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

  • Nederland, Colorado

    Hike South Araphaho Peak

    5.0
    8 mi / 2533 ft gain
    Start 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...
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  • Nederland, Colorado

    Hike the Arapaho Traverse

    8.3 mi / 3500 ft gain
    Begin at the Fourth of July Trailhead.  Day parking is free and overnight parking is $5.  Fourth of July is a popular trailhead and to ensure parking, you should arrive early in the morning (6am-ish... cause, I mean, you gotta 7 hour day in front of you). Follow the Fourth of July trail from the ...
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  • Nederland, Colorado

    Hike to Diamond Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness

    5.0
    5.7 mi / 1361 ft gain
    Diamond Lake is located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This is a super popular destination, so make sure you arrive early to get a parking spot (and be sure to follow all parking rules, they do give out tickets at this trailhead and others nearby). The drive to the trailhead is about 4 miles dow...
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  • Parshall, Colorado

    Camp at Jones Pass

    4.5
    To locate these campsites all you have to do is type in Jones Pass Road into google maps or your iPhone and it will take you straight there. There are road signs once you get off I-70 that will help you the rest of the way that say Jones Pass. Once you hit the dirt road and pass the Jones Pass Tr...
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  • Nederland, Colorado

    Explore Boulder Falls, CO

    4.2
    0.1 mi
    While the narrow trail is often popular, it's only 100 yards to see this 70-ft tall waterfall, set against a beautiful canyon backdrop. Keep in mind there's no climbing allowed on or around the falls. It is also a good idea to check if the trail is closed for maintenance, ahead of time.
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Hike Bear Peak

    4.8
    7 mi / 2810 ft gain
    The best advice I can give you? Wake up early to start this hike.Even though the Bear Peak hike will only take you about 4-5 hours round trip, it will still be advantageous to get off the mountain before afternoon and evening storms might pass through. This is a steep 7-mile out and back trail.St...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Hike South Boulder Peak

    4.5
    6.7 mi / 2900 ft gain
    Starting at the Mesa trailhead, continue a half a mile through a relatively even grade before arriving at the North Fork Shanahan trailhead, which will take you another half a mile on much steeper grade up to Fern Canyon where you will start a much harder portion of the hike; here, you'll head st...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Hike the Big Bluestem Trail Loop

    4.0
    4.35 mi / 841 ft gain
    This is a great spot for an easy/moderate hike or trail run. The trail is accessible year round and can often be hiked in winter as well as other seasons. You start out at the Mesa Trailhead parking lot off of Hwy 170. There is a parking lot here but this is a starting spot for several hikes into...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Doudy Draw Trail

    5.0
    4.37 mi / 433 ft gain
    Doudy Draw Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Boulder, Colorado.
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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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  • Lakewood, Colorado

    Radio Tower Overlook via Hayden Trailhead

    2.83 mi / 653 ft gain
    I loved this trail when I lived in Lakewood. It has a decent elevation gain, close to the city, spectacular views, and you can pretty much hike it year round unless you just had a winter snow storm (though you could just hike in snow boots!).  Take the John O Hayden Trail from the Utah Parking l...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Green Mountain via West Ridge Trail

    3.23 mi / 607 ft gain
    Starting at 7,600 ft this 1.35 mile (one-way) hike is the shortest, and by far the least strenuous, hike to summit one of Boulder's iconic peaks. Parking for this trail-head is available along the road a short drive, 4.5 miles, up Flagstaff Rd. The trail gently slopes along a ridge for the firs...
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  • Lakewood, Colorado

    Green Mountain Trail Loop

    4.2
    6.37 mi / 1060 ft gain
    Green Mountain Trail is a 6.5-mile loop and has a challenging ascent to the park's highest point. Because the mountain is one of the first to rise out of the plains, you get unique views of where the mountains meet the prairie and fascinating geology. The summit, at 6,857' offers stunning views o...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Lost Gulch Overlook

    0.11 mi / 21.43 ft gain
    Lost Gulch Overlook: Boulder's Premier Sunset & Mountain View Destination A short drive up the very steep Flagstaff Mountain brings you to incredible views spanning from the eastern plains to the jagged, snow-capped peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park. Lost Gulch Overlook offers one of the...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Sugarloaf

    4.5
    1.35 mi / 486 ft gain
    To get there from downtown Boulder, head west on CO 119 and almost 4.5 miles after you have left Boulder, turn right onto Sugarloaf Road. 4 miles after the turn from CO 119, turn right onto Sugarloaf Mountain road (located at the top of the road). If the road starts descending, you've gone too fa...
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  • Dillon, Colorado

    Hiking Mount Sniktau

    5.0
    4 mi
    Mount Sniktau is a great beginner 13er. This hike offers a fun ridge walk with amazing views! Make sure you come prepared, the wind can be pretty relentless. Parking is limited so make sure you arrive early.This hike will get your blood pumping from the moment you exit your vehicle. You will cli...
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