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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

  • Leadville, Colorado

    North Mount Elbert Trail

    4.5
    9.07 mi / 4432 ft gain
    Start your trip at the North Elbert Creek trailhead, reached by taking Colorado 300 just south of Leadville, and then a left on County road 11 and a right on Halfmoon Creek road. The dirt road to the trailhead is well traveled. The trail begins from the parking lot and winds upwards past 2 clear...
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  • Vail, Colorado

    Hike the Upper Piney River Trail

    4.0
    5.6 mi / 350 ft gain
    Beginning at an elevation of 9,397 feet, this hike provides an easy 2.8 mile (one way) trip through the gorgeous meadows against the distant aspens and alpines. Wildflowers and wildlife are abundant, which make this trip a fantastic education and play experience for kids.Coordinates for the trail...
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  • Vail, Colorado

    Sunset Hike on the West Vail Trail

    3.0
    2 mi / 300 ft gain
    Starting in Lionshead, Vail, CO take the Gondola 19 up to the top of the mountain and head west straight out past Chair 26 and towards the Vail Mountain Wedding deck. Past the deck there will be a trail that you can follow out onto the edge of the mountain called the W Vail Trail. This trail will...
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  • Buena Vista, Colorado

    Mt. Elbert via Black Cloud Trail

    4.5
    10.69 mi / 4967 ft gain
    Directions:  Heading south from Leadville from U.S. 24: West on CO 82 for 10.5 miles to a hidden right turn that leads to a trail head. If you make it to the Mt. Elbert Lodge, you have gone just a bit too far. The parking lot (aka: dirt access) should be relatively empty as everyone tends to hik...
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  • Leadville, Colorado

    Mountain Bike the Colorado Trail near Mount Elbert

    This is the way to see fall colors if you're into empty trails and endorphins. Grind up the trail starting from South Elbert Trailhead. You'll turn right onto the Colorado Trail at .3 miles and stay here for as long as you like, or 7.3 miles to the Mount Elbert Trailhead. Turn around and go back ...
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  • Cedaredge, Colorado

    Run the Crag Crest Loop

    4.3
    10.4 mi / 1500 ft gain
    The Crag Crest Trail is a 10-mile loop that takes runners over one of the highest points on Grand Mesa. When traveling in a clockwise direction, the trail traverses a narrow rocky ridge for 5-miles before descending into the dense pine forest below. Grand Mesa's trails are less maintained due to ...
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  • Buena Vista, Colorado

    Hope Pass via Willis Gulch

    5.0
    8.75 mi / 3297 ft gain
    Hope Pass is accessed from the Willis Gulch trailhead about 25 miles outside of Leadville, Colorado. To get to the trail head, follow Highway 24 East for about 16 miles until you arrive at the junction for Highway 82. Turn right and follow Highway 82 for about 8.3 miles. You will see a sign on th...
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  • Leadville, Colorado

    Overnight at the Emma and Marceline Yurts, Leadville

    11 mi / 1200 ft gain
    Drive past the main downtown of Leadville and then head into the mountains south of town, following Mt. Sherman Road to the Yurt parking along a ridge before you come to the Black Cloud Mine. There are signs that say "Yurt Parking". Follow the road a little further down to a jeep road just before...
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  • Buena Vista, Colorado

    Summit Mount Huron

    6 mi / 3500 ft gain
    There are some dispersed campsites along side the 4x4 road that leads to the trailhead. Ideally you can sleep here to get an early start to your hike in the morning, to avoid the afternoon storms that frequent the mountains. The 4x4 is rough in spots, though my Subaru Outback did make the trek un...
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  • Buena Vista, Colorado

    Mount Elbert via the Southeast Ridge Trailhead (Winter Route)

    13.48 mi / 4885 ft gain
    Classic Route to the Summit of Colorado's highest peak Great for All Seasons this is the Recommended Winter Route with minimal Avalanche Danger.  Known as the South Mount Elbert trail, the East Ridge trail or a combo of both, this trail is truly beautiful and remote. DIRECTIONS: To reach the t...
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