Guides
Enjoy America's #1 recreation town by bike. This path starts in the plains, goes through town and ends in the mountains.
In a town that loves its trails and alternative forms of transportation, the Boulder Creek Path is the perfect defining landmark. This trail also symbolizes the state of Colorado since it start in the plains and ends in the mountains; it also runs through both rural and urban landscapes. This trail is also commonly known as the Boulder Bike Path...
A Perfect Beginner Fourteener
Nestled in the heart of the Front Range mountains, and with superb access from the Denver metropolis, Mount Bierstadt is a terrific adventure for the weekend warrior. If you are looking to climb your first fourteener, or make your first fourteener ski descent, this is the peak for you. Named after Albert Bierstatdt a famous painter of western landscapes,...
This trail is part of the Walker Ranch Open Space area southwest of Boulder, Colorado.
The Meyers Homestead Trail is located nine miles southwest of Boulder, Colorado. To reach the trail from Boulder, you will drive west on Baseline Road until you get to Chautauqua Park. You will continue on this road, but the name changes to Flagstaff Road and it begins to climb quite steeply. Once you reach the top of Flagstaff Road and begin downhill,...
Devil's Thumb Pass from the Hessie Trailhead
The hike to Devil's Thumb Pass is a wonderful hike for those who are able to make the journey. Although there are other, much shorter routes to the pass, none offer the scenery that you will encounter on this particular route. It is rated as moderate due to the length of the hike and the fact that you will ascend approx. 2400 feet (add another 800ft...
Hiking on the back side of Pikes Peak
I did part of this hike at the end of April. I didn't know then that despite the snowmelt in most of the area (Colorado Springs, Woodland Park & Divide), this trail runs along the north face of one ridge and the south face of another. So the snow was still quite deep. So with no snowshoes, the only one who enjoyed that trek was the dog. Drive west...
At over 10,000 feet in elevation, the Mineral Belt Loop Trail will take your breath in more ways than one.
Located in Leadville, Colorado, the Mineral Belt Loop Trail is an 11.6 mile asphalt path that is replete with history, scenery, and recreation. The riding is smooth and the educational opportunities are bountiful. Set in Colorado mining country, the trail is dotted with historical signs and remnants of a rich geological past. When it is hot down in...
A hike within the Roosevelt National Forest
There are a couple of Blue Lakes in the Colorado front range. This one is located in the Roosevelt National Forest north of Nederland, near the small community of Ward. It is a fabulous hike in which you will encounter two major lakes (Mitchell and Blu) and several other streams and small ponds. Ther is abundant wildlife and flowers that offer some...
Spectacular Beauty in the Heart of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains
Deep in the heart of the Sangre De Cristo mountains in southern Colorado, Willow Lake provides a respite for the waters draining the Obstruction Peak glacial trough, as they rush north and west toward the central Colorado basin. If you tee off from the top of Obstruction Peak, Willow Lake is in the center of the dog-leg left, with 500 yard long meadow...
The Bitterbrush and Nelson Loop Trails are fairly difficult mountain bike routes that form a lasso trail near Lyons, CO.
Unlike many of my other trail guides, this one is definitely a little more strenuous and technical. If you are riding a bike, prepare for steep climbs and rapid descents. There are some tricky corners and numerous rocks and roots in the trail. There is also great scenery, lots of wildlife, and a heck of a roller-coaster ride. Although this trail is...
Views From the Perimeter of the Garden
The Garden of the God’s really deserves more than one guide. This one takes you on a walk around the main section of the formations that constitute the Garden of the Gods as most people experience it. Three primary trails connect to form a 4 mile loop: The Palmer Trail begins on the north side of the main parking area, heading west and then south....
An easy non-technical day climb, that is if you are used to the 14,440 ft elevation
At 14,440 feet Mt. Elbert is the highest point in the Sawatch Range as well as the state. On this 4,500 foot climb you'll mostly be above treeline so be prepared. You will also be at altitude so make sure you allow yourself plenty of time. Also, make sure to get a VERY early start because thunderstorms always roll in during summer afternoons and...
This mountain bike version of the famous Morgul-Bismarck bike race course, is a great loop trail near Superior, Colorado
Also known as the "Happy Meal Loop," the Bismarck Dirty Loop was completed in 2011 with the addition of the Meadowlark Trail section. This trail is easily accessible by Colorado Front Range trail users and is an especially enjoyable mountain bike trail. Although challenging in a couple short sections, in general the Bismarck Dirty Loop is not a very...
Slicing Into the Front Range
Picture the “wall” of the side of a chocolate layer cake. Imagine making one knife cut down through that wall. Pull out your imaginary knife (so you won’t get hurt) and gaze into the slit you’ve created. Now transfer this image to the front range of the Rocky Mountains, behind the Air Force Academy, near Colorado Springs. This is Stanley Canyon. Trail...
A gentle hike with spectacular red rock views
Roxborough State Park is a true natural gem, conveniently located in Southwest Denver. The park is one of the best places near Denver to encounter wildlife. The highlight of this hike will be the dramatic views of the red rock formations angling skyward. This trail offers some of the best views in the park, and is less crowded than the fountain valley...
Enjoy this loop trail that meanders along creeks, beside a pond, through pumpkin fields and over Colorado hills.
This trail wanders through the communities of Louisville, Broomfield, and Lafayette, Colorado. Most of the ride is on open space trails, but portions of it also utilize Dillon Road and S. 120th Street. There are three good trailheads from which to access this trail, and each trailhead is in a different one of the three communities mentioned above....
A "must do" hike to the area's only working fire lookout
Devils head is a distinct granite rock outcropping in the front range west of Castle Rock. The outcropping is clearly visible from Castle Rock to Woodland Park. The outcropping is also home to the only fire lookout, in Colorado, that is staffed by the National Forest Service. This grants it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. It should...
The Secret Treasure of Manitou Springs
I met a lady along the trail who was, like me, enjoying this hike for the very first time. Unlike me, who has only lived here a year, she was a 30-something native who’d “just never been up here before.” She seemed to regret having waited so long; I’m glad I didn’t. Williams Canyon is situated, fittingly enough, at the end of Cañon Ave. in...
An exciting trail that’s great for new and experienced drivers alike.
This trail, combined with Cinnamon Pass, constitutes the famous Alpine Loop. It is an exhilarating trip for drivers of all experience levels. There are many mines and points of historical interest along the route. The east side of the trail follows Henson Creek where you’ll find excellent places to camp and fish. For current conditions, contact the...
A Castle Rock Classic
This 1.5 mile trail is a great example of the ecology and geography of the Castle Rock area. It offers much of the same experience as the nearby castlewood canyon with out the crowds. This trail is fun and there is beauty to be found here, however, I wouldn't drive more than 30 minutes to visit this trail. The trail climbs to the western rim of the...
Challenging Inner City Wilderness Loop
Palmer Park is one of the largest park/open spaces in the city of Colorado Springs. It contains excellent facilities: dog park, horse stable, riding trails, picnic areas, and for our purposes, hiking trails. My favorite is the four mile loop that circumnavigates the top of the mesa in the center of the park. The Templeton Trail begins and ends at the...
A Granite Walled Swimming Hole Perfect For Cliff Jumping
Paradise Cove (also known as Guffey Cove) is a hidden little swimming hole near Cripple Creek. The cove is a short, but sometimes steep 1/2 mile (one way) hike. You will be rewarded for your modest effort with an afternoon of fun, and a whole lot of good stories to tell your friends. The cove itself is a small but deep pool, fed by a small waterfall....
Hidden Beauty Along “Ring the Peak” Trail
This is a beautiful section of the “Ring the Peak” trail system. The distance from Horsethief Falls trailhead to Putney Gulch trailhead is 4 miles. You can begin at either end; both are easily accessible to cars. The Putney Gulch location is also used for camping, and there are several good camping spots along the trail if you want to do more than...
Classic trail connecting Frisco and Breckenridge in Summit County (Colorado).
This is a classic out and back trail that you can start from either Frisco or Breckenridge. This trail description starts at the trailhead near Main St. in Frisco. Directions: Frisco is about 70 miles from Denver. Take I70 West from Denver. Drive about 70 miles to exit 203. Go south on Route 9. In about 1 mile, the intersection with Main St. will...
A pleasant hike to a beautiful waterfall
This guide is brought to you by ColoradoKeith.com This is a very fun hike to a spectacular waterfall. The hike has plenty of variety that will keep your interest including meadows, pine, and aspen forest. You will be treated to many views of Mt Antero, and even get to test your balance by crossing Browns Creek via small log bridges. The usage...
Great hike in the Teller County wilderness, just west of Colorado Springs
Rising 800 ft above the 4 Mile Creek valley floor, Dome Rock is the quintessential Colorado destination. Adjacent to Meuller State Park, just south of Divide and north of Cripple Creek, you can hike here from mid-July to the end of November. This area is restricted because it is one of the few areas where Big Horn Sheep drop and nurture their lambs....
Colorado Butte With a Beautiful View
Just east of the Rampart Range section of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains the plains limestone buttes rise randomly across the plains. One of the largest of these rocky islands is Spruce Mountain, situated west of I-25 and north of the small town of Palmer Park, CO. Spruce Mtn. provides a delightful opportunity to enjoy views of Pikes Peak, Rampart...
Monument Colorado's Topological Highpoint
Monument, CO, is about 10 miles north of Colorado Springs, straddling I-25 today as it straddled the Rio Grande Railroad when it was founded in 1872. As Pike’s Peak dominates the skyline west of Colorado Springs, Mt Herman rises majestically from the plain on which Monument rests. For those who like their mountains accessible and their hikes manageable,...
An overlooked gem
The San Juan mountains around Telluride offer some of the best adventures and views in all of Colorado, if not the entire US. Ballard Mountain towers almost 13,000 feet above the town of Telluride, with unbelievable "out the back gate" access. Seldom explored, Ballard offers pristine alpine forests, wildflowers, local history, and jaw dropping views...
A spectacular trail with a new wow around every bend.
This is an amazing trail,one that is well worth the trip to its remote location. This trail is packed full of beauty and excitement, and is only moderately difficult hike. In this hike you will visit three beautiful alpine lakes, see many different types of wildflowers (in season), view dramatic mountain ranges, and enjoy thundering waterfalls....
Pristine Back Country Jaunt
Monument Creek flows north through the Front Range, around the north side of Raspberry Mtn, and down into the town of Monument, where it turns south, paralleling I-25. Then it runs down through Colorado Springs, where it finally joins Fountain Creek on its way to become part of the Arkansas River on the south side of Pueblo, CO. This guide begins at...
Ride the 14 mile long Sand Creek Regional Greenway trail.
The Sand Creek Regional Greenway is a jewel in the necklace of trails that has made the metro Denver area a national model for linked trail systems. This 14-mile public greenway connects the High Line Canal in Aurora with the South Platte River Greenway in Commerce City. Along the way, it passes through Denver and the newly formed Stapleton community. The...
Mix of easy and difficult terrain. Popular hiking area.
Lesser used area is entirely land locked by private property except where forest road enters between houses. Fun, challenging terrain. Great views from top of Miller Rock. Popular hiking area. Good for unlicensed vehicles except no place to park at start. Drive in 0.1 miles to small spot. Trail is open all year, weather permitting. You can exit through...
Wonderful Wilderness Close to Home
The Beaver Creek Wilderness Study Area covers 40,000 acres of uninhabited, road-free wild country. According to the Central Colorado Wilderness Coalition, “bighorn sheep and elk find winter and summer range in Beaver Creek. Mule deer, black bear, mountain lion, beaver, golden and bald eagle, and ring-tailed cats and the threatened Mexican spotted...
Guarding the Western Approach to Pikes Peak
Sentinel Point stands out. I first saw it on the way up to the Dome Rock viewpoint about 4 miles farther west. It looked formidable then. I can tell you now, you will remember this hike. This 12,500 ft mountain received its name because it seems to stand as a guard to the west side of Pikes Peak. It is aptly named. The hike is not all that long, but...
Where the water is as blue as the Colorado sky!
If you'd like a day at the lake in Central Colorado, this is the place to go. If you like to hike and/or to fish, this is the place to go. Rampart Reservoir rests on a granite plateau at 9000 ft of elevation, about 10 miles northwest of Colorado Springs and 4 miles east of Woodland Park. It is one of the favorite fishing, hiking, biking, and picnicking...
Mountain bike trail west of Golden, CO
This is a relatively new trail that opened several years ago. It is about 10 miles west of Golden yet seems to be far more remote than its proximity to Golden. It offers great views over Clear Creek Canyon. Although not a technically difficult trail, there are some steep drops off of the trail where you may get hurt if you aren't paying enough attention...
This is the only way to get to the top of the resort by the trails listed, other than taking the lift or the jeep roads.
Winter Park Resort is located over 60 miles away from Denver. To get there, take I-70 west for about 29 miles to exit 232, Empire/Granby exit. Take this winding road up and over Berthoud Pass to the second entrance to Winter Park, about 26 miles from the exit. Keep in mind the first entrance actually takes you to the Mary Jane side of the mountain....
Hiking from Mt. Bierstadt to Mt. Evans via the Saw Tooth route.
This is a great all day hike in which you will climb two 4ers, Mt. Bierstadt and Mt. Evans. In the process you will also traverse the saw tooth that seperates these two mountains. The hike up Bierstadt itself is faily easy and we even ran into people with their dogs. However, the crossing of the saw tooth will take you on a very intense class 3 scramble...
Mountain bike trail near Morrison, CO. It is about 30 minuues southwest of Denver.
This is a fun intermediate to advanced trail. It begins with a long 2+ mile climb that is entirely sun exposed. Then you'll get to the top where it flattens out. The best part of the trail in my opinion is the Parmalee Gulch section. This is a fun 2 mile singletrack section that makes the climb worth it. There are many options on this trail. I describe...
Incredible scenery, historic buildings and steep challenges
: Outstanding loop route that has it all: stunning scenery, historic buildings and real adventure. Connects to several other great trails. Fun area for ATVs, UTVs and dirt bikes with parking at Point #2. Recommend side trip to top of Radical Hill. Mountain goats are often seen here. Located in White River National Forest. For current conditions call...
