Every Friday we post a new hiking trail profile. Below you’ll find in order of most recent, the most recent additions to Dayhike Near Denver. There are almost 300 trails on the site, so if you are looking for a way to narrow things down to exactly what you want, we recommend checking out our Hike Finder Page, Trail Filter Page (where you can search by attribute), or our Trails by Map.

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 ...
Beaver Brook Trail at Windy Saddle Park

Beaver Brook Trail at Windy Saddle Park

One aspect that commends the Beaver Brook Trail hike to all ranges of ability and interest is its ease of editing. Need a short stroll to clear the mind? Take a stretch to the first vista and turn around. Ready to engage in a healthy, keep-your-wits challenge? Press ahead to the highest point on the trail, which this post describes ...
Eleven Mile State Park Interpretive Trail

Eleven Mile State Park Interpretive Trail

Eleven Mile State Park feels like the proverbial "hidden in plain sight" gem. Situated off the commonly traveled Highway 24 between Colorado Springs and Buena Vista, this loop hike blesses visitors with uncommon beauty. Trekking around the 3.5+ mile trail serves up a superb buffet of Colorado's classic outdoors: aspen and evergreen forests, meadows, rocky crags, vistas of mountain ranges, ...
mcgregor falls waterfall ocky mountain national park

MacGregor Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park

MacGregor Falls has become one of my favorite hidden waterfall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Black Canyon Trail meanders through old ranch land meadows, along the captivating Lumpy Ridge rock formations, and offers views of Longs Peak to the southwest. The falls are 3.1 miles (one way) from the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. It's a lesser-known hike with a ...
Download Our Hiking App

Download Our Hiking App

Explore More of Colorado with our New Dayhikes Near Denver Hiking App Dayhikes Near Denver has partnered with TOTAGO to create a whole new way to find your hike and get on the trail.
  • Explore hundreds of hiking trail profiles within 90-minutes of Denver.
  • Download and save trail profiles for use when you are out of cell range.
  • Search ...
Mt. Flora to Mt. Eva Hike above Berthoud Pass

Mt. Flora to Mt. Eva Hike above Berthoud Pass

High mountains passes, like Guanella, Kenosha, and Loveland, all offer 14er-level views but often without the 14er-level effort...or crowds! The Mt. Flora hike (with option to Mt. Eva) provides this kind of experience. Explore the full Mt. Flora to Mt. Eva Hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and more tips and details to help you enjoy this adventure ...
Crater Lake Hike in the Indian Peaks Wilderness

Crater Lake Hike in the Indian Peaks Wilderness

California may boast Yosemite, but Colorado offers the Indian Peaks Wilderness valley. And within this wilderness, one happens upon an arresting sight -- Mirror Lake and Crater Lake, dutifully monitored by the impressive Lone Eagle Peak. Long considered an iconic range, the Indian Peaks give hikers an endless stream of prime photography, wildflowers, and "Look at that!" moments. From the ...
Mt. Buckhorn hike near Colorado Springs

Mt. Buckhorn hike near Colorado Springs

The Mt. Buckhorn Hike, taking the shape of what hikers often call a "lollipop loop," forms the bridge between the Section 16 hike and the Seven Bridges & Kineo Mountain hike. As with those hikes, the surprising aspect is its immediacy -- within minutes of turning off the highway the trailhead appears. And if parking has filled, other options await ...
Seven Bridges to Kineo Mountain Loop

Seven Bridges to Kineo Mountain Loop

Immensely popular in the summer, the Seven Bridges trail beckons hikers up and across North Cheyenne Creek multiple times, meandering by and over tumbling creek waterfalls. The route described below launches from the Seven Bridges trail out onto a loop around Kineo Mountain, reaching a connection point with the Mt. Buckhorn hike. These two loops, along with the Section 16 ...
Section 16 Hike near Manitou Springs

Section 16 Hike near Manitou Springs

Nestled between Manitou Springs on the west and Colorado Springs on the east, the Manitou Section 16 Open Space overlaps with the Red Rock Canyon Open Space to the north, just off Highway 24. Both of these systems connect to two other regional parks, creating a massive complex of trails that delights hikers of all ages and abilities. This route ...
Silver Dollar and Murray Lakes Trail

Silver Dollar and Murray Lakes Trail

Silver Dollar Lake Trail graces hikers with not just one, but three lakes! This easy to moderate hike, approximately 3-4 miles, treks up lake by lake. Each successive one along the Silver Dollar Lake Trail perches above the previous, creating multiple platforms from which to view the valley, breathe in the beauty, and take pictures. Situated along the stunning Guanella ...