Eagle County, Colorado
Top Spots in and near Eagle County
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Independence, Ohio
Photograph Fall Colors Along Independence Pass and Twin Lakes, CO
5.0While this is a more of a photography adventure and a fall drive to take through Colorado, there are also many areas to hike along the way. The drive can start from really anywhere in the general area. From the front range area of Colorado, head up I70 and get off toward Twin Lakes around Copper....Read more -
Independence, Ohio
Drive Independence Pass
5.032 miWhether you are driving or biking, the elevation gain is significant, it's over 4,000 ft. The road is fairly narrow so being cautious is important. The highway itself is seasonal; it's closed for winter due to icy conditions. We stopped along the Grotto trailhead to hike around and get some views...Read more -
Twin Lakes, Colorado
Camp at Twin Lakes' White Star Campground
4.5This area is located on the other side of Independence Pass from Aspen, which is only accessible during the summer, or can be reached year-round via Leadville, which is about 20 miles away along Highway 24. From Twin Lakes Village drive approximately 1.5 miles east on Highway 82 and take the exit...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 -
Aspen, Colorado
McNamara Hut
5.012.46 mi / 2631 ft gainMcNamara Hut sits in the national forest on the slope of Bald Knob, with easy access to intermediate backcountry skiing and more challenging terrain further away. Built in 1982, it's one of the original huts in the 10th Mountain Division system along with Margy's Hut. The hut comes stocked with...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Independence Ghost Town
4.3Back in the late 1800s, Ashcroft, Aspen, and Independence were booming mining town. While Aspen is still thriving today, Ashcroft and Independence are ghost towns. Independence Ghost Town is on Independence Pass, 16 miles east of Aspen on Highway 82. The Farwell Mill sits right along the highwa...Read more -
Gypsum, Colorado
Camp at Deep Creek Campground
I was driving from Denver to Telluride and wanted a camping spot along the way so I decided to make a random turn off of 70 and sure enough found some beautiful BLM land to camp on. The Deep Creek Campground is along a dirt road about 2 miles off of a paved road. There are 6 camping sites along t...Read more -
Twin Lakes, Colorado
Kayak Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes are two bodies of water that are connected by a short run of water with a dam at the eastern end. There are a few different places to put in your boat including boat ramps by the access point on the east end of the lake. There is also a boat ramp and a place to seasonally rent boats by...Read more -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Snowshoe Jim Creek Trail
5 mi / 965 ft gainStarting at 9,220 feet of elevation, this 5 mile out-and-back snowshoe begins its 965 foot elevation gain meandering through a quiet forest. The trail will take you through the woods for a few miles, and you can turn around whenever you like. If you're up for a challenge and have a lot of time, y...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Ute Trail to Ute Rock
4.71.75 mi / 1122 ft gainThis shady trail of switchbacks ascends steadily (over a thousand feet in under a mile) to a rock outcropping at 9,185 feet. Yes, you can expect your heart to be pounding and to be huffing and puffing as you climb Ute Trail. But the view of Aspen that rewards you is spectacular. The trail is pre...Read more -
Buena Vista, Colorado
Hike to the Historical Interlaken Resort
5.06 mi / 500 ft gainFollow Colorado Highway 24 South from Leadville for 14 miles, then turn right onto Colorado 82 towards Aspen. Turn left onto County Road 25, then follow the road for 1 mile to a small parking area for the Colorado Trail. You have arrived!This trail starts near 9,200 feet of elevation and while yo...Read more -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Hike to Hell's Hole
4.5The name is uninviting, but Hell’s Hole is a scenic, shallow basin in the Mount Evans Wilderness near Idaho Springs. Starting elevation is about 9500 feet. Right after the trailhead, you pass through a few camping sites in the Chicago Creek Picnic Area. About five minutes into the hike is the per...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Camp on the Backside of Buttermilk Mountain
1.04 mi / 2000 ft gainPark at the Buttermilk Ski Area parking lot and begin your hike up the mountain at the bottom of the Summit Express chair lift. Follow the 4x4 dirt road the entire way up Buttermilk. There are other small hiking trails that you can follow too, and with the entire mountain being a ski area, it's s...Read more -
Buena Vista, Colorado
Mt. Elbert via Black Cloud Trail
4.510.69 mi / 4967 ft gainDirections: 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...Read more -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Camp at Chinns Lake
Take the road as if you are going to St. Mary's Glacier, but you will take a left off the road (next to a very nice house) before the road makes a sharp right turn to go up hill. The road is a smooth dirt road for about a mile, but gets very rocky after that and you will need a good off road vehi...Read more -
Buena Vista, Colorado
Hope Pass via Willis Gulch
5.08.75 mi / 3297 ft gainHope 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...Read more