13 Best Hikes Near Denver Within an Hour Drive
Colorado’s mountain towns put jaw-dropping views just a short drive from Denver, and you don’t need to be a pro to reach them.
These best hikes near Denver cover everything from gentle walks to climbs with views across the state.
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1. Mount Falcon Castle Trail
Just 40 minutes from Denver near Morrison, this climb with sweeping views makes you feel far from the city. From the trail, you can spot downtown Denver on clear days.
The 7.4-mile loop passes historic sites like castle ruins. A tough uphill section gives way to easier, flatter trail up top—worth the effort.
Best For: Historic ruins, mountain views, and a solid workout close to home.
2. Chautauqua Trail
Chautauqua Trail brings you right up to Boulder’s famous Flatirons. The flat, well-kept path crosses open meadows before those dramatic sandstone slabs rise ahead.
Starting from a 14-acre city park with free access, you walk straight toward the iconic rock faces that define Boulder’s skyline.
The trail connects to 40 miles of hiking options, so you can extend your adventure deep into the Flatirons if you’re feeling ambitious.
Best For: Easy access to Boulder’s signature rock formations, mountain views, and branching trail options.
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3. St. Mary’s Glacier
About an hour from Denver, you can reach one of Colorado’s most accessible snowfields. The St. Mary’s Glacier hike near Idaho Springs serves up classic Rocky Mountain scenery and a gorgeous alpine lake.
This easy hike is a go-to for families, leading to a pristine mountain lake, then on to the glacier. You can actually walk on the glacier year-round, which is rare for Colorado.
Best For: Families in the mood for an easy glacier hike with lake views and year-round snow patches.
4. Mount Galbraith Loop
This moderate loop near Golden circles Mount Galbraith at over 7,000 feet. The gravel parking lot is easy to find off Golden Gate Canyon Road.
The trail offers views of Golden, Denver, and the Coors Plant below. Granite rock formations and the occasional wildlife sighting keep things interesting.
Best For: Those after Denver and Golden views, unique rock formations, and a moderate challenge.
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5. Green Mountain Trail
Green Mountain Trail is all about those Front Range views—without the soul-crushing elevation gain.
Meadows and forests line the well-made switchbacks, so the 3.8-mile round-trip feels doable even if you’re not a regular hiker.
The summit brings 360-degree views of Denver’s skyline and the Continental Divide. Parking is easy if you go on a weekday.
Best For: Moderate hikers chasing panoramic views without the pain of a steep climb.
6. Doudy Draw Trail
Near Superior and just 30 minutes from Denver, Doudy Draw cuts through the Marshall Mesa trail system for moderate hiking with classic Flatirons views.
The lollipop-shaped hike links to Spring Brook Loop and opens up to Eldorado Mountain vistas. Terrain varies, but you won’t be gasping for air on crazy uphills.
It’s easy to spend a few hours exploring the whole network. Morning light is prime for photos of the rocks.
Best For: Casual hikers who want mountain scenery minus the grueling climbs or technical bits.
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7. Willow Creek Trail
Willow Creek Trail in Roxborough State Park is an easy 1.4-mile loop through some of Colorado’s best red rock country. Scrub oaks and willows bring in all kinds of birds.
The gentle trail shows off dramatic sandstone formations shooting up from the ground. Wildlife sightings are common, especially if you keep your eyes open.
Best For: Easy walk among red rocks and plenty of birdwatching.
8. The First and Second Flatirons Loop
Boulder’s First and Second Flatirons Loop Trail gives you a front-row seat to some of the state’s most recognizable rock formations.
The 2.9-mile loop in Chautauqua Park serves up panoramic views, from city skyline to wild peaks.
The path weaves through meadows and up gentle slopes, with those giant sandstone slabs towering overhead. It’s classic Boulder, through and through.
Best For: Big Colorado scenery and mountain views without a grueling hike.
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9. Castlewood Canyon Park
Hidden out on the plains, about 45 minutes from Denver, Castlewood Canyon brings a totally different vibe than your usual mountain trails. The park’s trails wind through canyon terrain and prairie.
Expect waterfall views, historic ruins, and cool rock formations. The moderate trail passes Cherry Creek and takes you through geology that feels far from city life.
Best For: Easy-to-moderate paths with waterfalls, ruins, and a mix of prairie and canyon scenery.
10. Lair O’ The Bear Trail
Bear Creek Trail at Lair o’ the Bear park sits between Morrison and Evergreen. It’s one of the easiest family hikes near Denver, following Bear Creek on mostly flat ground.
Deciduous trees put on a show in fall. The trail follows the creek with gentle hills at Bruin’s Bluff. Elevation gain is minimal, so it’s friendly for all ages.
Best For: Families with young kids looking for a creek-side stroll with little elevation change.
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11. Mount Sanitas Trail
A Boulder go-to, Mount Sanitas brings steep switchbacks and killer views of the Flatirons and Denver skyline. The 3.1-mile loop climbs about 1,300 feet, so it’s a real workout that locals swear by.
Expect rocky terrain and open stretches—never boring. It gets crowded on weekends, so set that alarm if you want some peace.
Best For: Hikers looking for a challenging workout with big Front Range views.
12. White Ranch Park Loop
White Ranch Park is Jefferson County’s biggest open space and it’s got everything from prairie to rugged climbs.
The White Ranch Open Space Outside Loop runs 14.7 miles with about 3,000 feet of elevation gain, so it’s a good workout.
There are 21.5 miles of multi-use trails—hiking, biking, even horseback riding if that’s your thing. You can start from either the east or west entrance for a change of scenery.
Best For: Dog-friendly hikes with mountain views and a mix of easy and challenging terrain for families.
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13. Bear Peak Trail
Bear Peak sits just minutes from downtown Boulder at 8,461 feet, serving up those jaw-dropping city views that make the climb worth every step.
The hike usually takes five to seven hours and winds through Fern Canyon, where the trail throws in plenty of stairs for good measure.
Starting out at Bear Canyon trailhead, the route links up with Mesa Trail in a tough clockwise loop.
About a mile and a half in, Fern Canyon veers upward and suddenly Boulder and the CU campus stretch out below—it’s a pretty unbeatable sight.
Best For: Experienced hikers chasing those big city panoramas and craving a hike that’ll leave their legs sore the next day.
