Denver Hikes

Denver boasts a big list of nearby hikes, with most a short drive from civilization. Many trails are also popular with horseback riders, mountain bikers, and the occasional leashed dog. The mile-high city certainly is adventurer friendly.

The top ten hikes near Denver cover a spectrum of sights. These hikes do more than just offer some rivers and peaks. On Denver’s top hikes you can see old castles, elk, deer, one of the country’s best amphitheaters, and even an enchanted forest. Check out this list. We don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

#1. Beaver Brook to Chavez Trail Loop (8.0km, 383m, 2.5-3.5h): Adventure is the nature of this hike! Experience the best of all Colorado trails rolled into one scenic walk…hills, rocks, wildflowers, animals, river crossings and more!

#2. Elk Meadow Park to Bergen Peak (17.2km, 565m, 5-7h): Walk through the meadows and forests of Evergreen. Hike to the top of Bergen Peak. Capture beautiful views of the neighboring 14ers, the city below and hopefully see an elk or two. It’s a great escape into nature.

#3. Lair o’ the Bear Park – Bear Creek Trail to Panorama Point (11.6km, 335m, 3-4.5h): The perfect example of a Colorado trail, Lair o’ the Bear Park provides a great hike through the forest and beautiful views of the snow-capped peaks. This walk also holds a secret: views of the beautifully restored Dunafon Castle!

#4. North Table Park – North Table Loop trail to Mesa Top Trail (11.7km, 322m, 3-5h): Acting as a gateway, the North and South Mesas are the entrance to the foothills town of Golden, CO. Hike the trails and discover the panoramic views! A walk around this loop makes you feel as though you’re on top of the world!

#5. Centennial Cone Park – Mayhem Gulch Trail (7.7km, 348m, 2-4h): Encompassing over 24.1km of multi-use trails, Centennial Cone encompasses the beauty of Clear Creek Canyon with a backcountry feel. It’s a popular trail with locals and in one hike past the gulch and you’ll understand why!

#6. Apex Trail to Enchanted Forest (9.3km, 411m, 3.5-5h): In the Enchanted Forest, the sights, smells and sounds will make you feel like you’re walking through a fairy tale. It’s a great trail to hike with kids if they don’t mind the length of the walk.

#7. Matthew/Winters Park – Red Rocks Slide Trail (7.7km, 221m, 2-4h): Many locals hike to this trail after work or in the morning before heading in to the office. This medium length trail is not too challenging but still gets the heart pumping and is enjoyed by trail runners, bikers, hikers and even those on horseback.

#8. Red Rocks Park – Trading Post Trail (2.4km, 120m, 1-1.5h): Hike around, over and through the beautiful sandstone red rocks that make up the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater and if you’re lucky, stay for a concert in one of the most amazing venues in Colorado! We can’t think of a better way to finish a day of walking Denver’s many trails.

#9. Bear Creek State Park (6.8km, 39m, 1.5-3h): This State Park has activities for the whole family and a peaceful hiking trail to escape the bustling crowds: a walk in nature nestled in the city.

#10. Mount Falcon Park – Castle Trail to Parmalee Loop (15.1km, 557m, 5-7.5h): This challenging hike isn’t short on elevation gain; however, this trail through the Colorado woods does boast some “castle” ruins. We like to think this walk is fit to please the explorer and the history buff in all of us!