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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Estes Park, Colorado
Watch the Sunset at Forest Canyon Overlook
5.00.2 mi / 32 ft gainTrail Ridge Road is an incredible highway that crosses the mountains between Grand Lake and Estes Park, one of the most famous parts of Rocky Mountain National Park. It features incredible views of the Rockies and the Front Range, as well as the unforgettable experience of being immersed in the t...Read more -
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Camp and Fish at Platoro Reservoir
5.0Platoro is the blending of the Spanish words "plata" (silver) and "oro" (gold), and this secluded mountain reservoir strikes it rich when it comes to outdoor recreation. In 1870, gold and silver was discovered in area, which lead to a small boom in 1913 and the settling of the small town which st...Read more -
Larimer County, Colorado
The Loch Vale Hike
5.05.53 mi / 1093 ft gainThe trail starts at the Glacier Gorge trailhead along the road to Bear Lake. After hiking for just under a mile, you'll pass Alberta Falls and continue up the trail through the gorge. At about 2 miles you'll reach a clear junction, with trails towards Mills Lake, Lake Haiyaha, and The Loch. Take ...Read more -
Cascade, Colorado
Manitou Incline
4.63.8 mi / 1949 ft gainIf you're ready for a fitness challenge like no other, look no further than the Manitou Incline. The trail climbs the remnants of an old cog railway bed, gaining 2000 feet of elevation in less than a mile. Busy all year round, the popular trail is used by everyone from Army Rangers and Olympic ho...Read more -
1398 Longs Peak Road, Colorado
Storm Peak and Mount Lady Washington
4.512.57 mi / 5312 ft gainThis adventure began at the Longs Peak trailhead in southeastern Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. I followed the Longs Peak trail for 6 miles to the Boulderfield backcountry camping area. This is a fairly steep on-trail climb of 3,360 feet. After setting up camp at 12,760 feet, my partner...Read more -
Frisco, Colorado
Lake Dillon
4.3To get to the southern end of the lake from Denver, head west on 70 until you reach 9. Take 9 for a few miles until you find the spot on the lake where you want to get started. On the south side of Lake Dillon, there was an abundance of old stumps lining the beach, which would occasionally drift...Read more -
Jefferson, Colorado
Colorado Trail: Kenosha Pass to FR 130
4.66.81 mi / 938 ft gainThe Colorado Trail (http://www.coloradotrail.org) is 500 miles long and stretches from Denver to Durango. Perhaps the most-traveled portion of the Colorado Trail is at Kenosha Pass. Kenosha Pass is well-known for its thick, colorful stands of aspen in the fall. During peak leaf season (late Septe...Read more -
Mosca, Colorado
High Dune
4.82.74 mi / 581.58 ft gainThe Great Sand Dunes are one the most unique landscapes in Colorado. These massive dunes are the tallest sand dunes in North America. Hiking these dunes can be very difficult, but well worth the amazing views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. If you plan on visiting in the summer, be sure t...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Green Lake via Glacier Gorge Trail
5.011.38 mi / 2352 ft gainBegin at the popular Glacier Gorge trailhead along Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. Arrive VERY early for parking as the lot typically fills by 7:30 am. For the best photography options - choose to either backpack into the Glacier Gorge campsite (reservations must be made early in ...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 -
Cripple Creek, Colorado
Drive Gold Camp Road
4.35 miGold Camp Road is a road that begins near Bear Creek Regional park. As you drive up the winding road, the road will turn to dirt. Continue driving down the dirt road, turn the corner and BAM, you're hit with some mountain views that will take your breath away. As you continue to drive Gold camp r...Read more -
Kremmling, Colorado
Radium Hot Springs
5.0The Parking Area & Trailhead have been updated by the BLM from the previous starting point at Mugrage Campground, which is no longer open. The BLM has also built a relatively short and easy trail from the new parking area to the hot springs. The springs are not too hot, about 80-90 degree F...Read more -
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Piedra River Hot Springs
4.82.9 mi / 640 ft gainAbout a 45 minute drive east of Durango, sits the trailhead for the Piedra River Hot Springs. This free use, natural hot spring on the Piedra River has several 100 degree pools. The springs are accessible via a 3 mile roundtrip hike, often with wildlife sightings along the way. The hike to the ho...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Backpack Cathedral Lake
4.75.6 mi / 2000 ft gainCathedral Lake offers an excellent alternative to escape the crowds that swarm the Maroon Bells area, especially in the peak autumn season. The drive along Castle Creek Rd towards the abandoned ski town Ashcroft is lined with aspens showing off their golden hues. Parking at the trailhead is plent...Read more -
Durango, Colorado
Trimble Hot Springs
4.3The Trimble Spa and Natural Hot Springs offers a 101-105 degree, Olympic size swimming pool, in addition to two mineral pools, saunas, and a spa. Lodging is available as well, including a 'couple's hideaway' package.Read more -
Allenspark, Colorado
Ouzel & Ogallala Peaks
17.18 mi / 4403 ft gainBegin at the Wild Basin Trailhead in southeastern Rocky Mountain National Park near the town of Allenspark. Plan to start before sunrise if attempting this trek as a day trip in order to avoid afternoon thunderstorms above the treeline. This trip can easily be made into a backpacking experience b...Read more
