20 Best Trails and Hikes in Denver

Enjoy this beautiful paved city trail along the river which is popular for biking, running, and walking. It is easy to access using a wheelchair, stroller, or any other mobility equipment. It may get a little busy around the light rail stations but apart from that it's fairly smooth and easy to go.

Benches and picnic tables have been placed along the trail to facilitate the visitors. Families can have a great time here as well as you can also enjoy this beautiful trail along with your dog but please make sure you keep them on a leash.

• Length: 5.5km
• Elevation gain: 39m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Estimated time: Around 1 hour
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

Yet another easy-to-go and popular destination to have some top-quality time and create moments with your loved ones. This well-paved path may get a bit busy, especially near the city but on the whole, it's a great place to explore. It possesses numerous attractions like Denver Country Club, Cherry Creek Mall, Four Mile Historic Park, and many more.

The trail highlights the charm of the city and is easy to access by using any mobility equipment like a wheelchair. Dogs are welcome here with some restrictions.

• Length: 39.6km
• Elevation gain: 186m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Estimated time: 7 hours and 36 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

Beginning at the Fishback Landing Park it takes through the Confluence, City of Cuernavaca, Commons, Centennial, and Gates Crescent Parks. There are two designated accessible spaces out of which at least one is van accessible. It can be accessible through a wheelchair or any other mobility equipment.

Parking can be a bit tricky here and is usually less crowded but at the same time can get crowded anytime especially later in the day because of its popularity. Dogs are permitted on leash.

• Length: 6.1km
• Elevation gain: 26m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Estimated time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

An easy trail near Denver, Colorado which is popular as a birding, hiking, and riding route. It is open throughout the year and has been a top choice among travelers. It is also a great option for families where they can have some quality time under the blue sky between wildflowers and nature.

This place isn’t usually crowded except for the weekends when it might get busier. It has an easy parking facility. Dogs are welcome with some restrictions.

• Length: 3.9km
• Elevation gain: 19m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Estimated time: 45 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

One of the moderately challenging trails that features dense woods, expansive meadows, and exposed upper slopes, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Summer has also its special presents for visitors including Glacier Lilies, Paintbrush, Columbines, Penstemon, and White Valery. Also, recent reports highlight the appearance of rattlesnakes so, have a close look before you place any step and use extra caution.

The trail doesn’t offer much shade. Hikers are advised to carry enough water with appropriate clothing and amenities to carry. Generally less crowded route with easy park-in conditions as well as good condition bathrooms.

• Length: 10.3km
• Elevation gain: 330m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: Around 3 hours
• Kid-friendly: No
• Dog-friendly: Yes

Head out on this moderately challenging route trails near Denver Co. A popular birding, running, and hiking trail that offers beautiful scenic views including wildlife. An early start is advised to avoid the possible crowd and to enjoy the peaceful nature at its best.

Route may be subject to seasonal closure due to weather conditions so please check the updated information before planning. Also, the regulations related to dogs keep varying here.

• Length: 15.9km
• Elevation gain: 208m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

An easy family-friendly trail that features unreal views of the iconic red rock formations. A few stair sets are there throughout the trail but are doable and easy to go. However, it has minimal shade and exposed to the sun mostly so, visitors are advised to bring enough water along with the other necessary amenities like sunglasses, and suncream.

There is easy parking in a large parking lot, and the trail isn’t usually crowded. However, this trail is subject to seasonal closure because of weather conditions, so check the update before you plan. Also, dogs are allowed on leashes only during non-event times.

• Length: 2.6km
• Elevation gain: 111m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: 50 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

The broad and well-paved trails around Denver that is a great choice for an easygoing trail. This trail offers lovely views of meadows, rivers, and downtown castles. It can be easily accessible through a wheelchair and other mobility equipment.

Depending on weather conditions it might be hot or smoky but isn’t overly crowded. A dog-friendly route that has easy parking conditions. Overall, a great place to breathe some quality air.

• Length: 18.8km
• Elevation gain: 138m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Estimated time: 3 hours and 50 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

A popular hiking trail that lies near Denver, Colorado. Despite a short trail it still has that capacity to challenge the hikers which is why it is rated as a moderately challenging route. It is an unpaved and comparatively narrow trail including a steep climb.

You will be rewarded with the fantastic panoramic vistas of the landscape around you. Sunny weather can be hot as it doesn’t have shade so please prepare accordingly. Usually a less crowded having easy parking space.

• Length: 2.3km
• Elevation gain: 106m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: 45 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

An amazing hike near Denver, Colorado which is rated as a moderately demanding trail that features stunning views of some snow patches, and forests along with the fabulous glacier. Some sections are rocky with steep climbs but are manageable.

Technical gear is necessary for the winter hike to complete the route. A certain amount will be charged as an entry fee. Easy but paid parking is available and it allows dogs with restrictions.

• Length: 2.6km
• Elevation gain: 161m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

A moderately challenging but kid-friendly trail which is a great option for families to explore nature it offers stunning views of the rock formations, forests, wildflowers, and surrounding areas along with the beautiful sunset that will just blow your mind. The must-visit hiking places in Denver that will not disappoint you at all.

Free and easy parking with the availability of the bathrooms. It also allows the pets so you can accompany yourself with dogs as well following some regulations. Less crowded and in great condition.

• Length: 4km
• Elevation gain: 98m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: Around 1 hour
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

Devil Head trail is a moderately difficult route that lies near Denver, Colorado which takes through the distinct granite rock outcropping in the front range west of Castle Rock. Avoid visiting the tower area during the stormy weather. The main highlight of this place is the sunrise and most people visit this trail to witness the amazing sunrise for a great day ahead.

Weekends can be crowded and an early start is recommended. You can park at no cost in a medium-sized parking lot and there are also good-condition bathrooms available. On the whole, a hike with great views and conditions.

• Length: 4.5km
• Elevation gain: 264m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

A popular hiking and biking route that is considered a moderately challenging trail but is suitable for all ages. It offers nice scenic views of the forests and nearby areas and also there is plenty of opportunity to spot the wildlife. Rout is accessible by wheelchair, stroller, and other equipment with all-terrain tires.

A certain amount is charged as an entry fee however you get free parking with easy access. Also, there is no difficulty for bathrooms but dogs are not allowed on this route.

• Length: 20.3km
• Elevation gain: 208m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: 4 hours and 19 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: No

The route is filled with fun and enjoyment that is suitable for all ages. It offers stunning views from the summit. The signage board may be covered by snow and might be confusing to many, so downloading an offline map is recommended. The route contains plenty of shade providing an ideal condition for the hikes.

Generally, it is a less crowded trail but may get busy in later the day, especially during weekends. Easy parking and bathroom facilities are present. Dogs are permitted on a leash for safety purposes.

• Length: 1.8km
• Elevation gain: 53m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Estimated time: 30 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

Incredible tracks in Denver, the Mount Falcon Park that leads to the Mount Falcon Peak via the Eagles Eye Shelte. Visual vistas and amazing landscapes build up the scenery of this place. Along with the majestic views, this place is also home to various wildlife. Day hikes might be hot as it doesn’t have enough shade but is cool and relaxing in the evenings.

Easy to park in a free and large parking lot with a bathroom facility. It is not overly crowded and has a peaceful environment—eventually, a beautiful hike with nice scenery and great conditions.

• Length: 2.3km
• Elevation gain: 55m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Estimated time: 36 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

Bluffs Regional Park Trail is popular for birding and hiking and features some incredibly amazing views of the Colorado Front Range mountains, the Denver metro area, and grassland vegetation and wildlife. A short and easy hike is also a perfect destination for families to have quality togetherness in nature.

However, it doesn’t have enough shade to offer which is why visitors are advised to bring enough water and necessary items like a hat would be great. Sunrise and sunset hours are just out of the world. Free parking is available in a large parking lot with bathroom facilities.

• Length: 4.5km
• Elevation gain: 112m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Estimated time: 1 hour and 13 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

Enjoy this easy-to-moderate trail that is a well-known walking and hiking destination. All age groups can explore this route that features calm forests and wildlife sightings. With a bit of demanding ascent and with fair enough elevation, the views from the top area are attractive and satisfying the efforts.

This peaceful trail is also called a hidden gem by several hikers. Dogs allowed her but should be kept on a leash at all times for the safety of all including pets.

• Length: 1.6km
• Elevation gain: 216m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: Around 1 hour
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

Located in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, this is an easy family-friendly stroller that takes you around the lake in Sloans Lake Park. It can be navigated using a wheelchair, or stroller as well as other mobility types of equipment which makes sit a perfect option for everyone.

It may get crowded later in the day as well as it lacks shade because of which an early start is recommended. Do not forget to keep hydrating yourself and carry sun protection amenities.

• Length: 4.2km
• Elevation gain: 4m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

As its name, it highlights some of the spectacular views of the Flatirons outside of Boulder, Colorado. Sunset is one of the key features of this trail that you should not miss. The route contains some rocky sections so, watch out carefully and go slowly.

It requires an entry fee to get in this route but has easy parking conditions along with bathrooms. Dogs are allowed with some restrictions. Overall, it's a peaceful hike with great views and conditions.

• Length: 5.6km
• Elevation gain: 87m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Estimated time: 1 hour and 18 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

A lovely walking experience along the partially paved trail that is considered a moderately challenging trail as well as lengthy. Usually, it has dry conditions with minimal mud depending on the weather conditions. September conditions are considered ideal with mild temperatures.

However, it has minimal shade to offer so make sure to prepare accordingly. Easy to par and bathroom facilities are available. Usually less crowded apart from weekends when it may get busier. It can also be navigated using a wheelchair or stroller.

• Length: 82.7km
• Elevation gain: 178m
• Route type: Point to point
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: Around 15 hours
• Dog-friendly: Yes