Boulder, Colorado
Nestled up against the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is an adventure-lover's paradise. You can find a myriad accessible hiking trails nearby in Chautauqua Park, or venture further afield into the Indian Peaks Wilderness for hiking and backpacking on the Continental Divide. Rocky Mountain National Park is just an hour away, with opportunities for hiking, climbing, fishing and more.
Top Spots in and near Boulder
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Estes Park, Colorado
Chasm Lake via Longs Peak Trailhead
4.78.01 mi / 2425 ft gainThe 4-mile trail climbs around 2500ft from the Longs Peak trailhead and starts by winding through dense forest. In the morning darkness, trudging through thick trees isn’t the most exciting, but when you finally climb out above treeline, the massive profile of Longs and the slowly growing light o...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
3 Crater Lakes via South Boulder Creek
5.06.92 mi / 1804 ft gainAfter 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 ent...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
Heart and Rogers Peak Lakes
4.88.62 mi / 2113 ft gainThe hike begins at the East Portal Trailhead outside Rollinsville. Start hiking along the South Boulder trail to the right (north) of the very obvious Moffat Rail tunnel. The trail begins with moderate grades past the Forest Lakes cutoff just 1.25 miles from the trailhead. Continue hiking straigh...Read more -
Golden, Colorado
Hike the Morrison Slide in Matthews / Winters Park
4.24.7 mi / 600 ft gainStart at the trailhead located at 1103 County Hwy. 93 and enjoy a little warm up time by the creek that winds past wild plum, chokecherry, and willow trees. Matthews-Winters Park is filled with red rock formations that make for amazing scenery. It also has the remnants of a historic cemetery. The...Read more -
Golden, Colorado
Matthews/Winters Park Loop
4.04.99 mi / 827 ft gainMatthews/Winters Park, which is part of the Jefferson County Open Space system, is proof that you do not have to go far from the city to enjoy the mountains. Nestled in the foothills between Golden and Morrison just off I-70 and C-470, Matthews/Winters is easy to access from Denver and any of the...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Twin Sisters Peak
5.07.48 mi / 2470 ft gainThe trailhead starts close to 9,000 ft elevation. It continues at a gradual slope through the forest for a long way. The trail does not exit the tree line until close to the top, where there is a boulder field, of sorts (slightly over 11,000 ft). Don't worry, there is a nice trail all the way to ...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 -
Estes Park, Colorado
Estes Cone
4.08.22 mi / 2275 ft gainThe trail begins on the left on a park service road before reaching a junction with the Storm Pass Trail just past .2 miles. Follow the trail as it enters the forest and continue past the private property signs and over a footbridge. Past the bridge the trail climbs more steadily for just under 2...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Rock Climb above Lilly Lake
3.5Lilly Lake is known as a very popular, easy hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Lilly Lake itself is very pretty and also has some good fishing and walking opportunities.Rock rises up nearby the northwest area of the lake, and offers some of the most fun rock climbing in the area. There are num...Read more -
Lyons, Colorado
Hike the Kruger Rock Trail
4 mi / 1000 ft gainCutting through the forested hills surrounding Estes Valley, the Kruger Rock Trail is a well-marked 4 mile loop to the top of Kruger Rock. The trail begins in Hermit Park Open Space, located just a few miles southeast of Estes Park and is a moderate hike with around 1000 feet of elevation gain. C...Read more -
Lakewood, Colorado
Green Mountain Trail Loop
4.16.37 mi / 1060 ft gainGreen Mountain Trail is a 6.5-mile loop and has a challenging ascent to the park's highest point. Because the mountain is one of the first to rise out of the plains, you get unique views of where the mountains meet the prairie and fascinating geology. The summit, at 6,857' offers stunning views o...Read more -
Lakewood, Colorado
Green Mountain Mountain Bike Loop
4.06.9 mi / 1047 ft gainSkip the bar and spend happy hour hiking/biking this fun and easy loop. With convenient access from the Denver-Metro Area, this spot is perfect for a quick ride after work, or hike with your dog. The park has three parking lots, and the trail can be completed as a loop system (in either directio...Read more -
Denver, Colorado
Photograph Bison at the Rocky Mountain National Arsenal Wildlife Refuge
5.09 miBison are the largest and heaviest land animals in North America. They are a symbol of a wild and free landscape. Despite their size these big beasts are extremely agile. They can run up to 35 miles per hour and jump 6ft high from a stand still. Very few animals pose a threat to a healthy, fully ...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 -
Lakewood, Colorado
Hike to Radio Tower Overlook
4 mi / 1312 ft gainI loved this trail when I lived in Lakewood. It has a decent elevation gain, close to the city, spectacular views, and you can pretty much hike it year round unless you just had a winter snow storm (though you could just hike in snow boots!). I take the John O Hayden Trail from the Utah Parking l...Read more -
Morrison, Colorado
Hike Dinosaur Ridge
4.02 mi / 50 ft gainThe hiking trail starts at the parking lot located across from the Dinosaur Ridge Discovery center (which you should totally go check out!). Once you park you will follow the gated and paved Alameda Parkway towards the ridge. Along the way there will be several sites on the left until you reach t...Read more
