If you are ready for breathtaking Hikes near Denver Look no further! Check out these 10 stunning trails in 2024, offering views of mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife. Perfect for all skill levels, these hikes also reveal the rich history and culture of Colorado. Grab your gear and embark on an unforgettable adventure into nature’s beauty!
Best Season to Hike
| S.No | Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Spring | Wildflowers, greenery. Mild weather, fewer crowds. | Snow, mud on higher elevations. Check trail conditions. |
| 2. | Summer | Warm, sunny weather. Dry, clear trails. Festivals. | High temperatures, risk of thunderstorms. Start early. |
| 3. | Fall | Beautiful foliage. Crisp air, cozy atmosphere. | Chilly nights, potential snow on higher elevations. Layers. |
| 4. | Winter | Serene winter scenery. Less crowded trails. | Cold, snowy weather. Icy, slippery trails; special equipment. |
Here is the List of Hikes Near Denver
Now that you know what to bring and when to go, let’s take a look at the list of the 10 best and most beautiful hikes near Denver that you can enjoy in 2024. These hikes vary in length, difficulty, and scenery, but they all offer stunning views and memorable experiences.
1. Chautauqua: Boulder Mesa Trail
| Trail Details | |
| Length | Approximately 6.3 Miles |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Elevation Gain | 5700 feet |
| Trail Type | Out-and-back |
| Skill Level | Suitable for all skill levels |
- Key Features:
- Classic hike in the Boulder area
- Offers panoramic views of the Flatirons and the city
- Starts at the Chautauqua Trailhead
- Follows the Mesa Trail
- Passes iconic historic buildings like Chautauqua Auditorium and Dining Hall
- Scenic views of meadows and mountains
- Option to extend the hike with side trails leading to other attractions
- Open year-round
- Additional Information:
- Provides a classic Boulder area experience
- Suitable for hikers of all skill levels
This should give a concise overview of the Chautauqua Park, Boulder Mesa Trail, including details on difficulty, elevation gain, key features, and additional information for hikers looking for hikes near Denver.
2. Breckenridge: Mohawk Lakes
| Trail Details | |
| Length | Approximately 6 miles (round trip) |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Challenging |
| Elevation Gain | 12,104 feet |
| Trail Type | Out-and-back |
| Skill Level | Suitable for intermediate to advanced hikers |
- Key Features:
- Stunning alpine scenery with mountain views
- Passes by Lower Mohawk Lake, Middle Mohawk Lake, and Upper Mohawk Lake
- Wildflowers in bloom during the summer months
- Opportunities for photography and wildlife viewing
- Additional Information:
- The trail is usually accessible from late spring to early fall.
- Best visited for wildflower displays in summer
- Adequate preparation is essential, including proper gear and sufficient water
- Before starting the hike, make sure to verify trail conditions and check weather forecasts.
The Mohawk Lakes trail in Breckenridge offers a challenging yet rewarding experience, showcasing the natural beauty of the Colorado mountains. This trail is an excellent option for hikers seeking adventurous hikes near Denver.
3. Red Rocks Park: Trading Post Trail
| Trail Details | |
|---|---|
| Length | Approximately 1.4 miles (loop trail) |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Elevation Gain | +500 feet |
| Trail Type | Loop |
| Skill Level | Suitable for all skill levels |
- Key Features:
- Spectacular red rock formations and geological features
- Views of the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre
- Diverse flora and fauna, including unique rock-dwelling plants
- Interpretive signs providing information about the area’s geology and history
- Additional Information:
- Open year-round, with seasonal variations in vegetation and weather
- Ideal for a scenic stroll or a family-friendly hike
- Well-maintained trail with clear signage
- Consider checking for any scheduled events at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre during your visit
The Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Park offers a captivating outdoor experience and is a popular choice for hikers looking for scenic hikes near Denver.
ALSO READ: 9 Ways to Fall in Love with Red Rocks Amphitheatre Denver, Colorado
4. Royal Arch Trail
| Trail Details | |
|---|---|
| Length | Approximately 3 miles (round trip) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Elevation Gain | 1,559 ft with a max elevation of 6,942 feet |
| Trail Type | Out-and-back |
| Skill Level | Suitable for various skill levels |
- Key Features:
- Scenic vistas of the Flatirons and the city.
- Starts at the Chautauqua Trailhead, follows the Mesa Trail
- Passes by historic Chautauqua Auditorium and Dining Hall
- Scenic views of meadows and mountains
- Option to extend the hike with side trails to attractions like the Royal Arch or Bluebell Shelter
- Additional Information:
- Open year-round
- Offers a classic Boulder area experience
- Opportunities to explore historic sites and landmarks
- Trail conditions may vary; check before heading out
- Suitable for hikers of different skill levels
The Royal Arch Trail is one of the popular and iconic hikes near Denver, providing a picturesque journey through Chautauqua Park with stunning views and historical landmarks.
5. Mills Lake via the Glacier Gorge Trail
| Trail Details | |
|---|---|
| Length | Approximately 5.3 miles (round trip) |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Challenging |
| Elevation Gain | 9,200 feet |
| Trail Type | Out-and-back |
| Skill Level | Suitable for intermediate to advanced hikers |
- Key Features:
- Scenic alpine landscapes with mountain views
- Access to Mills Lake, surrounded by stunning peaks
- Traverse through Glacier Gorge with diverse flora and fauna
- Opportunities for wildlife sightings, including elk and marmots
- Additional Information:
- Seasonal trail access due to weather conditions (typically spring to fall)
- Considered one of the iconic hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Adequate preparation is essential, including proper gear and sufficient water
- Ensure to assess trail conditions and review weather forecasts before commencing your hike.
Mills Lake via the Glacier Gorge Trail is a must-visit for hikers seeking a challenging yet rewarding experience in the natural beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park, making it a notable choice among hikes near Denver.
6. Eagle’s View Trail Loop
| Trail Details | |
|---|---|
| Length | Approximately 5 miles |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Elevation Gain | 967 feet |
| Trail Type | Loop |
| Skill Level | Suitable for all skill levels |
- Key Features:
- Scenic views of the Denver skyline and the Front Range
- Landmarks along the way, including Raven’s Roost, Eagle’s Nest, and Hummingbird Rock
- Views of hills and valleys
- Eagle’s View at the highest point, featuring a wooden platform with a 360-degree view
- Additional Information:
- Open year-round
- Begins at the Reynolds Park Trailhead
- Trail takes you to a lookout point with sweeping views
- Suitable for hikers of all skill levels
The Eagle’s View Trail Loop in Reynolds Park is a picturesque hike, offering panoramic views and notable landmarks, making it an attractive choice for hikers seeking memorable hikes near Denver.
7. St. Mary’s Falls
| Trail Details | |
|---|---|
| Length | Approximately 6.02 miles |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Elevation Gain | 1,177 feet |
| Trail Type | Out-and-back |
| Skill Level | Suitable for intermediate and advanced hikers |
- Key Features:
- Cascading waterfall fed by a glacier
- Attractions along the way, including Helen Hunt Falls, Silver Cascade Falls, and Mount Rosa
- Scenic views of forests and canyons
- St. Mary’s Falls at the trail’s end, a 30-foot high and 10-foot wide waterfall
- Additional Information:
- Best hiked from April to November
- Begins at the Gold Camp Road Trailhead
- Offers a refreshing and challenging hiking experience
- Suitable for intermediate and advanced hikers
The St. Mary’s Falls trail near Colorado Springs is a rewarding hike, featuring a spectacular waterfall and a route that challenges hikers, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a memorable trail in the Denver vicinity and exploring hikes near Denver.
ALSO READ: Glacier National Park’s Most Epic Trails for an Exciting Adventure
8. Waterton Canyon
| Trail Details | |
|---|---|
| Length | Approximately 6 miles |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Elevation Gain | 98 feet |
| Trail Type | Out-and-back |
| Skill Level | Suitable for all skill levels |
- Key Features:
- Relaxing hike along a scenic river
- Abundant wildlife, including bighorn sheep, deer, coyotes, and eagles
- Points of interest such as Strontia Springs Dam, Marston Diversion Dam, and Kassler Water Treatment Plant
- Views of cliffs and meadows along the South Platte River
- Additional Information:
- Open year-round
- Begins at the Waterton Canyon Trailhead
- Offers a relaxing and wildlife-rich hiking experience
- Suitable for hikers of all skill levels
The Waterton Canyon trail in the Littleton area provides a serene and enjoyable hike along a scenic river, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking a peaceful outdoor experience and exploring hikes near Denver.
9. Mount Falcon Castle Trail
| Trail Details | |
|---|---|
| Length | Approximately 12 miles |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Elevation Gain | 787 feet |
| Trail Type | Out-and-back |
| Skill Level | Suitable for all skill levels |
- Key Features:
- Historic hike leading to the ruins of a castle built in the early 1900s
- Points of interest such as the Tower, Summer White House, and Turkey Trot
- Scenic views of the plains and foothills
- Mount Falcon Castle, a stone foundation of a grand mansion destroyed by fire in 1918
- Additional Information:
- Best hiked from March to November
- Begins at the Mount Falcon Park Trailhead
- A historic journey offering insights into the early 20th-century entrepreneur’s vision
- Suitable for hikers of all skill levels
The Mount Falcon Castle Trail in the Morrison area provides a fascinating blend of history and nature, making it an engaging choice for hikers of various skill levels and those interested in exploring hikes near Denver.
10. South Platte River Trail
| Trail Details | |
|---|---|
| Length | Approximately 19 miles |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Elevation Gain | 645 feet |
| Trail Type | Out-and-back or point-to-point (if applicable) |
| Skill Level | Suitable for all skill levels |
- Key Features:
- Leisurely hike along a paved path following the South Platte River
- Attractions along the way, including Downtown Aquarium, Elitch Gardens, and Mile High Stadium
- Scenic views of the city and the river
- Artistic elements such as murals, sculptures, and bridges decorating the trail
- Additional Information:
- Open year-round
- Begins at the Confluence Park Trailhead
- A leisurely and urban hike offering a mix of natural beauty and city attractions
- Suitable for hikers of all skill levels
The South Platte River Trail in the Denver area provides a relaxed and scenic hiking experience, making it an ideal choice for individuals of all skill levels who want to enjoy the outdoors while exploring hikes near Denver.
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Disclaimer: This blog provides general travel guidance subject to change. Independently confirm availability, costs, visas, and health regulations. The author and website aren’t liable for any issues. We recommend you make decisions based on your own research.
FAQs
Are there entry fees for these hiking trails?
Entry fees can vary depending on the location. National parks and certain trailheads may have entry fees, while others are free.
Can I go hiking in winter near Denver?
Some trails may be accessible in winter, but conditions can be more challenging with snow and ice. Proper gear, including traction devices for shoes, may be necessary.
Are these trails family-friendly?
Many of the mentioned trails are family-friendly, offering a range of difficulty levels. Trails like South Platte River Trail or Waterton Canyon are suitable for family outings.
