Golden, Colorado

The best advice I can give you? Wake up early to start this hike.Even though the Bear Peak hike will only take you about 4-5 hours round trip, it will still be advantageous to get off the mountain before afternoon and evening storms might pass through. This is a steep 7-mile out and back trail.St...

Starting at the Mesa trailhead, continue a half a mile through a relatively even grade before arriving at the North Fork Shanahan trailhead, which will take you another half a mile on much steeper grade up to Fern Canyon where you will start a much harder portion of the hike; here, you'll head st...

We all love to live our weekends to the fullest, but say you're itching for an adventure and it's midweek with the weekend still a good 3 or 4 days away? South Valley Park is the place to go if you're looking for an after-work adventure or just don't feel like driving too far from the city. A sho...

Washington Park in located near Denver South High School is the perfect spot for a run, walk, or an afternoon picnic! This paved loop is just over 2 miles and offers up scenic views of both Grasmere Lake and Smith Lake. This is also a family-friendly destination with a playground for the kids and...

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...

This 4 mile loop ascends only a slight amount in elevation, making for a pleasant loop in which opportunities for appreciation of the nature around you and broad vista photography are in plentiful supply. A great hike for those who may still be building their fitness, as so many trails in Boulder...

Summer is a magical time of year in the Rocky Mountains. One great way to experience this stunning beauty is through hiking Raccoon Trail to Panorama Point at Golden Gate State Park. Raccoon Trail is 3.3 mile moderately difficult hike which can be completed in under an hour, although it will like...

Starting on the edge of a neighborhood in South Boulder, this 3.8 mile loop begins its 869 foot elevation gain by meandering through a pine forest. You can 'choose your own adventure' by exploring the handful of trails that meet up with the Shanahan Ridge Trail, such as the South Mesa Trail, Shad...

On top of exploring various exhibits on history and science, head to the Denver Nature and Science Museum to enjoy one of the best views of the Denver skyline! Take the elevators up to the Sky Terrace to take in Denver againt the backdrop of the Rockies. Longs Peak, Pikes Peak, and even the Flati...

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...

From the parking lot, you can take the Meadowlark trail to the west or the Plymouth Creek Trail to the southeast. It does not matter which trail you take because it ends up becoming loop. For a more gradual slope up the hill, take the Meadowlark trail. After a little more than a mile, it intersec...

Hildebrand Ranch Park is often overshadowed by the other nearby Jeffco Parks, but for the few that it does attract the trails do not disappoint.   The Two Brands Trail starts at about 5600ft just off of Deer Creek Canyon Rd.  It is a relatively flat trail that tops out at about 5821ft making it a...

A great place to watch the sunrise in Boulder is at NCAR, the National Center for Atmospheric Research. Park in the parking lot at the top of the hill, and if you're feeling up to it, you can walk south for about 10 minutes to an adjacent hill with beautiful views. Either way, you will want to ge...

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...

Come check out the Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout (formerly known as Squaw Mountain), 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, y...

Starting at 7,600 ft this 1.35 mile (one-way) hike is the shortest, and by far the least strenuous, hike to summit one of Boulder's iconic peaks. Parking for this trail-head is available along the road a short drive, 4.5 miles, up Flagstaff Rd. The trail gently slopes along a ridge for the firs...