Green Mountain Trail

Route Description for Green Mountain Trail

​Green Mountain Trail is an incredible day hike in Denver. This unique mountain sits on the eastern edge of the Front Range Foothills, and though its elevation is unexciting, it is a large mountain. This summit resembles a mountain that you would see in the high-country as it has several sub peaks and saddles. Sitting on the boundary on the plains, Green Mountain is barren of shade, so wear plenty of sunscreen on sunny days! To avoid overexposure, we would also recommend a sunhat, and bring plenty of water! Though we may not love exposed hikes, rattlesnakes thrive in the arid terrain, so keep an eye and ear out for them as you progress along the paths. We would also suggest using the trail GPS as sections of the path are not well signposted!

Exhibiting the diversity of the Colorado wilderness, the Green Mountain Hike is one for the books. As you trek along the barren mountain, you will be rewarded with vistas of Denver, grassy plains, river valleys, the Flatiron Mountains, Dinosaur Ridge, and distant snow-dusted peaks that line the horizon. This adventure packs a punch, the effort required is well worth it in our opinion. This is the perfect hike to get your steps in and get some movement. The limited elevation gain, and easy terrain enable these trails to be adventurers by hikers of most skill-levels, including older children! Leave the city in the rear-view mirror and hike the Green Mountain Trail.

Embark on your adventure up to the summit of Green Mountain from the trailhead off W Alameda Parkway. This loop can be completed in either direction, but we prefer to track counterclockwise. From the trailhead, take the rightmost Green Mountain Trail. The initial segment of the trail is steep, but don’t let that discourage you—it levels out! Ascend the steep terrain, and at the first intersection keep left, and at the next, veer right. Continue northwest along the Green Mountain Trail past the radio tower and along the exposed ridge. Enjoy the expansive views of Denver as you hike along the fairly level terrain.

Follow the ridge along the Green Mountain Trail, ignoring merging and intersecting trails. Soon you will reach Green Mountain Summit. From the summit, you will be rewarded with epic vistas of the diverse wilderness. See the South and North Table Mesas in the northwest and the Front Range Foothills in the west. Revel in the plains that surround you and the cityscape in the east. Follow the summit overlook, the Green Mountain Trail will curve you west along the northern ridge of the mountain. Descend the path down to the mountain’s base.

As you trek southeast along the base you will be granted sights of Dinosaur Ridge and the Red Rocks. Continue hiking the Green Mountain Trail and it will eventually guide you east and back to the trailhead, marking the end of your Green Mountain adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Green Mountains are there in Colorado?

There are over twenty named Green Mountain summits in Colorado!

How tall is Green Mountain Colorado?

Green Mountain sits at about 2,073 m in elevation.

Insider Hints for Green Mountain Trail

• Watch out for rattlesnakes and consider wearing loose fitting pants
• The trail is exposed, so plan accordingly
• Pack plenty of water as there are no water sources along the hike
• Trade your hiking boots for snowshoes in the winter months to enjoy this path year-round