Above a talus field a little farther on, you'll see Sawtooth Mountain, the Indian Peaks to the south, and Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park to the north. 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. Go up Amphitheater, then upper Saddlerock, then EM Greenman to the peak. Runs of three to nearly eight miles can be had by combining trails. The 6.5-mile trail to Crag Crest (11,189 feet) follows a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs. 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. Runners in Colorado Springs are not only dedicated to running, they also want to maintain the running trails. Get the app Fort Collins. 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 Lost Man Loop connects two trailheads along Highway 82 close to Independence Pass. The Crag Crest National Recreation Trail is a 10.3-mile loop that takes in Grand Mesa, said to be the world’s largest flat-topped mountain. You could take a leisurely three to four days, like many backpackers do, to cover the 26.4-mile Four Pass Loop through the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness and not be disappointed. Summer has wicked mountain biking, trail running, rock climbing, and paragliding. ... Best Photos. And on especially clear days runners can see out to the La Sal Mountains in western Colorado and eastern Utah. The trail is rocky but in good shape, making it prime terrain for high-altitude adventures. There are many trails here with fantastic views of the Front Range, Red Rocks Amphitheater, and Denver proper. Connecting the small mountain towns of Telluride and Ouray is Imogene Pass, a 17-mile dirt road. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Most of the middle miles of the trail cuts through old-growth forest, so it’s shaded. Runs of three to nearly eight miles can be had by combining trails. Jim Good. David Herrera. 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. Next Generation Running Trail Maps. 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 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. Trail Runner’s Top Towns of 2016. Most of the middle miles of the trail cuts through old-growth forest, so it’s shaded. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Telluride also has the best Via Ferrata in the country – it's like horizontal rock climbing!" From Leon Peak, the highest point, are grand views in all directions of the Elk, Uncompahgre, Lizard Head, and Raggeds wildernesses. The main approach is from the Clear Creek/South Winfield Trailhead 20 miles south of Leadville and 14.5 miles north of Buena Vista. 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. Connecting the small mountain towns of Telluride and Ouray is Imogene Pass, a 17-mile dirt road. 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 park includes the remains of the home of John Brisben Walker, who developed the Red Rocks Amphitheater. The 350,000-acre Grand Mesa National Forest east of Grand Junction includes some 300 lakes, deep pine forest, and lots of trails. These trails all feed into the Mesa Trail as it skirts the base of the mountains. 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. Here are ten of our favorite places … The park includes the remains of the home of John Brisben Walker, who developed the Red Rocks Amphitheater. 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). “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.” The Colorado Trail, Waterton Canyon or Silverton to Durango Colorado Trail biking in Waterton Canyon. 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. Take a break there to view Browns Peak (13,523) before continuing on to the peak. ELEVATION: average ~10,300 feet ROUTE: well maintained, popular trail, signed junctions GUIDEBOOK: Colorado Trail 9th Edition DATA BOOK: 7th Edition Ben Deutsch. Lost Man Loop, Lost Man Lake, Leadville, Colorado. Grand Mesa National Forest, Colorado. Black Mountain, North Carolina. Sign Up or Log In. If you’re staying in Ouray and want to get to the trail, drive south on Highway 550, make a right turn at Country Road 7 and head down this gravel road for almost 5 miles. The top is only .88 of a mile away but a 2,000-foot climb. Chautauqua Park, Colorado. 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). Colorado Trail Towns: Aspen ... the most in-depth stories and the best photography in the running world. Shutterstock. Eli Duke, mods made. A 40-minute drive west of downtown Denver is Mount Falcon Park near Morrison. Beginning at Camp Dick Campground a few miles north of Ward, the initially flat Buchanan Pass Trail runs nine miles west, partly along Middle St. Vrain Creek, to Buchanan Pass (11,837 feet) on the Continental Divide. Hope Pass, Leadville, Colorado. The main approach is from the Clear Creek/South Winfield Trailhead 20 miles south of Leadville and 14.5 miles north of Buena Vista. Mesa Trail, Boulder. Avoid this trail in the spring when there’s still snow above the treeline and muddy meltwater running down the trail. Salil Wadhavkar. A dicey foot bridge leads to Coney Flats, a marshy area where you may catch sight of moose. Many models from well known manufacturers are priced less than $500. Find the best Trail running trails in Colorado (United States). The foundation of the summer home Walker began to build, intended as a retreat for for U.S. presidents, can also be seen. The closest cities to this trail are Silverton and Ouray. Climbers can bailout on the Barr Trail two-thirds of the way up, just before the climb is at its steepest. Located in the Tenmile Range, Quandary Peak tops out at 14,265 feet, making it the 13th highest peak in Colorado. 15 OF COLORADO'S MOST SCENIC TRAIL RUNNING DESTINATIONS, ©SUPERFEET WORLDWIDE, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. From the top, hikers descend on Barr Trail, a much gentler three-mile descent. Top Runs. OR. The distance to the ridge on the Horseshoe Basin side, accessible only by foot or mountain bike, is 2.6 steep miles; the climb gains 2,000 feet. Avoid this trail in the spring when there’s still snow above the treeline and muddy meltwater running down the trail. Connect with Facebook. This is one of the more challenging, yet accessible trail runs near Boulder. Trail Run Project is built by runners like you. From the Chautauqua trailhead, you can add a mile by taking the even more scenic and challenging Bluebell Trail detour. Records are kept for the fastest and most frequent summits. Top Runs. It's also possible to run from the east side of the pass starting at the Waldorf Mine 4x4 road and trailhead. But the trail around the top of the hill delivers great views of Durango, the Animas River Valley, and the La Plata Mountains. It was in operation until 1990 when a rock slide took out the tracks and the railroad company opted not to repair them. High ridges run in just about every direction from here. mark gallagher. Explore. Michael. Originally written by RootsRated for Superfeet. Little Cottonwood Canyon is an Instagrammer’s favorite, Horsetail Falls is also particularly beautiful during wildflower season, … Privacy Policy 1) Mesa Trail in Boulder Grand Mesa National Forest, Colorado. For the aspiring trail runner, this is a bounty of adventure that offers a lifetime of possibilities. The trailhead for Argentine Pass (13,207 feet) is at the end of the easy 4x4 Peru Creek Road near Montezuma in Summit County. Trail Towns: Boulder It's a trail running Mecca for a reason. 2. Share what you know about this area! 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. Boulder, CO. Turquoise Lake, Leadville, Colorado. View Timberline Falls from above, but watch your step as you do so. 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. 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. Enjoy the views on a clear day and head down the West Ridge For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. 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. 5. Turn back here at the 3.85-mile mark or proceed west to St. Vrain Glacier, St. Vrain Mountain, and Red Deer Lake. Take a break there to view Browns Peak (13,523) before continuing on to the peak. Chautauqua Park, Colorado. 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. Climbers can bailout on the Barr Trail two-thirds of the way up, just before the climb is at its steepest. High ridges run in just about every direction from here. This rolling 6.5-mile route between Chautauqua Park and Eldorado Springs is more than just a trail. The Lost Man Loop connects two trailheads along Highway 82 close to Independence Pass. The 6.5-mile trail to Crag Crest (11,189 feet) follows a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs. The foundation of the summer home Walker began to build, intended as a retreat for for U.S. presidents, can also be seen. Per capita, the sensational views on mountain trails in Colorado is, literally, sky high. Some are flat and wide, friendly to mountain bikers and jogging strollers, while others include more strenuous ascents. Get the app Golden. 1. 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. The Crag Crest National Recreation Trail is a 10.3-mile loop that takes in Grand Mesa, said to be the world’s largest flat-topped mountain. Expect about 2,700 of climbing and be prepared for wild weather at the top. With several 14ers as a backdrop, the 12-mile out-and back trail hugs the shoreline of the calm lake. Midland Avenue Trail. Share what you know about this area! ... Best Photos. 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. In any case, expect to see rocky outcroppings and the city below this popular trail. But a mile or two on both ends are exposed, so slather on the sunscreen. Eli Duke, mods made. Mark DeVries, mods made. 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. The Imogene Pass Run from Ouray to Telluride, held every April, has long served as a training run for the Pike’s Peak Marathon. Trail Run Project is built by runners like you. The average fit, fast-packing citizen can take any of the following trails to huge visual payoffs. With over 300 miles of trails and remarkable views beyond the Animas … Discover the most beautiful places, download GPS tracks and follow the top routes on a map. 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. Animas Mountain, Cinnamon Pass, Colorado. The largest online directory of races and clubs. From Silverton, you’ll head towards Highway 550 and drive north until the Country Road 7 turn. Per capita, the sensational views on mountain trails in Colorado is, literally, sky high. 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). 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. 4. Record your own trail from the Wikiloc app, upload it and share it with the community. 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. But a mile or two on both ends are exposed, so slather on the sunscreen. Seeing as Imogene Pass runners find themselves well above the treeline, it’s easy to understand why. 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. 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. Mark DeVries, mods made. From the top, hikers descend on Barr Trail, a much gentler three-mile descent. 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. Runners have tons of options at Leadville throughout the year — the Leadville Trail 100 (!!) It's also possible to run from the east side of the pass starting at the Waldorf Mine 4x4 road and trailhead. But they have many trails, totaling hundreds of miles, offering inspiring views of the city and its surrounding nature. Boulder, Colorado The running republic of Boulder is one of the country's top trail towns, serving up more than 200 miles of routes in close proximity to the city. Santa Fe, New Mexico and Boulder, Colorado have repeatedly been ranked very high when it comes to trail running. You’ll spend most of your time around 5,500 feet, but peak at an elevation of 6,465 feet. Jordan Curet. Sign Up or Log In. Next Generation Running Trail Maps. 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. Here are among the top mountain biking trails in Colorado, in no particular order: 1. Ben Deutsch. There are many trails here with fantastic views of the Front Range, Red Rocks Amphitheater, and Denver proper. The trail then continues up Argentine Peak to the Continental Divide. 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. 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. 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. Lake to see rocky outcroppings and the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript your. 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