Easy hikes and walks in Chaffee County
4.7
(61)
2,426
hikers
154
hikes
Easy hiking trails in Chaffee County traverse a diverse landscape within the "Heart of the Rockies," characterized by the towering Sawatch Range, the Arkansas River, and extensive public lands. The region features alpine lakes, dense forests, and open meadows. Elevations vary, with many trails offering views of surrounding peaks and valleys.
Best easy hiking trails in Chaffee County
- The most popular easy hiking route is North Broken Boyfriend Loop, a 3.3 miles (5.4 km) trail that takes 1 hourβ¦
Last updated: April 26, 2026
1
hikers
3.51km
00:57
80m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
7.09km
01:53
110m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.15km
01:05
30m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1.64km
00:35
130m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.97km
01:17
10m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.17km
00:37
80m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
40
hikers
5.38km
01:34
150m
150m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
38
hikers
2.49km
00:41
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
6.88km
01:47
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
8
hikers
3.80km
01:04
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Chaffee County
Easy hikes in Collegiate Peaks Wilderness
Easy hikes around Salida
Easy hikes around Poncha Springs
Easy hikes around Smeltertown
Easy hikes around Johnson Village
Easy hikes around Buena Vista
Colorado Trail β The pinnacle of wild Colorado
The Colorado Trail β Ten incredible days in the Rocky Mountains
Great Divide Mountain Bike Route β Cycling the spine of a continent
Mountain bike paradise around Salida in Colorado
Other adventures in Chaffee County
Tips from the Community
Salida is a great stop along the Great Divide Trail and a good base for shorter bike excursions. The beautiful mountain town is located in the heart of the Rockies in central Colorado. Downtown Salida is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Due to the cool summers and relatively mild winters, the area around Salida is nicknamed the "banana belt" of Colorado. The attractive city has a charming downtown with well-restored historical buildings, as well as many art galleries. Old town is located on the edge of the Arkansas, which makes it particularly pleasant, with car-free access to lush riverside parks.
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Cottonwood Pass is the high point along the road between Buena Vista and Taylor Park Reservoir. This point on the road is well above treeline and is along the Colorado Trail. It's worth visiting even if you don't want to journey far from the car.
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Saint Elmo is a fascinating, quirky, historic gold and silver mining town. It is touted as a ghost town, but it still has a small number of residents that actually live and run businesses there, namely the general store and a guest house. It does, however, have 43 historic buildings from the mining era, including a saloon, courthouse, jail, mercantile and private homes, and even an outhouse. St. Elmo is accessible all year-round, so it is a great place to visit. The road to it is a driveable dirt trail, so a good touring bike or gravel bike will handle the journey comfortably.
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Few Dollars More Trail is a great multi-use trail close to the city of Buena Vista. It is mainly used for hiking and mountain biking and leads along small bushes through a beautiful landscape. As the trail doesn't include any major inclines, it can be considered easy and family-friendly.
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Great view of the Collegiate Peaks. There is a bench right off the trail if you want to take a break from your run to enjoy the wonderful vistas.
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Cottonwood Pass, rising to the west of Buena Vista, offers a spectacular journey over the Continental Divide. This mountain pass is renowned for its stunning aspen groves that paint the landscape with vibrant fall colors. What makes it even more special is that it stands as the highest paved mountain pass crossing the Continental Divide.
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Trailhead to the excellent dedicated bike Trail along the south bank of the Arkansas River
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Beautiful oasis of a lake with amazing bird watching right along the trail
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available in Chaffee County?
Chaffee County offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 20 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, the region features more than 150 hiking routes across various difficulty levels.
What is the best time of year for easy hikes in Chaffee County?
Chaffee County enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it suitable for hiking much of the year. Spring and summer offer lush forests and wildflowers, while autumn is particularly stunning with brilliant aspen leaves. Even winter provides opportunities for snowshoeing on some trails.
What kind of terrain can I expect on easy hikes in Chaffee County?
Easy hikes in Chaffee County traverse diverse landscapes. You can expect trails through dense forests, open meadows, and along the scenic Arkansas River. Many routes offer views of the towering Sawatch Range and its majestic '14ers'.
Are there any easy loop hikes in Chaffee County?
Yes, Chaffee County features several easy loop hikes. Popular options include the North Broken Boyfriend Loop, which offers views of Mount Princeton, and the Salida River Trail and Frantz Lake Loop, providing accessible riverside scenery.
What natural features or landmarks can I see on easy hikes in Chaffee County?
Easy hikes often provide views of the majestic Sawatch Range, including several '14ers' like Mount Princeton Summit and Missouri Mountain. You can also explore areas along the Arkansas River, alpine lakes, and lush forests. Some trails lead to natural hot springs or offer glimpses of historic mining areas.
Are there any waterfalls on easy trails in Chaffee County?
Yes, the Agnes Vaille Falls Trail is a short and rewarding hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall, making it a great option for an easy and scenic outing.
What do other hikers enjoy about easy trails in Chaffee County?
The easy trails in Chaffee County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning mountain views, the peaceful riverside paths, and the well-maintained routes that make exploring the region accessible for all skill levels.
Are easy hiking trails in Chaffee County suitable for families?
Absolutely. Chaffee County offers many family-friendly easy hikes. Trails like the Salida River Trail and the Lost Lake Trail are known for their accessible terrain and scenic beauty, perfect for outings with children.
Can I bring my dog on easy hikes in Chaffee County?
Many trails in Chaffee County are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific trail regulations before heading out. Generally, dogs are welcome on leash, allowing your furry companion to enjoy the beautiful scenery with you.
Are there easy trails accessible by public transport or with good parking?
While public transport options directly to trailheads can be limited in Chaffee County's more remote areas, the towns of Buena Vista and Salida offer trails like the Salida River Trail that are easily accessible. Most trailheads for easy hikes typically have designated parking areas, though it's advisable to arrive early during peak seasons.
Are there any less crowded easy trails in Chaffee County?
For a quieter experience, consider trails like the Poplar Gulch Trail, often described as a 'hidden gem' with diverse landscapes and more solitude. Exploring trails during weekdays or off-peak hours can also help avoid crowds on popular routes.
What are some easy trails near Buena Vista?
Near Buena Vista, you can enjoy the North Broken Boyfriend Loop, offering views of Mount Princeton, or explore the Fourmile Recreation Area which has numerous easy trails. The Arkansas River Trail also provides accessible options.
What are some easy trails near Salida?
In Salida, the Salida River Trail is an excellent easy option following the Arkansas River. Another popular choice is the Monarch Spur Trail, which offers varied terrain and is easily accessible from town.
Most popular routes in Chaffee County
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