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

  • Nederland, Colorado

    3 Crater Lakes via South Boulder Creek

    5.0
    6.92 mi / 1804 ft gain
    After 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...
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  • Nederland, Colorado

    Upper Forest Lakes Trail

    7.86 mi / 1778 ft gain
    Upper Forest Lakes Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Rollinsville, Colorado.
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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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  • Littleton, Colorado

    Winter Hiking and Wildlife in Waterton Canyon

    3.7
    12.4 mi
    Waterton 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...
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  • Buena Vista, Colorado

    Hope Pass via Willis Gulch

    5.0
    8.75 mi / 3297 ft gain
    Hope 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...
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  • Buena Vista, Colorado

    Missouri Mountain Trail

    5.0
    10.38 mi / 4430.67 ft gain
    Getting 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...
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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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  • Meredith, Colorado

    Ski Betty Bear to Skinner Hut

    20.2 mi / 3650 ft gain
    Betty 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 ...
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  • Nederland, Colorado

    Caribou Lake via 4th of July Trailhead

    4.0
    9.01 mi / 2474 ft gain
    This is one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever done in Colorado. It is a great trip for photographers, fisherman or anyone who enjoys mountain views, forests filled with wildlife and peaceful meadows. Distances: Arapaho Pass: 3.2 miles, Caribou Lake: 4.2 miles, Caribou Pass: 6.4 miles, M...
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  • Independence, Ohio

    Hike Lost Man Pass via Independence Lake

    5.0
    4.5 mi / 1200 ft gain
    Park at the pull out just west of independence pass. From there, begin on the Linkin's Lake Trail. The trail is generally easy to follow (although it can be muddy as it is a wet area) and climbs 900 feet in the 1.8 miles to independence lake. From Independence lake it is about 0.5 miles and 400 f...
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  • Buena Vista, Colorado

    Backpacking to Kroenke Lake

    9 mi / 2750 ft gain
    Starting at the North Cottonwood trailhead just outside of Buena Vista, Colorado. This hike will take you 4.5 miles to the lake with about 2750 feet of elevation gain. The hike is mostly mellow and you'll likely see hikers heading up to Horn Fork basin to hike Mt. Harvard and Columbia. Campsites ...
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  • Nederland, Colorado

    Hike to Columbine Lake

    5.0
    7 mi / 1200 ft gain
    The hike is about seven miles, give or take, however it feels longer. The elevation gain is little over 1000 feet. The drive here is about 45 minutes from both Granby and Winter Park, and is definitely worth it.  You follow a trail dusted with wildflowers for the majority of the hike, and occasio...
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  • Basalt, Colorado

    Mystic Island Lake and Lake Charles via Ironedge Trail

    5.0
    12.36 mi / 2861 ft gain
    Mystic Island Lake and Lake Charles via Ironedge Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Eagle, Colorado.
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Hike Lost Man Loop

    5.0
    8.8 mi / 1290 ft gain
    This 8.8 mile "loop" is not a true loop and the trail ends 4 miles apart along Independence Pass, so a car shuttle is recommended. I would recommend starting at the west trailhead (closer to Aspen) but will describe both trailheads so you can set up another car or shuttle at the other one.1) West...
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  • Basalt, Colorado

    Backpack & Fish at Lake Charles

    11 mi / 1700 ft gain
    I decided to make an Outbound listing for this because the AllTrails listing is incredibly inaccurate. Hopefully you're reading this one!  Your adventure starts at the trailhead of Fulford Cave / Fulford Cave Campground in Yeoman Park. Yeoman Park is just past Sylvan Lake State Park and is consid...
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