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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Morrison, Colorado
Explore Red Rocks Park in Winter
4.3Red Rocks is a bustling park in the summer when its famous amphitheater is filled with concerts. In winter though, the park dies down and becomes even more quiet when snow is falling. Grab your camera and head to the park during a winter storm to truly enjoy the beautiful red sandstone formations...Read more -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Camp and Fish at Loch Lomond
5.0The trail to Loch Lomond is very rocky. I suggest a high clearance 4x4 vehicle (I did see a small SUV and a Subaru..Not sure how they did it!!!). There are a few campsites at the lake and several along the way. I set up camp by the lake but had to move because the wind was so intense. I recommend...Read more -
Larimer County, Colorado
Lake Helene and Two Rivers Lake
5.06.18 mi / 1230 ft gainBegin the hike by following the Bear Lake trail and after ~.45 miles take the trail to the right towards Odessa Lake and Flattop Mountain. Continue along the trail as it climbs above Bear Lake to the split with the Flattop Mountain trail at approximately 1 mile. The trail continues toward Odessa ...Read more -
Sedalia, Colorado
Hike Devils Head Fire Lookout
4.72.8 mi / 951 ft gainThis is one of my favorite hikes near Denver and the lookout itself is over 100 years old! On the road to the trailhead there are many spots for camping and other activities.From Sedalia, CO head down Highway 67 for about 10 miles. Turn south onto Rampart Range Rd and continue for about 9.5 miles...Read more -
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Hike the Seven Bridges Trail
4.04.75 mi / 1600 ft gainFollow North Cheyenne Creek through the canyon as it forms several cascades along the way. Due to water levels, spring is an especially good time for this hike. Most turn around just past the seventh bridge, where the trail starts to disappear.Read more -
Morrison, Colorado
Hike the Red Rocks Trail
4.06 miWhile this is a 6 mile hike, it is relatively easy to add mileage to it and tailor it to fit your needs. Instead of simply doing the Red Rocks Trail/Morrison Slide loop, you can head all the way to the Village Walk trail in Matthews-Winters. You can also park along Red Rocks Trail Road and elimin...Read more -
Bailey, Colorado
Payne Creek Trail via Brookside McCurdy Trailhead
4.517.98 mi / 3773 ft gainDay 1: Park at the Payne Creek/Brookside Trailhead (8,040 ft.) right outside Bailey. You'll go on the trail for about a mile before the trail parts to Craig Meadows or Craig Park. If you start this in the nighttime, it's best to camp before you part ways on the trail as it's a little more spaciou...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Alberta Falls Trail
4.01.66 mi / 200 ft gainHeading into the park from Beaver Meadows Entrance Station turn left at the first road in .2 miles. Follow Bear Lake Road for 8 miles until reaching the Glacier Gorge parking area on the left. Take the trail from the parking area and follow it to the intersection with the Sprague Lake Trail. Stay...Read more -
Ouray County, Colorado
Mount Sneffels via Yankee Boy Basin
5.01.94 mi / 1581 ft gainThe most common route, sometimes called the standard route or the Lavender Col route, begins at or near the top of Yankee Boy Basin, just outside of Ouray. Take the Camp Bird Road as far as you can, though be warned that the last few miles of the road are extremely rough and should only be attem...Read more -
Evergreen, Colorado
Private and Tranquil Retreat at Beaver Brook Watershed
4.0Note: This is NOT the Beaver Brook Trail in Genesee Park/Lookout Mountain! If you enjoy the scenery and ambiance of Evergreen, but Evergreen Lake has become too crowded for your tastes, Beaver Brook Watershed (owned by the City of Golden) is an excellent alternative. It’s a small, secluded area a...Read more -
Littleton, Colorado
Winter Hiking and Wildlife in Waterton Canyon
3.712.4 miWaterton Canyon is the beginning of the Colorado Trail which stretches 500 miles from Denver to Durango. Camping is allowed on the Colorado Trail but is not allowed in the first 6 miles section of Waterton Canyon, which is managed by Denver Water. The gravel road is great for running, biking, hi...Read more -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Hike St. Mary's Glacier
4.32 mi / 467 ft gainJust West of Idaho Springs on I-70 take the St. Mary's Alice Exit. Take a right and stay on the main road and follow the signs for about 8 miles (watch on the right side of the road for a surprise pink pig). There are two parking lots for the trailhead. The larger one is South of the trail and a ...Read more -
Leadville, Colorado
North Mount Elbert Trail
4.59.07 mi / 4432 ft gainStart your trip at the North Elbert Creek trailhead, reached by taking Colorado 300 just south of Leadville, and then a left on County road 11 and a right on Halfmoon Creek road. The dirt road to the trailhead is well traveled. The trail begins from the parking lot and winds upwards past 2 clear...Read more -
Evergreen, Colorado
Pence Park's Independence Mountain Trail
4.42.09 mi / 869 ft gainPence Park, part of the Denver Mountain Parks system, is nestled between the mountain communities of Indian Hills and Kittredge on Myers Gulch Road. It's one of those places I always drove right past without bothering to check it out. From the road, it looks the same as any other place in the foo...Read more -
Twin Lakes, Colorado
Camp at Twin Lakes' White Star Campground
4.5This area is located on the other side of Independence Pass from Aspen, which is only accessible during the summer, or can be reached year-round via Leadville, which is about 20 miles away along Highway 24. From Twin Lakes Village drive approximately 1.5 miles east on Highway 82 and take the exit...Read more -
Golden, Colorado
Hike the Golden Cliffs Trail
5.0From here, you can choose a few different hiking paths. This out-and-back trek starts at the trailhead up and to the left. Along the way you'll pass a bench dedicated to Craig Luebben — a writer, photographer and climbing guide. At this point, you probably haven't even broken a sweat yet. It's ti...Read more
