Fairplay, Colorado
Top Spots in and near Fairplay
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Silver Plume, Colorado
Torrey's Peak via Kelso Ridge
5.05.79 mi / 2982 ft gainThe start of this route up the Kelso Ridge is the same as doing the standard route of Gray's and Torrey's peaks. From the trailhead cross the large metal bridge and continue on the great trail as it slowly climbs away from the parking lot and trailhead. This first section is not steep, but prov...Read more -
Silver Plume, Colorado
Grays Peak Trail
4.57.25 mi / 2995 ft gainThe first challenge you'll face on your way to the summit of Gray's peak is Steven's Gulch Road. My Corolla rolled up to the start of what I’ve seen described as a “4x4 road that should probably not be attempted in a low clearance vehicle”. But what the heck, it was late, and I didn't feel like w...Read more -
Evergreen, Colorado
Mount Evans and Mount Spalding Loop
4.38.47 mi / 1706 ft gainMount Evans is a simple, yet drop dead gorgeous 14er. That being said, no 14er is easy by any means. However as far as 14er's go, this is a cake walk. Coming in at a rating of class 2, there tends to be some scrambling but nothing a well balanced person can't handle. To begin this adventure, we ...Read more -
Chaffee County, Colorado
Camp in Browns Canyon Wilderness Study Area
4.0Head toward Nathrop, CO on U.S. High 295. Turn east between mile markers 144 and 145 onto Chaffee County Road 301. Take the road until the pavement runs out and turn right onto Chaffee County Road 300. Drive a couple miles on the road and through the Ruby Mountain campgrounds (paid lots only) unt...Read more -
Lake George, Colorado
Camp and Fish at Eleven Mile Canyon
4.4Located below the dam of the Eleven Mile Reservoir, Eleven Mile Canyon is a scenic spot for camping, fishing, hiking and climbing. There are four different campgrounds to choose from (Cove, Riverside, Spillway and Springer), though only one campground remains open during the off season. Getting t...Read more -
Buena Vista, Colorado
Summit Mt. Yale
5.08.48 mi / 4232 ft gainThis amazing adventure starts at 9,900 feet and goes up 4,300 feet over the course of an 8.5-mile round trip. You will want to start at the Denny Creek Trailhead. If you are coming from Buena Vista or staying at the Collegiate Peaks Campground you will pass Denny Gulch and then Denny Creek. The ...Read more -
Sedalia, Colorado
Backpack the McCurdy Park Loop
25 mi / 7202 ft gainThe total distance of the loop is a little under 25 miles and you will climb a total of 7202 feet. It can be done as a 3 day backpacking trip as shown below.The LoopDay 1: After Parking in the trail head's parking lot, which fills up quickly on weekends, start down the trail after signing your pe...Read more -
Sedalia, Colorado
Backpack the Lost Creek Loop
33.5 mi / 6200 ft gainLost Creek Wilderness may be my favorite part of Colorado. It contains varied terrain and geography, and is less crowded than most places. This loop will take you through everything the wilderness area has to offer. You will get sweeping panoramas of mountain ranges to the south, as well has m...Read more -
Sedalia, Colorado
Camp at Goose Creek
3.08 mi / 1300 ft gainGoose Creek is a fantastic spot to hike or camp. There is a dirt road leading to the trailhead, and it winds through the mountains and offers a great view of the valley. The dirt road is relatively easy and well-maintained. The burn scar from the Hayman fire is still really evident, so there are ...Read more -
Dillon, Colorado
Bakerville Scenic Snowshoe/XC Ski Trek
4.0In summer, Stevens Gulch Road, the access point to Grays Peak and Torreys Peak, is typically packed with adventurers intent on summiting a 14er or two. Once the snow comes, this unmaintained road becomes impassible, and the once busy lane transforms into a silent and pristine haven for snowshoers...Read more -
Dillon, Colorado
Wildflowers, Lakes, and Peaks, Oh My!
5.0Herman Gulch is one of those special places that makes you fall in love with Colorado all over again. This spectacular wildflower hike that ends at an alpine lake will have your head swiveling from start to finish. Wildflower season is July and August, with peak season being mid-to-late July. Ple...Read more -
Dillon, Colorado
Backcountry Snowshoe and Ski Paradise
5.07 mi / 1700 ft gainA popular wildflower hike in summer, Herman Gulch is arguably even prettier covered in snow. The north-south trail offers views of the impressive Mount Sniktau to the south and Pettingell Peak to the north--with much to see along the way. Officially, the trail weaves in and out of the forest and ...Read more -
Dillon, Colorado
Snowshoe or Ski Watrous Gulch
4.04 mi / 1200 ft gainDespite sharing a trailhead with the popular Herman Gulch, I had not heard of Watrous Gulch until I stumbled across it while researching something else. Knowing that Herman Gulch is filled with spectacular views and deep snow ideal for snowshoeing/skiing, I had to discover if the smaller, lesser-...Read more -
Vail, Colorado
Hike to Booth Falls and Booth Lake, CO
5.010 mi / 3000 ft gainThis day hike begins as a steady climb through aspen trees for the first mile. The trail then flattens out a bit, and you reach Booth Falls at mile two. This is a beautiful 60 ft waterfall that allows for easy rock climbing and hiking through the stream upstream of the falls. This is also a popul...Read more -
Vail, Colorado
Ice Climb Pumphouse Falls in Vail
To get to Pumphouse Falls take Interstate 70 toward East Vail, Colorado, get off at exit 176 S. Frontage Road headed east. At the traffic circle take the third exit and continue on South Frontage Rd. for 2.5 miles, turn right into the small parking lot next to the Nordic ski track. Follow the sig...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