Fairplay, Colorado
Looking for the best backpacking in Fairplay? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Fairplay. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Backpacking Spots in and near Fairplay
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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 -
Nathrop, Colorado
Mount Antero via Wagon and Little Browns Creek Trail
5.015.85 mi / 5499 ft gainThe Mount Antero via Wagon and Little Browns Creek Trail offers an epic alternative route to summit one of Colorado's magnificent 14ers (14,269 feet). This challenging trail provides a true wilderness experience away from the crowds, taking you through lush woodlands, aspen groves, and dramatic...Read more -
Basalt, Colorado
Mystic Island Lake and Lake Charles via Ironedge Trail
5.012.36 mi / 2861 ft gainMystic Island Lake and Lake Charles via Ironedge Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Eagle, Colorado.Read more -
Basalt, Colorado
Backpack & Fish at Lake Charles
11 mi / 1700 ft gainI decided to make an Outbound listing for this because the AllTrails listing is incredibly inaccurate. Hopefully you're reading this one! Your adventure starts at the trailhead of Fulford Cave / Fulford Cave Campground in Yeoman Park. Yeoman Park is just past Sylvan Lake State Park and is consid...Read more -
Winter Park, Colorado
Broome Hut via Second Creek Trail
1.94 mi / 712 ft gainBroome Hut is a short, but steep all year-round hike, but offers great snowshoeing and cross-country skiing as well.Once you reach the hut you are rewarded with incredible views of the Continental Divide, Berthoud Pass, and the Vasquez Peak Wilderness. The Cirque (bowl) is also accessible from ab...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 -
Salida, Colorado
Hike Mount Shavano and Tabeguache Peak
4.09.25 mi / 4600 ft gainStart out on the Shavano and Tabeguache Trailhead off of FR 252 outside of Poncha Springs, at about 9,700 feet, and begin your trek into the forest. In the first half of a mile there are a few trail marker signs that should be read carefully to insure the right path is followed, but these signs ...Read more -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Explore 'The Hidden Gems' of Loch Lomond
5.04.6 mi / 950 ft gainGetting 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 ...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 -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Camp and Fish at Loch Lomond
5.0The 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...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 -
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 -
Fraser, Colorado
Summit Byers Peak
8.8 mi / 2774 ft gainThe drive to the start of the trail is okay, having a high clearance vehicle would make the drive easier, but is not necessary. Free parking is available along the side of the road.The trail starts on a closed service road at a gate and requires you to either hike or bike up the dirt road (2 mil...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