Interesting Places to Camp and Hike the Next Time You’re in Colorado

 

The beauty of Colorado is almost indescribable. There are mountains that pierce the sky and plains that stretch into eternity. Rainbows appear after the rain and hiking trails that wind through forests, rocks, and waterfalls. Colorado is a state that’s just begging to be explored.

Whether you’re looking for an active weekend getaway or want to spend your summer hiking, biking, and rafting, there’s something for everyone in the Centennial State. If you’re into camping, there are plenty of great places in Colorado to pitch a tent and take in some serious nature without having to sacrifice comfort. Here are some of the most interesting places to hike and camp the next time you visit Colorado.

Estes Park

Estes Park is a town in Larimer County, Colorado, United States. The population was 5,858 at the 2010 census. The town overlooks the Rocky Mountains and is located northeast of Boulder, Colorado and southwest of Denver, Colorado. Tourism has been important to Estes Park since it became popular with visitors from Denver starting in 1863. It’s even home to the famous Stanley Hotel used in the movie The Shining.

What makes the area so special is the hiking trails, lakes, and literal mountains to climb. On one day, you can spend time in Rocky Mountain National Park looking for waterfalls, and searching for elk, and the next you can meander through one of the best mountain tourist towns looking for trinkets and enjoying local craft beers. There are plenty of places to camp, whether you love to spend time in tents or you’d prefer a cozy cabin, they have something for everyone.

The Great Sand Dunes National Park

The Great Sand Dunes National Park is located in Southern Colorado. It’s home to the tallest dunes in North America, so you can be sure that any time you decide to visit this park, it will be an incredible experience. The park also has many different hiking trails for all levels of fitness.

Try hiking through the local Blanca Peak and discover the hidden Zapata Falls. The sand dunes are perfect for climbing up and sliding down the sandy peaks. When you visit in springtime, the runoff from the mountains forms pools of water and encourages wildflowers to grow.

Camping on site means you can explore and experience the beauty of this remote location day and night. The stars light up the sky in a spectacular way because there is no light pollution keeping you from seeing it in its full glory. Even when you go in the summer, make sure you pack an extra woman’s jacket or a mens jacket because the nights can be chilly.

Quandary Peak

Quandary Peak is the third highest summit in Rocky Mountain National Park, and it’s also the highest point in Colorado’s Tenmile Range. This 14,000+ ft. mountain is located on a ridge with three others. You’ll find Mount Cameron, Mount Lincoln, and Mount Bross. The trail up Quandary Peak begins at Ute Crossing Trailhead and climbs to the summit via a 12-mile round trip hike that gains more than 5,000 feet in elevation. Bring lots of water, and some sunscreen, and be sure to take breaks. This climb can be intense and if you’re not used to the elevation

Barr Camp

Barr Camp is located on Pikes Peak at an elevation of 10,200 feet. Many people use it as a stopping point on their way up to the summit of Pikes Peak. There are accommodations that include composting toilets and meals. Or you can simply use the camp facilities during the day as a stopping point.

Boulder

Boulder is a great place to visit in Colorado, with its many opportunities for outdoor adventure and activities. If you’re looking for a campground, you can find options in Nederland Recreation Area, Eldora Mountain, and Birdsong Resort. Nederland Recreation Area has easy access to hiking trails and mountain biking trails. Eldora Mountain Resort offers skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the summer. Birdsong Resort has cabins available year-round, as well as RV sites during warmer seasons. There are waterfalls and more to explore in this beautiful area.

Aspen and Snowmass Village

The Aspen Mountain Ski Area is one of the most famous in the country, offering some of the best skiing on earth. The nearby town of Aspen has many restaurants and shops, along with an excellent selection of hotels and motels for lodging purposes.

Snowmass Village offers similar amenities to Aspen but also has its own set of camping choices available nearby. During the non-winter months, people enjoy hiking and mountain biking miles and miles of trails throughout the area.