The big green Florissant valley is a pretty area of rolling hills and rock formations. The Fossil Beds is loaded with scenic hikes, and Teller One is my favorite bike ride in the whole region.
Farther west is the Platte River and Elevenmile Canyon. This ten mile canyon is a state park where you'll find incredible scenery, plus fishing and kids swimming in the flatter pools.
Even farther west is the Tarryall Mountains and the Lost Creek Wilderness. This remote area is littered with huge rock formations and quite forest.
The far west reaches of the Pikes National Forest go all the way to Fairplay. This is an area of big mountains and plenty of hiking/biking above treeline.
