The Best Backpacking in Westcliffe

Start at the Music Pass trail head south of Westcliffe, Colorado off County Road 119. You will need a 4x4 with high clearance to get to the actual trailhead as the last 2.5 miles are rough. Otherwise, park at the Crape Creek TH and walk the 2.5 miles up to Music Pass Trailhead.Once on the trail...

Rito Alto Four Pass Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Westcliffe, Colorado.

Lower and Upper Macey Lakes Via Rainbow Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Westcliffe, Colorado.

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

South Colony Lakes Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Crestone, Colorado.

Humboldt Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Nederland, Colorado.

North Crestone Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Crestone, Colorado.

Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, Willow Lake offers a stunning destination to a rigorous hike. The hike is approximately 9 miles out and back with 2800 feet of elevation gain. The trail is well marked and maintained. However, the hike rarely levels off. Be prepared for a steady incline...

There are a couple different trailheads that lead to Kit Carson Peak, but the one from Willow Creek Trailhead will give you the opportunity to peak another fourteener, Challenger Point, and let you pass through and/or camp at Willow Lake, which is a beautiful destination by itself. If approaching...

Newlin Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Florence, Colorado.

Hayden Creek Rainbow Trail #1336 is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Coaldale, Colorado.

Few places can match the epic scale of this bizarre wilderness in southern Colorado. Great Sand Dunes National Park contains 750 foot tall sand dunes (the tallest in North America) resting at the foot of 13,000 foot peaks (the Sangre de Cristo range). However, to really experience the park in its...

The Mosca Pass trail is an (approx) 6.5 mile out and back hike that takes you through beautiful ponderosa and aspen forests to summit 1500 above the start. The trailhead parking is the first left after the Great Sand Dunes visitor center. It is a moderate hike, but allow for several hours, as the...

Millset Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Rye, Colorado.

NOTE: As of September 2021, Mount Lindsey has been closed to public access indefinitely. (Source)  At 14,042 Mt. Lindsey is not one of the tallest 14ers, but it is a fun objective regardless. The Lily Lake trailhead can be somewhat difficult to access without a high clearance car, but most cars ...

Bartlett Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Rye, Colorado.