Salida, Colorado

Looking for the best backpacking in Salida? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Salida. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Backpacking Spots in and near Salida

  • Salida, Colorado

    Hike Mount Shavano and Tabeguache Peak

    4.0
    9.25 mi / 4600 ft gain
    Start out on the Shavano and Tabeguache Trailhead off of FR 252 outside of Poncha Springs, at about 9,700 feet, and begin your trek into the forest. In the first half of a mile there are a few trail marker signs that should be read carefully to insure the right path is followed, but these signs ...
    Read more
  • Chaffee County, Colorado

    Off-Trail Hike of Limestone Ridge

    4.0
    9 mi / 1000 ft gain
    Finding 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
  • Buena Vista, Colorado

    Ptarmigan Lake near Buena Vista

    5.0
    6.01 mi / 1608 ft gain
    When you begin the trail, make sure to choose the correct trailhead from the parking lot (located on the south side of the lot to the left, NOT behind the bathroom). From there, begin a moderate climb through a shaded fir forest to the tree line. Emerge in a meadow at a pond and the lower lake, ...
    Read more
  • 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 ...
    Read more
  • Buena Vista, Colorado

    Backpack the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Loop

    5.0
    11.7 mi / 2000 ft gain
    Starting at the Rich Creek Campground this wonderful moderate hike forms a loop by connecting the Rich Creek Trail and the Tumble Creek trail. in the Buffalo Peaks wilderness. Flanked by the Collegiate Peaks, in Spring and Summer the area is awash with rushing creeks, lush wet lowlands & deep...
    Read more
  • Westcliffe, Colorado

    Backpack to Sand Creek Lakes

    5.0
    4 mi / 1700 ft gain
    Start at the Music Pass trail head south of Westcliffe, Colorado off County Road 119. You will need a 4x4 with high clearance to get to the actual trailhead as the last 2.5 miles are rough. Otherwise, park at the Crape Creek TH and walk the 2.5 miles up to Music Pass Trailhead.Once on the trail...
    Read more
  • Buena Vista, Colorado

    Hike Missouri Mountain

    5.0
    10.5 mi / 4500 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...
    Read more
  • Westcliffe, Colorado

    Hike to Willow Lake, CO

    5.0
    9 mi / 2800 ft gain
    Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, Willow Lake offers a stunning destination to a rigorous hike. The hike is approximately 9 miles out and back with 2800 feet of elevation gain. The trail is well marked and maintained. However, the hike rarely levels off. Be prepared for a steady incline...
    Read more
  • Westcliffe, Colorado

    Summit Kit Carson Peak

    12.4 mi / 6323 ft gain
    There are a couple different trailheads that lead to Kit Carson Peak, but the one from Willow Creek Trailhead will give you the opportunity to peak another fourteener, Challenger Point, and let you pass through and/or camp at Willow Lake, which is a beautiful destination by itself. If approaching...
    Read more
  • 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...
    Read more
  • Leadville, Colorado

    Colorado Trail: Mount Elbert Trailhead to Twin Lakes

    8.49 mi / 1099 ft gain
    Colorado 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
  • 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...
    Read more