Denver, Colorado, is not just a bustling city but also a gateway to some of the most breathtaking trails in the U.S. Surrounded by majestic mountains and lush forests, these paths offer both novice and seasoned hikers scenic hikes, day hikes, and an unforgettable outdoor hiking experience with beautiful scenery.
From serene walks and scenic hikes that showcase Colorado’s stunning landscapes and beautiful scenery to challenging treks and day hikes on hiking trails that test your endurance, each trail presents its unique set of vistas and adventures. Whether you’re seeking solitude amidst nature or looking to capture the perfect sunrise over the Rockies, our list of scenic hikes and hiking trails with stunning views and scenery has something for everyone.
Dive into our reviews below for a closer look at our top picks for hikes and hiking trails, including local tips on the peak trail, and find your next adventure in Denver.
Key Takeaways
- Denver’s diverse landscapes offer a range of scenic trails suitable for different fitness levels and outdoor interests, from the urban paths of Cherry Creek Trail to the rugged terrains of Mt. Galbraith, providing both hike and route options.
- Incorporating these trails into your outdoor adventures can enhance your physical health and mental well-being and provide unique opportunities to connect with nature through a hike or by exploring a new route.
- Each trail offers distinct features: Cherry Creek for its urban accessibility, Red Rocks for iconic geological formations, Bear Creek for its waterways, Mt. Galbraith for challenging hikes with panoramic views, and High Line Canal for its historical significance and length.
- Planning ahead by checking trail conditions, weather, and route, and preparing appropriate gear can maximize your enjoyment and safety on these trails.
- These trails are not just for experienced hikers; beginners can also find accessible routes that offer a gentle introduction to outdoor activities in Denver.
- Engaging with these trails fosters a deeper appreciation for Colorado’s natural beauty and encourages a sustainable, respectful approach to outdoor exploration.
1. Cherry Creek Trail
Cherry Creek Trail is a gem that winds through the heart of Denver, blending urban landscapes with natural beauty and offering hiking trails that start at the trailhead for hikes toward Boulder. This hiking trail offers both residents and visitors a unique way to experience the city, combining leisure and scenic views with hikes starting from the trailhead and breathtaking scenery along the way. Accessible year-round, it’s especially popular among biking, hiking trails, and jogging enthusiasts due to its well-maintained paths and hikes on the road in the national park.
One of the key attractions of Cherry Creek Trail, with its trailhead marking the start of numerous hikes, is its connectivity to various parks and notable points of interest, enhancing the hiking experience with scenic scenery. Among these are several lush meadows perfect for picnics, hikes, or simply enjoying a moment of tranquility in nature’s scenery within the park. The trailhead leads hikers directly to the Cherry Creek Shopping Center downtown, where one can indulge in shopping or enjoy an ice cream break after a day’s hike.
The versatility of this trail, starting from the park trailhead, makes it suitable for all kinds of outdoor activities beyond just biking and jogging, including hiking and hikes. Its accessibility throughout different seasons ensures that the beauty of Denver, from its downtown landscape to park hikes, can be appreciated whether under summer sun or winter snows.
2. Red Rocks Trail
The Red Rocks Trail, a must-visit trailhead for anyone looking to explore scenic hiking in the mountains near Denver, Colorado, is located in the park. This trail, starting from the trailhead and popular for hikes, offers stunning views of the famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre, an open-air venue embedded within massive red sandstone rocks, enhancing the hiking experience with its breathtaking landscape. The beauty of this park location, with its hiking trails around the lake, is unmatched, especially at dawn or dusk when the sky paints a breathtaking backdrop.
What makes the Red Rocks Trail particularly appealing is its accessibility from the trailhead to hikers of all skill levels, offering hikes with a manageable ascent suitable for hiking enthusiasts. It features a mix of easy to moderate hikes that weave through beautiful scenery, ensuring everyone, from beginners to experienced hikers, can enjoy the journey from the trailhead to the park. The trail intersects with other paths like the Mesa Trail, and parts of it may be considered rough or uneven, adding a bit of challenge for those seeking it.
Ideal times for hiking this trail are at sunrise or sunset. These moments offer cooler temperatures and softer light, perfect for capturing photographs of the landscapes that stretch out towards the Front Range mountains during hikes. Local tips suggest starting at the trailhead early to fully enjoy the hiking experience. Whether you’re navigating boulders near South Boulder Peak or trekking along less strenuous paths, you’re guaranteed memorable vistas on your hikes. From the trailhead to the ascent, every step offers a unique hiking experience.
3. Bear Creek Trail
Bear Creek Trail, through a stunning park landscape, weaves its way to downtown Morrison, eventually guiding hikers on their hikes to the charming town. This trail, located in the park, is celebrated not only for its scenic route but also for the variety of activities it supports, including hikes and hiking, as well as the challenging ascent it offers. Mountain biking and hiking enthusiasts find this trail and its ascent exhilarating, while fishermen enjoy the bounty of Bear Creek. Families and groups often choose spots along the trail in the park for memorable picnicking experiences during their hikes despite the crowds.
The trail, popular for hiking and frequented by crowds, is rich in biodiversity within the park, hosting an array of wildlife that includes deer and various bird species. The presence of such animals on the trail adds an element of surprise and delight, making every hike in the park a unique hiking experience. The lush surroundings are predominantly pine forests, offering shade and a serene atmosphere that enhances the hiking experience on hikes along the trail in the park during the ascent.
Key features include:
- A loop trail design that makes navigation simple.
- Accessibility for horseback riding and hiking, adding another dimension to exploring the area through trail and park hikes.
- Proximity to park facilities, which ensures convenience for visitors.
Bear Creek Trail’s appeal lies in its versatility; whether you’re seeking a challenging mountain bike ride or a peaceful hike amidst nature’s beauty, this trail delivers as an ideal hiking route in the park. Its well-maintained trail ensures a great hike or ride regardless of your outdoor activity preference in the park.
4. Mt. Galbraith Loop via Cedar Gulch Trail
The Mt. Galbraith Loop via Cedar Gulch Trail, a standout hiking destination in the park for those seeking breathtaking panoramic views of Golden and Denver from its summit, offers hikes with significant miles of elevation gain, along with local tips for the best experience. This trail, known for its moderate difficulty level and popular for hikes, spans approximately 4.9 miles and challenges hikers with its rocky terrain. Local tips suggest this route is ideal for those seeking a hiking adventure.
Hikers are advised to come prepared for hikes, as the elevation gain of about 1,000 feet on the trail requires a good level of fitness and experience in navigating uneven paths along the route. Despite the physical demands of hiking, the rewards are plentiful, especially during spring and summer when the landscape is painted with vibrant wildflowers, and the trails are less crowded.
This trail not only offers an escape into nature but also provides a unique perspective on the surrounding areas including North Table Mountain, making it a favorite route among locals and visitors alike for hikes, hiking away from crowds.
- Highlights:
- Panoramic views of Golden and Denver
- Challenging rocky terrain
- Vibrant wildflowers in spring and summer
Given its features, the Mt. Galbraith Loop via Cedar Gulch Trail is recommended for experienced hikers looking to immerse themselves in Colorado’s natural beauty while tackling an invigorating challenge. This route is among the best hikes for those passionate about hiking.
5. High Line Canal Trail
Spanning over 70 miles, the High Line Canal Trail is one of the most extensive continuous trails for hiking in Denver, Colorado, offering a route away from the crowds for those seeking peaceful hikes. This remarkable route, often hailed as one of the best trails for hiking, is celebrated for its flat terrain, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a leisurely walk, hike, or bike ride through scenic landscapes.
The trail’s route meanders through diverse local neighborhoods, offering a unique blend of urban and natural experiences for hiking. Along the hiking route, visitors encounter tranquil local parks and captivating historical sites that provide insight into the area’s rich heritage.
Key highlights include:
- Flat Terrain: Perfect for all ages and fitness levels.
- Diverse Landscapes: From bustling cityscapes to serene open spaces.
- Historical Sites: Each step on this hiking route is a journey through history.
One notable aspect of the High Line Canal Trail is its passage alongside the South Platte River, offering a hiking route. This proximity offers panoramic views that are both refreshing and inspiring, perfect for a hike along the trail or route. Various lookout points along the hiking trail present breathtaking vistas of high mountain peaks at certain altitude ranges.
Local tips suggest visiting specific sections near downtown for a hike on the trail route for a mix of cultural exposure and natural beauty. Whether you’re looking to explore vibrant city life or enjoy peaceful moments by a lake, this hiking route has something special to offer.
Discover Denver’s Natural Beauty in Its Scenic Trails
Exploring Denver’s scenic trails offers hikers a unique blend of natural beauty, challenging terrains, and tranquil escapes within the city’s reach, including various routes. From the serene ambiance of Cherry Creek Trail to the rugged paths of Mt. Galbraith Loop, each hiking route presents an opportunity for discovery and adventure. They cater to a wide range of preferences, ensuring that every hiker finds a trail or route that resonates with their spirit of exploration. The experiences gained from these hike trails not only enrich one’s appreciation for nature but also promote physical well-being along the route.
As the seasons change, so do the landscapes of these trails, presenting new vistas and challenges for hikers to conquer on their route. It encourages them to return, hike the trail, explore the route further, and share their experiences with others. For those seeking to hike and immerse themselves in Denver’s natural beauty, embarking on these trails is a step toward discovering the vibrant heart of Colorado’s wilderness route. Let the journey begin.