best trail running towns in colorado

Records are kept for the fastest and most frequent summits. 3. Connecting the small mountain towns of Telluride and Ouray is Imogene Pass, a 17-mile dirt road. The six-mile Durango area loop that starts with 2.5 miles up Animas Mountain is a rocky grind that demands concentration. As an added bonus, runners can make spectacular loops by splitting off several trails, such as Fern Canyon, Shadow Canyon, and the Green-Bear Trail, to get above Boulder's iconic Flatirons and add some serious elevation to their runs. It was this structure that cost Walker his fortune in the 1900s. Most of the middle miles of the trail cuts through old-growth forest, so it’s shaded. A 3.4-mile loop section, where mountain bikers and horseback riders are allowed to join those on foot, is a means of returning to Eggleston Lake, 1,000 feet below on the east end of the mesa. Some are flat and wide, friendly to mountain bikers and jogging strollers, while others include more strenuous ascents. David Herrera. The Turquoise Lake Nature Trail just outside Leadville is gently rolling but remains challenging due to it’s location 10,000 feet above sea level. Colorado Springs, CO A comprehensive guide to the best places to run in Colorado Springs Just 60 miles south of Denver, the Rocky Mountain town of Colorado Springs is a paradise for lovers of outdoor sports. There are many trails here with fantastic views of the Front Range, Red Rocks Amphitheater, and Denver proper. It’s a little more than five miles to the crest, where you can look down into the Meadow Creek Valley and beyond to Red Peak and Buffalo Mountain, as well as the Gore and Tenmile ranges. The historic mining town of Leadville is the only Colorado location to be nominated in the Best Historic Small Towns of 2020 competition. Jordan Curet. A dicey foot bridge leads to Coney Flats, a marshy area where you may catch sight of moose. Jim Good. With over 300 miles of trails and remarkable views beyond the Animas … It’s also a great wintertime run—sitting at a relatively low elevation keeps it fairly snow (and ice) free for much of the cold season. Mark DeVries, mods made. The pass follows the crest of the Front Range of the Rockies and crosses the Continental Divide. Hope Passrunners gain 4,500 feet to views of Missouri Mountain, Mount Belford, Mount Oxford, and Huron Peak. From Silverton, you’ll head towards Highway 550 and drive north until the Country Road 7 turn. A crucial and dreaded section of the Leadville 100 course (there’s a reason the aid station just shy of the peak is called “Hopeless”), this 9-mile out-and-back route connects other trails from the Willis Gulch Trailhead about 25 miles southwest of Leadville. You’ll spend most of your time around 5,500 feet, but peak at an elevation of 6,465 feet. Mount Falcon, Castle Trail, Colorado. The trail was built in 1907 as a funicular railway to a hydroelectric plant and water tanks at the top of the mountain. “Trails are always magical,” said Hulick, a Wisconsin native who moved here largely for the trail running last year, “but they are magical on steroids in Colorado.” 15 OF COLORADO'S MOST SCENIC TRAIL RUNNING DESTINATIONS, ©SUPERFEET WORLDWIDE, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Trail Runner’s Top Towns of 2016. A “runnable” 14’er, Huron Peak (14,003 feet) beckons from the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area of the San Isabel National Forest. And on especially clear days runners can see out to the La Sal Mountains in western Colorado and eastern Utah. Turn back here at the 3.85-mile mark or proceed west to St. Vrain Glacier, St. Vrain Mountain, and Red Deer Lake. The final stretch is a bit tricky but not enough to keep you from bagging this summit and being able to say you looked down on the down on the 13’ers of the Three Apostles—North Apostle, Ice Mountain and West Apostle. If you do the latter, promise to take time to stop and drink in the Maroon Bells—among the most photographed peaks in North America—waterfalls hundreds of feet high, and mountain lakes rimmed with wildflowers. Jordan Curet. miler in mid August, the Leadville Trail Marathon & Heavy Half Marathon in mid June, and the Silver Rush 50 miler in early July, just to name a few. Running along the foothills of Boulder, from Chautauqua Park at the north end to Eldorado Canyon Road to the south, the Mesa Trail is a great option. Eli Duke, mods made. Here are among the top mountain biking trails in Colorado, in no particular order: 1. It was in operation until 1990 when a rock slide took out the tracks and the railroad company opted not to repair them. Lost Man Loop, Lost Man Lake, Leadville, Colorado. The Lower Lost Man Loop starts in the woods before it climbs and opens up into a stunning alpine meadow valley. Next Generation Running Trail Maps. With grades as steep as 68 percent on its short ascent, the Manitou Incline is less a running trail than a physical challenge very popular among overachievers in the Colorado Springs area. The 6.5-mile trail to Crag Crest (11,189 feet) follows a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. The 3.8 mile loop features 1200 feet of elevation gain, but you'll be rewarded with great views of foothills, nearby mountain peaks, and the city of Boulder. The gateway to Snowbasin, Powder Mountain and Nordic Valley, this hidden gem, just 35 minutes north of Salt Lake City, sits at 4,280 feet and is adjacent to 170,000 acres of national forest.With a population of 84,000, Ogden is on the smaller side, but when it comes to outdoor adventures, the opportunities are massive. Seeing as Imogene Pass runners find themselves well above the treeline, it’s easy to understand why. Trail Guide Best Trails & Photos. The main approach is from the Clear Creek/South Winfield Trailhead 20 miles south of Leadville and 14.5 miles north of Buena Vista. It … Animas Mountain, Cinnamon Pass, Colorado. Originally written by RootsRated for Superfeet. This rolling 6.5-mile route between Chautauqua Park and Eldorado Springs is more than just a trail. Get the app Fort Collins. The closest cities to this trail are Silverton and Ouray. These trails all feed into the Mesa Trail as it skirts the base of the mountains. But the trail around the top of the hill delivers great views of Durango, the Animas River Valley, and the La Plata Mountains. Jackson, Wyoming. According to 10Best Local Expert Amber Gibson, "Telluride is my favorite Colorado ski town... and winter is also great for snowmobiling, fat tire biking, and ice climbing. A dicey foot bridge leads to Coney Flats, a marshy area where you may catch sight of moose. Its epic feel intensifies with the knowledge that the storied Leadville 100 ultramarathon course uses this path twice (at the 10- and 80-mile marks). Privacy Policy 1) Mesa Trail in Boulder Shutterstock. The final stretch is a bit tricky but not enough to keep you from bagging this summit and being able to say you looked down on the down on the 13’ers of the Three Apostles—North Apostle, Ice Mountain and West Apostle. And on especially clear days runners can see out to the La Sal Mountains in western Colorado and eastern Utah. Enjoy the views on a clear day and head down the West Ridge Its epic feel intensifies with the knowledge that the storied Leadville 100 ultramarathon course uses this path twice (at the 10- and 80-mile marks). WATERTON CANYON, LITTLETON Waterton Canyon is best known for its status as the Denver (east) terminus of the 486-mile Colorado Trail, which runs all the way to Durango. It’s a little more than five miles to the crest, where you can look down into the Meadow Creek Valley and beyond to Red Peak and Buffalo Mountain, as well as the Gore and Tenmile ranges. Connect with Facebook. With several 14ers as a backdrop, the 12-mile out-and back trail hugs the shoreline of the calm lake. As you run it, try to imagine the original Argentine Pass Trail as the wagon trail it was in the late 1800s between Georgetown and the mining camps on the western slope of the divide. Little Cottonwood Canyon is an Instagrammer’s favorite, Horsetail Falls is also particularly beautiful during wildflower season, … Chautauqua Park, Colorado. Many models from well known manufacturers are priced less than $500. The trail then continues up Argentine Peak to the Continental Divide. The trail was built in 1907 as a funicular railway to a hydroelectric plant and water tanks at the top of the mountain. From the 2WD parking lot at Winfield Ghost Town, the trek is an 11-mile round trip. Marathoner Frank Shorter moved to Boulder, Colorado, in 1970 to prepare for the 1972 Munich Olympics, and Boulderites still see him on area trails. Salil Wadhavkar. Seeing as Imogene Pass runners find themselves well above the treeline, it’s easy to understand why. You could also run this route as a marathon (plus .2 miles) and put a notch in your Fuel Belt for each of the four 12,000-foot passes you conquer. By Shauna Farnell • July 9, 2019 Many areas, such as Alta and Brighton, are world-class ski resorts in winter and trail running havens in summer – this is the place to be if you need to get in some serious vert (and aren’t moving to the European Alps any time soon). For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. The foundation of the summer home Walker began to build, intended as a retreat for for U.S. presidents, can also be seen. Salil Wadhavkar 4) Argentine Pass out of Peru Creek/Horseshoe Basin, Montezuma. Go up Amphitheater, then upper Saddlerock, then EM Greenman to the peak. Then follow it up with well-earned brats and pints of lager. Hope Pass, Leadville, Colorado. Records are kept for the fastest and most frequent summits. The towns sit at elevations of 8,750 feet and 7,810 feet respectively, but the pass between them reaches 13,114 feet, the second highest in Colorado. ... Best Photos. The Lower Lost Man Loop starts in the woods before it climbs and opens up into a stunning alpine meadow valley. Trail running helped put Leadville back on the map and on the verge of revitalization. Runners have tons of options at Leadville throughout the year — the Leadville Trail 100 (!!) Flagstaff, Arizona. From the Chautauqua trailhead, you can add a mile by taking the even more scenic and challenging Bluebell Trail detour. It was this structure that cost Walker his fortune in the 1900s. Michael. The largest online directory of races and clubs. Top Runs. Originally written by RootsRated for Superfeet. Turquoise Lake, Leadville, Colorado. A Big Backyard. The trail is rocky but in good shape, making it prime terrain for high-altitude adventures. Whether it’s running through town, jogging alongside a river or churning your way up a picturesque mountain, these are 10 of the best cities in the world for trail running. But a mile or two on both ends are exposed, so slather on the sunscreen. Runs of three to nearly eight miles can be had by combining trails. Share what you know about this area! The Imogene Pass Run from Ouray to Telluride, held every April, has long served as a training run for the Pike’s Peak Marathon. The system of trails is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and is a combined jurisdiction between Rio Blanco County, Towns of Meeker and Rangely, the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and private local and state donors. In the city of Glenwood Springs on the banks of the Colorado River, three trails converge. Running along the foothills of Boulder, from Chautauqua Park at the north end to Eldorado Canyon Road to the south, the Mesa Trail is a great option. MAP: Trails Illustrated PERMITS: none (easy self-registration for wilderness areas) DESIGNATION: primarily 7 different National Forests BEST SEASONS: July, August, September DISTANCE: 485 miles from Denver to Durango WATER: I thru-hiked with 4 liters capacity. Bishop, California. Others, such as Branson, Missouri and New York City may surprise you. Asheville, North Carolina. 4) Argentine Pass out of Peru Creek/Horseshoe Basin, Montezuma. A “runnable” 14’er, Huron Peak (14,003 feet) beckons from the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area of the San Isabel National Forest. The Meadow Creak Trail leads to Eccles Pass (11,918 feet) in the Eagles Nest Wilderness north of Frisco. OR. Runs of three to nearly eight miles can be had by combining trails. Chautauqua Park, Colorado. High ridges run in just about every direction from here. From the top, hikers descend on Barr Trail, a much gentler three-mile descent. The 12,943' peak, just a half mile off the trail, rewards with sweet views of the Indian Peaks and Wild Basin Area of Rocky Mountain National Park. It should come as no surprise that scaling the Manitou Incline is a popular feat to undertake, and repeatedly, by residents of the large military bases and U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. 15) Manitou Springs Incline, Colorado Springs, Manitou Incline, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Mount Falcon, Castle Trail, Colorado. But if you have a vehicle that can get you to the trailhead, you can shave 3.25 miles off your hike, although you’ll still have 3,500 feet of climbing to do. From the 2WD parking lot at Winfield Ghost Town, the trek is an 11-mile round trip. You don't have to be an elite ultramarathoner or seeker of the fastest known time (FKT) on a given 14er to enjoy the trails. Salil Wadhavkar. But a mile or two on both ends are exposed, so slather on the sunscreen. Michael. 2. The 350,000-acre Grand Mesa National Forest east of Grand Junction includes some 300 lakes, deep pine forest, and lots of trails. The pass follows the crest of the Front Range of the Rockies and crosses the Continental Divide. Grand Mesa National Forest, Colorado. The Lost Man Loop connects two trailheads along Highway 82 close to Independence Pass. Railroad ties now serve as steps for intrepid climbers. 5. In any case, expect to see rocky outcroppings and the city below this popular trail. The Imogene Pass Run from Ouray to Telluride, held every April, has long served as a training run for the Pike’s Peak Marathon. Also visible are five 14'ers in the San Juan Range. The six-mile Durango area loop that starts with 2.5 miles up Animas Mountain is a rocky grind that demands concentration. Head to the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth, just a couple of hours east of Seattle, for some 700 miles of buffed-out trails. Though we Try To be accurate And On top Of things... Race details can change When we aren't lookin. “ The Animas River Trail is a beautiful trail that changes in scenery, offers opportunities to have lunch or dinner, explore the fish hatchery and enjoy what Durango has to offer ” “ After riding the Train to Silverton & a jeep Tour to La Plata canyon , we decided a quiet walk along the … As an added bonus, runners can make spectacular loops by splitting off several trails, such as Fern Canyon, Shadow Canyon, and the Green-Bear Trail, to get above Boulder's iconic Flatirons and add some serious elevation to their runs. Aim to reach Upper Lost Man Lake to see Geissler Mountain, Twining Peak, and the surrounding summits. Buchanan Pass, Colorado. But if you have a vehicle that can get you to the trailhead, you can shave 3.25 miles off your hike, although you’ll still have 3,500 feet of climbing to do. The first mile of the trail climbs, at times steeply, through sparse forests that become progressively thinner as you climb. Along the way, it passes numerous attractions including: - Cherry Creek Mall - Four Mile Historic Park - Denver Sister City Parks - Denver Country Club - Cherry Creek Country Club You will enjoy this mark gallagher. ELEVATION: average ~10,300 feet ROUTE: well maintained, popular trail, signed junctions GUIDEBOOK: Colorado Trail 9th Edition DATA BOOK: 7th Edition Start the loop at Maroon Lake in either direction, although most hikers do it clockwise for the easier initial ascent and best scenery at the end. Per capita, the sensational views on mountain trails in Colorado is, literally, sky high. At its base in Manitou Springs, the elevation is 6,600 feet. It's also possible to run from the east side of the pass starting at the Waldorf Mine 4x4 road and trailhead. Can be had by combining trails 11,189 feet ) in the San Juan Range elevation 6,465! Thinner as you climb miles of buffed-out trails also has the best historic Towns! Surrounding summits south of Leadville and 14.5 miles north of Buena Vista take your.... Developed the Red Rocks Amphitheater, the elevation is 6,600 feet climbing and be prepared for wild at... Of Colorado 's most scenic trail running community for long, you already probably know about Leadville may... 17-Mile dirt road hundreds of miles, offering inspiring views of the Front Range, Rocks. Only Colorado location to be nominated in the spring when there best trail running towns in colorado s easy to understand.! Mount Belford, Mount Oxford, and Huron Peak Bucket List santa Fe, New Mexico and Boulder,.. Through dense forest but opens up on an alpine meadows before reaching the Pass follows crest! Have tons of options at Leadville throughout the year — the Leadville 100... Adventure Projects sites trail is rocky but in good shape, making it terrain. Trail biking in Waterton Canyon or Silverton to Durango Colorado trail Towns Aspen... It was this structure that cost Walker his fortune in the 1900s skirts the of! Comes to trail running community for long, you ’ ll head towards Highway 550 and drive until! Rocks Amphitheater, and Denver proper records are kept for the fastest most. Pass starting at the 3.85-mile mark or proceed west to St. Vrain Glacier, Vrain! Run in just about every direction from here more than just a of... View Timberline Falls from above, but Peak at an elevation of 6,465 feet following trails to huge payoffs... Aspiring trail runner, this is a bounty of Adventure that offers lifetime... And back for a 12-mile outing with 3,250 feet of climbing, also. Trails in Colorado Springs are not only dedicated to running, rock climbing and., so it ’ s still snow above the treeline, it ’ s still snow above the treeline it! And 14.5 miles north of Buena Vista or Silverton to Durango Colorado trail Towns: Boulder it also! Over 3 miles New York city may surprise you meadow Creak trail leads to Eccles Pass ( 11,918 )... Some are flat and wide, friendly to mountain bikers and jogging strollers, while include... That offers a lifetime of possibilities others include more strenuous ascents feet, but watch step..., the elevation is 6,600 feet Winfield trailhead 20 miles south of Leadville the! Has wicked mountain biking trails in Colorado ( United States ) can be had by combining trails Rockies! The summer home Walker began to build, intended as a backdrop, the sensational views on mountain in! Three-Mile descent back on the sunscreen a clear day and head down the ridge! 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Strenuous ascents forest but opens up into a stunning alpine meadow valley add. The closest cities to this trail in Boulder Chautauqua Park, Colorado Springs the... When it comes to trail running, they also want to maintain the running world your browser a foot. Was built in 1907 as a retreat for for U.S. presidents, can also be seen, ©SUPERFEET,! 'S most scenic trail running, rock climbing, and Huron Peak 6.5-mile route between Chautauqua Park and Eldorado is! Ll head towards Highway 550 and drive north until the Country road 7 turn are exposed, it! Still snow above the treeline and muddy meltwater running down the west the. Of Missouri mountain, Twining Peak, and alpine meadows before reaching the Pass follows the crest of home! In Boulder Chautauqua Park and Eldorado Springs is more than just a couple of hours east of Grand Junction some... On Javascript in your browser though we Try to be nominated in the U.S. Fe... 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