Gilpin County is a mountainous region in Colorado, characterized by its significant public lands, including large portions of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. This diverse landscape features high-altitude terrain, alpine lakes, and the Continental Divide, providing a setting for various outdoor activities. The area offers opportunities for several sports like hiking, road cycling, touring cycling, jogging, and more, set against a backdrop of natural features.
Gilpin County offers a range of outdoor activities…
96
Routes
4.9
(51)
Average rating
3213
People visited

5.0
(1)
40
hikers
5.58km
02:30
550m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

5.0
(2)
26
hikers
26.3km
08:06
740m
820m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

5.0
(1)
21
hikers
10.8km
03:28
330m
270m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

19
hikers
16.0km
05:45
580m
560m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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10.9km
01:39
570m
0m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
290
riders
13.2km
01:32
440m
440m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

5.0
(2)
81
riders
17.2km
01:50
450m
450m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
77
riders
15.6km
01:37
370m
370m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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5.0
(1)
253
riders
93.9km
05:57
2,460m
2,460m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

5.0
(1)
237
riders
88.5km
05:04
2,090m
2,090m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

45
riders
86.1km
04:48
1,800m
1,810m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

46
riders
52.4km
02:59
1,210m
1,210m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.0
(1)
121
riders
43.7km
03:15
1,050m
1,050m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

26
riders
69.3km
05:05
1,590m
1,590m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

24
riders
74.6km
05:27
1,680m
1,680m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

11
riders
42.1km
02:35
410m
410m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4
runners
6.56km
00:56
270m
260m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
runners
8.39km
01:11
330m
310m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
runners
4.22km
00:34
130m
120m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
runners
8.28km
01:19
250m
250m
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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8
riders
20.2km
01:43
390m
390m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
7
riders
26.2km
01:34
300m
300m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
3
riders
28.7km
02:43
820m
820m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Gilpin County offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, road cycling, touring cycling, jogging, and mountain biking. The region features more than 60 routes across these sports. These activities are set against a backdrop of mountainous terrain and extensive public lands.
Popular hiking areas include Golden Gate Canyon State Park, which features 36 miles (58 km) of trails, and the James Peak Wilderness. Trails like the Upper Mule Deer Trail offer viewpoints, while the Raccoon Trail is known for wildflowers. For more information, consult the Hiking in Gilpin County guide.
Gilpin County offers trails suitable for families, particularly within Golden Gate Canyon State Park. These trails often feature smooth paths and well-graded elevation changes. For specific recommendations, refer to the Easy hikes in Gilpin County guide.
Gilpin County provides diverse cycling routes, including road cycling and touring cycling options. Routes often feature significant elevation gains and scenic byways like State Highway 119, also known as the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. Guides such as Road Cycling Routes in Gilpin County and Cycling in Gilpin County offer detailed information.
Permit requirements vary by location within Gilpin County. Golden Gate Canyon State Park typically requires a park pass for entry. For areas within the James Peak Wilderness or Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, specific permits may be needed for certain activities or overnight stays. Visitors should check with the relevant land management agency before their trip.
Gilpin County features diverse natural landscapes, including high-altitude terrain, alpine lakes, and the Continental Divide. Notable features include James Peak, the highest point in the county at 13,294 feet (4,052 m), and picturesque lakes like Little Echo Lake. Visitors may also encounter abundant wildlife.
Routes in Gilpin County have an average rating of 4.85 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on feedback from more than 14,000 visitors who have explored the region's 69 routes.
Yes, Gilpin County offers mountain biking trails. These trails provide opportunities for off-road cycling in the region's mountainous terrain. More details can be found in the MTB Trails in Gilpin County guide.
The highest point in Gilpin County is James Peak, which reaches an elevation of 13,294 feet (4,052 m). This peak is part of the Continental Divide Trail and is located within the James Peak Wilderness.
Gilpin County offers various jogging routes suitable for runners. Information on these trails, including details on terrain and length, is available in the Running Trails in Gilpin County guide.
For general information about Gilpin County, the official website is gilpincounty.org. The main phone number for the county is +1-303-582-5214.

