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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Ophir, Colorado
Mountain Bike Galloping Goose
The Galloping Goose Trail near Telluride, Colorado is a bike ride along what once was a historic train route. Plus it’s family friendly and the scenery is phenomenal.The starting point is at the top of Lizard Head Pass at an elevation of 10,200 feet. The scenery, from wildflowers to colorful moun...Read more -
Swan Mountain Road, Colorado
Sapphire Point Overlook
3.30.62 mi / 49 ft gainThis short, 0.6 mile loop hike gives a beautiful view of Lake Dillon and is an easy, family-friendly hike. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leash. The trail is clear cut and descends a few feet while looping around the side of the mountain to the overlook point. It is definitely a worthwhil...Read more -
Leadville, Colorado
Backcountry Ski at Fremont Pass
5.0Starting at 11,319 feet of elevation, you can choose which direction to head into the backcountry. Park at the pull-off area at the bend in the road. From here, you can head into the woods to the right (there are usually tracks from other skiers to follow) or follow Trail Rd. to reach some peaks ...Read more -
De Beque, Colorado
Grand Mesa Scenic Byway
61.32 mi / 6669.29 ft gainDespite being one of the largest flat-top mountains in the world, Grand Mesa sees far fewer visitors than other areas of Colorado. Locals only an hour away in Grand Junction frequent the area for its plentiful fishing, camping, and off-roading opportunities, but few take advantage of its photogra...Read more -
Loveland, Colorado
Hike the Powerline Trail in the Bobcat Ridge Natural Area
3.8 mi / 1100 ft gainPowerline Trail is a 1.9 mile spur off the Valley Loop Trail in the Bobcat Ridge Natural Area that climbs 1,100 feet from the valley floor to Mahoney Park.To get to the start of the trail, take the Valley Loop Trail .9 miles in the Bobcat Ridge Natural Area from the main entrance of the Natural A...Read more -
Summit County, Colorado
Hike to Crystal Peak
5.08.6 mi / 2482 ft gainOnce you turn off of Colorado hwy 9 onto dirt, your GPS will lead you to a gravel lot. At the end of that lot there's a pretty steep gravel road that heads NNW (GPS coords: 39°25'43.01"N 106° 4'11.30"W | Map Link if you want to plug that into your GPS for parking). From this lot you'll walk up t...Read more -
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Camp along Rampart Range Road
Along Rampart Range Road there are about 30 free BLM camping spots that offer scenic views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding forest. The road in is about 6 miles of gravel, however a 2WD Sedan was able to make the journey just fine! The camping spots are designated by a pre-existing fire ring and...Read more -
Carbondale, Colorado
Backpack the Lead King Basin Trail
4.5 mi / 2000 ft gainWe began our hike at the beginning of the afternoon after about two-three hours driving up the 14 mile road. The first mile of the trail was mild, turning into an uphill adventure. Lots of switchbacks, winding paths, and some tree coverage. By mile 2, we were on a steep grade the rest of the way....Read more -
Franktown, Colorado
Inner Canyon Trail
4.72.17 mi / 213 ft gainThe Inner Canyon Trail begins at the Canyon Point Parking Lot. There are a few trails that leave from this lot, so make sure you're following signs for "K." Right away, you'll descend down a few dozen stairs into the canyon itself. You'll quickly cross a bridge and be on your way. This trail is...Read more -
Durango, Colorado
Adrenaline Falls
5.00.43 mi / 279 ft gainAdrenaline Falls is a popular spot for the locals to swim and relax during the warm summer months. The pool at the bottom of the falls is deep and popular for cliff jumping. To get to the waterfall, turn onto the North access to Lime Creek road. A high clearance 4x4 vehicle is recommended to ...Read more -
Denver, Colorado
Photograph Bison at the Rocky Mountain National Arsenal Wildlife Refuge
5.09 miBison are the largest and heaviest land animals in North America. They are a symbol of a wild and free landscape. Despite their size these big beasts are extremely agile. They can run up to 35 miles per hour and jump 6ft high from a stand still. Very few animals pose a threat to a healthy, fully ...Read more -
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Hike the Petroglyph Point Trail
4.02.7 mi / 698 ft gainPick up a trail brochure for information on the interpretive signs. There are some steep and narrow portions of the trail, so make sure everyone in your party is of able physical capability.Read more -
Alamosa County, Colorado
Sandboard in Great Sand Dunes National Park
4.8Outside of the national park there are two different companies that can rent sand boards and sleds for your day use at around $20 per board per day. However, If it is raining a lot and the dunes are too wet, or if the dunes are frosted over both companies will not rent out their boards in order t...Read more -
Durango, Colorado
Hike the Falls Creek Loop
4.54.1 mi / 393 ft gainThe Falls Creek Loop is a 4.1 mile trail in the San Juan National Forest, just outside of Durango, Colorado. Lots of side trails jut out from the main trail, and it is easy to lose your way. Take the middle trail at the first split, and keep following the main splits. You will find yourself on a ...Read more -
Del Norte, Colorado
Climb in Penitente Canyon
Located in the San Luis Valley of south central Colorado, this beautiful piece of BLM land is a place loved by locals and most Colorado climbers. Upon arriving at the Penitente Canyon parking area, which is free of charge, head towards the map at the entrance on of the canyon. From here hang a r...Read more -
Red Feather Lakes, Colorado
Camp near Lost Lake (in the Red Feather Lakes area)
I need to start by saying I stayed here on Memorial Day weekend, a very busy camping weekend in Colorado. Online searches for a suitable campsite were useless, everything was booked. It is hard to drive 2 plus hours to an area and hope you find a place for dispersed camping. Thankfully a friend t...Read more
