All you need to know about Colorado backpacking trips: the best hikes in the state and advice on how to prepare for this experience.
9min
Ever dreamt of hiking through Colorado's rugged beauty, with the wild whispering secrets in your ear? Wondered how it feels to tread on trails where each turn unfolds a new panorama? In this article, we will guide you on how to have an amazing experience on a Colorado backpacking trip.
You'll learn practical tips for aspects such as weather and navigation, plus gear essentials. We'll also tell you all about the opportunity to volunteer while backpacking around Colorado, swapping a few hours of work for accommodation and other perks.
If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure, lace up your boots and get ready to explore the top hikes in Colorado. From the breathtaking mountain views to the lush forest trails, there’s a lot to explore while backpacking Colorado. Here's a peek on some of the state's highlights.
The Colorado Trail, stretching 500 miles from Denver to Durango, consists of 28 segments with varying difficulty levels, accommodating hikers of all experience levels. The trail features dramatic elevation changes, reaching passes above 12,000 feet, leading to rapidly changing weather conditions. It’s like experiencing all of what Colorado hiking has to offer in one go.
Adequate preparation for temperature drops, thunderstorms, and potential snow is essential. Backcountry camping is an option, but hikers must adhere to Leave No Trace principles and comply with camping regulations, including potential permit requirements in certain segments.
You might also like to read:
Maroon Bells, two towering 14ers (peaks over 14k feet), are the crown jewels of Aspen. The scenic loop trail offers breathtaking views without extreme difficulty, making it one of our favorites.
There are diverse hiking trails for all skill levels, including short day hikes and multi-day Colorado backpacking trips. Securing a permit is competitive due to the popularity of the area.
Notable routes such as the Maroon-Snowmass Trail, West Maroon Trail attract outdoor enthusiasts. A bit more strenuous is the Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. This popular hike covers approximately 26 miles with an elevation gain of over 8,000 feet - offering stunning views that are worth every step.
Backpacking in Chicago Basin is a dream with its picturesque features, including waterfalls, massive peaks, rushing rivers, wildflower fields, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Access involves a scenic journey on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad from Durango to the Needleton stop, the entry point to Chicago Basin.
The adventure continues with a hike along the Animas River, gradually leading to the stunning Chicago Basin, renowned for hosting four fourteeners: Sunlight Peak, Windom Peak, Mount Eolus, and North Eolus.
Each peak presents challenges and rewards, with Windom being a relatively accessible Class 2 14er, while Sunlight is known for having the most challenging crux among Colorado fourteeners.
Independence Pass, a segment of Colorado State Highway 82, traverses the Continental Divide between Leadville and Aspen, reaching a summit at 12,095 feet. The 32-mile journey offers breathtaking views as it winds through aspen groves and follows the Roaring Fork River.
Although the road is steep and narrow with minimal guardrails, it is considered safe if drivers adhere to speed limits and exercise caution. Alongside the pass, various hiking trails cater to different difficulty levels and interests.
Among the notable trails, the Grottos offers an easy trek suitable for families, featuring a waterfall, rock formations, and an ice cave. The Ruby trail leads to the abandoned mining camp of Ruby, accessible via a dirt road and a subsequent 5-mile four-wheel drive path.
For those seeking a more moderate to difficult hike, the Lost Man Trail provides access to an alpine wonderland with meadows and lakes, offering outstanding views and branching routes towards Geissler Mountain and the Continental Divide.
The Lost Creek Wilderness Loop offers an amazing backpacking experience. It’s called “Lost Creek” because the creek wanders under boulder fields and rocks.
Accessible from various trailheads, the Goose Creek Trailhead stands out as one of the most frequented starting points. Situated about 60 miles southwest of Denver, reaching this trailhead entails a picturesque drive through the foothills.
The loop comprises several interconnected trails and offers choices in trip lengths and difficulty levels. While the typical route spans around 25 to 30 miles, there are possibilities for both longer and shorter variations.
An outstanding feature of this area is the remarkable rock formations known as the "Lost Creek Wilderness granite domes." These immense granite rocks, shaped over millennia by erosion, form an otherworldly landscape.
There are plenty of other choices for those planning for Colorado backpacking. If you want to do some further research on the trail options, look up these treks:
While trekking in Colorado, be sure to observe the diverse wildlife that can be found there.
Bears are fairly common throughout the state, but don't worry. Bear safety in Colorado is taken very seriously. It's important to know how to react if you encounter one on your hike. Remember: never approach or feed them and always store food properly.
The elusive mountain lion also calls Colorado home. While they can be dangerous, actual mountain lion sightings in Colorado are rare as these majestic creatures tend to avoid human contact.
Rattlesnakes may not be at the top of your must-see list while hiking, but it’s worth knowing that they do inhabit some parts of Colorado - especially around rocky outcrops and sunny ledges. No need for alarm though; take simple precautions like wearing sturdy boots and keeping an eye on where you step.
You'll likely meet more friendly faces along your journey too. Look out for mule deer grazing quietly by trail sides or hummingbirds darting between wildflowers with vibrant bursts of color.
The first step to a successful backpacking trip in Colorado is preparation. Here’s some handy tips and advice.
Colorado's climate can be capricious, so it is important to look at the prediction before departing. Summers are generally warm but remember that thunderstorms often roll in during afternoons.
Winters bring snow and freezing temperatures - perfect for those seeking winter wonderland adventures. Be sure to pack appropriate clothing layers for your journey.
To help preserve its natural beauty, many of Colorado’s wilderness areas require permits for overnight stays. Make sure you get your permit well in advance. The process varies by location, so do your research ahead of time.
You'll need good navigation skills when trekking through Coloradan landscapes as trails aren’t always clearly marked. A reliable map or a GPS device could be lifesavers. Brush up on how to use them effectively before setting off on your adventure.
In most backcountry settings in Colorado, water is typically available from streams and lakes, but ensure they're not too far off from where you plan to camp each night.
In Colorado, campfires are subject to certain regulations and must be managed safely with the goal of leaving no trace. It's important to know when and where you can have a campfire, and how to safely manage it.
Colorado's diverse landscapes call for a well-thought-out gear list. You should be ready, yet you don't need your pack to drag you down.
You'll probably face everything from hot sunshine to chilling winds on the trails in Colorado. It's crucial that you dress appropriately.
To make sure your nights under the stars are cozy instead of chilly nightmares, there’s some key camping equipment that should have space in your pack:
The type of food you bring can make or break your experience. Lightweight, high-calorie options such as trail mix or dehydrated meals are ideal since they're easy to carry while providing much-needed energy during long hikes.
No adventurer should leave home without considering safety first. Here's what you need to have:
For more travel inspiration, read these articles:
Want to make the most of your Colorado backpacking trip? Volunteering in exchange of accommodation is your ticket to unforgettable experiences while making a positive contribution to social projects or small entrepreneurs.
Worldpackers is a collaborative travel platform focused on promoting meaningful exchanges and creating global connections. It connects travelers like you with hosts from around the world who need help on their projects or businesses. It lets volunteers swap skills for accommodation, meals, and unique experiences.
You get to immerse yourself into different cultures and enjoy the world's most amazing landscapes for free, while helping others—a win-win situation.
Besides saving money on accommodation during your travels (which can be significant), volunteering through Worldpackers gives you something more valuable—life-changing encounters and lessons learned along the way. But what does it specifically offer?
A plethora of volunteer opportunities await amidst Colorado’s stunning landscapes. And let's not forget the wealth of outdoor activities right at your doorstep when work is done.
There are several articles on our blog about how Worldpackers works. You can read them all, or simply create a free profile and start browsing the website.
There are many hosts available, so you can choose the ones that suit you best according to their location, required skills, benefits that are offered and reviews from previous volunteers.
Check out a few of the many positions available for volunteering in Colorado:
Yes, absolutely. Colorado's diverse landscapes and abundant trails make it a prime spot for backpackers and hikers of all experience levels.
You can backpack throughout most of the state parks, national forests, and wilderness areas in Colorado. Just remember to respect regulations.
The best time to hit the trails is typically between June and September when weather conditions are more predictable and comfortable.
In some places yes, like Rocky Mountain National Park or Indian Peaks Wilderness. Always check local regulations before heading out on your adventure.
If you're yearning to explore epic sceneries, a Colorado backpacking trip will be unforgettable. With stunning views and peaceful alpine lakes, it's a paradise for those seeking to be immersed in nature. And when you need more human contact, just try volunteering around these impressive landscapes.
Colorado backpacking has something for everyone: adrenaline seekers, wildlife enthusiasts or solitude lovers. So gear up and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
For more travel tips and inspiration, keep reading our blog and follow us on Instagram and Tiktok.
Write here your questions and greetings to the author
As a member, you can contact as many hosts and travel safely as many times as you want.
Choose your plan to travel with Worldpackers as many times as you like.
Complete your profile, watch the video lessons in the Academy, and earn certificates to stand out to hosts.
Apply to as many positions as you like, and get in contact with our verified hosts.
If a host thinks you’re a good fit for their position, they’ll pre-approve you.
Get your documents and tickets ready for your volunteer trip.
Confirm your trip to enjoy all of the safety of Worldpackers.
Have a transformative experience and make a positive impact on the world.
If anything doesn’t go as planned with a host, count on WP Insurance and our highly responsive support team!
After volunteering, you and your host exchange reviews.
With positive reviews, you’ll stand out to hosts and get even more benefits.
Português
Español
