Denver is an outdoor lover’s paradise, with incredible hiking trails starting right outside the city limits. From leisurely strolls under the red rocks to challenging 14,000-foot peaks, there is hiking in Denver for all abilities and interests. Read on for 10 of the best hiking in Denver Colorado that can be done in a day.
1. Trading Post Trail (Red Rocks Park)
Red Rocks Park is the best hiking in Denver. Not only that but you can hiking in Denver without a car to this place. Just 15 miles outside of Denver is the iconic Red Rocks Park, home of the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The Trading Post trail is an easy 2.8-mile loop that showcases the park’s namesake red rock formations. Hike through wide valleys and narrow slot canyons, with panoramic views from the amphitheater’s Upper North lot. Bring the whole family on this short, scenic trek.
2. Boulder Flatirons (Chautauqua Park)
The iconic Flatirons rising above Boulder are one of Colorado’s most recognizable sites. There are miles of scenic trails accessible from Chautauqua Park at the base of the Flatirons. Hike through wide open meadows and climb up among the slanted rock slabs. For great views, make the moderate 1.8-mile climb to the top of the 1st Flatiron. Or walk along the Mesa Trail between Chautauqua Park and Eldorado Canyon for a 6.7-mile trek through classic Boulder scenery.
3. Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs)
Are you looking the hiking in Denver Colorado? If so, then head to the Garden of the Gods. This is also the best hiking in Denver in October. This stunning park showcases red sandstone spires shooting up from the foothills. Take an easy hike along the 4-mile loop through Cathedral Valley, past formations with names like the Three Graces and Kissing Camels. Soak in panoramic views of Pikes Peak and the Rampart Range. The park is easily accessible right outside Colorado Springs.
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4. Brainard Lake Recreation Area
Feel like you’re deep in the mountains at Brainard Lake, although it’s less than an hour from Boulder. Circumnavigate the stunning alpine lake on a 5-mile loop, taking in jagged peaks, colorful wildflowers, and the remains of an old mining town. For more solitude, continue past the lake to Mitchell Lake and Blue Lake nestled further into the mountains.
5. Bear Lake to Emerald Lake (Rocky Mountain National Park)
Rocky Mountain National Park is Colorado’s pride and joy, and the hike from Bear Lake to Emerald Lake captures the park’s highlights. The 3.6-mile roundtrip passes several photogenic lakes dotted with lilypads, all sitting below the imposing summit of Longs Peak. Arriving at Emerald Lake with its shimmering green waters is the crowning jewel. Make sure to get an early start, as the Bear Lake parking area fills up fast.
6. Mohawk Lakes (Breckenridge)
Take in spectacular above-treeline scenery on this strenuous 6.8-mile hike outside the charming mountain town of Breckenridge. Climb through the forest until you emerge at Lower Mohawk Lake, surrounded by craggy 13,000+ foot peaks. Continue another mile up to Mohawk Lake, where you’ll swear you can almost touch the summits of Pacific Peak and Crystal Peak.
7. Fern Lake (Rocky Mountain NP)
The next popular hiking in Denver is near Fern Lake. Escape the crowds and experience the Rocky Mountain backcountry on this 9-mile point-to-point hike. Travel from the popular Bear Lake area to peaceful Fern Lake, passing gem-colored pools, thundering waterfalls, and open granite slopes. Shuttle back via the excellent park shuttle system. Or make it a multi-day backpacking trip to further explore the stunning scenery between these two trailheads.
8. Grays and Torreys Peaks
Bag your first 14ers, the affectionate term for peaks higher than 14,000 feet, with this 8.4-mile summit hike on Grays and Torreys Peaks. Sitting right off I-70, Grays and Torreys are two of Colorado’s most accessible 14ers. Be prepared for a tough, steep hike at altitude, but the reward is immense: 360-degree mountain views from two of the highest points around.
9. Chasm Lake (Longs Peak area)
Looking for the most popular hiking in Denver Colorado? Then this Chasm Lake is the best choice. While only expert climbers should attempt to summit the iconic Longs Peak, anyone can appreciate its stunning east face from Chasm Lake. It’s a tough 8-mile roundtrip hike, but the granite walls and pinnacles surrounding Chasm Lake are simply jaw-dropping. Scan the cliffs for mountain goats or bighorn sheep. And look for the wreckage of a crashed plane near the lake.
10. Mount Elbert
Last but not least, the popular hiking in Denver Colorado is Mount Elbert. Embark on Colorado’s highest peak, the mighty Mount Elbert, topping out at 14,439 feet. It’s a long, tough climb, but the well-traveled trail is all Class 1 hiking, making the summit very doable in a day if you’re conditioned for the 4,500+ foot elevation gain. Look down on the rest of the Sawatch Range from Colorado’s highest point. Start early and be off the summit by early afternoon to avoid the typical summer thunderstorms.
