Because the capital of Colorado, Denver is a vibrant metropolis with fast entry to quite a few trails. From downtown Denver, you’ll be able to drive an hour or much less and end up submerged within the evergreen timber and the Rocky Mountains, making it a handy vacation spot for climbing.
After I lived in Colorado for six years, I spent many weekends and summers exploring the very best hikes in Denver with buddies and my husband. One among my favourite issues to do was to go for a day hike after which drive into town to seize drinks and meals.
Whether or not you’re visiting Denver for work, enjoyable, or have time to kill throughout a layover at Denver Worldwide Airport, there are hikes for individuals of all skills to get pleasure from. I’ve included a mixture of distances, issue ranges, and elevation beneficial properties so you’ll be able to decide the very best path for you.
Though I’ve not explored ALL the paths in Denver (there are tons of), these are six of the very best trails I’ve hiked throughout the summer season season. I hope this information helps you resolve which trails to deal with in your subsequent journey to Denver.


Obtain my FREE Out of doors Journey Planning Toolkit
Enter your electronic mail to get entry to printable PDF packing checklists, itineraries, and extra.
Finest Day Hikes in Denver
Earlier than you arrive in Mile Excessive Metropolis, you will need to take into account which path you wish to discover so you understand what to anticipate.
All the hikes on this listing are accessible by way of paved roads. None of them requires a automobile with 4×4 or excessive clearance to get to the trailhead (if the roads are away from snow).
If you wish to convey your canine companion, all of the hikes on this listing are additionally dog-friendly. With out additional ado, listed below are 6 of the very best hikes in Denver.
1. Crimson Rocks Buying and selling Submit Path
Path Fundamentals
Out of the entire hikes on this listing, the Crimson Rocks Buying and selling Submit Path is the closest drive from downtown Denver, making it an excellent hike in case you are in a time crunch. At 1.5 miles, it is a reasonable, family-friendly hike.
Many individuals have heard of the Crimson Rocks live performance venue. For those who don’t have tickets to a present, this path is an effective way to get a style of the long-lasting crimson rocks and discover the well-known venue.
This loop path begins and ends on the Buying and selling Submit, a historic Pueblo Revival constructing that features the Colorado Music Corridor of Fame museum, memorabilia, and souvenirs. I extremely advocate checking it out on the finish of your hike to chill down within the air-conditioning or heat up within the warmth (relying on the time of yr you go to).
I hiked this path in September with my husband and cattle canine. There are a number of units of stairs all through the path, however the grime path is comparatively flat and straightforward, and I wore climbing sandals.
I loved stopping for photographs of the towering rocks that encompass the path. These attention-grabbing rock formations make you’re feeling such as you’re exploring Mars!
One thing to notice about this path is that there’s little to no shade protection. For those who hike on a sunny day, convey solar safety and loads of water. There are restrooms and water accessible on the Buying and selling Submit.
There are methods to elongate the hike and add on connecting trails for those who’re on the lookout for an extended day hike, together with the Will Name path or Mt. Vernon Creek path.


2. Saint Mary’s Glacier
Path Fundamentals
Have you ever ever hiked to a glacier? If not, right here’s your probability. Saint Mary’s Glacier is a fast, 1.6-mile hike and solely an hour’s drive from Denver.
Though this hike is brief, it may be difficult for these not acclimated to the excessive elevation. The path begins at 10,388 toes of elevation, so you could wrestle to breathe and keep your common tempo on the path.
In your strategy to Saint Mary’s Lake, you’ll hike in a forest by means of towering bristlecone pine timber. This part of the path is a bit difficult as you acquire 347 toes of elevation in half a mile.
Nevertheless, the path is extensive with loads of locations to cease and catch your breath. When you arrive on the lake, you’ll proceed to take the path to the precise and climb one other 200 toes over 0.3 miles.
That is the place the apparent route disappears, and I like to recommend downloading the AllTrails map forward of time that will help you navigate. The reward is unbelievable panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains to the west.
It doesn’t matter what time of yr you full this hike, you’ll see snow on the glacier. In the summertime, you’ll be able to convey your swimsuit and leap within the lake, however it’s freezing glacial water. There are restrooms on the trailhead however no water, so convey your personal!
To park on the trailhead, you have to pay $20 and show a allow in your windshield. There isn’t a ranger on responsibility, so you have to seize an envelope and put money inside or write down your bank card data (you drop it right into a secured lock field). Carry a pen to put in writing down your license plate quantity on the envelope.


3. Echo Lake to Idaho Springs Reservoir
Path Fundamentals
For those who love alpine lakes, forests, and mountain views, this hike has all of it. The Echo Lake to Idaho Springs Reservoir path is a 4-mile, out-and-back path with simply the correct amount of problem for a satisfying day hike.
The trailhead has water, vault bogs, and free parking. As quickly as you begin climbing on the trail, you will notice lovely views of Echo Lake. On a transparent day, you’ll be able to see the reflection of the pine timber and snowy mountain peaks within the blue water.
This path is above 10,000 toes in elevation for the complete hike, so you could must take breaks to catch your breath. Fortunately, the grime path weaves by means of a forest that gives shade and massive rocks to take a seat on as wanted.
The path is hilly and rocky, so put on grippy climbing boots with good traction and use trekking poles if in case you have them.
As you strategy Idaho Springs Reservoir, there’s a steep gravel part. It’s a little beneath 300 toes of acquire over a half mile. The path widens at this part, so you should have loads of room to take breaks.
When you attain Idaho Springs Reservoir, you’ll be greeted with gorgeous views of blue water, pine timber, and mountain views. I like to recommend discovering a spot close to the water to get pleasure from a climbing snack or picnic lunch earlier than heading down.


4. Mt. Snitkau
Path Fundamentals
The toughest hike on the listing, Mt. Snitaku is ideal for an skilled hiker trying to problem themselves on a Denver day hike. This 13’er reaches an elevation of 13,240 toes on the summit.
To entry the trailhead, you’ll drive up the long-lasting Loveland Cross and see breathtaking views of the mountains proper out of your automotive. Parking is free, however there aren’t any bogs or water on the trailhead.
Even after dwelling and climbing in Colorado usually, I discovered this 3.6-mile hike difficult. There isn’t a easing into this hike; as quickly as you begin strolling, there’s a steep uphill climb.
The path is rocky, so that you’ll need climbing boots with good traction and trekking poles. It’s a extensive and uncovered path with no timber or shade, so convey correct solar safety. For those who’re climbing in winter, you have to traction gadgets like microspikes and heat layers.
After climbing for about 0.8 miles, you’ll attain the junction the place the path splits for Mt. Snitkau and Mt. Cupid. Take the path to the left for Mt. Snitkau.
Round 1.2 miles, there’s a minor Class 2 small rock scramble the place the path turns into a bit tougher to navigate, and you could want to make use of your arms for additional steadiness. I regarded for cairns alongside the path to navigate this boulder part, however I like to recommend downloading the AllTrails map forward of time simply in case.
As quickly as you attain the highest of Class 2, you’ll see the place the grime path continues to Mt. Snitkau. After climbing one other half mile alongside the path, you’ll attain the slim ridge to the summit.
When you arrive on the summit, you will notice breathtaking views of Torreys Peak and Grizzly Peak behind a small, blue alpine lake within the distance. The summit could be windy and chilly relying on the day (even once I hiked in early July), but when the situations aren’t too unhealthy, I like to recommend stopping right here for a fast climbing snack.
If you wish to lengthen the hike and bag two 13’ers in a day, individuals usually hike again to the junction and take the path to Mt. Cupid. This may add one other 1.6 miles to your hike and about 450 toes extra elevation acquire.


5. Mayhem Gulch and Juniper Loop Path
Path Fundamentals
The Mayhem Gulch and Juniper Loop Path is a pleasing day hike in Denver for somebody on the lookout for a much less widespread or crowded choice. Solely a 40-minute drive from Denver, this hike delivers beautiful views of juniper timber and mountain peaks.
The trailhead has vault bogs however no water. It’s free to park within the lot. There’s a nice mixture of sunny stretches and shaded sections alongside the path, so convey solar safety.
The path is a mud path with some rock scree. It may be somewhat slick at components, so put on climbing footwear with good traction. I personally wore climbing sandals and was high-quality.
Though this hike is listed as a loop, it’s extra of a lollipop form. You’ll acquire the vast majority of the elevation (600 toes) over the primary 1.5 miles of the “stick” part of the lollipop.
The stick part winds by means of a forest. When you attain the fork for the loop, you’ll be able to head both clockwise or counterclockwise.
I hiked clockwise, however I don’t suppose there’s a clear benefit to both route. Each are equal quantities difficult and have comparable views.
Alongside the loop portion of the path, you will notice gorgeous views of mountain peaks. There may be additionally an open meadow excellent for photographs and a picnic within the solar.
Examine if it’s a motorbike or hike day
On sure days, this path is simply open to mountain bikers and climbing is just not allowed. At present, even calendar days are bike-only. Double-check the Jefferson County Open House web site and browse the signage on the trailhead earlier than you start the hike.


6. Lake Isabelle
Path Fundamentals
I saved the very best hike for final! Lake Isabelle might be in my prime 5 favourite hikes in all of Colorado. Though it’s barely additional than an hour from Denver at 1 hour 20 minutes, it’s definitely worth the journey if in case you have the time.
It’s also the one hike on the listing that requires a allow bought upfront. You need to buy a day-use allow to park at Brainard Lake by means of Recreation.gov earlier than you drive to the trailhead (there isn’t a cell service within the Brainard Lake Recreation Space, and permits usually promote out in the summertime).
Permits price $14 plus a $2 reservation payment, and they’re launched on a 14-day rolling window. You need to both print or screenshot your allow earlier than driving to the trailhead.
The path makes a lollipop with two sticks on either side. The primary (and final) 0.4 miles of the hike aren’t notably scenic as you stroll alongside the paved Brainard Lake Highway to entry the path.
That is the one boring part, although. When you attain the forested part with a mud path and timber, you’ll cross Lengthy Lake in your proper. This lake is beautiful in its personal proper, and you will notice the opposite aspect of the lake in your method down.
You’ll proceed to wind by means of the forest on a comparatively flat, clean path. At about 2.2 miles, you’ll attain a small wood bridge and cross over a stream that connects Lake Isabelle and Lengthy Lake.
At 2.3 miles, you’ll attain a fork within the path. You’ll take the path left to Lake Isabelle; you’ll finally take the fork within the different route on the way in which right down to type the loop and see the opposite aspect of Lengthy Lake.
As you strategy Lake Isabelle, you will notice a meadow to the left. You possibly can usually spot moose within the distance (I’ve seen them right here on three separate events).
Round 3.1 miles, you have to cross over some boulders with working water to achieve Lake Isabelle. Go sluggish and watch your step – this part could be slick and is difficult for many individuals.
For those who stroll somewhat additional, you’ll arrive at Lake Isabelle and see the gorgeous snowy peaks of Niwot Ridge, Navajo Peak, Navajo Glacier, Apache Peak, and Shoshoni Peak with the clear blue water of Lake Isabelle in entrance. This breathtaking view of the mountains with the alpine lake is what makes it one in all my favourite hikes.
It’s a scenic spot to get pleasure from a climbing snack and take within the views. In the summertime months, you’ll be able to convey a swimsuit and leap within the water for a swim.


Finest Time of 12 months to Hike in Denver
With 300 days of sunshine, there are nice climbing situations in Denver all year long. It in the end is determined by whether or not you like to hike within the snow.
Summer season
For the very best probability of clear path situations, I like to recommend climbing from Might by means of September for hikes under 10,000 toes. For hikes above 10,000 toes in elevation, you could want to attend till late June or early July for the snow and ice to soften.
Summer season can be wildflower season in Colorado. You will notice beautiful flowers like Blue Columbine and Indian Paintbrush on many trails whereas climbing in July.
In excessive elevations, the summer season air nonetheless feels cool whereas climbing. Along with solar safety, convey a light-weight jacket to really feel comfy whereas hanging out on the summit.


Fall
Fall is one in all my favourite seasons to hike in Colorado. For those who decide a path with aspen timber, you’ll get pleasure from lovely golden leaves fluttering round you.
Temperatures within the fall are nonetheless nice for climbing, however in the direction of the top of September, there’s a threat of snow within the mountains at excessive elevations. Even when the climate appears good in Denver, it may be a night-and-day distinction when you head to the mountains.
You should definitely put on fall climbing attire and verify path situations earlier than driving an hour to a better elevation.


Winter
For those who go to Colorado throughout the winter, you have to come ready. Relying on the depth of the snow and the quantity of ice on the path, I like to recommend climbing with winter traction gadgets like snowshoes or microspikes. I normally verify AllTrails earlier than driving to the trailhead to learn latest path studies.
A number of the trails on this listing journey by means of avalanche terrain, so except you’ve got taken an avalanche course and have the right tools, it is best to follow gentler terrain like that you simply’ll discover on the Crimson Rocks Buying and selling Submit path. You possibly can verify present warnings with the Colorado Avalanche Info Heart earlier than hitting the path.
The paved roads resulting in the trailheads on this listing might also be inaccessible in the event that they haven’t been plowed. Examine for highway closures and drive a automobile that handles properly in snow. I’ve gotten caught at a trailhead (even in a 4×4 automobile) and relied on the kindness of a stranger to tug me out.


Spring
Spring is hard for climbing in Denver as a result of path situations. Some trails nonetheless have snow and ice, whereas others have TONS of mud from the melting snow.
Nevertheless, there are sometimes fewer crowds within the spring, which makes it simpler to search out parking at widespread trailheads and revel in peace on the paths. There are additionally usually sunny skies in March and April with nice climbing temperatures.


Suggestions for Mountain climbing in Denver
Earlier than you hit the paths in Colorado, learn the following pointers to make sure a secure and gratifying expertise within the Rocky Mountains.


Planning a visit to Colorado? Try these different out of doors actions:
Save this submit to Pinterest
Have you ever hiked in Colorado? What do you suppose is the very best day hike in Denver? I’d love to listen to about your favourite path within the feedback.
Associated