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Denver Lifestyle
Jul 12, 2024 • 5 min read • By: Polly Clover

Best Hikes Around Denver: Easy, Advanced, & Dog-Friendly

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With gorgeous mountain peaks, skyline scenery, and beautiful weather, Denver is one of the best places for hiking. In this article, we’ll discuss the best hikes around Denver, including cost, skill level, and distance.
Many of the trails below are pet-friendly and wheelchair and stroller accessible. Others are more challenging and great for adventurous hikers.

We'll start with some of the best trails in Denver before exploring great parks outside the city, including short and day hikes to suit both quick outdoor activities and more time exploring nature.

Greenway Trail

Location: Denver

Cost: Free

Skill Level: Easy

Distance: 15 miles out and back

Best time of year: Year-round

Pet-friendly: Leashed pets are welcome

The Greenway Trail starts at Confluence Park in Downtown Denver. It offers beautiful scenery year-round, with views of the Platte River and nearby mountains. 

The Greenway Trail is ideal for easy walking, enjoying nature, and taking pictures. There are also benches and picnic tables along the route.

The trail is paved and four to eight feet wide in most areas, so it’s easily accessible. There are also two designated parking spaces for accessibility in the paved parking lots at the end of the trail on Water Street.

Washington Park Loop

Location: Washington Park, Denver

Cost: Free

Skill Level: Easy

Distance: 2.3 miles loop trail

Best time of year: March through October

Pet-friendly: Leashed pets are welcome

Washington Park Loop is one of the best places to escape the city’s hustle without going far.

The trail runs around a beautiful lake in Denver and is surrounded by grassy areas, perfect for a picnic. It’s an excellent spot for walking with a friend, enjoying a relaxing date in Denver, or getting outdoors with your family. 

The trail is smooth and wide, so it’s easily accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. There’s also a parking lot nearby.

Washington Park trail in Denver
Washington Park Loop

Bear Creek Trail

Location: Bear Creek Lake Park, Denver

Cost: $10

Skill Level: Easy

Distance: 9.1 miles out and back

Best time of year: Year-round

Pet-friendly: Leashed pets are welcome

Bear Creek Trail is a peaceful getaway from the city. It connects downtown Denver with the foothills of the Rockies, with scenic views of the creek, woodlands, meadows, and Denver’s skyline.
You can access the trail from Bear Creek Lake Park in Denver, where there’s ample parking. The trail is also nicely paved and easily accessible.

South Platte River Trail

Location: South Platte Park, Littleton, about 10 minutes from Denver

Cost: $10 parking during summer

Skill Level: Moderately challenging

Distance: 11.7 miles

Best time of year: Year-round

Pet-friendly: Leashed pets are welcome

South Platte River Trail is one of the best hikes around Denver if you want a bit of a challenge without getting too far from the city. The greenway trail is paved, so it’s relatively easy to navigate.

On your hike, you can appreciate wildlife and peaceful river views. There isn’t much shade on the trail, so be mindful of this when it’s warm and sunny.

Parking reservations are required on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from June 1st to September 2nd.

William Frederick Hayden Park

Location: Lakewood, about 20 minutes from Denver

Cost: Free

Skill Level: Various easy-to-moderate trails

Distance: Ranges from 1.2 to 6.6 miles

Best time of year: Year-round

Pet-friendly: Leashed pets are welcome

There are seven hiking trails at William Frederick Hayden Park, including a short, easy hike on the Hayden Trail and a more challenging adventure along the Green Mountain Trail. 

The park is beautiful with 2,400 acres of open space and picturesque scenery of mountain peaks and Denver’s skyline in the distance. It’s easy to spend a day exploring William Frederick Hayden Park or stopping by to get outdoors for a little while.

Red Rocks Park

Location: Morrison, about 25 minutes from Denver

Cost: Free

Skill Level: Various easy-to-moderate trails

Distance: Ranges from one to six miles

Best time of year: Year-round

Pet-friendly: Leashed pets are welcome

Red Rocks Park is one of the most unique places to hike near Denver. There are five hiking trails, including the easy Trading Post Trail with gorgeous views and the more adventurous Red Rocks Trail.

The park and trails are surrounded by meadows and magical red rock formations, making it an incredible place to take pictures and enjoy nature. You can also stop by and see the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

There’s rough terrain throughout the park and trails, so we recommend wearing hiking shoes or boots.

person looking at views at Red Rocks Park
Red Rocks Park

Bluff Lake Nature Center Loop

Location: Aurora, about 30 minutes from Denver

Cost: Free

Skill Level: Easy

Distance: 1.5-mile loop

Best time of year: Year-round

Pet-friendly: No pets allowed

Bluff Lake Nature Center is a peaceful natural area with a trail around the lake. It’s one of the best easy hikes around Denver for enjoying wildlife and solitude. 

There’s plenty of parking, picnic tables, and a boardwalk over the lake. Although the trail is paved and mostly wheelchair and stroller accessible, there is a steep section at the 1-mile marker.

Lookout Mountain Park

Location: Golden, about 30 minutes from Denver

Cost: Free

Skill Level: Moderately challenging

Best time of year: April through October

Pet-friendly: Leashed pets are welcome

Lookout Mountain Park is one of the most popular parks near Denver and has some of the most scenic landscapes in Colorado. 

If you’re looking for day hikes near Denver, Lookout Mountain Park is an excellent option. It covers over 65 acres and has several hiking trails that connect to each other. The trails do have steep parts and can be rocky, so hiking boots and shoes are best. 

The park also has a picnic shelter and Buffalo Bill burial site and museum you can check out.

Garden of the Gods

Location: Colorado Springs, about an hour from Denver

Cost: Free (guided tours start at $5)

Skill Level: Easy to challenging

Distance: Various trails, starting at half a mile long

Best time of year: Year-round

Pet-friendly: Leashed pets are welcome

One of our favorite places to hike around Denver is Garden of the Gods, a National Natural Landmark surrounded by stunning red rock formations. There are 21 miles of paved and dirt trails, with options for all hikers.

Garden of the Gods is one of the most magical places in Colorado, so we recommend spending as much time exploring as you can. It’s an excellent place for a day hike, and guided tours are also available.

Hiking trail at Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods

Rocky Mountain National Park

Location: Estes Park, about an hour and a half from Denver

Cost: Free (guided tours start at $5)

Skill Level: Easy to challenging

Distance: Various trails, starting at half a mile long

Best time of year: Year-round

Pet-friendly: No pets allowed

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best day trips from Denver, and there are campsites if you want to fully enjoy the outdoors and spend the night. With over 300 miles of hiking trails, there are options for all hikers and skill levels.

Beautiful landscapes, including tall mountain peaks, large meadows, and glistening lakes surround the park. There’s also ample opportunity for wildlife viewing.

A timed entry reservation is required to visit the park from May 24th to mid-October.

hiking trail at Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park

Hikes Around Denver: FAQs

Make the most of hiking around Denver with answers to common questions below.

Is Denver good for hiking?

Denver is a great place to hike because there are many trails in and around the city. Whether you’re looking to get away from the hustle while not leaving the city, or you want to take a short trip outside of Denver to explore nature, there are many options.

When’s the best time to hike around Denver?

The best time to hike around Denver is in the fall when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds. Summer is also a great time to hike, but be mindful of more people and warmer weather.

If you enjoy snow and cooler weather, there are beautiful hikes during winter and spring. However, you’ll likely want to wear proper snow or hiking shoes and check hours, as many trails are closed during this time of year.

Is hiking free in Denver?

Most hiking trails have free entry in and around Denver, but some have a small parking or park entry fee.

Hikes Around Denver: Conclusion

We hope you found this article helpful and are excited to go hiking in and around Denver. From easy hiking trails to more challenging ones, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re looking for a unique way to relax after exploring the outdoors, book a spa day at Oakwell Beer Spa. Oakwell is an award-winning, beer-inspired day spa and taproom that offers a rejuvenating experience.

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    FAQ

    Oakwell Beer Spa Full FAQ

    What is the best hike in Denver?

    The “best” hike depends on your preferred difficulty and scenery. For a challenge with rewarding views, try Royal Arch in Boulder. Moderate favorites include Green Mountain in Boulder and Mount Falcon Park’s Castle/Meadow or Tower Trail. For easier options with classic red rock scenery, choose the Red Rocks Trail or Trading Post Loop at Red Rocks Park, and the Fountain Valley Trail at Roxborough State Park. If you’re up for a longer drive, Emerald Lake and Sky Pond in Rocky Mountain National Park offer exceptional alpine scenery; check parking and any reservation requirements before you go.

    What is the 177 mile trail around Denver?

    The Denver Orbital Trail is a roughly 177-mile loop around the metro area that links paved greenways, dirt paths, and short on-street connectors. It showcases the region’s extensive trail network, passes numerous parks, and can be completed in sections.

    What are the best easy hikes near Denver for families and beginners?

    Top easy options include the Trading Post Loop at Red Rocks Park (about 1.4 miles, minimal elevation), Fountain Valley Trail at Roxborough State Park (scenic 2.3-mile loop), Evergreen Lake Loop (flat, about 1.3 miles), Bear Creek Trail at Lair o’ the Bear Park (choose-your-distance creekside stroll), and Flatirons Vista Loop near Boulder (gentle 3–3.5 miles). Arrive early for parking, and note that some areas require a fee or reservation.

    How should I prepare for altitude and weather when hiking near Denver?

    Many nearby trails range from 5,500 to over 10,000 feet. Hydrate well, pace yourself, and consider a light first day if you’re new to altitude. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, especially in summer. Pack sun protection, warm layers for changing conditions, and traction (microspikes) in winter. Bring sufficient water and snacks, and check current trail conditions, closures, and any permit or parking requirements before you go.

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