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Hiking Near Paonia, 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.

Red Rock Canyon Route

Classic Hike Route

Red Rock Canyon Route

River/Creek
moderate
6.27 mi
+1,387 ft
Grand Mesa Crag Crest Loop

Classic Hike Route

Grand Mesa Crag Crest Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
10.36 mi
+1,734 ft
Warner Point Nature Trail

Classic Hike Route

Warner Point Nature Trail

Family Friendly
easy
1.54 mi
+362 ft
Horse Ranch Park Loop

Classic Hike Route

Horse Ranch Park Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
5.47 mi
+1,556 ft
Storm Pass Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Storm Pass Out and Back

River/Creek
extreme
15.97 mi
+4,100 ft
4 Baldy Peak Bonanza

Classic Hike Route

4 Baldy Peak Bonanza

Fall Colors
strenuous
10.89 mi
+3,194 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.

Bobcat to Duncan 5-Miler

Hike Route

Bobcat to Duncan 5-Miler

Views
moderate
4.56 mi
+971 ft
Beckwith Pass Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Beckwith Pass Out-and-Back

Views
moderate
4.76 mi
+1,122 ft
Rimrock to Uplands Loop

Hike Route

Rimrock to Uplands Loop

Birding
easy
2.21 mi
+354 ft
Warner Point Nature Trail

Classic Hike Route

Warner Point Nature Trail

Family Friendly
easy
1.54 mi
+362 ft
Lake Irwin Loop Trail

Hike Route

Lake Irwin Loop Trail

Lake
easy
1.65 mi
+48 ft
Scarp Ridge Out and Back

Hike Route

Scarp Ridge Out and Back

Fall Colors
moderate
2.79 mi
+1,161 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.

Dark Canyon Trail Point to Point

Hike Route

Dark Canyon Trail Point to Point

Fall Colors
extreme
14 mi
+1,469 ft
Grand Mesa Crag Crest Loop

Classic Hike Route

Grand Mesa Crag Crest Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
10.36 mi
+1,734 ft
Swampy Pass Trail Out and Back

Hike Route

Swampy Pass Trail Out and Back

Views
strenuous
11.07 mi
+1,688 ft
Storm Pass Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Storm Pass Out and Back

River/Creek
extreme
15.97 mi
+4,100 ft
4 Baldy Peak Bonanza

Classic Hike Route

4 Baldy Peak Bonanza

Fall Colors
strenuous
10.89 mi
+3,194 ft
Blue Lake Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Blue Lake Out and Back

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
13.3 mi
+2,135 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.

North Vista Trail

Hike Route

North Vista Trail

River/Creek
moderate
6.78 mi
+1,134 ft
Green Mountain Trail + Exclamation Point

Hike Route

Green Mountain Trail + Exclamation Point

Views
moderate
6.78 mi
+1,134 ft
Red Rock Canyon Route

Classic Hike Route

Red Rock Canyon Route

River/Creek
moderate
6.27 mi
+1,387 ft
Crags Crest Trail

Hike Route

Crags Crest Trail

Lake
strenuous
9.82 mi
+1,653 ft
Gorge(ous) 10-miler Loop

Hike Route

Gorge(ous) 10-miler Loop

Views
strenuous
9.57 mi
+1,877 ft
Horse Ranch Park Loop

Classic Hike Route

Horse Ranch Park Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
5.47 mi
+1,556 ft