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
Relax at Maroon Lake
4.9The Maroon Bells are known around the world for being some of the most iconic, beautiful mountains in all of the United States. Even if you haven't heard of them, there's a chance you've seen them. And if you've seen them in person, it's likely you were there with 800+ of your closest friends.If ...Read more -
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Hike to St. Mary's Falls
3.63.2 miFrom the parking area, follow the trail as it heads up towards the falls. The last mile, in particular, makes for a decent uphill challenge. This hike and waterfall are great for showing family and friends.Read more -
Lakewood, Colorado
Green Mountain Mountain Bike Loop
4.06.9 mi / 1047 ft gainSkip the bar and spend happy hour hiking/biking this fun and easy loop. With convenient access from the Denver-Metro Area, this spot is perfect for a quick ride after work, or hike with your dog. The park has three parking lots, and the trail can be completed as a loop system (in either directio...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Backpack to Odessa Lake via Fern Lake Trailhead
4.09.65 mi / 1890 ft gainOdessa Lake seems to be one of the true hidden gems of Rocky Mountain National Park. Don't get me wrong, you will likely see some folks there, but it is a far cry from the other crowded Bear Lake trailhead lakes. There are two ways to reach Odessa; one, from the Bear Lake Trailhead, and the oth...Read more -
Boulder, Colorado
Hike the Flatirons Vista Loop Trail
4.73.3 miFrom the parking lot, take South Flatiron Vista Trail for 2.4 miles, where you'll cross onto North Flatiron Vista Trail. In 1 mile, take the connector trail back to the trailhead. To shorten the loop to 2 miles, hike South Flatiron for just 1 mile to Prairie Vista Trail, which leads back to the c...Read more -
Pine, Colorado
Dispersed Camp at the Buffalo Creek Area in Pike National Forest
3.850 miles from Denver, nestled in Pike National Forest, there are dozens of free dispersed camping sites. With quick access to the Colorado Trail and Buffalo Creek Mountain Bike Area, these campsites make for a perfect weekend getaway. The campsites begin on Forest Road 550, and are clearly marked...Read more -
Littleton, Colorado
Hike the Fountain Valley Trail at Roxborough State Park
4.82.3 mi / 100 ft gainThe Fountain Valley Trail at Roxborough State Park is a very easy trail that's perfect for those that want to enjoy the outdoors but not subject themselves to the rigors of climbing a 14er. This very well maintained trail is wide and flat and perfect for groups, families, or for taking visitors t...Read more -
Loveland, Colorado
Hike the Devil's Backbone in Colorado
4.32.5 miThe Devils Backbone Open Space offers great hiking in the Front Range foothills. The main feature is the rock formation running along the western boundary of the park, but the open space also supports a large wildlife and plant population. Here, you'll find great opportunities for year-round hiki...Read more -
Golden, Colorado
Capture the Mountains Leaving Denver
5.0After shooting a friend's wedding, I was on my way home when I noticed the sky start to light up to the west. I parked the car and ran down the road. The spot is well known for how perfectly the overpass frames the mountains as drivers leave the Denver area.The total exposure time was just over 2...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Hike from Bear Lake to Fern Lake Trailhead
5.010 mi / 2100 ft gainOn this Rocky Mountain hike you’ll explore 4 picturesque mountain lakes and a 60 foot waterfall. Completing this hike requires familiarizing yourself with Rocky Mountain National Park’s free shuttle system. Hikes along Bear Lake Road are some of the busiest in the park. Trailhead parking lots fi...Read more -
Golden, Colorado
Hike the Morrison Slide in Matthews / Winters Park
4.24.7 mi / 600 ft gainStart at the trailhead located at 1103 County Hwy. 93 and enjoy a little warm up time by the creek that winds past wild plum, chokecherry, and willow trees. Matthews-Winters Park is filled with red rock formations that make for amazing scenery. It also has the remnants of a historic cemetery. The...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
Camping at Brainard Lake
5.0Pawnee Campground has 47 sites for suited for tents, RVs, or trailers with eight that are walk in and tent only. These can fill up quick so get there early if you don't have a reservation, which can be tough to come by but will be well worth it.Brainard Lake has been one of the most popular hikin...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Photograph Bear Lake
4.6Bear Lake is a popular tourist destination in Rocky Mountain NP, but when the sun is low in the sky or the stars are out you'll find the big crowd are gone. The lake is beautiful at sunrise and sunset but especially photogenic in the fall or at winter's end. While it doesn't have the darkest nig...Read more -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Hike Chief Mountain, CO
4.54 mi / 1100 ft gainSitting at 11,709’, Chief Mountain is not one of Colorado’s highest peaks, but the views from this mountain are spectacular nonetheless and rival the views of any 14er I’ve climbed. This mountain sits along Squaw Pass Road so you get the luxury of a high trailhead for this peak.To get there, foll...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Catch a Sunrise at Dream Lake
4.92.2 mi / 402 ft gainBegin at the Bear Lake Trailhead, located at the end of Bear Lake Road, 9 miles from the entrance on Highway 36. Follow the signs to Dream Lake, passing Nymph Lake about halfway through. At 1.1 miles you will reach Dream Lake. The views of 12,713-foot Hallett Peak and 12,324-foot Flattop Mountain...Read more -
Breckenridge, Colorado
Winter Hike to Quandary Peak (14,265')
4.67 mi / 3500 ft gainQuandary Peak is a popular winter 14er because of its easy access near Breckenridge, its Class 1 designation, and its low avalanche risk. While the access roads to many 14ers are closed in winter, adding extra mileage to an already grueling hike, Quandary Peak’s access is just off Hwy. 9, and the...Read more
