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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Aspen, Colorado
McNamara Hut
5.012.46 mi / 2631 ft gainMcNamara Hut sits in the national forest on the slope of Bald Knob, with easy access to intermediate backcountry skiing and more challenging terrain further away. Built in 1982, it's one of the original huts in the 10th Mountain Division system along with Margy's Hut. The hut comes stocked with...Read more -
Larkspur, Colorado
Spruce Mountain Loop
4.55.46 mi / 810 ft gainSpruce mountain is an approximately 4.2 mile loop outside of Colorado Springs near Palmer lake. The hike is a pretty easy one, that has some great views of the Front Range including peak a boo views of Pikes Peak. Starting at the Trailhead, you can either take the right or left trail which will t...Read more -
Boulder, Colorado
Hike the Chautauqua Trail to the Ski Jump Trail
5.01.55 miBeginning at the Chautauqua Trailhead, the Chautauqua Trail goes for 0.6 miles before connecting with the Bluebell-Baird Trail. From here it becomes a choose-your-own-adventure hike. For a short, simple hike you can do with people who aren't ready for lots of elevation gain, take a right and conn...Read more -
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Perkins Central Garden Trail
5.01.13 mi / 138 ft gainGarden of the Gods has dozens of hiking trails that cover miles through the park itself. The Perkins Central Garden Trail takes you through the heart of the rock formations and really gives you perspective on the size of these red rocks. This trail also takes you past several areas where rock cl...Read more -
Buena Vista, Colorado
Mt. Elbert via Black Cloud Trail
4.510.69 mi / 4967 ft gainDirections: Heading south from Leadville from U.S. 24: West on CO 82 for 10.5 miles to a hidden right turn that leads to a trail head. If you make it to the Mt. Elbert Lodge, you have gone just a bit too far. The parking lot (aka: dirt access) should be relatively empty as everyone tends to hik...Read more -
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Crater Lake in the South San Juan Wilderness
9.17 mi / 2133 ft gainHoliday weekends can be frustrating for solitude seekers. The extra day to play always seems to be challenged by the expected crowds of competition for your sought after spots. Fortunately for those of us who prefer quieter pastures, Colorado's 3.5+ million acres of wilderness still hold plenty ...Read more -
Walden, Colorado
Backcountry Ski or Snowboard at Cameron Pass
To get to Cameron Pass, drive west out of Fort Collins from Highway 287, to Highway 14, into Poudre Canyon. Take the drive all the way through Poudre Canyon, and soon you will climb out of the canyon and towards the continental divide at Cameron Pass. Once you see the sign at the top of the pass ...Read more -
Winter Park, Colorado
Snowshoe Mount Flora
6.2 mi / 1738 ft gainMy friend Austin and I hiked up to Mt Flora last year on what was probably the coldest day ever. Ever? It was 9 degrees at the Berthoud Pass parking lot and we had 32mph winds nearly the whole way. We estimated the temp to be around -28ºF with the windchill... brrrr!DirectionsFrom the Berthoud Pa...Read more -
Larimer County, Colorado
Hike the Spearhead
5.012.44 mi / 2992 ft gainBeginning from the Glacier Gorge trailhead, follow trail signs towards Mills Lake. At Mills, continue onward past Black Lake, and then continue hiking up into the incredible basin above Black Lake. Spearhead will be unmissable. Once in the basin, head to the north side of Spearhead. By hugging t...Read more -
Minturn, Colorado
Hike to Tuhare Lakes
12 mi / 3000 ft gainOverview: About a 12 mile hike, with 3 alpine lakes, a significant climb and views worthwhile Photos: See all photos here. Getting There: The hike is accessed from the Half Moon pass parking lot - from the Fall Creek trailhead. The parking lot and trailhead are accessed at the end of Tigiwon Rd. ...Read more -
Ridgway, Colorado
Soak at Ouray Hot Springs
4.0There are three different hot springs facilities to choose from in Ouray, notable for its proximity to the San Juan peaks. Orvis Hot Springs has seven pools, each ranging from between 98 and 112 degrees, with nice views to accompany your soak. Wiesbaden Hot Springs has a natural vaporcave, in add...Read more -
Loveland, Colorado
Hike the D.R. Trail in the Bobcat Ridge Natural Area
3.76.2 mi / 1050 ft gainD.R. Trail, named for David Rice Pulliam who donated the land to create the Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, is a 3.1 mile spur off the Valley Loop Trail that climbs roughly 1,000' into Mahoney Park before it intersects with the Powerline and Ginny Trails. To get to the start of the trail, take the Val...Read more -
Ward, Colorado
Explore Red Rock Lake, CO
3.0If you are looking for great reflections, color and mountain peaks for your photos, this lake is a great place to start. The Brainard Lake Recreational Area has so much to do, but this is a stop not to miss.It seems that everyone drives on by this little gem to get to Brainard Lake and the hiking...Read more -
Durango, Colorado
Hike the Animas Mountain Trail
5.9 mi / 1535 ft gainThe Animas Mountain Trail is a 6 mile loop trail, easily accessible from town, and best used from March until October. In the early spring and late fall, it is advised to bring YakTrax or similar in case there are icy patches on the trail. This trail is located in the San Juan National Forest nea...Read more -
Moffat County, Colorado
Whitewater Raft the Gates of Lodore in Dinosaur National Monument
46 miStarting from the Lodore Ranger Station in Colorado the trip begins as a mild float before the Green River abruptly cuts through the Uinta Mountains in an area named The Gates of Lodore. From there the gradient of the river increases as the imposing vermillion canyon walls covered with lush gree...Read more -
Mancos, Colorado
Hike the Knife Edge Trail
2 mi / 20 ft gainThe Knife Edge Trail leaves from a small parking lot located in Morefield Campground in Mesa Verde National Park. It's definitely an easy trail, but it is perfect for the entire family. It offers an unhindered view westward, so it is a prime place to catch the sunset in the park, especially if yo...Read more
