Blue River, Colorado
Looking for the best chillin in Blue River? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Blue River. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Chillin Spots in and near Blue River
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Basalt, Colorado
Ski to Peter Estin Hut
5.05 mi / 2000 ft gainIf you have stayed in other 10th Mountain Division Huts, Peter Estin is a quite similar and definitely one of my favorites. I made the trip in the winter because of the awesome skiing/snowboarding just right out side the front door.The trailhead begins at Yeoman Park and there are two routes that...Read more -
Buena Vista, Colorado
Summit La Plata Peak
5.09.25 mi / 4500 ft gainThe Northwest Ridge is the most easily accessible and popular route, and for good reasons. The trailhead is on the side of Hwy 82, otherwise known as Independence Pass, about 14.5 miles from the Hwy 24 junction, or about 10 miles from Twin Lakes to the east. The trailhead is hard to miss, and you...Read more -
Independence, Ohio
Hike Mountain Boy Ridge from the Top of Independence Pass
5.06 miThe trailhead is to the Independence Pass viewing deck is located at the Summit parking area, which is about 20 miles from Aspen and 24 miles west of Highway 24 on the Leadville side. At the parking area you will notice a paved walkway that takes you to the viewdeck, which is a easy five minute w...Read more -
Independence, Ohio
Watch the Sunset from Independence Pass
1.0Start in the town of either Aspen or Twin Lakes and continue on Interstate 82 to the top of Independence Pass. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the Ghost Town of Independence, fields of wildflowers and the occasional moose, elk or deer. Continue on to the top of the pass where you will fi...Read more -
Independence, Ohio
Photograph Fall Colors Along Independence Pass and Twin Lakes, CO
5.0While this is a more of a photography adventure and a fall drive to take through Colorado, there are also many areas to hike along the way. The drive can start from really anywhere in the general area. From the front range area of Colorado, head up I70 and get off toward Twin Lakes around Copper....Read more -
Independence, Ohio
Drive Independence Pass
5.032 miWhether you are driving or biking, the elevation gain is significant, it's over 4,000 ft. The road is fairly narrow so being cautious is important. The highway itself is seasonal; it's closed for winter due to icy conditions. We stopped along the Grotto trailhead to hike around and get some views...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Hike Lost Man Loop
5.08.8 mi / 1290 ft gainThis 8.8 mile "loop" is not a true loop and the trail ends 4 miles apart along Independence Pass, so a car shuttle is recommended. I would recommend starting at the west trailhead (closer to Aspen) but will describe both trailheads so you can set up another car or shuttle at the other one.1) West...Read more -
Evergreen, Colorado
Private and Tranquil Retreat at Beaver Brook Watershed
4.0Note: This is NOT the Beaver Brook Trail in Genesee Park/Lookout Mountain! If you enjoy the scenery and ambiance of Evergreen, but Evergreen Lake has become too crowded for your tastes, Beaver Brook Watershed (owned by the City of Golden) is an excellent alternative. It’s a small, secluded area a...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Independence Ghost Town
4.3Back in the late 1800s, Ashcroft, Aspen, and Independence were booming mining town. While Aspen is still thriving today, Ashcroft and Independence are ghost towns. Independence Ghost Town is on Independence Pass, 16 miles east of Aspen on Highway 82. The Farwell Mill sits right along the highwa...Read more -
Chaffee County, Colorado
Off-Trail Hike of Limestone Ridge
4.09 mi / 1000 ft gainFinding a winter or early spring adventure that won't take you deep into dangerous mountain territory, while still providing epic vistas, is a challenge in Colorado. There are a few 10,000' tall ranges that sometimes escape deep snow, which are inviting for a first step into the alpine wonderland...Read more -
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 -
Evergreen, Colorado
Boulder The Eggs on the Hidden Fawn Trail
1.3 mi / 171 ft gainLooking for a place near Denver to perfect your bouldering skills? Or are you wanting to get the whole family out, but not looking for an extreme/technical hike? Which ever question best describes you, Alderfer/Three Sisters Park is the perfect place to go.This Jefferson County Open Space Park ha...Read more -
Sedalia, Colorado
Backpack the Lost Creek Loop
33.5 mi / 6200 ft gainLost Creek Wilderness may be my favorite part of Colorado. It contains varied terrain and geography, and is less crowded than most places. This loop will take you through everything the wilderness area has to offer. You will get sweeping panoramas of mountain ranges to the south, as well has m...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Grottos Trail
5.00.53 mi / 72 ft gainJust nine miles east of Aspen on Highway 82, Independence Pass, are grottos. A grotto is a geological term for a cave or cavern. The Grottos near Aspen were formed by rushing water of the Roaring Fork River. There is only an elevation gain of 300 feet on the three-quarters of a mile loop making...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Devil's Punch Bowl
4.7The Roaring Fork River has several little waterfalls that end up in a deep swimming hole called The Devil's Punch Bowl. This is a must-see if you are driving up to the Independence Pass. I have never seen such blue water before (outside of an amusement park). While Driving from Aspen on CO82 to...Read more -
Buena Vista, Colorado
Backpacking to Kroenke Lake
9 mi / 2750 ft gainStarting 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 ...Read more