Colorado
It's hard to beat what the Rockies have to offer. A plethora of world-class skiing in the winter, and all the hiking, backpacking, camping, mountain biking, and rafting you could hope for in the summer. Looking for a challenge?Maybe try your hand at one of Colorado's 14,000 ft peaks (there's somewhere between 53 and 58, depending who you ask).
Top Spots in and near Colorado
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Buena Vista, Colorado
Hope Pass via Willis Gulch
5.08.75 mi / 3297 ft gainHope 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 -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Chief Mountain Trail
4.52.88 mi / 920.17 ft gainSitting at 11,709’, Chief Mountain is not one of Colorado’s highest peaks, but the views from this mountain are spectacular nonetheless and rival the views of any 14er I’ve climbed. This mountain sits along Squaw Pass Road so you get the luxury of a high trailhead for this peak. To get there, fo...Read more -
Golden, Colorado
Village Walk, Red Rocks & Cherry Gulch Trail
4.36.31 mi / 1364.17 ft gainThe Village Walk, Red Rocks & Cherry Gulch Trail threads through one of Colorado's most geologically and historically layered open spaces—Matthews/Winters Park, a 2,461-acre Jefferson County preserve bordered by I-70 to the north and Red Rocks Park to the south. Here, ancient sandstone format...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Ptarmigan Lake via Bear Lake Trailhead
11.33 mi / 3839 ft gainThe hike to Ptarmigan Lake has plenty of elevation gain for mountain lovers and views for miles from the Continental Divide. If you want to reach this spot for sunrise you'll need a very early start in the morning, but that also means you won't have to use the shuttle system to Bear Lake. The las...Read more -
Larimer County, Colorado
Winter Hike to Loch Vale
4.05.53 mi / 1093 ft gainThis winter adventure begins at the popular Glacier Gorge Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. Make sure you arrive early as the parking lot fills up quickly! We started the hike with our microspikes on and carried our snowshoes. The park ranger informed us snowshoes may be necessary in som...Read more -
Allenspark, Colorado
Hike to Thunder Lake
11.53 mi / 2188 ft gainStarting at the often-busy Wild Basin TH, the trail passes through dense forests as it follows the North Fork of the Saint Vrain River through the southernmost section of Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail passes alongside the small Copeland Falls before continuing west towards Calypso Casca...Read more -
Boulder, Colorado
Red Rocks Loop Trail
3.71.34 mi / 412.07 ft gainParking is available on either Canyon or Sunshine Roads. During the weekends it tends to get crowded around sunset so plan accordingly. The entire trail is a loop and is a little over 1 mile in length so it doesn't take too long. The main feature is the massive red sand stone rocks that jut out o...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Ute Trail to Ute Rock
4.71.75 mi / 1122 ft gainThis shady trail of switchbacks ascends steadily (over a thousand feet in under a mile) to a rock outcropping at 9,185 feet. Yes, you can expect your heart to be pounding and to be huffing and puffing as you climb Ute Trail. But the view of Aspen that rewards you is spectacular. The trail is pre...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Snowmass Lake via Maroon-Snowmass Trail
4.316.53 mi / 5023 ft gainFor the adventurous backpacker looking to get backcountry in central Colorado, the stunning beauty of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness cannot be beaten. While the Maroon Bells just outside of Aspen might be the most photographed mountains in North America, the beauty is definitely rivaled by ...Read more -
Allenspark, Colorado
Hike to Verna, Spirit, Fourth, and Fifth Lakes
17.93 mi / 2661 ft gainThis summer backpacking trip provides plenty of opportunities for exploration and endless moments to take in awe-inspiring scenery. On our visit, after setting up camp at the Lake Verna backcountry site, I quickly made my way to the next lake (Spirit Lake) to photograph the sunset. The symmetry a...Read more -
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Treasure Falls
4.80.68 mi / 358 ft gainTreasure Falls is reached via short 0.4 mile walk from the parking lot on highway 160 about 15 miles outside Pagosa Springs (which is home to the worlds deepest hot springs). There is a paved path and dirt trail that both end up at the falls and if you are inclined, make into a loop for 0.7 miles...Read more -
Minturn, Colorado
Scramble the Halo Ridge on Mt. Holy Cross
5.015 mi / 5210 ft gainThe Halo Ridge is by no means the easiest route to the summit of Mt. Holy Cross, but it is definitely the most interesting and scenic. You'll begin at the Half Moon (Tigiwon) trailhead, but instead of the popular Halfmoon Trail, you will start on the Fall Creek Trail as it leaves the campground.T...Read more -
Durango, Colorado
Summit 3 Peaks in the Chicago Basin
5.0I tell people all the time that if they only do one hike in Colorado, this is it. You get a little taste of everything: Colorado history, wildlife, beautiful campsite views, 14ers, and the largest wilderness in the state.This itinerary assumes you’re hitching a ride on the train from Silverton. ...Read more -
Morrison, Colorado
Red Rocks & Dakota Ridge Loop Trail
4.06.89 mi / 1188 ft gainWhile this is a 6 mile hike, it is relatively easy to add mileage to it and tailor it to fit your needs. Instead of simply doing the Red Rocks Trail/Morrison Slide loop, you can head all the way to the Village Walk trail in Matthews-Winters. You can also park along Red Rocks Trail Road and elimin...Read more -
Kremmling, Colorado
Lake Agnes
3.02.37 mi / 640 ft gainIn State Forest State Park, you start at Agnes Cabin, a historic cabin built in 1925. Because of its rustic architecture, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior. It is a one-story, lodge pole pine log cabin. The cabin is empty, bu...Read more -
Walden, Colorado
Zirkel Circle (Gilpin Lake Loop)
5.010.3 mi / 2392 ft gainThe Slavonia trailhead is easily accessible from Steamboat Springs. The drive up CR 129 passes through beautiful ranch land before turning on to Seedhouse Road. Follow Seedhouse Rd to the end. There are several turn offs and dispersed camping in this area, however, the main road goes to the trail...Read more
