Easy & Nearby Walks
Private Trail from the Chalet into Pike National Forest
An exceptional trail all to yourself right from the chalet! Follow a flowing creek with falls and pass by huge aspen groves. Reach the saddle for a panoramic view! Ask me how to reach this secret trail.
Shawnee River Walk: Easy
Across from the small post office in Shawnee, there is a Dept of Agriculture building that looks like a cabin (56052 US Hwy 285). Turn into their driveway and stay to the right for several yards until you reach a big parking lot. Walk over the bridge and then to the right to go through the fence onto the path. This is a beautiful, flat out and back trail for enjoying the Platte River.
Geneva Creek River Walk: Easy
As you head along Guanella, just a few miles in, you will see a few bridges going over the creek. These connect to short paths for a nice stroll. Find legal parking nearby and take an easy walk along the creek all year round.
Wilderness on Wheels Mountain Boardwalk (2 miles): Easy
Beautiful and easy trail down the road that's great for kids or a leisurely walk.
Narrow Gauge & North Fork Loop (1.8 mile loop): Easy
Great for winter hiking, but also nice all year round. The area is beautiful, close by, an easy walk, and features Crystal Lake and a path that follows the river. Perfect for beginners or families.
Pine Valley Ranch Trails (3 mile loop or more): Easy to Moderate
Beautiful scenery on nearby, easy trails with water features. There are several trails here depending on your abilities and time. This is a stunning area in Pine, Colorado. Just 30 minutes down the road.
Three Mile Creek Trail (Up to 9.4 miles): Easy-Moderate
10 minutes from the chalet off Guanella pass. Accessible all year round, this is an easy out and back trail that follows a peaceful creek. This hike has a wonderful change of scenery from forest trails, rocky inclines, and lush meadows. The last mile and a half is the hardest part, but there is a beautiful overlook from the top of the peak. Turn around when you desire.
Deer Creek Canyon Trail (2.7 mile loop):
About 40 minutes from the chalet. An easier hike with an abundance of exciting things to see and a very few rock scrambles. Features stunning valleys, rock formations, canyon walls, and amazing fall colors. Perfect for kids or older hikers. Just beware of rattlesnakes at this lower elevation.
Rosalie and Tanglewood Trail Loop (5.2 miles): Easy-Moderate
A longer version of Deer Creek Canyon Trail. Moderately trafficked loop trail. Follow a beautiful creek, scramble some rocks, pass through amazing meadows, and get above treeline.
Ben Tyler Trail (11.8 miles): Hard
Only 2 minutes from the chalet, this wilderness trail offers stunning vistas, summer wildflowers, and incredible fall foliage through the Lost Creek Wilderness for those in ample shape.
Abyss Trail to Abyss Lake (16 miles): Moderate-Hard
15 minutes from the chalet. A popular hiking trail that passes Helms Lake, a river, and beautiful aspen groves, ending at the magical and well-sought after Abyss Lake. The lake is nestled in a high glacial cirque between Mt. Bierstadt and Mt. Evans. The elevation gain, together with the round trip distance of almost 17 miles makes this a very strenuous full day hike.
Abyss Trail to Helms Lake (11 miles): Hard
15 minutes from the chalet. If Abyss Lake is too long, take this heavily trafficked out and back trail to Helms lake. Features beautiful aspens and a river.
An exceptional trail all to yourself right from the chalet! Follow a flowing creek with falls and pass by huge aspen groves. Reach the saddle for a panoramic view! Ask me how to reach this secret trail.
Shawnee River Walk: Easy
Across from the small post office in Shawnee, there is a Dept of Agriculture building that looks like a cabin (56052 US Hwy 285). Turn into their driveway and stay to the right for several yards until you reach a big parking lot. Walk over the bridge and then to the right to go through the fence onto the path. This is a beautiful, flat out and back trail for enjoying the Platte River.
Geneva Creek River Walk: Easy
As you head along Guanella, just a few miles in, you will see a few bridges going over the creek. These connect to short paths for a nice stroll. Find legal parking nearby and take an easy walk along the creek all year round.
Wilderness on Wheels Mountain Boardwalk (2 miles): Easy
Beautiful and easy trail down the road that's great for kids or a leisurely walk.
Narrow Gauge & North Fork Loop (1.8 mile loop): Easy
Great for winter hiking, but also nice all year round. The area is beautiful, close by, an easy walk, and features Crystal Lake and a path that follows the river. Perfect for beginners or families.
Pine Valley Ranch Trails (3 mile loop or more): Easy to Moderate
Beautiful scenery on nearby, easy trails with water features. There are several trails here depending on your abilities and time. This is a stunning area in Pine, Colorado. Just 30 minutes down the road.
Three Mile Creek Trail (Up to 9.4 miles): Easy-Moderate
10 minutes from the chalet off Guanella pass. Accessible all year round, this is an easy out and back trail that follows a peaceful creek. This hike has a wonderful change of scenery from forest trails, rocky inclines, and lush meadows. The last mile and a half is the hardest part, but there is a beautiful overlook from the top of the peak. Turn around when you desire.
Deer Creek Canyon Trail (2.7 mile loop):
About 40 minutes from the chalet. An easier hike with an abundance of exciting things to see and a very few rock scrambles. Features stunning valleys, rock formations, canyon walls, and amazing fall colors. Perfect for kids or older hikers. Just beware of rattlesnakes at this lower elevation.
Rosalie and Tanglewood Trail Loop (5.2 miles): Easy-Moderate
A longer version of Deer Creek Canyon Trail. Moderately trafficked loop trail. Follow a beautiful creek, scramble some rocks, pass through amazing meadows, and get above treeline.
Ben Tyler Trail (11.8 miles): Hard
Only 2 minutes from the chalet, this wilderness trail offers stunning vistas, summer wildflowers, and incredible fall foliage through the Lost Creek Wilderness for those in ample shape.
Abyss Trail to Abyss Lake (16 miles): Moderate-Hard
15 minutes from the chalet. A popular hiking trail that passes Helms Lake, a river, and beautiful aspen groves, ending at the magical and well-sought after Abyss Lake. The lake is nestled in a high glacial cirque between Mt. Bierstadt and Mt. Evans. The elevation gain, together with the round trip distance of almost 17 miles makes this a very strenuous full day hike.
Abyss Trail to Helms Lake (11 miles): Hard
15 minutes from the chalet. If Abyss Lake is too long, take this heavily trafficked out and back trail to Helms lake. Features beautiful aspens and a river.
Guanella Pass Trails
Snowshoe to the Summit when Guanella Pass is Closed
Guanella Pass closes in late fall through Memorial Day. It's possible to drive to the closure point and hike to the stunning summit. You may even spot moose. If there is snow, you will need to bring or rent micro spikes or snowshoes. There is a winter lot located at the Guanella Pass Road and Naylor Lake Road intersection.
Silver Dollar Lake and Murray Lake Trail (3.9 miles): Moderate
A beautiful, heavily trafficked out and back trail that features 2 lakes. Relatively easy way to see natural mountain lakes. Trailhead located off of Naylor Lake Road (40 mins). Without 4WD, you will have to park at the start of the road and hike in. The trail is best used from March until September.
South Park 600 to Square Top Lakes (4.1 miles ): Moderate
The trailhead for the Square Top Lakes trail is across the road from the Mount Bierstadt trail at the top of the pass. The parking lot may be full but it's mainly for Bierstadt. Hike for two miles above the treeline across meadows carpeted with wildflowers in the summer to twin mountain lakes. Bring your fly rod and fishing license to cast for mountain trout or a camera to photograph the flowers, surrounding peaks, and wildlife such as marmots and bighorn sheep that inhabit the area. Since this hike is entirely above the tree line, you should hike it early in the day during the summer to avoid the area's frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Shelf Lake Trail (7.5 miles): Moderate
A hike that isn't too difficult with a lot of reward for your effort! Hike to a beautiful lake on a high bench above timberline. The lake is often ice-bound until the end of June. Need AWD/4X4 and clearance to access trail head.
Mt Bierstadt Fourteener (6.9 miles ): Very Hard
If you want to do something super Coloradan, trying defeating a Fourteener (a mountain peak over 14k feet). You'll need to be in tip top shape and start early in the morning to avoid evening storms.
Square Top Lakes (4.6 Miles): Easy-Moderate
35 minutes from the chalet via Guanella Pass. Enjoy a relatively easy hike through an exceptional alpine landscape. Arrive at 2 incredible lakes that sit beneath huge mountains. Great all year round and perfect for snowshoeing. Accessible only via Georgetown when Guanella Pass is closed.
Bruno Gulch (4 miles): Easy-Moderate
No vista, but a great trail for escaping the crowds, meandering along a creek, and seeing an array of beautiful wildflowers in Spring/Summer.
Guanella Pass closes in late fall through Memorial Day. It's possible to drive to the closure point and hike to the stunning summit. You may even spot moose. If there is snow, you will need to bring or rent micro spikes or snowshoes. There is a winter lot located at the Guanella Pass Road and Naylor Lake Road intersection.
Silver Dollar Lake and Murray Lake Trail (3.9 miles): Moderate
A beautiful, heavily trafficked out and back trail that features 2 lakes. Relatively easy way to see natural mountain lakes. Trailhead located off of Naylor Lake Road (40 mins). Without 4WD, you will have to park at the start of the road and hike in. The trail is best used from March until September.
South Park 600 to Square Top Lakes (4.1 miles ): Moderate
The trailhead for the Square Top Lakes trail is across the road from the Mount Bierstadt trail at the top of the pass. The parking lot may be full but it's mainly for Bierstadt. Hike for two miles above the treeline across meadows carpeted with wildflowers in the summer to twin mountain lakes. Bring your fly rod and fishing license to cast for mountain trout or a camera to photograph the flowers, surrounding peaks, and wildlife such as marmots and bighorn sheep that inhabit the area. Since this hike is entirely above the tree line, you should hike it early in the day during the summer to avoid the area's frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Shelf Lake Trail (7.5 miles): Moderate
A hike that isn't too difficult with a lot of reward for your effort! Hike to a beautiful lake on a high bench above timberline. The lake is often ice-bound until the end of June. Need AWD/4X4 and clearance to access trail head.
Mt Bierstadt Fourteener (6.9 miles ): Very Hard
If you want to do something super Coloradan, trying defeating a Fourteener (a mountain peak over 14k feet). You'll need to be in tip top shape and start early in the morning to avoid evening storms.
Square Top Lakes (4.6 Miles): Easy-Moderate
35 minutes from the chalet via Guanella Pass. Enjoy a relatively easy hike through an exceptional alpine landscape. Arrive at 2 incredible lakes that sit beneath huge mountains. Great all year round and perfect for snowshoeing. Accessible only via Georgetown when Guanella Pass is closed.
Bruno Gulch (4 miles): Easy-Moderate
No vista, but a great trail for escaping the crowds, meandering along a creek, and seeing an array of beautiful wildflowers in Spring/Summer.
Kenosha Pass Trails
Kenosha Pass North - A MUST in Fall (7 miles): Easy-Moderate
A heavily trafficked out and back trail that features beautiful wild flowers in the spring (Late May to July) and endless yellow aspens in early fall (late Sept-early Oct). Can get quite hot in summer as there are parts without shade. Great trail for snowshoeing!
The Colorado Trail: Long Gulch to Kenosha Pass (Up to 14 miles one-way): Easy-Hard
Hike Part of the Colorado Trail at Long Gulch Trailhead to Kenosha Pass , in either direction. Hike as much as you'd like. The first 3 miles from Long Gulch are relatively flat. Point to Point would require 2 vehicles at each point. This trail has amazing panoramas, incredible aspen peak scenes in the fall and has pretty low traffic. From Kenosha Pass, take County Rd 872 off of Highway 285 at the Pass. From Long Gulch, drive over Kenosha Pass and turn left onto Lost Park Road. Drive another 11 miles until you reach the trailhead at Forest Rd 817.
Colorado Trail: Kenosha Pass to Georgia Pass (Up to 11.8 miles one-way): Moderate
The perfect Fall hike with a lake. See the aspens in all their glory during the Aspen Peak from late-Sep through early-Oct (Kenosha is where all those amazing photos are from). Also a great trail other times of the year, usually June through late October. Good for snowshoeing in winter. With a car at both points, you can do the whole trail. Otherwise hike part of it before turning around or the whole out and back for a total of 22 miles.
A heavily trafficked out and back trail that features beautiful wild flowers in the spring (Late May to July) and endless yellow aspens in early fall (late Sept-early Oct). Can get quite hot in summer as there are parts without shade. Great trail for snowshoeing!
The Colorado Trail: Long Gulch to Kenosha Pass (Up to 14 miles one-way): Easy-Hard
Hike Part of the Colorado Trail at Long Gulch Trailhead to Kenosha Pass , in either direction. Hike as much as you'd like. The first 3 miles from Long Gulch are relatively flat. Point to Point would require 2 vehicles at each point. This trail has amazing panoramas, incredible aspen peak scenes in the fall and has pretty low traffic. From Kenosha Pass, take County Rd 872 off of Highway 285 at the Pass. From Long Gulch, drive over Kenosha Pass and turn left onto Lost Park Road. Drive another 11 miles until you reach the trailhead at Forest Rd 817.
Colorado Trail: Kenosha Pass to Georgia Pass (Up to 11.8 miles one-way): Moderate
The perfect Fall hike with a lake. See the aspens in all their glory during the Aspen Peak from late-Sep through early-Oct (Kenosha is where all those amazing photos are from). Also a great trail other times of the year, usually June through late October. Good for snowshoeing in winter. With a car at both points, you can do the whole trail. Otherwise hike part of it before turning around or the whole out and back for a total of 22 miles.
East Trails (Nearby and Toward Denver)
St. Mary's Glacier (2 miles): Easy
A well-know favorite! About 1.5 hour drive, but worth it. This is a great hike if you want the rewards of a long hike without the long hike. Amazing views of the glacier and a beautiful lake.
Buffalo Creek Falls at Wellington Lake (.5 mile): Easy
This is still a pretty secret spot that's nearby. It's not much of a hike, but a beautiful area with a lake, views of Castle mountain, a nice waterfall, and lots of cascading water to explore. Like most CO waterfalls, it is best after the Spring runoff through early July. Deep into summer it may only be a trickle. It will also be nice after a rain. Day use fee for this private recreational area is $5/car.
Staunton State Park (Various trails of length and difficulty)
This is Colorado's newest State Park near Conifer with a lot of options and variety. The area features the highest waterfall near Denver, high cliffs, a lake, wildflowers, wildlife, and more. This is a great recreation spot all year round and highly recommended!
Golden Gate Canyon State Park (Various trails of length and difficulty)
A local favorite for hiking and snowshoeing. Enjoy dense forest, rocky peaks, and aspen-rimmed meadows.
Pine Valley Ranch Park (Mostly shorter and easier - great for families)
Just 30 minutes from the chalet. Enjoy easy hiking around a lake, beautiful meadows, and other river trails with beautiful scenery.
Eldorado Canyon State Park (Various trails of length and difficulty)
This is a great place if you plan to head into the foothills to see Boulder. This is also the source of Eldorado Springs water. There is an easy hike to a water fall in warmer months.
Maxwell Falls Trail Cliff Trail Loop (4 - 5 miles): Easy-Moderate
Located between Conifer and Evergreen, Maxwell Falls is one of the easiest trails in the district. It follows Maxwell Creek to 2 small, but beautiful waterfalls. The falls are at their best in the spring when the snow runoff is plentiful. This hike is pretty accessible most of the year, though snowshoes may be needed in winter. Add a mile and take the entire loop onto Cliff Trail. Dogs allowed on leash.
A well-know favorite! About 1.5 hour drive, but worth it. This is a great hike if you want the rewards of a long hike without the long hike. Amazing views of the glacier and a beautiful lake.
Buffalo Creek Falls at Wellington Lake (.5 mile): Easy
This is still a pretty secret spot that's nearby. It's not much of a hike, but a beautiful area with a lake, views of Castle mountain, a nice waterfall, and lots of cascading water to explore. Like most CO waterfalls, it is best after the Spring runoff through early July. Deep into summer it may only be a trickle. It will also be nice after a rain. Day use fee for this private recreational area is $5/car.
Staunton State Park (Various trails of length and difficulty)
This is Colorado's newest State Park near Conifer with a lot of options and variety. The area features the highest waterfall near Denver, high cliffs, a lake, wildflowers, wildlife, and more. This is a great recreation spot all year round and highly recommended!
Golden Gate Canyon State Park (Various trails of length and difficulty)
A local favorite for hiking and snowshoeing. Enjoy dense forest, rocky peaks, and aspen-rimmed meadows.
Pine Valley Ranch Park (Mostly shorter and easier - great for families)
Just 30 minutes from the chalet. Enjoy easy hiking around a lake, beautiful meadows, and other river trails with beautiful scenery.
Eldorado Canyon State Park (Various trails of length and difficulty)
This is a great place if you plan to head into the foothills to see Boulder. This is also the source of Eldorado Springs water. There is an easy hike to a water fall in warmer months.
Maxwell Falls Trail Cliff Trail Loop (4 - 5 miles): Easy-Moderate
Located between Conifer and Evergreen, Maxwell Falls is one of the easiest trails in the district. It follows Maxwell Creek to 2 small, but beautiful waterfalls. The falls are at their best in the spring when the snow runoff is plentiful. This hike is pretty accessible most of the year, though snowshoes may be needed in winter. Add a mile and take the entire loop onto Cliff Trail. Dogs allowed on leash.
West Trails (Past Kenosha and Near Buena Vista)
Browns Creek Falls (6 miles): Easy-Moderate
An interesting, beautiful, and easy hike just south of Buena Vista. The hike has plenty of wildflowers and mountain views and reaches a pretty incredible waterfall. To get there, head south on 285. After the turn for Buena Vista, go about 8 miles through Nathrop and turn right onto County Rd 270 until it becomes 272. Turn left to stay onto 272. The trail head is another 2 miles.
Lost Lake (2.5 miles): Easy
A great trail for beginners or anyone not acclimated to the elevation. This hike is short and features a beautiful lake. In summer, there are wildflowers galore. In winter, this is a great snowshoe trail. From Buena Vista, travel 18 miles along 306 toward Cottonwood Pass. The trailhead will be on your left, and a small parking section is located on the right side of the road; keep your eyes peeled because the trailhead can be easily missed.
North Cottonwood (3 miles): Easy
An easy out and back wooded trail for beginners. Possibility of moose sightings and other wildlife. For a harder, longer trail continue on toward Kroenke Lake.
Kroenke Lake (8 miles): Moderate
A moderate trail that continues from North Cottonwood with quite a bit of elevation gain, lots of river crossings, wildlife, great views, and an amazing lake as a reward. From Main St. in Buena Vista, go west to North Creek Rd., turn right and follow it to the trailhead.
Mt. Harvard Trail (12.5 miles): Hard
If you're up for a challenging day hike and want to see amazing views of 3 fourteeners, this is a rewarding trail that goes above treeline, includes scrambling to the peak, and also features a lake.
Collegiate Peaks Campground and Denny Creek are both great for snowshoeing.
An interesting, beautiful, and easy hike just south of Buena Vista. The hike has plenty of wildflowers and mountain views and reaches a pretty incredible waterfall. To get there, head south on 285. After the turn for Buena Vista, go about 8 miles through Nathrop and turn right onto County Rd 270 until it becomes 272. Turn left to stay onto 272. The trail head is another 2 miles.
Lost Lake (2.5 miles): Easy
A great trail for beginners or anyone not acclimated to the elevation. This hike is short and features a beautiful lake. In summer, there are wildflowers galore. In winter, this is a great snowshoe trail. From Buena Vista, travel 18 miles along 306 toward Cottonwood Pass. The trailhead will be on your left, and a small parking section is located on the right side of the road; keep your eyes peeled because the trailhead can be easily missed.
North Cottonwood (3 miles): Easy
An easy out and back wooded trail for beginners. Possibility of moose sightings and other wildlife. For a harder, longer trail continue on toward Kroenke Lake.
Kroenke Lake (8 miles): Moderate
A moderate trail that continues from North Cottonwood with quite a bit of elevation gain, lots of river crossings, wildlife, great views, and an amazing lake as a reward. From Main St. in Buena Vista, go west to North Creek Rd., turn right and follow it to the trailhead.
Mt. Harvard Trail (12.5 miles): Hard
If you're up for a challenging day hike and want to see amazing views of 3 fourteeners, this is a rewarding trail that goes above treeline, includes scrambling to the peak, and also features a lake.
Collegiate Peaks Campground and Denny Creek are both great for snowshoeing.