Best Hikes Near Denver, Colorado
21 curated trails near Denver — with stats, difficulty, parking info, and what to expect on the ground.
Emerald Lake Trail
A stunning alpine lake hike that passes Nymph Lake and Dream Lake before reaching the spectacular Emerald Lake. Perfect introduction to Rocky Mountain National Park's high country.
St. Mary's Glacier
A short but steep hike to Colorado's most accessible glacier. The trail leads to St. Mary's Lake and continues to the permanent snowfield above.
Royal Arch Trail
A popular Boulder hike leading to a natural sandstone arch with stunning views of the city and Flatirons. The trail passes through Chautauqua Park's meadows.
Chasm Lake
A challenging hike to a pristine alpine lake beneath the dramatic east face of Longs Peak. The lake sits in a spectacular cirque surrounded by towering granite walls.
Flatirons Vista Trail
A gentle trail through grasslands and scrub oak with outstanding views of the iconic Flatirons rock formations and Boulder valley below.
Grays and Torreys Peaks
A challenging double-peak 14er adventure offering two summits in one day. The trail features alpine terrain with stunning Continental Divide views.
Indian Peaks Wilderness Loop
A spectacular loop through pristine wilderness featuring alpine lakes, dramatic peaks, and diverse ecosystems. Permits required for this premier wilderness experience.
Eldorado Canyon Trail
A dramatic canyon hike through golden sandstone walls with South Boulder Creek flowing below. Popular for rock climbing access and scenic beauty.
Mount Bierstadt
One of Colorado's most accessible 14ers with a well-defined trail through beautiful alpine terrain. Popular choice for first-time peak baggers.
Chicago Lakes
A long but gentle hike to two pristine alpine lakes beneath Mount Evans. The trail follows an old mining road through beautiful subalpine forest.
Devil's Head Lookout
A historic fire lookout tower hike through ponderosa pine forest with 360-degree views from the restored 1919 fire tower at the summit.
Bear Lake Trail
An accessible paved loop around one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most popular lakes with stunning mountain reflections and wildlife viewing.
Lily Lake Trail
A flat, accessible boardwalk loop around a scenic lake with views of Longs Peak and the Continental Divide. Perfect for all abilities.
Sprague Lake Trail
A wheelchair-accessible trail to a pristine alpine lake with stunning reflections of the Continental Divide peaks and Hallett Peak.
Mount Evans Road Scenic Drive Trails
Short alpine trails accessible from the Mount Evans Scenic Byway leading to 14er summit views and alpine lake vistas above treeline.
Columbine Lake Trail
A challenging wilderness hike to a remote alpine lake beneath dramatic peaks with pristine wilderness settings and stunning mountain views.
Roxborough State Park Fountain Valley Trail
A scenic loop through dramatic red rock formations and native grasslands with views of the distinctive hogback ridges and Front Range foothills.
Castlewood Canyon Dam Ruins Trail
An easy walk to historic dam ruins through a scenic sandstone canyon with Cherry Creek flowing through diverse riparian and prairie ecosystems.
Mount Falcon Park Castle Trail
A loop hike through Denver Mountain Parks land with views of Red Rocks, the Front Range, and the Denver skyline. The ruins of John Brisben Walker's stone castle anchor the upper section.
North Table Mountain Loop
A flat-topped mesa hike with sweeping Front Range views, raptor sightings in spring, and one of the best Denver-area sunset viewpoints. Wide gravel roads make it stroller and bike friendly.
Lookout Mountain Nature Center Loop
Short forested loop near the Buffalo Bill grave, with city views from the visitor center deck. Good intro hike for kids and visiting family, or a quick lunch loop from downtown Denver.