Dog-Friendly:... 3. Take the distance that it takes to walk from the lot to the trailhead into account. Note: Due to COVID-19, there may be additional closures, regulations, or reduced amenities. Dogs are allowed on leash. If distance is something you’re after, the Centennial Cone Trail has a … More experienced hikers can continue past Lake Isabelle to the Isabelle Glacier. In the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, close to Boulder and just under 60 miles from Denver, Brainard Lake Recreation Area sits on the Continental Divide and is home to multiple hiking trails. The final part of this hike requires a lot of bouldering to reach the top, so this is really not the hike for beginners or anyone not in excellent shape. For something short, you can do the half-mile hike to Copeland Falls, although most people continue on to Calyspso Cascades for a 3.6-mile round-trip hike. There is also plenty of shade along the way, and you'll pass a few parks that are perfect for a picnic lunch. Leashed dogs are allowed. There are numerous restrooms at each parking lot. Some hikers have even been lucky enough to see baby goats near the summit! Difficulty: Hard Well, he just casually slacklined across this spectacular canyon, a mere 500 feet in the air. When hiking, especially if you’re climbing a 14er, go slow, take deep breaths when needed, and drink plenty of water. 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And leave your four-legged hiking companion at home for this one. Denver is one of the hottest urban destinations in America right now, and one if its greatest assets is the easy access to natural attractions like hiking trails. We asked five pros how they made it work and what it takes to make a living in the outdoor industry "in real life.". Take it slow and you’ll be just fine. Difficulty: Moderate Rocky Mountain National Park is located northwest of Denver near Estes Park. Drive time: 1 hour and 30 minutes from Denver Distance: 3.2 miles If you visit during the off-season, you can use the winter hiking trail for a snowshoe or nordic ski option. Pikes Peak may not be the closest 14er to Denver, but it’s certainly one of the most picturesque and one of the best hikes near Denver! You can even find some waterfalls hikes by Denver. When you're ready to explore the best hikes near Denver, explore our recommendations. Located only 20 minutes away from the city center, this is an excellent hike if you don’t want to overexert yourself or if you just want to make it back to the city in time to have dinner at a restaurant patio. However, the trail is very popular for hikers and mountain bikers, so make sure your four-legged companion is on their best behavior. To get closer to the base of the falls, try the 12-mile loop trail that opened recently. The trails here range in length from half a mile to a demanding 5.5-mile round-trip hike that takes you to the summit of Green Mountain and back. Drive time: 25 minutes from Denver Distance: 4.4-mile out-and-back Start early and keep an eye on the weather. If you don’t have access to a car, Boulder is easily reached by public transit. View of the Flatirons from Chautauqua Park. Take the distance that it takes to walk from the lot to the trailhead into account. The cone looks like some kind of volcanic crater but is actually the result of natural erosion. Running through downtown Golden, the Clear Creek Trail is an easy, 1.8-mile round trip and a family favorite, especially with young children. Based on our research, we’ve gathered this list of some of the more popular hikes near Denver. The 9.1-mile round-trip loop gets very steep towards the top. Try the Dushanbe Tea House for something truly unique-the landmark teahouse was shipped piece by piece from Boulder's sister city in Tajikistan. The Mayflower Gulch trailhead sits... St. Mary’s Falls Trail. Drive time: 50 minutes from Denver A free shuttle bus runs from the parking lot to the Bear Lake trailhead during the summer. Head south of Denver on I-25 for about 30 minutes to the city of Castle Rock. When the parking lot is full, they will turn you away. If you'd rather climb the rocks than walk past them, Staunton State Park is also known for its climbing routes. If you want to stop at 2 miles, you can make your final destination Dream Lake. This list of the 11 best hikes near Denver without crowds includes trails for all abilities. You’ll start this hike through meadows and wildflowers, traveling alongside a stream. But you don't have to pay for a concert to experience this venue. Even better, it’s only a 25-minute drive from Denver. First off, you can thank Taylor VanAllen for raising funds back in 2016 for trail maintenance and anchor placements for climbers in Eldorado Canyon State Park. Of course, there may be some mud after it rains, so be careful not to slip. The trail is not too steep and has very clear signage. This isn't for the casual hiker, if you aren't in excellent physical condition, you could get seriously injured. Also check out these guides to nearby areas: the best hikes near Boulder, the best hikes near Fort Collins, and the best hikes near Rocky Mountain National Park. And if the day ends up being overcast, well, the overcast sky makes the red rocks even more vibrant! Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. When hiking a 14er, it’s important to know what essential gear you need. Difficulty: Easy Sure, this trail is close enough to make a day trip. The trail is mostly shaded and level, and you'll have the creek in view for much of the hike. Keep an eye out for wildlife — maybe you’ll see a wild turkey or, as the name suggests, a mule deer! For a slightly less intense hike, try the Enchanted Mesa Loop trail, which also features gorgeous mountain views and takes you through a variety of different terrain, including pine forest. Dog-Friendly:... 2. For starters, you’ll need a first-aid kit, a headlamp, a trail map, hiking shoes, and plenty of food and water in order to successfully bag your first 14er. Distance:  9.7-mile out-and-back Check out my itinerary below for a long weekend guide to the best hikes near Denver! Best Hikes Near Denver. While it may be good to get an early start, if you choose to begin the hike in the dark, be sure to bring a headlamp, as the first portion of the trail is rocky and steep and would be difficult to navigate in the dark. The 7.9 mile round-trip hike takes you up to 13,233 feet with an elevation gain of 2,789 feet. If you park at the Rooney Lot at Green Mountain, you will have access to temporary restrooms. Staunton State Park is Colorado’s 41st state park, opening to the public in 2013. The trail is easy to access (it's just off the highway) and is also open to mountain bikers, so it does see a lot of traffic. The list includes Mount Elbert, Capitol Peak, San Luis Peak, and others. 10 Beautiful Hikes to Take Near Denver Mayflower Gulch Trail. But when you reach the summit, you are in for absolutely stunning views across the Front Range. Top Denver Hiking Trails: See reviews and photos of hiking trails in Denver, Colorado on Tripadvisor. Located near the eastern base of the Rocky Mountain, Denver is home to some incredible hiking destinations. Below is a guide to the best hikes near Denver. Along the trail, you will hike alongside peaceful streams and through shaded pine forests. The views from the top of the two peaks are outstanding. Within the parks, you'll find dozens of trails, from easy to difficult. 1. At Lower Maxwell Falls, explore a gorgeous 4-mile-hike, passing by two cascading waterfalls along the trail. This hike gives you not only breathtaking views of the Rockies to the west but also skyline views of the city of Denver to the east. For any live updates, you can check out @TrailsLakewood on Twitter. There’s an upper parking lot and a lower parking lot; both require a $9 parking pass. This hike, just outside of Nederland (which is a little over an hour from Denver), has plenty of H20 — in the form of a waterfall and lake at the top. You’ll need to be prepared to go up a ridge and continue climbing the switchbacks until you get to the other side. The Castle trail. These hikes have varying levels of difficulty, from easy to hard, and range from a 20-minute to a 2-hour drive from Denver. The first half of the hike is the most challenging. And the most popular way to summit Pikes Peak is along the Barr Trail. There are picnic tables at the trailhead, and the small visitor center has drinking water and restrooms. Right at the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park (but outside the park boundaries) is the 7.5-mile round-trip Storm Pass Trail to Estes Cone Trail, which takes you to the eastern edge of the epic Estes Cone inside the park. The trails are very well-marked. A trip into Indian Peaks Wilderness won’t disappoint. And these cater to all styles of outdoor enthusiasts-from families with small children looking for an easy loop to more adventurous types hoping to challenge themselves on steep and rocky high alpine terrain. This hike gives you not only breathtaking views of the Rockies to the west but... Upper Mule Deer Trail. Take it slow and you’ll be just fine. Boulder has great hiking in the early spring. Pack your lunch and enough water so that you can stop at the falls in the middle of your hike and enjoy your surroundings. Dogs are allowed in Staunton State Park as long as they’re leashed. There aren’t many trails where dogs are allowed to be unleashed. There’s a $12 fee (cash only) to enter the area, but if you have a National Parks Pass, entry is free. Dogs are allowed, but they need to be leashed. While there are no restrooms right by the trailhead, you can drive to the Red Rocks Amphitheater to use the restroom if needed. She loves all things photography, film, and poetry. It’s less crowded than most trails at Staunton, making for a peaceful yet challenging hike near Denver. Drive time: 50 minutes from Denver This hike is the longest one on the list and features a stunning waterfall. Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail. You can also take a secondary loop around the base of the rock itself. FRONT RANGE HIKING TRAILS BY CITY. The Davis Ponds Loop trail is another option that is much less intense and perfect for families. Windy Saddle Park is so close to Denver that you can easily squeeze in a post-work hike in the summer. Or, if you have a Colorado State Park Pass, you won’t need to pay the day-use fee. Elevation Gain: 1,427 feet As it goes with the majority of Colorado trails, dogs are allowed if they are leashed. Many of the hikes near Denver listed here are inside parks, be it city, like Chautauqua Park in downtown Boulder, or national and legendary, like Rocky Mountain National Park about 90 minutes northwest of Denver. With that, bring water and maybe even a refreshing snack, like an apple, to reward yourself after you get through the first half. Elevation gain: 633 feet. Location: Arapahoe National Forest But for those that make it, the view from the top is truly rewarding. This hike gives you not only breathtaking views of the Rockies to the west but also skyline views of the city of Denver to the east. 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If your car isn’t capable, you’ll need to park in the lower lot, which will add 3 miles to your hike. Drive time: 20 minutes from Denver Joybeth is a brand new resident of Denver, Colorado, recently graduated from the University of Georgia with degrees in English and Entertainment & Media Studies. Sometimes, the storms can be rather unexpected. But the Mount Morrison South Ridge Trail is only 25 minutes away from downtown and has some of the best hiking near Denver. ), I settled on Sky Pond. Mount Sanitas Valley Loop The scenic hike to Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park begins at Bear Lake Trailhead and is best from April to November. If you want solitude, this might not be the best choice. rough terrain. Earn your stripes with this classic hike in Colorado! To hike, you need to set out around 3am so you avoid late afternoon thunderstorms that can be deadly. or this hike, you should go all out with sun protection. © Copyright 2021 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. The overall verdict from those who have hiked this trail is that the first half is stunning while the second half is just alright. No matter what direction you go from Denver, the scenery will make you feel like you’ve entered an alternate universe. There’s a small parking lot right by the trailhead. The majority of the trail is sunny, meaning the trail is usually dry, with the added bonus of wildflowers in the spring. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 Colorado 14ers. Location: Rocky Mountain National Park Difficulty: Easy Just 40 minutes from Denver, Staunton State Park also features a vast trail system not only for hiking but also for mountain biking. Lake Isabelle Trail is located near Nederland, Colorado, a small mountain town with a population of fewer than 2,000 people, that has numerous options for good food and coffee after your hike. Elevation gain: 650 feet. Note, if there is not a concert going on, you can also pay a visit to the amphitheater itself. The Mount Falcon trail has all the hallmarks of a great family hike: leisurely, not-too-steep strolls through long-grassed meadows, impressive views of Denver and the Red Rocks Mountains, and even the ruins of a castle crumbling away some three miles uphill from the car park. Once you pass the trailhead, you’ll see signs to the left to begin the hike on the Lake Isabelle Trail. Just 25 minutes west of Denver near the town of Morrison, there are a number of hikes in Red Rocks park to check out, depending on your fitness level and whether you are traveling with kids. So pack your day hiking essentials, and get ready to explore the Colorado Front Range. We’d recommend good hiking shoes and hiking poles. No matter which way you choose to hike this loop, be sure to stop at the many overlooks to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding area. HIKES NEAR GOLDEN, COLORADO. Follow Storms Pass Trail until you see the sign for Estes Cone Trail. Elevation Gain: 1,256 feet One of the best places to hike near Denver, in my opinion, is the city of Boulder. 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). Just west of Denver near Golden, the Chimney Gulch Trail at Windy Saddle Park is a five-mile round trip (out and back, not a loop) trail up the side of Lookout Mountain. https://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/. Maison Boulder: 720-704-1993 S. Colorado Blvd: 303-399-1000 N. Denver: 303-308-1100 Park Meadows: 720-728-5913 Highlands Ranch: 303-730-3030 If all else fails, there is also limited street parking available. Chautauqua Park, in downtown Boulder, hosts dozens of... 3. Location: Brainard Lake Recreation Area (Indian Peaks Wilderness) Distance: 3.2-mile loop Elevation gain: 2,398 feet. Along the way, kids can even learn to fish in the ponds you pass. 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