Colorado is a wonderful place to live and explore. We’ve been living here for over 30 years and are still finding amazing new outdoor adventures in every corner. Here’s a few wild west, nature loving, and out-of-this-world hidden gems that will surprise you and take your breath away. 303 Magazine has rounded up our favorite outdoor hidden gems in the state. Everything from Glacial lakes, to castles, to alligator farms— here are the 7 Most Amazing Outdoor Hidden Gems in Colorado.
1. Sky Pond and Lake of Glass, Rocky Mountain Park
A scenic, shady, and intermediate (but quite long) 9 mile path takes you to two of the most beautiful peaks imaginable—crystal blue to emerald clear glacier lakes at high altitude known as Sky Pond and Lake of Glass. A beautiful refuge in Rocky Mountain National park, that welcomes close to 3.3 Million visitors each year, these long hikes are sure to feed your hidden gem appetite. Find these beautiful glacial lakes for a truly serene escape.
2. Bishop’s Castle
Bishop Castle
This bizarre and totally unexpected two acres in the San Isabel National Forest is the child of Jim Bishop. In construction since 1972, it may be the largest one-man building project in the world. You’ll see Jim’s anti-government signs posted throughout the trail, along with an enormous, clay castle, dragon, and Eiffel tower shaped fire place. You can walk insideBishop’s Castle and on several other spirally staircase like structures along the way. Jim started describing the Bishop Castle as “Built by One Man with the Help of God.” Truly something out of Willy Wonka or Dr. Suess, enjoy this local Colorado fairy tale. 12705 Colorado 165, Rye, CO, 81069.
3. The Incline in Manitou Springs
Manitou Incline
Not for the faint of heart, this vertical mile staircase in Manitou Springs known simply as “The Incline” is truly a flight of stairs worth taking. The really intense Colorado fitfam hiker could do the climb in 35-45 minutes. Feel the burn all the way to the top for one of the most spectacular hidden gem views that you have to see to believe. Ruxton St. Across from the Cog Railway in Manitou Springs.
4. Forsythe Canyon in Boulder
This stunning Forsythe waterfall is on our list for the amazing scenery and hiking bliss, plus it’s relatively unknown among even the most versed hiking locals. Bring your dogs (on leash) and kids on this beautiful, shady hidden gem hike. Take the 2.2 mile hike to Forsythe Falls that will be situated along side Gross Reservoir. Check out the comprehensive Daily Hikes near Denver guide for the exact Falls Route, as the trailhead is easily missed. Be sure to make a day of it in Boulder.
5. Colorado Gators and Reptile Park
Colorado Gators
Alligator wrestling in Colorado. Yes, you heard right. If you think this echoes a banjo-playing, swamp people spot— it sort of does. But it’s also a kitschy, unique, immaculate, exciting, and really fun spot to visit. They welcome kids and encourage you to bring your dogs, who will have a lot of fun smelling alligators, turtles, birds, reptiles, and crazy animals they never knew existed. Check the pricing and hours of this weirdly cool hidden gem that will surely blow your mind. 9162 Ln 9 N, Mosca CO, 81146.
6. Booth Falls
Booth Falls
This is a super beautiful Vail hidden gem that boasts the killer hike, stunning views, and aqueous quality that you will become accustomed to in Colorado. Most locals don’t need an excuse to get to Vail, but now you have one! It is quite possibly one of the most picturesque mountain towns in the state. Booth Falls Road, Vail, CO, 81657.
7. St. Mary’s Glacier
St Mary’s Glacier
This final hidden gem is an ever changing canvas of the seasons. Enjoy Saint Mary’s Glacier in Summer, where the rocky path about a mile long takes you to the glacial lake. People ski and snowboard all season long down the glacial front. Check out Daily Hikes near Denver for the best route. 7599 Fall River Road, Idaho Springs, CO, 80452.
