Jefferson, Colorado
Looking for the best backpacking in Jefferson? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Jefferson. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Backpacking Spots in and near Jefferson
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Fraser, Colorado
Summit Byers Peak
8.8 mi / 2774 ft gainThe drive to the start of the trail is okay, having a high clearance vehicle would make the drive easier, but is not necessary. Free parking is available along the side of the road.The trail starts on a closed service road at a gate and requires you to either hike or bike up the dirt road (2 mil...Read more -
Leadville, Colorado
Colorado Trail: Mount Elbert Trailhead to Twin Lakes
8.49 mi / 1099 ft gainColorado Trail: Mount Elbert Trailhead to Twin Lakes is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Leadville, Colorado.Read more -
Vail, Colorado
Hike the Upper Piney River Trail
4.05.6 mi / 350 ft gainBeginning 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...Read more -
Vail, Colorado
Backpack to Bubble Lake
3.013 mi / 3600 ft gainThe Gore's are a rough and remote section of the Eagle's Nest Wilderness. What this trip may lack in overall miles, it more than makes up for in elevation gain, scrambling, boulder hopping, and overall hard miles on the trail. Every trip I have had the pleasure of taking into the Gore Range has...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
Heart and Rogers Peak Lakes
4.88.62 mi / 2113 ft gainThe hike begins at the East Portal Trailhead outside Rollinsville. Start hiking along the South Boulder trail to the right (north) of the very obvious Moffat Rail tunnel. The trail begins with moderate grades past the Forest Lakes cutoff just 1.25 miles from the trailhead. Continue hiking straigh...Read more -
Chaffee County, Colorado
Off-Trail Hike of Limestone Ridge
4.09 mi / 1000 ft gainFinding a winter or early spring adventure that won't take you deep into dangerous mountain territory, while still providing epic vistas, is a challenge in Colorado. There are a few 10,000' tall ranges that sometimes escape deep snow, which are inviting for a first step into the alpine wonderland...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
3 Crater Lakes via South Boulder Creek
5.06.92 mi / 1804 ft gainAfter turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. The road will dead end at Moffat Tunnel where you'll find ample parking in a gravel lot with restrooms. You'll begin your hike along sweeping meadows until you ent...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
Upper Forest Lakes Trail
7.86 mi / 1778 ft gainUpper Forest Lakes Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Rollinsville, Colorado.Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
Hike Rollins Pass to Devils Thumb
2.1 mi / 622 ft gainCorona 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...Read more -
Littleton, Colorado
Winter Hiking and Wildlife in Waterton Canyon
3.712.4 miWaterton Canyon is the beginning of the Colorado Trail which stretches 500 miles from Denver to Durango. Camping is allowed on the Colorado Trail but is not allowed in the first 6 miles section of Waterton Canyon, which is managed by Denver Water. The gravel road is great for running, biking, hi...Read more -
Buena Vista, Colorado
Hope Pass via Willis Gulch
5.08.75 mi / 3297 ft gainHope Pass is accessed from the Willis Gulch trailhead about 25 miles outside of Leadville, Colorado. To get to the trail head, follow Highway 24 East for about 16 miles until you arrive at the junction for Highway 82. Turn right and follow Highway 82 for about 8.3 miles. You will see a sign on th...Read more -
Buena Vista, Colorado
Hike Missouri Mountain
5.010.5 mi / 4500 ft gainGetting there: The trail begins at Missouri Gulch TH. If you are a car camper or are trying to snag a sunrise summit, there are many many drive off sites in trees and near water before and after the trailhead. The road to get to the trailhead is not paved, but is well maintained - a super high cl...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
Hike to the Lost Lakes via the Hessie Trail
4 mi / 1000 ft gainAccessed 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...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
King Lake via Hessie Trailhead
5.011.32 mi / 2375 ft gainThe 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 ...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
Hiking the Indian Peaks Wilderness' Lost Lake
4.34.5 mi / 1000 ft gainLost Lake of the Indian Peaks Wilderness area is a scenic short hike (about 3 hours) with a lot to see. The trailhead is tucked at the end of a road that passes through Eldora, a charming village of cabins and old abandoned buildings. You will pass by the lost "town" of Hessie on foot, which is w...Read more -
Meredith, Colorado
Ski Betty Bear to Skinner Hut
20.2 mi / 3650 ft gainBetty Bear and Skinner Huts reside deep in the Colorado backcountry surrounded by thick forests and snowy peaks. Both of these huts offer an opportunity for off-grid leisure and crowd-free skiing. The huts come stocked with padded mattresses, wood stoves & fuel, propane burners, all cookware ...Read more