Castle Rock, Colorado

The Basics: The Challenge Hill, or as I like to call it, the Mini-Incline, is a shrunken version of its big brother to the south in Manitou. However, don't let its relatively small 200 stair count fool you - this hill is a serious workout! Located in Philip S. Miller Park, just one minute off I-2...

The West Side of Castlewood Canyon is the more "rugged" side of the park, it has a dirt road, gravel parking lots, and only vault toilets. Luckily, this also means this is a less popular side of the park, making for less crowded trails and easier parking!  Park at the first trailhead, for the Hom...

The West Side of Castlewood Canyon is the more "rugged" side of the park, it has a dirt road, gravel parking lots, and only vault toilets. Luckily, this also means this is a less popular side of the park, making for less crowded trails and easier parking!  Park at the first trailhead, for the Hom...

The West Side of Castlewood Canyon is the more "rugged" side of the park, it has a dirt road, gravel parking lots, and only vault toilets. Luckily, this also means this is a less popular side of the park, making for less crowded trails and easier parking!  Park at the first trailhead, for the Hom...

The Inner Canyon Trail begins at the Canyon Point Parking Lot. There are a few trails that leave from this lot, so make sure you're following signs for "K."  Right away, you'll descend down a few dozen stairs into the canyon itself. You'll quickly cross a bridge and be on your way. This trail is...

This loop is a combination of two different trails - the Lake Gulch Trail (L) and the Inner Canyon Trail (K). Both of these trails leave from the Canyon Point Parking Lot, inside the east entrance to the park.  I personally like the Inner Canyon Trail a lot more, so I like to start off from the ...

This is a well maintained, easy trail best hiked in spring and fall. Conditions make this trail great for families. The park is also popular for bird watching and rock climbing.

Daniel's Park is a small park in Douglas County that offers unparalleled views of the front range. There is a small walking trail that follows the road if you choose to go on foot, or you can stay in the car and drive the length of Daniel's Park Road. There is a bison herd that calls Daniels Park...

This loop trail is 2.7 miles long but has several options for overlooks that add 0.8 miles to the trip. This is an easy hike with minimal elevation gain and is a great option for the whole family. Every time I've done this hike I've seen numerous deer which only adds to the hike! 

Roxborough State Park is one of the closest parks to the Denver metro area and is the perfect place to go if you're looking to experience the great outdoors without having to drive too far from the city.One of my favorite trails in the park is the South Rim Trail which takes you on an easy to mod...

Carpenter Peak stands at 7,166 feet above sea level. While that altitude might not exactly take your breath away, the views from the top certainly will. Starting at the Visitor's Center, the trail to Carpenter's Peak begins as a relatively flat, well-traveled trail. A little less than a mile into...

Roxborough State Park is located on the outskirts of Littleton, Colorado. Boasting incredible red rock formations and abundant wildlife, it is the perfect place for a quick escape outside.The Willow Creek Loop connects to the two parking lots in the park, so it is impossible to miss. With only th...

The Fountain Valley Trail at Roxborough State Park is a very easy trail that's perfect for those that want to enjoy the outdoors but not subject themselves to the rigors of climbing a 14er. This very well maintained trail is wide and flat and perfect for groups, families, or for taking visitors t...

Spruce mountain is an approximately 4.2 mile loop outside of Colorado Springs near Palmer lake. The hike is a pretty easy one, that has some great views of the Front Range including peak a boo views of Pikes Peak. Starting at the Trailhead, you can either take the right or left trail which will t...

This is one of my favorite hikes near Denver and the lookout itself is over 100 years old! On the road to the trailhead there are many spots for camping and other activities. From Sedalia, CO head down Highway 67 for about 10 miles. Turn south onto Rampart Range Rd and continue for about 9.5 mil...

Waterton Canyon is the beginning of the Colorado Trail which stretches 500 miles from Denver to Durango. Camping is allowed on the Colorado Trail but is not allowed in the first 6 miles section of Waterton Canyon, which is managed by Denver Water. The gravel road is great for running, biking, hi...