Denver is home to a wide range of trails. For many, it’s one of the top reasons to move here. As summer rolls in and the skis and snowboards get tucked away, it’s time to dust off your favorite hiking boots and hit the stunning paths that Colorado is known for. But don’t settle for just any trail. Try out the best Denver hikes recommended by the locals who know them firsthand, because they’ve hiked every step.
We’ve broken our favorites into four distinct sections, with a range of difficulty fit for anything from novice hikers to seasoned veterans.
Landscape Lovers
For those craving gentler terrain and photo-worthy views, these trails offer peaceful scenery you can enjoy without breaking too much of a sweat.
Fowler Goshawk Ridge
Where: City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks
The Lowdown: Recommended by Tristan Sproul, the Fowler Goshawk Ridge trail near El Dorado Springs “has stunning views and a beautiful mix of scenery”, Sproul shared. The 4.1-mile loop includes some moderate elevation gain, but nothing too intense. “You’ll start with a shaded trail through the trees”, Sproul explained, “then, the trail opens out into an open valley covered with flowers and open views of the mountains”. If you want to experience the variety of Colorado’s natural beauty in one hike, Fowler Goshawk Ridge is a strong contender.
Horseshoe and Deer Loop
Where: Golden Gate State Park
The Lowdown: Local Denver trainer and School of Mines coach Alex Wilson named the Horseshoe and Deer Loop trail in Golden Gate State Park as her go-to. “It’s a very mellow trail and I love it because it’s the perfect place to take dogs and is so beautiful in the fall,” Wilson shared. This spot is ideal for leaf peeping when autumn returns, with the added bonus that your pups can enjoy it too. Wilson also noted that “everything is very well marked,” making it an easy, peaceful trail to navigate without worry.
Alberta Falls and Bear Lake
Where: Rocky Mountain National Park
The Lowdown: Recommended by local Lori Lefevre, Alberta Falls and Bear Lake are scenic staples nestled in historic Estes Park. While considered a moderate hike, Lefevre described it as “a relatively short hike to a stunning waterfall in Estes”. On those blazing Colorado days, this trail delivers, offering a decently sized waterfall and shaded areas that become essential when the UV index hits double digits.
Close-To-Home Classics
Here are the go-to trails that Denverites return to again and again. These easily-accessed staples offer the perfect escape without excessive planning.
Enchanted Forest
Where: Apex Park
The Lowdown: Recommended by local ultrarunner extraordinaire Rob Howard, the Enchanted Forest trail at Apex Park offers a shaded, tree-covered escape that’s perfect for the summer months. Howard described it as a “great balance of flowy single tracks, short but steep climbs, paralleling streams and small technical sections.” While the main loop is only 3.7 miles, Enchanted Forest and the surrounding Apex Park offer plenty of offshoots for those looking to extend the adventure. A quick heads up, this trail is only open to foot traffic on odd-numbered calendar days. Plan accordingly.
Green Mountain
Where: William F Hayden Green Mountain Park
The Lowdown: Julia Dorsey, local trail runner and coach, offered Green Mountain as her choice. It’s a classic Denver hiking staple. With trails that range from 3 – 13 miles, it offers something for everyone, all within a short drive from the city. Dorsey shared that it’s “definitely [her] favorite for the ease of access and how many different trail options you can hit.” Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just dipping your toes into the trail world, Green Mountain is the perfect place to start or keep coming back to.
Lair O’ The Bear
Where: Lair O’ The Bear Park
The Lowdown: Lair O’ The Bear, located near Idledale Park, offers a variety of well-loved trail options for hikers of all levels. Local outdoor enthusiast Josh Blevins described it as “a nice flowy hike that has water and great views,” and that it’s “not a bad one to do a trail run on either.” With gentler inclines, shaded paths and proximity to Bear Creek, it’s a great spot for those looking for a quick nature fix without a massive climb.
Half-Day Heroes
These trails provide the sweet spot for those looking to earn their views within a manageable timeframe, but bring a burn that won’t leave folks limping for days.
Beaver Brook at Lookout Mountain
Where: Windy Saddle Park
The Lowdown: Local Denver coach Chad Cartwright recommended Beaver Brook at Lookout mountain, notably for its sweeping views and convenience. “It’s a nice, convenient place to escape,” Cartwright shared.”Especially when his everyday life becomes hectic.” Just a 30-minute drive from Denver, Beaver Brook offers much-needed solitude paired with mountain scenery that looks like it was lifted from a painting.
Chief Mountain
Where: Arapaho National Park
The Lowdown: Kara Bergemann offered Chief Mountain as her choice. It delivers a “360-degree view with 14ers in the backdrop,” said Bergemann. Near Idaho Springs, Chief Mountain covers 2.8 miles and is generally considered moderately difficult. The trail winds through a series of switchbacks and climbs roughly 1,000 feet in elevation. Bergemann added that it’s “one of [her] favorites because it’s dog friendly, exposed at the top so you can pack a lunch and enjoy it in the sun while feeling like you’re on top of the world”.
Mount Morrison
Where: Matthews/Winters Park
The Lowdown: 303 Magazine writer and avid trail runner Kat Todorovic shared her favorite climb, located just above Red Rocks, Mount Morrison. This out-and-back trail covers just 3.6 miles but climbs a steep 2,000 feet. For an extra challenge, Todorovic recommended descending the frontage road side and looping back over the summit, doubling your mileage and adding another 1,500 feet in gain. “It’s extremely steep, but has good views of Red Rocks”, she shared. Don’t be fooled by the false summit, the true peak reveals itself after a short scramble. It’s a tough climb, but the views at the top make it all worthwhile.
Earn Your Summit
These trails are built for those willing to put in the work. Great challenge comes with great reward in that unmistakable summit high only effort can earn.
Eldorado Canyon State Park
Where: Eldorado Canyon State Park
The Lowdown: Upcoming Leadville 100-mile runner Jeff Rhodes shared his favorite training route, located in Eldorado Canyon State Park, the Flower Trail to Eldorado Canyon to Walker Ranch Loop. This 18.75-mile lollipop loop is a challenging route that demands a full day’s commitment. Known for its stunning rock formations, Eldorado Canyon offers a variety of trails, and Rhodes suggested combining them for a truly memorable adventure. He recommended getting an early start, especially on the weekends. “Arrive by 7:30 a.m. as the lot fills up fast by 8:30,” he said. Heads up – there is a mandatory timed entry reservation system for weekends and holidays from May 1st to October 1st, so plan accordingly.
Mohawk Lakes
Where: White River National Forest
The Lowdown: Recommended by local fitness coach Adam Ruestchle, Mohawk Lake is a slightly longer trek near Breckenridge. Ruestchle described it as “a staple trail for people to escape the city, but it’s far enough out of Breck to not deal with the crazy busy trails.” The route features two stunning lakes and a natural waterfall, offering a perfect place to cool off and get lost in the rhythm of nature. As Ruestchle shared, “once you hit the top, you still get that feeling of being on top of the world.”
Lake Isabelle Glacier Trail
Where: Brainard Lake Recreation Area
The Lowdown: Local athlete Sierra De Grasse called Lake Isabelle her “go-to Colorado Hike, especially when showing out-of-towners the true magic of the mountains.” The Lake Isabelle Trail skirts the edge of the national park, offering all of the stunning views sans the national park entry fee. With shifting landscapes — meadows, rocky terraces and glacial edges, this trail is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also packs a solid physical challenge.