Empire, Colorado
Looking for the best hiking in Empire? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Empire. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Empire
-
Boulder, Colorado
Scramble Angel's Way
5 mi / 1000 ft gainAngel's Way is an amazing 8 pitch rock climb scramble (5.2) that is tucked away in Skunk Canyon, hidden from the crowds of Chautauqua. The best part of this scramble is you only need your climbing shoes and chalk-bag. It is similar to the 'Free Way' on the Second Flatiron. I would encourage ev...Read more -
Boulder, Colorado
Red Rocks Loop Trail
3.71.34 mi / 412.07 ft gainParking is available on either Canyon or Sunshine Roads. During the weekends it tends to get crowded around sunset so plan accordingly. The entire trail is a loop and is a little over 1 mile in length so it doesn't take too long. The main feature is the massive red sand stone rocks that jut out o...Read more -
Boulder, Colorado
Mount Sanitas Peak Trail
2.57 mi / 1296 ft gainExplore the natural wonders of Boulder, Colorado, with the Mount Sanitas Peak Trail hike. This trail offers stunning vistas of the Rocky Mountain wilderness and Colorado's Front Range. This hike is just over 2.5 miles with about 1300 feet of elevation gain. Parking and Access: Start your hik...Read more -
Boulder, Colorado
Red Rocks and Anemone Trail Loop
1.26 mi / 459 ft gainRed Rocks and Anemone Trail Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Boulder, Colorado.Read more -
Boulder, Colorado
Sunshine Lion's Lair Loop
5.05.05 mi / 1257 ft gainThis is a mix of trails that will bring you on an easy loop to the peak of Mt Sanitas, but will keep you away from the usual crowds of the more well-known paths up. The hike is a clear path that brings you 5+ miles from around 5,500 ft in elevation to 6,800. You'll start at the Centennial Trail...Read more -
Boulder, Colorado
Mount Sanitas + Sunshine Canyon loop
5.03 mi / 1257 ft gainThis loop takes you up Sunshine Canyon, a milder and less crowded grade when compared to the popular Sanitas ridge. You'll head up the canyon for a bit before reaching the terminus of the canyon trail -- where you'll cross the road to pick up on the Lions Lair connector. Continue following this u...Read more -
Boulder, Colorado
Mount Sanitas Loop & Settlers Park
4.43.83 mi / 1371 ft gainFirst off, these are two different hikes but both stem from the same parking lot and Settlers Park is a mere 5 minutes away from where you park so why not kill two birds with one stone? One of the more popular hikes in Boulder, Mount Sanitas is a 3 mile hike that quickly scales nearly 1,350 feet...Read more -
Breckenridge, Colorado
Carter Park to Moonstone to Barney Ford Trail
5.04.2 mi / 873 ft gainThe Carter Park to Moonstone to Barney Ford Trail in Breckenridge, Colorado is a moderately challenging hiking route. Spanning approximately 4.2 miles, the trail offers a variety of terrain and elevation changes. The trail begins at Carter Park, ascending through a series of switchbacks before re...Read more -
Breckenridge, Colorado
Baker's Tank Loop
4.05.72 mi / 873 ft gainWhen the aspens are sporting their golden hues of autumn, Baker's Tank Loop is a perfect fall hike. The trailhead is about ten minutes from downtown Breckenridge. For part of the hike, you may have the world to yourself. But, for the road portion, you'll likely have to share with the leaf peep...Read more -
Boulder, Colorado
South Boulder Creek - Mesa Trail - Lower Big Bluestem Loop
4.04.46 mi / 453 ft gainThis 4 mile loop ascends only a slight amount in elevation, making for a pleasant loop in which opportunities for appreciation of the nature around you and broad vista photography are in plentiful supply. A great hike for those who may still be building their fitness, as so many trails in Boulder...Read more -
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge Troll
5.00.2 mi / 26 ft gainIsak Heartstone, otherwise known as the Breckenridge troll, can be accessed from the Illinois Gulch Trailhead. This trailhead can be full for much of the day, so it is advisable to find parking in town and then take a bus, walk, or bike to the starting point of this short walk. Once at the trai...Read more -
Breckenridge, Colorado
Sawmill Trail to Fairy Forest
3.01.58 mi / 184 ft gainThe Sawmill Trail to Fairy Forest is a loop hike near Breckenridge. Fairy Forest is CLOSED as of 2020 while work is done on the 4 0'Clock trail (source). This short shaded hike is perfect for families with children looking to experience nature without having to venture too far out of Breckenridg...Read more -
Ward, Colorado
Hike the Ceran St. Vrain Trail
5.04 mi / 1207 ft gainThe Ceran St. Vrain trail north of Jamestown offers the hiker a nice respite from the summer sun as this path runs through dense pine forests. The trail follows the South St. Vrain Creek for most of the way and follows moderate grades throughout. There is no official end to the trail, only that i...Read more -
Breckenridge, Colorado
Boreas Pass Road
5.09 mi / 1500 ft gainBoreas pass is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains that sits on the Continental Divide at 11,481'. Forest Service Road 33 goes over the pass and has numerous campsites all along its length, with several near the summit that feature breathtaking views of the Tenmile Range and the Breckenri...Read more -
Lakewood, Colorado
Radio Tower Overlook via Hayden Trailhead
2.83 mi / 653 ft gainI loved this trail when I lived in Lakewood. It has a decent elevation gain, close to the city, spectacular views, and you can pretty much hike it year round unless you just had a winter snow storm (though you could just hike in snow boots!). Take the John O Hayden Trail from the Utah Parking l...Read more -
Lakewood, Colorado
Green Mountain Trail Loop
4.26.37 mi / 1060 ft gainGreen Mountain Trail is a 6.5-mile loop and has a challenging ascent to the park's highest point. Because the mountain is one of the first to rise out of the plains, you get unique views of where the mountains meet the prairie and fascinating geology. The summit, at 6,857' offers stunning views o...Read more