Winter Park, Colorado
Looking for the best backpacking in Winter Park? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Winter Park. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Backpacking Spots in and near Winter Park
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Nederland, Colorado
Hike Rollins Pass to Devils Thumb
2.1 mi / 622 ft gainCorona Lake is an easy, short hike if you're pressed for time. It's scenic, secluded, and will put you in a great spot to hike to Devils Thumb the next day. There are two ways to reach Devils Thumb. This is considered the "easier" route because of the "lack of elevation gain." The sun and wind re...Read more -
Winter Park, Colorado
Snowshoe to Broome Hut
1.5 mi / 729 ft gainTake I-70 from Denver and then US 40, go all the way to Mile marker 240 of US 40 and park in the area at the side of the road. The Second Creek trail head is just behind the parking area and is easy to find.The trail climbs from a start at 10,600ft and finishes up at 11,325ft at the hut, but you ...Read more -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Camp and Fish at Loch Lomond
5.0The 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...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
Heart and Rogers Peak Lakes
4.88.62 mi / 2113 ft gainThe hike begins at the East Portal Trailhead outside Rollinsville. Start hiking along the South Boulder trail to the right (north) of the very obvious Moffat Rail tunnel. The trail begins with moderate grades past the Forest Lakes cutoff just 1.25 miles from the trailhead. Continue hiking straigh...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
3 Crater Lakes via South Boulder Creek
5.06.92 mi / 1804 ft gainAfter turning on to Co. 16 (Tolland Rd.) from 119 at Rollinsville, drive about 8 miles down the dirt road along South Boulder Creek. The road will dead end at Moffat Tunnel where you'll find ample parking in a gravel lot with restrooms. You'll begin your hike along sweeping meadows until you ent...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
Upper Forest Lakes Trail
7.86 mi / 1778 ft gainUpper Forest Lakes Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Rollinsville, Colorado.Read more -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Hiking James Peak (13,294')
8.3 mi / 3000 ft gainJames Peak is one of 76 13,000'+ peaks in Colorado's front range. On your way up to the peak you will pass St. Mary's Glacier. It is not an actual glacier yet a permeant snow field that is popular among skiers and snowboarders year round. St. Mary's Glaicer is a very popular destination (though m...Read more -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Explore 'The Hidden Gems' of Loch Lomond
5.04.6 mi / 950 ft gainGetting 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 ...Read more -
Fraser, Colorado
Summit Byers Peak
8.8 mi / 2774 ft gainThe drive to the start of the trail is okay, having a high clearance vehicle would make the drive easier, but is not necessary. Free parking is available along the side of the road.The trail starts on a closed service road at a gate and requires you to either hike or bike up the dirt road (2 mil...Read more -
Parshall, Colorado
Ski or Snowshoe Jones Pass
4.06 mi / 1600 ft gainIts sister trail, Butler Gulch, is an all-time favorite hike (both summer and winter), and since they share a trailhead, I knew Jones Pass would be special as well.Jones Pass is not the type of trail I normally take, since it is actually a 4x4 road that is used for Jeeping in the summer and snowm...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
Hiking the Indian Peaks Wilderness' Lost Lake
4.34.5 mi / 1000 ft gainLost Lake of the Indian Peaks Wilderness area is a scenic short hike (about 3 hours) with a lot to see. The trailhead is tucked at the end of a road that passes through Eldora, a charming village of cabins and old abandoned buildings. You will pass by the lost "town" of Hessie on foot, which is w...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
King Lake via Hessie Trailhead
5.011.32 mi / 2375 ft gainThe normal route from the east side is via the Hessie trailhead outside Nederland Colorado. From the west it is most often accessed via the short trail from Rollins pass, which is open in the summer. As noted above, it is also a lake and area ripe for creating your own adventure. The description ...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
Hike to the Lost Lakes via the Hessie Trail
4 mi / 1000 ft gainAccessed by Hessie Trailhead, Lost Lake is a relatively moderate 4 mile round-trip hike with about 1,000 feet of elevation. The core of the hike is uphill and on a gravel path, 2/3rds of the hike runs parallel to a rushing waterfall. After parking your car, head towards the Hessie Trailhead. Yo...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
Backpack to Caribou Lake
4.08.2 miThis is one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever done in Colorado. It is a great trip for photographers, fisherman or anyone who enjoys mountain views, forests filled with wildlife and peaceful meadows. Distances: Arapaho Pass: 3.2 miles, Caribou Lake: 4.2 miles, Caribou Pass: 6.4 miles, Meado...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 -
Dillon, Colorado
Wildflowers, Lakes, and Peaks, Oh My!
5.0Herman Gulch is one of those special places that makes you fall in love with Colorado all over again. This spectacular wildflower hike that ends at an alpine lake will have your head swiveling from start to finish. Wildflower season is July and August, with peak season being mid-to-late July. Ple...Read more