20 Best Hiking Trails in Denver, Colorado [2024 Updated]

If you live in Colorado, you must be within walking distance of hiking in Denver. The city is home to approximately 339 parks that are accessible to the public for hiking, picnics, and exercise. November to March is usually the best time for hikes as the weather is cold. You can enjoy hiking in the snow and indulge in adventure sports like skiing and snowshoeing.

So, if you’re wondering which is the best hiking trail in Denver, you can read through this guide to plan your next hike. Whether you’re going for a short or long hike, we will discuss the best features of these trails, their proximity, and the best times to visit. Additionally, you can find guidance around using solar generators like Jackery Solar Generators to charge electronic devices like phones and cameras for a comfortable hike in Denver.

Best 10 Hiking in Denver

Your decision to find some of the best hiking spots in Denver would depend on what kinds of activities you can do at the hike. You can also check out how close or far these trails are from your address. If you’re planning a hike alone or with family and friends, here’s a list of the best 10 hiking trails in Denver, Colorado that you can find:

Red Rock Trail

Place Name: Red Rock Amphitheater

Address: 303-319 CO-8, Morrison, CO 80465, United States

Length: 1.2 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Best For:

• View the geologically formed, open-amphitheater.
• Photography of the Red Rocks.

The Denver hiking trail progresses along the Red Rocks formation, close to the amphitheater. It is a public park that has both morning and evening shows. It is popular for hikers who just want to enjoy a challenging trail while admiring the beauty of the natural formations and indulging in photography.

St. Mary’s Trailhead

Place Name: St. Mary’s Glacier

Address: St Marys Dr, Idaho Springs, CO 80452, United States

Length: 5.9 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Best For:

• Experience the beauty of the Glacier and its terrains.
• Watch snow-capped mountains around the year.

You can witness the beauty of the St. Mary’s Glacier, lake, and mountain terrains by visiting this hiking spot in Denver. You can visit this destination in your car and also bring your dogs along on a leash. You should carry water-resistant shoes to avoid slipping or falling while navigating your way through this hike.

Arapaho Pass Trail

Place Name: North Folk, Middle Boulder Creek

Address: Colorado 80466, USA

Length: 7.1 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Best For:

• Watch the Indian Peaks Wilderness and mountain formations nearby.
• Visit Lake Dorothy to indulge in fishing.

This is a great day-hiking destination in Denver, known for its mountain formations and wilderness adventures. It connects Middle Boulder Creek to the Indian Peaks and is considered a moderate hiking trail. While hiking atop, you can expect to enjoy breathtaking views, including a waterfall and creeks.

Flatirons Vista Trailhead

Place Name: Flatirons Vista North

Address: Flatirons Vista North, Boulder, CO 80303, United States

Length: 3.3 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Best For:

• Watch mountain formations around Boulder.
• Spot deer and rabbits in the wilderness.

If you’re hiking in Denver for a short duration, you can head out for a day hike at the Flatirons Vista Trailhead. It would expose you to the mountainous formations of Flatirons that are surrounded by wildflowers. It is 3.3 miles long with a narrow elevation composed of a dirt road that is ideal for walking.

Bear Creek Trail

Place Name: Lair o’ the Bear Park

Address: 22550 CO-74, Idledale, CO 80453, United States

Length: 4.4 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Best For:

• Small getaway from the city’s hustle and bustle.
• Ideal for day hikes.

This is a short hiking destination near Boulder, Colorado, which you can complete within 30 minutes. Its slight elevation makes it ideal for different levels of hikers. You can enjoy scenic views while hiking through the wilderness and indulge in nature photography.

Marshall Mesa Trail

Place Name: Marshall Mesa

Address: 5258 Eldorado Springs Dr, Boulder, CO 80303, United States

Length: 11.8 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Best For:

• Connecting the Marshall Mesa and Community Ditch trails.
• Mountain biking across the trail.

This hiking trail is approximately 5 hours long and is pet-friendly for trips with your furry friends. It is situated at an elevation and offers open views of the valleys surrounding the area. You can take your bike along the Community Ditch trail to indulge in adventure sports. Ensure that you are wearing snow boots to avoid slipping during the hike.

North Mount Elbert Trail

Place Name: Mount Elbert

Address: Colorado 81211, United States

Length: 9.8 miles

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Best For:

• Breathtaking views of the Continental Divide and Sawatch Range.

This hiking trail goes up to an elevation of 14,000 feet and is known as the highest point in Denver, Colorado. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains but is known for its unpredictable weather. If you’re hiking in Denver in November, carry extra clothing, temporary shelter, and extra food and water.

Pawnee Pass Trailhead

Place Name: Pawnee Peak

Address: Ward, CO 80481, United States

Length: 9.2 miles

Difficulty: Difficult

Best For:

• Wildlife viewing and bird watching.
• A lakeside trail to indulge in fishing and a quick swim.

This hiking trail is located at a 14,000-foot elevation and is popular for the animals and birds that you can watch during your trip. Whether you’re coming here for a day hike or a small weekend getaway, this trail in Colorado would take you approximately 3 hours to complete.

Carpenter Peak Trail

Place Name: Roxborough State Park

Address: 4751 Roxborough Dr, Littleton, CO 80125, USA

Length: 6.6 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Best For:

• Witness the mountainous formations of the Garden of the Gods.
• Indulge in biking and horseback riding.

This is a popular hiking spot in Denver that gets quickly crowded regularly. You can walk up through the non-rocky pathway and witness the scenic beauty of the formations along the trail. The climb down follows a rocky path where you can also enjoy bike riding.

Quandary Peak Trailhead

Place Name: Quandary Peak

Address: 9VWV+VC Blue River, Colorado, USA

Length: 6.4 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Best For:

• Connecting views of Mount Elbert and Mount Massive.
• Tundra formations with a beautiful sight during the winter months.

Situated near Blue River, Colorado, this 6.4 mile hiking trail is considered challenging for all levels of hikers. You can visit this trail throughout the year and even take your dogs along on a leash. While taking breaks on your hike, you can explore adventure sports like snowshoeing and skiing.

5 Places For Hiking in Denver Without A Car

If you're hiking in Denver without a car or another vehicle, you can check out these short hiking trails to enjoy your day in the upcoming months:

Bear Creek Canyon Loop Hike: If you wish to indulge in activities like bird watching or rock climbing while on your hike, you can take up this 8.3-mile route. You can also take your dogs along for this hike.

Evergreen Lake Trail: This is a very short trail that takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. If you’re a beginner, you can go on this hiking tour in Denver, Colorado, with friends or solo.

Waterton Canyon Trail: This is a very popular hiking trail in Denver and stretches about 6.2 miles long. You can enjoy activities like bird watching while hiking in Waterton Canyon.

Green Mountain Trail: If you’re looking for challenging hiking spots in Denver, you should cover the 6.1-mile Green Mountain Trail via Chautauqua, Amphitheater, and Gregory Canyon Loop. It would take you half a day to complete the hike as you wander around the wildflowers and foothills in the region.

Mount Falcon Park Trail: This hiking trail is located miles away from Denver and in Jefferson County. It is a dog-friendly park, so hiking the 1.7-mile trail with your furry friends can be more fun.

5 Winter Hiking Trails in Denver

Winters set a beautiful tone in the city, with picturesque views of snow-capped hiking trails. Whether you’re planning a day hike or hiking for a longer duration, you should check out these routes for winter hiking in Denver:

Castlewood Canyon State Park Trailhead: Located in Frankton, Colorado, this hiking path is home to the Castle Dam remnants that blew up in 1933. You can take this route for a walk or even enjoy bird-watching along the dam's path.

Emerald Lake Hike: This 3.2-mile hike is part of the Bear Head Trail. In the winter season, you can enjoy snowshoeing and fishing in addition to hiking here.

Dream Lake Hike: Located at the Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, this challenging hiking trail spans 2.1 miles. The lake is beautiful and situated at a 450 feet elevation, which would be worth your journey.

Elk Meadow Park Trail: This hiking trail is 4 miles long and popular for cross-country skiing as well as taking a hiking trip throughout the day. You can enjoy hiking in Denver here, even with your dogs.

South Valley Loop Hike: This hiking spot in Denver is known for its mountain landscapes and wilderness. You can enjoy great views here during the winter season, as the trail is full of snow and has activities like skiing and mountain biking.

Where to Stay in Denver For Hiking

You might be going for a long hike that requires you to stay in a hotel in or near Denver. If you’re wondering where to stay in Denver for hiking, you can check out the below-mentioned list of stays:

11th Avenue Hostel

This hotel is adequately situated for hiking tours in Denver, Colorado. It is ideal for trips with family and friends or whether you’re traveling solo. It is located south of Downtown Denver and is known for its hospitality, comfort, and cozy service. The friendly hotel staff can give you recommendations to plan your hike and indulge in some sightseeing.

Hotel Cleo, Denver Cherry Creek

This luxurious hotel in Cherry Creek is known for its comfort and easy access to nearby spots for shopping and eating. It offers mountain-view and city-view rooms and allergy-free suites to keep you safe. The hotel offers gear and recommendations for hiking to make the most of your stay exploring the city.

Vib Hotel by Best Western

This boutique hotel in Denver is popular for its in-house amenities, such as a Zen Zone to take a breather after a long day, a cafe to gorge on good food and freshly brewed coffee, and a golf course to pass the time. The friendly hotel staff can also equip you with hiking gear and recommend other nearby destinations to add to your hiking itinerary.

Hiking Checklist & Items

Planning to go hiking in Denver in November or around the New Year? If yes, you should carry a bag of essential hiking gear and safety items. Since emergencies are uncalled for, you can check out the hiking essentials:

Solar Battery Charger: Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station or Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus

Temporary Shelter: Ultralight tarp, a bivy sack, and emergency blankets

Navigation Tools: A compass, GPS devices like mobile phones, paper, and a digital map

Repair Kit: A knife, repair patches, safety pins, and duct tape

Day-Hiking Essentials: Hiking day backpack, additional clothing and footwear

Hiking with Dog Essentials: A dog backpack, bowl, dog food, and a toy

First-Aid Kit: A gauze, scissors, and bandaids

Headlamp or flashlight

A disposable lighter

Extra food and water

Jackery Portable Power Supply For Hiking

While hiking in Denver, it is advisable to be prepared for moments when you will have to rely on external sources for electricity. You might not always find a power outlet, so you can use alternative, green-power sources like Jackery. Their solar generators have adequate capacities and charge your devices for long hours.

Jackery portable power stations and solar panels are ideal for short and long hikes. They can charge mobile phones, flashlights, headlamps, drones, and cameras. They are compact and, hence, easy to carry and store in your hiking backpack.

Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station

The Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station is the size of your palm, making it easy to store and carry on your hiking back. Despite its small size, it packs a punch with an adequate battery capacity. It offers six forms of protection and is also noise—and emission-free. You can charge up to three devices simultaneously by using the battery backup.

Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus is popular for its lightweight and compact properties, making it ideal for outdoor adventures like hiking. The solar generator for camping has an adequate battery capacity that can help charge different electronic devices, including cameras for photography. This portable solar charger for hiking has foldable 40W solar panels that are the size of a book and can be easily set up within 30 seconds. It is also noise and emission-free, making it a great device for your hiking trips in Denver.

Conclusion

If you’re thinking of hiking in Denver, this guide can help you explore short and long trails in the city. You can discover which trails are ideal for solo hiking or going with friends and family. Explore the best hiking spots in Denver to go without a car and the ones you can cover in November when the trails are clad with snow. You can also consider carrying eco-friendly solar-powered phone chargers like Jackery Solar Generators, which can charge devices like cameras and flashlights during your hiking trip. Get ready to make the most of Denver by experiencing the vast and beautiful trails open throughout the year.