The 12 best trails near Denver for day hikes
In a state that’s known for its nature, the bustling streets and sidewalks of Denver can seem overwhelming at times. Escape the city traffic on these 12 trails for a day-hike that’s not a long drive from Denver.
1. Bluffs Regional Park Trail (Photo) via The Gazette
1. Bluffs Regional Park Trail
About 25 minutes south of downtown Denver is Lone Tree’s Bluffs Regional Park which offers level grounds for an easy day-hike with great views. Hikers can enjoy a few miles of soft-surface trail with views of Colorado’s Front Range mountains.
Distance: 2.6 miles
Difficulty Rating: easy
When to go: year-round
Photo via The Gazette (file photo).
North Table Mountain Park (Photo) Credit Brad Fagan (flickr)
2. North Table Mountain Park
Soak in the unique scenery at North Table Mountain Park, located about 25 minutes from downtown Denver where lava flow formed the mesas. The park offers panoramic views throughout 15 miles of trails. One popular route is the Outer Rim Loop.
Distance: 7.2 miles
Difficulty Rating: moderate
When to go: year-round; seasonal closures of some trails
Photo Credit: Brad Fagan (flickr).
South Valley Park (Photo) Credit Adam-Springer (iStock)
3. Deer Creek Canyon
There are several hiking trails in Deer Creek Canyon to choose from, ranging from easy to difficult and found within a 35-minute drive from downtown Denver. The nearly 12-mile Black Bear Trail is a more challenging trek that features unique rock formations and views of Colorado’s Front Range foothills. An easier option is approximately 3-mile Meadowlark Trail that features some switchbacks and rolling hills.
Distance: various ranges from 1-12 miles
Difficulty Rating: easy to difficult
When to go: best during summer, fall; open year-round.
Photo Credit: Adam-Springer (iStock).
Boulder Flatirons (Photo) Credit Mark Doliner (flickr)
4. Boulder Flatirons
Hike between the First and Second Flatirons in Boulder via the Chautauqua Trail, located about 35 minutes from downtown Denver. At the junction of Bluebell Trail, continue uphill. Hikers earn an inside view of the jagged edges of the Flatirons and, at the top, views of the Continental Divide to the west.
Distance: 2.6 miles
Difficulty Rating: moderate
When to go: open year-round; icy during snowy seasons.
Photo Credit: Mark Doliner (flickr).
South Valley Park (Photo) Credit Jim Moore (flickr)
5. Coyote Song Trail
The Coyote Song Trail in South Valley Park, about 30 minutes from downtown Denver, offers colorful views of meadows, unique rock formations, and more.
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty Rating: easy
When to go: year-round
Photo Credit: Jim Moore (flickr).
Waterton Canyon (Photo) Credit denverkid (flickr)
6. Waterton Canyon
You don’t have to tackle the whole Colorado Trail, but hike through segment one via Waterton Canyon Trail. Located an hour-drive from downtown Denver, hikers will find the northernmost trailhead of the Colorado Trail, offering serene views of the South Platte River along a relatively flat path. Wildlife including big horn sheep and elk are often spotted here.
Distance: 12.5 miles
Difficulty Rating: easy
When to go: year-round.
Photo Credit: denverkid (flickr).
Trading Post Trail (Photo) Credit Michael Kirsh (flickr)
7. Trading Post Trail at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
The Trading Post Trail at Red Rocks Park is a loop trail through red rock formations about a 25-minute drive from downtown Denver. Plenty of stairs keep the hike family-friendly.
Distance: 1.4 miles
Difficulty Rating: easy
When to go: best during spring and summer; open year-round.
Photo Credit: Michael Kirsh (flickr).
Falcon Castle (Photo) Credit Heather Biggers
8. Castle Trail to Falcon Castle Ruins
Find the ruins of a castle tucked into Colorado’s mountains, located about 30-minutes from downtown Denver. Hike along the Castle Trail loop in Morrison to see the remnants of Falcon Castle.
Distance: 8 miles
Difficulty Rating: moderate
When to go: year-round
Photo Credit: Heather Biggers (Reader Submission).
Elk Falls (Photo) Credit Jeremy Janus (iStock)
9. Elk Falls
Staunton State Park is roughly a 45-minute drive from downtown Denver and offers one of the best waterfall hikes near the city. Elk Falls is about 75-feet-tall that cascades down.
Distance: 11 miles
Difficulty Rating: moderate
When to go: year-round
Photo Credit: Jeremy Janus (iStock).
Mesa Top and Cottonwood Canyon Loop (Photo) Credit Fredlyfish4 (Creative Commons)
10. Mesa Top and Cottonwood Canyon Loop
The Mesa Top and Cottonwood Canyon loop trail in Golden is about a 25-minute drive from downtown Denver. Take a leisurely hike to see abundant wildflowers in the spring and summer or see a small frozen waterfall in the canyon during the winter. Hikers earn an open view of downtown Denver and beyond.
Distance: approx. 4.3 miles
Difficulty Rating: moderate
When to go: year-round.
Photo Credit: Fredlyfish4 (Creative Commons).
Sloan’s Lake Loop (Photo) Credit Amy Aletheia Cahill (flickr)
11. Sloan’s Lake Loop
Located in Denver’s city limits is Sloan’s Lake Loop, featuring a lake. The urban trail system circles Sloan’s Lake and is great for many trail uses, including walking, running, bird watching, and biking.
Distance: 2.6 miles
Difficulty Rating: easy
When to go: year-round.
Photo Credit: Amy Aletheia Cahill (flickr).
Saint Vrain Creek (Photo) Credit Craig Zerbe (iStock)
12. Button Rock Dam via Sleepy Lion Trail (Lyons)
A bit farther from Denver, but worth the drive, is a hiking trail that reaches Button Rock Dam in Lyons. About an hour drive from downtown Denver, Sleepy Lion Trail is rocky and steep, rewarding hikers with dramatic views of Longs Peak, Mt. Meeker, and Twin Sisters beyond the reservoir.
Distance: 5.4 miles
Difficulty Rating: moderate
When to go: open year-round, but best during summer and fall.
Photo Credit: Craig Zerbe (iStock).
Boulder (Photo) Credit beklaus (iStock)
Author’s Note: Trail conditions can vary throughout the year, as can rules and restrictions. Check with an official source for changes in operations prior to planning any adventure. Always be aware of the weather forecast and make sure you let someone know where you’re headed and when you’ll be back. As always, leave no trace.
Photo Credit: beklaus (iStock).