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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Pine, Colorado
Fish Cheeseman Canyon
5.0Cheesman Canyon is considered one of the top fisheries in the world, and this stretch of the South Platte River is easily accessed at the Cheesman trailhead off CR 126 just Southwest of Deckers. There are tons of great fishing opportunities along this stretch of the river, but it does tend to ge...Read more -
Breckenridge, Colorado
Baker's Tank Loop
4.05.72 mi / 873 ft gainWhen 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...Read more -
Basalt, Colorado
Camp at Thomas Lake and Summit Mt. Sopris
5.013 mi / 4400 ft gainWith the Elk Mountain range behind it, It appears to be standing by itself, and has the resemblance of a grand volcano.From Hwy 133 out of Carbondale, turn down Prince Creek Road and drive 6 miles to the trailhead. The trail is a nice mixture of meadows and woods, with excellent views of the vall...Read more -
Salida, Colorado
Ride the Monarch Crest Trail
5.0The Monarch Crest Trail has been rated as an IMBA Epic ride and is for sure an epic ride especially ending the ride with the Rainbow Trail. The Monarch Crest Trail is best ridden as a shuttle and begins at the very top of Monarch Pass just outside of Salida or Poncha Springs, Colorado on highway ...Read more -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Hell's Hole Trail
4.58.12 mi / 1881.01 ft gainThe name is uninviting, but Hell’s Hole is a scenic, shallow basin in the Mount Evans Wilderness near Idaho Springs. Starting elevation is about 9500 feet. Right after the trailhead, you pass through a few camping sites in the Chicago Creek Picnic Area. About five minutes into the hike is the per...Read more -
Leadville, Colorado
Overnight at the Emma and Marceline Yurts, Leadville
11 mi / 1200 ft gainDrive past the main downtown of Leadville and then head into the mountains south of town, following Mt. Sherman Road to the Yurt parking along a ridge before you come to the Black Cloud Mine. There are signs that say "Yurt Parking". Follow the road a little further down to a jeep road just before...Read more -
Grand Junction, Colorado
Rim Rock Drive
4.222.86 mi / 3562.77 ft gainDriving through Colorado National Monument was very easy and gorgeous. Very scenic drive with many lookouts to stop at. Every lookout has a spot to park and you can just jump out and photograph the book cliffs and canyons. I stopped at almost all of the lookouts and they are all breathtaking. I d...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Forest Canyon Overlook
4.00.27 mi / 29.53 ft gainThe highest continuous paved road in North America, Trail Ridge Road takes you above 12,000 ft to an alpine tundra. Being above treeline means you have unclogged panoramic views of the night sky and any possible meteors. You can start your trip from Grand Lake in the west or Estes Park in the ea...Read more -
Basalt, Colorado
Peter Estin Hut
5.08.02 mi / 2238 ft gainIf you have stayed in other 10th Mountain Division Huts, Peter Estin is a quite similar and definitely one of my favorites. I made the trip in the winter because of the awesome skiing/snowboarding just right out side the front door. The trailhead begins at Yeoman Park and there are two routes th...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Drive Old Fall River Road
4.6This amazing drive starts after entering at the Fall River Entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park (although any entrance will work this is just the fastest route). Follow Fall River Road just past Sheep Lakes and take your first right onto Endo Valley Rd. From here travel to the Endovalley picn...Read more -
Grand Lake, Colorado
Car Camp at Timber Creek Campground
4.0This campground just 10 miles north of Grand Lake is a prime example of the amazing campgrounds you can find in Rocky Mountain National Park. Located along the Colorado River, Timber Creek has 98 campsites that are all first-come-first-serve. If you're on top of it and show up at a decent time, y...Read more -
Dillon, Colorado
Off-Road to Glacier Mountain
5.07.4 mi / 2100 ft gainThe trail begins just past historical Main Street Montezuma. You will see a sign on your right for St. Johns road. This road is officially marked as 275 on a map. The original road lead to St. Johns but not much of the town remains.You will cross the Snake River almost immediately after you turn ...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
Snowshoe or Cross-Country Ski at Caribou Ranch
4.54.2 mi / 750 ft gainThe Caribou Ranch Open Space is about two miles north of the town of Nederland. From Nederland, at the town’s roundabout, head west on CO 72 for about two miles. Turn left onto CO 126 at the sign for Caribou Ranch Open Space. Follow the dirt road for about .8 miles until you see the large parking...Read more -
Boulder, Colorado
Walker Ranch Loop
4.77.65 mi / 1601 ft gainWhen it comes to hiking trails in Boulder, the standard response usually consists of either Chautauqua Park or Mt. Sanitas, and while both offer excellent hiking options, they are both usually jam packed on the weekends. If you’re looking to stay close to the city, but want a little more seclusio...Read more -
Buena Vista, Colorado
Backpack the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Loop
5.011.7 mi / 2000 ft gainStarting 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 -
Gunnison, Colorado
Camp at Hartman Rocks
3.0Just 3 miles outside the small south central town of Gunnison, Colorado lies Hartman Rocks recreation area. This 8000 acre open space includes 40 miles of single track trails as well as 33 miles of road. Camping at Hartman Rocks is the perfect way spend a relaxing night, or get an early start to ...Read more
