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

  • Buena Vista, Colorado

    Ptarmigan Lake near Buena Vista

    5.0
    6.01 mi / 1608 ft gain
    When you begin the trail, make sure to choose the correct trailhead from the parking lot (located on the south side of the lot to the left, NOT behind the bathroom). From there, begin a moderate climb through a shaded fir forest to the tree line. Emerge in a meadow at a pond and the lower lake, ...
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  • Crested Butte, Colorado

    Oh Be Joyful Creek

    If you're not already camping there, park at Oh Be Joyful Campground, about 5 miles up County Road 734 from downtown Crested Butte. There's parking on either side of the river crossing, but you're going to have to get your feet wet anyway, so might as well park in the first parking lot and walk a...
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  • Frisco, Colorado

    Rainbow Lake via Tenmile Recreation Path

    5.0
    3.24 mi / 322 ft gain
    You can do this hike two different ways:  1- Start from the Peaks Trail Trailhead to Rainbow Lake for an out and back hike, distance is a little over 2 miles roundtrip.  2- Start along the Summit County Recreational Trail (as marked on this map), also out and back hike, total distance just over...
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  • Cedaredge, Colorado

    Crag Crest Loop

    4.3
    10.6 mi / 1607.83 ft gain
    The Crag Crest Trail is a 10-mile loop that takes runners over one of the highest points on Grand Mesa. When traveling in a clockwise direction, the trail traverses a narrow rocky ridge for 5-miles before descending into the dense pine forest below. Grand Mesa's trails are less maintained due to ...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Ski or Snowboard the Burnt Mountain Glades of Snowmass

    5.0
    3.5 mi
    This is part of the Aspen Snowmass Ski area so you'll have to buy a ski pass to take the lift up, or if you're up for a bigger workout, put some skins on and trek up to the top of Elk Camp. The easiest way to get there is to take the Elk Camp gondola to the Elk Camp lift. Once at the top of the l...
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  • Idaho Springs, Colorado

    Chinns Lake

    4.0
    2.7 mi / 741 ft gain
    Located in the Arapaho National Forest near Idaho Springs, Chinns Lake is a high-elevation alpine destination known for its peaceful mountain setting, dispersed camping, fishing, and stunning lake views. Accessible via a rugged 4WD road, this hidden gem offers a true Colorado backcountry experien...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Camp at Silver Bell Campground

    Escape the bustle of town and head out of Aspen on Maroon Creek Road. Follow the signs to Maroon-Bells Snowmass Wilderness Area. There is a $10 entrance fee (unless you are a national parks pass cardholder) plus an additional fee to camp. Continue down the road to Silver Bell Campground. With a t...
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  • Bellvue, Colorado

    Arthur's Rock Trail

    4.9
    3.13 mi / 1102 ft gain
    The climb to the summit of Arthur's Rock in Lory State Park provides relative isolation and solitude just 30 minutes from downtown Fort Collins along with great hiking, trail running, mountain biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. Arthur's Rock Trail is the most direct route to the summit...
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  • Longmont, Colorado

    Hike or Trail Run on Rabbit Mountain, CO

    4.0
    3.95 mi / 472 ft gain
    This is a great hike/trail run in Boulder County. It is located between Longmont and Lyons and is part of Boulder County Open Space. Rabbit Mountain has over 5 miles of trails and 2,733 acres of beautiful open space. The views are incredible as most of your hike you are looking out at the entire ...
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  • Crested Butte, Colorado

    Judd Falls

    3.0
    2.18 mi / 492 ft gain
    Starting at 9600 feet, just outside the small town of Gothic is the trail head for Judd Falls. The parking lot is on the side of the road and getting to this area is completely possible with a passenger car. The trailhead includes bathrooms and is particularly uncrowded on weekdays and in the lat...
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  • Estes Park, Colorado

    Hike the Ypsilon Lake Trail

    4.5
    8.38 mi / 2369 ft gain
    To get to the trailhead, enter Rocky Mountain National Park on the 36.  Keep right at the fork with the 34 and then you'll take your next left and the parking for the trailhead is the first parking area on your right.  There is an outhouse at the trailhead too, so if you need to take a pit stop b...
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  • Ward, Colorado

    Pawnee Pass and Pawnee Peak

    5.0
    9.95 mi / 2490 ft gain
    Start at the Long Lake trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation area (there's a fee to park, if you don't have a pass). Take the trail towards Lake Isabelle for a few miles, winding through forest and past Long Lake. Signage towards Lake Isabelle and Pawnee Pass is apparent. Just as you reach ...
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  • Fruita, Colorado

    Rattlesnake Arches Upper Trail

    4.0
    8.37 mi / 1398 ft gain
    Put simply, Rattlesnake Arches is home to some of the most beautiful views you'll ever experience in the United States. This portion of the Rattlesnake Arches Trail follows along the upper rim of the canyon and allows you to experience 9 total arches within about 2 miles of hiking once you reach ...
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  • Allenspark, Colorado

    Hike to Adams Falls

    4.8
    0.77 mi / 125 ft gain
    Adams Falls is one of the most popular hikes in the Grand Lake area, and one of the easiest. If you are just hiking to the falls, you will not need to bring much with you besides a camera, due to the distance.  If you plan to venture past the falls, pack accordingly.  Once you park in the trail...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Hike the Mayfly Trail, Snowmass

    0.25 mi
    Located in Snowmass Village CO, this trail is nestled between Brush Creek and Brush Creek Road.Drive your vehicle to Clark's Market (16 Kearns rd Aspen, CO) and park in the lot facing down valley looking towards Woodbridge Condominiums. Along the edge of Clark's parking lot there will be a dirt t...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Hike to Spiral Point (Yin Yang), Snowmass

    5.0
    1.3 mi / 284 ft gain
    Snowmass Village is located 15 - 20 minutes west of Aspen Colorado off state highway 82. Once in Snowmass Village, take Brush Creek road almost to the top of the hill until the road splits with Divide road (If you have made it to the Snowmass Village mall, you have missed the road and must turn b...
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