Chaffee County, Colorado
Looking for the best hiking in Chaffee County? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Chaffee County. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Chaffee County
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Crested Butte, Colorado
Drive Kebler Pass for Fall Colors
5.0Kebler Pass, or Gunnison County Road (GCR) 12, is an excellent place to see fall colors in Colorado. You won't get nearly as much congestion as on Independence Pass in Aspen, but you get just as many yellow and amber leaves. The road is dirt but passable by any vehicle–although because it's at ov...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Castle Peak and Conundrum Peak
5.012.71 mi / 5125 ft gainThere 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...Read more -
Crested Butte, Colorado
Upper Westside to Crested Butte
5.010.92 mi / 2730 ft gainUpper Westside to Crested Butte is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Crested Butte, Colorado.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 -
Westcliffe, Colorado
Backpack to Sand Creek Lakes
5.04 mi / 1700 ft gainStart at the Music Pass trail head south of Westcliffe, Colorado off County Road 119. You will need a 4x4 with high clearance to get to the actual trailhead as the last 2.5 miles are rough. Otherwise, park at the Crape Creek TH and walk the 2.5 miles up to Music Pass Trailhead.Once on the trail...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Backpack Cathedral Lake
4.75.6 mi / 2000 ft gainCathedral 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...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Hike or Snowshoe Castle Creek
6 miAt 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...Read more -
2203-2407 County Road 12, Colorado
Camp at Kebler Pass
4.5Camping on Kebler Pass begins at around GPS: 38.89575, -107.214655. The pass is only available during the warmer summer months but is quite the treat. We went in August to catch an eclipse and the rolling free hills made it a great place to view from. You pass a reservoir on your way in where man...Read more -
Crested Butte, Colorado
Hike to Meridian Lake
4.0The 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...Read more -
Westcliffe, Colorado
Venable-Comanche Trail
5.012.08 mi / 4085 ft gainVenable-Comanche Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Westcliffe, Colorado.Read more -
Fairplay, Colorado
Climb Horseshoe Mountain via Boudoir Couloir
7 mi / 2500 ft gainHorseshoe Mountain is a peak that is ranked in the top 100 tallest peaks in Colorado at 13,898 feet, and it can be done in the summer but is arguably more fun in the spring as a snow climb. Avalanche safety, snow climbing, and snow safety experience is necessary. To get to the trailhead, follo...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 -
Westcliffe, Colorado
Hike to Willow Lake, CO
5.09 mi / 2800 ft gainNestled in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, Willow Lake offers a stunning destination to a rigorous hike. The hike is approximately 9 miles out and back with 2800 feet of elevation gain. The trail is well marked and maintained. However, the hike rarely levels off. Be prepared for a steady incline...Read more -
Westcliffe, Colorado
Summit Kit Carson Peak
12.4 mi / 6323 ft gainThere are a couple different trailheads that lead to Kit Carson Peak, but the one from Willow Creek Trailhead will give you the opportunity to peak another fourteener, Challenger Point, and let you pass through and/or camp at Willow Lake, which is a beautiful destination by itself. If approaching...Read more -
Fairplay, Colorado
Hike Mount Sherman
4.210.5 mi / 2100 ft gainA mile South of Fairplay, turn West onto 4 Mile Creek Road (dirt) and follow it for about 8 miles. The road passes a number of excellent camping spots and finally ends at the ruins of an old mine. Parking is available about a quarter mile from the mining area. Don't park at the gate as its possib...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Weller Lake Trail
4.01.17 mi / 312 ft gainWeller Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Aspen, Colorado.Read more