Short Hikes Near Denver Colorado - 1 Mile or Less

A short hike is better than no hike at all, and sometimes we just need to get out into nature to watch the sunset, take in the changing clouds, and catch the scent of the forest. This is really why we hike, isn't it? To get away, return to what matters, and return to ourselves in the process. We are trying to assemble a collection of great short Colorado hikes. So far, most of these short hiking trails take you to some incredible vistas and cascades. So, check out the trail profiles below, and come back to see what we add to this expanding collection of short Colorado hikes.

adams falls waterfall on hike in grand lake colorado rocky mountain national park

Adams Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park

Adams Falls is a short .6-mile round-trip hike near Grand Lake, Colorado. The waterfall borders Rocky Mountain National Park and its trail begins at the same trailhead for the East Inlet Trail. Explore the full Adams Falls hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and all the details you need for this short waterfall Hike in Rocky Mountain National ...
rock formation with pine trees at alderfer 3 sisters park in evergreen colorado

Alderfer and Three Sisters Park

This park in Evergreen, Colorado, is a family favorite of some of our good friends. They have two young daughters and love to hike Alderfer and Three Sisters. The park has so many trails that the network can get confusing, so download the Alderfer trail map or pick one up at the trailhead. With over 15 miles of hiking trails, ...
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 ...
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 ...
bridal veil falls waterfall pouring over cliff face with waterwheel at base among green trees in idaho springs colorado

Bridal Veil Falls in Idaho Springs

Bridal Veil Falls is best viewed from Water Wheel Park, a short and easy walk from the downtown of Idaho Springs, Colorado. The legacy of steam locomotives and gold mining make this a historic hike in an historic Colorado town. Explore the full Bridal Veil Falls hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and many of the details you ...
buffalo creek waterfall at wellington lake slide waterfall cascading over granite slab on hike near denver

Buffalo Creek Falls at Wellington Lake

This waterfall isn't even on the map, and it's become my favorite waterfall hike near Denver. In fact, this is the only post that I'm tempted to keep to myself, because not only is there great hiking, but Wellington Lake may be the best camping spot within 90 minutes of Denver. There is a hitch though: it's a privately held ...
Cascades Near Berthoud Falls

Cascades Near Berthoud Falls

Looking for a place to stop and stretch your legs on your way to Winter Park? These cascades along US 40 will refresh your spirit and are immediately accessible right off the road.There are some unmaintained trails to explore, so check out the full profile below to discover more. Trail Snapshot: Cascades Near Berthoud Falls Hike Distance 0.1 mile Difficulty ...
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Cave Trail at Castlewood Canyon

Colorado's Castlewood Canyon State Park has several caves hidden in the park, but this set has their own trail. It's a short trail, just a 1/8 mile one-way, but can be combined with other hiking trails--one that takes you to a waterfall--to create a real adventure. Check out the trail snapshot to get the map, driving directions to Castlewood Canyon, ...
chasm falls rocky mountain national park header

Chasm Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park

Chasm Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park bursts through a chasm in Fall River where the rock funnels its waters into a narrow gorge. It's one of the more accessible waterfalls in RMNP, located about 100 yards off of Old Fall River Road. The only drawback is that parking fills fast. However, there are several parking and hike options that ...
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Cliff & Climber’s Trails at Castlewood Canyon

If you want to explore the crags and hidden pockets of Castlewood Canyon State Park, this combination of trails makes for a fun adventure in a part of Colorado that a lot of hikers miss. The park is nestled into the plains Southeast of Denver, and has a lot of hiking options. Check out the trail profile below to get ...
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Copeland Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park

Copeland Falls is just one of the many waterfalls hikers will encounter in the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park. In fact, you can't miss Copeland Falls as it is the first waterfall along the main trail--just a short hike from the trailhead. Explore the full Copeland Falls hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and more ...
Cornet Falls Near Telluride Colorado

Cornet Falls Near Telluride Colorado

Cornet Falls in Telluride, Colorado, is an 80 foot waterfall and requires a short 1/4 mile hike to experience. The hike begins in town and affords views down into this beautiful Colorado mountain town. Explore the full Cornet Falls hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and all the details you need to enjoy this hike in Telluride, CO ...
view from daniels park bluff toward front range mountains on hike near denver

Daniel’s Park Hikes

Best sunsets in Denver! You can see mountains upon mountains of Colorado's Front Range. Take a picnic dinner and pull off at one of the many picnic areas along Daniels Park Road. There are several hiking options detailed below for Daniel's park. To get all the details, scroll down and explore the trail snapshot, profile, and tips below. Trail Snapshot: ...
Echo Lake Trail Near Mt. Evans

Echo Lake Trail Near Mt. Evans

Colorado's Echo Lake is looped by an easy hiking trail and serves as a trailhead to even more classic Colorado hikes. When we have friends and family visiting Colorado from out of town, this is one of best destinations for a great views. Go early to Echo Lake to get perfect photos of Mount Evans reflected in the water. Explore ...
Streamside Trail Bridge in Eldorado Canyon State Park

Eldorado Canyon State Park Hikes

Eldorado Canyon State Park is a hiking and climbing Mecca tucked into the Front Range near Boulder and Denver, Colorado. In this hiking profile of Eldorado Canyon, we quickly give you the 4 main trails and some tips for your time in the canyon. Explore the full trail profile below to get all the details. Trail Snapshot: Hiking In Eldorado ...
Fish Creek Falls Near Steamboat Colorado

Fish Creek Falls Near Steamboat Colorado

A 284 foot waterfall! Need we say more. Fish Creek Falls is a 1/4 mile hike located just outside Steamboat Springs, Colorado--about 3.5 hours from Denver. The Fish Creek Falls Overlook trail is handicap accessible, and a second trail takes hikers down to the base of the falls. Explore the full Fish Creek Falls hike profile below for trail map, ...
hays creek waterfall cascading over red granitic sandstone near carbondale colorado

Hayes Creek Falls Waterfall

Hayes Creek Falls is a 40' waterfall with multiple cascades located just off CO-133 along the Crystal River near Redstone, Colorado. Accessed via a roadside pull-off, Hays Creek Falls makes for a refreshing stop along the West Elk Scenic Loop, on of the most beautiful scenic drives in Colorado. Trail Snapshot: Hayes Creek Falls Hike Distance 0.1 miles Round Trip ...
helen hunt falls waterfall pouring over granite rock face with bridge in background along hike near colorado springs

Helen Hunt Falls in Colorado Springs

Helen Hunt Falls in Colorado Springs is a 35 foot waterfall requiring only a short walk from the parking area. For a longer and more demanding hike, visitors can take the 4 mile Columbine Trail from the bottom of Cheyenne Canyon to Helen Hunt Falls. This strenuous option affords and experience of the rich ecosystem of this canyon at the ...
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Homestead Trail at Castlewood Canyon

This trail is great place to begin if you plan to explore the west side of Castlewood Canyon. It's a short hike, but the Homestead Trail can be used to link up to other hiking trails in this Colorado State Park. Scroll down to get all the hiking info you need in the trail snapshot, trail options descriptions and tips ...
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Horseshoe Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park

Horseshoe Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park is a favorite family hike near Estes Park, Colorado. It's a short and easy hike from the Alluvial Fan Trailhead, but the falls can also be viewed from the roadside. It's an extensive cascade waterfall, named for the way it bends its course through the rocky hillside. Explore the full Horseshoe Falls hike ...
castle rock incline challenge hill at base of steps looking up the 200 steps toward the top

Incline at Castle Rock

The Incline at Castle Rock is a 0.6 mile loop that begins with a 200 step climb up the Challenge Hill to the top of a promontory. From the top, a trail winds down the side of the mesa for 1/2 a mile back to the bottom. It makes for a great workout in the outdoors, and is about 30 ...
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 ...
mountain goats near summit of mount evans colorado easy hike

Mt. Evans Summit Hike

Mount Evans is one of Colorado's Front Range Fourteeners, and like Pikes Peak, Mt. Evans has a road that takes you to a trail just a few hundred feet shy of the summit where you are likely to see both Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goats. The key to exploring Mount Evans is knowing the stops along the way. View our ...
north clear creek falls near lake city colorado short waterfall hikes in colorado

North Clear Creek Falls in Colorado

North Clear Creek Falls is a 100+ foot waterfall carved into the landscape of southwestern Colorado. This is not so much a hike as a great place to pull off for a picnic and take in views of what become the most famous waterfall in the Rocky Mountain State. Explore the full North Clear Creek Falls profile below for driving ...
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Rainbow Falls Hike in Colorado Springs

The hike to Rainbow Falls is a short easy walk to the waterfall and a historic bridge. The waterfalls is located in Manitou Springs, just west Colorado Springs. The waterfall and bridge had been neglected for decades, but the area is now being restored by local government and local citizens. Explore the full Rainbow Falls hike profile below for trail ...
Red Rocks Trail at Settlers Park in Boulder

Red Rocks Trail at Settlers Park in Boulder

A giant underground sandstone formation runs from Ft. Collins all the way through Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Here at Red Rocks Trail in Boulder, the rock juts out of the ground to transform the landscape. It makes for an inspiring short hike. Explore the hike snapshot and detailed trail profile below to get a feel for this ...
Rifle Falls Hike Colorado

Rifle Falls Hike Colorado

Rifle Falls is a 70 foot, triple waterfall in Rifle Falls State Park. It's just .1 mile hike to the base of the falls along a paved, handicap accessible trail. The caves hidden along the waterfall beckon those looking for more adventure. Explore the full Rifle Falls hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and more of the details ...
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Seven Falls Hike in Colorado Springs

The hike to Seven Falls in Colorado Springs follows a paved canyon trail 0.8 mile to this famous tiered 181-foot waterfall. After severe damage by the floods in 2013, the Broadmoor Resort purchased the property and has made significant improvements, including trail and site repairs, as well as creating an on-site restaurant. As in the past, there is an access ...
Silver Falls Near Pagosa Springs Colorado

Silver Falls Near Pagosa Springs Colorado

Silver Falls near Pagosa Springs Colorado is an easy hike of less than a quarter mile to a spectacular waterfall. The distance of the drive from Denver requires more than the hike! Explore the full Silver Falls hike profile for driving directions and all the details you need to enjoy this Colorado waterfall trail. Trail Snapshot: Silver Falls Near Pagosa ...
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Soldier Canyon Falls Hike in Lory State Park

Soldier Canyon Falls in Lory State Park is a seasonal waterfall located just a few minutes from the trailhead. Just 25 minutes from Fort Collins, this makes for a pleasant afternoon hike and because Lory State Park has over 20 miles of hiking trails, hikers can easily add additional hikes to their day trip. Explore the full Soldier Canyon Falls ...
young hiker standing on trail with red rock formations and foothills in background in south valley park hike near littleton colorado

South Valley Park Trails

The trails of South Valley Park are perfect for an after work hike or run in South Denver. The expansive valley near the neighborhood of Ken Caryl is enclosed on its eastern side by the exposed red rock formations of the hogback and the green foothills to the west. Views to the south are incredible, making South Valley Park especially ...
Sprague Lake Loop Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park

Sprague Lake Loop Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park

At Sprague Lake you'll find an easy loop hike with some stunning views of the mountains that make Rocky Mountain National Park famous. It's a perfect hike in RMNP for young families because the trail is short and has no real elevation gain. With diverse wildlife and a beautiful, peaceful lake, this is one of those spots you should not ...
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Tarryall Falls Near Jefferson, Colorado

The Tarryall Falls Trail is a short, 1/4 -mile hike across a small canyon to a waterfall that pours into Tarryall Creek. The slopes of snow-capped peaks along Boreas pass make for a majestic backdrop against the contrasting sage grasslands of surrounding South Park.Tarryall Falls draws its waters from the Tarryall Reservoir, a popular camping and fishing destination here in ...
Treasure Falls Near Pagosa Springs Colorado

Treasure Falls Near Pagosa Springs Colorado

Treasure Falls is a 105 foot, plunge waterfall just 15 miles outside of Pagosa Springs, Colorado. It's just a 1/2 mile hike in to the falls where you can get close enough to feel the spray and mist from the falling water. It's a sight that kids and adults alike will remember. Explore the full Treasure Falls hike profile below ...
Waterfall Hike in Castlewood Canyon State Park, Colorado

Waterfall Hike at Castlewood Canyon

This may be the most accessible waterfall near Denver. If you hit the right parking lot, it's a 10 minute hike.So, grab a park brochure and find the Northernmost trailhead for the Creek Bottom Trail (Homestead Trailhead). This will add close to 1 mile to your hike. Then you can loop back via the Cherry Creek Trail for a total ...
Whitmore Falls Near Lake City Colorado

Whitmore Falls Near Lake City Colorado

Whitmore Falls is a lesser-known waterfall deep in the mountains of Colorado. But, it is just a 1/10th of a mile hike from the pull-off along Engineer Pass Road. It's a great destination hike for those vacationing in the Lake City area and are looking to combine a scenic drive with a short waterfall hike. Explore the full Whitmore Falls ...
Zapata Falls Hike Colorado

Zapata Falls Hike Colorado

The hike to Zapata Falls is a perfect family adventure. The 30 foot waterfall is back an easy .4 mile trail, and requires wading through Zapata creek to gain the best views under the shower of the falls. Because it's quite a drive from Denver, we recommend camping at the nearby campground and adding a visit to the Great Sand ...