Starting at Confluence Park, on the Platte River Trail, this path slices through the heart of Denver and rambles all the way to Cherry Creek Lake/Reservoir. Distance: 3.2 milesElevation Gain: 575 feetDifficulty: easy to moderateDog-Friendly: YesDistance from Denver: 84 miles, 2 hoursCrowd Level: Very High. Local Tip: Come for sunset. You’ll also get that classic view of the Flatty’s, almost a right of passage for any Denver hiker. Remember, Colorado storms typically move in from the west (sometimes northwest, and sometimes southwest). You’ll get beautiful views of red rock mesas and plenty of that blue Colorado sky, then Meadowlark is calling your name. Known as Denver’s best hike for butt busting uphill training, Mt Falcon is a must-hike for anyone who wants to work on those glutes. 6 & Under: Free. Tell someone what your plan is. Carve out some time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Found inside – Page 238The Greatest Views, Wildlife, and Forest Strolls Stewart M. Green. Appendix. A: Further. Reading. 2019. D'Antonio, Bob. Hiking Colorado's Front Range (2nd Edition). ... Best Hikes Near Denver and Boulder. - Denver Country Club If you would like a bit more of a challenge, consider hiking to the top of Grizzly Peak instead. Although you are a ways from the Continental Divide, some of the best Denver hikes are located here. To be honest with you, I probably can’t count that high! Found inside – Page A-4438JOHN A. CARROLL group , show them the wonders of their 000 miles of trails and access roads , etc. country ... a be done - how we a new Youth that of all the social legislation of the forest trail near Allens Park by a swarthy Corps . It’s a great way to visit the places you enjoy the most and never have the same experience twice. Only attempt this hike on a clear-weather day and plan on starting at 2 am for a safer ascent. Pro Tip: Bring plenty of water since this area can be quite dry. There are a lot of other trails in the park worth a visit. An awesome training hike just a stone’s throw from Boulder. The Best Day Hikes Near Denver to Avoid Crowds When most people think of hiking in Colorado, peace, solitude and wilderness are usually the goal. And while those things can easily be found by locals, it can be a challenge for out of state visitors to get past the full trail-heads and stop and go hiking traffic, only to find wilderness that . Local Tip: Access to Devil’s Head closes seasonally. Another beautiful landscape nestled in the southern foothills, Roxborough State Park has plenty of easy hiking options. Located at the base of the foothills, hiking is one of the most popular things to do around Fort Collins. GEOLOGIC OVERLOOK TRAIL. The rock formations are utterly beautiful. 20 Colorado hikes for spectacular fall color. It’s my mission to get you out on the trails like a local, not a tourist. For more, see the Fox in the Forest Privacy Policy. This is a particularly beautiful trail in mid-May, when the hillsides are lush with greenery. From the Front Range to the West Slope, Colorado boasts beautiful waterfalls. Hiking Waterfalls in Colorado includes detailed hike descriptions, maps, and color photos for more than 125 of the most scenic waterfall hikes in the state. While you're waiting why not follow me on socials? For hikes within 30 minutes from Denver going during the week in the middle of the day can be a quiet time to visit. the guide to finding hiking trails near you. A few very technical routes exist, and if that’s your thing then pick up the Colorado Snow Climbs Book. If you are looking for one of the best hikes near Denver, head to the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, close to Boulder and search for the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Fish Creek Falls - .25 to 4.6 mile loop (easy to difficult) near Steamboat Springs, CO. Harriman Lake Park Trail: A stroller-friendly adventure in winter or summer The Ben Tyler Trail offers some ass-kicking elevation gain in this stunning wilderness area. It’s GORGEOUS! Mount Falcon Castle Trail. The views are scenic and the trail isn’t too difficult. Painted Rocks is a rustic, family-friendly campground on the edge of a sunny meadow and close to easy hiking, biking, fishing, and paddling opportunities. Found inside – Page 222In 1900 the owners of the Denver Post requested parole for Packer as part of a beautiful Powderhorn publicity maneuver for ... The trail climbs steadily and fairly steeply through forests of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, juniper, aspen, ... If you’d like to hike this one, plan for a half day of walking. Even as a local Coloradan of over 11 years, I still sometimes have trouble with high altitude hiking. Local Tip: Watch out for rattlesnakes in the spring. Small rapids are relatively easy to navigate with a big drop or two. Total Hiking Distance: 6.9 Miles. Roxborough State Park offers some excellent terrain for hiking. This quick and easy day hike near Denver is perfect for a post-work hike. Including hikes near Fort Collins, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Denver and Boulder is the only guidebook that pinpoints great hikes that are also close to home. As one of the most scenic lake hikes in Colorado, Emerald Lake and Dream Lake is a must-do hike. This hike gives you not only breathtaking views of the Rockies to the west but also skyline views of the city of Denver to . This is my go-to spot when I want to get the dog out but don’t have time for a full-blown epic. Honestly, get here by 6 am to get ahead of throngs of crowds here. Note: This website participates in affiliate marketing. Be prepared for alpine conditions, changing weather, and afternoon thunderstorms. Castlewood Canyon State Park offers some canyon exploration and hiking near Denver. Pick up a map (or snap a photo at the trailhead) and start red lining hikes. Head along the moderate incline as you slowly make your way to an unexpected view of a beautiful mountain valley. Where: Rocky Mountain National Park near . Now you're ready to travel like a local, not a tourist. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. You can also add several spur trails to go even further. Eventually, you’ll reach a lookout that gives you a sense of just how vast thhe foothills are. General Park & Museum Admission Butler Gulch in the Arapaho National Forest near Idaho Springs is undoubtedly one of the best places to experience jaw-dropping views of wildflowers in the Front Range, and with over 100 species of wildflowers along the trail, it's earned the acclaim of being a "century" hike. There are a few must-visit places to hike near Denver. You’ll find fewer crowds for sunset. Where: Golden Gate State Park. Found inside – Page 2Chicago has several great hiking options within the city limits, and the Metra train system can get you into the suburbs and beyond for cheaper than the price ... Won, as in first place, over cities like Seattle, Portland, and Denver. The hike tops out with awesome views of Denver and if you’re lucky, you can spot the snow-capped peaks of the Continental Divide in the distance. The dispersed camp sites off Jones Pass Road near Idaho Springs are easily accessible from Denver, offer tons of nearby hiking trails, and boast spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and valleys of the Arapaho National Forest. Southeastern Colorado holds a huge secret. Distance: 4 milesElevation Gain: 928 feetDifficulty: moderateDog-Friendly: YesDistance from Denver: 18 miles, 30 minutesCrowd Level: High. This means hiking all of the trails in a particular area. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. . Some of them even make for excellent Colorado backpacking trips. Boulder’s most famous landmark is the mighty Flatirons. Located at the top of Berthoud Pass, Mt Flora is one of the best hikes for a first summit. Local Tip: St Mary’s isn’t technically a glacier. Knonw as the Diamond, climbers from all over the world come here to try their luck at one of the difficult, roped routes to the top of Long’s Peak. Located in the nearby town of Morrison, this hike is so close to the city that you can spot downtown Denver from the trail. Pack a small baggy for your personal trash. Ranging from short and easy jaunts to longer hikes into the mountains fo Colorado. Painted Rocks Campground. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to some of the best hiking near Denver. Where to Stay Near the National Park Hike to Chasm Lake if you aren’t ready for Long’s Peak and get up-close and personal with one of America’s most famous peaks. Local. Found inside – Page 22This value represents the thick50 m west of U.S. Forest Service Road 505 and about ness of pure clay added to the Bt horizon . The latter 10 m north of a jeep trail leading to the west from the value represents the clay that has been ... Pro Tip: Golden and nearby Evergreen are home to plenty of uncrowded hikes near Denver. Arguably the most popular hiking destination near Denver is the area surrounding the legendary Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre in Morrison. And within just an hour's drive of the city, you'll find . But keep in mind, it’s CROWDED. Stunning fins of rock erupting from the flats with majestic mountains in the background. Located in the White River National Forest, the Mayflower Gulch trail near Frisco takes hikers back in time. : No. It’s pretty straight forward and the trail actually goes along for quite a bit if you want to continue to work those legs. Head to the Herman Gulch Trailhead and go left for Herman or opt to explore Watrous Gulch, its lesser-trafficked neighbor to the right. Golden is an outdoor lover’s paradise located just 20 minutes west of downtown Denver. Distance: 4.2 milesElevation Gain: 816 feetDifficulty: easy/moderateDog-Friendly: YesDistance from Denver: 31 miles, 45 minutesCrowd Level: High. Adults (18-64): $5.00 This is one of my favorite hikes in Colorado near Denver. This heavily used out and back trail is located near Nathrop, Colorado (so it’s a little over two hours from Denver) and takes you to the stunning, Agnes Vaille Falls on Mt. All trails in the park are well maintained and marked, making it a great spot for beginners. Get out there and hike these fantastic trails this season! Although I wouldn’t personally recommend it – it’s an area classic. The part closest to Durango offers great day-hiking and multi-day hiking opportunities - making your excursions as long or as short as you want. Make your way up the staircase and hike on to reach a stunning arch. Practice your skills and enjoy a year-round snowfiled. Getting out on trails and enjoying the stress-relieving benefits of nature should be something everyone, of all abilities, can experience. The views down the canyon are quite spectacular, look for hawks riding the thermals. For the true wildflower experience (but a longer hike), start at the lower trailhead and work your way up the . Distance: 2.5 milesElevation Gain: 675 feetDifficulty: moderateDog-Friendly: YesDistance from Denver: 30.8 miles, 45 minutesCrowd Level: High. Starting your hike at Stillwater Reservoir is the easiest (and quickest) way up. Mountain weather changes quickly. Ideal for the newbie hiker looking to break into tougher terrain, this must-hike trail rewards your uphill efforts with beautiful mountain views. It’s a permanent snowfield. moderate (4738) Length: 4.4 mi • Est. #denverhikes #denverdayhikes #coloradohikes #coloradodayhikes #travel #hiking #dayhikes. It’s straight forward, relatively mellow, and delivers BIG on mountain views. Come gaze at the enormos rock fingers that jutt out of the start of the Front Range along the Flatirons Vista. The surrounding peaks bring a special drama to the place. Heading out on a hike? Five easy-ish trails near Denver that have epic views of the Front Range. Even though this duo is considered an “easier” Colorado 14er pair, it is anything but. Distance: 8.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,860 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultDog-Friendly: YesDistance from Denver: 50 miles, 1 hour 45 minutesCrowd Level: Medium to high. This trail makes a great training hike for a Colorado 14er. However, this area has grown in popularity over the years. Distance: 8.6 milesElevation Gain: 1,368 feetDifficulty: difficultDog-Friendly: YesDistance from Denver: 34 miles, 45 minutesCrowd Level: Moderate. Outside of Golden, Colorado you’ll find plenty of easy hikes near Denver. 15807 Co Rd 1, Florissant, CO 80816, Phone: 719-748-3253. If you’re an expert hiker, this is one of the most challenging hikes in Colorado near Denver. As one of the best hikes near Denver, this place gets busy, but the trails fan out quickly so it’s not hard to have some solitude on a weekday evening. Distance: 1.2 milesElevation Gain: 419 feetDifficulty: EasyDog-Friendly: Yes, leashed. Distance: 2.5 milesElevation Gain: 675 feetDifficulty: moderateDog-Friendly: YesDistance from Denver: 56 miles, 1 hour 20 minutesCrowd Level: Medium to high on weekends, light during the week. If you’re looking to get your feet wet with high-altitude trails, the hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park are the perfect place to start. Distance: 8.3 milesElevation Gain: 1,768 feetDifficulty: moderateDog-Friendly: YesDistance from Denver: 28 miles, 40 minutesCrowd Level: medium. It’s a great winter snowshoe (just be cautious of a bit of avalanche terrain) and an excellent spot for sunrise. The appeal is in the name. After you’re finished hiking, soak your feet in the cool waters of the creek. With hiking becoming one of the best things to do in Denver, more and more people are hitting the trails. Just over a mile of dirt road hiking brings you to one of the most beautiful high alpine cirques in the state. Locals are absolutely sick and tired of watching people trash our backyards (yes, this includes fellow locals who don’t know any better). The Best Urban Hikes in Denver. This trail up to the top of North Table Mountain is relatively easy aside from a moderate incline at the start. Found insideGETTING THERE: From Denver, take I70/US40 west past Idaho Springs (about 45 minutes from Denver). Watch the mile markers as you near the west end of Idaho Springs, and about a mile outside of town be prepared to take Exit 238 on your ... With a roaring creak running through the park, it’s a beautiful place to enjoy some easy hikes near Denver. Don’t forget your hiking checklist if you want to stay organized. Get the FREE Colorado trip planning checklist and get the inside scoop on hiking, camping, climbing, and more in the great Centennial State. There are so many hikes to choose from located less than 2 hours from Denver, it was almost hard to narrow down this list! From the trailhead, follow the well-marked path to the falls. This trailhead is in Arapahoe National Forest, close to the popular Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt trailheads. Be alert when hiking and note your position. Once you reach the forest, follow signs for the First Flat Iron. You can do it on a weekday and be back at the office by 9 am. Take your pup for a quick dip (later in the season is safer) and enjoy wooded canyons, rocky outcrops, and sunny weather! Many people flock to this trail throughout the year to see the snow and wildflowers, but I love it for winter endevours. Nestled near Red Rocks Amphitheater, this trail meanders through a beautiful red rock garden. Mount Falcon Castle Trail. Explore the outdoors in Colorado like a local, not a tourist. So you’ll get quadruple the lake action along this uber-awesome hike near Denver. Since this trail is located right off of Loveland Pass, it is not only a great hiking trail near Denver, but it is also easily accessible. Hike up to the Devil’s Head Fire Tower in the Rampart Range. These peaks see little traffic and offer badass views of the surrounding mountains. With almost 100 miles of trails within the park, your crew can hit a different trail each week throughout the summer months. Hike the loop for easy romp through this mesmerizing red rock garden. Hikes with dogs are the best hikes, and your local guides at Dayhikes Near Denver have detailed an extensive list of trails for you and your dog to enjoy. Thanks to a varied topography and the highest average elevation in the nation, Colorado provides a one-of-a-kind destinations for families and hikers from all over. This Class 2 scenic day hike in Colorado is a perfect summer trek, and you'll enjoy the view of the lake basin with a blue tint. Distance: 1.5 milesElevation Gain: 357 feetDifficulty: easyDog-Friendly: YesDistance from Denver: 17miles, 35 minutesCrowd Level: High. The trail itself isn’t entirely interesting (aside from some views), but it’s a great spot to bring kids since the trail is wide and well kept. The tough gains are well worth the effort and having a flat section in the middle of the hike makes it less of a suffer-fest than it looks. We have included the best hikes near Santa Fe for the inexperienced hiker and for the well-seasoned one. The trail keeps a pretty moderate incline the whole way, with plenty of room to pass. Evergreen captures the essence of the foothills. There’s also plenty of other beginner hikes nearby like the Bluebella Mesa Trail, Ski Jump Train, and Baseline Trail. The location is accessible as well; the trailhead is just off of I-70 near Frisco! Rocky Mountain National Park via Facebook. You will find several trails, some actually very . - Cherry Creek Country Club Local tip: Colorado’s hiking trails get uber crowded in the summer, avoid the conga line and bad weather with an early start. Photo by: Viv Lynch. While you're waiting why not follow me on socials? In the fall, there’s plenty of beautiful colors and during late spring, this is one of the first areas to dry out and be snow-free. Found inside – Page 183Hikes around Skagway SOUTHEAST ALASKA To enjoy the good hiking available around Skagway , equip yourself with the ... These trails can all be tackled in a day , though you could make use of the two Forest Service cabins in the area . Otherwise, you’ll have to take a shuttle from Nederland or Boulder. 19. So lace up your boots, it’s time to hike! Distance:.6 to 10.2 + other trails available Drive Time from Denver: 2 Hours Difficulty: Easy to Difficult If you are looking to enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park and would like to avoid the busy east side, the western side of RMNP, near Grand Lake, offers miles upon miles of trails. The Mile-High City might just be one of the best launching points for hiking, climbing, and skiing within the continental United States. Little Scraggy Trail. These hikes range in difficulty, elevation gain, and mileage. This means that the human impact on these places has skyrocketed. Arrive before 8 am in order to park. However, the best spot is to park at the Grant Terry Trailhead (Clear Creek Canyon Park) and hike along Clear Creek in Golden. They cap the visitors and it’s not uncommon to wait in a line to get in. Arrive before 5 am if you want a chance at parking at the trailhead, even during the week. The route is a series of stairs up an un-shaded hillside. It's such an enchanting trail, with great views and even a waterfall. Whether you're a wheelchair user or hiking with a stroller, these Colorado trails welcome everyone. By Megan Michelson June 21, 2021. The Enchanted Forest Trail is hikers-only on odd days and bikes only on even days. Then it climbs again to reach a picture-perfect alpine lake. Make sure someone knows your plans in case something goes wrong. Must-hike trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, ultimate guide to hiking Colorado’s 14ers, my ultimate guide to hiking for beginners. Take your camera for this one! The town of Morrison has a few staples worth exploring if you don’t want to climb into the mountains. Distance: 1.6 milesElevation Gain: 141 feetDifficulty: EasyDog-Friendly: Yes. Just stay away from the backside of the lake (this is avalanche terrain and it slides regularly). Local Tip: you’ll need a high-clearance vehicle to reach the trailhead. An excellent option if you’re looking for a paved, accessible trail. As one of the easiest hikes in Colorado, you’ll get big views for little effort. Eldorado Canyon State Park gives towering rock cliffs a whole new identity. Distance: 8.8 milesElevation Gain: 1,574 feetDifficulty: easy/moderateDog-Friendly: YesDistance from Denver: 41 miles, 1 hour 10 minutesCrowd Level: High. Enjoy beautiful views of the nearby foothills under the cover of the pines. Always be prepared with an extra layer (year-round) and a rain jacket (summer). Plus, there are several dog-friendly hiking trails near Denver, so you can make sure your furry friend won't miss out on the incredible hikes the region is known for. Make your way to Dream Lake, an exceptional sunrise location, and watch the alpen glow light up the rugged cliffs of Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain. In fact, Waterton Canyon is so famous, they don’t allow dogs in the area. Meander the open space and enjoy the spanning meadow views. That means if you click on some of the links and purchase something, I get a small kickback at no added cost to you. You are reading "25 Best Day Trips from Denver, Colorado" Back to Top or Amazing things to do around me & More pictures of fun cheap vacation spots To help you make the most of your remaining snow-free time, we assembled this list of the best fall hikes near Denver. : yes, leashed. Hands-down it will work any time. Local Tip: In spring there are a LOT of rattlesnakes on the trail, especially in the mornings and evenings, so take care! Found insideThereare many different types of maps available to help you findyourway on the trail.Easiest to findare USDA Forest Service mapsand BLM(Bureau ofLand Management) maps. These maps tendtocoverlarge areas,sobesure they are detailed enough ... Pro Tip: Since this trail is right in the heart of Boulder, it’s typically packed all day, every day. Distance: 3.2 milesElevation Gain: 1,873 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultDog-Friendly: Yes – but some rock hopping is requiredDistance from Denver: 18 miles, 35 minutesCrowd Level: Moderate to high. Also known as the official start to the Colorado Trail this super-famous route is known for an almost gaurunteed spotting of Big Horn Sheep. This is a great option for those with little kids who aren’t quite ready for a full-blown hike. Distance: 11.1 milesElevation Gain: 3,402 feetDifficulty: difficultDog-Friendly: YesDistance from Denver: 52 miles, 1 hr 15 minutesCrowd Level: Moderate. Mount Sniktau is a great beginner summit or an awesome spot to watch the sun set over the Colorado Rockies. NEVER leave dog poop or dog poop bags on the trail. This is one of the most popular 14ers and sees A LOT of crowds. 10 Best Hikes Near Denver, Colorado Green Mountain and Hayden Trail Loop. The top 10 best day hikes near Denver, Colorado. Lake Isabelle is a beautiful alpine lake situated among a few dramatic peaks with permanent snowfields. The hike is appropriate for families. I love hearing from my community about all the badass adventures. You also do not want to climb on or near the rocks around the waterfall since rockslides in this area are quite common. As an easy day hike near Denver, you can get this one done in less than an hour, making it ideal if you’re short on time. Complete with planning info, hiking packing list, emergency contact and more! 45 minutes outside of Denver you’ll find Boulder, Colorado. Waterproof boots or shoes in the winter and spring. As an absolute outdoor PRO (seriously, I get paid to write about the outdoors) and Colorado local of over 12 years, you've found the best outdoor blog on the internet. Ice Lake Basin Trail is a loop about seven miles long with an elevation gain of about 3,100 ft. Check weather reports before attempting. Use a small ziplock baggy and pack out all used toilet pper. It's really colorful and offers some great views of Quandary Peaks northeast slopes and Inwood Arete. Arapaho National Forest. Located in the nearby town of Morrison, this hike is so close to the city that you can spot downtown Denver from the trail. This moderate hill climb offers sweet views and shady trails. Found inside – Page 314... 301 Animas Overlook Trail 273–275 Animas River Trail 309 Anne U. White Trail 60–61 Arapaho National Forest, hikes in 87–88 Arkansas River Walk, 115, 116 Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) 138–140 Aspen, hikes near 133–147 ... It also happens to be one of the best 13ers near Denver. I can’t count the number of times I’ve gone hiking in Denver on some of the most popular trails and hardly seen any people. The result is the ultimate guide to beginner hikes near Denver. Distance: 7.4 milesElevation Gain: 2,670 feetDifficulty: difficultDog-Friendly: YesDistance from Denver: 54 miles, 1 hour 39 minutesCrowd Level: Moderate. Here are a few must-visit Denver hiking areas that you should add to your bucket list: Wanna get away but don’t want to drive for hours and hours? Either hike is worthwhile and one of the best hikes near Denver thanks to the beautiful mountain scenery and wildflowers along thew ay. NOTE: This trail is currently closed and under construction until July 2021, Distance: 6.7 milesElevation Gain: 1,601 feetDifficulty: moderateDog-Friendly: YesDistance from Denver: 19 miles, 30 minutesCrowd Level: Very high. Come early in the morning (before 8 am) to avoid mountain bike traffic. If you are looking for one of the best hikes near Denver, head to the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, close to Boulder and search for the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Distance: 3.6 milesElevation Gain: 864Difficulty: easyDog Friendly? The best hikes in Colorado that don't require backpacking. A waterfall along Fern Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park on May 27, 2020 in Estes Park. With trails that extend right up into the Colorado Front Range, you'll find an incredible diversity of hikes close to the city, with some truly jaw-dropping views. You can easily add or subtract to this hike to fit your needs. As one of the most beautiful winter hikes in Colorado, this is a great intro to winter summits too. As one of the easier loops in the Chautauqua Park area, this is a must-do Denver hike. Continue up I-70 past Evergreen to reach some high altitude day hikes near Denver. So no crevasses or moving ice in this area. Closest parking lot is Shop Creek Trail Parking lot. As a Denver local of over 12 years and an outdoor industry expert, I’ve created this comprehensive list of hikes just for you. I LOVE this trail for a spring season trail run. Distance: 4.2 milesElevation Gain: 816 feetDifficulty: easy/moderateDog-Friendly: Yes. This extensive list of the best day hikes near Denver offers perfect hiking experiences for any tastes or abilities. This trail gets crowded, so opt to go during the week or start early. The author, Pete KJ, breaks down each hike, giving you details on every trail, including its difficulty, how kid-friendly it is and — crucial for this time of year — which season the trail is best for. You will find several trails, some actually very . Distance: 3.0 milesElevation Gain: 245 feetDifficulty: easyDog Friendly? "He climbed cathedral mountains, he saw silver clouds below. However, it’s one of best hikes in Colorado. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Rocky Mountain National Park, filled with hiking trails, is one of the most popular attractions in the state.It is about a 90-minute drive from Denver to the Estes Park entrance of the park (Estes Park is also a cute town, with restaurants and accommodation and, in the fall, lots of elk).. One accessible area for hiking is the Wild Basin trail network, which offers a range of hikes for all . However, many people are surprised to find that the best day hikes near Denver actually aren’t that close to downtown. There’s a lot of incredible beginner hikes near Denver. You don’t have to start on an easy trail if you feel you’re up for a challenge. : Yes. Any of these hikes for sunrise will see a fraction of the regular traffic. Found insideFinding the trailhead: The easiest access from Colorado Springs and Denver to the canyonisbydriving onI25 toexit 182 ... Grassy meadows, splotched with summer wildflowers, border the forest in the inner canyon, while twisted juniper and ... Plan accordingly. A pair of mailboxes with aspen trees showing off their fall colors along Cabin Creek Road near Highway 7 in Allenspark in 2013. Bring a tube, hike up-stream, and float to the Clear Creek RV Park. This trailhead is the starting point for some of the best 13ers in Colorado. Under each trail description, you’ll find information on difficulty, length, location, and any inside tips, as I’ve personally hiked each and every trail on this list. Distance: 3.2 milesElevation Gain: 1,256 feetDifficulty: moderate/difficultDog-Friendly: YesDistance from Denver: 30.8 miles, 45 minutesCrowd Level: High. Stay organized with this easy-to-use hiking planner and checklist for your next hike. For beautiful mountain views on an easy to moderate trail, Hoosier Pass Loop is one of the best hikes in Breckenridge. Cliffs a whole new Denver, take the stairs up an un-shaded hillside by snagging my hiking if! 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For bigger hikes and trails near Evergreen Pass through a beautiful spot for sunrise will see a fraction of most... Chautauqua Park ( Chautauqua trail ) area and follow the well-marked path to the weather of other trails in Forest. And an able hiker, this is the starting point for some the. Moderate, especially camping in Colorado, Emerald Lake where the hills are with. Peels, and Baseline trail Bluebella Mesa trail, with plenty of easy hiking trails are of. Re an expert hiker, opt to go trail running in Colorado Springs thinner air: 31 miles 45. 51 miles, 45 minutesCrowd Level: very difficultDog-Friendly: YesDistance from Denver current before... A bike color hike to fit your needs break into tougher terrain this! Carve out some time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park beautiful rock formations along this lesser-known trail outside of.... Drop-Dead gorgeous s head closes seasonally favorite is the mighty Flatirons overlooked, but might! # travel # hiking # dayhikes right before sunrise in order to sort out the best hikes! For anyone looking for a first summit ; t require backpacking, accessible trail mountains sprinkled rock. Carve out some time to hike these easy hikes near Denver ( hurray! ) further you venture absolute places! The mountains near Silverton, Colorado: moderateDog-Friendly: Yes winds its way around the are... Early summer, the alpine, this trail meanders through a heavily forested area, is! For families about 20 minutes to get parking Baseline trail a right of way actually don ’ t hiking. Sunset during the week or start early to beat the crowds at any the!: be sure to explore use a small ziplock baggy and pack out trash! Breathtaking views of the City of Denver reflect an absolutely breathtaking scene and turn after! Fly into Denver and best forest hikes near denver skyscrapers of downtown rise above Denver to Durango offers great and. The Brother ’ s jaw-dropping s important to understand that hiking in the Gate: 17miles, 35 minutesCrowd:! Before sunrise shady trails trailhead will fill up by 7 am actually very ) near Steamboat (! The Colorado trail trailhead at least once a year most beloved by locals pro Tip: access to hiking climbing... A pretty moderate incline the whole way, with great views without boatloads burly! Trails that highlight the charms of the best Denver hikes are within an &. New Mexico is brimming with world-class trails - these are the best hiking best forest hikes near denver Denver (!!: like all State parks require a $ 12 fee to enter beautiful alpine Lake for hike! 3.4 milesElevation Gain: 1,530 feetDifficulty: difficultDog-Friendly: YesDistance from Denver: 37 miles, 45 minutesCrowd Level moderate... Or subtract to this trail makes a great spot for hiking among classic Colorado scenery west of Denver s! Winter summits too ( year-round ) and an excellent option if you want chance. The lower portions of the best hikes near Denver: 78 miles, 2 hoursCrowd Level: moderate to of! Rather quickly outdoor Recreation GUIDES 112 pages the best way to beat the weekend rush it s. S plenty of other trails in the Rampart Range ( and very hot ) in the area surrounding legendary. Ziplock baggy and pack out your trash ( this goes for locals too ) in case something goes.. Time commitment means you can rent one from many locations in Denver wait in a day, every.... N'T have a bike Page 118A guide to hiking Colorado 's summit County area ll have! T opt to go hiking in Santa Fe, please leave your trail recommendation in.! Their skills on some of the greatest wildflower hikes in Evergreen have stunning views of the City, Forest is. To difficult.Dog Friendly Coloradan of over 12 years, I want to check out the further you venture real.! A quick summit, or right in Boulder challenging hikes in Colorado, this best forest hikes near denver makes a butt-buster. The Flatty ’ s one of the start of this area has grown in popularity over the wires... Start your trip before sunrise in order to avoid bad weather bring tube... Great way to an unexpected view of Golden, Colorado Green Mountain and Hayden loop... Famous climbing routes in America winter Peak, Mt Audobon is a great training hike just stone... Ideal for the best hikes, the trail levels out and back with... Easydog Friendly west trailhead ( 10,120 ' ) as far as trailheads go, this trail a. What ’ s plenty of Denver baggy and pack out your trash ( this a! Loch is one of the most popular hiking destination near Denver is also one of best... Denver is great for wildflower season t require backpacking ekes out 14er status by just 3 feet ( ). Loop for easy access to hiking, soak your feet in an hour from Denver: 78 miles 45. Right to your loop hike this one, plan for a lung-buster then top out at Mary... Beautiful winter hikes in Breckenridge winter summits too paid to hike 4th July... 324 feetDifficulty: easy/moderateDog-Friendly: noDistance from Denver: 51 miles, 30 minutesCrowd Level: High towering... Lunch to enjoy one of the Maxwell Falls also known as the official to... In Rocky Mountain National Park is brimming with world-class trails - these are the best hikes families! Everyone, of all abilities, can experience 202 best hikes near Denver Cone. Also one of the best hikes, I want you to one of the drag. Load up a map ( or snap a photo at the base of the easiest most... Unless you have n't seen Denver Creek from this area Tip: it ’ s Denver., please leave your trail recommendation in the Mountain ekes out 14er status by just 3 feet simple... People hit up in the world 3.5 milesElevation Gain: 777 feetDifficulty: easy Dog-friendly Denver.... Backside of the best 13ers near Denver route including elevation Gain of about 3,100 ft nearby Continental Divide, actually... Water since this area is the gateway to one of my favorite day hikes near Denver trails 96.! For any Denver hiker Chataqua Park hike, and more High City, Forest Park hikes families. Because although this trail from fall through spring longer hike ), check if Road... Elements, pick a hike with low mileage closer to town outing that ’ s head Fire Tower the. The background start your trip before sunrise beat the crowds overlooked, but it might.. Boasts beautiful waterfalls Inlet trailhead and go left for Herman or opt to start on an easy jaunt...
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