Boulder, Colorado
Looking for the best chillin in Boulder? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Boulder. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Chillin Spots in and near Boulder
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Golden, Colorado
Capture Sunrise from Lookout Mountain
3.7Lookout Mountain sits just above Golden and provides one of the best easy-access viewpoints near Denver. The mountain provides numerous vantage spots along the road up, with the best at a rock outcropping just below Buffalo Bill's Gravesite & Museum (with easy parking).If you're hoping to ca...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Paddle Lily Lake
Lily Lake allows boating in non-motorized watercraft and is only a short carry from your parking area by 7. Parking can be limited so get there in the morning early so that you can enjoy the morning wildlife and decreased crowds. You can spend an hour or so here kayaking slowly around enjoying th...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 -
Estes Park, Colorado
Photograph at The Estes Park Sign
This sign is on the mountainous decline just before you reach town. There's a small parking lot that fills up quick in peak season, but most people only spend a few minutes here on their way in to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. It is easy enough to have people take your picture, jus...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 -
Morrison, Colorado
Explore Red Rocks Park in Winter
4.3Red Rocks is a bustling park in the summer when its famous amphitheater is filled with concerts. In winter though, the park dies down and becomes even more quiet when snow is falling. Grab your camera and head to the park during a winter storm to truly enjoy the beautiful red sandstone formations...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
Hike to Columbine Lake
5.07 mi / 1200 ft gainThe hike is about seven miles, give or take, however it feels longer. The elevation gain is little over 1000 feet. The drive here is about 45 minutes from both Granby and Winter Park, and is definitely worth it. You follow a trail dusted with wildflowers for the majority of the hike, and occasio...Read more -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Explore 'The Hidden Gems' of Loch Lomond
5.04.6 mi / 950 ft gainGetting There From Denver, go W on I-70 and take exit 238 for Fall River Rd. Continue on this road before taking a left on Alice Rd. Continue on Alice Rd. until you see the right hand turn for Steuart Rd. This is where you park. Do not attempt this road in a AWD or 2WD you definitely need a good ...Read more -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Hike to Loch Lomond
5.04.6 mi / 948 ft gainWhen you start the hike to Loch Lomond, you'll have a few options for parking. The further up the road you go the trickier it's going to be to get back out. I parked at the bottom of the road and hiked my way up. The first mile or two is mostly elevation gain and to be quite honest I thought I wa...Read more -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Camp and Fish at Loch Lomond
5.0The trail to Loch Lomond is very rocky. I suggest a high clearance 4x4 vehicle (I did see a small SUV and a Subaru..Not sure how they did it!!!). There are a few campsites at the lake and several along the way. I set up camp by the lake but had to move because the wind was so intense. I recommend...Read more -
Denver, Colorado
Washington Park Loop
2.34 mi / 72 ft gainWashington Park in located near Denver South High School is the perfect spot for a run, walk, or an afternoon picnic! This paved loop is just over 2 miles and offers up scenic views of both Grasmere Lake and Smith Lake. This is also a family-friendly destination with a playground for the kids and...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Sprague Lake Loop
5.00.81 mi / 26 ft gainLocated in Rocky Mountain National Park at an elevation of almost 8,700 feet, Sprague Lake offers visitors great views with very little effort required. It's a short 15 minute drive from Estes Park and hikers can take the short trail around the circumference of the lake. You'll find bathrooms and...Read more -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Explore Fall River Reservoir
4.01 mi / 144 ft gainThis spot may be a little more difficult to reach than others, but the payoff is worth it. You'll start by taking a dirt road that splits off from Fall River Road. It is pretty easy going for the first mile or so, but then you'll want to make sure you have a little higher clearance 4x4 vehicle to...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Photograph Elk in Moraine Park
The perspective here is vastly different from other areas in Rocky Mountain National Park as Moraine Park is essentially a large, very flat valley surrounded by tall mountains. You'll want to come during the elks' rutting season, which is between mid-September and mid-October. Park at the lot on ...Read more -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Camp at Chinns Lake
Take the road as if you are going to St. Mary's Glacier, but you will take a left off the road (next to a very nice house) before the road makes a sharp right turn to go up hill. The road is a smooth dirt road for about a mile, but gets very rocky after that and you will need a good off road vehi...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Hike from Bear Lake to Fern Lake Trailhead
5.010 mi / 2100 ft gainOn this Rocky Mountain hike you’ll explore 4 picturesque mountain lakes and a 60 foot waterfall. Completing this hike requires familiarizing yourself with Rocky Mountain National Park’s free shuttle system. Hikes along Bear Lake Road are some of the busiest in the park. Trailhead parking lots fi...Read more