In a state slam-packed with majestic mountains, picturesque plains, and numerous natural wonders, it comes as no surprise that Denver locals love to hike. And, with so many spectacular trails within a short drive from the city, the great outdoors beckons them to explore. While every person in the Mile High City holds strong opinions about the most preferable parks, a few select paths remain beloved by all. You can find the names of these acclaimed areas as well as general information and a few pro tips on our list of place to hike near Denver, Colorado. So, turn off Netflix, and tune in to the notes of nature.
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Where to Hike Near Denver
Flatirons Vista Trail
Location: Flatirons Vista, North Boulder, CO 80303
The magnificent Flatirons are the unofficial symbol of the city of Boulder, and seeing them in person is an essential item on any Colorado bucket list. These five massive rock formations are composed of sandstone and named after their striking triangular shape, which makes them somewhat resemble a gigantic clothes iron.
To get the best view of this state landmark, lace up your hiking boots and head to the Flatirons Vista Trail. With well-marked paths and plenty of signs providing additional guidance, you have the option to walk either 1.9 miles or the full 3.3 miles of this easy loop trail. You won’t need to worry about elevation exhaustion here either since the Flatirons Vista Trail stays fairly flat, with open fields where you can frolic amongst wildflowers in the summertime. However, a slight downside results from this openness: the exposed path provides no shelter from the hot July sun, or a windy April afternoon.
After your hike, toast to the beauty of the landscape with a pint of Resolute Brewing Tap & Cellar’s Last Living Dinosaur, a West Coast IPA with notes of citrus.
Bear Creek Trail at Lair o’ the Bear Park
Location: 22550 CO-74, Idledale, CO 80453
On the 32-minute drive from Denver, you’ll enjoy every minute of the scenic trip up Bear Creek Canyon to get to Lair o’ the Bear Park. And, if you thought the views from the passenger seat were good, just wait till you get into the park itself. With lots of shade from the gorgeous greenery, you’ll find no better spot for bird watching or feasting on a picnic basket full of sandwiches.
But, the peaceful waters of Bear Creek comprise the highlight of Lair o’ the Bear Park, and Bear Creek Trail lets you behold them in all their glory. While the full length of the trail totals 12.6 miles, you can experience many of the hike’s most outstanding features without going the full distance. For instance, you can trek only a mile in to catch a glimpse of the historic Dunafon Castle, an architectural gem abundant with turrets, arches, and bridges. If you can’t get enough of the views, you can take them in alongside some grub at the creek-adjacent, nearby Blackbird Cafe.
Meyer Ranch Park Loop
Location: 10490 South Turkey Creek Road, Morrison, CO 80465
As the name suggests, this 600-acre park was a hay, cattle, and timber ranch in its former life. Now, it’s a tree-filled retreat beloved by Colorado’s hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. There’s no time of the year in which a visit to Meyer Ranch Park isn’t magical. The fall brings the beautiful autumnal colors in the leaves of the area’s many aspens, while winter means cross-country skiing or snowshoeing across the fresh powder. In the spring, you can see the forest of ponderosas blossoming, and, in summer, their full bloom provides some much-needed shade for your outdoor adventure. What’s also great no matter the season? Downing a hearty meal of pancakes, bacon, and fried eggs at the local diner, Conifer Cafe.
Mount Falcon Castle Trail
Location: 21074 Mt Falcon Road, Indian Hills, CO 80454
Mount Falcon Castle Trail stands, quite literally, on the doorstep of Denver. In fact, it’s so nearby that you can spot the city skyline on your hike. And, you’ll glimpse so much more while walking this 3.7-mile loop — expect breathtaking views of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains as well as the ruins of a castle home built in the early 1900s. With a solid number of switchbacks and a 350-foot elevation gain, this moderately difficult trail gives hikers a top-notch cardio workout. That said, bring plenty of water, and plan to arrive early because the park’s convenient location makes it a popular path for locals and tourists alike. Around the corner from Mount Falcon awaits the Red Rocks Beer Garden, where you can celebrate getting your steps in with an ice-cold craft brew.
The Trading Post Trail at Red Rocks Park
Location: 18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison, CO 80465
While the famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre may be the place in Colorado to catch a rock concert, the Trading Post Trail is the place to catch a view of the Red Rocks themselves. The good news: any level of outdoor enthusiast can complete this short, easy hike. The bad news: this same accessibility means a larger crowd more often than not. Sharing the trail is more than worth it, though, when you catch sight of the dozens of dramatic, rust-colored rocks that dot the landscape. At a certain point in the trail, you’ll even get up close with these monoliths as you pass through a crevasse located between two of the formations. While there, you might as well check out the Amphitheatre too, which is renowned for its pitch-perfect acoustics and the 142 stairs it takes to get from the stage to the top of the venue.
Make Denver Your Homebase for Your Hiking Excursions
Does your ideal Sunday Funday end at the top of a mountain? Then Denver might just be the right city for you. AptAmigo’s expert agents will help you find a home you’ll love — one that’s never too far from a hiking trail. And, with their extensive knowledge of the city on your side, including the best places to hike near Denver, Colorado, apartment hunting won’t feel like an uphill battle.
