Favorite Day Hikes near Denver

Over the past few years my husband and I have been on countless hikes throughout Colorado. On the mornings we get a later start during the summer or during the spring and fall when we’re not looking to hike in the snow/mud/ice out in the mountains, we head to the Front Range for a day hike. I’ve listed out a few of our favorite parks and open spaces that are within one hour of Denver and some of our favorite hikes that don’t get too high in elevation so they’re accessible for more months of the year.

National Parks

Colorado has four National Parks: Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Mesa Verde. I’ve been to all but Mesa Verde. Each one is incredible in their own way. Rocky Mountain will always hold a special place in my heart. Check out this post a sample itinerary for A Week in Rocky Mountain National Park, including some of my favorite hikes and camping spots. More to come for Great Sand Dunes and Black Canyon of the Gunnison!

State & Local Parks

Alderfer / Three Sisters Park

About 40 minutes from Denver, you’ll find Alderfer / Three Sisters Park in Evergreen, Colorado. There are over 15 miles of trails to hike with access from two trailheads (east and west) along Buffalo Park Road. The trails all intersect and can be combined for longer hiking options. Our favorite hike in the park is the Ponderosa Trail to the Sisters Trail, where you can climb up some of the rocks to get breathtaking views of the mountains.

Mt. Falcon Park

Just outside of Morrison, you’ll find Mt. Falcon Park. In the town of Indian Hills, about 45 minutes from Denver, the park has over 12 miles of trails to hike with access from two trailheads (east and west). The trailheads are connected via the Castle Trail. Our favorite hike in the park is an out-and-back style hike that starts at the West Trailhead and follows the Castle Trail to the Summer White house Site. On the way back to the trailhead, follow the spur to the Meadow and Tower trails for some of the best views of the Front Range from the Eagle Eye Shelter.

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater

Arguably the best concert venue in the United States, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater is a fun place to explore. Parking is free and the amphitheater is open daily year-round. Sunrise at the amphitheater is unreal and you’ll see a ton of people there early in the morning to exercise, especially in the summer. Stadium runs anyone? (totally kidding) The amphitheater is really cool to see during the day, if you’re not visiting for a concert, and hiking trails in the park are fun to explore during the day.

Roxborough State Park

Roxoborough State Park is located near Littleton, Colorado about 40 minutes southwest of Denver. A day pass is $10 and an annual pass to all Colorado Parks is $80. Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed in the park.

Combining the Willow Creek and South Rim Trails will put you at about 3 miles and provides great views. An easier option would be the Fountain Valley Trail, which is about 2.25 miles and has less change in elevation, and although “easier,” this trail also provides great views. We’ve had luck bringing out of town family here, so we can get outdoors with plenty of trails options but it’s not too strenuous when it comes to altitude.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

About 50 minutes northwest of Denver, you’ll find Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Same as Roxoborough State Park, a day pass is $10 and the annual pass is $80. There are three entrances to the park and the cell service isn’t great, so be sure you know where you’re heading ahead of time. I highly recommend checking out the north side of the park during the fall when the aspens change colors. The Aspen Meadows Campground turns gold in the fall and is breathtaking.

There are two trails accessible from the campground, the Snowshoe Hare Trail and the Mule Deer Trail. Both have you hiking through aspen groves and are worth checking out. The Mule Deer Trail can be hiked on its own at about 9 miles or you can cut through using the Coyote Trail to shorten the trek. The Mule Deer Trail is also a great hike during the spring and summer.

Chautauqua Park

A bit father from Denver, at an hour and twenty minutes, you’ll find Chautauqua Park just outside of Boulder. Parking is free but limited, so be sure to know where you’re headed. There are plenty of trails to choose from and most can be combined for various routes. We parked at the Enchanted Mesa Trailhead and hiked a loop connecting the following trails: Enchanted Mesa, McClintock Upper, Flatirons Loop, and Chautauqua. The park provides great views of (and climbing access to) the Flatirons, which are very well known rock formations seen from Boulder.

Staunton State Park

For some more challenging day hikes near Denver, check out Staunton State Park. About 45 minutes southwest of Denver, just outside of Conifer, you’ll find this park. Same pass pricing as the previously mentioned State Parks. Our favorite hike in the park is Elk Falls. Depending on the route you take, it’ll clock in between 12-13 miles and is considered moderate. We followed the Staunton Ranch Trail to Marmot Passage Trail and then the Chimney Rock Trail to Elk Falls. On the way back, we took the spur for the Scout Line Trail to see the other views the park had to offer.

We hiked this route in March a few years back and although the trails were clear of snow and ice, the waterfall was frozen. Which was still beautiful, just not what my husband expected. On the east side of the park, the Mason Creek Trail is a great option. The two times we’ve completed this hike, the section of the trail between the Bear Paw trail spur has been closed, which has added 2 miles onto the hike. The views from the overlooks along the Bear Paw Trail are incredible.

Trails near Denver

Outside of state parks and open space options, there are countless options for hikes near Denver. When I designate a hike as a day hike, to me that means that I can wake up in Denver, drive to the trailhead, hike and drive home before evening. There are plenty of ways to extend your day out in the mountains, including: camping, exploring the mountain towns, or staying in a cool a-frame Airbnb.

To us, a good length for a day hike would be 6-8 miles. We’ve done more (the most being 17 miles in Yosemite – stay tuned for that post!) and less (sometimes 4 miles with a large elevation change is enough). Here are a half of a dozen of our favorite day hikes near (within two hours) of Denver!

Silver Dollar Lake

Off of Guanella Pass, just before the trailhead for Mt. Bierstadt (a 14er), you’ll find the Silver Dollar Lake trailhead. At about 1.5 hours from Denver, this trail is approximately 4.1 miles long with almost 1,066-ft of elevation change. The trailhead sits at just over 11,000 feet, so this is a great option to prepare for a 14er or to challenge yourself. It’s an out-and-back style trail that’s considered moderate and provides sweeping views of Mt. Bierstadt and three alpine lakes.

Square Top Mountain

Just past the Silver Dollar Lake trailhead, across from the Bierstadt Trailhead, you’ll find a parking lot and the trailhead for Square Top Mountain. At 7 miles and 2,454-ft of elevation change, this trail is considered difficult. An option, would be to start the hike and get to Square Top Lakes, about 2.5 miles from the trailhead, for breathtaking views and a snack break. Just past the lakes, there’s a fork in the trail where you turn right and head uphill. This is where the hike gets really hard. There was only 935-ft of elevation change in the first part so there’s still 1,519-ft left to climb.

It can get pretty windy at the top, and weather can show up at any time. There are not any trees on this hike, nor on Silver Dollar Lake, so you’re pretty exposed to the elements. Be prepared with rain gear, layers, sunscreen, snacks and water. A good rule of thumb for all hikes in Colorado, especially when above the tree-line, is to be making your way back to the trailhead around noon.

St. Mary’s Glacier

About 1 hour and 15 minutes west of Denver, just past Idaho Springs you’ll find the trailhead for St. Mary’s Glacier. Parking is $5 and you have to leave cash in an envelope to get a parking pass for your car. The trailhead is above 10,000 feet so be sure to come prepared with layers and check the weather. The hike is considered moderate, coming in at 2.4 miles roundtrip with 1,030-ft of change in elevation. You can make the hike shorter in distance and therefore easier by not going all the way up to the glacier past St. Mary’s Lake. If you don’t go the entire distance, be sure to hike a little past the lake to where you’re up above it for some incredible views.

Herman Gulch

West of Denver, just before the Tunnel, you’ll exit I-70 at the trailhead for Herman Gulch. The trail is 7.2 miles with 1,774-ft of elevation change and is considered moderate. You might be able to hear traffic noise from I-70 at the beginning, but shortly into the it disappears. You’ll follow the gulch the entire way up to Herman Lake. The lake and gulch provide an opportunity to fish if you’re looking for an additional activity or a break from hiking. The lake is above 12,000 feet so be prepared to be above the tree line and possible windy conditions at the top if you’re thinking about spending time at the lake.

Bison Peak

If you’re looking for a challenge and a hike that doesn’t feel like Colorado, check out the Bison Peak Trail. At about 2 hours from Denver, this day hike is located between Jefferson and Lake George. The trail is considered difficult at 11.8 miles with 3,736-ft of elevation change. The summit isn’t your typical Colorado rocky peak, but rather a flat field with columnar rock formations to explore.

Chief Mountain

An hour west of Denver, south of Idaho Springs, you’ll find the Chief Mountain Trail. This moderate hike is 2.8 miles with 941-ft of elevation change. While on the shorter side, distance wise, the top has incredible 360-degree views and you can see for miles.