Boulder, Colorado
Nestled up against the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is an adventure-lover's paradise. You can find a myriad accessible hiking trails nearby in Chautauqua Park, or venture further afield into the Indian Peaks Wilderness for hiking and backpacking on the Continental Divide. Rocky Mountain National Park is just an hour away, with opportunities for hiking, climbing, fishing and more.
Top Spots in and near Boulder
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Granby, Colorado
Mirror and Crater Lakes via Cascade Creek Trail
4.614.94 mi / 2421 ft gainStart at the Monarch Lake trailhead (where there is a $5 parking fee unless you have one of the national lands passes) and follow the cascade creek trail around the north side of the lake. After about 1.5 miles the trail splits with the Arapaho pass trail, follow the cascade trail to the left as ...Read more -
Denver, Colorado
Washington Park Loop
2.34 mi / 72 ft gainWashington Park in located near Denver South High School is the perfect spot for a run, walk, or an afternoon picnic! This paved loop is just over 2 miles and offers up scenic views of both Grasmere Lake and Smith Lake. This is also a family-friendly destination with a playground for the kids and...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Sprague Lake Loop
5.00.81 mi / 26 ft gainLocated in Rocky Mountain National Park at an elevation of almost 8,700 feet, Sprague Lake offers visitors great views with very little effort required. It's a short 15 minute drive from Estes Park and hikers can take the short trail around the circumference of the lake. You'll find bathrooms and...Read more -
Denver, Colorado
Westerly Creek Trail
2.25 mi / 105 ft gainWesterly Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail that is good for all skill levels located near Denver, Colorado.Read more -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Chinns Lake Trail
4.02.7 mi / 741 ft gainChinns Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Idaho Springs, Colorado.Read more -
Morrison, Colorado
Hike Mount Falcon
4.03.7 miJust a short drive from Denver up US-285 sits Mount Falcon Park, a 2,248 acre open space park managed by Jefferson County. With over 12 miles of hiking trails and stunning views of Denver and the Front Range, this park is perfect for getting in a quick adventure when you don’t feel like driving t...Read more -
Larimer County, Colorado
Bierstadt Lake Loop
4.32.93 mi / 682 ft gainFrom the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead on Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, you start out in lodgepole pines at 8850 feet high. But you quickly get into the aspens. In the breeze, aspens flutter or quake. It's unique sound as the leaves almost dance in the wind. The views and aspens ...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 -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Explore Fall River Reservoir
4.01 mi / 144 ft gainThis spot may be a little more difficult to reach than others, but the payoff is worth it. You'll start by taking a dirt road that splits off from Fall River Road. It is pretty easy going for the first mile or so, but then you'll want to make sure you have a little higher clearance 4x4 vehicle to...Read more -
Larimer County, Colorado
Winter Hike to Loch Vale
4.05.53 mi / 1093 ft gainThis winter adventure begins at the popular Glacier Gorge Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. Make sure you arrive early as the parking lot fills up quickly! We started the hike with our microspikes on and carried our snowshoes. The park ranger informed us snowshoes may be necessary in som...Read more -
Larimer County, Colorado
Hike to Jewel Lake
4.06.12 mi / 764 ft gainThis trail starts at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. This trailhead fills quickly at any time of year, so it's best to get there early to guarantee a parking spot. You can also park at Bear Lake where there's more spaces and add just under 2 miles to your round trip length. A mile into the hike, y...Read more -
Larimer County, Colorado
Hike the Spearhead
5.012.44 mi / 2992 ft gainBeginning from the Glacier Gorge trailhead, follow trail signs towards Mills Lake. At Mills, continue onward past Black Lake, and then continue hiking up into the incredible basin above Black Lake. Spearhead will be unmissable. Once in the basin, head to the north side of Spearhead. By hugging t...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Black Lake Trail
5.09.17 mi / 1444 ft gainThe Black lake hike begins at the very popular Glacier Gorge trailhead along Bear Lake road in Rocky Mountain National Park. During the summer and weekends, the park shuttle may be the best parking option as the lot is often full by 7am and can be difficult to find a spot throughout the day. Fr...Read more -
Larimer County, Colorado
Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trailhead
4.78.43 mi / 1765 ft gainStart at the Glacier Gorge trailhead on Bear Lake Road. Parking is limited so it is advised to get there very early. It's a longer hike so plan on taking a full day to complete or stay overnight to enjoy more of the scenery. Within the first mile on the Glacier Gorge Trail you will pass by Alber...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 -
Larimer County, Colorado
Mills Lake via Glacier Gorge Trailhead
4.85.24 mi / 751 ft gainStart hiking at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead down the bear lake road in rocky mountain national park. The trailhead is very popular so it can be difficult to find a parking place at times. From Glacier Gorge, follow the obvious trail and signs towards mills lake. In the summer the trail will go p...Read more
