Blue Lakes – This trail is one of the most popular in Colorado, and for good reason. This short, but steep hike leads to three stunning alpine lakes that don’t even look real! Please tread carefully – this area has been overrun with careless hikers and it may become a permit-only trail.

Mt. Sneffels – Mt. Sneffels is the iconic 14er that overlooks the Dallas Divide and Ridgway. There are several ways to summit it (shorter from Yankee Boy Basin and more lengthy from the Blue Lakes/Ridgway side), but both are considered hard and recommended for experienced hikers. Be sure to bring your helmet!

West Fork to Courthouse Mountain – This is a 3.7-mile out-and-back trail that requires some scrambling, but hikers are rewarded with amazing views. Courthouse Mountain is an iconic one in the area, so it’s fun to be able to say you reached it! Those wary of scrambling can cut the hike short.

Uncompahgre Riverwalk – For a more moderate, flat trail that is accessible for most hiking levels, the Uncompahgre Riverwalk is a great option. This is a fun paved/concrete trail from Ridgway to the Dallas Creek Trailhead.