Denver is home to some of the most scenic mountain passes, breezy cold back-country hiking trails, and its breathtaking alpine lakes. Whether it’s hiking, trekking or cross-country skiing, Denver offers a lot of options from easy to difficult, for its adventure junkies. Enjoy the endlessly bright sun and mind-boggling beauty of some of the highest peaks in North America at Denver. While some of the trails offer a relaxed stroll in the wilderness, others might test your endurance like never before. Also, you will be able to find a number of trekking and hiking trails within just a couple of hours of drive from the city. To help you plan your next hike day, check out our list of best hiking and trekking spots in Denver, Colorado.
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1. Sloan Lake Loop
The Sloan Lake Loop is located at 96 miles (154.4 km) from the city of Denver, starting at the eastern side of Granby Lake. This hiking trail runs for a span of 12.3 miles (20km) for a round trip. This trail offers a moderate to difficult hiking experience. Some of the gems to explore in this hiking loop are the Gourd and Crater lakes, Mirror, and the fly-fishing folk. Check out the Mount Irving Hale Pass, Hell Canyon, scenic Indian Peaks, Stone lake all with the stunning backdrop of the mighty Hiamovi Mountain and Cooper Peak. You can also hike with your dog in this stunning trail.
Sloan Lake Loop
Address: 1700 N Sheridan Blvd, Denver, CO 80212, United States
2. Washington Park Loop
Washington Park Loop is often a crowded spot as it offers trails for all kinds of people including kids. This is also a pet-friendly hiking getaway. This loop spans a distance of 2.3 miles (3.7 km) that offers a number of activity options such as hiking, walking, running and so on, especially during the months of April to October. Washington Park Loop has a flat trail that makes it a great place to start for beginner-level hikers in Denver, Colorado.
Washington Park Loop
Address: S. Downing St. & E. Louisiana Ave., Denver, CO 80210
3. Green Mountain and Hayden Trail Loop
Green Mountain and Hayden Trail Loop is a great spot to go on an easy to moderate hiking expedition. This trail offers the best views of the city as well as the Red Rock mountains. If you want to experience mountains but are looking for an easy trek, this is a perfect getaway option for you. The trail loop is 3.2 miles (5 km) long and it is a great place for all skill levels. This is also a dog-friendly hiking spot in the city. You can also witness other interesting activities like mountain biking, bird-watching, nature walks and more. The view of the wild-flowers on these Green Mountains during the spring seasons is an out-of-this-world sight.
Green Mountain and Hayden Trail Loop
Address: 1000 S Rooney Rd, Lakewood, CO 80228, United States
Website: Green Mountain and Hayden Trail Loop
Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)
4. Cheesman Park Outer Loop
Cheesman Park Outer Loop is another amazing hiking destination for people of all skill levels. This trail runs for a distance of 1.8 miles (2.9 km) loop. You can spot a number of people walking, running, and hiking in this park. The trial is also a popular nature trip destination. This park is a great urban getaway for a couple of hours of an easy-paced hike.
Cheesman Park Outer Loop
Address: 1599 E 8th Ave, Denver, CO 80218, United States
Opening hours: 5am - 11pm (daily)
5. Green Mountain, Rooney Valley and Rooney Trail Loop
Green Mountain, Rooney Valley, and Rooney Trail Loop, in Morrison, offers moderate difficulty hiking and mountain biking experience to its visitors. Check out the scenic cover of wild-flowers as you hike during the windy months of March to October. This loop is 4.5 miles (7.2 km) long and it has an elevation gain of 803 ft (245 m). Enjoy the stunning beauty of the Rooney Valley on one side and the views of the city highways on the other as you hike this trail.
Green Mountain, Rooney Valley, and Rooney Trail Loop
Address: CO-470, Morrison, CO 80465, United States
6. Coalton Road to the High Plains Trail
The Coalton Trailhead is an amazing spot to go on a long relaxed hike. Other than a mild elevation of 703 ft (215 m) this trail is pretty flat throughout. This is why the big distance of 10.3 miles (16.7 km) is an easy target to cover within a day. This hiking destination is often frequented for mountain biking and horse-back riding. Hence, this is a less crowded spot with regards to hiking. Just off the Coalton Road, the High Plains Trail, with its beautiful wild-flowers, is an attractive hiking spot that you should not miss in Denver.
Coalton Road to the High Plains Trail
Address: 3495 McCaslin Blvd, Superior, CO 80027, United States
7. Cherry Creek Trail: Hungarian Freedom Park to Commons Park
The Cherry Creek Trail stretching for a distance of 6.2 miles (10 km) is a heavily crowded hiking getaway in Denver, Colorado. This trail runs from the Hungarian Freedom Park to the Commons Park and it is a popular biking trail for the locals. This dog-friendly hiking spot is a suitable spot for hikers of all skill levels. You can also check out the breathtaking views of the South Platte River as you hike this grassy, flowery trail.
Cherry Creek Trail: Hungarian Freedom Park to Commons Park
Address: 901 E 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80218, United States
8. Mile Trail and Cherry Creek Loop
Located on the south-eastern side of the Cherry Creek State Park, the 12 Mile Trail has a 2.3-mile (3.7 km) hiking spot that is worth exploring. This singletrack trailhead has flat grounds that offer an easy hike experience. This is also a great place for jogs and runs. This hiking trail offers the best experience between the months of April and September. There is also an off-leash dog walking area. It is also a great spot for bird watching and nature trips.
12 Mile Trail and Cherry Creek Loop
Address: 12 Mile Trail, Cherry Creek Park, Colorado 80015
9. Lakewood Gulch Trail
Lakewood Gulch Trail is mostly used by the locals for trail running and walking. Hence, this trail is less crowded for hiking and offers an elevation of 118 ft (35.8 m) which is quite suitable for hikers of all skill levels. This trail is located close to the South Platte River, which adds up the scenic beauty to the hiking experience. The trail spans for about 4.1 miles (6.5 km) along the Lakewood Gulch Park, Sanchez Park, and Rude Park.
Lakewood Gulch Trail
Address: Lakewood Gulch Trail, Denver CO, 80204
10. Green Mountain Novice Loop
With 360-degree views of the expansive Green Mountains, the Green Mountains Novice Loop offers an easy trail for all kinds of people. This loop runs for a distance of 6.3 miles (10.8 km) offering a slightly moderate trek experience. As you hike the steep inlines of this loop, you will reach the peak that offers stunning views of Denver as well as the beautiful mountains on either side. This is a completely open-air trail hence, it is best suited to hike during the pleasant months of April to September.
Green Mountain Novice Loop
Address: Denver, Colorado.
Explore the scenic trails of Denver
A lot of trails located near Denver offer a spectacular hiking experience and breathtaking views of the Colorado mountains that are worth exploring. These hiking getaways take you into the wild and bind you with nature despite the busy city life and technology around us. Explore these hidden gems of Denver for an adventurous hike expedition.
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