Best Denver Hikes
Hiking Tips & Essentials
Even if you’re just visiting Colorado, AllTrails is a must-have app. With AllTrails Premium, you can download offline maps to hike confidently—even where there’s no cell service. AllTrails Premium is a smart investment in your hiking experience if you plan to be outside of cell service.
Elevation Gain
Elevation gain measures how much you’ll climb on a hike. For example, 700 feet of gain might not sound like much, but that’s about as tall as the tallest building in Denver’s skyline—giving you a simple way to picture the climb ahead.
Elevation
Denver sits at about 5,280 feet above sea level. But many hikes nearby climb up to 10,000+ feet. Think of it like this: when a flight is landing you to put your tray tables and seatbacks up when you reach 10,000 feet—so on some hikes, you’ll be even higher than that!
Gear
Don’t underestimate the sun at elevation—wear sunscreen, even if the air feels cool. Stay hydrated to help your body adjust, and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Check recent trail reports to see if microspikes or poles are recommended.
Summary
Consider elevation, elevation gain, and distance when hiking near Denver. We and AllTrails rate hikes as easy, moderate, or hard based on these factors. Don’t underestimate a trail—altitude can make it tougher. If you’re visiting, start with an easier hike to acclimate.
Best Easy Hikes Near Denver
Moderate hikes cover more distance, gain more elevation, and often reach higher altitudes—offering a rewarding challenge with scenic views.
Lookout Mountain Summit
Distance: less than 1 mile
Elevation Gain: minimal
Highest Point: 7,377 feet
Lookout Mountain near Denver offers stunning panoramic views of the Rockies, Golden, and the Denver skyline—all accessible by car. This drivable summit requires little effort, with optional hiking trails in Lookout Mountain Park for those seeking more adventure.
Genesee Summit Trail
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation Gain: 170 feet
Highest Point: 8,278 feet
Easily accessible from the Genesee Mountain parking lot, this short trail features low elevation gain, scenic mountain views, and a covered shelter. It’s an easy spot to catch an awesome mountain sunset and a great way for visitors to experience being over 8,000 feet.
Mount Falcon Lookout Trail
Distance: 1.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Highest Point: 7,850 feet
Easily accessible from the West Trailhead parking lot, this mostly gravel trail has minimal elevation gain and offers scenic views of the mountains, Denver, and a covered hut—perfect for a low-effort mountain experience, acclimating to nearly 8,000 feet, or watching the sunset behind the peaks.
Green Mountain Trail Loop
Distance: 1.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Highest Point: 6,250 feet
A scenic hike near Lakewood with slight elevation gain, wide-open views, and a well-marked path. In spring and early summer, the hillsides bloom with wildflowers—making it a scenic favorite close to Denver and easily extendable to other moderate hikes on our list. You may even see some wild life as this park is popular with birds and deer.
Drive the Loveland Pass
Distance: N/A
Elevation Gain: N/A
Highest Point: 11,990 feet
For high altitude and stunning views with minimal effort, drive Loveland Pass. At 11,990 feet, this scenic route features dramatic mountain vistas and alpine tundra, plus a parking lot at the pass—usually crowded—where you can stop and enjoy the scenery. Be ready for sharp turns, thin air, and changing weather.
Best Moderate Hikes Near Denver
Moderate hikes cover more distance, gain more elevation, and often reach higher altitudes—offering a rewarding challenge with scenic views.
Chief Mountain
Distance: 3.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
Highest Point: 11,710 feet
Chief Mountain Trail is an amazing hike with steep, constant gain, reaching over 2 miles above sea level. At the summit, a bit of light rock climbing is needed to reach the top, where breathtaking 360-degree views await. This is a great fall and summer hike. If you are looking for a true mountain summit experience that is not overly difficult, this is the hike for you.
Meadowlark Plymouth Creek Short Loop
Distance: 3.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 550 feet
Highest Point: 6,550 feet
Start from the Deer Creek Canyon Park trailhead for a rewarding loop hike with sweeping views of the Denver metro and rolling foothills. The elevation gain is manageable and the trail is well defined. In summer, the trail comes alive with wildflowers—usually peaking in June. It’s also a great spot for an evening hike, with a beautiful horizon as the sun sets.
Castle, Meadow and Devil’s Elbow to Mt. Falcon
Distance: 4.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 650 feet
Highest Point: 7,850 feet
Depart from the Mt. Falcon West trailhead for a manageable hike with steady elevation gain, offering sweeping views of the rolling foothills and distant Denver skyline. In summer, the trail bursts with wildflowers. At Devil’s Elbow, take in a stunning vista overlooking the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater nestled among the foothills. Also check out the Parmalee Loop for similar experience, slightly shorter.
Elkhorn Trail and Eagle’s View Trail Loop
Distance: 4.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
Highest Point: 8,150 feet
Depart from the Reynolds Park trailhead with plenty of parking. The ascent is steep but the views will be worth it. In June and July, this trail comes alive with wildflowers. Eagle’s view on AllTrails is the summit and offers stunning views, you can even see Pikes Peak in the distance! AllTrails has some shorter trails available with slightly less elevation gain to reach the summit also.
Nightbird Gulch
Distance: 3.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 920 feet
Highest Point: 7,850 feet
Nightbird Gulch offers a unique hiking experience with easier parking and fewer crowds than the Mt. Galbraith Loop (4.2 miles). Park near a Golden neighborhood, then to fantastic views of Denver, Golden and the Coors factory. Don’t miss the scenic overlook just off the main path, marked on AllTrails. Perfect for evening hikes, this trail is famous for its stunning golden hour.
Best Difficult Hikes Near Denver
Difficult hikes feature steep, sustained elevation gains and challenging terrain—don’t underestimate them and always exercise caution for a safe, rewarding adventure.
Mount Morrison
Distance: 3.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,020 feet
Highest Point: 7,881 feet
Mt. Morrison Trail is known as one of the hardest hikes around Denver, featuring steep and constant gain. The summit requires a rock scramble. As you climb, you’ll see downtown Denver emerge beyond Red Rocks Amphitheatre. For a true bucket-list experience, you might even catch sound tests from the amphitheater on show mornings, adding a unique vibe to your hike.
Mount Sniktau
Distance: 3.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
Highest Point: 13,219 feet
Mount Sniktau is a steep hike from the Loveland Pass, climbing above 13,000 feet with sweeping views of the Continental Divide and nearby 14ers. The trail is exposed and above treeline—watch for fast-moving storms. Wind protection and snow-ready footwear are essential, even in summer. Check recent trail reviews before heading out. Extendable to include other 13ers and 14ers.