10 Hiking Spots Near Denver to Check Out this Spring
We spent most of the month of March in and around Denver. During our month long stay in Denver, we were able to scope out many hiking spots that are a quick drive from the city. Keep reading for a list of my favorite hiking spots near Denver.
And with spring upon us and summer right around the corner, hiking season is about to take off full-force. Start your hiking season off with these gorgeous hikes near Denver.
Denver is located very close to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and there are so many outdoor recreation areas with miles and miles of hiking trails only 30 minutes from the city. All of these hikes are within 30-45 minutes outside of the suburbs of Denver.
Since all of these hikes are located in the foothills and at a lower elevation, you should find less snow on the trails. With the exception of right after a spring snowfall. Typically, these trails should be a bit drier than hiking trails further up in the mountains. This is what makes these trails perfect for starting off the hiking season.
Map of Hiking Spots Near Denver
Eldorado Canyon State Park
Eldorado Canyon is probably my favorite hiking spot on this list. I love the uniqueness of the rock formations that make up the canyon.
It’s also a very popular spot for rock climbers. Keep an eye out and you may see a couple of climbers along the cliff face.
This state park is located right at the base of the foothills and it very easy to access from the city. However, the road leading into the park is desperately in need of repairs so watch out for potholes.
Trail(s) to Check Out:
Fowler Trail – The Fowler Trail is a 4.0 mile RT out & back trail that is rated as easy. But the views off of this trail are some of the best in the park. The trail only gains 433 feet and stays pretty close to the cliff’s edge giving you incredible views of the canyon. This trail is perfect if you’re looking for an easy trail with good views.
Rattlesnake Gulch Trail – If you’re looking for something a bit more difficult, consider hiking the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail. This trail is roughly 3.6 miles RT and climbs a total of 951 feet. At the top, you’ll see more incredible views of Eldorado Canyon from above.
Entrance Fee to Eldorado Canyon State Park: $10 per vehicle, $4 per individual without vehicle
Alderfer/Three Sisters Park
Three Sisters Park is located in Evergreen, just a short drive from Denver. We were very pleasantly surprised by this park. I loved the evergreen Ponderosa Pine trees along with the granite rock formations. You can also get some epic views of the snow-capped Rockies from this spot.
Three Sisters Park actually has the most trails per acre of any foothills park located near Denver. This makes it the perfect place to hike – there are so many trail options! But because there are so many trails, finding the right one can become a bit confusing, so download a Alderfer/Three Sisters Trail Map, here.
Trail(s) to Check Out:
Brothers Lookout via Three Sisters Loop – I highly recommend that you hike to Brothers Lookout. This spot has incredible views of the town of Evergreen below and snow-capped Rockies out in the distance. You can make your hike a loop by adding the Sisters Loop. You’ll also have to access this trail via the Ponderosa Trail. The total round trip is only 2.0 miles and is rated as moderate. You can find more information about this route on AllTrails.com.
Windy Saddle Park
I was able to check out Windy Saddle Park on a solo hike by myself on a sunny Tuesday. (So check out my attempt at using a tripod + timed shutter on my camera. It’s much more difficult than I’d imagined.)
Windy Saddle Park is located off of Lookout Mountain Road right above Golden, Colorado. It’s location is very convenient to Golden & Denver and doesn’t skimp on the views. You can get views of both the city side and the surrounding foothills.
I really enjoyed the drive up Lookout Mountain from Golden. The views were pretty spectacular. On the drive up, make sure you watch out for bicyclists as I passed many on my way up.
After hiking at Windy Saddle Park, keep driving up to the top of Lookout Mountain for more incredible views.
Trail(s) to Check Out:
Windy Saddle Lookout Mountain Trail – This 4.4 mile hike is rated as moderate and climbs to the top of Lookout Mountain. The elevation change is 700 feet and provides views of the foothills near Golden.
Mount Zion Trail – This trail actually starts and leaves the opposite direction as the Windy Saddle Lookout Mountain Trail so you get a completely different vantage point of the surrounding foothills. This trail starts from the north of the parking lot and is only 1.3 miles while climbing 423 feet. If you’re looking for something a bit shorter but still amazing, check this trail out.
South Table Mountain
I’m going to be honest, we didn’t make it to the top of the South Table Mountain hike. A few of days before we set out to hike this trail, the Denver area was hit with one of its largest snow storms in years. Following that huge dumping of multiple feet of snow were a few days of warmer weather. Thus, melting a large portion of the snow and turning the trail into a slushy muddy mess.
Being so eager to make it to the top of the mesa, we enthusiastically started the hike but were almost immediately met with a sloppy mess that quickly became nearly impassible and we were no longer having fun. After making it about a third of a mile, we decided to turn around.
Although we were not able to complete this hike, it is a popular one in the area and I’m sure when conditions are dry it’s phenomenal. Even the views from the side of the mesa were gorgeous.
Trail(s) to Check Out:
South Table Mountain – The trail to the top of South Table Mountain is only 2.0 miles RT and can be done as a loop or out & back. The trail climbs 482 feet with full sun exposure so come prepared with a hat/sunscreen.
White Ranch Open Space Park
Another one of the best hiking spots near Denver, White Ranch Park has incredible views of the city from a distance.
The drive into White Ranch Open Space Park was such a beautiful mountain drive with incredible views. When we got to the park, we had every intention of hiking the Maverick & Sawmill Trails that form a loop. But we visited after a big March snowstorm and did not come prepared with snowshoes. After attempting the hike in our boots and post-holing nearly every step, we opted for playing in the snow by the trailhead.
Next time I’m in the area, I hope to actually hike in White Ranch Open Space Park because the pictures I have seen of the trails look beautiful.
Trail(s) to Check Out:
Maverick & Sawmill Loop Trail – Combining the Maverick & Sawmill Trails, you can create a 2.4 mile hike that gains 364 feet in elevation. This easy trail is perfect for the whole family and provides great views of the foothills, the city of Denver, and nature all around.
Chautauqua Trailhead
Another one of my favorite hiking spots near Denver is the Chautauqua Trailhead area. Located right in the heart of Boulder, this hiking area has some terrific trails featuring the iconic Flatirons.
We hiked here at the Chautauqua Trailhead only a day after arriving in Colorado and we were definitely feeling the elevation on this one. I’d like to thing if we hiked it again that’d it’d be easier now that we’ve adjusted to higher elevations a bit.
The Chautauqua Trail is actually a “lead-in” trail for a few different trails that feature the Flatirons & Royal Arch. From the Chautauqua Trail, you can reach the First & Second Flatirons Loop, a 2.5 mile loop that gets up close & personal with the Flatirons. Unfortunately, this trail was closed during our visit – but, there’s always next time!
Trail(s) to Check Out:
Chautauqua Trail – This 1.2 mile moderate hike is a “lead-in” trail for hikes that lead to the Flatirons & Royal Arch. Itself offers gorgeous views of Boulder below and views of the first two Flatirons.
First & Second Flatirons Loop – This 2.5 mile loop takes you up and around the first & second Flatirons. The hike up to the Flatirons is strenuous with a lot of rock scrambling. Only confident hikers should attempt to do this hike.
Flatirons Vista Trail
Although this trail also features the Flatirons of Boulder, it’s very different than the Chautauqua trail in that it’s much further away from the Flatirons. Flatirons Vista Trail is located a few miles away and provides a view of all of the Flatirons from a distance.
On the Chautauqua Trail, you won’t be able to get a peak of all of the Flatirons at once – but you will be able to on the Flatirons Vista Trails. Both are lovely and both are worth checking out. The Flatirons Vista Trail is also much closer to the city of Denver.
Trail(s) to Check Out:
Flatirons Vista Trail – This easy trail only gains 285ft in 3.5 miles road trip. It’s a great flat trail with terrific views of the Flatirons and surrounding areas.
Red Rocks Park
Located in Morrison, Red Rocks Park is another great option for hiking spots near Denver. Here, you’ll find the Red Rocks Amphitheater, which by the way, is a great place to workout on a warm spring day. When the warm sun comes out, you’ll find hundreds of people using the amphitheater seating as a workout space: running, jumping, and lots and lots of stairs.
In addition to the famous outdoor amphitheater made out of red rock, the park also features a few different hiking trails.
Trail(s) to Check Out:
Red Rocks Trading Post Trail – This short 1.5 mile hike has fantastic scenic views of the surrounding area. You’ll also get views of the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater.
Walker Ranch
We stumbled upon Walker Ranch on our drive out Flagstaff Road (an incredibly scenic drive that you must check out if you’re in the Boulder area). I really wish we had more time to hike here – I’d love to try out the 8 mile Walker Ranch Loop. I just love a good loop hike.
The scenery in this area was so beautiful! The hills blanketed with golden grass next to forested peaks was such an incredible contrast of beauty.
Trail(s) to Check Out:
Walker Ranch Loop – A 8.2 mile loop that features a river and lots of mountain views. The trail is rated as difficult as it gains 1,637 feet. You can hike in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.
Gross Reservoir
Gross Reservoir requires the longest drive from Denver, but it’s not to be overlooked. It’s also off of Flagstaff Road, just a bit further than Walker Ranch. The views of the reservoir are pretty incredible! Make sure you take in the views from both above and down by the water.
Trail(s) to Check Out:
Gross North Shore Trail – A 1.7 mile hike that leads down to the shore of Gross Reservoir. This easy hike can be combined with other hikes in the area to make for a more moderate level hike. After descending more than 200 feet, the trail goes along the lakeshore for a short time before coming to an end.
Don’t Hit the Trail Without These Items
Make sure you’re well prepared and pack these items when you check out the best hiking spots near Denver:
1. Good Hiking Shoes & Traction Devices
Utah is the land of beautiful red rocks. But it also makes for some pretty rocky trails.
When hiking in the Rocky Mountains, it’s super important to wear sturdy hiking shoes on the trails. I wear brands like Merrell Moab 2 Mid Ventilator, and Timberland Mt. Maddsen Mid Waterproof. My husband, who is very prone to ankle injuries, wears Salomon X Ultra Low GTX and swears by them. Keep your feet nice and toasty with some wool socks from Smartwool.
It’s super important to also bring some sort of traction device for your shoes, like these EnergeticSky Ice Crampons that are super affordable on Amazon and have saved us on so many occasions! Trekking Poles are also a wise choice when the trails are slick & icy.
2. Water Bottle & Hydration pack
It’s so important to stay hydrated on hiking trails.
To keep your drink either hot or cold, go with a Hydroflask, which is vacuum-sealed and keeps your liquids cold for up to 24 hours. If you’re looking for something a bit more lightweight, go with the traditional Nalgene.
On longer hikes, fill up your Ospry Hydraulics Reservoir to keep your water easily accessible & hands free. My favorite day pack that accommodates a hydration bladder is the Osprey Mira 22 Hydration Pack.
3. Trail Snacks
A lot of the popular trails in Colorado take a few hours, so make sure you bring enough energy-boosting food to get you through the day.
Some of our favorite trail snacks are the traditional PB&J, grapes, trail mixes, Go Macro Bars, and RX Bars.
4. Sunscreen and Sun Protection
The sun in Colorado is very strong, even when it’s very cold outside. Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen. This Sun Bum sunscreen is so light and easy to fit in your pack. Also, it’s super protective against the sun. It’s also reef friendly, so save it for your next trip to the beach!
In addition to sunscreen, make sure you protect your face with a sun hat. I really enjoy wearing this Vintage Style Cap from Amazon. It has tons of colors to choose from, I’ve been loving the yellow.
Sunglasses are never a bad idea, either.
5. Lightweight & Moisture-Wicking Clothes
Make sure to choose moisture-wicking clothing (aka NOT cotton), to pull the sweat away from your body and stay dry while hiking. This will help keep you warmer in the cold weather and cooler in hot temperatures.
These Icebreaker T-Shirts have been a favorite of mine recently, they’re excellent at keeping you dry. And the best part is that they don’t stink even after a long sweaty day on the trail!
6. Lots of Layers
Depending on when you visit Colorado, you may encounter cooler than expected temperatures. Especially during an early morning or late evening hike. Don’t forget to pack a jacket for your trip to Colorado. I like to wear brands like Columbia Womens Arcadia II Jacket to protect from rain and Eddier Bauer’s Stratuslite Down Snap Mock.
More Colorado Adventures
- The Ultimate Guide to Winter in Rocky Mountain
- Hidden Gems near Colorado Springs
- Epic Colorado National Park Road Trip
Save on Pinterest
Disclaimer: This post contains some affiliate links, which means if you buy something through those links my blog will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me to create free resources like the one you just read. Thank you for the support!
