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Jefferson, Colorado

Looking for the best hiking 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 Hiking Spots in and near Jefferson

  • Leadville, Colorado

    Camp at Kite Lake

    5.0
    Kite Lake is a beautiful little lake that is surrounded plenty of fourteeners. Just outside of Alma, Colorado, Kite lake can be accessed from Buckskin Street. Buckskin is a simple left turn after the only bar in Alma, or a right turn before the only bar in Alma... Do note, this road is not drivab...
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  • Leadville, Colorado

    Decalibron Loop (CLOSED)

    4.8
    7.5 mi / 3000 ft gain
    NOTE: As of March 2023, access to parts of this loop that are on private property (including Mt. Democrat & Mt. Lincoln) are closed to the public indefinitely. (Source) Start your hike at the Kite Lake trailhead, where you can find overnight camping for a small fee, or park a bit down the ro...
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  • Leadville, Colorado

    Mt. Democrat (CLOSED)

    4.8
    4 mi / 2150 ft gain
    NOTE: As of March 2023, access to parts of this loop that are on private property (including Mt. Democrat & Mt. Lincoln) are closed to the public indefinitely. (Source) To begin this wonderful hike, drive from the town of Alma, Colorado and head up Buckskin Street for about 6 miles. I would ...
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  • Leadville, Colorado

    Mounts Democrat, Lincoln, Cameron and Bross (CLOSED)

    4.0
    8 mi / 3500 ft gain
    NOTE: As of March 2023, access to parts of this loop that are on private property (including Mt. Democrat & Mt. Lincoln) are closed to the public indefinitely. (Source) Find your way to the Kite Lake trailhead near Alma, Colorado. The road up to the trailhead is suitable for most vehicles, i...
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  • Jefferson, Colorado

    Trek through Granite Pillars on Bison Peak

    12.4 mi / 4000 ft gain
    Bison peak sits 2 hours from Denver in the mountains of the Lost Creek Wilderness. To reach the 12,431 ft. summit you'll start in low density ponderosa forest at 8,750 ft on crushed granite trail. Early starts are recommended in the summer months as the trail's high albedo can make for an extreme...
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  • Silver Plume, Colorado

    Grays and Torreys Peaks

    4.3
    7.97 mi / 3458 ft gain
    At about an hour's drive from Denver, Grays Peak (14,270 ft./4338m) and its sister mountain, Torreys Peak (14,267 ft./4337m), are two of the most popular 14ers in the state. Because of this, a wealth of information is available on the internet. Rather than go into all the details of the technical...
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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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  • 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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  • Swan Mountain Road, Colorado

    Sapphire Point Overlook

    3.3
    0.62 mi / 49 ft gain
    This short, 0.6 mile loop hike gives a beautiful view of Lake Dillon and is an easy, family-friendly hike. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leash. The trail is clear cut and descends a few feet while looping around the side of the mountain to the overlook point.  It is definitely a worthwhil...
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  • Frisco, Colorado

    Hike to Mayflower Gulch

    4.7
    4 mi / 1000 ft gain
    Getting to the Mayflower Gulch is pretty easy, you can either hike an easy 2 mile forest road or drive all the way to end (you need decent clearance for the drive). At the end of the hike you are greeted with a stunning view of the Old Boston mining site. During the summer, wildflowers are abunda...
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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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  • Dillon, Colorado

    Hike Grizzly Peak at Loveland Pass

    5.0
    6 mi / 2900 ft gain
    While a typical Colorado hike may be an ascent to your destination followed by a descent back to your car, the hike to Grizzly Peak at Loveland Pass (Grizzly Peak "D") breaks that mold. At 13,427 feet, Grizzly Peak stands in the path to Torreys Peak’s west face (14,267’). Even though it is only ~...
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  • Leadville, Colorado

    Backcountry Ski at Fremont Pass

    Starting at 11,319 feet of elevation, you can choose which direction to head into the backcountry. Park at the pull-off area at the bend in the road. From here, you can head into the woods to the right (there are usually tracks from other skiers to follow) or follow Trail Rd. to reach some peaks ...
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  • Frisco, Colorado

    Backpack to the Gore Range's Wheeler and Lost Lakes

    4.5
    10 mi / 2200 ft gain
    The range offers many remote lakes and peaks which hikers can access from various points of entry. Wheeler and Lost Lakes lie within the boundaries of the Eagle's Nest Wilderness Area.The Gore Trail begins on the north side of the CO-91 pedestrian bridge over I-70. You will follow the trail up al...
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  • Frisco, Colorado

    Backpack the Colorado Trail: Copper Mountain to Hagerman Pass

    39 mi
    The Colorado Trail (CT) runs for 483 miles from Denver to Durango, crossing through eight mountain ranges and passing through six wilderness areas. There are great resources on completing a thru-hike of the CT; this post is about Segments 8-9 of the CT from Copper Mountain to Tennessee Pass.These...
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  • Frisco, Colorado

    Climb Mount Royal

    4.7
    To access the trailhead, drive 4 blocks South to the end of 2nd Avenue from Frisco's Main Street. The trailhead is located around 9,075 feet.Being a popular hike, the trail is clear in the summer months and usually populated by boot prints and snowshoe tracks in the winter. Follow the trail from ...
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