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The Virtual Sherpa
Colorado Trail Segment 6 Hike Guide - Part 1/4
Jackie, Juno and I continued our journey to segment hike the Colorado Trail tackling the longest segment of the Colorado Trail, segment 6. This segment of the Colorado Trail is about 33 miles with 5,200 feet of elevation gain and starts at Kenosha Pass and ends at Gold Hill in Breckenridge. This is part 1/4 head to my profile to watch more!
Colorado 14ers: Mt Massive via Southwest Slopes Route Hike Guide - Part 3/3
The Southwest slopes of Mt Massive have become increasingly popular over the years providing an excellent approach to the 14er. This route is about 8.5 miles with 4,000 ft of elevation gain. The TH access is shortened with a high clearance 4x4 car. This is part 2/3, check out the rest on my profile!
Colorado 14ers: Mt Massive via Southwest Slopes Route Hike Guide - Part 1/3
The Southwest slopes of Mt Massive have become increasingly popular over the years providing an excellent approach to the 14er. This route is about 8.5 miles with 4,000 ft of elevation gain. The TH access is shortened with a high clearance 4x4 car. This is part 1/3, check out the rest on my profile!
Colorado Trail Segment 6 Hike Guide - Part 2/4
Jackie, Juno and I continued our journey to segment hike the Colorado Trail tackling the longest segment of the Colorado Trail, segment 6. This segment of the Colorado Trail is about 33 miles with 5,200 feet of elevation gain and starts at Kenosha Pass and ends at Gold Hill in Breckenridge. This is part 2/4 head to my profile to watch more!
Colorado Trail Segment 6 Hike Guide - Part 4/4
Jackie, Juno and I continued our journey to segment hike the Colorado Trail tackling the longest segment of the Colorado Trail, segment 6. This segment of the Colorado Trail is about 33 miles with 5,200 feet of elevation gain and starts at Kenosha Pass and ends at Gold Hill in Breckenridge. This is part 4/4 head to my profile to watch more!
Colorado Trail Segment 6 Hike Guide - Part 3/4
Jackie, Juno and I continued our journey to segment hike the Colorado Trail tackling the longest segment of the Colorado Trail, segment 6. This segment of the Colorado Trail is about 33 miles with 5,200 feet of elevation gain and starts at Kenosha Pass and ends at Gold Hill in Breckenridge. This is part 3/4 head to my profile to watch more!
Colorado 14ers: Mt Massive via Southwest Slopes Route Hike Guide - Part 2/3
The Southwest slopes of Mt Massive have become increasingly popular over the years providing an excellent approach to the 14er. This route is about 8.5 miles with 4,000 ft of elevation gain. The TH access is shortened with a high clearance 4x4 car. This is part 2/3, check out the rest on my profile!
Colorado 14ers: Mt Shavano & Tabeguache Peak Hike Guide - Part 3
Mt Shavano & Tabeguache Peak are a pair of 14ers located in central Colorado. These two are typically hiked together since they are only a mile apart. The hike up both mountains is about 11 miles RT with 5,600ft of elevation gain. This is part 3 of a three part series, check out the others on my page!
Colorado 14ers: Mt Shavano & Tabeguache Peak Hike Guide - Part 2
Mt Shavano & Tabeguache Peak are a pair of 14ers located in central Colorado. These two are typically hiked together since they are only a mile apart. The hike up both mountains is about 11 miles RT with 5,600ft of elevation gain. This is part 2 of a three part series, check out the others on my page!
Colorado 14ers: Mt Shavano & Tabeguache Peak Hike Guide - Part 1
Mt Shavano & Tabeguache Peak are a pair of 14ers located in central Colorado. These two are typically hiked together since they are only a mile apart. The hike up both mountains is about 11 miles RT with 5,600ft of elevation gain. This is part 1 of a three part series, check out the others on my page!
Colorado Trail: Segment 4 Hike Guide
Jackie, Juno and I continued our journey to segment hike the Colorado Trail tackling segments 4&5 in a weekend. Segment 4 of the Colorado Trail is 16.6 miles with 3,271 feet of elevation gain and starts at Rolling Creek TH and ends at Long Gulch TH.
Colorado 13er Centennial: Pacific Peak North Couloir Virtual Trail Guide Part 2
Couloir season was in full swing and we decided to tackle Pacific Peak North Couloir. This hike is about 10 miles RT from the winter TH of Spruce Creek with about 3,650 ft of elevation gain. The north Couloir of Pacific Peak is a moderate to advanced snow climb with sustained 35 degree slope and maxing out in the low 60's.
Colorado 13er Centennial: Pacific Peak North Couloir Virtual Trail Guide Part 1
Couloir season was in full swing and we decided to tackle Pacific Peak North Couloir. This hike is about 10 miles RT from the winter TH of Spruce Creek with about 3,650 ft of elevation gain. The north Couloir of Pacific Peak is a moderate to advanced snow climb with sustained 35 degree slope and maxing out in the low 60's.
Colorado Trail_ Segment 3 Virtual Trail Guide Part 3
My wife Jackie and I continued our quest to hike the entire Colorado Trail hiking segment 2 and 3 in one day. This video focuses on segment 3 of the Colorado trail which is 12.3 miles long with just over 1,900 ft of elevation gain. Segment 3 starts at Little Scraggy TH which does have a day use fee and ends at Rolling Creek TH.
Colorado Trail_ Segment 3 Virtual Trail Guide Part 2
My wife Jackie and I continued our quest to hike the entire Colorado Trail hiking segment 2 and 3 in one day. This video focuses on segment 3 of the Colorado trail which is 12.3 miles long with just over 1,900 ft of elevation gain. Segment 3 starts at Little Scraggy TH which does have a day use fee and ends at Rolling Creek TH.
Tabeguache Peak 14er Hike Guide
Tabeguache Peak is a “14er” located near the town of Salida, Colorado. This peak involves over 5,000 ft of elevation gain in just 5.5 miles and is commonly paired with neighboring Mt Shavano. This moderate to difficult hike has outstanding views from the summit in almost all directions. The summit of the mountain is very rocky but if you are lucky you can have it all to yourself since Tabeguache Peak does not get extremely busy.
Humboldt Peak Colorado 14er Hike Guide
Humboldt Peak is a “14er” located in the Sangre De Cristo Wilderness as part of the San Isabel range in southern Colorado. The hike up the summit is fairly straightforward, but the last 1-2 miles involve switchbacks and some minor rock scrambling (Class 2 at the highest). Humboldt Peak has a trail that is composed of packed dirt and a small boulder field towards the summit. Humboldt Peak is a good hike for beginner and intermediate hikers.
Mt Shavano 14er Hike Guide
Mt Shavano is a “14er” located near the town of Alma, Colorado. This peak involves about 5,000 feet of elevation gain in just 5 miles and is commonly paired with Tabeguache Peak. This moderate hike has a variety of camping spots within a few miles of the trailhead and offers other trails in the area for those in your party that do not want to make the hike to the summit.
Mt Sherman 14er Hike Guide
Mt Sherman is a “14er” located in central Colorado. The trek to the summit is fairly “easy,” making this 14er widely known as one of the easiest in the state. Although the mileage is short, don’t take this mountain lightly as the hike starts at over 12,000ft in elevation. Expect heavy crowds on this hike, especially during summer weekends. What makes Mt Sherman unique is the large portion of the trail that works its way through old mining buildings.
Quandary Peak 14er Hike Guide
Quandary Peak is a “14er” located about 15 minutes outside of Breckenridge, Colorado. The distance to the summit is relatively short, but don’t let the lack of miles fool you, this hike is not a piece of cake. Due to its proximity to the popular ski town of Breckenridge, it is a heavily trafficked hike. I would recommend Quandary Peak to those looking to bag some of the easier “14ers” due to its proximity to Denver and relatively moderate hike to the summit.
Grays Peak & Torreys Peak 14er Hike Guide
Grays Peak and Torreys Peak are a pair of heavily trafficked “14ers” located about an hour from the Denver area. Hiking Grays Peak and Torreys Peak are an easier pair of “14ers” when comparing them to Mt Evans & Mt Bierstadt, but still requires a high fitness level and experience at high elevation. The popular pair of mountains get very busy though (think I-70 traffic at 3PM on a winter Sunday).
Missouri Lake & Fancy Lake Hike Guide
Missouri Lake & Fancy Lake loop is arguably the most popular trail in the Holy Cross Wilderness. This stunning 13 mile loop travels by many high elevation lakes, up two mountain passes (Missouri Pass & Fancy Pass) and is a popular spot for camping. The Missouri Lake & Fancy Lake loop also provides an opportunity to visit the abandoned mining community of Holy Cross City. Overall, this is one of the most beautiful and underrated hikes in Colorado in my humble opinion.
Mt. Falcon Colorado hike guide
Mt Falcon Park is located just minutes away from many Denver suburbs and is a popular hiking, running and biking spot year round. When you eventually do get into the park, you feel as though you are in the middle of a national forest not just minutes away from several neighborhoods. This is an easy post work hike and a great option for beginner hikers or families with young children. Mt Falcon is a great opportunity to see wildlife like deer and local birds and of course is a great option that is close to Denver.
"The Fly" Colorado Hike Guide
The Fly hike takes you to the summit of a12,000 foot peak located in the rugged Gore Range of Central Colorado. This hike is accessed via the Booth Lake trail in the Eagles Nest Wilderness in Vail, Colorado. There is no defined trail up to this infrequently hiked mountain, so once you reach Booth Lake, it is really a choose your own adventure situation. Most routes up to the summit will involve Class 3 and 4 hiking and scrambling and all will lines involve loose rocks and gravel.
Roxborough State Park Colorado Hiking Guide
Roxborough State Park, located in the town of Littleton, Colorado, offers a variety of hiking for beginners and families. The park features the same beautiful red sandstone that is also located throughout the foothills including Red Rocks Park and Garden of the Gods. The park’s highest peak, Carpenter Peak, offers views of the Front Range and Denver. Roxborough State Park is close to Denver and the perfect spot to visit if you are looking to tackle a quick hike without wasting too much of your day.
Pikes Peak via Barr Trail 14er Hike Guide
Pikes Peak via Barr Trail is a popular route up the highest mountain in the southern Front Range of Colorado. The famous 14er can be climbed using two different trails; the popular Barr trail or Crags Campground trail. The mountain has a road and cog railroad that also provide access to the beautiful mountain. Most hikers will stretch a Pikes Peak via Barr Trail hike into two days by staying at Barr Camp but this certainly can be done as a long day hike as well.
Carpenter Peak Colorado Hike Guide - Roxborough State Park
Carpenter Peak is the highest point in Roxborough State Park located in the town of Littleton, Colorado. The summit is just over 7,000ft and offers views down into Roxborough and of the Front Range and Denver. Carpenter peak is great smaller hike for families and beginner hikers. Carpenter Peak can be hiked year round but expect occasionally closures due to muddy trail conditions.
Mt Bierstadt Colorado 14er Hike Guide
Mt Bierstadt is a extremely popular 14er located about 60 miles from Denver. Mt Bierstadt is extremely popular given its proximity to Denver and I70 and the relatively short amount of time it takes to summit. Although Mt Bierstadt is not extremely taxing compared to other 14ers, it is not a walk in the park (unless your parks are above 12,000 feet). Experience with high altitude hiking and plenty of time are recommended to tackle this peak.
Bear Peak Boulder Colorado Hike Guide
Bear Peak is a 7 mile out and back located in Boulder, Colorado. To access the summit there is a couple hundred feet of rock scrambles which provide great views into Rocky Mountain National Park, Arapaho National Forest, Boulder and on a clear day, Denver. This hike is great for beginner hikers and families and it does get busy on most days, especially weekends. Bear Peak can be hiked year round with snow on the summit during the winter months.
Mt Galbraith Colorado Hike Guide
Mt Galbraith is a 4.9 mile lollipop loop located in Golden, Colorado. This hike is a short, but sweet and offers views into downtown Denver, Golden, and the surrounding foothills. On a clear day you are able to see Mt. Evans in the distance. The hike is great for beginner hikers, families or someone who is trying to sneak in a quick hike after work or while visiting Denver. Mt Galbraith can be hiked year round with minimal snow during the winter months.
Devils Head Lookout Tower Colorado Hike Guide
Devils Head Lookout is a short out and back located in Pike National forest. Compared to the length and difficulty of the trail, the hike provides fantastic views of Denver, Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak and Pike National forest. It is a heavily trafficked trail, but for good reason as the summit provides the unique opportunity to climb a fire tower. Devils Head is recommended for beginner hikers or young families.
Buffalo Peaks Loop Colorado Hike Guide
The Buffalo Peaks loop is a moderately trafficked 12 mile loop in the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Area. The hike pairs the Rough and Tumbling Creek trail with the Rich Creek trail to form a loop. The Buffalo Peaks loop is a great long day trip or overnight backpacking trip that offers plenty of great camping spots and numerous sources of water. The Buffalo Peaks loop is not a difficult hike, but does require several stream crossings which can be difficult when water levels are high.
Helen Hunt Falls Colorado Hike Guide
Helen Hunt Falls is a very short hiked located in North Cheyenne Canyon Park right outside of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Accessed by a very short out and back trail, this walk is great for people of all ages and provides a fantastic waterfall experience for beginner or family hikers. This is not a destination hike but certainly worth the visit if you are in the area.
Red Rocks Park Colorado Hiking Guide
Red Rocks Park hiking is not the greatest in the Colorado, but this world famous amphitheater is an extremely popular destination for those visiting the state. Located in Morrison, Colorado about 25 minutes outside of Denver this spot is almost always extremely crowded. The park has a a variety of easy walking trails to choose from. It’s widely known for its music venue, Red Rocks Amphitheater, which attracts top name artists from all over the world. Red Rocks is the perfect spot for a quick walk or run as it provides beautiful scenery and well maintained trails.
Columbine Trail Colorado Hike Guide
The Columbine Trail is a 8.2 mile out and back that climbs through North Cheyenne Canyon Park right outside of Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs is known far and wide for the Garden of the Gods, but North Cheyenne Canyon is a must visit for those in the area. The Columbine trail offers a quick half or quarter day hike that provides seclusion, beautiful views and is not terribly taxing on the body. Although the trail does start at the Starsmore Discover Center, I would recommend starting higher up towards the middle Columbine trail. The one downside to this hike is the big parking area at the base of Helen Hunt Falls which in my mind is the reward for this hike. For me, there is nothing worse than working up a good sweat summiting a trail only to have people climbing out of their cars with ice cream cones in hands enjoying the same views as you.
The Virtual Sherpa
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Virtual sherpa provides free trail guides to hikes in Colorado & beyond. Whether you are hiking a "14er," visiting a National Park or trying to plan your next winter trip to the mountains, I have you covered. From virtual trail guides to gear reviews to hiking tips, my website and YouTube channel has it all! Visit my website here: https://www.thevirtualsherpa.com/ Visit my YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/thevirtualsherpa
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