Denver might seem far away from the towering peaks, but the region boasts numerous easily accessible hiking trails. Every single one of these paths leads on some of the most beautiful vistas that are within a two-hour drive from the city!
With more than 13 years of being a Colorado resident, outdoor enthusiast, and a full-time nature freelance writer, I’ve been on countless trails around the Centennial State. This handpicked collection contains the top easy hikes near Denver and offers you an insight on these local treasures.
Your Essential Guide to Beginner Hikes Near Denver
Denver has so many beginner-friendly trails in the vicinity; all of them have something to offer. Having spent many years traversing paths in the local area, I decided to put together this definitive guide to assist you in locating the top beginner hikes near Denver. This guide includes the following:
- 28 of the finest easy hikes near Denver
- Key details for each trail, including elevation gain, difficulty level, mileage, estimated time, and helpful local insights
- Advice for hiking in Colorado, so you’re well-prepared for your first outing
- A list of essentials to pack for your hike
- Additional resources for hiking in Colorado
28 Must-Try Easy Hikes Near Denver
These trails are perfect for anyone, whether you are a beginner or you want a simple day hike. Easy hiking trails near Denver, from stunning red rock formations to panoramic views of the glorious Rocky Mountains, these hikes provide a mix of surroundings and exceptional sites.
Each trail has a unique appeal, and some will enchant novices while thrilling regular and seasoned hikers who need an easygoing walk.
1. Colorow Mountain Forest and Meadow Loop
Although nestled just west of Lookout Mountain, this hiking trail near Denver is one of the lesser-trafficked hikes in the area. Offering beautiful vistas, bird watching, and a brief excursion into the forest, it’s an easy hike with a lot of bang for your buck in terms of scenery.
- Distance: 1.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 141 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
2. Huntsman Gulch Trail in Clear Creek Canyon
Colorado’s top rock climbing spots can be viewed in a single go as you easily wander through Clear Creek Canyon to appreciate the scenery. This path is small and often overlooked. Still, it provides a fair amount of natural beauty in a short amount and is the ideal place to relax and dunk your feet in the cool water when you’ve finished.
- Distance: 1.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 659 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
3. North Table Mountain via Rim Rock Loop
North Table Mountain via Rim Rock Loop The climb up North Table Mountain is a steady one, and it’s about the challenge level you can handle midway through the week. However, the breathtaking view of Golden and the foothills from the top ensures that the trail is one of the best near the town.
I enjoy this hike, as it gets your heart rate up without causing severe pain. Moreover, once you finally make it to the top, the trail flattens out, and you have the option to trim a little off the loop if you had your fill after leveling one of Colorado’s favorite paths.
- Distance: 8.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,125 feet
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
4. Arch Rocks Trail
Perfect for beginners, follow a dirt path along the Big Thompson River to reach the incredible Arch Rocks, which are gargantuan boulders almost as big as small houses.
soon as you’ve covered around 1.5 miles, you will come across a tall rock that creates an arch over the trail. Photo opportunity.
Feel free to continue your hike for an additional 0.2 miles down the Fern Lake Trail for some extra excitement to the Pool, where Fern Creek and Big Thompson have merged. L
Local Tip: Locals recommend using a shuttle, as the Fern Lake Trailhead has limited parking.
- Distance: 3.0 miles
- Elevation Gain: 245 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-Friendly: No
5. Dream Lake, Nymph Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha
A perfect example of one of Colorado’s best winter hikes, and is one of my favorites, is a journey to four stunning alpine lakes. However, the awe only grows as you continue to climb to Lake Haiyaha; the high-alpine gem is enclosed in a rocky cirque beyond the timberline.
Local Tip: If possible, start your hike just as the sun rises to get the best views and avoid the busy trails; additionally, the parking lot is full around seven.
- Distance: 3.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 864 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-Friendly: No
6. Sprague Lake
Imagine a hike that’s both incredibly easy and breathtakingly beautiful. Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park offers just that a short, accessible trail perfect for families with young children who aren’t ready for more challenging hikes.
- Distance: 0.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 32 feet
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Dog-Friendly: No
7. Glacier Gorge
If you only do one hike in RMNP, make it Glacier Gorge — a classic destination with big mountain views-chasing sun and tumbling waterfalls crashing through the eponymous gorge. Among the best easy hikes near Denver and with numerous trails to choose, Golden gtaes is one of the top scenic day hikes should not miss.
- Distance: 2.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 403 feet
- Difficulty: Easy, with options for moderate to difficult routes
- Dog-Friendly: No
8. Adams Falls Trail
Situated outside of Grand Lake, Colorado the Adams Falls Trail is a local favorite and beautiful easy hike culminating in an impressive waterfall right on Rocky Mountain National Park’s outskirts. Begin at the East Inlet trailhead and leads to a well positioned observation deck with railing that you can enjoy viewing both sides of its powerful cascading falls safely.
Local Tip: Due to its popularity, consider visiting on a weekday or early in the morning to enjoy the trail in peace.
Distance: 0.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 104 feet
Difficulty: really easy
Dog Friendly?: No
9. Elk Meadow Trail
One of the best easy hikes near Denver, Elk Meadow Trail is located right off Evergreen’s main road. The short trail completed before lunch can be followed by an endless afternoon in a café not too far away. With an open space park like this, the grasses become thick with fresh green in late spring or early summer where wildlife lovers would have speculated on a plethora of wild flowers.
- Distance: 4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 593 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
10. The Brother’s Lookout and Sisters Loop
Brother’s Lookout and Sisters Loop Trail is one of these quintessential almost too easy hikes near Denver. On your way to the lookout, you’ll be engulfed into thick pine forest and surrounded by awesome rock formations. Take in sights as you look back on some of Colorado’s famed 14ers and spot the Continental Divide.
- Distance: 3.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: 459 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
11. Evergreen Mountain Trail
Evergreen Mountain Trail is a fun, short but steep climb perfect for newbies who are looking to start hiking on tougher terrain. The iconic trail that you simply must do and probably some mountainous views of Trail — it’s worth the climb.
- Distance: 4.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 816 feet
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
12. Red Rocks Trading Post Trail
Realistically, the Red Rocks Trading Post Trail is located in Morrison which falls between Golden and Evergreen but will have you right at one of Colorado’s most iconic spots. This trail will run you through beautiful red rock garden near the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater.
- Distance: 1.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 357 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
13. Chautauqua Trail
The towering rock formations of the Flatirons jut up from above Boulder like a natural fortress, marking some of the most iconic scenery in all Colorado with cranes against high enough to break free and soar into majestic mountains behind. Chautaqua Trail – This difficult trail provides a close-up look at one of Crawford State Park’s most dramatic rock features. Locally, this shares a network with beginner-friendly paths such as Bluebell Mesa Trail, Ski Jump Trail and Baseline trails.
Pro Tip: Since this trail is centrally located in Boulder, it tends to be crowded throughout the day. Arrive early to avoid the throngs. Note that parking fees apply on weekends.
- Distance: 1.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 419 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-Friendly: Yes, leashed
14. Fowler Trail
Home to 600-foot rock walls, Eldorado Canyon State Park takes the idea of towering cliffs to a whole new level. It is home to a bubbling creek and The park with multiple easy trails near Denver.
Though most of the trails at the park are easy, my favorite is Fowler Trail. At the same time, as you hike further and higher, don’t be surprised to see daredevil climbers working some of our nations most famous climbing paths.
- Distance: 4.0 miles
- Elevation Gain: 433 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-Friendly: Yes, leashed
15. Red Rocks Trail
Marshall Mesa offers a great chance to hike through less trodden paths strewn with some of the best rock formations just outside Boulder. It makes the best for a quick day hike near Denver if time is less, and you can do this in an hour.
- Distance: 1.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 393 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-Friendly: Yes, leashed
16. Garden of the Gods Loop
Garden of the Gods has one of Colorado’s top spots for hiking and it is pretty clear why. The bold rock formations by the dense woodlands of pine trees present a sight which is quite arresting to behold. Don’t forget your camera when you head out on this trek!
Protip: There is a lot to do here. You may also hike it even longer by incorporating other trails into your loop, so make a half-day of exploring the area.
- Distance: 3.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 416 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-Friendly: Yes, leashed
17. Fountain Valley Loop Trail
Located in the southern foothills, Roxborough State Park offers several simple hiking opportunities but none of them surpasses Fountain Valley Loop Path. Ddog takes you across the valley floor where are some amazing looking red rocks In late spring and early summer we knew what views would be particularly breathtaking: overshadows of vibrant green grass against beige, the key tones on a hazy day.
- Distance: 2.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 324 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-Friendly: No
18. Painted Mines Trail
Southeastern Colorado hides a remarkable secret. Amidst the vast grasslands, you’ll stumble upon a surreal landscape of hoodoo rock formations. The iron-rich soil gives these outcroppings striking orange and yellow hues. This alien-like terrain is home to some of the most accessible hiking trails near Denver.
- Distance: 3.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 334 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-Friendly: No
19. Agnes Vaille Falls Hike
Located near Nathrop, Colorado—about two hours from Denver—this popular out and back trail leads you to the breathtaking Agnes Vaille Falls on Mt. Princeton.
From the trailhead, follow the clearly marked path to the falls. Though the trail is relatively short, the elevation gain is quite steep, so take your time.
It’s important to avoid climbing on or near the rocks around the waterfall, as rockslides are known to occur in this area.
Pro Tip: Bring plenty of water, as the region can be quite dry. For the most impressive views of the falls, plan your visit in the spring when the water flow is at its peak.
- Distance: 1.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 538 feet
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
20. Staunton Ranch and Bugling Elk Loop Trail
Only minutes away off of Highway 285 is a beautiful rock-covered area with lots and lots of hiking trails. Along the way, there are some stunning views in Staunton Ranch to Bugling Elk Loop Trail. This trail is probably closer to a moderate with its greater elevation gain and because well, it is the mountains. If you have ambitions to hike this trail, be prepared for at least a half-day of hiking.
Pro Tip: Like all Colorado state parks, an entry fee is required.
- Distance: 8.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,574 feet
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
21. Mayflower Gulch
It is one of my favorite trails to take visitors. Even while being the furthest drive from Denver on this list, Mayflower Gulch is still worth every mile. A bit more than a mile of dirt-road walking lands you at one of Colorado’s grander high alpine cirques. The knife edge of the ridge from Atlantic Peak (on left) to Fletcher Mountain presents quite a challenge.
Pro Tip: If you’re up for more of an adventure, this trailhead serves as the starting point for some of Colorado’s finest 13ers.
- Distance: 2.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,141 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
22. Mount Sniktau
I will admit, this is a far from an easy hike. If you have been able to conquer the other trails on my list, and ready for your first Colorado mountain summit, look no further than Mount Sniktau — one of the easier peaks in all of Colorado.
- Distance: 3.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,530 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
Best Day Hikes Near Denver and Perfect Trails for Your Travel Plans
23. St. Mary’s Glacier
- Distance: 1.9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 807 feet
- Route: Out and back
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Proximity: 1 hour from Denver
St. Marys Glacier lies deep within the confines of Arapaho National Forest, just a short and scenic drive outside of small mountain town Alice, CO – easy-access to anyone looking for an adventure close by Denver in under 45-minutes! Year-round glacier views, alpine lake and forested hills make it a great spot for a picinic.
St, Mary’s Glacier: Because of the high altitude snow is behind throughout the year at St. Mary s Glacier Though the trail proper may be free of snow, a good set of ice cleats will keep you from slipping on any patches where water has frozen. If you want to go all the way up to James Peak, then consider bringing snowshoes (I personally love my MSR’s).
Parking costs $5, so bring cash for parking at the trailhead.
24. Mount Falcon via Castle Ruins Trail
- Distance: 5.9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,610 feet
- Route: Out and back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Proximity: 27 minutes from Denver
Mount Falcon Trail is a historical trail on the outskirts of Morrison, CO in Mount Falcon Park. A record of human habitation in the front range trail system, lies only on this specific Mt. This 5.9-mile hike provides some of the best views of Denver where you can see both Red Rocks Amphitheater and far off as a downtown skyline view (quite sore). The difference is that it gives a purpose to reach its varying terminus at Walker Mansion Ruins (home once upon-a-time to millionaire John Brisben-Walker also prominent figure; owner Cosmopolitan Magazine among several etc.). An untimely date with lightning on the 9-year-old, wood-frame building completed in 1909.
This hike, too – despite it’s lower elevation compared to Denver’s (5200 feet as opposed to 5100) elevationshould still not be forced on folks who have yet to integrate fully into our city. About as hard as moderate comes, but hella fun for someone like me relatively new to the area. Heck Yeah – Trailhead parking is free. Yay!
Top Tip: There is no shelter at the beginning of this walk so be prepared for all weather conditions. My top tip is definitely a sun hat and sunglasses!
25. Alberta Falls and Bear Lake
Alberta Falls: 1.6 miles, 252 ft elevation gain, out and back, easy, 2 hrs from Denver
Bear Lake: 0.7 miles, 49 ft elevation gain, loop, easy, 2 hrs from Denver
Since the Alberta Falls and Bear Lake trails are fairly close to one another right outside of Rocky Mountain National Park, they obviously make for perfect easy to access hikes. They are both short and very accessible allowing you to hike them in just a couple of hours. The Alberta Falls trail takes you to an impressive waterfall while the Bear Lake gives a serene loop around of course, famous Bear Lake itself.
The entrances to these are all in Rocky Mountain National Park so entrance fees apply, but the scenery throughout that park make it worth your while.
Tip: After exploring the park, consider visiting or staying at the famous Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, known for inspiring Stephen King’s The Shining!
26. The Flatirons
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,423 feet
- Route: Out and back
- Difficulty: Hard
- Proximity: 40 minutes from Denver
Boulder, Colorado’s most iconic geological formations Boulder and Beyond The 1st & 2nd Flatiron hike delivers breathtaking perspectives of (and from) the enormous rock slabs known as ‘The Flatirons’. One must hike to the Royal Arch on any challenging trails in boulder open space. This area is also known for its internationally-acclaimed rock climbing, and free parking available at the trailhead.
ProTip: After all, why climb in Boulder when you can boulder? (See what I did there?) Bouldering- Rock climbing without a harness, very close to the ground often_paragraph So if you are hiking this trail anyway, why not try your hand at those — just make sure to carry climbing chalk for better grip.
27. Dinosaur Ridge
- Distance: 4.0 miles
- Elevation Gain: 705 feet
- Route: Out and back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Proximity: 20 minutes from Denver
Dinosaur Ridge is the best of a number of day trips from Denver. Located just 20 minutes west of downtown, this trail provides panoramic views from miles away and the world famous Red Rocks Amphitheater. What sets this one apart, though, is the fact that pebbles and sandstone containing fossilised dinosaur tracks are easy to access along much of its course. It’s free to visit and features two visitor centers.
Pro Tip: While you’re in the neighborhood, go check out Red Rocks Amphitheatre and take a short hike on either the relatively easy South Table Mountain trail or scramble around among rocks often used for amateur rock climbing lessons.
28. Red Rocks Trail and Amphitheatre
- Distance: 5.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,181 feet
- Route: Out and back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Proximity: 20 minutes from Denver
On the Red Rocks Trail in Matthews/Winter Park, you will wander through meadows and get stunning views of those well-known red rock formations. The road at the end of this trail takes you right to Colorado’s iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, making it a great pre-show hike. Free parking is available at the trailhead.
Tip: Do this hike in the morning or leave during concert hours to avoid traffic. Technically, the amphitheater itself and its visitor center are open to the public without paying for entrance (although events that charge admission might close access a few hours before shows start).
What to Bring
Detailed Packing List for your hike
What to Wear:
- Sun-protective shirt
- Moisture-wicking socks
- Hiking shoes or boots with good grip that you can wear comfortably all day
- Quick-dry hiking shorts
- Quick-dry hiking pants or convertible pants
- Breathable, non-cotton shirt for hiking
What to Pack:
- Day pack for hiking (the REI Flash 22 is a great, budget-friendly option)
- Water and snacks for the car—always nice to have a treat after your hike!
- Sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Electrolyte powder (optional, but helpful)
- Water bladder with at least 2-liter capacity
- Camera
- Camera clip for your backpack
- Warm beanie
- Glove liners
- Fleece jacket
- Insulated puffy jacket
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Portable toilet kit: small shovel, WAG Bag (if hiking above the treeline), hand sanitizer, toilet paper or baby wipes, and a small bag to pack out used items
- Pee funnel (optional)
- Pee rag (optional)
- Headlamp
- GPS navigation device
- Emergency communication device
- Windproof and waterproof jacket
- Pocket knife
Final Tips for Hiking Near Denver
If you’re new to hiking in Colorado, or hiking in general, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
- Mountain weather changes at the drop of a hat, so always be prepared for different conditions. Bring an extra sweater for any season and a light rain jacket in the summer.
- Study up: Know the trail you intend to hike. Track your trek using an app like AllTrails to ensure you are on course.
- Tell someone where you are going and what your plan is . Almost a decade of outdoor adventure has taught me the unexpected is less so. You should do the same, so that someone out there knows what your plans were in case something goes wrong.
- Pack it out: Take home all rubbish, including dog waste bags and any other litter of the like. Please leave [no] trace to keep the trails clean and fun for all.
- Prioritise: Average hikers do about a mile in 30 minutes, and climb 1000 vertical feet an hour on hard trails. Bear this in mind when planning your hike and get to know what pace you can sustain for safety (hiking is not a race).
