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

  • Littleton, Colorado

    Hike the Fountain Valley Trail at Roxborough State Park

    4.8
    2.3 mi / 100 ft gain
    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...
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  • Littleton, Colorado

    South Rim Trail Loop at Roxborough State Park

    3.8
    3 mi / 565.62 ft gain
    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 m...
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  • Littleton, Colorado

    Hike to Carpenter Peak

    4.5
    6.2 mi / 1171 ft gain
    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...
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  • Littleton, Colorado

    Walk the Willow Creek Loop

    1.4 mi
    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...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Mars Blocks via Bear Canyon Trailhead

    4.89 mi / 1923 ft gain
    The Bear Canyon Trailhead is just one of many starting points for this hike, one could also start at NCAR, North Fork Shanahan, or any point on the Mesa Trail. For the purposes of this adventure, I'll start at Bear Canyon Trailhead in South Boulder. This hike will take you about 2-4 hours dependi...
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  • Golden, Colorado

    Hike to Forgotten Valley

    4.3
    3.6 mi / 852 ft gain
    There are over 35 miles of hiking trails in the park. The twelve trails in Golden Gate Canyon State Park are named after an animal and marked with the animal’s footprint.For a 2.6 round trip hike, start at the Burro Trailhead in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. You’ll immediately cross over a lit...
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  • Golden, Colorado

    Summit Windy Peak via the Burro Trail

    4.0
    6.35 mi / 1825 ft gain
    The Burro Trail starts at the Bridge Creek Trailhead Parking Lot and leads off to the left. While this trail is incredibly well marked it wouldn't hurt to grab a map at the visitors center before you start! From the parking lot you'll travel along the trail for 0.7 miles until you reach your firs...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Scramble Angel's Way

    5 mi / 1000 ft gain
    Angel's Way is an amazing 8 pitch rock climb scramble (5.2) that is tucked away in Skunk Canyon, hidden from the crowds of Chautauqua. The best part of this scramble is you only need your climbing shoes and chalk-bag. It is similar to the 'Free Way' on the Second Flatiron. I would encourage ev...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Woods Quarry via NCAR

    4.2
    3.28 mi / 755 ft gain
    You can start from Chautauqua Park, but I prefer to start at NCAR, especially since there is ample parking and you can take a bathroom break inside before hitting the trail. From the intersection of Table Mesa Drive and Broadway in Boulder, drive west on Table Mesa to its end at the NCAR buildin...
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  • Evergreen, Colorado

    Maxwell Falls

    3.4
    3.95 mi / 928 ft gain
    Located just outside of Evergreen, this beginner hike is a great escape from the city for a few hours. There are three different options to hike to the falls: Maxwell Falls Lower Trail (4 miles), Upper Maxwell Falls Trail (1.1 miles), and Maxwell Falls Bluffs Cliffside Trail Loop (5 miles). On th...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Hike the Enchanted Mesa Trail

    4.0
    1.4 mi / 440 ft gain
    Start out on McClintock Trail for 0.7 miles (this particular stretch can get muddy), before switching over to Enchanted Mesa Trail. To add a scenic 0.4 miles to your hike, take the Quarry Loop by turning right at the stone cabin, then following the steps up to the quarry, where you can overlook t...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Walker Ranch Loop

    4.7
    7.65 mi / 1601 ft gain
    When it comes to hiking trails in Boulder, the standard response usually consists of either Chautauqua Park or Mt. Sanitas, and while both offer excellent hiking options, they are both usually jam packed on the weekends. If you’re looking to stay close to the city, but want a little more seclusio...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    First and Second Flatiron

    4.6
    2.63 mi / 1480 ft gain
    Starting at the ever-popular and ever-populated Chautauqua Trailhead, take the main trail (a highway version of a dirt trail) straight towards the Flatirons. Continue going straight passed the Ski Jump trail to your right (0.2 mi.), then at a crossroads with the Bluebell-Baird trail (0.3 mi.) tur...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Royal Arch Trail

    4.4
    3.32 mi / 1220 ft gain
    Royal Arch Trail climbs up Boulder's famous Chautauqua Park to an archway formed by sandstone rocks that tower over thirty feet high. Start at the Chautauqua Trail Station by the Ranger Station, and continue up Bluebell Road for 0.7 miles. You will then arrive at a more forested area, where you ...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Green Mountain via Chautauqua Park

    4.5
    5.24 mi / 2467 ft gain
    Starting from the popular Chautauqua Park trailhead, head west on the main trail to the first branch off onto a smaller trail that will take you toward Baseline Road. Follow this trail until it eventually connects with Gregory Canyon Trailhead—you can park at this trailhead if you wish, but miss ...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Hike the Chautauqua Trail to the Ski Jump Trail

    5.0
    1.55 mi
    Beginning at the Chautauqua Trailhead, the Chautauqua Trail goes for 0.6 miles before connecting with the Bluebell-Baird Trail. From here it becomes a choose-your-own-adventure hike. For a short, simple hike you can do with people who aren't ready for lots of elevation gain, take a right and conn...
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