Eagle County, Colorado
Looking for the best backpacking in Eagle County? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Eagle County. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Backpacking Spots in and near Eagle County
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Buena Vista, Colorado
Backpack the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Loop
5.011.7 mi / 2000 ft gainStarting at the Rich Creek Campground this wonderful moderate hike forms a loop by connecting the Rich Creek Trail and the Tumble Creek trail. in the Buffalo Peaks wilderness. Flanked by the Collegiate Peaks, in Spring and Summer the area is awash with rushing creeks, lush wet lowlands & deep...Read more -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Lower and Upper Chicago Lake
4.79.22 mi / 2270 ft gainFrom the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. After crossing the creek, follow the sign indicating that the trail follows the dirt road and hang a left; from here, you'll reach the Idah...Read more -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Hiking James Peak (13,294')
8.3 mi / 3000 ft gainJames Peak is one of 76 13,000'+ peaks in Colorado's front range. On your way up to the peak you will pass St. Mary's Glacier. It is not an actual glacier yet a permeant snow field that is popular among skiers and snowboarders year round. St. Mary's Glaicer is a very popular destination (though m...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 -
Aspen, Colorado
Conundrum Hot Springs via Conundrum Creek
4.316.77 mi / 2717 ft gainAfter picking up your required overnight permit, start your morning with a coffee in Aspen, then drive out 15 min to the trailhead at the end of Conundrum Creek road. The trail is a straight shot 9 miles up the valley, through expansive meadows and an always incredible view of the mountains and ...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
Heart and Rogers Pass 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 -
Buena Vista, Colorado
Missouri Mountain Trail
5.010.38 mi / 4430.67 ft gainGetting there: The trail begins at Missouri Gulch TH. If you are a car camper or are trying to snag a sunrise summit, there are many many drive off sites in trees and near water before and after the trailhead. The road to get to the trailhead is not paved, but is well maintained - a super high cl...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
Upper Forest Lakes Trail
7.86 mi / 1778 ft gainUpper Forest Lakes Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Rollinsville, Colorado.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 -
Basalt, Colorado
Camp at Thomas Lake and Summit Mt. Sopris
5.013 mi / 4400 ft gainWith the Elk Mountain range behind it, It appears to be standing by itself, and has the resemblance of a grand volcano.From Hwy 133 out of Carbondale, turn down Prince Creek Road and drive 6 miles to the trailhead. The trail is a nice mixture of meadows and woods, with excellent views of the vall...Read more -
Snowmass, Colorado
Capitol Lake via Capitol Ditch
5.012.28 mi / 2575 ft gainThe route to Capitol Lake is fairly straightforward, but not without its minor hardships. The route begins at the end of Capitol Creek Road, 9 miles from the small "town" of Snowmass (NOT Snowmass Village - that's the high-class ski resort). The last few miles of this road provide the first min...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 -
Nederland, Colorado
Caribou Lake via 4th of July Trailhead
4.09.01 mi / 2474 ft gainThis is one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever done in Colorado. It is a great trip for photographers, fisherman or anyone who enjoys mountain views, forests filled with wildlife and peaceful meadows. Distances: Arapaho Pass: 3.2 miles, Caribou Lake: 4.2 miles, Caribou Pass: 6.4 miles, M...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Snowmass Lake via Maroon-Snowmass Trail
4.316.53 mi / 5023 ft gainFor the adventurous backpacker looking to get backcountry in central Colorado, the stunning beauty of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness cannot be beaten. While the Maroon Bells just outside of Aspen might be the most photographed mountains in North America, the beauty is definitely rivaled by ...Read more -
Pitkin County, Colorado
Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells
4.825.99 mi / 7566 ft gainUpdates will be posted here. The Four Pass Loop begins at Maroon Lake, famous for its iconic view of the Maroon Bells (Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak), deemed the “most-photographed spot in Colorado.” After taking in this majestic view, continue to walk down the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail unti...Read more