Because the capital of Colorado, Denver is a vibrant metropolis with fast entry to quite a few trails. From downtown Denver, you possibly can drive an hour or much less and end up submerged within the evergreen bushes and the Rocky Mountains, making it a handy vacation spot for mountaineering.
After I lived in Colorado for six years, I spent many weekends and summers exploring the very best hikes in Denver with mates and my husband. One among my favourite issues to do was to go for a day hike after which drive into the town to seize drinks and meals.
Whether or not you’re visiting Denver for work, enjoyable, or have time to kill throughout a layover at Denver Worldwide Airport, there are hikes for folks of all talents to get pleasure from. I’ve included a mixture of distances, problem ranges, and elevation positive factors so you possibly can choose the very best path for you.
Though I’ve not explored ALL the paths in Denver (there are a whole lot), these are six of the very best trails I’ve hiked throughout the summer time season. I hope this information helps you determine which trails to deal with in your subsequent journey to Denver.
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Finest Day Hikes in Denver
Earlier than you arrive in Mile Excessive Metropolis, you will need to contemplate which path you need to discover so you recognize what to anticipate.
All the hikes on this checklist are accessible through paved roads. None of them requires a car with 4×4 or excessive clearance to get to the trailhead (if the roads are away from snow).
If you wish to deliver your canine companion, all of the hikes on this checklist are additionally dog-friendly. With out additional ado, listed here are 6 of the very best hikes in Denver.
1. Pink Rocks Buying and selling Put up Path
Path Fundamentals
Out of all the hikes on this checklist, the Pink Rocks Buying and selling Put up Path is the closest drive from downtown Denver, making it a really perfect hike if you’re in a time crunch. At 1.5 miles, this can be a average, family-friendly hike.
Many individuals have heard of the Pink Rocks live performance venue. If you happen to don’t have tickets to a present, this path is an effective way to get a style of the enduring crimson rocks and discover the well-known venue.
This loop path begins and ends on the Buying and selling Put up, a historic Pueblo Revival constructing that features the Colorado Music Corridor of Fame museum, memorabilia, and souvenirs. I extremely suggest checking it out on the finish of your hike to chill down within the air-conditioning or heat up within the warmth (relying on the time of 12 months you go to).
I hiked this path in September with my husband and cattle canine. There are a number of units of stairs all through the path, however the filth path is comparatively flat and simple, and I wore mountaineering sandals.
I loved stopping for pictures of the towering rocks that encompass the path. These fascinating rock formations make you are feeling such as you’re exploring Mars!
One thing to notice about this path is that there’s little to no shade protection. If you happen to hike on a sunny day, deliver solar safety and loads of water. There are restrooms and water accessible on the Buying and selling Put up.
There are methods to elongate the hike and add on connecting trails when you’re searching for an extended day hike, together with the Will Name path or Mt. Vernon Creek path.
2. Saint Mary’s Glacier
Path Fundamentals
Have you ever ever hiked to a glacier? If not, right here’s your probability. Saint Mary’s Glacier is a fast, 1.6-mile hike and solely an hour’s drive from Denver.
Though this hike is brief, it may be difficult for these not acclimated to the excessive elevation. The path begins at 10,388 ft of elevation, so you might battle to breathe and preserve your ordinary tempo on the path.
In your option to Saint Mary’s Lake, you’ll hike in a forest via towering bristlecone pine bushes. This part of the path is a bit difficult as you achieve 347 ft of elevation in half a mile.
Nonetheless, the path is broad with loads of locations to cease and catch your breath. When you arrive on the lake, you’ll proceed to take the path to the fitting and climb one other 200 ft over 0.3 miles.
That is the place the plain route disappears, and I like to recommend downloading the AllTrails map forward of time that can assist you navigate. The reward is unbelievable panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains to the west.
It doesn’t matter what time of 12 months you full this hike, you’ll see snow on the glacier. In the summertime, you possibly can deliver your swimsuit and leap within the lake, however it’s freezing glacial water. There are restrooms on the trailhead however no water, so deliver your individual!
To park on the trailhead, it’s essential to pay $20 and show a allow in your windshield. There is no such thing as a ranger on responsibility, so it’s essential to seize an envelope and put money inside or write down your bank card data (you drop it right into a secured lock field). Deliver a pen to write down down your license plate quantity on the envelope.
3. Echo Lake to Idaho Springs Reservoir
Path Fundamentals
If you happen to love alpine lakes, forests, and mountain views, this hike has all of it. The Echo Lake to Idaho Springs Reservoir path is a 4-mile, out-and-back path with simply the correct amount of problem for a satisfying day hike.
The trailhead has water, vault bogs, and free parking. As quickly as you begin mountaineering on the trail, you will note stunning views of Echo Lake. On a transparent day, you possibly can see the reflection of the pine bushes and snowy mountain peaks within the blue water.
This path is above 10,000 ft in elevation for all the hike, so you might have to take breaks to catch your breath. Fortunately, the filth path weaves via a forest that gives shade and massive rocks to take a seat on as wanted.
The path is hilly and rocky, so put on grippy mountaineering boots with good traction and use trekking poles when you’ve got them.
As you strategy Idaho Springs Reservoir, there’s a steep gravel part. It’s a little below 300 ft of achieve over a half mile. The path widens at this part, so you should have loads of room to take breaks.
When you attain Idaho Springs Reservoir, you’ll be greeted with gorgeous views of blue water, pine bushes, and mountain views. I like to recommend discovering a spot close to the water to get pleasure from a mountaineering snack or picnic lunch earlier than heading down.
4. Mt. Snitkau
Path Fundamentals
The toughest hike on the checklist, Mt. Snitaku is ideal for an skilled hiker trying to problem themselves on a Denver day hike. This 13’er reaches an elevation of 13,240 ft on the summit.
To entry the trailhead, you’ll drive up the enduring Loveland Cross and see breathtaking views of the mountains proper out of your automobile. Parking is free, however there aren’t any loos or water on the trailhead.
Even after dwelling and mountaineering in Colorado commonly, I discovered this 3.6-mile hike difficult. There is no such thing as a easing into this hike; as quickly as you begin strolling, there’s a steep uphill climb.
The path is rocky, so that you’ll need mountaineering boots with good traction and trekking poles. It’s a broad and uncovered path with no bushes or shade, so deliver correct solar safety. If you happen to’re mountaineering in winter, you will have traction units like microspikes and heat layers.
After mountaineering for about 0.8 miles, you’ll attain the junction the place the path splits for Mt. Snitkau and Mt. Cupid. Take the path to the left for Mt. Snitkau.
Round 1.2 miles, there’s a minor Class 2 small rock scramble the place the path turns into a bit tougher to navigate, and you might want to make use of your palms for additional stability. I seemed for cairns alongside the path to navigate this boulder part, however I like to recommend downloading the AllTrails map forward of time simply in case.
As quickly as you attain the highest of Class 2, you’ll see the place the filth path continues to Mt. Snitkau. After mountaineering one other half mile alongside the path, you’ll attain the slender ridge to the summit.
When you arrive on the summit, you will note breathtaking views of Torreys Peak and Grizzly Peak behind a small, blue alpine lake within the distance. The summit could be windy and chilly relying on the day (even once I hiked in early July), but when the circumstances aren’t too unhealthy, I like to recommend stopping right here for a fast mountaineering snack.
If you wish to prolong the hike and bag two 13’ers in a day, folks typically hike again to the junction and take the path to Mt. Cupid. It will add one other 1.6 miles to your hike and about 450 ft extra elevation achieve.
5. Mayhem Gulch and Juniper Loop Path
Path Fundamentals
The Mayhem Gulch and Juniper Loop Path is a pleasing day hike in Denver for somebody searching for a much less widespread or crowded possibility. Solely a 40-minute drive from Denver, this hike delivers attractive views of juniper bushes and mountain peaks.
The trailhead has vault bogs however no water. It’s free to park within the lot. There’s a nice mixture of sunny stretches and shaded sections alongside the path, so deliver solar safety.
The path is a mud path with some rock scree. It may be a little bit slick at elements, so put on mountaineering sneakers with good traction. I personally wore mountaineering sandals and was superb.
Though this hike is listed as a loop, it’s extra of a lollipop form. You’ll achieve nearly all of the elevation (600 ft) over the primary 1.5 miles of the “stick” part of the lollipop.
The stick part winds via a forest. When you attain the fork for the loop, you possibly can head both clockwise or counterclockwise.
I hiked clockwise, however I don’t suppose there’s a clear benefit to both route. Each are equal quantities difficult and have comparable views.
Alongside the loop portion of the path, you will note gorgeous views of mountain peaks. There may be additionally an open meadow excellent for pictures and a picnic within the solar.
Test if it’s a motorbike or hike day
On sure days, this path is just open to mountain bikers and mountaineering is just not allowed. At present, even calendar days are bike-only. Double-check the Jefferson County Open House web site and skim the signage on the trailhead earlier than you start the hike.
6. Lake Isabelle
Path Fundamentals
I saved the very best hike for final! Lake Isabelle might be in my high 5 favourite hikes in all of Colorado. Though it’s barely additional than an hour from Denver at 1 hour 20 minutes, it’s well worth the journey when you’ve got the time.
Additionally it is the one hike on the checklist that requires a allow bought upfront. You should buy a day-use allow to park at Brainard Lake via Recreation.gov earlier than you drive to the trailhead (there isn’t a cell service within the Brainard Lake Recreation Space, and permits typically promote out in the summertime).
Permits price $14 plus a $2 reservation charge, and they’re launched on a 14-day rolling window. You should both print or screenshot your allow earlier than driving to the trailhead.
The path makes a lollipop with two sticks on either side. The primary (and final) 0.4 miles of the hike aren’t significantly scenic as you stroll alongside the paved Brainard Lake Highway to entry the path.
That is the one boring part, although. When you attain the forested part with a mud path and bushes, you’ll cross Lengthy Lake in your proper. This lake is attractive in its personal proper, and you will note the opposite aspect of the lake in your means down.
You’ll proceed to wind via the forest on a comparatively flat, easy path. At about 2.2 miles, you’ll attain a small picket bridge and cross over a stream that connects Lake Isabelle and Lengthy Lake.
At 2.3 miles, you’ll attain a fork within the path. You’ll take the path left to Lake Isabelle; you’ll ultimately take the fork within the different route on the way in which right down to type the loop and see the opposite aspect of Lengthy Lake.
As you strategy Lake Isabelle, you will note a meadow to the left. You possibly can usually spot moose within the distance (I’ve seen them right here on three separate events).
Round 3.1 miles, it’s essential to cross over some boulders with working water to achieve Lake Isabelle. Go gradual and watch your step – this part could be slick and is difficult for many individuals.
If you happen to stroll a little bit additional, you’ll arrive at Lake Isabelle and see the attractive snowy peaks of Niwot Ridge, Navajo Peak, Navajo Glacier, Apache Peak, and Shoshoni Peak with the clear blue water of Lake Isabelle in entrance. This breathtaking view of the mountains with the alpine lake is what makes it one among my favourite hikes.
It’s a scenic spot to get pleasure from a mountaineering snack and take within the views. In the summertime months, you possibly can deliver a swimsuit and leap within the water for a swim.
Finest Time of Yr to Hike in Denver
With 300 days of sunshine, there are nice mountaineering circumstances in Denver all year long. It in the end depends upon whether or not you like to hike within the snow.
Summer season
For the very best probability of clear path circumstances, I like to recommend mountaineering from Might via September for hikes under 10,000 ft. For hikes above 10,000 ft in elevation, you might want to attend till late June or early July for the snow and ice to soften.
Summer season can be wildflower season in Colorado. You will notice attractive flowers like Blue Columbine and Indian Paintbrush on many trails whereas mountaineering in July.
In excessive elevations, the summer time air nonetheless feels cool whereas mountaineering. Along with solar safety, deliver a light-weight jacket to really feel comfy whereas hanging out on the summit.
Fall
Fall is one among my favourite seasons to hike in Colorado. If you happen to choose a path with aspen bushes, you’ll get pleasure from stunning golden leaves fluttering round you.
Temperatures within the fall are nonetheless nice for mountaineering, however in direction of the tip of September, there’s a threat of snow within the mountains at excessive elevations. Even when the climate appears good in Denver, it may be a night-and-day distinction when you head to the mountains.
Remember to put on fall mountaineering attire and test path circumstances earlier than driving an hour to a better elevation.
Winter
If you happen to go to Colorado throughout the winter, it’s essential to come ready. Relying on the depth of the snow and the quantity of ice on the path, I like to recommend mountaineering with winter traction units like snowshoes or microspikes. I normally test AllTrails earlier than driving to the trailhead to learn current path stories.
Among the trails on this checklist journey via avalanche terrain, so except you’ve taken an avalanche course and have the correct tools, you need to stick with gentler terrain like that you simply’ll discover on the Pink Rocks Buying and selling Put up path. You possibly can test present warnings with the Colorado Avalanche Data Heart earlier than hitting the path.
The paved roads resulting in the trailheads on this checklist can also be inaccessible in the event that they haven’t been plowed. Test for street closures and drive a car that handles effectively in snow. I’ve gotten caught at a trailhead (even in a 4×4 car) and relied on the kindness of a stranger to drag me out.
Spring
Spring is hard for mountaineering in Denver because of the path circumstances. Some trails nonetheless have snow and ice, whereas others have TONS of mud from the melting snow.
Nonetheless, there are sometimes fewer crowds within the spring, which makes it simpler to search out parking at widespread trailheads and luxuriate in peace on the paths. There are additionally typically sunny skies in March and April with nice mountaineering temperatures.
Suggestions for Climbing in Denver
Earlier than you hit the paths in Colorado, learn the following pointers to make sure a protected and pleasant expertise within the Rocky Mountains.
Planning a visit to Colorado? Try these different outside actions:
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Have you ever hiked in Colorado? What do you suppose is the very best day hike in Denver? I’d love to listen to about your favourite path within the feedback.
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