10 best hikes near Denver

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Hiking is a great mental and physical escape — a chance to get some exercise and clear your mind while enjoying the scenery around you. If you live in the Denver area or are planning to visit, there are a number of unique hiking trails nearby where you can see beautiful landscapes, waterfalls and local plants and wildlife. The trails range from historic routes closer to downtown, to more challenging trails further out toward the mountains. Check out some of these top trails, all within a few hours from Denver.

1. Trading Post Trail

Distance from Denver: 17 miles (30 minutes)
Trail length: 1.5 mile loop
When to visit: May to November

Want to see Colorado’s famous red rocks up close? Head to Red Rocks Park and hike the Trading Post Trail. This 1.5-mile loop trail snakes through a diverse landscape that includes numerous red rock formations and pretty meadowlands with great views of the Front Range. It has a limited elevation change, making it a great option for families and out-of-towners who are still acclimating to the area. If you plan ahead, you may be able to catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheater, too!

2. Clear Creek Trail

Distance from Denver: 19 miles (30 minutes)
Trail length: 2 miles
When to visit: March to October

Clear Creek Trail is located in Golden, CO, and runs down 10th Street from the 6th Avenue bridge to Ford Street. It’s a more urban hike than others on our list, with Downtown Golden’s coffee shops, restaurants and craft breweries right nearby. Along with walking, running and biking, Clear Creek Trail provides a great backdrop for picnicking and watching kayakers, tubers and fly fishermen enjoy the creek. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent water sports equipment from a local company and enjoy a few hours on the water after your hike.

3. Waterton Canyon Trail

Distance from Denver: 22 miles (35 minutes)
Trail length: 12.5 miles
When to visit: Open year-round

The Waterton Canyon Trail is a flat, easy hike the whole family can enjoy. The winding dirt path follows the South Platte River all the way to the Strontia Springs Reservoir, and is popular with hikers and bikers alike. However, there’s not a lot of shade along this trail and it can get pretty hot midday, so it may be best for early morning visits. Keep an eye out for the bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk and more than 40 species of birds that call the canyon home. 

4. Bear Peak

Distance from Denver: 26 miles (35 minutes)
Trail length: 8.4 mile loop or 7.4 miles out and back
When to visit: April to October

With spectacular views of the Colorado Front Range, Bear Peak is a gem in the Boulder trail system, and begins from the South Mesa Trailhead. The first few miles are relatively flat, then the trail enters steeper terrain with tree roots, rocks and other obstacles to climb through. Finish with a scramble over angled rock to reach the summit — but be aware that it comes to a point and is exposed on all sides, so take your time and tread carefully to stay safe. In the summer, you can also find (and enjoy!) fresh raspberries and beautiful wildflowers growing along the trail.  

5. Mesa Trail

Distance from Denver: 28 miles (40 minutes)
Trail length: 13.2 miles
When to visit: April to October

Head to Boulder to hike the Mesa Trail, a 13.2-mile out-and-back trail that’s a favorite with locals. Widely considered to be a challenging route, the Mesa Trail features a varied terrain including rolling hills, grasslands, forests and meadows, and offers beautiful views of the Flatirons. Be prepared to share the path with trail runners and horseback riders, who also frequent the area. 

6. Evergreen Lake Trail

Distance from Denver: 29 miles (38 minutes)
Trail length: 1.4 mile loop
When to visit: May to October

As its name infers, Evergreen Lake Trail circles around Evergreen Lake in Evergreen, CO. This trail is relatively flat and suitable for the whole family, or anyone looking for an easy hike near Denver. When you finish the trail, head to the nature center to rent a canoe or sailboat, or step inside to learn about wildlife from elk to migratory birds.

7. Elk Falls Trail

Distance from Denver: 39 miles (50 minutes)
Trail length: 8 miles
When to visit: March to October

Staunton State Park is one of Colorado’s newer state parks, first opening in 2013, and offers rich Colorado history and diverse plants and wildlife. It’s also home to Elk Falls Trail, a hike to one of the area’s most scenic and highest elevation waterfalls. This hike used to be a grueling 12 miles roundtrip, but thanks to the new Lazy V parking lot, the trek has been reduced to 8 miles. But don’t let its shorter distance fool you: Elk Falls Trail still passes through strenuous terrain with large elevation changes, and is considered to be a challenging route. After your hike, head to the climbing area to watch local climbers make their way up the Staunton Rocks.

8. Devil’s Head Lookout

Distance from Denver: 50 miles (1 hour and 15 minutes)
Trail length: 2.7 miles
When to visit: May to November

This 2.5-mile trail takes you up to the Devil’s Head Lookout Tower — the last remaining Front Range fire lookout tower in use today. Classified as moderate, the trail features beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains and culminates with a 143-step climb up to the fire lookout, where you can really take in the 360-degree scenery. Visit in autumn to see the surrounding Aspen trees as they start to change color.

9. Garden of the Gods

Distance from Denver: 70 miles (1 hour and 5 minutes)
Trail length: Varies
When to visit: Open year-round

Garden of the Gods is a registered National Natural Landmark in Colorado Springs, CO, renowned for its 19 enormous sandstone formations and unrivaled views of Pikes Peak. There are many hiking trails to choose from, ranging from easy to moderate, so everyone can find a path to suit their needs. In addition to hiking, Garden of the Gods is a popular place for horseback riding, photography, climbing, mountain biking, jeep and segway tours and more. Plan to make a day of it and explore all that the area has to offer!

10. Emerald Lake Trail

Distance from Denver: 76 miles (2 hours)
Trail length: 3.2 miles
When to visit: Open year-round

Emerald Lake Trail is a 3.2-mile hike near Estes Park, CO. Located in the Rocky Mountain National Park, this beautiful trail weaves through the Tyndall Gorge, passing Nymph Lake and Dream Lake on its way up to Emerald Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to many species of wildlife, and hikers frequently report seeing bears or elk around the trail. 

Tips for Denver hiking trails

Hiking in Denver can be about more than just enjoying the scenery: It’s also an opportunity to unplug and connect with nature. Here are a few hiking tips to keep in mind before you hit the trail: 

• Mind the elevation: If you don’t live in an area with high elevation, you may experience headaches and lightheadedness as your body adjusts to the elevation changes. Drink plenty of water to help you get acclimated faster. 
• Check the weather: Storms tend to pop up in the afternoon, so bring a raincoat and extra layers, and be prepared for sudden changes. 
• Wear the right shoes: Check the terrain type and elevation changes before you head out. Harder hikes may require hiking boots instead of regular sneakers to protect your feet and ankles. 
• Get the right fuel: Eat well before your hike for some extra energy and pack snacks in case you get hungry.
• Bring a backpack: It’ll be helpful to store everything you need, including bug spray, sunscreen, extra water and a hat, while keeping your hands free.

Avail can get you to the best hikes around Denver

Traveling to Denver and need a ride to get to your hiking destination? Skip the car rental agency and check out Avail car sharing. We have locations throughout the downtown neighborhoods. Avail makes it easy to find the right vehicle for your trip. Plus, every trip is protected by Allstate insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance so you can hit the trails stress free.