A Guide to Denver’s Best Day Hikes for Every Skill Level - Trip Canvas
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A Guide to Denver’s Best Day Hikes for Every Skill Level
Published: April 06, 2023
Written byAAA Travel Editor, CW
Denver offers an abundance of outdoor activities nestled in a lush, natural landscape. Located to the east of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Denver has various trails suitable for hikers at all skill levels. And if you’re willing to venture even further outside the city, you’re destined to pack in even more scenic day hikes that are well worth the drive. So, lace up those boots and pack your favorite snacks. Here are some of the best day hikes from Denver:
istockphoto.com / Faina Gurevich
Easy Hikes
These trails are perfect for novice hikers, families, or anyone focused on building strength. Generally, under 3 miles round trip, these paths are suitable for nearly all walkers, although some terrain may have a slight incline.
Meadow and Forest Loop Trails at Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve
· Difficulty: Easy
· Trail Type: Loop
· Length: 0.6- & 0.8-mile loops
· Duration: 35 min
If you journey close to Golden, CO, only 30 minutes west of Denver, you’ll find two great starter loops. With a short distance, plenty of wildlife, and even picnic tables for lunch, these trails are perfect for a family day hike. Meadow and Forest Loop Trails are also connected to Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve (a handicap-accessible area), a great place to kickstart the kids’ enthusiasm for the hike ahead. Just be cautious when driving. This is a cyclist-heavy area. Also, note that dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
istockphoto.com / dbdurden
Bear Creek Trail at Lair o’ the Bear Park
· Difficulty: Easy
· Trail Type: Out-and-back
· Length: 1.6 miles round trip
· Duration: 1 hr 15 min
Considered one of the most accessible Denver area hikes, Bear Creek Trail at Lair o’ the Bear Park has a level path with plenty of shade and the sounds of water. Fishing is allowed in Bear Creek, and while it’s only a 1.6-mile journey, the path does extend even further along the creek if you have the extra time to explore. This is a hot spot for mountain bikes, so keep the kids close and be aware.
istockphoto.com / SWKrulllmagin
Waterfall Hike at Castlewood Canyon State Park
· Difficulty: Easy
· Trail Type: Out-and-back, loop
· Length: ¼ miles round trip
· Duration: 20 min
The best way to see a waterfall while in Denver is to walk the Waterfall Hike at Castlewood Canyon State Park. Find the Waterfall Parking Lot, and you’ll only have a 10-minute trail to see the cascades. This is an easy path but can be made longer and into a more moderate hike. Pick the northernmost trailhead at Creek Bottom Trail to add a mile to your walk, or traverse the Cherry Creek Trail for a full 2-mile loop. Pay attention and know your foliage. Poison ivy has been spotted growing in this area.
istockphoto.com / starcevic
Moderate Hikes
If you’re a newer hiker looking to up your game or an advanced backpacker looking for a modest trek, these moderate hikes are for you. Falling into 1.5 to 5 miles with some steady incline in the terrain, these trails should be challenging but accessible for most outdoor adventurers.
St. Mary’s Glacier
· Difficulty: Easy to moderate
· Trail Type: Out-and-back
· Length: 1.5 miles round trip
· Duration: 2 hrs
This quick trip may seem easy as you hike through the lush forest to the lake, but you can challenge yourself by climbing up the glacier. Here you’ll see stunning views of the Rocky Mountains to the west. The year-round snow makes this the perfect summertime stretch when you’re eager to cool off. The glacier segment is only marked at the entry point, so watch for neatly stacked stones and streams of melting snow. And keep moving upward!
Xnatedawgx / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Spruce Mountain Hikes Near Larkspur
· Difficulty: Moderate
· Trail Type: Out-and-back loop
· Length: 1.5 Miles round trip, 4-mile loop
· Duration: 1.5 hrs, 4 hrs
Get a rare view of Pike’s Peak by exploring Spruce Mountain Trails. The first section of this journey is a bit steep, with a 400-inch incline, but then it levels off. The Space Mountain hikes vary in length and terrain, so start with the first segment and proceed if you’re looking for an additional challenge or want to wear out the kids. Arrive early as this trail can get crowded.
istockphoto.com / Adam-Springer
South Rim Loop Trail at Roxborough State Park
· Difficulty: Moderate
· Trail Type: Loop
· Length: 3 Miles round trip
· Duration: 1.5 hrs
Ready to see some red rocks? You may want to get your camera ready. The South Rim Loop Trail at Roxborough State Park has some of the best views of the Fountain and Morrison formations. This hike includes the most breathtaking vantage points and is a great way to level up before hiking into higher altitudes.
istockphoto.com / Lana2011
Challenging Hikes
To tackle these expeditions, you’ll want to have a regular hiking habit and prepare for some strenuous paths. Clocking in at over 5 miles each and with 3,000-foot inclines, these hikes aren’t for everyone. Make sure you have supportive footwear, plenty of water, and a partner to accompany you through the rocky points of your trip.
Seven Bridges to Kineo Mountain Loop
· Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
· Trail Type: Loop
· Length: 7.5 Miles round trip
· Duration: 4 hrs
You can make this trek your own whether you stick to the Seven Bridges trail before you take the Kineo Mountain Loop. Or connect at the Mt. Buckhorn hike and add the Section 16 hike for a full figure 8. This trip is like a “choose your own adventure.” Whatever you decide, you will surely get scenic views of dazzling waterfalls and snow-dappled evergreens.
istockphoto.com / Cavan Images
Bergen Peak Hike Near Evergreen
· Difficulty: Challenging
· Trail Type: Out-and-back
· Length: 9.2 Miles round trip
· Duration: 4-5 hrs
Get excited about seeing wildlife in this ponderosa passage. If you take the trek next to Elk Meadow Park, that’s exactly what you’ll see—elk and deer. You can expect a well-maintained trail, too. Challenge yourself on your return trip by choosing the not-so-worn path called Too Long Trail. This is a less crowded route through the conifers and aspens. If you look closely, you’ll see quartz strewn along the hillside.
istockphoto.com / Grant Chesin
Falcon Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park
· Difficulty: Challenging
· Trail Type: Out-and-back
· Length: 15.5-16.5 Miles round trip
· Duration: 8-11 hrs
This arduous ~16-mile journey will require your keen attention and some land navigation, but your reward for taking the challenge is seeing the wondrous waterfall that tumbles from Thunder Lake. The trail at Falcon Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park is an epic odyssey for well-seasoned trekkers only. But if you’ve got the skills and stamina to tackle it, you will surely encounter a mesmerizing and memorable backcountry expedition.
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