Denver, Colorado
Looking for the best hiking in Denver? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Denver. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Denver
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Winter Park, Colorado
Twin Cones via Second Creek Trailhead
5.04.85 mi / 1614 ft gainThis hike begins at Second Creek Trailhead off of US Highway 40. It's pretty steep right off the bar gaining about 800ft of elevation in the first mile. This first mile takes you to Broome Hut, which has a bathroom and is a great place to stop and take a break. Keep in mind that there are no dogs...Read more -
U.S. 40, Colorado
Parry Peak
11.82 mi / 4209 ft gainThe trek to Parry Peak crosses three other peaks (Colorado Mines Peak, Mt. Flora, and Mt. Eva) along the Rocky Mountains. Begin your hike around sunrise as inclement weather often rolls in during the late afternoon. The trail is extremely rocky and steep. From the Berthoud Pass parking lot, fol...Read more -
Berthoud Pass Parking Lot, Colorado
Mount Flora
5.06.29 mi / 1788 ft gainColorado’s Rocky Mountains offer hikes of all lengths, sizes and difficulties. Mt. Flora stands at a lofty 13,146 ft and is a great intro to climbing peaks in Colorado. Roundtrip, this hike is 6.3 miles and will take you (in the summer) through fields of alpine wildflowers as you climb into Color...Read more -
Silver Plume, Colorado
Grays Peak Trail
4.57.25 mi / 2995 ft gainThe first challenge you'll face on your way to the summit of Gray's peak is Steven's Gulch Road. My Corolla rolled up to the start of what I’ve seen described as a “4x4 road that should probably not be attempted in a low clearance vehicle”. But what the heck, it was late, and I didn't feel like w...Read more -
Silver Plume, Colorado
Torrey's Peak via Kelso Ridge
5.05.79 mi / 2982 ft gainThe start of this route up the Kelso Ridge is the same as doing the standard route of Gray's and Torrey's peaks. From the trailhead cross the large metal bridge and continue on the great trail as it slowly climbs away from the parking lot and trailhead. This first section is not steep, but prov...Read more -
Palmer Lake, Colorado
Palmer Lake Reservoir Trail
4.11 mi / 656 ft gainThis hike starts with a steep uphill, and if that doesn't take your breath away, the views of the lakes definitely will. After the uphill slog, you'll immediately reach the lower reservoir. On still mornings, it offers perfect reflections of its surroundings. The trail continues along its northe...Read more -
Allenspark, Colorado
Sandbeach Lake Trail
4.08.56 mi / 2057 ft gainSandbeach Lake is best known for (as you can probably guess) its wide sandy shore. At nearly 50 feet deep, it is one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes. If you are looking to fish at the lake, make sure to bring barbless flies and lures. There are six official campsites (1.8 miles Hol...Read more -
Dillon, Colorado
Grays Peak via the South Ridge
9.9 mi / 3970 ft gainGrays is easily one of the most popular 14ers in Colorado due to its moderate difficulty and proximity to Denver. Grays Peak is an awesome 14er but the crowds take away from the hike. And while the views on top of Grays are amazing, the barren landscape of the hike to get there isn't the most ama...Read more -
Sedalia, Colorado
Camp at Goose Creek
3.08 mi / 1300 ft gainGoose Creek is a fantastic spot to hike or camp. There is a dirt road leading to the trailhead, and it winds through the mountains and offers a great view of the valley. The dirt road is relatively easy and well-maintained. The burn scar from the Hayman fire is still really evident, so there are ...Read more -
1046 County Highway 115, Colorado
Winter Hike to Calypso Cascades
6.25 mi / 580 ft gainWhile most people go snowshoeing near the Bear Lake or Glacier Gorge area in RMNP, Wild Basin is a much less trafficked option. The entrance station isn't manned in the winter, so you'll get in for free, as well! You can put the Wild Basin Trailhead into your GPS, but you'll have to park at the w...Read more -
Allenspark, Colorado
Hike to Pear Lake
5.012.35 mi / 2638 ft gainPear lake is a beautiful alpine lake in the southern Wild Basin region of Rocky Mountain National Park. Once used as a reservoir, Pear Lake has been restored to its natural state and lies in scenic basin below some of the most isolated mountains in the park. The trail to Pear Lake passes through ...Read more -
Allenspark, Colorado
Hike to Finch Lake
3.08.96 mi / 1926 ft gainThere are several ways to reach finch lake but this will cover the route from the Finch Lake Trailhead in the wild basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park. You can also loop it with other trails in the area or begin at the Allenspark Trailhead, which is technically outside the park and a bit e...Read more -
Allenspark, Colorado
Ouzel & Ogallala Peaks
17.18 mi / 4403 ft gainBegin at the Wild Basin Trailhead in southeastern Rocky Mountain National Park near the town of Allenspark. Plan to start before sunrise if attempting this trek as a day trip in order to avoid afternoon thunderstorms above the treeline. This trip can easily be made into a backpacking experience b...Read more -
Allenspark, Colorado
Ouzel Falls
4.25.22 mi / 1004 ft gainLocated right outside of Rocky Mountain National Park, this hike is perfect for anyone looking to do a little exploring without the cost of a park fee. The drive through the Rocky Mountains to the trailhead is an added bonus. This hike is great because it has multiple attractions all along the wa...Read more -
Allenspark, Colorado
Bluebird Lake via Wild Basin Trailhead
4.012.23 mi / 2608 ft gainStarting at the Wild Basin trailhead on the south side of Rocky Mountain National Park, hike through a wet forest towards upper and lower Copeland Falls, located 0.45 miles from the trailhead. From here, continue on the main trail along the North Fork of the Saint Vrain River to Calypso Cascades,...Read more -
Allenspark, Colorado
Hike to Thunder Lake
11.53 mi / 2188 ft gainStarting at the often-busy Wild Basin TH, the trail passes through dense forests as it follows the North Fork of the Saint Vrain River through the southernmost section of Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail passes alongside the small Copeland Falls before continuing west towards Calypso Casca...Read more