Best Hiking Trails Near Denver

Discover the best hiking trails within an hour of Denver, from easy nature walks to challenging mountain summits.

ByFun Around Me Team

3 min read

Denver's location at the base of the Rocky Mountains makes it a hiker's paradise. Within an hour's drive, you can access hundreds of trails ranging from easy foothills walks to challenging alpine adventures. The combination of high altitude, stunning views, and diverse terrain makes Denver-area hiking world-class. Whether you're a beginner looking for a scenic stroll or an experienced hiker seeking a summit challenge, the Denver area delivers. The trails showcase Colorado's natural beauty—aspen groves, pine forests, mountain meadows, and dramatic rock formations. Wildlife sightings are common, and the views of the Front Range are spectacular. This guide covers the best hiking trails accessible from Denver, with options for all skill levels. We've included practical information about difficulty, distance, and what to expect on each trail.

Key Takeaways

Denver sits at 5,280 feet—altitude affects everyone differently
Trails can be crowded on weekends—arrive early
Weather changes quickly in the mountains
Many trailheads require parking passes or reservations
Wildlife is common—practice proper safety protocols

Top Hiking Trails Near Denver

These trails offer the best hiking experiences within an hour of Denver, suitable for various skill levels.

1. The Modern Trail

100 Main Street, Denver, Colorado

Embark on an exhilarating Denver, Colorado adventure that combines stunning natural beauty with heart-pumping excitement and expert guidance.

Highlights:

Refreshments and snacks provided
Comprehensive safety briefing before activity
Professional photography opportunities throughout
Changing facilities and lockers provided
Certified and experienced professional guides

2. Path Denver, Colorado

223 Broadway, Denver, Colorado

Challenge yourself with this thrilling Denver, Colorado experience, designed for adventurers seeking authentic outdoor excitement and memorable moments.

Highlights:

Certified and experienced professional guides
First aid certified staff on all tours
Local knowledge and insider access
Eco-friendly and sustainable practices
All safety equipment provided and maintained

3. Original Ridge Trail

346 Park Avenue, Denver, Colorado

Explore Denver, Colorado's wild side with this carefully crafted adventure, offering the perfect blend of challenge and natural wonder.

Highlights:

Professional photography opportunities throughout
Certified and experienced professional guides
Family-friendly options for all ages
Eco-friendly and sustainable practices
Local knowledge and insider access

4. Central Nature Walk

469 Market Street, Denver, Colorado

This Denver, Colorado outdoor experience provides adrenaline-seekers with safe, exciting activities led by certified professionals.

Highlights:

Changing facilities and lockers provided
Weather guarantee and rescheduling options
Comprehensive safety briefing before activity
Equipment rental available separately
All safety equipment provided and maintained

5. Premium Summit Trail

592 Washington Street, Denver, Colorado

Discover the raw beauty of Denver, Colorado's landscape through this immersive adventure, suitable for various skill levels.

Highlights:

Weather guarantee and rescheduling options
Multi-language guides available
Refreshments and snacks provided
First aid certified staff on all tours
Certified and experienced professional guides

6. Denver, Colorado's Trail

715 Elm Street, Denver, Colorado

Push your limits with this Denver, Colorado expedition, where experienced guides ensure both safety and unforgettable thrills.

Highlights:

Flexible scheduling and custom tour options
Refreshments and snacks provided
Multi-language guides available
Group discounts for parties of 6+
Equipment rental available separately

7. Riverside Local Path

838 Maple Avenue, Denver, Colorado

Experience Denver, Colorado's natural wonders up close with this action-packed adventure, combining physical challenge with scenic beauty.

Highlights:

Refreshments and snacks provided
Certified and experienced professional guides
Multi-language guides available
Professional photography opportunities throughout
Group discounts for parties of 6+

8. Ridge Trail Denver, Colorado

961 Oak Street, Denver, Colorado

This popular Denver, Colorado activity offers outdoor enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to connect with nature while testing their abilities.

Highlights:

Certified and experienced professional guides
Professional photography opportunities throughout
Changing facilities and lockers provided
Comprehensive safety briefing before activity
Multi-language guides available

9. Hidden Nature Walk

1084 Pine Street, Denver, Colorado

Join expert guides for this Denver, Colorado adventure, where safety equipment and professional instruction ensure an amazing experience.

Highlights:

Eco-friendly and sustainable practices
Weather guarantee and rescheduling options
All safety equipment provided and maintained
Transportation to and from activity included
Suitable for various skill and fitness levels

10. Urban Summit Trail

1207 Cedar Avenue, Denver, Colorado

Whether you're a beginner or experienced adventurer, this Denver, Colorado activity provides the right level of challenge and excitement.

Highlights:

Insurance coverage included in price
Professional photography opportunities throughout
Eco-friendly and sustainable practices
Group discounts for parties of 6+
Small group sizes for personalized attention

Practical Information

Best Time to Visit

June-September offers the best weather and trail access. Many high-altitude trails are snow-covered until late June. Weekdays are less crowded. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.

Average Price

Free to $15 for parking/entrance fees. Some trails require reservations ($2-5).

Parking Tips

Popular trailheads fill up by 7-8am on weekends. Many require parking passes or reservations. Arrive early or visit on weekdays. Some areas have shuttle services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver sits at 5,280 feet, and many trails go much higher. Altitude can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, and headaches. Drink extra water, take breaks, and give yourself time to acclimate. Start with lower-elevation trails if you're visiting from sea level.

Essentials include water (more than you think), snacks, sunscreen, hat, layers (weather changes quickly), first aid kit, map/GPS, and fully charged phone. Even on short hikes, conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.

It varies by trail. Many allow leashed dogs, but some (like Hanging Lake and Roxborough State Park) prohibit them. Always check specific trail regulations before bringing your dog.

Peak wildflower season is typically July-August at higher elevations, and June-July at lower elevations. Timing varies by year depending on snowmelt and rainfall.

Black bears, mountain lions, moose, and rattlesnakes live in the area. Make noise while hiking, keep dogs leashed, never approach wildlife, and know what to do if you encounter animals. Carry bear spray in bear country.

Some popular trails (Hanging Lake, Roxborough State Park, Rocky Mountain National Park) require timed-entry reservations. Check specific trail requirements before going. Many trailheads require parking passes.

Mountain thunderstorms are common in summer afternoons. Start hikes early (by 7am) to be off exposed ridges by noon. If caught in a storm, get below treeline, avoid open areas and tall objects, and wait it out in a safe location.

Lower-elevation trails are often accessible year-round, though they may be icy. Higher trails are typically snow-covered November-May. Winter hiking requires proper gear including microspikes or snowshoes.