Idaho Springs, Colorado

Looking for the best running 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 Running Spots in and near Idaho Springs

  • Estes Park, Colorado

    Nymph Lake via Bear Lake Trailhead

    4.8
    1.13 mi / 276 ft gain
    While not as popular as Dream Lake, Nymph Lake is just as beautiful. The hike to Nymph Lake is an easy hike just over 1 mile. You start from the Bear Lake Trail head and can go further on to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake if you want to. Both Dream and Emerald Lakes are also stunning and very photog...
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  • Lyons, Colorado

    Hike the Kruger Rock Trail

    4 mi / 1000 ft gain
    Cutting through the forested hills surrounding Estes Valley, the Kruger Rock Trail is a well-marked 4 mile loop to the top of Kruger Rock. The trail begins in Hermit Park Open Space, located just a few miles southeast of Estes Park and is a moderate hike with around 1000 feet of elevation gain. C...
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  • Castle Rock, Colorado

    Run the Challenge Hill

    5.0
    0.6 mi / 200 ft gain
    The Basics: The Challenge Hill, or as I like to call it, the Mini-Incline, is a shrunken version of its big brother to the south in Manitou. However, don't let its relatively small 200 stair count fool you - this hill is a serious workout! Located in Philip S. Miller Park, just one minute off I-2...
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  • Estes Park, Colorado

    Hike Deer Mountain

    5.0
    6.03 mi / 1243 ft gain
    Beginning in Rocky Mountain National Park near the Deer Ridge Junction (where US 34 & US 36 meet), park your car in one of the 20 spots on either side of the road. Start at the trailhead booth and head north, keeping to the right-side trail at the first intersection about a tenth of a mile fr...
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  • Estes Park, Colorado

    Lumpy Ridge to Gem Lake

    4.3
    3.12 mi / 991 ft gain
    Begin by parking at the Lumpy Ridge trailhead, which is a couple miles outside of Estes Park on McGregor Avenue. At the trailhead, there are numerous signs indicating hiking trails, climbing routes, and other information about the area. After parking start hiking on the trail to the right of the ...
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  • Estes Park, Colorado

    Hike The Mummy Kill (a.k.a. Mummy Mania)

    14.31 mi / 5125 ft gain
    Wanna kill some mummies!? Of course you do! Who doesn't? Mount Chapin: 12,454 feet; Mount Chiquita: 13,069 feet; Ypsilon Mountain: 13,514 feet; Fairchild Mountain: 13,502 feet; Hagues Peak: 13,560 feet; Mummy Mountain: 13,425 feet The Mummy Kill is the perfect all-day hike for those seasoned h...
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  • 40.407117,-105.626146

    Hike to Lawn Lake, Rocky Mountain NP

    12.9 mi / 2736 ft gain
    This 4 to 8 hour day hike leads to Lawn Lake, located inside a large basin at tree line, and surrounded by Fairchild Mountain, Hagues Peak, and Mummy Mountain. Lawn Lake is among the largest subapline lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. As you ascend into the sub-alpine zone, you will be gree...
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  • Vail, Colorado

    Hike the Upper Piney River Trail

    4.0
    5.6 mi / 350 ft gain
    Beginning at an elevation of 9,397 feet, this hike provides an easy 2.8 mile (one way) trip through the gorgeous meadows against the distant aspens and alpines. Wildflowers and wildlife are abundant, which make this trip a fantastic education and play experience for kids.Coordinates for the trail...
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  • Franktown, Colorado

    Hike the Creek Bottom Trail

    5.0
    4.1 mi
    The West Side of Castlewood Canyon is the more "rugged" side of the park, it has a dirt road, gravel parking lots, and only vault toilets. Luckily, this also means this is a less popular side of the park, making for less crowded trails and easier parking!  Park at the first trailhead, for the Hom...
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  • Franktown, Colorado

    Hike the Rim Rock Trail

    4.98 mi
    The West Side of Castlewood Canyon is the more "rugged" side of the park, it has a dirt road, gravel parking lots, and only vault toilets. Luckily, this also means this is a less popular side of the park, making for less crowded trails and easier parking!  Park at the first trailhead, for the Hom...
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  • Franktown, Colorado

    Hike the Rim Rock / Creek Bottom Trail Loop

    5.0
    4.54 mi
    The West Side of Castlewood Canyon is the more "rugged" side of the park, it has a dirt road, gravel parking lots, and only vault toilets. Luckily, this also means this is a less popular side of the park, making for less crowded trails and easier parking!  Park at the first trailhead, for the Hom...
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