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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Ridgway, Colorado
Ice Climb the Ouray Ice Park
5.0Over a mile of the Uncompahgre Gorge is farmed for ice every year and they have gotten very good at it!! The ice park begins at the southern edge of town and continues south through the gorge for approximately 1 mile. The ice park is typically open from mid December-late March.If you enjoy gettin...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 -
Leadville, Colorado
Fly Fish Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake is a beautiful lake (or could it be called a pond?), set in the shadow of the Rocky Mountain’s highest peaks, Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive, can be found about six miles south of Leadville, CO on the west side of US 24. This lake holds a healthy trout population and is stocked regularly...Read more -
Telluride, Colorado
Explore Alta Ghost Town
5.00.5 miAlta Ghost Town is located about 10 miles from Telluride on Alta Lakes Road. Take the rugged dirt road approximately 2 miles until the ghost town appears on the left. Hike up the short trail to view the remnants of the old mining town with many of the buildings still standing, including the impre...Read more -
Crested Butte, Colorado
Blue Lake via Oh Be Joyful Campground
4.012.96 mi / 2201 ft gainOverview: Round Trip is about 13 miles, about 500 ft ascent at the beginning and 1500 ft ascent in the last 1.5 miles. The majority of the hike is flat and through an AMAZING valley. Getting There: Blue Lake Trailhead is located at Oh Be Joyful Campground on Slate River Rd, just across a river,...Read more -
Buena Vista, Colorado
Hike Mt. Harvard
14 mi / 4600 ft gainStart your hike at the North Cottonwood Creek Trailhead. The trail begins at the end of the parking lot. You'll cross a bridge and meander along the creek, eventually reaching another bridge crossing at about 1.5 miles.After this bridge, you'll reach a trail junction. Be sure to go right (towards...Read more -
Breckenridge, Colorado
Winter Climb of North Star Mountain
4.08 mi / 2400 ft gainFrom 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...Read more -
Buena Vista, Colorado
La Plata Peak Summer Route
5.09.08 mi / 4449.04 ft gainThe Northwest Ridge is the most easily accessible and popular route, and for good reasons. The trailhead is on the side of Hwy 82, otherwise known as Independence Pass, about 14.5 miles from the Hwy 24 junction, or about 10 miles from Twin Lakes to the east. The trailhead is hard to miss, and you...Read more -
Manitou Springs, Colorado
Hike Palmer Trail Loop at Section 16
5.5 mi / 1400 ft gainThe Section 16 trailhead can be found on lower Gold Camp Road. Almost immediately, the trail begins to rise in elevation. The grade is gentle at first but soon becomes a steep steady climb for about a mile and a half, until you reach the ridge. Along the way, you will see many intersecting trail...Read more -
Somerset, Colorado
Hike the Dyke to Dark Canyon Loop
4.06.5 mi / 1700 ft gainKebler Pass near Crested Butte is a leaf peepers paradise considering that one of the largest groves of aspens in Colorado makes its home here. If you want those postcard views of rugged mountain peaks and vibrant aspens, then I recommend hiking the Dyke Trail to Dark Canyon loop. Put this on you...Read more -
Westcliffe, Colorado
Backpack to Sand Creek Lakes
5.04 mi / 1700 ft gainStart 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 -
Silverthorne, Colorado
Upper Slate Lake via Rock Creek Trailhead
5.022.21 mi / 4406 ft gainStarting from the Rock Creek Trailhead parking lot, it is an up and down trek to Upper Slate Lake. The trail map states 10 miles each way, but accounting for switchbacks it ends up being closer to 14 long, hard miles. You will be among aspens and pines for the first half as you have a few modera...Read more -
Minturn, Colorado
Fancy Pass
5.06.54 mi / 2392 ft gainThe Fancy Pass Trail near Red Cliff is an excellent option for those looking to experience hiking in the rugged and pristine conditions of a wilderness area. This 6 mile roundtrip trail will take you into the Holy Cross Wilderness and up close and personal with towering peaks, verdant meadows, an...Read more -
Littleton, Colorado
Plymouth
5.26 mi / 1366.8 ft gainDeer Creek Canyon Park offers up to 13 miles of wind-sheltered trails perfect for enjoying after a fresh snow. The Plymouth Mountain Trail offers steep climbs and big views while Homesteader Trail offers the best forest scenery in the Denver area. The recommended route is Plymouth Creek Trail, lo...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Nymph Lake via Bear Lake Trailhead
4.81.13 mi / 276 ft gainWhile not as popular as Dream Lake, Nymph Lake is just as beautiful. The hike to Nymph Lake is an easy hike just over 1 mile. You start from the Bear Lake Trail head and can go further on to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake if you want to. Both Dream and Emerald Lakes are also stunning and very photog...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
Hike South Araphaho Peak
5.08 mi / 2533 ft gainStart your hike at the 4th of July Trailhead, just outside of Eldora, CO. From the trailhead at the north end of the parking lot, steadily climb through the trees until a junction at 1 mile. Take the right fork towards Arapaho pass.You'll start to climb above treeline, with spectacular views of t...Read more
