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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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 -
Conifer, Colorado
Elk Falls Loop
3.512.76 mi / 1893 ft gainBegin on Staunton Ranch Trail for 3.3 miles. Switch to Bugling Elk Trail for the next 1.1 miles, then to Lion's Back Trail for the last mile to the overlook. From here, you can create the loop by backtracking to the Chimney Rock Trail, which then connects with the Elk Falls Trail. To head back to...Read more -
Durango, Colorado
Camp at South Mineral Campground
4.8Some general notes: South Mineral Campground does not take reservations - all sites are first come first served. There are an assortment of designated areas along South Mineral Road where dispersed camping is allowed so there is plenty of camping in the canyon on all but the busiest days, but y...Read more -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Lower and Upper Chicago Lake
4.79.22 mi / 2270 ft gainFrom the parking lot, stay to the right of Echo Lake and you will run into the Chicago Lakes Trailhead. Follow the switchbacks down and across Chicago Creek. After crossing the creek, follow the sign indicating that the trail follows the dirt road and hang a left; from here, you'll reach the Idah...Read more -
Walden, Colorado
Nokhu Hut (Closed)
5.03 mi / 540 ft gainUnfortunately, Nokhu Hut is closed indefinitely. The Nokhu Hut is part of the Never Summer Nordic Hut system, and makes for the perfect beginner Hut trip. The Hut has a stocked kitchen, wood shed, and small wood burning stove that keeps the tiny hut toasty warm. From the Hut, it is a short, ea...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 -
Evergreen, Colorado
Boulder The Eggs on the Hidden Fawn Trail
1.3 mi / 171 ft gainLooking for a place near Denver to perfect your bouldering skills? Or are you wanting to get the whole family out, but not looking for an extreme/technical hike? Which ever question best describes you, Alderfer/Three Sisters Park is the perfect place to go.This Jefferson County Open Space Park ha...Read more -
Boulder, Colorado
South Boulder Creek - Mesa Trail - Lower Big Bluestem Loop
4.04.46 mi / 453 ft gainThis 4 mile loop ascends only a slight amount in elevation, making for a pleasant loop in which opportunities for appreciation of the nature around you and broad vista photography are in plentiful supply. A great hike for those who may still be building their fitness, as so many trails in Boulder...Read more -
Gypsum, Colorado
Camp at Heart Lake
Ever wanted to pick a spot on the map and just GO for the weekend? That's exactly how we discovered Heart Lake. Our only recommendation is don't do it in October, when it might snow. A lot.As there's not much to do other than hike around up there, we combined the day with a morning mountain bike ...Read more -
Telluride, Colorado
Alta Lakes Dispersed Camping
4.7Note: Camping is permitted around the lake. There are approximately 20 undeveloped campsites. For more information, head to the US Forest Service website. Camping Facilities20 campsites that are completely undevelopedCamping is permitted at only the designated campsitesPortable toilets are avail...Read more -
Woodland Park, Colorado
Red Rocks at Woodland Park
4.51 mi / 100 ft gainIn Woodland Park driving on HWY 24 towards Divide, you will see signs for HWY 67 which is where you'll need to get to. The Road will fork towards the end of town (left being 24 towards Divide, Right being 67). Stay right at the fork onto 67. You will then drive about 2 miles until you see a sign ...Read more -
Boulder, Colorado
Hike the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail
4.45.3 mi / 1304 ft gainRattlesnake Gulch Trail is located in Eldorado Canyon State Park. It is a short 20 minute drive from Boulder and is one of three hikes in the park. You will need to pay an entrance fee to get inside to the park which costs $8. The trail is approximately 2.8 miles one way and carries a consistent ...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 -
Nederland, Colorado
Snowshoe Lost Lake
5.02.7 mi / 791 ft gainDriving through the towns of Nederlands and Eldora alone is a beautiful experience. Once you come up to Hessie Trailhead, you'll already be in a daze because you'll be staring at Eldora Mountain and will see some ski runs in the distance.Getting to the trailhead early is best. Parking starts alon...Read more -
Buena Vista, Colorado
Hike to the Historical Interlaken Resort
5.06 mi / 500 ft gainFollow Colorado Highway 24 South from Leadville for 14 miles, then turn right onto Colorado 82 towards Aspen. Turn left onto County Road 25, then follow the road for 1 mile to a small parking area for the Colorado Trail. You have arrived!This trail starts near 9,200 feet of elevation and while yo...Read more -
Shrine Pass, Colorado
Shrine Ridge Trail
5.04.2 mi / 743 ft gainShrine Ridge is one of the most incredible wildflower spots in the state of Colorado. Not only is the area incredibly beautiful with carpets of flowers covering verdant mountainsides, it's only a 1.5-hour drive from Denver. The ridge summit is a short 2-mile hike from the parking area at Shrine P...Read more
