A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Bayfield, 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.

Smelter Mountain Trail

Classic Hike Route

Smelter Mountain Trail

Birding
strenuous
3.9 mi
+1,517 ft
Animas Mountain Loop

Classic Hike Route

Animas Mountain Loop

Birding
moderate
5.77 mi
+1,517 ft
Emerald Lake - Vallecito Creek Loop

Classic Hike Route

Emerald Lake - Vallecito Creek Loop

Birding
strenuous
35.73 mi
+6,729 ft
Sunlight and Windom

Classic Hike Route

Sunlight and Windom

Fall Colors
strenuous
18.19 mi
+7,127 ft
Chicago Basin 14er Grand Slam

Classic Hike Route

Chicago Basin 14er Grand Slam

Fall Colors
strenuous
21.03 mi
+9,436 ft
Eolus Group

Classic Hike Route

Eolus Group

Lake
extreme
18.14 mi
+7,044 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.

Animas Overlook Trail

Hike Route

Animas Overlook Trail

ADA Accessible
easy
0.62 mi
+86 ft
Junction Creek Trail, Colorado Trail

Hike Route

Junction Creek Trail, Colorado Trail

Dogs Allowed
easy
1.5 mi
+427 ft
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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.

Emerald Lake - Vallecito Creek Loop

Classic Hike Route

Emerald Lake - Vallecito Creek Loop

Birding
strenuous
35.73 mi
+6,729 ft
Hermosa, Clear, South Fork Creeks Loop

Hike Route

Hermosa, Clear, South Fork Creeks Loop

River/Creek
strenuous
26.69 mi
+5,154 ft
Sunlight and Windom

Classic Hike Route

Sunlight and Windom

Fall Colors
strenuous
18.19 mi
+7,127 ft
Chicago Basin 14er Grand Slam

Classic Hike Route

Chicago Basin 14er Grand Slam

Fall Colors
strenuous
21.03 mi
+9,436 ft
Eolus Group

Classic Hike Route

Eolus Group

Lake
extreme
18.14 mi
+7,044 ft
La Plata Canyon

Hike Route

La Plata Canyon

Fall Colors
strenuous
18.76 mi
+3,079 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.

Animas Mountain Loop

Classic Hike Route

Animas Mountain Loop

Birding
moderate
5.77 mi
+1,517 ft
Piedra River Trail

Hike Route

Piedra River Trail

Views
easy
6.06 mi
+757 ft
Chicago Basin

Hike Route

Chicago Basin

Wildflowers
strenuous
5.99 mi
+3,010 ft
Deadwood Mountain and Silver Mountain Extravaganza

Classic Hike Route

Deadwood Mountain and Silver Mountain Extravaganza

Fall Colors
extreme
9.12 mi
+4,384 ft
Continental Divide Trail: Colorado Section 8

Hike Route

Continental Divide Trail: Colorado Section 8

Lake
strenuous
9.81 mi
+2,680 ft