Empire, Colorado

Top Spots in and near Empire

  • Vail, Colorado

    Sunset Hike on the West Vail Trail

    3.0
    2 mi / 300 ft gain
    Starting in Lionshead, Vail, CO take the Gondola 19 up to the top of the mountain and head west straight out past Chair 26 and towards the Vail Mountain Wedding deck. Past the deck there will be a trail that you can follow out onto the edge of the mountain called the W Vail Trail. This trail will...
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  • Estes Park, Colorado

    Twin Sisters Peak

    5.0
    7.48 mi / 2470 ft gain
    The trailhead starts close to 9,000 ft elevation. It continues at a gradual slope through the forest for a long way. The trail does not exit the tree line until close to the top, where there is a boulder field, of sorts (slightly over 11,000 ft). Don't worry, there is a nice trail all the way to ...
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  • Estes Park, Colorado

    Paddle Lily Lake

    Lily Lake allows boating in non-motorized watercraft and is only a short carry from your parking area by 7. Parking can be limited so get there in the morning early so that you can enjoy the morning wildlife and decreased crowds. You can spend an hour or so here kayaking slowly around enjoying th...
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  • Estes Park, Colorado

    Rock Climb above Lilly Lake

    3.5
    Lilly Lake is known as a very popular, easy hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Lilly Lake itself is very pretty and also has some good fishing and walking opportunities.Rock rises up nearby the northwest area of the lake, and offers some of the most fun rock climbing in the area. There are num...
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  • Estes Park, Colorado

    Estes Cone

    4.5
    8.22 mi / 2359 ft gain
    The trail begins on the left on a park service road before reaching a junction with the Storm Pass Trail just past .2 miles. Follow the trail as it enters the forest and continue past the private property signs and over a footbridge. Past the bridge the trail climbs more steadily for just under 2...
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  • Vail, Colorado

    Hike the Upper Piney River Trail

    4.0
    5.6 mi / 350 ft gain
    Beginning at an elevation of 9,397 feet, this hike provides an easy 2.8 mile (one way) trip through the gorgeous meadows against the distant aspens and alpines. Wildflowers and wildlife are abundant, which make this trip a fantastic education and play experience for kids.Coordinates for the trail...
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  • Vail, Colorado

    Backpack to Bubble Lake

    3.0
    13 mi / 3600 ft gain
    The Gore's are a rough and remote section of the Eagle's Nest Wilderness.  What this trip may lack in overall miles, it more than makes up for in elevation gain, scrambling, boulder hopping, and overall hard miles on the trail.  Every trip I have had the pleasure of taking into the Gore Range has...
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  • Grand Lake, Colorado

    Hike to Big Meadows and Granite Falls

    5.0
    10.3 mi
    The Green Mountain Trail is part of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) which is a foot path from Mexico to Canada. Big Meadows is a great place to view elk, moose, and deer. Other animals you can see in the area are abert squirrels, river otters, weasels, and black bear.Big Meadow...
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  • Denver, Colorado

    City Park Perimeter Loop

    5.0
    3.85 mi / 171 ft gain
    City Park Perimeter Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Denver, Colorado.
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  • Larimer County, Colorado

    Bierstadt Lake Loop

    4.3
    2.93 mi / 682 ft gain
    From the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead on Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, you start out in lodgepole pines at 8850 feet high. But you quickly get into the aspens. In the breeze, aspens flutter or quake. It's unique sound as the leaves almost dance in the wind. The views and aspens ...
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  • Estes Park, Colorado

    Sprague Lake Loop

    5.0
    0.81 mi / 26 ft gain
    Located in Rocky Mountain National Park at an elevation of almost 8,700 feet, Sprague Lake offers visitors great views with very little effort required. It's a short 15 minute drive from Estes Park and hikers can take the short trail around the circumference of the lake. You'll find bathrooms and...
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  • 2001 Colorado Boulevard, Colorado

    Top of the Denver Nature and Science Museum

    5.0
    On top of exploring various exhibits on history and science, head to the Denver Nature and Science Museum to enjoy one of the best views of the Denver skyline! Take the elevators up to the Sky Terrace to take in Denver againt the backdrop of the Rockies. Longs Peak, Pikes Peak, and even the Flati...
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  • Jefferson, Colorado

    Trek through Granite Pillars on Bison Peak

    11.88 mi / 3854.99 ft gain
    Bison peak sits 2 hours from Denver in the mountains of the Lost Creek Wilderness. To reach the 12,431 ft. summit you'll start in low density ponderosa forest at 8,750 ft on crushed granite trail. Early starts are recommended in the summer months as the trail's high albedo can make for an extreme...
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  • Estes Park, Colorado

    Wind River, Storm Pass, Sprague Lake, and Glacier Creek Loop

    6.45 mi / 945 ft gain
    Wind River, Storm Pass, Sprague Lake, and Glacier Creek Loop trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Estes Park, Colorado.
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  • Littleton, Colorado

    Hike the Fountain Valley Trail at Roxborough State Park

    4.8
    2.3 mi / 100 ft gain
    The Fountain Valley Trail at Roxborough State Park is a very easy trail that's perfect for those that want to enjoy the outdoors but not subject themselves to the rigors of climbing a 14er. This very well maintained trail is wide and flat and perfect for groups, families, or for taking visitors t...
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  • Littleton, Colorado

    Hike to Carpenter Peak

    4.5
    6.2 mi / 1171 ft gain
    Carpenter Peak stands at 7,166 feet above sea level. While that altitude might not exactly take your breath away, the views from the top certainly will. Starting at the Visitor's Center, the trail to Carpenter's Peak begins as a relatively flat, well-traveled trail. A little less than a mile into...
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