The Best Backpacking in Boulder

The Ceran St. Vrain trail north of Jamestown offers the hiker a nice respite from the summer sun as this path runs through dense pine forests. The trail follows the South St. Vrain Creek for most of the way and follows moderate grades throughout. There is no official end to the trail, only that i...

South Saint Vrain Figure 8 Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Ward, Colorado.

Mountain Lion Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Pinecliffe, Colorado.

The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is a winter adventurers playground with numerous snowshoe and cross country ski options to be explored. This area is popular as it offers dramatic mountain peaks, a trail for everyone (no motorized vehicles off of pavement), and close proximity to the Denver and ...

Camp Dick to Beaver Reservoir via Cutoff Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Ward, Colorado.

Beaver Reservoir to Monarch Lake Via Sawtooth Mountain is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Ward, Colorado.

Red Deer Lake via Red Deer Lake and Buchanan Pass Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Lyons, Colorado.

Coulson Gulch is a lightly used area of the Roosevelt National Forest which makes it perfect for a weekend getaway without the crowds. This is a great place to camp out under the stars!To get to Coulson Gulch From Lyons, head west on U.S. Highway 36 for about 9 miles. Turn southwest onto Larimer ...

Coulson Gulch Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Lyons, Colorado.

South Arapaho Peak via Arapaho Glacier Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Nederland, Colorado.

Before you start your trip, get a camping permit from the Boulder Ranger Station. Plan to spend your first night in the Crater Lake BZ (Backcountry Zone), and your second in Buchanan BZ. If you're feeling particularly sedate, you can easily spend a third night in Coney Creek.Start early in the mo...

Pawnee Peak is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Ward, Colorado.

Jean Lunning Trail and Pawnee Pass Loop is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Nederland, Colorado.

Finch Lake via Allenspark Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Allenspark, Colorado.

This is an excellent place to take your family backpacking. It is a fairly easy trail and definitely a great one for kids. Take in the beautiful scenery while hiking through meadows, aspen and pine with incredible mountain views in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. 6.4 miles to Red Deer Lake with an e...

Accessed by Hessie Trailhead, Lost Lake is a relatively moderate 4 mile round-trip hike with about 1,000 feet of elevation. The core of the hike is uphill and on a gravel path, 2/3rds of the hike runs parallel to a rushing waterfall.  After parking your car, head towards the Hessie Trailhead. Yo...