Hikes in Elk Mountains

The Crag Crest National Recreation Trail is an amazingly scenic hiking route in the Elk Mountains of Colorado that will take you uphill for sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill to traverse a long ridge that offers an amazing sightline over the surrounding forests and lakes, before looping around through the terrain that you had just surveyed from above. The undulating terrain and beautiful lakeside scenery make for a fun day on the trails near Grand Mesa, Colorado.

The Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass Hike is a challenging, yet beautifully scenic adventure in Colorado that will take you through a rugged mountain pass for amazing views. While out hiking the trail, you will steadily climb uphill and make the steep push up through West Maroon Pass, before descending alongside West Maroon Creek to the Maroon Bells Recreation Area. Hikers should take note that this is a one-way trail, meaning that you will need to either utilize a shuttle from the Maroon Bells Recreation Area or arrange a pick up.

The Mesa Lakes Trail is a great family-friendly hiking adventure in Mesa Lakes, Colorado that will provide scenic views of several emerald lakes. While out hiking the trail, you will meander along a relaxing woodland pathway, while taking in the views of Mes Lake, South Mesa Lake, and Lost Lake. With several campgrounds nearby, this is a fantastic adventure to combine with a fun weekend of camping in the Colorado wilderness.

The Peanut Lake Lower Loop is a fun intermediate length hike from Crested Butte that offers beautiful views of Peanut Lake and the surrounding mountains. While out walking the trail, you will traverse the valley floor alongside the Slate River, taking in the picturesque views as you pass by Peanut Lake and gaze out upon Snodgrass Mountain. This is a great hike if you are looking for a longer route that isn’t too difficult to complete.

The Beaver Ponds 516 Trail is an amazing hiking route in the Elk Mountains of Colorado that is perfectly suited for a fantastic family adventure. While out walking the trail, you will climb uphill through a wonderfully atmospheric stretch of forest, before visiting a series of charming ponds along the lower slopes of Ohio Peak. This is a fantastic route if you are simply looking to get outdoors and enjoy reconnecting with nature.

The Pyramid Peak Trail is a challenging hiking route in the Elk Mountains of Colorado that will take you up to the summit of an ultra-scenic fourteener. While out hiking the trail, you will make your way across a rocky ravine and climb up a steep switchback trail to a cirque, before traversing boulder fields and scrambling up to the summit of Pyramid Peak for spectacular views. Hikers should take note that this is a very challenging route that should only be undertaken by those with plenty of experience. Additionally, you will need a vehicle permit if you are planning on driving into the trailhead.

The Capitol Creek Trail is a challenging hiking route in the Elk Mountains of Colorado that should only be undertaken by experienced outdoor enthusiasts. While out on the trail, you will hike through a beautifully scenic valley alongside Capitol Creek to reach Capitol Lake, before traversing a mountain pass to the west for stunning views of Capitol Peak. Although it may be long and difficult, the landscape views on this epic adventure are truly breathtaking.

The Lindley Hut and Cooper Creek Road Hike is a fairly laid back outdoor experience near Ashcroft, Colorado that will lead you into the mountains along an old mining road. While out hiking the trail, you will follow along Cooper Creek Road as it winds uphill towards Lindley Hut to offer some splendid views across the valley and its mountainous surroundings. Although this route does feature a moderate amount of elevation gain, it is still easy enough for a fun family adventure.

The Three Lakes Trail is an amazing family-friendly adventure in the Elk Mountains of Colorado that will take you around several charming lakes with mountain views. While out hiking the trail, you will meander along the shores of Lost Lake Slough, before climbing uphill past the edge of Lost Lake and Dollar Lake. This is a fantastic hiking route through the forest that is perfect no matter your age or skill level.

The Needlerock Trail is a fantastic hiking route in the Elk Mountains of Colorado that will take you on a short but intense ascent to a point just shy of the summit. While out hiking the trail, you will traverse the steep slopes of Needlerock and work your way through the rocky scramble portions along the upper portion of the trail, before arriving at a scenic viewpoint on the peak. While the overall distance of this route is very short, you will certainly not want to underestimate the intensity of the climb!

The Schofield Pass to Crystal Mill Hike is a scenic trail in the Elk mOuntains of Colorado that will lead you along a rugged off-road vehicle route to reach an interesting historical site. While out hiking the trail, you will head through Schofield Pass and take in the views of Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall, before arriving in the small village of Crystal to view an historic mill from 1892. Although this route follows a road, the surface is very rough and rocky, making sturdy hiking boots a necessity.

The Lost Lake Campground Walk is a short adventure in the Elk Mountains of Colorado that will lead you along well-maintained paved pathways through the forest. While out on the trail, you will leave the shores of Lost Lake Slough behind and follow the path through a stretch of light forest. This is an extremely easy hiking route that is suitable for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.

The Crested Butte Upper and Lower Loop is a great hiking trail outside of Crested Butte, Colorado that will lead you through a valley for scenic views of the surrounding Elk Mountains. While out on the trail, you will hike through the valley alongside the banks of the Slate River, before looping around to traverse the foothills of Mount Emmons on the return leg. This moderate length route doesn’t feature much in the way of elevation gain, making it suitable for casual adventurers.

The Castle and Conundrum Peaks Hike is an exceptional hiking route in Colorado that will lead you to the tallest summit in the entire Elk Mountains Range. While out on the trail, you will hike alongside Castle Creek and traverse permanent snowfields on the way to the basin, where you will then climb to the top of a rugged ridge that will lead you to the summit. This is a beautifully scenic trail; however, the dramatic terrain and permanent snow fields along the route mean that it is suitable only for very experienced hikers.

The Turkey Flats Loop Trail is a wonderful intermediate length hiking route in Colorado that will lead you through a beautiful stretch of woodland terrain in the Grand Mesa National Forest. While out hiking the trail, you will traverse some undulating terrain and take in the natural beauty of the forest, before visiting the Fruita Reservoir No. 1 on the return leg. This is a great adventure if you are looking to lose yourself and reconnect with nature.

The Scarp Ridge to Mt Emmons Hike is a rugged adventure in the Elk Mountains of Colorado that will take you along a ridgeline for summit views. While out hiking the trail, you will climb sharply uphill from the Lake Irwin Lodge in order to reach the top of Scarp Ridge, before following it east to the breathtaking summit of Mount Emmons for views of the surrounding landscape. This trail is only accessible in the summer month, as snowy conditions in the winter make the area prone to avalanches.

The Snodgrass Mountain Trail is a spectacular hiking route in the Elk Mountains of Colorado that will provide a nice challenge and offer lovely valley views. While out hiking the trail, you will work your way uphill through meadows and woodlands, enjoying the intermittent views of the surrounding area before arriving at a summit that lacks a proper viewpoint. This is a great trail for casual and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts alike, although it should be noted that the route is closed in the winter due to snowy conditions.

The Walrod Loop Trail is a fun hiking route near Crested Butte South, Colorado that will take you uphill above a valley for views overlooking Cement Creek. While out hiking the trail, you will make a steep ascent of the hillside to visit a series of rock caves, before traversing the elevated positions and making the return loop through the valley alongside Cement Creek. There isn’t much protection from the sun on this trail, so be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and water!

The Beckwith Pass Trail is a pleasant hiking route in the Elk Mountains of Colorado that will lead you through charming meadows and aspen stands for beautiful views of the surrounding area. While out on the trail, you will leave behind the shores of Lost Lake Slough to traverse the rolling hills, forests, and creeks of the surrounding landscape. This is a fantastic intermediate length trail without much in the way of challenging terrain if you are simply looking to get out and explore nature.

The Woods Walk is a laid back, family-friendly adventure in the Elk Mountains of Colorado that will take you from the town of Crested Butte to Peanut Lake. While out hiking the trail, you will work your way through lovely forests and some open grassy stretches of land, before taking in views overlooking the waters of the lake. This is a great trail if you are looking to stretch your legs outdoors without straying too far from town.