Jefferson, Colorado
Looking for the best running 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 Running Spots in and near Jefferson
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Buena Vista, Colorado
Mt. Elbert via Black Cloud Trail
4.510.69 mi / 4967 ft gainDirections: Heading south from Leadville from U.S. 24: West on CO 82 for 10.5 miles to a hidden right turn that leads to a trail head. If you make it to the Mt. Elbert Lodge, you have gone just a bit too far. The parking lot (aka: dirt access) should be relatively empty as everyone tends to hik...Read more -
Golden, Colorado
Hike the Mountain Lion Trail
6.7 mi / 1230 ft gainThere are three parking lots with direct access to the Mountain Lion Trail. The main one is off of Crawford Gulch Road, but any of them are good starting points! This loop has pretty similar elevation gain and loss profiles no matter which way you go, so you can go any direction. This adventure ...Read more -
Buena Vista, Colorado
Missouri Mountain Trail
5.010.38 mi / 4430.67 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 -
Golden, Colorado
South Table Mountain (Private Property)
4.03.3 mi / 1500 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Golden, Colorado
Sawmill to Maverick Loop
4.32.51 mi / 459.54 ft gainFor this adventure, you'll be completing the Sawmill to Maverick loop. It is a short, but gentle trail that will take you through open meadows, to pine forests, and great views of Denver and Golden. Starting from the west parking area, cross the road and hit the Sawmill Trail. This trail starts ...Read more -
Golden, Colorado
Golden Cliffs Trail
5.01.76 mi / 620 ft gainFrom 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...Read more -
Buena Vista, Colorado
La Plata Peak Summer Route
5.09.08 mi / 4449.04 ft gainThe Northwest Ridge is the most easily accessible and popular route, and for good reasons. The trailhead is on the side of Hwy 82, otherwise known as Independence Pass, about 14.5 miles from the Hwy 24 junction, or about 10 miles from Twin Lakes to the east. The trailhead is hard to miss, and you...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
Hike to Diamond Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness
5.05.7 mi / 1361 ft gainDiamond Lake is located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This is a super popular destination, so make sure you arrive early to get a parking spot (and be sure to follow all parking rules, they do give out tickets at this trailhead and others nearby). The drive to the trailhead is about 4 miles dow...Read more -
Champion Mill, Colorado
Mountain Boy Ridge via Independence Pass
5.04.76 mi / 1051.62 ft gainThe trailhead is to the Independence Pass viewing deck is located at the Summit parking area, which is about 20 miles from Aspen and 24 miles west of Highway 24 on the Leadville side. At the parking area you will notice a paved walkway that takes you to the viewdeck, which is a easy five minute w...Read more -
Meredith, Colorado
Hike to Chapman Lake
1.6 miFrom downtown Basalt, drive up the Fryingpan River Road 28 miles and turn right on CR #504, also known as Elliot Way, just before Norrie Colony. Drive across the river and up the switchbacks for approximately 3 miles. Take the left fork, continue 1 mile and take the right fork approximately 1/2 m...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
Hike to Columbine Lake
5.07 mi / 1200 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Basalt, Colorado
Mystic Island Lake and Lake Charles via Ironedge Trail
5.012.36 mi / 2861 ft gainMystic Island Lake and Lake Charles via Ironedge Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Eagle, Colorado.Read more -
Boulder, Colorado
Walker Ranch Loop
4.77.65 mi / 1601 ft gainWhen 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...Read more -
Boulder, Colorado
Rattlesnake Gulch Trail
3.49 mi / 1093 ft gainRattlesnake Gulch Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Eldorado Springs, Colorado.Read more -
Edgewater, Colorado
Sloan Lake Loop
4.32.7 mi / 39 ft gainSloan Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Wheat Ridge, Colorado.Read more -
Woodland Park, Colorado
Lowell Gulch Upper and Lower Ridge Trail
4.74.45 mi / 719 ft gainLowell Gulch Upper and Lower Ridge Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Woodland Park, Colorado.Read more