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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

  • Gunnison County, Colorado

    Hike to Lost Lake

    4.2
    2.4 mi / 600 ft gain
    This Trail starts at about 11,200 feet right before the top of cottonwood pass. The trailhead starts at the LAST pull-off before you reach the top of the pass, so if you reach the top, you've gone too far. The hike isn't a super difficult one, but you will go through numerous streams and flooded ...
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  • Calhan, Colorado

    Photograph Colorado's Paint Mines

    4.9
    0.25 mi
    About an hour from Colorado's busy Garden of the Gods is a multi-colored hoodoo valley called, The Paint Mines. Similar in appearance to Utah's popular Goblin Valley, The Paint Mines offer colorful hoodoo formations making your photography here even more awe inspiring.Getting to the park is easy,...
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  • Littleton, Colorado

    Hike the Coyote Song-Swallow Trail Loop

    3.8
    3 mi / 350 ft gain
    We all love to live our weekends to the fullest, but say you're itching for an adventure and it's midweek with the weekend still a good 3 or 4 days away? South Valley Park is the place to go if you're looking for an after-work adventure or just don't feel like driving too far from the city. A sho...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Hike the Red Rocks Loop Trail

    3.7
    1 mi
    Parking is available on either Canyon or Sunshine Roads. During the weekends it tends to get crowded around sunset so plan accordingly. The entire trail is a loop and is a little over 1 mile in length so it doesn't take too long. The main feature is the massive red sand stone rocks that jut out o...
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  • Carbondale, Colorado

    Camp at Paradise Divide

    At a literally breathtaking 11,250 feet, Paradise Divide offers seclusion and scenery that can't be beat. Just fifteen miles outside of the world renowned ski resort Crested Butte, this area boasts wildflowers, wildlife, stunning peaks, and opportunities to watch amazing sunrises and sunsets pain...
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  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Hike Pulpit Rock

    4.1
    2.2 mi / 505 ft gain
    Heading South on N. Nevada Blvd. you will pass a Harley Davidson dealership on your left, about a mile after that there is a large parking lot for Pulpit Rock Park. Once you park, there is a clearly marked trailhead that will get you on your way! There are various trails you can take to get the t...
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  • Glenwood Springs, Colorado

    Spouting Rock via Hanging Lakes Trail

    4.4
    2.85 mi / 1529 ft gain
    To get to Spouting Rock you need to take the same trailhead as Hanging Lake. I made the hike in the offseason when there was still ice on the trail and using crampons were imperative. The hike to Hanging Lake is rather steep and while it's only about 1.2 miles long it takes about an hour. Once yo...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Relax at Maroon Lake

    4.9
    The Maroon Bells are known around the world for being some of the most iconic, beautiful mountains in all of the United States. Even if you haven't heard of them, there's a chance you've seen them. And if you've seen them in person, it's likely you were there with 800+ of your closest friends.If ...
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  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Hike to St. Mary's Falls

    3.6
    3.2 mi
    From the parking area, follow the trail as it heads up towards the falls. The last mile, in particular, makes for a decent uphill challenge. This hike and waterfall are great for showing family and friends.
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  • Estes Park, Colorado

    Backpack to Odessa Lake via Fern Lake Trailhead

    4.0
    9.65 mi / 1890 ft gain
    Odessa Lake seems to be one of the true hidden gems of Rocky Mountain National Park. Don't get me wrong, you will likely see some folks there, but it is a far cry from the other crowded Bear Lake trailhead lakes. There are two ways to reach Odessa; one, from the Bear Lake Trailhead, and the oth...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Hike the Flatirons Vista Loop Trail

    4.7
    3.3 mi
    From the parking lot, take South Flatiron Vista Trail for 2.4 miles, where you'll cross onto North Flatiron Vista Trail. In 1 mile, take the connector trail back to the trailhead. To shorten the loop to 2 miles, hike South Flatiron for just 1 mile to Prairie Vista Trail, which leads back to the c...
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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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  • Loveland, Colorado

    Hike the Devil's Backbone in Colorado

    4.3
    2.5 mi
    The Devils Backbone Open Space offers great hiking in the Front Range foothills. The main feature is the rock formation running along the western boundary of the park, but the open space also supports a large wildlife and plant population. Here, you'll find great opportunities for year-round hiki...
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  • Estes Park, Colorado

    Hike from Bear Lake to Fern Lake Trailhead

    5.0
    10 mi / 2100 ft gain
    On this Rocky Mountain hike you’ll explore 4 picturesque mountain lakes and a 60 foot waterfall. Completing this hike requires familiarizing yourself with Rocky Mountain National Park’s free shuttle system. Hikes along Bear Lake Road are some of the busiest in the park. Trailhead parking lots fi...
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  • Golden, Colorado

    Hike the Morrison Slide in Matthews / Winters Park

    4.2
    4.7 mi / 600 ft gain
    Start at the trailhead located at 1103 County Hwy. 93 and enjoy a little warm up time by the creek that winds past wild plum, chokecherry, and willow trees. Matthews-Winters Park is filled with red rock formations that make for amazing scenery. It also has the remnants of a historic cemetery. The...
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  • Nederland, Colorado

    Camping at Brainard Lake

    5.0
    Pawnee Campground has 47 sites for suited for tents, RVs, or trailers with eight that are walk in and tent only. These can fill up quick so get there early if you don't have a reservation, which can be tough to come by but will be well worth it.Brainard Lake has been one of the most popular hikin...
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