Colorado
Looking for the best hiking in Colorado? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Colorado. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Colorado
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Crested Butte, Colorado
Blue Lake via Oh Be Joyful Campground
4.012.96 mi / 2201 ft gainOverview: Round Trip is about 13 miles, about 500 ft ascent at the beginning and 1500 ft ascent in the last 1.5 miles. The majority of the hike is flat and through an AMAZING valley. Getting There: Blue Lake Trailhead is located at Oh Be Joyful Campground on Slate River Rd, just across a river,...Read more -
Westcliffe, Colorado
Backpack to Sand Creek Lakes
5.04 mi / 1700 ft gainStart at the Music Pass trail head south of Westcliffe, Colorado off County Road 119. You will need a 4x4 with high clearance to get to the actual trailhead as the last 2.5 miles are rough. Otherwise, park at the Crape Creek TH and walk the 2.5 miles up to Music Pass Trailhead.Once on the trail...Read more -
Buena Vista, Colorado
La Plata Peak Summer Route
5.09.08 mi / 4449.04 ft gainThe Northwest Ridge is the most easily accessible and popular route, and for good reasons. The trailhead is on the side of Hwy 82, otherwise known as Independence Pass, about 14.5 miles from the Hwy 24 junction, or about 10 miles from Twin Lakes to the east. The trailhead is hard to miss, and you...Read more -
Somerset, Colorado
Hike the Dyke to Dark Canyon Loop
4.06.5 mi / 1700 ft gainKebler Pass near Crested Butte is a leaf peepers paradise considering that one of the largest groves of aspens in Colorado makes its home here. If you want those postcard views of rugged mountain peaks and vibrant aspens, then I recommend hiking the Dyke Trail to Dark Canyon loop. Put this on you...Read more -
Silverthorne, Colorado
Upper Slate Lake via Rock Creek Trailhead
5.022.21 mi / 4406 ft gainStarting from the Rock Creek Trailhead parking lot, it is an up and down trek to Upper Slate Lake. The trail map states 10 miles each way, but accounting for switchbacks it ends up being closer to 14 long, hard miles. You will be among aspens and pines for the first half as you have a few modera...Read more -
Manitou Springs, Colorado
Hike Palmer Trail Loop at Section 16
5.5 mi / 1400 ft gainThe Section 16 trailhead can be found on lower Gold Camp Road. Almost immediately, the trail begins to rise in elevation. The grade is gentle at first but soon becomes a steep steady climb for about a mile and a half, until you reach the ridge. Along the way, you will see many intersecting trail...Read more -
Minturn, Colorado
Fancy Pass
5.06.54 mi / 2392 ft gainThe Fancy Pass Trail near Red Cliff is an excellent option for those looking to experience hiking in the rugged and pristine conditions of a wilderness area. This 6 mile roundtrip trail will take you into the Holy Cross Wilderness and up close and personal with towering peaks, verdant meadows, an...Read more -
Littleton, Colorado
Plymouth
5.26 mi / 1366.8 ft gainDeer Creek Canyon Park offers up to 13 miles of wind-sheltered trails perfect for enjoying after a fresh snow. The Plymouth Mountain Trail offers steep climbs and big views while Homesteader Trail offers the best forest scenery in the Denver area. The recommended route is Plymouth Creek Trail, lo...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
Hike South Araphaho Peak
5.08 mi / 2533 ft gainStart your hike at the 4th of July Trailhead, just outside of Eldora, CO. From the trailhead at the north end of the parking lot, steadily climb through the trees until a junction at 1 mile. Take the right fork towards Arapaho pass.You'll start to climb above treeline, with spectacular views of t...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Nymph Lake via Bear Lake Trailhead
4.81.13 mi / 276 ft gainWhile not as popular as Dream Lake, Nymph Lake is just as beautiful. The hike to Nymph Lake is an easy hike just over 1 mile. You start from the Bear Lake Trail head and can go further on to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake if you want to. Both Dream and Emerald Lakes are also stunning and very photog...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Twin Sisters Peak
5.07.48 mi / 2470 ft gainThe 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 ...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 -
Crested Butte, Colorado
Hike to Meridian Lake
4.0The trail starts off with a small river crossing. You can find an easier place to cross nearby, or just march right through, if you have waterproof shoes or sandals.The beginning of the trail is the hardest. You will have a steep incline for about a quarter mile, following switchbacks up to the l...Read more -
Bellvue, Colorado
Climb Greyrock Mountain
5.07.1 mi / 3000 ft gainThe main trail begins at the Cache La Poudre river on the Poudre Canyon Highway about 30 minutes from Fort Collins. After about .75 miles the trail splits. To go left on Greyrock Meadows trail adds 2 miles to your trip and provides excellent views of Greyrock Mountain and Meadows from the south, ...Read more -
Telluride, Colorado
Drive Black Bear Pass & the Ingram Basin
5.012 mi / 3000 ft gainBlack Bear Pass (el. 12,840’), officially known as Forest Service Road 648, is an infamous 4WD road that runs between U.S. Highway 550 (between Silverton & Ouray) and Telluride, CO. From the pass downhill through the Ingram Basin to Telluride, the road is one-way and features switchbacks and ...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Tombstone Ridge via Ute Trail
3.78 mi / 463 ft gainThis hike along Tombstone Ridge is a short, easy trek with stunning views of Long's Peak, the Mummy's, and the front range. Enjoy wonderful views of the sunrise coming over the horizon and lighting up the surrounding mountains. In addition to the wonderful vistas, this is a good place to see wild...Read more