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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

  • Boulder, Colorado

    Wonderland Lake Trail

    5.0
    1.85 mi / 98 ft gain
    Wonderland Lake Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Boulder, Colorado.
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  • Conifer, Colorado

    Davis Ponds Trail

    4.0
    2.31 mi / 295 ft gain
    Davis Ponds Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Conifer, Colorado.
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Mountain Bike the Betasso Preserve

    4.0
    3.3 mi / 564 ft gain
    The Betasso Preserve features two loop trails that are accessible to both hikers and mountain bikers.  Drive up (west) Boulder Canyon about 15 minutes outside of Boulder and turn right (north)  on Sugarloaf Dr.  After another 5 or so minutes you'll see a sign on the right-hand (northeast) side of...
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  • Conifer, Colorado

    Elk Falls Loop

    3.5
    12.76 mi / 1893 ft gain
    Begin on Staunton Ranch Trail for 3.3 miles. Switch to Bugling Elk Trail for the next 1.1 miles, then to Lion's Back Trail for the last mile to the overlook. From here, you can create the loop by backtracking to the Chimney Rock Trail, which then connects with the Elk Falls Trail. To head back to...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Hike the Eagle Sage Loop

    4.3
    3.75 mi / 205 ft gain
    This is a great trail if you are in the Boulder area and want something fairly easy or quick. This 3.75 loop can be hiked in about an hour and a half since it is fairly flat. The elevation gain is minimal. You start out at the Eagle Trailhead located west of the Boulder Reservoir.Start out at the...
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Foothills Trail to Wonderland Lake Loop Trail

    2.93 mi / 223 ft gain
    Foothills Trail to Wonderland Lake Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Boulder, Colorado.
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Hogback Ridge Trail

    2.85 mi / 830 ft gain
    Hogback Ridge Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Manitou Springs, Colorado.
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  • Idaho Springs, Colorado

    Squaw Mountain Fire Lookout

    4.0
    3.92 mi / 791 ft gain
    Come check out the Squaw Mountain Fire Lookout, a historic spot located in the Mount Evans Wilderness Area of Colorado, and one of the highest lookout towers in the country, at an elevation of 11,486 ft. Just a short drive from the Front Range corridor, you can hike/backpack in to this lookout ar...
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  • Franktown, Colorado

    Hike the Creek Bottom Trail

    5.0
    4.1 mi
    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...
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  • Franktown, Colorado

    Hike the Rim Rock Trail

    4.98 mi
    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...
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  • Franktown, Colorado

    Hike the Rim Rock / Creek Bottom Trail Loop

    5.0
    4.54 mi
    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...
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  • Idaho Springs, Colorado

    Hike Chief Mountain, CO

    4.5
    4 mi / 1100 ft gain
    Sitting at 11,709’, Chief Mountain is not one of Colorado’s highest peaks, but the views from this mountain are spectacular nonetheless and rival the views of any 14er I’ve climbed. This mountain sits along Squaw Pass Road so you get the luxury of a high trailhead for this peak.To get there, foll...
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  • Nederland, Colorado

    Explore Boulder Falls, CO

    4.2
    0.1 mi
    While the narrow trail is often popular, it's only 100 yards to see this 70-ft tall waterfall, set against a beautiful canyon backdrop. Keep in mind there's no climbing allowed on or around the falls. It is also a good idea to check if the trail is closed for maintenance, ahead of time.
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  • Boulder, Colorado

    Catch the Sunrise on Sugarloaf

    4.5
    1 mi / 400 ft gain
    To get there from downtown Boulder, head west on CO 119 and almost 4.5 miles after you have left Boulder, turn right onto Sugarloaf Road. 4 miles after the turn from CO 119, turn right onto Sugarloaf Mountain road (located at the top of the road). If the road starts descending, you've gone too fa...
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  • Franktown, Colorado

    Inner Canyon Trail

    5.0
    2.17 mi / 213 ft gain
    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...
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  • Franktown, Colorado

    Lake Gulch & Inner Canyon Loop Trail

    4.0
    1.85 mi / 203 ft gain
    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 ...
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