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Carbondale, Colorado

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Carbondale

  • Aspen, Colorado

    Weller Lake Trail

    4.0
    1.17 mi / 312 ft gain
    Weller Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Aspen, Colorado.
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Hike or Snowshoe Castle Creek

    6 mi
    At the round-a-bout that leads into the town of Aspen, take the Castle Creek Road exit. Follow this road for 12 miles until you get to the ghost town of Ashcroft. The road itself is very scenic, so be prepared to pull over and whip out your camera!During winter, the road ends at Ashcroft and a cr...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Backpack Cathedral Lake

    4.7
    5.6 mi / 2000 ft gain
    Cathedral Lake offers an excellent alternative to escape the crowds that swarm the Maroon Bells area, especially in the peak autumn season. The drive along Castle Creek Rd towards the abandoned ski town Ashcroft is lined with aspens showing off their golden hues. Parking at the trailhead is plent...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Grottos Trail

    5.0
    0.53 mi / 72 ft gain
    Just 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...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Castle Peak and Conundrum Peak

    5.0
    12.71 mi / 5125 ft gain
    There are many different places to start the trek up to Castle and Conundrum. The first step, however, is always go to the end of Castle Creek Road just outside of Aspen, CO. When the paved road ends, there is parking available right off the road for those who don't wish to drive further. Howe...
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  • Rifle, Colorado

    Rifle Gap Reservoir

    5.0
    1.54 mi / 46 ft gain
    Rifle Gap Reservoir is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Rifle, Colorado.
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  • Crested Butte, Colorado

    Trail Run at Snodgrass Mountain

    7 mi / 950 ft gain
    Looking for an easy trail run, close to town, with killer views? Snodgrass Mountain Trail is one of your best bets, with flowy singletrack through aspen groves and views of Mt. Gothic and Mt. Crested Butte. While there are endless beautiful trails to hike and run in the Crested Butte area, this o...
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  • Crested Butte, Colorado

    Blue Lake via Oh Be Joyful Campground

    12.96 mi / 2201 ft gain
    Overview: Round Trip is about 13 miles, about 500 ft ascent at the beginning and 1500 ft ascent in the last 1.5 miles. The majority of the hike is flat and through an AMAZING valley.  Getting There: Blue Lake Trailhead is located at Oh Be Joyful Campground on Slate River Rd, just across a river,...
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  • Crested Butte, Colorado

    Explore the waterfalls of Oh Be Joyful Creek

    If you're not already camping there, park at Oh Be Joyful Campground, about 5 miles up County Road 734 from downtown Crested Butte. There's parking on either side of the river crossing, but you're going to have to get your feet wet anyway, so might as well park in the first parking lot and walk a...
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  • Crested Butte, Colorado

    Hike Oh Be Joyful Pass

    16 mi
    From Crested Butte, drive north on Gothic Road and turn left on Slate River Road. Drive 4.5 miles on the dirt road and look for the Oh-Be-Joyful Campground which will be on your left.  Drive about 0.5 miles to the campground at the bottom of the hill, by a wide river. This trail begins by a quick...
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  • Crested Butte, Colorado

    Hike to Meridian Lake

    4.0
    The trail starts off with a small river crossing. You can find an easier place to cross nearby, or just march right through, if you have waterproof shoes or sandals.The beginning of the trail is the hardest. You will have a steep incline for about a quarter mile, following switchbacks up to the l...
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  • Leadville, Colorado

    Savage Lakes Trail

    5.0
    3.97 mi / 1299 ft gain
    The majority of this hike traverses through the beautiful forest that is part of the Holy Cross Wilderness. No significant views are to be had until you've climbed 1,300 ft over 2. miles and reach lower Savage Lake. The trail is easy enough to follow with no junctions along the way, and is adjace...
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  • Somerset, Colorado

    Hike the Three Lakes Trail

    5.0
    4.5 mi / 580 ft gain
    The Three Lakes trail near Crested Butte is a great loop if you're looking to hit up a couple mountain lakes. At 4.5 miles with moderate incline, this trail can easily be knocked out in under 2 hours. It also is a great hike to admire fall colors as you'll get great views of the Ruby Range and th...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Hike Lost Man Loop

    5.0
    8.8 mi / 1290 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Crested Butte, Colorado

    Upper Westside to Crested Butte

    5.0
    10.92 mi / 2730 ft gain
    Upper Westside to Crested Butte is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Crested Butte, Colorado.
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  • Somerset, Colorado

    Hike the Dyke to Dark Canyon Loop

    4.0
    6.5 mi / 1700 ft gain
    Kebler Pass near Crested Butte is a leaf peepers paradise considering that one of the largest groves of aspens in Colorado makes its home here. If you want those postcard views of rugged mountain peaks and vibrant aspens, then I recommend hiking the Dyke Trail to Dark Canyon loop. Put this on you...
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