Eldora, Colorado

Want to start snowshoeing peaks?! Of course you do! If you don't already have snowshoes, you can rent a pair at your local REI (the one in Boulder, CO is closest to this hike). Check the snow conditions and if there is a fair amount of snow, I would recommend renting the larger of the two kinds o...

The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is a winter adventurers playground with numerous snowshoe and cross country ski options to be explored. This area is popular as it offers dramatic mountain peaks, a trail for everyone (no motorized vehicles off of pavement), and close proximity to the Denver and ...

Just West of Idaho Springs on I-70 take the St. Mary's Alice Exit. Take a right and stay on the main road and follow the signs for about 8 miles (watch on the right side of the road for a surprise pink pig). There are two parking lots for the trailhead. The larger one is South of the trail and a ...

Located in the Brainard Lake Recreational Area (west of Nederland, CO in the Indian Peaks Wilderness), this gem isn’t exactly a well-kept secret, but it has all the beauty that you could ask for in a relatively easy Colorado hike.To get the full effect of the lake, you may want to plan your hike ...

If you are looking for great reflections, color and mountain peaks for your photos, this lake is a great place to start. The Brainard Lake Recreational Area has so much to do, but this is a stop not to miss.It seems that everyone drives on by this little gem to get to Brainard Lake and the hiking...

James 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...

The trail to Loch Lomond is very rocky. I suggest a high clearance 4x4 vehicle (I did see a small SUV and a Subaru..Not sure how they did it!!!). There are a few campsites at the lake and several along the way. I set up camp by the lake but had to move because the wind was so intense. I recommend...

Starting 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...

When you start the hike to Loch Lomond, you'll have a few options for parking. The further up the road you go the trickier it's going to be to get back out. I parked at the bottom of the road and hiked my way up. The first mile or two is mostly elevation gain and to be quite honest I thought I wa...

Getting There From Denver, go W on I-70 and take exit 238 for Fall River Rd. Continue on this road before taking a left on Alice Rd. Continue on Alice Rd. until you see the right hand turn for Steuart Rd. This is where you park. Do not attempt this road in a AWD or 2WD you definitely need a good ...

Start the hike at the Blue Grouse Trailhead located next to Kriley Pond. Travel along Blue Grouse Trail for 0.7 miles until you reach a fork in the trail at Mule Trail where you will take a right. Along the Mule Trail you will travel up a series of switch backs before the trail levels out and you...

Chinns Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Idaho Springs, Colorado.

This spot may be a little more difficult to reach than others, but the payoff is worth it. You'll start by taking a dirt road that splits off from Fall River Road. It is pretty easy going for the first mile or so, but then you'll want to make sure you have a little higher clearance 4x4 vehicle to...

This trail starts off at Slough Pond, a great fishing pond or picnic spot. The trail starts out tree-covered. After a few tenths of a mile you have the choice to go clockwise or counter-clockwise. If you go counter-clockwise you have about 3/4 of a mile of steep uphill hiking to do (the Park rate...

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...

The 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...