view west to colorado front range mountains from chimney gulch trail at windy saddle hike near denver

Chimney Gulch Trail at Windy Saddle Park

It's a demanding hike up Chimney Gulch near Golden, Colorado, but the views at the top are worth the workout. This hiking trail crosses streams as it zigzags up the side of local landmark, Lookout mountain. Explore the full Chimney Gulch hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and more tips and details to help you enjoy this adventure in Windy Saddle Park.

Trail Snapshot: Chimney Gulch Trail at Windy Saddle Park

The Hike: Chimney Gulch Trail

Steep - that's probably the best adjective for this hike. The trail is very accessible from Denver - on average, just a 25 minute drive. The trail begins at the base of Lookout Mountain in Golden and weaves it's way to the top, crossing the road twice, to a wonderful mountain vista. It's a perfect place, complete with benches, for viewing sunsets. However, a hike down in the twilight may be pretty difficult to negotiate. The Chimney Gulch Trail joins up with both the Beaver Brook Trail, and Lookout Mountain Trail. See the link to the trail map above for details.

Tips & Resources for Hiking the Chimney Gulch Trail

  • TIP: Because the trail can be narrow and has a lot of mountain bike traffic, we suggest leaving the dog at home.
  • TIP: If you want to start at the top, you can park at the Windy Saddle Trailhead along Lookout Mountain Road. Click for Google map and driving directions.
  • Adjust Expectations: If you are hoping for a quiet, solitary hike, this is probably not the best choice. Because this trail is very accessible and challenging, there is a lot of hiking, running, and biking traffic.
  • For a great detailed trail description: , check out Deb Stanley's Chimney Gulch Trail profile.
  • Trail Map for Chimney Gulch Trail: Trail Map Link
  • Packing List: Always pack the 10 Essentials. Download our Hiking Guide to get the list and dayhiking packing checklist.
  • Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
  • After the Hike: Cafe 13

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Forgotten Valley Hike at Golden Gate State Park

Can you think of a more mysterious name for a hike? Colorado's Golden Gate State Park has many trails, and the Forgotten Valley is a great place to start discovering this gem that is tucked between Golden and Boulder, Colorado. Get all the details on hiking the Forgotten Valley by scrolling down to the hike snapshot and hiking tips below.

Trail Snapshot: Forgotten Valley Hike at Golden Gate State Park

The Forgotten Valley in Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a step back in time.This day hike near Denver takes you 1.5 miles to an old homestead complete with front porch views of the small lake that sits in the bottom of the valley. From the Bridge Trailhead, take the Burro Trail for approximately 3/4 of a mile to where it intersects with the Mountain Lion Trail. Turn North (Left) on the Mountain Lion Trail, and follow that for about 3/4 of mile to Forgotten Valley and the Tallman Homestead. The pond in the valley is stocked by the division of wildlife. We want to thank Kenny Chaffin for his photo of the Tallman Homestead. You can view more of his Denver area photos here.

forgotten valley homestead hike golden

Tips & Resources for Hiking Forgotten Valley Hike at Golden Gate State Park :

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east plum creek trail castle rock header

East Plum Creek Trail in Castle Rock

This paved trail meanders along Plum Creek in Castle Rock, Colorado. Though it winds through developed areas, the Plum Creek trail has some surprises: towering cottonwoods, pines, and the seasonal sounds of Plum Creek. Be sure to explore snapshot and full hiking profile below to get the details on parking, trail map, and hike options.

Castle Rock is a growing community South of Denver and not without it's some great hikes. Be sure to explore the many trails out in Castlewood Canyon State Park, and our hikes near Castle Rock, Colorado page.

Trail Snapshot: East Plum Creek Trail in Castle Rock

The East Plum Creek Trail winds through the heart of Castle Rock, Colorado, through wetlands, and along the banks of Plum Creek. Starting from the Meadows Parkway lot, you can head North for 1.8+ miles through cottonwoods and between two historic railways. If you head south along the trail from the Meadows lot, the trail will take you into a wetland habitat where beavers build and migratory birds rest. Follow the trail south for 3 miles and all the way into town for a 6 mile round trip.

Tips & Resources for Hiking East Plum Creek Trail in Castle Rock:

Forest and Meadow Loop at Lookout Mountain Nature Center

Meadow & Forest Loop Trails at Lookout Mountain Nature Center

If you are looking for a family hike near Denver, this is a perfect trail, especially if you are getting started hiking with your kids in Colorado and want to guarantee a good experience. It's short, there's wildlife, and the Lookout Mountain Nature Center. Take a picnic lunch, just watch out for the squirrels; they'll run of with your dessert if you don't watch them closely. Explore the full Meadow & Forest Loop Trails hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and more tips and details to help you enjoy this family adventure.

Trail Snapshot: Meadow & Forest Loop Trails at Lookout Mountain Nature Center

Lookout Mountain Nature Center has 2 short loop hikes. If you have young children, this is a perfect trip. The trails at Lookout Mountain are short loops: 1- The Meadow Loop (.8 mile) & 2 - Forest Loop Trail (.6 mile). If you are looking for a longer hike, you can cross the street and take the Lookout Mountain Trail which connects to several other Jefferson County Parks and trails.

The nature center is a great place for your kids to learn about Colorado wildlife. The playroom has texture sames of bark, fur, animal tracks, and the biggest box of stuffed animal puppets you'll ever see. The last time we visited, our daughter didn't want to leave. Take a lunch and have a picnic under the towering Ponderosa Pines. We encountered 2 deer with their fawns along the Forest Loop trail. The immediate area around the nature center is handicap accessible.

Tips & Resources for Hiking Meadow & Forest Loop Trails at Lookout Mountain Nature Center

  • TIP: If you take Lookout Mountain Road from Golden, it's a beautiful drive. However, on the weekends, this road has a ton of cycling traffic. So, plan for a slow drive.
  • TIP: Visit the Boettcher Mansion next door
  • Trail Map for Lookout Mountain Nature Center: Trail Map Link
  • Packing List: Always pack the 10 Essentials. Download our Hiking Guide to get the list and dayhiking packing checklist.
  • Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
  • After the Hike: Louis’ Cafe

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Flatirons Vista Loop Trail

If you are yearning for wide open spaces, the Flatirons Vista trail near Boulder, Colorado makes for a perfect hike. The trail has two loop options and links up to other hiking trails along the Flatirons. Explore the trail profile of this classic Colorado hike for a trail map and all the details like driving directions, trail difficulty rating, and distances.

Trail Snapshot: Flatirons Vista Loop Trail

You've got options. The Flatiron Vista Loop trail offers 2 loops. One is 3.3 miles and the other is just 1.9 miles. They will wind you through the ponderosa pines and meadows that skirt of the famous Flatirons just south of Boulder. It's an easy hike and a trail runner's dream. The Flatiron Vista Loops are a great destination for winter hikes as well. That's the time of year that you are likely to spot both Golden and Bald Eagles.

The Loops:

  • Longer Flatiron Vista Loop -3.3 miles:

    Take the South Flatiron Vista trail (about .2 miles down the trailhead connector trail). After 2.4 miles, bear right onto the North Flatiron Vista Trail. Then, after 1 mile, take the connector trail you came in on back to the trailhead. (reverse this if you like).

  • Shorter Flatiron Vista Loop -1.9 miles:

    Take the South Flatiron Vista trail (about .2 miles down the trailhead connector trail). After approx. 1 miles bear right onto Prairie Vista Trail. Continue about 1 mile, then take the connector trail you came in on back to the trailhead

girl on trail with black dog in colorado mountains spruce tree in foreground and snow and evergreen trees in background

Tips & Resources for Hiking at Flatirons Vista:

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chicago lakes from above with storm brewing near mt evans colorado

Chicago Lakes Hike Near Mt. Evans

Want to take in some of Colorado's breathtaking scenery and put some miles under your hiking boots? The Chicago Lakes hike begins at Echo Lake. You'll pass three more mountain lakes as you punch up into the high country of Colorado's Mt. Evan's Wilderness. Explore the full trail profile below for the Chicago Lakes which includes driving directions, map, and tips.

Trail Snapshot: Chicago Lakes Hike Near Idaho Springs, Colorado

Looking for amazing views and some high mountain lakes near Denver? This challenging hike takes you to two high mountain lakes with amazing views of the Mt. Evans Wilderness area. Both lakes can be fished, as well as the lower Idaho Springs Reservoir that you pass on your way. We are not into giving long trail descriptions on Dayhikes Near Denver, but we'd suggest you read the basic one below and check out the trail description and pdf Chicago Lakes map link in the trail profile below.

The Chicago Lakes Trailhead and Trail: Park at the Echo Lake lot, where you'll find the sign for Chicago Lakes Trail 52 on the west side of the lake. That will lead you to another sign about .5 mile later directing you to the trail. The trail will turn into Idaho Springs Reservoir Road, then will return to a normal trail. It climbs through a burn area, the result of a fire in the 1970s, then continues to climb to Lower Chicago lake. The trail has a lot of character: steep areas, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. The trail continues, faint at times, up a steeper section to Upper Chicago Lake.

wildflowers in meadow with mountains in background on chicago lakes trail near mt evans colorado

As you'll see in the comments on this hike, people come back with different trail lengths. So, to clear this up: Beginning at Echo Lake, the trail is 4.24 miles one-way to the lake. However, most people don't want to stop there, many continue on to the upper lake, which adds and additional .6 mile to the trail. Then, some people opt to hike around the lake, which adds to the hike as well. You may want to start early, especially in the Summer months so that you have the time to explore and to avoid our famous, afternoon Colorado thunderstorms.

Tips & Resources for Hiking Chicago Lakes Near Mt. Evans, Colorado :

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Canyon Loop Trail - Betasso Preserve, Boulder

This hike at Betasso Preserve near Boulder, Colorado makes for a perfect evening escape to watch the sunset over the town below. You'll cross through meadows dotted with wildflowers then under stands of Ponderosa pine that eventually open up to views to east. Explore the hiking trail profiles and map link below for details.

Trail Snapshot: Canyon Loop Trail at Betasso Preserve

Tips & Resources for Hiking the Canyon Loop at Betasso Preserve :

  • Easier Approach: Make your hike at Betasso Preserve a bit easier by starting from the East Trailhead
  • Mountain Bikers: Each month the direction of travel required for Mountain Bikers is switched. Check the sign at the trailhead. Additionally, biking is not allowed on Wed. & Sat.
  • Hikers: Check the sign at the trailhead as well and try to hike the opposite direction of the bike traffic.
  • Trail Map for Betasso Preserve: Trail Map Link
  • Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
  • After the Hike: Ozo Coffee in Boulder

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boulder falls waterfall near boulder colorado pouring through canyon into creek below with grey rock cliffs

Boulder Falls

Boulder falls is a quick hike with big reward. This 100 yard hiking trail just outside Boulder, Colorado leads you into a cliff lined notch in Boulder Canyon where the creek gushes out to form one of the best waterfalls near Denver. Since it's not much of a hike, add one of the suggested hikes below to complete your hiking adventure. Boulder Falls reopened in June of 2018 and features repaired and widened trails as well as more durable and stable terrain.

Trail Snapshot: Boulder Falls Hike

Boulder Falls is only about 70 feet high, but it's really breathtaking. The combination of the tight canyon, giant ponderosa pines, and the pouring waterfall makes it a great place to take visiting friends and family. This may be the shortest Colorado hike you ever set out to explore; so, we recommend combining your visit to Boulder Falls with a hike at either Betasso Preserve, Mt. Sanitas, or Forsythe Canyon.

boulder-falls-boulder-colorado-entrance

Tips & Resources for Hiking Boulder Falls:

  • Check for Closings: The Boulder Falls trail appears to need a lot of maintenance, especially after the winter thaw. It also gets a lot of foot traffic, so that's probably a contributing factor. All that to say, be sure to check out Boulder's trail area closures page for details before making the drive out to the falls. Seasonally closed from Nov. 1 to May 1 each year for trail maintenance.
  • Narrow Trail: The trail to Boulder Falls is narrow and busy, so the best times to visit are early and around sunset.
  • Busy Road: Take care in crossing the road: Parking is across the street from the waterfall, on a pretty tight canyon curve. Cars whip by fast.
  • Leave Fido at Home: We love our dog and take her on many of our hikes, but this trail is so busy and rocky that it makes the trail difficult to navigate at times. Basically, it's an easy way to make the hike more enjoyable for others who may not be up for getting clotheslined or their feet taken out from under them by a dog leash :).
  • Don't Climb: Hikers have been injured from trying to scale areas on and near Boulder Falls. Pay attention to the signage, it appears that there's just a lot of loose rock along this short trail that can get easily get kicked loose.
  • Trail Map for Boulder Falls Trail: Trail Map Link
  • Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
  • After the Hike: Ozo Coffee in Boulder, Colorado

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Alberta Falls Hike at Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park is full of waterfalls and this hike takes you to one of the most accessible waterfalls in the park. Alberta Falls is one of the most popular, short destination hikes in the park, and for good reason. If you only have time for one short hike on the East Side of RMNP, this is a great choice. To get to Alberta Falls, park at the Bear Lake Trailhead (see google directions below), then follow the signs south for Glacier Gorge and Alberta Falls. The waterfall is .8 miles down the trail from the parking area, make this a 1.6 mile out-and-back hike. Start early and hike the full 2.8 miles of trail in to stunning Mills lake inside Glacier Gorge.

Note: Rocky Mountain National Park now requires timed entry permits from May 27th through October 10th. See the RMNP permits page for more information.

Trail Snapshot: Alberta Falls

Tips & Resources for Hiking to Alberta Falls

  • Visitors and Vacationers: Alberta Falls is a great place to take visiting family and friends because it's not too difficult, and you have a lot of options if you want to explore the park
  • Bring a Lunch: Getting this far into the park, even just driving, is quite a trip from the outside world. We suggest packing a lunch so that you can stay longer. And food just tastes better outside anyway.
  • Trail Map for Bear Lake Corridor: Trail Map
  • Rocky Mountain National Park Maps: Maps Link
  • Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
  • After the Hike: Poppy's Pizza

waterfall in canyon with bridge in foreground fish creek falls waterfall in colorado Looking for more waterfalls near Denver? Explore our more than 50 Colorado Waterfall Hikes, our favorite Waterfall Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, or 7 Waterfalls within One Hour of Denver.

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bear lake with mountains of glacier gorge in background along bear lake hike in rocky mountain national park

Bear Lake Hike at Rocky Mountain National Park

From Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park (just 2 hours from Denver), you can launch out on dozens of hiking adventures, trails that range from less than a mile to full day treks back into Glacier Gorge or Andrews Creek. If you are visiting Colorado and looking for a high variety of trails or just a good place to start your vacation, this is one of the best places in the state. For details on the trail, see the hiking trail profile below, and download the trail map to get an idea of the different hikes that begin at Bear Lake.

Note: Rocky Mountain National Park now requires timed entry permits from May 27th through October 10th. See the RMNP permits page for more information.

Trail Snapshot: Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park

Bear lake is the epicenter of Rocky Mountain National Park. This means that you can access a ton of trails from here, but it also means a lot of traffic. So, we always recommend getting there early, on weekdays, and to go during the off-season - if you can. The Bear Lake Trail is a short 0.6 mile loop around a beautiful lake with views of the Rocky Mountains. The hike is considered handicap accessible; however, the trail is not paved.

Tips & Resources for Hiking Bear Lake In Rocky Mountain National Park :

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