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Leadville, Colorado

Looking for the best backpacking in Leadville? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Leadville. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Backpacking Spots in and near Leadville

  • Frisco, Colorado

    Ski to Janet's Cabin

    6 mi / 1900 ft gain
    Janet's Cabin is located on the eastern slope of the Continental Divide at 11,610 ft, near Copper Mountain ski resort. This hut is one of the rare huts with not only a sauna but indoor bathrooms (composting pits)!  The cabin was built in 1990 and due to the location helicopters were required to b...
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  • Frisco, Colorado

    Backpack to the Gore Range's Wheeler and Lost Lakes

    4.5
    10 mi / 2200 ft gain
    The range offers many remote lakes and peaks which hikers can access from various points of entry. Wheeler and Lost Lakes lie within the boundaries of the Eagle's Nest Wilderness Area.The Gore Trail begins on the north side of the CO-91 pedestrian bridge over I-70. You will follow the trail up al...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Hike Lost Man Loop

    5.0
    8.8 mi / 1290 ft gain
    This 8.8 mile "loop" is not a true loop and the trail ends 4 miles apart along Independence Pass, so a car shuttle is recommended. I would recommend starting at the west trailhead (closer to Aspen) but will describe both trailheads so you can set up another car or shuttle at the other one.1) West...
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  • Breckenridge, Colorado

    Camp at Boreas Pass

    9 mi / 1500 ft gain
    Boreas pass is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains that sits on the Continental Divide at 11,481'. Forest Service Road 33 goes over the pass and has numerous campsites all along its length, with several near the summit that feature breathtaking views of the Tenmile Range and the Breckenri...
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  • Breckenridge, Colorado

    Ski or Snowshoe to Section House Hut

    5.0
    6.25 mi / 1200 ft gain
    There are a couple routes to Section Hut on Boreas Pass, but the best adds trekking through the forest on Baker's Tank trail. Starting at 10,350' at the TH, look for a trail in the woods that starts climbing relatively quickly. Follow this for about 2.5 miles to the junction with the road and B...
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  • Buena Vista, Colorado

    Backpacking to Kroenke Lake

    9 mi / 2750 ft gain
    Starting at the North Cottonwood trailhead just outside of Buena Vista, Colorado. This hike will take you 4.5 miles to the lake with about 2750 feet of elevation gain. The hike is mostly mellow and you'll likely see hikers heading up to Horn Fork basin to hike Mt. Harvard and Columbia. Campsites ...
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  • Basalt, Colorado

    Backpack & Fish at Lake Charles

    11 mi / 1700 ft gain
    I decided to make an Outbound listing for this because the AllTrails listing is incredibly inaccurate. Hopefully you're reading this one!  Your adventure starts at the trailhead of Fulford Cave / Fulford Cave Campground in Yeoman Park. Yeoman Park is just past Sylvan Lake State Park and is consid...
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  • Silverthorne, Colorado

    Lily Pad Lake

    4.7
    3.27 mi / 531 ft gain
    Lily Pad Lake is a well known destination just outside of Silverthorne and in the Eagle's Nest Wilderness. The trail may be heavily trafficked on the weekends, but solitude can still be found in the early mornings or during the weekdays. The trail starts at the Lily Pad Lake Trailhead, just to t...
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  • Vail, Colorado

    Hike the Upper Piney River Trail

    4.0
    5.6 mi / 350 ft gain
    Beginning at an elevation of 9,397 feet, this hike provides an easy 2.8 mile (one way) trip through the gorgeous meadows against the distant aspens and alpines. Wildflowers and wildlife are abundant, which make this trip a fantastic education and play experience for kids.Coordinates for the trail...
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  • Vail, Colorado

    Backpack to Bubble Lake

    3.0
    13 mi / 3600 ft gain
    The Gore's are a rough and remote section of the Eagle's Nest Wilderness.  What this trip may lack in overall miles, it more than makes up for in elevation gain, scrambling, boulder hopping, and overall hard miles on the trail.  Every trip I have had the pleasure of taking into the Gore Range has...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    McNamara Hut

    5.0
    12.46 mi / 2631 ft gain
    McNamara Hut sits in the national forest on the slope of Bald Knob, with easy access to intermediate backcountry skiing and more challenging terrain further away. Built in 1982, it's one of the original huts in the 10th Mountain Division system along with Margy's Hut. The hut comes stocked with...
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  • Chaffee County, Colorado

    Off-Trail Hike of Limestone Ridge

    4.0
    9 mi / 1000 ft gain
    Finding a winter or early spring adventure that won't take you deep into dangerous mountain territory, while still providing epic vistas, is a challenge in Colorado. There are a few 10,000' tall ranges that sometimes escape deep snow, which are inviting for a first step into the alpine wonderland...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Camp on the Backside of Buttermilk Mountain

    1.0
    4 mi / 2000 ft gain
    Park at the Buttermilk Ski Area parking lot and begin your hike up the mountain at the bottom of the Summit Express chair lift. Follow the 4x4 dirt road the entire way up Buttermilk. There are other small hiking trails that you can follow too, and with the entire mountain being a ski area, it's s...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Backpack Cathedral Lake

    4.7
    5.6 mi / 2000 ft gain
    Cathedral 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...
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  • Buena Vista, Colorado

    Ptarmigan Lake near Buena Vista

    5.0
    6.01 mi / 1608 ft gain
    When you begin the trail, make sure to choose the correct trailhead from the parking lot (located on the south side of the lot to the left, NOT behind the bathroom). From there, begin a moderate climb through a shaded fir forest to the tree line. Emerge in a meadow at a pond and the lower lake, ...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Conundrum Hot Springs via Conundrum Creek

    4.3
    16.77 mi / 2717 ft gain
    After picking up your required overnight permit, start your morning with a coffee in Aspen, then drive out 15 min to the trailhead at the end of Conundrum Creek road. The trail is a straight shot 9 miles up the valley, through expansive meadows and an always incredible view of the mountains and ...
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