Idaho Springs, Colorado

Looking for the best hiking in Idaho Springs? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Idaho Springs. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Idaho Springs

  • Breckenridge, Colorado

    Baker's Tank Loop

    4.0
    5.72 mi / 873 ft gain
    When the aspens are sporting their golden hues of autumn, Baker's Tank Loop is a perfect fall hike. The trailhead is about ten minutes from downtown Breckenridge. For part of the hike, you may have the world to yourself. But, for the road portion, you'll likely have to share with the leaf peep...
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  • Frisco, Colorado

    Eccles Pass via Meadow Creek

    9.85 mi / 2782 ft gain
    Starting at just over 9,000ft the Meadow Creek trail follows the path of the similarly named Meadow Creek. Through a canopy of aspens and pines the trail climbs at a steady, moderate rate. After a few water crossings the trees give way to an alpine meadow that offer a view of the final approach t...
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  • Frisco, Colorado

    Frisco to Vail through Hike

    5.0
    12.7 mi / 3117 ft gain
    Starting at the Meadow Creek Trail head just off the turn off to Frisco this hike connects the stunning Eccles Pass and Gore Creek trails. Passing over Eccles Pass (11,917') and Red Buffalo Pass (11,742') this spectacular hike passes through dense forest, serene lakes and bubbling creeks. The V...
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  • Breckenridge, Colorado

    Boreas Pass Road

    5.0
    9 mi / 1500 ft gain
    Boreas pass is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains that sits on the Continental Divide at 11,481'. Forest Service Road 33 goes over the pass and has numerous campsites all along its length, with several near the summit that feature breathtaking views of the Tenmile Range and the Breckenri...
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  • Frisco, Colorado

    Mount Royal

    4.7
    3.57 mi / 1762 ft gain
    To access the trailhead, drive 4 blocks South to the end of 2nd Avenue from Frisco's Main Street. The trailhead is located around 9,075 feet. Being a popular hike, the trail is clear in the summer months and usually populated by boot prints and snowshoe tracks in the winter. Follow the trail fro...
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  • Frisco, Colorado

    Rainbow Lake via Peaks Trail

    1.63 mi / 177 ft gain
    Rainbow Lake via Peaks Trail in Colorado, located near Frisco, is a popular trail for its accessible, family-friendly path and stunning mountain views. This easy hike leads through forested areas, vibrant wildflower patches, and alongside small streams, ultimately reaching Rainbow Lake, a serene ...
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  • Breckenridge, Colorado

    Carter Park to Moonstone to Barney Ford Trail

    5.0
    4.2 mi / 873 ft gain
    The Carter Park to Moonstone to Barney Ford Trail in Breckenridge, Colorado is a moderately challenging hiking route. Spanning approximately 4.2 miles, the trail offers a variety of terrain and elevation changes. The trail begins at Carter Park, ascending through a series of switchbacks before re...
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  • Breckenridge, Colorado

    Breckenridge Troll

    5.0
    0.2 mi / 26 ft gain
    Isak Heartstone, otherwise known as the Breckenridge troll, can be accessed from the Illinois Gulch Trailhead.  This trailhead can be full for much of the day, so it is advisable to find parking in town and then take a bus, walk, or bike to the starting point of this short walk.  Once at the trai...
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  • Denver, Colorado

    Westerly Creek Trail

    4.7
    The Westerly Creek Trail is a scenic, multi-use urban trail that winds through the heart of Denver’s Central Park (formerly Stapleton) neighborhood. Stretching for several miles, the trail follows Westerly Creek as it flows through greenbelts, parks, and wetlands, offering a peaceful escape for...
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  • Denver, Colorado

    Photograph Bison at the Rocky Mountain National Arsenal Wildlife Refuge

    5.0
    9 mi
    Bison are the largest and heaviest land animals in North America. They are a symbol of a wild and free landscape. Despite their size these big beasts are extremely agile. They can run up to 35 miles per hour and jump 6ft high from a stand still. Very few animals pose a threat to a healthy, fully ...
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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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  • Breckenridge, Colorado

    Sawmill Trail to Fairy Forest

    3.0
    1.58 mi / 184 ft gain
    The Sawmill Trail to Fairy Forest is a loop hike near Breckenridge. Fairy Forest is CLOSED as of 2020 while work is done on the 4 0'Clock trail (source). This short shaded hike is perfect for families with children looking to experience nature without having to venture too far out of Breckenridg...
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  • Silverthorne, Colorado

    Upper Slate Lake via Rock Creek Trailhead

    5.0
    22.21 mi / 4406 ft gain
    Starting 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...
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  • Lyons, Colorado

    Sleepy Lion Trail

    4.7 mi / 712 ft gain
    The trailhead is about eight tenths of a mile from the parking area. You pass some sport climbs, a man made waterfall, and some large boulders in the North St. Vrain Creek.The trailhead is clearly marked on the left. There is some elevation gain at the beginning but nothing difficult. Once the el...
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  • Lyons, Colorado

    Camp at Coulson Gulch

    4.0
    9 mi
    Coulson Gulch is a lightly used area of the Roosevelt National Forest which makes it perfect for a weekend getaway without the crowds. This is a great place to camp out under the stars!To get to Coulson Gulch From Lyons, head west on U.S. Highway 36 for about 9 miles. Turn southwest onto Larimer ...
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  • Breckenridge, Colorado

    Lower & Upper Mohawk Lakes

    4.7
    6.29 mi / 1775 ft gain
    I recently spent the weekend in Breckenridge, and not being from the area, there was one hike that was on my bucket list: Mohawk Lakes. It didn’t disappoint! In late September, the Breckenridge area is full of gorgeous golden aspen trees, providing spectacular long-range views. In summer, abundan...
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