Photo: Romiana Lee/Shutterstock

20+ Mindblowing Spots in Colorado

Colorado Insider Guides
by Matador Community Nov 4, 2016

In Colorado, you can have everything. Not just legal weed but high peaks 10,000-plus feet above sea level, ultra challenging climbing routes up red cliff faces and clear waters in the streams, rivers and lakes down below. These are our favorite spots from the Matador community, but you can find and add your own on our travelstoke app.

Editor’s note: These spots are all taken directly from travelstoke®, a new app from Matador that connects you with fellow travelers and locals, and helps you build trip itineraries with spots that integrate seamlessly into Google Maps and Uber. Download the app to add any of the spots below directly to your future trips.

Raspberry Mountain

 Raspberry Mt.Divide, United StatesA relatively easy hike to a high point in the west side of Pikes Peak. Sprawling views of the back side of Pikes Peak and the Sangres and Sawatch ranges to the west. Also a great spot for #coffee. #hiking

Garden of the Gods

 Garden of the GodsColorado Springs, United StatesMassive sandstone redrock formations right in the middle of Colorado Springs. Perfect for hiking, trail running, climbing, photography and general inspiring of awe. #hiking #running #climbing

Paint Mines Interpretive Park

 Paint Mines Interpretive ParkCalhan, United StatesHike through a colorful maze of hoodoos and badlands cut from the surrounding plains east of Colorado Springs. The Paint Mines were used for centuries by the Utes to collect the colored soil to make ceremonial paint. #hiking #history

North Cheyenne Canon Park

 North Cheyenne Canon ParkColorado Springs, United StatesRock climbing, hiking, waterfalls and sick vistas of the plains to the east and high country to the west. Hike Seven Bridges trail or climb Mt. Muscoco – the park’s high point pictured here. #hiking

The Incline

 The InclineEl Paso County, United StatesThe Manitou Incline is the toughest hiking challenge in Colorado – a 2000 foot climb in less than a mile on an old cog railway bed to the summit of Rocky Mountain in Manitou Springs. #hiking #extreme #trailrunning

Lookout Mountain Park

 Lookout Mountain ParkGolden, United StatesGreat sunrise spot overlooking Denver

Winter Park Mountain Lodge

 Winter Park Mountain LodgeWinter Park, United StatesMountain Biking in Winter Park, Colorado. #mountainbiking #extreme #usa

McIntosh Lake

 McIntosh LakeLongmont, United States5K loop around the lake. It’s partially paved and runs near open space, as well as some houses. Great spot for a run, bike ride or to walk a dog. #running #dogwalk #stroll #park

Rocky Mountain National Park

 Rocky Mountain National ParkEstes Park, United StatesMini herds of elk all over this place! Their calls are kind of a mix of horse and wolf. This park is in Estes Park, Colorado. Beautiful autumn up here!

Mount Evans

 Mount EvansClear Creek County, United StatesThe highest paved point in North America definitely doesn’t disappoint.

Longs Peak

 Longs PeakEstes Park, United StatesThis sucker is not for the faint of heart or for those afraid of heights. Watch out for that altitude sickness and don’t be afraid to turn around. Whew. #extreme #hiking #camping

Red Rocks

 Red Rocks ColoradoGolden, United StatesA show at Red Rocks should be on every music lover’s bucket list! I’ve been a couple times and not only are shows amazing but the views are unbelievable! #livemusic #musicvenue

 Red Rock Canyon Open SpaceColorado Springs, United StatesHike through an abandoned quarry of redrock sandstone. Where locals go to avoid all the tourists at Garden of the Gods. #hiking #climbing

Arapaho Pass

 Arapaho PassNederland, United States#hiking #camping #moose #backpacking #elk

Rainbow Lakes Campground

 Rainbow Lakes CampgroundNederland, United StatesRainbow Lakes.. Serene. Wild. Spectacular. Yessss!

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

 Rocky Mountain Arsenal NatlDenver, United StatesThis spot gives great views of bison, deer, and prairie dogs (who are the greatest) in front of the Denver skyline with the Rockies in the background. There’s a 9 mile nature drive to check out the wildlife, but there’s also tons of trails to hike as well. #hiking #wildlife

Mile High Wakeboarding Park

 Mile high wakeboarding ParkDenver, United States#dope

Pikes Peak Cog Railway Station

 Pikes Peak Cog Railway StationEl Paso County, United StatesBreath taking view

4th of July Bowl

 4th of July bowlBreckenridge, United States#offroad #mountains #champagnecampaign

Upper Piney Lake Trail

 Upper Piney Lake TrailBond, United StatesUpper Piney Lake is an extremely scenic and well maintained trail. Although it is beautiful all summer, the truly stunning time to visit is in fall as the Aspen’s leave change to a brilliant yellow. This is usually late September. Hike along sprawling fields and through the forest as you near the looming mountains ahead. You’ll come to a river that leads to a magnificent waterfall. This hike is extremely enjoyable, as it doesn’t have a lot of elevation gain. It’s perfect for people of all ages! #hiking #camping #funforteens #kidslearning #activekids #vailsummer

Uncompahgre Wilderness

 Uncompahgre WildernessLake City, United States#camping #extreme #hiking
Summited Uncompaghre Peak. Absolutely amazing views. We hiked in from the top of the Matterhorn 4 Wheel Drive trail and traversed across the valley. Took about ten hours round trip but we were taking our time.
Could be done faster.

Steamboat Rock

 Steamboat RockMoffat County, United StatesIt was well worth the drive out to #EchoPark Campground for the night. I had a slight issue getting out of the campground in the morning due to some rain but I made it. Note to self, take park services advice when they say the road is impassible when wet.
#campground #nationalpark #camping #hiking

Perins Peak State Wildlife Area

 Perins Peak State Wildlife AreaDurango, United StatesWhile the trail doesn’t open until April, Perins is a great afternoon hike. If you’re looking for a spectacular view of the area or just have summit fever, Perins is the way to go. #hiking

Mesa Verde National Park

 Mesa Verde National ParkMancos, United StatesHoly history. This World Heritage Site protects some of the best preserved Ancestral Purbloan archeological sites in the US. You have to take a tour though, but they’re incredibly informative and only cost $4. Just be sure to book early in the day though. They fill up fast. OH. And bring lots of water. The hike isn’t difficult, but there’s a good bit of climbing stairs, which can get you winded. #history #hiking

Discover Matador