Do you want to witness the beauty of Colorado through hikes near Denver? Colorado is home to a lot of hiking trail options with each one feeling like a different experience every time. The variety of trails has specific features which is unique to or highlight each hike. Whether it has to do with the the elevation, the views, the landscapes, the towering rock formations which highlight the area, or the bodies of water on or near the trail; each package is worth the trip and should be added to your bucket list. The hikes have been profiled below and have been categorized as such for easy reference. Explore all of these Colorado hikes categorized by the main beauty or feature of the hike. Do take some time to scan through the hikes by beauty profiles depending on your taste. Be sure to download our Free Hiking Guide to help you prepare and pack smart for your dayhikes.

sprague lake with snow capped hallet peak in background brendan bombaci cc lake hikes near denver

Lakes

With over two thousand lakes throughout Colorado, you can fill every weekend with a new expedition. We are on a mission to profile as many Colorado lake hikes as we can. Our favorites are the high mountain paternoster lakes. These are a series of tiered ...
waterfall in forest spilling over boulders at calypso cascades waterfall in rocky mountain national park in set of waterfall hikes near denver colorado

Waterfall Hikes

Colorado has the perfect landscape for waterfall hikes: 100,000 miles of rivers and streams, many of them plunging through steep terrain. While most of the best waterfalls are buried deep in the mountains, there are still many to explore near Denver. Our goal is to ...
Sky Pond in Rocky Mountain national park high country lake with spires of rock and blue skies on high country hike near denver

High Country

Want to experience summits and 360-degree views? This set of trails in the high country near Denver, intended for the more adventurous and experienced. Click on the hiking trail profiles below to get information like drive times, maps, and detailed descriptions of these hikes near ...
blue and white columbine wildflowers with granite background on hiking trail near denver colorado

Wildflowers

Are you looking for the best hiking trails with wildflowers near Denver? The splashes of color which these hikes are known for are scattered throughout the landscape near Denver, Colorado. Because the Front Range is more dry than the more mountainous areas, most of these ...
man on mountain peak at sunrise with purple and blue skies and distant peak peak hikes near denver

Peak Top Views

If you want a hike that will give you amazing panoramic views of Colorado (and you want them near Denver), you've come to the right place. Explore the Devil's Head Fire Tower south of Denver, or journey out the the Mt. Bierstadt trail on Guanella ...
hiking trails through red rocks at roxborough state park looking north toward denver colorado

Red Rocks

The Front Range of Colorado has rock known as the Fountain Formation that begins 14,000 feet underground, then works its way to the surface at angle. A lot of it is hidden beneath dirt and rock, but when it gets exposed above ground, it creates ...
creek flowing over boulders in rocky mountain national park with longs peak in background and tree in foreground on yspsilon trail hike

Brooks and Streams

With thousands of miles of rivers and streams, Colorado has many miles of great hiking trails that follow and cross them. Often rivers mean shade, or take you into high canyons. Explore our set of trails near Denver that follow and crisscross the beautiful creeks, ...
front range mountains at sunset with layered blue mountains and sunset taken from daniels park colorado hike with mountain range view near denver

Mountain Range Views

Do you want vistas? To see for miles out to white-capped peaks? This set of hikes offers just that, panoramas of the Colorado Rockies. Explore the hiking trail profiles below to get driving directions to the trailheads, trail maps, and the important information you need ...
Pikes Peak from bluff of spruce mountain with ponderosa pines in foreground hike near denver colorado

Bluff Top Views

Unusual land features decorate the landscape near Denver: buttes, hogbacks, and high plateaus. These trails usually provide you with incredible views of Denver and Colorado's Front Range. Explore the hiking trail profiles below to get driving directions to the trailheads, trail maps, and the important ...
Winding creek in stone canyon with lush green vegetation and trees growing above canyon in castlewood canyon hike near denver

Canyons

Denver, Colorado is home to a lot of geological beauties like the canyons. Hiking these landscapes is one of the most sought after since these trails have access to very breathtaking views of Denver. Explore the hiking trail profiles below to get driving directions to ...
cave behind waterfall at hanging lake

Caves

Are you up for adventures and hikes in or near caves? There are a couple of notable hikes with caves in Denver, Colorado. Some are hidden away in the magnificent rock formations in state parks where there are a lot more wonders to see. Explore ...
Second flatiron in boulder colorado framed by evergreen trees and granite

Cliffs

This set of hikes take you to where the views go vertical. None of these hikes require climbing--in fact, no hikes on Dayhikes Near Denver do (because we only publish hikes). Sunsets and sunrises will illuminate the rock faces and display a very different kind ...
meadow with clouds and mountain reflecting in river golden grasses and green hills in background evergreen trees on hike with meadows near denver

Meadows

Are you drawn to open green meadows? These meadow hikes near Denver have sceneries that look like they're right out of the The Sound of Music. Explore the hiking trail profiles below to get driving directions to the trailheads, trail maps, and the important information ...
red rock formations along trail in south valley park in littleton colorado with green foothills in background and girl in foreground

Rock Formations

Looking for hikes with some great rock formations near Denver? These are plenty in Colorado and they come in different shapes and sizes too! It's time to pack your bags and wander through trails and witness these towering wonders. Explore the hiking trail profiles below ...
view through fence of grasslands of Greenland with pikes peak in background on hike south of denver

Grasslands

Are you looking for hiking trails with grasslands near Denver? The grasslands of Colorado roll for miles, many with distant mountains sketched against the horizon. Explore the hiking trail profiles below to get driving directions to the trailheads, trail maps, and the important information you ...
ruins of homestead in castlewood canyon state park

Ruins

Are you looking for trails with a rich history? Along these hikes, you'll discover remnants from the past that have stories to tell. Expect to feel like you're traveling back in time. Explore the hiking trail profiles below to get driving directions to the trailheads, ...
maroon wildflowers in a high country wetland with green grasses in background

Wetlands

Do you want to hike near wetlands? Perfect for birders and hikers who enjoy viewing wildlife, here are a few noteworthy hiking trails with wetlands near Denver. Explore the hiking trail profiles below to get driving directions to the trailheads, trail maps, and the important ...