The Ultimate Guide to the Best Places in Denver to Hike
Denver's population is consistently growing at a rate of 1.46 percent annually. We can't blame these newcomers; after all, Denver is a vibrant city with lots to offer. It has all the attractions of city life, plus mountains, sunshine year-round, and plenty of trails to keep you active.
If you're itching to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, there are hiking opportunities in every direction. Whether you're wearing shorts and sandals or hiking boots and a winter coat, Colorado's variety of trails will never leave you bored. There are simply too many to choose from!
Overwhelmed with the options? Look no further than this guide for the best places in Denver and the surrounding areas to hike.
Colorado has a landscape unique to the state; the further west you go, the deeper into the mountains you'll climb. If you're a beginner in hiking, consider a few of the shorter, flatter trails available. Near Harmony are the Arapahoe Trailhead, Cherry Creek Trail, and Smith Road Trailhead. As you continue on your hiking journey, another staple that Coloradans take part in is climbing your first 14er. This will be in the mountains, where the air is thinner at 14,000 feet above sea level. Climbing a 14er is no joke. You begin early, hopefully on the trail at 6 AM. You can watch the sunrise as you begin your ascent. This takes a lot of preparation and determination—we suggest starting with one of the easier mountains, like Mount Bierstadt.
The rocky terrain is mixed with the beautiful Colorado wildflowers. There are rivers and lakes all around the mountain towns. Once you get above the tree line, you'll feel like you're on a different planet.
Best Hiking Places in Denver
The city of Denver sprawls, offering 155 miles worth of fun outdoor opportunities. If you're from Denver, or just moved here, there’s a good chance that one of your favorite pastimes is spent outdoors. Regardless of your skill level, there are multitudes of hikes for every able body. And they're not too far from the city either—you can enjoy the Colorado scenery without driving hours into the mountains. For example, a less than thirty minute drive from Reserve at Timberline in Fort Collins could land you at Horsetooth Falls Trail. This hike grants you the wonders of Horsetooth Reservoir, with varying hills and even places for cliff jumping on a hot day! You could also check out Reservoir Ridge North Loop Trailhead in Fort Collins, Devils Backbone Trailhead in Loveland, and Running Dear Trailhead also in Fort Collins. For those nearby our Kinston at Centerra community in Loveland, Sundance Trailhead, and Soderberg Trailhead are some great options as well.Unique Colorado Views
Colorado has a landscape unique to the state; the further west you go, the deeper into the mountains you'll climb. If you're a beginner in hiking, consider a few of the shorter, flatter trails available. Near Harmony are the Arapahoe Trailhead, Cherry Creek Trail, and Smith Road Trailhead. As you continue on your hiking journey, another staple that Coloradans take part in is climbing your first 14er. This will be in the mountains, where the air is thinner at 14,000 feet above sea level. Climbing a 14er is no joke. You begin early, hopefully on the trail at 6 AM. You can watch the sunrise as you begin your ascent. This takes a lot of preparation and determination—we suggest starting with one of the easier mountains, like Mount Bierstadt.
The rocky terrain is mixed with the beautiful Colorado wildflowers. There are rivers and lakes all around the mountain towns. Once you get above the tree line, you'll feel like you're on a different planet.