DAYHIKES NEAR DENVER

Some of the best hikes near Denver are easy hikes. If you are looking to break free and explore the outdoors, this list of hiking trails is a perfect place to start. Easy hikes are great for families and spending time with friends on the trail.

Searching for hikes to waterfalls near Denver? Explore our list of more than 50 Colorado waterfall hikes. Drink in the sound and the spray of Colorado’s most stunning sites.

Are you looking for hiking trails closest to Denver? Here is a set 30+ hiking trails within 30 minutes of Denver. Each trail profile gives you driving directions, trail maps, and all the details you need to choose your next adventure.

Where is the best scenery in and around Denver? Explore our Hikes by Beauty to find destination hikes to lakes, waterfalls, wildflowers, peak top views, and more.

Find hiking trails in Colorado by using our interactive map. The map includes hikes near Denver and even more across the state. Each location displays the difficulty, trail length, and a summary of trail features.

Trying to find places near Denver where you can hike with your dog? We’ve curated a set of more than 25 of the best dog friendly trails in the Denver area. Break free on a weekend morning or after work for some quality time with man’s best friend.

FRONT RANGE HIKING TRAILS BY CITY

Boulder, Colorado boasts hiking trails that start right in town at Chautauqua Park. Explore our set of hikes in what is considered the most active, outdoor town in the country.

Colorado Springs is about an hour South of Denver and in the breathtaking shadow of Pikes Peak. It’s a landscape of towering Red Rocks, canyons, and waterfalls. Explore our growing set of hikes in the Colorado Springs area.

Golden, Colorado, just a few minutes West of Denver, is the home of Clear Creek, Coors Brewery, and some great hiking trails along the foothills.

TOP HIKING TRAILS NEAR DENVER

Where should I hike this weekend? Here’s the best place to start: our top 10 favorite hikes near Denver. Be sure to check back as the votes change our list.

If you’re just getting started hiking, here’s a set of hikes perfect for beginners. They are easy, short, and a great way to get some exercise. Use this list to start building strength for longer hikes while taking in the beauty of new landscapes.

If you are visiting Colorado, there are a few hikes that are bucket-list worthy. Whether you are on vacation or visiting Colorado on business, we’ve put together this top-10 list for you. Plan your visit with this set of trails.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK HIKING TRAILS

Just 90-minutes North of Denver, you’ll find hundreds of miles of hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. Take-Your-Breath-Away landscapes await in the wild high-country of the park where you’ll find still alpine lakes, meadows where elk graze, streams, waterfalls, and abundant summer wildflowers.

  • Stay Safe: Tips for hiking in Colorado
  • Enjoy Lunch: Our favorite hiking food
  • Be Prepared: Essential and MVP Gear
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One of the most beautiful National Parks in the world, and it’s full of waterfalls–more than 30 of them! And there are even some hidden waterfalls in RMNP. Explore this set and sign up for our Hiking Guide to receive emails profiling some of these hidden hikes.

MOST RECENT HIKING TRAIL PROFILES AND POSTS

man hiking in mountains

Hiking First Aid Kit: Essential Items

I always pack a light-weight first-aid kit when hiking--even on short hikes near Denver. I've probably used my kit to help others as much as I've used it to pull a splinter from my own hand or prevent a blister on my own foot. If you're wondering what to pack in your first aid kit, I'm going to details the ...
high country tundra and clouds with distant mountains in rocky mountain national park

10 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

If it's your first time visiting Rocky Mountain National Park and you're wanting to make the most of your visit, then this set of hikes is a great place to start. I've spent over six full months hiking the hundreds of miles of trails in RMNP, and we drive up with visiting family and friends to show them around. However, ...
colorado tundra and high country summit hiking tips

Hiking In Colorado: 12 Essential Tips

Two Stories of Hiking Gone Wrong Around 9 PM one summer night, I got a panicked call from guy from Florida. But he wasn’t in Florida. He was lost somewhere about an hour from Denver. He’d been hiking with friends, departed the trail to take care of some business, and couldn’t find his way back. When he finally found cell ...
mountain lion what to do if you encounter while hiking

Hiking in Mountain Lion Country

In my many years of hiking in Colorado, I've never encountered a mountain lion. I've seen sign, and I'm sure they've seen me (an unnerving thought), but I've never encountered one. I have thought about it a lot, especially after reading a great book, Bease in the Garden about the mountain lions along the Front Range of Colorado. The stories ...
man hiking through water on rocks wearing hiking boots

Preventing Blisters While Hiking

A common problem that can quickly turn a memorable hike into an uncomfortable experience is blisters. I've hiked hundreds of miles, and rarely get blisters. Follow these tips and you should be able to do the same. And if you do get a blister from a new pair of boots or just a long slog on a rainy day, I'll ...
lightning storm hiking colorado

Summer Hiking in Colorado: Be Lightning-Aware

Colorado is famous for its breathtaking mountains, and hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the state. However, the mountains of Colorado can be dangerous, especially during the summer months when thunderstorms are common. Two things combine to create these powerful afternoon thunderstorms: 1) All the rapidly evaporated snowmelt, and 2) how quickly the mountains heat up ...
black bear on hillside

Hiking in Colorado Bear Country: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

Hiking in Black Bear Country There are over 15,0000 black bears in Colorado, and no brown bears. The last brown bear--also called a grizzly bear--was killed back in the 1950's. But black bears are often brown in color, so some folks mistake them for their larger cousins. Black bears are typically non-confrontational and will try to avoid humans. I've encountered ...
man hiking toward friends on distant mountain

Hiking Etiquette: 8 Tips for Enjoying the Trails Responsibly

As our trails near Denver get a lot of foot traffic, hiking etiquette becomes all that more important. Whether you are a new hiker or experienced one, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when hitting the trails:
  1. Yield to other hikers.
  2. If you encounter other hikers on the trail, yield to them. If you are going ...
family hiking with happy kid in pine forest

10 tips for Hiking with Kids: How to Make It Safe and Fun

We've been hiking with our two girls since they were literally days old. Recently, we hiked to the top of Yosemite Falls. I can't tell you how proud I was of them. Over the years, we've learned a few things about hiking with our children. Here are a few tips for making it an enjoyable time.
  1. Choose the ...
hand with compass in mountians

The Ten Essentials: The Must-Have Gear for Hiking in Colorado

Hiking Essentials: The Ten Essentials You Should Always Bring on a Hike Hiking is a fun and rewarding activity, but it's important to be prepared for any situation that may arise while on the trail. No matter the length or difficulty of your hike, it's essential to carry the ten essentials with you. These items are a standard set of ...
yellow lab with head out window driving through mountains in car

Hiking with Dogs: 10 Tips to Keep Your Pup Safe on the Trail

10 Tips for Hiking with Dogs in Colorado Hiking with your furry friend can be a great bonding experience, but it's important to take steps to ensure their safety on the trail. Here are some tips for hiking with dogs:
  1. Choose the right trail: Not all trails are suitable for dogs, so it's important to choose a trail that ...
hiker along trail in tundra with rocky crags in the background in colorado mountains

Leave No Trace Principles for Hiking: A Comprehensive Guide

When venturing into the great outdoors, it's important to minimize your impact on the environment to preserve the natural beauty and wildlife. Here are the seven Leave No Trace Principles for hiking that every outdoor enthusiast should be familiar with:
  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare Before embarking on a hiking adventure, research the trail and familiarize yourself with the terrain, ...
hiker in rocky mountain national park with backpack

10 Essential Tips for Safe Hiking in Colorado

Heading out on a hiking adventure is an exhilarating and rewarding experience. However, it's important to remember that hiking can also be dangerous, especially for day hikers, because we tend to pack less gear than a backpacker. Day hikers also do less planning and, therefore can wind up less prepared. Here are some tips for staying safe while hiking:
    ...
Crystal Mill Hike: Iconic Colorado

Crystal Mill Hike: Iconic Colorado

You've likely seen the photo, but may not have known how to reach it: Crystal Mill. The legendary Old West structure, built in 1892 during the silver boom, stands tall - yet precariously as ever - in the gorgeous back county of the White River National Forest. The Crystal Mill remains one of the most photographed places in the state, ...
Mayflower Gulch Trail near Copper Mountain

Mayflower Gulch Trail near Copper Mountain

Easy parking. Gentle elevation. Three miles round trip. And a ghost town? The Mayflower Gulch Trail gives you all this and a shockingly gorgeous basin to behold. On top of all this, the hike works well for families, especially if there exists any curiosity about the old west. The spacious gulch invites visitors to wander around and discover the fringes...a ...