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Hiking Near Pitkin, 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.

Mill Lake Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Mill Lake Out and Back

Birding
moderate
3.81 mi
+1,438 ft
Boulder Lake Out-and-Back

Classic Hike Route

Boulder Lake Out-and-Back

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
6.73 mi
+2,014 ft
Fossil Ridge Trail One-Way

Classic Hike Route

Fossil Ridge Trail One-Way

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
11.59 mi
+2,493 ft
Waterdog Lakes

Classic Hike Route

Waterdog Lakes

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
4.05 mi
+1,302 ft
Mount Shavano and Tabeguache Peak

Classic Hike Route

Mount Shavano and Tabeguache Peak

Dogs Allowed
strenuous
10.34 mi
+5,411 ft
Mount Yale via Browns Pass Trail

Classic Hike Route

Mount Yale via Browns Pass Trail

Dogs Allowed
strenuous
8.51 mi
+4,313 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.

Mill Lake Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Mill Lake Out and Back

Birding
moderate
3.81 mi
+1,438 ft
Waterdog Lakes

Classic Hike Route

Waterdog Lakes

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
4.05 mi
+1,302 ft
Lost Lake Hike

Hike Route

Lost Lake Hike

Lake
easy
3.35 mi
+432 ft
Old Car Loop

Classic Hike Route

Old Car Loop

Views
moderate
1.95 mi
+228 ft
Van Tuyl Loop

Classic Hike Route

Van Tuyl Loop

Birding
easy
3.08 mi
+28 ft
The Caves Loop Hike

Hike Route

The Caves Loop Hike

Fall Colors
moderate
4.3 mi
+983 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.

Fossil Ridge Trail One-Way

Classic Hike Route

Fossil Ridge Trail One-Way

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
11.59 mi
+2,493 ft
Continental Divide Trail: Mirror Lake Alternate

Hike Route

Continental Divide Trail: Mirror Lake Alternate

Lake
extreme
22.31 mi
+3,514 ft
Colorado Trail: Collegiate West Segment 4

Hike Route

Colorado Trail: Collegiate West Segment 4

Lake
extreme
15.22 mi
+2,749 ft
Continental Divide Trail: Colorado Section 21

Hike Route

Continental Divide Trail: Colorado Section 21

Views
extreme
15.42 mi
+4,375 ft
The Sawatch Sky Marathon

Hike Route

The Sawatch Sky Marathon

Wildflowers
strenuous
25.24 mi
+6,480 ft
Poplar Gulch Trail

Hike Route

Poplar Gulch Trail

Fall Colors
strenuous
12.26 mi
+4,333 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.

Fossil Mountain Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Fossil Mountain Out-and-Back

Fall Colors
strenuous
5.23 mi
+2,710 ft
Boulder Lake Out-and-Back

Classic Hike Route

Boulder Lake Out-and-Back

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
6.73 mi
+2,014 ft
Fairview Peak Out and Back

Hike Route

Fairview Peak Out and Back

Views
strenuous
8.8 mi
+2,735 ft
Continental Divide Trail: Colorado Section 20

Hike Route

Continental Divide Trail: Colorado Section 20

Views
strenuous
7.91 mi
+1,482 ft
Mount Yale via Browns Pass Trail

Classic Hike Route

Mount Yale via Browns Pass Trail

Dogs Allowed
strenuous
8.51 mi
+4,313 ft
Browns Creek Falls

Classic Hike Route

Browns Creek Falls

Fall Colors
moderate
5.71 mi
+959 ft