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HIT THE TRAILS.
Hiking in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado
Vista Verde offers hikes for every interest. Your choices range from mild, wildflower walks to all-day challenging adventures above the timberline. As with all our activities, our guides will tailor the experience to your family.
Our backyard is laced with amazing hiking trails. Located in the Routt National Forest close to the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness, Vista Verde is only a hoot and a holler from a host of trailheads that lead to extraordinary hiking.
The Zirkel Wilderness is just to the east and each summer it transforms into a lush and spectacular watershed. To the north, the Hahns Peak/Columbine area offers many joyous hikes as well. Our hikes may follow flowing creeks that rush with snowmelt, climb up to panoramic views, meander through a wealth of wildflowers or stay in the enchantment of an evergreen or aspen canopy. The sounds of dancing streams and mountain chickadees, the visual splendor of colorful Columbine (our state flower!) and Indian paint brush, the sights of snow-capped peaks and pristine alpine lakes, and soothing smell of pine and fir trees – all create a special sensory experience. Breathe in the freshest air on the planet and enjoy with us the serenity and spaciousness only a Rocky Mountain hike can provide.
Family Fun
Families and fun are the major focus of summer at Vista Verde. The goals of family fun hikes are to give the entire family a fun-filled experience. One such outing is to Gilpin Falls, a short duration, low intensity, and mild terrain hike. With a spectacular waterfall, lots of rocks to climb on, refreshing wading pools and plenty of stones to throw, this is a kid’s paradise and a great ending point for a hike. An old mining site, there is a lot of history and turn-of-the-century gold mining equipment to examine and ponder. How did they get that gear up here?
We want kids to have a great experience and develop a joy of being active in nature. There are always plenty of snacks in our guides’ backpacks to keep the posse moving. Family photo opportunities abound so you can capture the special outdoor moments.
