Denver’s allure lies in its proximity to breathtaking natural landscapes. With the high plains giving way to the majestic Rocky Mountains, the area is a gateway to a network of trails so extensive that it can take a lifetime to explore.
Fortunately, you don’t need to venture far from the city to discover a wealth of stunning hiking options. Within just an hour’s drive, you can access trails stretching from Boulder to Colorado Springs and beyond. In this guide, we’ll highlight seven exceptional hikes that never fail to provide a quality outdoor experience.
1. Garden of the Gods
Located just outside Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods is a stunning getaway for hikers of all abilities. In a little over an hour’s drive from Denver, you can immerse yourself among the vertically thrust sandstone, limestone, and conglomerate rock formations that have made the park a favorite for Colorado hikers. Two million visitors explore its 1,300 acres and 21 miles of trails annually.
Garden of the Gods caters to everyone. Hikers looking for something easy can try the paved Perkins Central Garden Trail, a 1.1-mile loop that visits the highest rock formations in the park. If you’re seeking a longer hike, the 6-mile Outer Loop Trail provides added distance and elevation change.
And the cherry on top: The park is completely free! Explore the rock formations in the afternoon shadow of the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak without spending a penny.
- Length: 1-6 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Restrooms: Yes
- Parking: On-site, free
- Dog friendliness: Dogs allowed on leash
- Hours: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Nov. 1 to April 30); 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. (May 1 to Oct. 31)
2. Mount Sanitas
A visit to Boulder is not complete without summiting Mount Sanitas. The 6,800-foot peak on the west side of the city is perhaps the most popular trail for locals.
Getting to the top of Sanitas requires 1,300 feet of elevation gain and at least 3.2 miles of hiking, depending on whether you decide to do an out-and-back or take one of several loop options on the return trip. From the summit, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the entire city and Front Range.
- Length: 3.2+ miles
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Restrooms: Yes
- Parking: Free at trailhead, possible to walk from town
- Dog friendliness: Dogs allowed on leash
- Hours: Accessible 24 hours
3. Royal Arch
In addition to Sanitas, the other must-visit hike in Boulder is the 3.3-mile climb to Royal Arch in Chautauqua Park. The trail has several uphill and downhill sections, climbing 1,400 feet up into the iconic Flatirons south of the city. The reward at the top is a large sandstone arch, along with sweeping views that stretch from Boulder to Denver on clear days.
Given its popularity among the Boulder hiking community, the trail can get busy on weekends and holidays, so be sure to get an early start to avoid the congestion.
- Length: 3.3 miles
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Restrooms: Yes, at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage
- Parking: Paid parking on weekends and summer holidays, $2.50 per hour; free during weekdays, and outside of summer season; free parking is also available in surrounding neighborhoods
- Dog friendliness: Dogs allowed on leash
- Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
4. North Table Mountain
If you are in Denver and short on time for a hike, North Table Mountain in Golden is a perfect choice to get your outdoor fix. The 2,000-acre park sits on a 60-million-year-old lava flow that rises several hundred feet above the surrounding plains. Once you ascend the several hundred feet to the mesa, the trails are relatively flat, and there are several loop options to choose from among the 15 miles of trail.
North Table Mountain is open for hiking year-round, but it’s especially beautiful in the spring and early summer when wildflowers are in bloom. The Tilting Mesa to Mesa Top loop is a popular trail in the park, climbing 500+ feet over 3.2 miles on the west side of the mesa.
- Length: 2-8 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Restrooms: Yes, at West Trailhead, Golden Cliffs Trailhead, and East Access
- Parking: Free at trailheads
- Dog friendliness: Dogs allowed on leash
- Hours: One hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset
5. Lair o’ the Bear
Just over 30 minutes west of Denver, Lair o’ the Bear Park is the perfect spot for a family outing. The wide, flat trails that border Bear Creek and ample picnic areas make it an ideal hike for kids to tag along. The 1.5-mile Bruin Bluff Trail is an easy introduction to the park, while those who want a challenge can climb over 1,000 feet to Panorama Point.
On your way out of the park, don’t forget to make a pit stop at Red Rocks Amphitheater for a quick stroll around the trails of the iconic venue.
- Length: 1-6 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Restrooms: Yes, at Lair o’ the Bear Park trailhead
- Parking: Free at trailhead
- Dog friendliness: Dogs allowed on leash
- Hours: One hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset
6. Chief Mountain
For an easy yet immersive experience of the beauty that the Rocky Mountains provide, Chief Mountain is just a quick 1-hour drive from Denver. The trail is short but steep, climbing nearly 1,000 feet over 1.4 miles to the peak.
You’ll travel through dense alpine forests, exit the tree line to experience a Rocky Mountain tundra ecosystem, and reach the summit at 11,713 feet. The views from Chief Mountain are expansive, with one of Colorado’s iconic 14ers, Mt Evans, visible to the west.
Chief Mountain can be hiked during all seasons, but be sure you are properly equipped with traction if you visit during the snowy months.
- Length: 2.8 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Restrooms: None
- Parking: Free; pullout on Highway 103
- Dog friendliness: Dogs allowed on leash
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
7. Devil’s Head
The hike to Devil’s Head provides classic panoramic views of the Front Range and a glimpse into Colorado’s history. The lookout tower atop the granite outcropping is the last of seven such towers that were once operated on the Front Range. The Devil’s Head tower, which was built in 1919 and rebuilt in 1951, is the last in operation and has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Perched at over 9,700 feet atop the Rampart Range, the hike up to the tower ascends nearly 900 feet over 1.4 miles. The trail winds through towering aspen groves and interesting rock formations before it reaches the final 143 steps that lead to the top.
- Length: 2.8 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Restrooms: Yes, at the trailhead
- Parking: Free at trailhead
- Dog friendliness: Dogs allowed on leash
- Hours: One hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset
This post is sponsored by Fjällräven.
