Rollinsville, Colorado

The Betasso Preserve features two loop trails that are accessible to both hikers and mountain bikers.  Drive up (west) Boulder Canyon about 15 minutes outside of Boulder and turn right (north)  on Sugarloaf Dr.  After another 5 or so minutes you'll see a sign on the right-hand (northeast) side of...

From Boulder, drive west on Baseline road.  Continue up for about 5.5 miles past the Flagstaff Summit (Realization Point) pull off.  After some more steep and very tight switchbacks there will be a dirt parking lot on the north side of the road.  From here you can head northwest towards the cliff...

The trail to Loch Lomond is very rocky. I suggest a high clearance 4x4 vehicle (I did see a small SUV and a Subaru..Not sure how they did it!!!). There are a few campsites at the lake and several along the way. I set up camp by the lake but had to move because the wind was so intense. I recommend...

Getting There From Denver, go W on I-70 and take exit 238 for Fall River Rd. Continue on this road before taking a left on Alice Rd. Continue on Alice Rd. until you see the right hand turn for Steuart Rd. This is where you park. Do not attempt this road in a AWD or 2WD you definitely need a good ...

When you start the hike to Loch Lomond, you'll have a few options for parking. The further up the road you go the trickier it's going to be to get back out. I parked at the bottom of the road and hiked my way up. The first mile or two is mostly elevation gain and to be quite honest I thought I wa...

This is a great spot for beginner climbers, as long as you have an experienced climber with you to anchor the top rope and belay you. It is in a beautiful state park, Eldorado Canyon, in Boulder, Colorado. This canyon is famous for rock climbing and attracts climbers from around the country. Many...

Rattlesnake Gulch Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Eldorado Springs, Colorado.

Rattlesnake Gulch Trail is located in Eldorado Canyon State Park. It is a short 20 minute drive from Boulder and is one of three hikes in the park. You will need to pay an entrance fee to get inside to the park which costs $8. The trail is approximately 2.8 miles one way and carries a consistent ...

A long but extremely scenic hike tucked in Colorado's Indian Peaks wilderness. The entire Long Lake trail says 2.3 mile but due to winter conditions and snow pack you can really only make it the east edge of the lake. Exit Long lake loop back on to Brainard Lake Road (currently under construction...

Want to start snowshoeing peaks?! Of course you do! If you don't already have snowshoes, you can rent a pair at your local REI (the one in Boulder, CO is closest to this hike). Check the snow conditions and if there is a fair amount of snow, I would recommend renting the larger of the two kinds o...

The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is a winter adventurers playground with numerous snowshoe and cross country ski options to be explored. This area is popular as it offers dramatic mountain peaks, a trail for everyone (no motorized vehicles off of pavement), and close proximity to the Denver and ...

From Chautauqua Park in Boulder, follow Baseline Road west (if you are driving up the mountain, you are golden). Drive 3.4 miles up Flagstaff Road and look for the sign for Realization Point on your right. It’s a little tricky to see from the road, so keep an eye on your odometer. The trail star...

If you are looking for great reflections, color and mountain peaks for your photos, this lake is a great place to start. The Brainard Lake Recreational Area has so much to do, but this is a stop not to miss.It seems that everyone drives on by this little gem to get to Brainard Lake and the hiking...

Located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, Mitchell Lake is a good quick hike for an afternoon getaway. With just two miles to go till you reach the lake itself, it's easy for the whole family and the pups (the recreation area is super popular, so this is assuming the lots are full and you hav...

Chinns Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Idaho Springs, Colorado.

Eldorado Canyon Trail makes for a great day hike, with great views and a steady, challenging uphill – bring lots of water!For something shorter, try Streamside Trail (1 mile roundtrip), Fowler Trail (1.4 miles), or Rattlesnake Gulch (2.8 miles). Streamside, appropriately, leads you alongside a cr...