A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Basalt, Colorado

Regional Classics Icon

Regional Classics

Discover the must-do hikes in the area, handpicked and curated by local experts who know the trails best. These routes are beloved for good reason, offering standout scenery, rewarding terrain, and detailed descriptions with tips that tell you exactly what to expect. Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a local doing them on repeat, they offer a reliable and memorable hiking experience.

Rio Grande Trail

Classic Hike Route

Rio Grande Trail

Dogs Allowed
easy
42 mi
+277 ft
Mount Sopris

Classic Hike Route

Mount Sopris

Birding
strenuous
13.25 mi
+4,721 ft
Thomas Lakes Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Thomas Lakes Out and Back

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
8.07 mi
+1,640 ft
Capitol Creek

Classic Hike Route

Capitol Creek

Birding
strenuous
12.16 mi
+2,750 ft
Red Hill Loop

Classic Hike Route

Red Hill Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
5.95 mi
+1,268 ft
Snowmass - Willow Lake Loop

Classic Hike Route

Snowmass - Willow Lake Loop

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
22.32 mi
+6,381 ft
Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Hanging Lake

Hike Route

Hanging Lake

Lake
moderate
2.96 mi
+1,261 ft
Sylvan Lake Loop Trail

Hike Route

Sylvan Lake Loop Trail

Lake
easy
1.46 mi
+132 ft
Crater Lake + Maroon Lake Hike via the Maroon-Snowmass Trail

Hike Route

Crater Lake + Maroon Lake Hike via the Maroon-Snowmass Trail

Lake
easy
1.8 mi
+615 ft
Crater Lake and Maroon Lake

Classic Hike Route

Crater Lake and Maroon Lake

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
3.81 mi
+811 ft
Fulford Cave

Hike Route

Fulford Cave

easy
0.9 mi
+545 ft
Weller Lake

Classic Hike Route

Weller Lake

Family Friendly
moderate
0.81 mi
+236 ft
Logo

Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Rio Grande Trail

Classic Hike Route

Rio Grande Trail

Dogs Allowed
easy
42 mi
+277 ft
Mount Sopris

Classic Hike Route

Mount Sopris

Birding
strenuous
13.25 mi
+4,721 ft
Capitol Lake, Avalanche Creek, Hell's Roaring Pass Loop

Hike Route

Capitol Lake, Avalanche Creek, Hell's Roaring Pass Loop

Birding
strenuous
23.3 mi
+7,493 ft
Capitol Peak

Hike Route

Capitol Peak

Fall Colors
extreme
16.23 mi
+5,946 ft
Capitol Creek

Classic Hike Route

Capitol Creek

Birding
strenuous
12.16 mi
+2,750 ft
Snowmass - Willow Lake Loop

Classic Hike Route

Snowmass - Willow Lake Loop

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
22.32 mi
+6,381 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Thomas Lakes

Hike Route

Thomas Lakes

Lake
strenuous
8.07 mi
+1,640 ft
Thomas Lakes Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Thomas Lakes Out and Back

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
8.07 mi
+1,640 ft
Red Hill Loop

Classic Hike Route

Red Hill Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
5.95 mi
+1,268 ft
Intercept Lot to Rodeo Lot via Sky Mountain Park

Hike Route

Intercept Lot to Rodeo Lot via Sky Mountain Park

Birding
moderate
7.72 mi
+1,636 ft
Grizzly Creek Trail

Hike Route

Grizzly Creek Trail

Less Crowded
moderate
7.15 mi
+1,888 ft
Hunter Creek Trail

Classic Hike Route

Hunter Creek Trail

Fall Colors
moderate
7.98 mi
+774 ft