The Bluffs Regional Park features a 2.7 mile loop hike and 2 spurs that lead to panoramic overlooks. The Bluffs loop offers fantastic views of Denver and of the front range. We prefer hitting the trail as the sun is setting. As it gets dark, and the city lights begin to appear, warm winds sometimes will kick up along the Bluffs. Because it’s so close to home, we have hiked the Bluffs more than any other trail near Denver. It’s the best hike in Lone Tree, it’s near Highlands Ranch, and can be made into either a great hike or trail run. We have often taken our jogging stroller, put the kids in, and hiked the loop. This makes for a great after-work workout.
Trail Snapshot: Bluffs Loop Trail at Bluffs Regional Park
Hike Distance | 2.7 Miles+Spurs |
---|---|
Difficulty | Easy |
Duration | Approx. 1 hr 45 min+ |
Trail Type | Loop |
Elevation Gain | Approx. +200′ |
Seasons | Summer & Fall |
Dogs | Allowed On Leash |
Hike Trail Map | Click for a Map of Bluffs Loop Trail at Bluffs Regional Park |
Denver Drive Time | 30 min |
Driving Directions to Bluffs Loop Trail at Bluffs Regional Park | Click for Google Map |
Town Nearest Hike | Littleton, Colorado |
Beauty | Grassland, Front Range views, bluff overlooks, wildlife: prairie dogs, rabbits, red fox |
Activities | Picnic area, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking trails |
Because the Bluffs Regional Park is just a few minutes off of Interstate 25, it’s a great place to meet friends who may be driving up from Castle Rock or Monument.
Be aware of horses on the trail and give them the right of way. There is a gentleman who likes to ride his horse in the late afternoon/early evening who can be quite reckless. We’ve seen him nearly collide with parties of hikers on two occasions. Just be aware of him.
2 Hike Options at the Bluffs Regional Park :
1. The Loop Hike: We prefer to hike the loop counter-clockwise (going right onto the trail from the trailhead) because the steepest part of the trail is downhill at the end. The trail does have a steady incline on the back side that can be challenge if you are pushing a stroller. This loop hike is 2.7 miles + spurs out to two overlooks.
2. Hike Directly to the Overlook: The most direct route to the Tepe Overlook at the Bluffs is by following the trail clockwise (to the left) from the trailhead for half a mile, then to follow the spur trail for .2 mile to the overlook. This makes for a 1.4 mile, out-and-back hike.
Tips & Resources for Hiking Bluffs Loop Trail at Bluffs Regional Park :
- TIP: The parking lot usually fills up on weekend mornings before 9-9:30AM.
- TIP: As there is no water available at the trailhead, you would want to bring some with you.
- Trail Map for Bluffs Loop Trail: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: DazBog Coffee
Weather
Map & Driving Directions
Click for Driving Directions
Aaron Johnson has been hiking in Colorado for over 20 years. The owner and editor of Dayhikes Near Denver, Aaron writes every trail profile as a local guide who has hiked hundreds of miles of trails along the Front Range and deep in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
[…] ran my WWWP5K yesterday, it happened to be race day at CMRA. The Bluffs Run 5K is a beautifully scenic course with a 10% average grade and total elevation change of 750 feet.  The elevation profile […]
This is the greatest blog in Colorado! EVER! It’s ver helpful with the map and the weather right on the page. I’m definitely going to utilize this site for hikes and other family activities. Thanks Aaron!
Thank you Aaron. After finding your website and reading the review, I went for this hike today with a few of my friends with their children. Strollers and kids. What a wonderful hike. Thank you for your detailed information. This is the best blog!
Thanks
I’d like to mention that there is very little protection from the elements once you are out there (wind, sun etc) so it is a good idea to check the weather and dress approperately.
The trail is wide so it is very dog friendly.
Thanks for the info about this hike. It was close to home and nice. I don’t think I would have found it if it wasn’t for you.
I really appreciate your website. I’ve used it a few times and find it a great tool to enhance my hiking enjoyment. It’s obvious you’ve put a lot of work into it. Thank you.
Nice open path, not too crowded at lunchtime Thursday. Good views of front range. No water and high exposure to sun wind.
Trail is getting quite crowded and the bikers who think they are on a single track are often wreckless with no regards to people or dogs. Its mostly since Charles Schwab has opened close to the Park.
Nice sunsets and morning hikes.
Please be aware that Lone Tree police will enforce the not very well advertised sunrise-sunset opening hours. My preference at this location has long (a decade or so) been to do this right after sunset when it’s much cooler (in the summer) and much less crowded. However, I have been approached by police after dark and informed that it’s closed and I should not be there. The reason given was, there are wild animals (including rattlesnakes, coyotes, and bears) and it’s not safe. I am not blaming the officer who was just doing his job but daytime hours are often not convenient as I work full time and it’s an ideal workout for me as I have various health conditions which require I exercise, but not too strenuously yet enough to get some great exercise in, and much cooler and comfortable at night. So be aware of the rules. I will have to find somewhere else.
Great trail recommendation! I’m working remotely in Denver and this was perfect to get some movement in at the end of the day and I loved the views of the city. Easy trail to follow.