Idaho Springs, Colorado

Looking for the best photography 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 Photography Spots in and near Idaho Springs

  • Idaho Springs, Colorado

    Watch the Sunrise at Guanella Pass

    5.0
    1 mi / 100 ft gain
    From Denver, take i70 to Georgetown and simply follow the signs through town to the top. This pass can also be accessed from the south via US Highway 285 at the town of Grant. Guanella Pass is closed in the winter, typically from about the last week in November through the last week of May. Watch...
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  • Georgetown, Colorado

    Hike to Square Top Lakes

    4.3 mi / 1080 ft gain
    Starting from Guanella Pass, right across from the Bierstadt trailhead, Square Top Lakes is definitely a hidden gem. Most people here are attempting to do the 14er, but if you've already bagged that one (or are just looking for some high altitude hiking to get you ready for it), Square Top Lakes ...
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  • Nederland, Colorado

    Hike to the Lost Lakes via the Hessie Trail

    4 mi / 1000 ft gain
    Accessed by Hessie Trailhead, Lost Lake is a relatively moderate 4 mile round-trip hike with about 1,000 feet of elevation. The core of the hike is uphill and on a gravel path, 2/3rds of the hike runs parallel to a rushing waterfall.  After parking your car, head towards the Hessie Trailhead. Yo...
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  • Nederland, Colorado

    King Lake via Hessie Trailhead

    5.0
    11.32 mi / 2375 ft gain
    The normal route from the east side is via the Hessie trailhead outside Nederland Colorado. From the west it is most often accessed via the short trail from Rollins pass, which is open in the summer. As noted above, it is also a lake and area ripe for creating your own adventure. The description ...
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  • Nederland, Colorado

    Snowshoe Lost Lake

    5.0
    2.7 mi / 791 ft gain
    Driving through the towns of Nederlands and Eldora alone is a beautiful experience. Once you come up to Hessie Trailhead, you'll already be in a daze because you'll be staring at Eldora Mountain and will see some ski runs in the distance.Getting to the trailhead early is best. Parking starts alon...
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  • Nederland, Colorado

    Drive the Peak to Peak Highway

    4.5
    55 mi / 705 ft gain
    The Peak to Peak Highway is a 55-mile stretch of road that winds its way from Nederland to Estes Park (or Estes Park to Nederland). This road connects to many points of exploration, Indian Peaks Wilderness Area and Rocky Mountain National Park to name a couple, but the drive itself is an adventur...
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  • Golden, Colorado

    North Table Mountain and Mesa Top Trail Loop

    5.0
    3.19 mi / 529.25 ft gain
    The hike starts out from the North Table Mountain Park parking lot just east of Highway 93 on the North Table Loop Trail, with a half-mile fire road straight up the mountain. This fire road is by far the most strenuous part of the hike, and is essentially the sole elevation gain for the hike; onc...
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  • Idaho Springs, Colorado

    Snowshoe Jim Creek Trail

    5 mi / 965 ft gain
    Starting at 9,220 feet of elevation, this 5 mile out-and-back snowshoe begins its 965 foot elevation gain meandering through a quiet forest. The trail will take you through the woods for a few miles, and you can turn around whenever you like. If you're up for a challenge and have a lot of time, y...
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  • Nederland, Colorado

    Hike Rollins Pass to Devils Thumb

    2.1 mi / 622 ft gain
    Corona Lake is an easy, short hike if you're pressed for time. It's scenic, secluded, and will put you in a great spot to hike to Devils Thumb the next day. There are two ways to reach Devils Thumb. This is considered the "easier" route because of the "lack of elevation gain." The sun and wind re...
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  • Silver Plume, Colorado

    Grays Peak Trail

    4.5
    7.25 mi / 2995 ft gain
    The first challenge you'll face on your way to the summit of Gray's peak is Steven's Gulch Road. My Corolla rolled up to the start of what I’ve seen described as a “4x4 road that should probably not be attempted in a low clearance vehicle”. But what the heck, it was late, and I didn't feel like w...
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  • Silver Plume, Colorado

    Torrey's Peak via Kelso Ridge

    5.0
    5.79 mi / 2982 ft gain
    The start of this route up the Kelso Ridge is the same as doing the standard route of Gray's and Torrey's peaks. From the trailhead cross the large metal bridge and continue on the great trail as it slowly climbs away from the parking lot and trailhead. This first section is not steep, but prov...
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  • Golden, Colorado

    Golden Cliffs Trail

    5.0
    1.76 mi / 620 ft gain
    From here, you can choose a few different hiking paths. This out-and-back trek starts at the trailhead up and to the left. Along the way you'll pass a bench dedicated to Craig Luebben — a writer, photographer and climbing guide. At this point, you probably haven't even broken a sweat yet. It's ti...
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  • Golden, Colorado

    South Table Mountain (Private Property)

    4.0
    3.3 mi / 1500 ft gain
    This adventure crosses private property. Please do not attempt this adventure without permission from the property owner(s). Learn more JeffCO.US/1430/South-Table-Mountain-Park.  You can do this one-hour hike in every season, every temperature and at any time. The best part about this hike is th...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Walker Ranch Loop

    4.7
    7.65 mi / 1601 ft gain
    When it comes to hiking trails in Boulder, the standard response usually consists of either Chautauqua Park or Mt. Sanitas, and while both offer excellent hiking options, they are both usually jam packed on the weekends. If you’re looking to stay close to the city, but want a little more seclusio...
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  • Golden, Colorado

    Village Walk, Red Rocks & Cherry Gulch Trail

    4.3
    6.31 mi / 1364.17 ft gain
    The Village Walk, Red Rocks & Cherry Gulch Trail threads through one of Colorado's most geologically and historically layered open spaces—Matthews/Winters Park, a 2,461-acre Jefferson County preserve bordered by I-70 to the north and Red Rocks Park to the south. Here, ancient sandstone format...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Hike the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail

    4.4
    5.3 mi / 1304 ft gain
    Rattlesnake Gulch Trail is located in Eldorado Canyon State Park. It is a short 20 minute drive from Boulder and is one of three hikes in the park. You will need to pay an entrance fee to get inside to the park which costs $8. The trail is approximately 2.8 miles one way and carries a consistent ...
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