Nederland, Colorado
Just up the canyon from Boulder, this sleepy mountain town serves as a gateway to the Indian Peaks Wilderness, with it's myriad options for backpacking, hiking, climbing, and backcountry skiing. In the winter, Eldora is an awesome ski resort just 10 min outside of town.
Top Spots in and near Nederland
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Grand Lake, Colorado
Snowshoe to Rowley Homestead at Snow Mountain Ranch
3.03 mi / 100 ft gainAt Snow Mountain Ranch, you can strap on the snowshoes and heading to an old homestead on the ranch. It is about 3 mile round trip adventure.You snowshoe through the woods and by some of the cabins at Camp Chief Ouray. On the trail, check out the aspen trees. You can see the markings where the e...Read more -
Evergreen, Colorado
Photograph Ancient Bristlecone Pines on Mt. Goliath
5.0On the way to the summit of Mt. Evans sits a small 160 acre preserve of some of the world's oldest living trees. The Mount Goliath Natural Area protects a rare site of Bristlecone Pines that make excellent photographic subjects.Immediately after parking you're surrounded by a miniature forest ful...Read more -
Parshall, Colorado
Ski or Snowshoe Jones Pass
4.06 mi / 1600 ft gainIts sister trail, Butler Gulch, is an all-time favorite hike (both summer and winter), and since they share a trailhead, I knew Jones Pass would be special as well.Jones Pass is not the type of trail I normally take, since it is actually a 4x4 road that is used for Jeeping in the summer and snowm...Read more -
Fraser, Colorado
Summit Byers Peak
8.8 mi / 2774 ft gainThe drive to the start of the trail is okay, having a high clearance vehicle would make the drive easier, but is not necessary. Free parking is available along the side of the road.The trail starts on a closed service road at a gate and requires you to either hike or bike up the dirt road (2 mil...Read more -
Parshall, Colorado
Butler Gulch
4.55.26 mi / 2008 ft gainButler Gulch is a pristinely beautiful day hike in the heart of the Arapaho National Forest near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Easily accessible from Denver, Butler Gulch is full of jaw-dropping views in all seasons, and anyone in good health can enjoy this gem. The hike is five miles long and rated ...Read more -
Parshall, Colorado
Snowshoe Butler Gulch
5 mi / 1500 ft gainIn fall, winter and spring, the trail is covered in snow, which makes it ideal for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. The trail becomes indistinguishable after the first mile or two, but usually you can follow previous skiers' tracks up the mountainside.What you miss in wildflowers or mine sight...Read more -
Parshall, Colorado
Camp at Jones Pass
4.5To locate these campsites all you have to do is type in Jones Pass Road into google maps or your iPhone and it will take you straight there. There are road signs once you get off I-70 that will help you the rest of the way that say Jones Pass. Once you hit the dirt road and pass the Jones Pass Tr...Read more -
Golden, Colorado
Argos Trail & Magic Mountain Trail Loop
5.01.91 mi / 397 ft gainArgos Trail & Magic Mountain Trail Loop is a scenic loop that's great for stretching your legs in Apex Park near Golden Colorado. This trail is fun for the family (baby carrier needed for families with newborns) and for your pup (on-leash). NOTEOdd days of the month (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.) are...Read more -
Granby, Colorado
Ice Fish on Lake Granby
Looking to catch some fresh trout? This might be the place to get it! If it's your first time fishing Lake Granby, here's some pointers:Those of you coming from Denver, take US 40W past Winter Park, Fraser and Tabernash until you hit Granby. After you pass through the town of Granby, turn right o...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Twin Sisters Peak
5.07.48 mi / 2470 ft gainThe trailhead starts close to 9,000 ft elevation. It continues at a gradual slope through the forest for a long way. The trail does not exit the tree line until close to the top, where there is a boulder field, of sorts (slightly over 11,000 ft). Don't worry, there is a nice trail all the way to ...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Paddle Lily Lake
Lily Lake allows boating in non-motorized watercraft and is only a short carry from your parking area by 7. Parking can be limited so get there in the morning early so that you can enjoy the morning wildlife and decreased crowds. You can spend an hour or so here kayaking slowly around enjoying th...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Estes Cone
4.08.22 mi / 2359 ft gainThe trail begins on the left on a park service road before reaching a junction with the Storm Pass Trail just past .2 miles. Follow the trail as it enters the forest and continue past the private property signs and over a footbridge. Past the bridge the trail climbs more steadily for just under 2...Read more -
Estes Park, Colorado
Rock Climb above Lilly Lake
3.5Lilly Lake is known as a very popular, easy hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Lilly Lake itself is very pretty and also has some good fishing and walking opportunities.Rock rises up nearby the northwest area of the lake, and offers some of the most fun rock climbing in the area. There are num...Read more -
Evergreen, Colorado
Hike Panorama Point at Corwina Park
4.72.7 mi / 640 ft gainJefferson County, the "Gateway to the Rockies" has dozens of great parks and trails. One of the best, however, is often overlooked, as it is sandwiched between bigger and more popular parks. Corwina Park is a small section located off Hwy. 74, near the village of Kittredge. Sitting between the po...Read more -
Dillon, Colorado
Bakerville Scenic Snowshoe/XC Ski Trek
4.0In summer, Stevens Gulch Road, the access point to Grays Peak and Torreys Peak, is typically packed with adventurers intent on summiting a 14er or two. Once the snow comes, this unmaintained road becomes impassible, and the once busy lane transforms into a silent and pristine haven for snowshoers...Read more -
Allenspark, Colorado
Hike to Verna, Spirit, Fourth, and Fifth Lakes
17.93 mi / 2661 ft gainThis summer backpacking trip provides plenty of opportunities for exploration and endless moments to take in awe-inspiring scenery. On our visit, after setting up camp at the Lake Verna backcountry site, I quickly made my way to the next lake (Spirit Lake) to photograph the sunset. The symmetry a...Read more