It is difficult to visit Colorado without going on an outdoor adventure. In fact, Colorado is one of the best places for hiking in the world! There are just so many amazing opportunities to explore. But, throughout all of Colorado, Denver is, of course, the hub of all activity. It is not only the largest city in the state but also acts as the capital, seeing millions of visitors per year! Unfortunately, many Denver visitors lack the time and resources to go on numerous outdoor adventures during their visit. That is why I have come up with the top ten day hikes near Denver to help you find the perfect hike to add during your next Denver trip!
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Tips for the Trails
Before you head out on any of these hikes near Denver, be sure to follow these tips for Colorado hiking! These are vital pieces of information you should know before you head out to ensure safety and success!
- Don’t forget to pack the Ten Hiking Essentials, which guarantee a safe and comfortable trip!
- Check the weather before you go, then check it again at the trailhead. Weather can change quite rapidly here in Colorado, so always be prepared! Conditions to watch for: thunderstorms, hail, tornados, flash floods, rain, snow, sleet, extreme temperatures.
- Tip: Thunderstorms usually will develop over the mid to late afternoon, if you hike earlier in the day, you should be good to go!
- Check the current wildfire conditions before leaving as well!
- Just like everywhere else, you might come into contact with some dangerous wildlife. Pay attention and avoid contact. Turn around or give them space. The main animals to watch for near Denver include rattlesnakes, coyotes, mountain lions and chipmunks (DO NOT FEED THE CHIPMUNKS THEY GET SCARY). If you’re adventuring to Rocky Mountain National Park, check out this link for their animal information.
- Hiking is incredibly popular in Colorado, so be sure to hit the trails early to guarantee parking and avoid the crowds. Depending on the trail, usually arriving before 7 or 8 am works fine.
Related: The Ten Hiking Essentials – What You Can Not Forget on the Trails!
The Top Ten Day Hikes Near Denver
Well, now that you know what to expect before you hit the trail, let’s get into the best hikes near Denver… shall we?
1. St. Mary’s Glacier
1.9 miles, 807 ft elevation gain, out and back, very easy, 1 hr from Denver
St. Mary’s Glacier is located in Arapaho National Forest, just outside the tiny mountain town of Alice, CO. It is only an hour away from Denver, and makes the best picnic spot! This hike features a glacier, alpine lake, and views of the surrounding forested hills.
Becuase St. Mary’s Glacier is located at such a high elevation, there is snow here year round (I mean it is a glacier after all!). But that does not mean the trail will be fully covered in snow. If you’re wanting to walk on the ice however, don’t forget a decent pair of ice cleats and if you wish to continue up to James Peak, you will need some snowshoes (THESE are my favorites).
Also, parking is usually $5 and requires cash!
More Information: The Easiest Glacier Hike Near Denver
2. Devil’s Head Lookout
UPDATE: Devil’s Head Lookout has had numerous closures for safety and maintenance concerns. Be sure to check the USFS website before considering this hike!
2.5 miles, 885 ft elevation gain, out and back, moderate, 1 hr 18 min from Denver
This gorgeous hike leads you to a current fire lookout tower, located in Pike National Forest. It features sweeping views of the entire area south of Denver, as well as it’s famous metal staircase and gorgeous rock outcrops. During some days, you can even go inside the lookout tower and talk to the volunteers about forest fires!
The majority of the drive is on dirt roads, so take it slow if you’re in a rental! If you’re using your phone for directions, the service is not amazing so be sure to have it fully loaded before you head up gravel roads. This is another popular hiking spot so be sure to arrive early, but parking is free!
Tip: The beginning of the trail features historic tornado damage, incredibly interesting to see! Hard to miss and features a sign (albeit a small sign). And don’t forget those ten essentials for the trail! The trailhead is quite out of the way from civilization so come prepared for any situation!
Related: The Ten Hiking Essentials – What You Can Not Forget on the Trail
3. Gem Lake
3.1 miles, 990 ft elevation gain, out and back, moderate, 1.5 hr from Denver
Gem Lake is a gorgeous hike, featuring a beautiful alpine lake and mountain views. The lake itself is located in the Rocky Mountain National Park, but the parking lot is not. Because of this strange fact, you do not pay a National Parks entrance fee but will have to pay for parking during the busy months.
This hike is rated as moderate, due to the high starting elevation, and quick elevation change on the trail, but the climb is SO worth it!
Tip: Plan to hike this trail on a clear day. The sun will make the water turn a beautiful turquoise color! But be sure to pack extra sunscreen for the hike up. THIS is my favorite sunscreen for the trail, it is small, light, and easy to apply on the go!
More Information: Colorado’s Hiden Gem Lake
4. Mount Falcon via Castle Ruins Trail
5.9 miles, 1,610 ft elevation gain, out and back, moderate, 27 min from Denver
Mount Falcon is a historical trail located just outside of Morrison, CO in Mount Falcon Park. It is a 5.9 mile trail that leads to some of the best views of the Denver, CO area featuring the famous Red Rocks and the Denver skyline (in the distance). However, what is most unique about this trail is that it leads you to the ruins of the Walker Mansion. The mansion was destroyed by lightning in 1918, just 9 years after it was built. It was formerly owned by millionaire John Brisben Walker, former owner of Cosmopolitan Magazine and various agricultural and real estate businesses. (You should totally ready his story, it is really interesting!!)
For individuals not yet acclimated to the elevation of Denver, be sure to take this one slow. It is rated as moderate and not as difficult as most people suggest but can be hard for those just arriving but parking is free!
Tip: The beginning of the hike has very little cover from the elements. Be sure to come prepared! I highly suggest wearing a sun hat and sunglasses!
More Information: Hiking to Castle Ruins in Denver, CO
5. Garden of the Gods
4.0 miles, 593 ft elevation gain, loop, easy, 1 hr 15 min from Denver
The Garden of the Gods trail is the most iconic in Colorado Springs. This hike is one of the most traveled outdoor trails near Denver, CO! It is a paved trail located in Colorado Springs, featuring beautiful rock formations and a large, state of the art information center. The information center contains exhibits on geology, wildlife, dinosaurs, and the history of the area. They even have movie presentations! Plus, visiting and parking are both free!
Tip: Colorado Springs has so much to offer! Check out the Glen Eyrie Castle (only 5 minutes from the trail), Cave of the Winds Mountain Park and the fascinating Manitou Cliff Dwellings while you’re in the area!
More Information: Hiking at Garden of the Gods – the Most Iconic Hike in Colorado
6. Alberta Falls and Bear Lake
Alberta Falls: 1.6 miles, 252 ft elevation gain, out and back, easy, 2 hr from Denver
Bear Lake: 0.7 miles, 49 ft elevation gain, loop, easy, 2 hr from Denver
The Alberta Falls and Bear Lake trails are located right next to each other, and both incredibly easy. Easy enough, in fact, you could hike them both within one or two hours. They are located in Rocky Mountain National Park outside of Estes Park, CO. The Alberta Falls trail features a beautiful large waterfall while the Bear Lake trail encircles the famous Bear Lake.
Because both trails are located well inside Rocky Mountain National Park, you will have to pay entrance fees. However, just driving around the park is worth the money!
Tip: After you’re done checking out the park, visit (or better yet, stay at) the world famous Stanley Hotel in Estes Park. It is known for inspiring Steven King’s The Shining!
More Information on Alberta Falls HERE and on Bear Lake HERE
7. The Flat Irons
2.5 miles, 1,423 ft elevation gain, out and back, hard, 40 min from Denver
The Flat Irons are the most iconic geologic formations in Boulder, CO and the 1st and 2nd Flat Iron hike features views of and from them! This hike is located in Boulder Open Space, where parking is free and rock climbing opportunities are endless (and world famous!).
Tip: You can’t go to Boulder, CO without trying your hand at bouldering! (Ha, see what I did there?) Bouldering is rock climbing without a harness and takes place usually close to the ground. If you plan on hiking this trail, try it out! But don’t forget some climbing chalk to ensure good grip!
More Information: Hiking the Flat Irons – Boulder’s Top Hike
8. Dinosaur Ridge
4.0 miles, 705 ft elevation gain, out and back, easy, 20 min from Denver
Dinosaur Ridge makes the perfect side trip from Denver. It is only 20 minutes from downtown, features great views of the surrounding areas (including Red Rocks Amphitheatre) and has actual fossilized dinosaur tracks! It is free to visit and even has two visitor centers!
Tip: While you’re in the area, check out Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the Red Rocks Trail (hike number 9!) or South Table Mountain trail (number 10).
More Information: Hiking Dinosaur Ridge
9. Red Rocks Trail and Amphitheatre
5.8 miles, 1,181 ft elevation gain, out and back, moderate, 20 min from Denver
The Red Rocks Trail is located in Matthews/Winter Park and winds through beautiful open meadows. It features great views of the famous red rocks and, if you follow the road at the end of the trail, will lead you to Colorado’s famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre. This makes the perfect hike just before attending a concert and parking is free at the trailhead.
Tip: Hike this trail in the morning, avoiding the afternoon/evening concert traffic. Exploring and visiting the amphitheater and amphitheater visitor center is completely free (when there aren’t concerts, of course). They will usually shut everything down a few hours before concerts begin.
Don’t forget your ten hiking essentials!
10. South Table Mountain
8.9 miles, 1,145 ft elevation gain, loop, easy, 23 min from Denver
South Table Mountain is located in South Table Mountain Park just outside of Golden, CO. This hike is perfect for anyone wanting to explore the area. The views of Golden, CO are beautiful and halfway through the loop, you will spot the Denver skyline. The great thing about this hike is that you can cater it to your needs. There are countless trails throughout this area, and making your hike shorter or longer is easily done!
Parking is free but can get tight, so arrive early in the morning or in the evening. Also, please be careful of rattlesnakes in the summer. There have been accidents in the area from people not watching where they step and lack of cell service. If you are uncomfortable hiking in snake country, grab a snake bit kit before you head out and make sure to hike with a buddy.
Tip: After your hike, head over to Coors Brewery for a free tour (and 3 large free beers per person!).
More Information: Hiking South Table Mountain – A Quick Hike Near Denver
Related: 19 Top Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Denver, Colorado
Honorable Mentions:
If you’re Looking for more Colorado adventure, here are my top three hikes in Colorado. Because they are a longer drive from Denver, it might be best to take the full day or full weekend to explore, but they are WORTH IT!
1. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness
The top three hikes in this area:
- Willow Lake: 11.6 miles, 3,779 ft elevation gain, out and back, hard, 4 hrs from Denver
- Crater Lake: 3.9 miles, 688 ft elevation gain, out and back, moderate, 4 hrs from Denver
- Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Loop: 29.1 miles, 7,933 ft elevation gain, loop, hard, 4 hrs from Denver
The Maroon Bells make up one of the most iconic views of Colorado. In fact, if you google “Colorado,” over half of the images will be of the bells. The Maroon Bells are located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness within the White River National Forest just outside of Aspen, CO. There are many trails in the area, my favorite being the Willow Lake hike (actually, this is my favorite hike of all time… and I have done A LOT of hiking) but all are worth your time and effort! Actually, even from the parking lot, the views are just breathtaking!
If you’re traveling around or through Colorado, you MUST make the Maroon Bells a stop on your list. You can stay and explore Aspen, CO (and maybe even see some famous people while you’re there!).
Tip: You will be charged an entrance fee to enter the park but they will accept the US National Parks Annual Pass! Also, if you plan on camping in the area (again, I highly recommend Willow Lake), please don’t forget to bring an approved bear can for your food and scented items or you will get fined!
Related: Discover How to Create a Motivational Bucket List (+50 Ideas to Get You Started!)
2. Hanging Lake
2.8 miles, 1,204 ft elevation gain, out and back, moderate, 2 hr 50 min from Denver
Speaking of iconic hikes, Hanging Lake is perhaps the second most photographed hike in Colorado, and rightly so! This hike is located in Glenwood Canyon, in White River National Forest and features beautiful canyon views and one of the most breathtaking lakes you will ever encounter. The hike is fairly quick and can be done on your way to or from Aspen, CO!
Tip: GET THERE EARLY!!! It took us two weekends of making the long drive to finally get a parking spot. If you’re leaving Denver to get there, leave before 4:00 am. The lot filled up at 7:00 am both weekends we visited. If you don’t get a spot, your only options are to continuously drive the loop until a spot in the waiting line opens or to park 2-3 miles away and walk along the river to get to the trailhead… not ideal.
3. Petroglyph Point Trail
2.6 miles, 433 ft elevation gain, loop, moderate, 7 hr 20 min from Denver
The Petroglyph Point Trail is located in the world-famous Mesa Verde National Park. This area makes the perfect stop during a road trip through the area! The trail itself (and national park) features numerous cliff dwellings (600+ in the park!) that serve as current archeological dig sites. You can even take a tour inside some of the dwellings!
Looking for more Colorado adventure?
There are so many great destinations and hikes throughout Colorado. One great way to ensure you experience them all is by creating your very own Colorado bucket list. Here are 47 amazing Colorado destination ideas to add to your list.
I hope you found these hikes near Denver useful and have added a few to your bucket list! I have had a blast hiking each and every one of these trails and will continue to update the list as I continue my adventures. Happy hiking!
Don’t forget to pack your ten hiking essentials before you hit the trails!
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