Join the
Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign this summer for a hike in one of the proposed wilderness areas – check out the schedule for a hike near you!
All hikes are free, but you need to register in advance by clicking the name of the hike or emailing the hike coordinator in the appropriate county or valley. All outings are limited to 15 participants.
If you're not the group-hiking type, then why not do your own Hidden Gems hike, and take along some friends? If you do, please contact us before you go so we can provide maps, advice on routes, and information on how to advocate for the areas. And please send us pictures – we’ll post them on the website.
To sign up, please click the name of the hike you wish to attend.
Sunday, June 20
Castle Peak Ascent
This landmark escarpment of basalt north of Eagle towers over open aspen-dotted country harboring a huge herd of elk. An off-trail route takes hikers right through the heart of this wild country.
Saturday, July 3
Huntsman Mountain Ascent
A fairly steep-ascent that will have your quads burning at the onset is worthwhile as the trail opens up into breathtaking panoramic views. The farther reaches of the ridgline are seldom traveled, and tower over basins even more isolated.
Wednesday, July 7
Hunter Creek Wildflower Hike
This fairly easy ramble will take us past the popular lunch-ride loop of lower Hunter Creek – Aspen’s playground – into the less-frequented terrain that is proposed to be added to the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness.
Saturday, July 10
Piney Ridge Traverse
Hike the Piney Ridge, high above Crazy Horse Creek and the Piney River, and with spectacular views of the western terminus of the Gore Range.
Sunday, July 18
Bulldog Creek
This short but fascinating hike takes you by old mining ruins, including a drift and handcart tracks, to a hidden waterfall on the backside of Mt. Sopris.
Sunday, July 18
Mohawk Lakes
Hike by wildflowers and waterfalls to Mohawk Lakes sparkling beneath some of Colorado's highest peaks in the Tenmile Range.
Wednesday, July 21
Spraddle Creek Wildflower Hike
At the peak of wildflower season we will venture into Vail's popular backcountry backyard to see the colorful plant gems of the Hidden Gems.
Saturday, July 31
Red Table
This hike climbs Mt. Thomas, a 12,000 foot peak on the east end of Red Table Mountain
Sunday, August 8
Basalt MountainOne of the best-kept secrets of the Fryingpan Valley, the incredible Seven Castles Creek is like a wormhole to the Utah redrock country. If you’ve never been, join this guided hike to learn how to access the canyon.
Saturday, August 21
Quandary Peak
Hike Quandary Peak, one of Colorado's spectacular Fourteeners!
Tuesday, August 24
Full Moon Hay Park A repeat performance of last year’s hugely popular full-moon hike up the Thomas Lakes Trail, at the northern base of Mt. Sopris – fingers crossed, we’ll have another clear, mild evening again this year.