Best Places to hike in Denver, Colorado
The Mile City High, Denver, Colorado, is where urban elegance meets outstanding outdoor adventure. Denver and its surrounding outdoor areas have become one of the top outdoor destinations in the United States not only because of the world-famous Rocky Mountains but due to the ease of access to natural features like hiking trails.
Hiking in Denver makes the Mile City High one of the trendiest metropolitan locations in America right now. The different hiking trails near Denver are for everyone; they are suitable for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts, from more daring types eager to test themselves on challenging steep and rocky high alpine terrain to families with little children seeking a sweet and easy loop. Here is a list of the best trails for hiking near Denver.
The Best Hiking Trails in or Near Denver
Trading Post Trail – Red Rocks Park
Length of Trail: 1.4 miles of a loop trail
Cost: Free
Location: Red Rocks Park Rd & Trading Post Trail, Morrison, CO 80401
Phone: (303) 697-4939
Red Rocks Park is famous for its large concerts; however, the Trading Post Trail within Red Rocks Park offers a fantastic loop for hiking. If you enjoy hiking, the park is at the top of the list of places to visit in Denver due to its fantastic hiking trails. The Trading Post route leads to meadows and spectacular panoramas of Red Rocks Park as it winds through some of Colorado’s most impressive red rock formations. It remains one of the best ways to get some exercise, breathe some mountain air, and even see the renowned Red Rocks Amphitheater.
Being only 1.4 miles long, this hike in the Trading Post Trail of Red Rocks Park is most suited for friends and families who are looking for a short, sweet, and easy hiking trail. You and your group will get the best views of the red rock formations and the City of Denver. Due to the scenic views and proximity to Denver, it is one of the most popular hikes nearby.
Chautauqua Park – Boulder, Colorado
Length of Trail: 6.2 miles of various hiking trails and loops
Cost: Free
Location: Baseline Rd & 9th St, Boulder, CO 80302
Phone: (303) 442-3282
Chautauqua Park, which is located in Boulder, is only a 35- to 45-minute drive from Denver and has dozens of various hiking trails, ranging from simple strolls to strenuous hikes with significant elevation changes. The park offers numerous perspectives of Boulder’s distinctive Flatiron rock formations. The distances between paths range from a half-mile to a strenuous 6.2-mile climb that leads to Green Mountain’s peak and back. A hike in Chautauqua Park allows you to experience the Flatirons, those wonderful diagonal spires of orange and pink rock that make Boulder so beautiful and famous. In addition, some trails lead up into the canyons, around mesas, and across meadows, and to summits with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains to the west.
The breathtaking views from the mountain’s summit, which provide a panoramic perspective of Boulder and the surrounding suburbs, make the hike worthwhile. Along the journey, you may be able to see wildlife and wildflowers, and there are many spurs and turn-offs if you want to vary your trip. Hiking in Chautauqua Park is unquestionably among the top things to do near Denver.
Lair o’ the Bear Park – Jefferson County, CO
Length of Trail: 1.6 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 22550 CO-74, Idledale, CO 80453
Phone: (303) 271-5925
Lair o’ the Bear Park is just a 30-minute drive from Denver — a quick drive that’s worth it for the free hiking. Lair o’ the Bear Park is another fantastic family-friendly hiking trail close to Denver. The area is so beautiful that the drive to the park is already lovely due to the beautiful views of Bear Creek Canyon. Lair o’ the Bear Park offers a network of hiking and mountain biking trails, and several shaded and comfortable spots for hanging out and taking in the beautiful views. Along the hike, you’ll hear the sounds of nature and enjoy the water sights.
Lair o’ the Bear Park is one of the most family-friendly hiking trails because it only has 1.6 straightforward miles of easy trail. It’s so easy that you can bring your entire family, including toddlers and smaller children. The majority of the trip is along a level, mostly-shaded trail where you can see the Bear Creek Canyon. What makes it better is that there are several fantastic places to stop for a break and a picnic, which is a terrific opportunity for family bonding, snapping pictures, and making lifelong memories.
Garden of the Gods – Colorado Springs
Length of Trail: 4 miles for the loop
Cost: Free; guided nature walks cost $5
Location: 1805 N. 30th Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Phone: (719) 634-6666
Another stunning example of red rock formations nestled in the foothills is the Garden of the Gods, a National Natural Landmark just west of Colorado Springs and only about an hour and a half from Denver. You can find short hiking trails throughout the park on roads that branch out from the visitor center; some of these roads are paved, but you can veer off them to avoid crowds. People of all ages and fitness levels can easily use the flat, paved trail. Along the short hike, you will pass by majestic rock formations like the Tower of Babel, the Three Graces, and the Kissing Camels, which are favorites of both locals and visitors.
This simple trail can be explored for hours while taking in stunning sights. On clear days, Longs Peak can be seen in the distance in Cathedral Valley, one of the park’s most impressive regions. Families love Garden of the Gods because it has reasonably easy hiking and close access to parking, perfect for families with kids. Lastly, the trail is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, different types of birds, rabbits, and more.
Longs Peak – Rocky Mountain National Park
Length of Trail: 14.8 miles of challenging trails
Cost: $25
Location: 1000 US Hwy 36, Estes Park, CO 80517
Phone: (970) 586-1206
Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park is not the closest hiking near Denver; it can be an hour-and-a-half to two-hour drive. However, Longs Peak, the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park, attracts thousands of tourists each year. For many hiking enthusiasts, hiking Longs Peak is a major goal. It presents a top-of-the-world panorama of rocky summits and lake-dappled high land to adventurous, prepared hikers.
As the highest summit in Rocky Mountain National Park, this hiking trail is not suitable for young children or those looking for a gentle and easy trail. You will need protective gear such as a helmet and be well-prepared. Hiking Longs Peak also requires you to have some familiarity with rock climbing. Following a smooth but steep trail for the first few hours, the trail changes to a rocky scramble with a few sporadic narrow portions above cliffs at Boulderfield.
This hike is frequently started between two and three in the morning. It is 14.8 miles of challenging, rocky trails and nearly 5,000 feet of ascent leading to the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak when ascending by the well-known Keyhole Route. If you’re into hardcore hiking, try Longs Peak. If you complete the hike, the experience and the rewarding feeling you get will be out of this world.
Carpenter Peak – Roxborough State Park
Length of Trail: 6.2 miles
Cost: $10 Daily Vehicle Pass
Location: 4751 Roxborough Dr, Littleton, CO 80125
Phone: (303) 973-3959
Carpenter Peak is a well-kept trail close to Denver at Roxborough State Park. Carpenter Peak is a challenging 6.2-mile roundtrip hike in Roxborough State Park that leads to a foothill top with views of Fountain Valley’s red rock formations. As soon as you reach the summit, you are welcomed with views of Denver, the Pike National Forest, and distant mountains covered in snow.
The one-way 3.1-mile short hike may be challenging, but it is not too difficult for those who enjoy a slightly more difficult trek. The hike in Carpenter Peak is rewarding; you’ll enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of Denver as well as views of the majestic, snow-capped peaks in the west and the plains in the east. To help you enjoy this experience in Roxborough State Park, this Colorado trail profile includes driving instructions, a trail map, and further advice and information. Along the hike, you’ll also have the chance to see wildlife in the distance, such as mule deer, foxes, and eagles. Additionally, there’s a great spot to enjoy birdwatching. Carpenter Peak is one of the best hiking experiences near Denver.
Barr Trail – Pike-San Isabel National Forests
Length of Trail: 24 miles round-trip
Cost: $20 for parking for the day
Location: 2840 Kachina Drive, Pueblo, CO 81008
Phone: (719) 553-1400
In terms of difficulty, the Pikes Peak Barr Trail is right up there with Longs Peak as one of the most challenging hikes near Denver. Those who enjoy and have a lot of experience with difficult hikes will enjoy taking on this trail. Barr Trail’s elevation climb is 7,800 feet over the 12-plus miles it takes to get to the summit of Pikes Peak; it is an extremely high-level trail.
To fully experience the trail and have a safer hike, it is recommended to leave for the hike at 3 AM to avoid potentially fatal late-afternoon thunderstorms. Always check the weather forecast and don’t proceed with the hike if the weather is bad. Prevention is always the best approach, particularly when hiking a difficult and dangerous trail.
The Barr Trail is a 24-mile round-trip journey, but you can climb just one way and then ride in a car to the peak or on the venerable cog railway that also chugs up and down this famous mountain. The trail rises 7,800 feet, so make sure you’re acclimated to the altitude before you attempt it.
This hike is not for the casual hiker; if your physical condition is not superb, you risk suffering a major injury. But for those that succeed, the view is well worth the effort.
Other Hikes Near Denver Worth Visiting:
- Storms Pass
- Estes Cone Trails
- Staunton State Park
- Summit Adventure Trail
- Brainard Lake Recreation Area
- South Valley Park
- Mount Falcon Castle Trail
- Waterton Canyon
- St. Mary’s Glacier
- Beaver Brook Trail
Experience Denver Through Hiking
Whether you enjoy extreme hiking or prefer a leisurely and pleasant hike with your family, the hiking trails near Denver are unquestionably fantastic to experience. However, make sure you’re prepared so you can experience your hike to the fullest. Always plan and consider what kind of hiking you want to do. Our list of the best hiking trails in Denver ranges in difficulty levels, so you’ll be able to find something that fits your needs — from basic, family-friendly paths to difficult hikes that require a skilled, experienced hiker to complete. Regardless of the kind of hiking trail you prefer, make sure to check with the hiking facility to ensure you have all the necessary information to have a safe and fun day.
Denver’s hiking trails provide you access to experience Colorado’s natural beauty. With family-friendly trails, you can spend time with your family, have a picnic, take in the beauty of nature, and create treasured memories. If you enjoy more challenging and extreme hikes, one of the greatest difficult hikes on our list might serve as your ultimate objective and provide the most satisfying sensation ever when you complete it. No matter your preferences, Denver boasts a variety of hiking options.
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