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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Carbondale, Colorado
Explore Hayes Creek Falls
3.50 miRight off of Highway 133 about 2 miles south of Redstone, lies a very easy-to-get-to Waterfall. Park your car off to the side of the highway, walk about 100 feet and you will find this glorious waterfall. The fall is best to see in the late Spring to early Summer. From late Spring, to early Summe...Read more -
Walden, Colorado
Backpack to Kelly Lake In State Forest SP
13.2 mi / 2624 ft gainRound trip will take you along 13.2 beautiful miles of Northern Colorado backcountry. Starting from the trail head which can be found within the entrance of the park (near the horse ring and car camping), you'll head into some beautiful backcountry. Before you reach the woods, a 4x4 trail will be...Read more -
Boulder, Colorado
Sunshine Lion's Lair Loop
5.05.05 mi / 1257 ft gainThis is a mix of trails that will bring you on an easy loop to the peak of Mt Sanitas, but will keep you away from the usual crowds of the more well-known paths up. The hike is a clear path that brings you 5+ miles from around 5,500 ft in elevation to 6,800. You'll start at the Centennial Trail...Read more -
Crested Butte, Colorado
Oh Be Joyful Creek
If you're not already camping there, park at Oh Be Joyful Campground, about 5 miles up County Road 734 from downtown Crested Butte. There's parking on either side of the river crossing, but you're going to have to get your feet wet anyway, so might as well park in the first parking lot and walk a...Read more -
Buena Vista, Colorado
Ptarmigan Lake near Buena Vista
5.06.01 mi / 1608 ft gainWhen you begin the trail, make sure to choose the correct trailhead from the parking lot (located on the south side of the lot to the left, NOT behind the bathroom). From there, begin a moderate climb through a shaded fir forest to the tree line. Emerge in a meadow at a pond and the lower lake, ...Read more -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Chinns Lake
4.02.7 mi / 741 ft gainLocated in the Arapaho National Forest near Idaho Springs, Chinns Lake is a high-elevation alpine destination known for its peaceful mountain setting, dispersed camping, fishing, and stunning lake views. Accessible via a rugged 4WD road, this hidden gem offers a true Colorado backcountry experien...Read more -
Cedaredge, Colorado
Crag Crest Loop
4.310.6 mi / 1607.83 ft gainThe Crag Crest Trail is a 10-mile loop that takes runners over one of the highest points on Grand Mesa. When traveling in a clockwise direction, the trail traverses a narrow rocky ridge for 5-miles before descending into the dense pine forest below. Grand Mesa's trails are less maintained due to ...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Ski or Snowboard the Burnt Mountain Glades of Snowmass
5.03.5 miThis is part of the Aspen Snowmass Ski area so you'll have to buy a ski pass to take the lift up, or if you're up for a bigger workout, put some skins on and trek up to the top of Elk Camp. The easiest way to get there is to take the Elk Camp gondola to the Elk Camp lift. Once at the top of the l...Read more -
Frisco, Colorado
Rainbow Lake via Tenmile Recreation Path
5.03.24 mi / 322 ft gainYou can do this hike two different ways: 1- Start from the Peaks Trail Trailhead to Rainbow Lake for an out and back hike, distance is a little over 2 miles roundtrip. 2- Start along the Summit County Recreational Trail (as marked on this map), also out and back hike, total distance just over...Read more -
Walden, Colorado
View Fall Color on Cameron Pass
From the front range, drive west of Fort Collins, Colo. on Highway 14 towards Walden, Colo. When you enter Highway 14 from Fort Collins, look for Ted's Place. Ted's is a gas station and convenient store, stop here to hit the bathroom, fill up on gas, and grab some snacks. There will be very few f...Read more -
Mountain Village, Colorado
Mountain Bike Village Trail
Take the Gondola from either Telluride or Mountain Village and get off at mid station. Walk up the path, pass the entrance to the bike park, and continue up the gravel road until you come upon signs for the Village Trail. It will start on the maintenance road but will quickly become a narrow path...Read more -
Mack, Colorado
Mountain Bike in the Rabbit Valley Area
13 mi / 1200 ft gainThis area is one of my favorites. Rabbit Valley is a great place with all kinds of activities available. Mainly we mountain bike here, but we have hiked and explored the canyons as well. There are traces of Native Americans that lived in the area hundreds of years ago, even a small arch too.From ...Read more -
Bellvue, Colorado
Arthur's Rock Trail
4.93.13 mi / 1102 ft gainThe climb to the summit of Arthur's Rock in Lory State Park provides relative isolation and solitude just 30 minutes from downtown Fort Collins along with great hiking, trail running, mountain biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. Arthur's Rock Trail is the most direct route to the summit...Read more -
Longmont, Colorado
Hike or Trail Run on Rabbit Mountain, CO
4.03.95 mi / 472 ft gainThis is a great hike/trail run in Boulder County. It is located between Longmont and Lyons and is part of Boulder County Open Space. Rabbit Mountain has over 5 miles of trails and 2,733 acres of beautiful open space. The views are incredible as most of your hike you are looking out at the entire ...Read more -
Fruita, Colorado
Rattlesnake Arches Upper Trail
4.08.37 mi / 1398 ft gainPut simply, Rattlesnake Arches is home to some of the most beautiful views you'll ever experience in the United States. This portion of the Rattlesnake Arches Trail follows along the upper rim of the canyon and allows you to experience 9 total arches within about 2 miles of hiking once you reach ...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Hike the Ypsilon Lake Trail
4.58.38 mi / 2369 ft gainTo get to the trailhead, enter Rocky Mountain National Park on the 36. Keep right at the fork with the 34 and then you'll take your next left and the parking for the trailhead is the first parking area on your right. There is an outhouse at the trailhead too, so if you need to take a pit stop b...Read more
