VAILBOOTH FALLS is a 4.6 mile out and back trail located near Vail, Colorado that features a waterfall, abundant wildflowers, and magnificent views. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is rated as moderate. Allow 2 – 3 hours.

TRAILHEAD: From I-70 take the East Vail Exit 180. Head west 0.85 miles to Booth Falls Road. Turn right and follow this road for 0.2

miles to the trailhead parking area.

BEAVER LAKE TRAIL begins at the base of the Beaver Creek Ski Area and continues past Beaver Lake at 3.3 miles, ending at Turquoise Lakes. The

trail follows Beaver Creek as you hike through aspen groves and thimbleberry on an old wagon trail, then switches to singletrack up through a pine forest.

TRAILHEAD: From I-70 take Exit 167 for Avon. Head south from the roundabout onto Avon Road, proceeding under the interstate, past US Hwy 6, and to the gate for Beaver Creek.

Follow this to the Beaver Creek Village parking area.

This summer, dust off your hiking boots and hit the trails with some of Colorado’s best summer hikes. Suitable for all levels, enjoy stunning mountain scenery and the great outdoors during Colorado’s peak hiking season.

BOULDERBOULDER FLATIRONS #1, at the Chautauqua Park Trailhead, snakes up the backside of Flatiron #1 with terrific views across the Boulder Valley, Indian Peaks and Rocky Mountain National Park. This out and back hike is 2.9 miles round trip and takes approximately 2 hours. Rated moderate to difficult.

TRAILHEAD: Take I-25 North to Highway 36 towards Boulder. Take the Baseline Road exit and turn left. Take Baseline Road west past 9th

street and turn left into Chautauqua Park.

HEAD FOR THE HILLS:Six Summer Hikes Worth Trekking

ESSENTIALS: • SPF to protect your skin from

Colorado’s powerful rays

• Insulating layers for varying

mountain conditions

• Nutritious snacks. Trail mix

packs a nutrient-rich punch

• Hydration. 3 or 4 liters of H2O

for a long summer hike

• Heavy tread, flexible midsole

footwear

JUST FOR FUN:• Fishing rod – if you’re looking to

hook into some rainbow trout.

• Altimeter – to show off your

altitude gain.

• Wedge of gourmet cheese,

chocolate- or both.

EVERGREENEVERGREEN MOUNTAIN lies in the southwest corner of Alderfer/Three Sisters Park, part of Jefferson County’s Open Space. It appears as a gentle hump on the horizon, yet hidden from view is a stunning vantage point

which affords spectacular views of 14,264 foot Mount Evans.

TRAILHEAD: Travel south of Evergreen on Highway 73. Turn west on Buffalo Park Road, approx. 1.5 miles,

then turn right into the west parking lot at LeMasters Road.

BRECKENRIDGE / COPPERBLUE LAKES-MONTE CRISTO GULCH offers sublime views as you meander your way through a historic mining area surrounded by alpine lakes. Explore granite cliffs and wildflower meadows as you make the trek on this above-tree-line, 2.5 mile out and back trail.

TRAILHEAD: Drive south on U.S. 9 for eight miles to Blue Lakes Road (No. 850). Turn right and follow the road for 2.2 miles to the parking area just below the dam.

WHEELER LAKES HIKING TRAIL - Offering some of the best wildflower viewing in the area, Wheeler Lakes Trail travels past several small lakes along the interstate before beginning its ascent on the south side of the mountain. There, views open to stunning aspen groves, alpine meadows and pine forests.

TRAILHEAD: The Wheeler Lakes Trail is located off of I-70 directly before Exit 194 to Copper Mountain. Trail is rated as moderate, and is 5.6 miles round trip. Allow 4 hours.