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness

    5.0
    5.7 mi / 1361 ft gain
    Diamond Lake is located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This is a super popular destination, so make sure you arrive early to get a parking spot (and be sure to follow all parking rules, they do give out tickets at this trailhead and others nearby). The drive to the trailhead is about 4 miles dow...
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  • Nederland, Colorado

    Hike to Arapaho Pass and Lake Dorothy

    4.3
    7.5 mi / 2080 ft gain
    Begin by parking at the 4th of July trailhead. This can be reached by conituing past the Eldora ski area and up a rough but passable (for all vehicles) gravel road to the trailhead. The trail is easy to find, and will continue to rise for the next 1.15 miles.At just over a mile there is a fork fo...
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  • Nederland, Colorado

    Hike South Araphaho Peak

    5.0
    8 mi / 2533 ft gain
    Start your hike at the 4th of July Trailhead, just outside of Eldora, CO. From the trailhead at the north end of the parking lot, steadily climb through the trees until a junction at 1 mile. Take the right fork towards Arapaho pass.You'll start to climb above treeline, with spectacular views of t...
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  • Woodland Park, Colorado

    Lovell Gulch Trail

    5.22 mi / 814 ft gain
    Lovell Gulch Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Woodland Park, Colorado.
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  • Woodland Park, Colorado

    Lowell Gulch Upper and Lower Ridge Trail

    4.0
    4.45 mi / 719 ft gain
    Lowell Gulch Upper and Lower Ridge Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Woodland Park, Colorado.
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  • Dillon, Colorado

    Mount Bierstadt

    4.6
    7.18 mi / 2697 ft gain
    If you’re ready for your first 14er, Mount Bierstadt holds a reputation for a great “starter” 14er. Of course, experienced climbers will enjoy this (relatively speaking) easy mountain as well. Besides the joy of the hike itself, Bierstadt is a stunning wildflower hike in July and August. Thanks t...
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  • Idaho Springs, Colorado

    Bierstadt, Evans, and The Sawtooth Loop

    4.5
    9.76 mi / 3438 ft gain
    Starting from the oddly poorly marked Guanella Pass Trailhead (Google maps directions to Guanella Campground and then drive about two miles past it to the south), the trail heads southeast toward Bierstadt, and much of your route to the first summit is visible from the parking lot. The trail to ...
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  • Idaho Springs, Colorado

    Watch the Sunrise at Guanella Pass

    5.0
    1 mi / 100 ft gain
    From Denver, take i70 to Georgetown and simply follow the signs through town to the top. This pass can also be accessed from the south via US Highway 285 at the town of Grant. Guanella Pass is closed in the winter, typically from about the last week in November through the last week of May. Watch...
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  • Georgetown, Colorado

    Hike to Square Top Lakes

    4.3 mi / 1080 ft gain
    Starting from Guanella Pass, right across from the Bierstadt trailhead, Square Top Lakes is definitely a hidden gem. Most people here are attempting to do the 14er, but if you've already bagged that one (or are just looking for some high altitude hiking to get you ready for it), Square Top Lakes ...
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  • Idaho Springs, Colorado

    Camp at Guanella Pass

    4.5
    This is a beautiful campground that serves as a great basecamp for many different outdoor activities in the Front Range. Whether you are looking for a casual day fishing or trying to knock one of the nearby 14ers off of your bucket list, this is an excellent place to begin. There are also abandon...
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  • Dillon, Colorado

    Hike the 7:30 Mine Road in Silver Plume

    4.0
    5 mi / 1200 ft gain
    With a name like 7:30 Mine Road, this is one hike I had to investigate to see if it lives up to its name. Even though this is an easier hike than I normally choose, what it lacks in challenging terrain, it makes up for in historic interest. The view isn’t too bad, either.7:30 Mine Road is about t...
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  • Ward, Colorado

    Shoshoni Peak

    5.0
    10.61 mi / 2470 ft gain
    Hike one of the most scenic 12ers in Colorado's front range, Shoshoni Peak, with an elevation of 12,967 feet. You can easily combine a summit of Pawnee Peak for wonderful views of multiple alpine cirques. Enjoy wonderful views of the Long Lake Valley, Isabelle Glacier, and Pawnee Pass regions. Fo...
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  • Ward, Colorado

    Climb Apache Peak

    10 mi / 3280 ft gain
    Start at the Long Lake Trailhead ($10 parking fee) and head up the trail towards Isabell Lake. You'll pass both Long Lake and Isabelle lake, with spectacular views at both. At Lake Isabelle, be sure to continue straight on the trail, further up the valley, not the right turn up to Pawnee Pass.Con...
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