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Vail, Colorado

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

Top Photography Spots in and near Vail

  • 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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  • Breckenridge, Colorado

    Day Hike to Lower & Upper Mohawk Lakes

    4.6
    7 mi / 1800 ft gain
    I recently spent the weekend in Breckenridge, and not being from the area, there was one hike that was on my bucket list: Mohawk Lakes. It didn’t disappoint! In late September, the Breckenridge area is full of gorgeous golden aspen trees, providing spectacular long-range views. In summer, abundan...
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  • Breckenridge, Colorado

    Backpack & Fish The Mohawk Lakes

    4.0
    6.8 mi / 1940 ft gain
    The trailhead is located a few miles out side of Breckenridge Colorado. The trail starts at 10,390' and the first two miles are spent walking through a mix of fir, aspen, and spruce trees until the trail goes parallel to Spruce Creek Road and eventually crosses it and continues over a small dam (...
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  • Breckenridge, Colorado

    Lower Crystal Lake via Crystal Creek Road

    5.0
    4.52 mi / 1624 ft gain
    To get to the Crystal Lakes start at the Spruce Creek Trailhead. You can hike or drive to the Lower Crystal Lake along Crystal Creek Road. If you choose to drive, you will need a high clearance 4x4 vehicle as you follow along Crystal Creek Road. The road is steep, but when they get to the top it ...
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  • Breckenridge, Colorado

    Hike to & Stay at Francie's Cabin

    5.0
    1.09 mi / 1000 ft gain
    Located at 11,360' and owned by the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association, Francies Cabin was built in memory of Frances Lockwood Bailey in 1994 and is located just a short distance (5 mile drive, 1.05 mile hike) from town of Breckenridge, Colorado. It has a summer and winter capacity of 20 peop...
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  • Breckenridge, Colorado

    Hike Baker's Tank Loop

    3.8
    6 mi / 645 ft gain
    When the aspens are sporting their golden hues of autumn, Baker's Tank Loop is a perfect fall hike. The trailhead is about ten minutes from downtown Breckenridge. For part of the hike, you may have the world to yourself. But, for the road portion, you'll likely have to share with the leaf peep...
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  • Bond, Colorado

    Camp at Radium Campground

    This was a rafting/camping trip. We camped at the Radium Campground and rafted 4.5 miles from Pump House Boat Launch. BLM charges $5.00 per vehicle at the boat launch sites and $10.00 per night for camping.Keep an eye out for big horn sheep. I saw them grazing on the side of the colorado river.Yo...
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  • Gypsum, Colorado

    Explore Hardscrabble Mountain

    Depending where you choose to access the Hardscrabble area from, this can be a fairly easy day hike or an overnight camping trip. If looking for a shorter day hike, access the Hardscrabble area by way of Hardscrabble Mountain Rd. From the town of Eagle, head South on Sylvan Lake Rd. In 5 miles, t...
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  • Breckenridge, Colorado

    Winter Hike to Quandary Peak (14,265')

    4.6
    7 mi / 3500 ft gain
    Quandary Peak is a popular winter 14er because of its easy access near Breckenridge, its Class 1 designation, and its low avalanche risk. While the access roads to many 14ers are closed in winter, adding extra mileage to an already grueling hike, Quandary Peak’s access is just off Hwy. 9, and the...
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  • Breckenridge, Colorado

    Ski or Snowshoe McCullough Gulch

    5.0
    6 mi / 1300 ft gain
    If the snow is not coming to you, you go where the snow is. Breckenridge is a good place to start; this beautiful ski area gets more than its fair share of snow, and is full of stunning trails. Why pay big bucks at one of the Nordic centers, when you can access acres and acres of the White River ...
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  • 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

    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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  • Breckenridge, Colorado

    Winter Climb of North Star Mountain

    4.0
    8 mi / 2400 ft gain
    From the west parking lot at the top of Hoosier Pass, take the 4x4 road as it climbs through a forest west of the pass. Before long, the trees thin and you'll stay on the road through treeline and reach a gate at just over 12,000 feet.Stay right at the gate and continue on this old mining road as...
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  • Turquoise Lake, Colorado

    Escape to Turquoise Lake

    5.0
    Turquoise Lake is an 'off the beaten path' gem only 3 hours from the Denver Metro Area. The area surrounding the lake is home to some spacious and tree-shaded campgrounds. If you plan ahead and book early, you'll have your pick of the best spots within close proximity to the lake. The campground ...
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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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