"Enjoy this 7.8-mile out-and-back trail near Basalt, Colorado. Generally considered a moderately…read morechallenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 56 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash Thomas Lakes trail is one of the prettiest hikes in the area, and rewards hikers with some spectacular views and some gorgeous woodland. This hike isn't overly brutal, but does provide hikers with some steeper sections, so proper footwear is a must, and all visitors should expect a long day hike with some challenging distance." 1. there is a dirt lot at the trail head with multiple parking spots. 2. There is a bathroom at the trailhead. There is not however trash cans or dog poop bags. 3. Cows graze off the trail so if you hear something bigger it is possibly a cow. 4. If you are backpacking, it does say a bear canister is required. 5. The road up to the trail especially the last few miles is a little rough the trail i felt like was a gradual climb to get to the lakes. Wildflowers are popping right now! Many beautiful views along the way. The lakes are lovely! Great views of sopris.

Don't miss this one! When we first arrived in Fruita, Colorado. The Colorado National Monument was…read morenot on our list of things to visit. We would of totally missed it if it hadn't been for some people we met at a restaurant. Colorado National Monument is not a National Park; it is a National Monument managed by the National Park Service. It's name doesn't portray the beauty and magnitude of this gorgeous park. It is a 23 mile drive and is often called the mini-grand canyon. The towering red rock monoliths and the Canyon views were absolutely incredible.

What bliss this is…read more Colorado National Monument is basically the smaller in scale sandstone-stacked cousin of the Grand Canyon, but without all the horrific traffic and crowds upon crowds, especially at the start of summer. This place has miles of views with gorgeous towering cliffs, dramatic canyons and many trails for walking and hiking. You can also see the Grand Mesa (the world's largest flat-topped mountain) and the Book Cliffs from the monument. And it has that Grand Canyon feeling when you look at its depth -- as though you are looking directly into a painting. Along about a 20-mile highway (with an east and west entrance) you can enjoy the full views. There are plenty of places to pull over and park to take a look or to plan for a hike. And be very, very careful. The main drive is very deeply beloved by cyclists, so be sure to drive slow and keep eyes on the road. Do not miss Independence Monument. This is a glorious rock spire. also, the Kissing Couple is adorable. The Coke Ovens are these beautifully shaped domes -- some of my favorites in the area. Also, be aware of wildlife. I did not get lucky, but there are regular sights of bighorn sheep, coyotes, red-tailed hawks, eagles and many other animals. I did see a pretty spectacular aerial fight between a hawk and a raven during a recent visit, though. Also, be sure to check out the visitor center on the west side. It has some natural history exhibits and a gift shop. There is also the Saddlehorn Campground, which is very well maintained and has a good number of spots, but not all with sprawling city or canyon views. All told, there are three loops with nearly 80 sites. Some are small and best for a pair and others that are good for a couple of tents on one site. Overall, bring lots of water and snacks, because it is dry and sometimes feels desert like. And do not over rely on cell service, as there are a number of dead zones.

The Gorgeous Canyon has it all: a river, creek with pools, petroglyphs, historic dwellings and…read morewooden bridges plus minimal visitors. The hike is easy and only 3-4 miles.

5/27/2021 thursday…read more arrived at 730 am. was already on the warmish side. You will have a long dirt road to follow to get to the trail head. There is a bathroom at the parking lot. BUT after you park WALK DOWN THE HILL. The trail is actually down the hill from teh parking lot. just a couple of minutes. there is a railroad track and then a little open gate. walk through the gate. the trail is well marked on front end. It is all open and there is absolutely NO Shade so be sure to have sunscreen and a lot of water and probably some snacks depending on how far you plan on going in. The views of the river are lovely. there is also a creek you could go splash in at some points during the hike. a petroglyph rock roughly 3 miles in. be sure not to touch them. it can wreck it. There are some cool primitive type shelters along the way as well. we only did 3 miles in as my friends were getting too warm. The heat is no joke. This really is a desert hike, be sure to be prepared.

This hike takes you up close to beautiful rock formations. It's 0.75 one way and takes about an…read morehour. The parking lot is a bit small, and it does get popular due to the lot sharing trailheads with two other trails: No Thoroughfare Canyon Trail and Old Gordon Trail. Serpents Trail is also across the street. This is a family friendly hike!

A must see. Whether u are a local or not. Easy trails and…read morespectacular views. Picnic areas and toilets to suit the fussiest bottom. Families or single hikers it doesn't matter.

This is a great trail with a beautiful river running alongside it the first mile is an easy walk…read morethrough mile two and then becomes moderate and trail starts to narrow and be less traveled by mile three. Then is a great view at mile 4 at 8000 ft elevation. We ran out of time and could not continue any further. It's an amazing trail. I want to thank the previous reviews. This helped us find the trailhead. It's an awesome hike.

This is a very awesome trail that is not very well known by tourists. We stumbled upon it…read moregeocaching and I could not believe that it is not more popular! It's up to a 7.2 mile trail out and back. You can go any distance you chose. I would rate this as a moderate trail. They allow camping after the first five miles of the trail. The end of the seven miles tops out at 10,000 feet. This trail is accessible from May through October. Good parking! We only went a mile up because of a thunderstorm rolling in. It was all along a river! Super beautiful !! I wish I had more time to hike the rest! Can't wait to come back and finish the trail!

I hiked Ute Trail back in September, and wow what a hike! While it was very strenuous (especially…read morefor someone like me from flat Nebraska), the views along the way were well worth it. I'd consider myself an active person, but this seemingly never-ending trail sure kicked my butt! However, my friend who is new to hiking was able to complete it (even though it was really tough on her!), so I wouldn't completely rule it out if you're not a regular hiker. We took the trail all the way up to the Sundeck where the food was mediocre, but the hike was rewarding in itself. The great news is that there's a gondola that can take you back down the mountain, and let me tell you, there is nothing better than sitting in a gondola facing a gorgeous view and letting your exhausted legs rest from the long hike. If you ever get the chance to hike here, I would recommend going in the Fall when the leaves change color!

Great hike close to town. Short and steep One of the best…read morehikes in Aspen if you're up for a challenge. Its actually pretty short...but very steep. If you want more...you can follow the Ute to a trail that goes to the top of Aspen

The Grand Mesa Scenic Drive is a definite must esp during the fall. The aspen tress are bright…read moreyellow along the mountain and the air is fresh and so inviting. The lakes are beautiful and the wildlife are plenty. There are no cars on this road and it is just a spectacular easy drive for any car. No need for a 4x4 unless you would like to go down through Land End's. So pack a lunch and some snacks and spend the entire day there. You won't regret it. Fyi- don't forget to visit the observatory. You have a great view of grand junction and it's vicinities. Also lots of chipmunks that are not afraid of people so bring some nuts.

Came here to camp with a friend over the weekend. We did not get to explore much but from what i…read moresaw of the area, there was a lot of camping, a visitors center, lots of lakes for boating and fishing, so much hiking. The roads are dirt so be prepared for that. There is a fee for camping. Most ranged from $12 to $20 a night at the sites we checked out. They have a envelope to pay cash with at the entrance of each camping area.

What a cool tribute to John Denver! The garden is beautiful and free!! We were there during…read moreoffseason so I can only imagine what it looks like in the summer. It's a nice walk around, right in the town of Aspen. Kid friendly dog friendly but not wheelchair accessible, it was a rocky path with some stones crossing little streams. If you're in Aspen you should definitely check it out !

What an incredibly gorgeous, peaceful, and ethereal place to take a stroll…read more Im more of a walk-not-hike and I-like-plants-not-nature kinda gal. I could've sat and admired the landscape of this place forever. Wildflowers, and natives, gentle water and little animals about. 10/10 explore if you visit. Bonus if you're the type of person to pull out Zillow and see what some of these places backed against the sanctuary go for. (Seems fair to me!)

"Experience this 4.4-mile out-and-back trail near Carbondale, Colorado. Generally considered a…read morechallenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 41 min to complete. This trail is great for backpacking and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are July through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. This is a steep hike with spectacularly rewarding views of the Ragged Mountain Range. Start at Yule Creek trailhead. At about half mile at the Y, stay right until you reach a 4 way intersection (with Anthricite). Go straight and start climbing. Once you reach the ridge, follow the to the highest point; that is Marble Point. The ridge trail continues on to Raspberry Creek Loop at the second valley." 1. be sure to have the trail mapped before going. There is no service in marble. (there is no service from carbondale to paonia. So be sure to have all trails pulled up and also directions also pulled up or screen shotted. 2. There is not really a parking lot. Its more like road side parking and its not really obvious where the trailhead is. There are not any signs. Its only a handful of spots. 3. There are no bathrooms or dog poop bags or trash cans. Be sure to plan on packing out what you pack in (including trash, dog poop. human waste......) 4. The trail is remote. The weeds are tall in areas if you struggle with allergies you may want to wear long pants. 5. It is definitely steep! 6. There is a small sign on a tree where the trail forks. Watch for that or you will end up on the wrong trail. 7. The beginning of the trail is in rough shape. You might want some poles for it. Beautiful view at the top! Was a steep climb but worth it! Hung out at the top for a bit and just took it all in. this area is so lovely.