Denver doesn’t make you choose between city life and nature—it lets you have both. Just a short drive from downtown, trails wind through canyons, forests, and hillsides with views that stretch across the Front Range. You don’t need to venture hours into the mountains to find real outdoor experiences. Some of the best hikes sit right on the edge of the city.
Here’s a list of 15 hiking trails that are easy to reach from Denver but feel miles away from the usual pace.
Mount Falcon Castle Trail
This one gives you a bit of everything—ruins, meadows, and sweeping views. The trail leads to the remains of an old stone mansion, once owned by a wealthy businessman with big dreams. It’s not a tough hike, but the scenery makes it feel like you’ve gone somewhere special.
Red Rocks Trading Post Trail
Just beyond the amphitheater, this loop trail circles massive sandstone formations and open grassland. It’s wide, well-marked, and great for casual walkers or families. You’ll pass by wildflowers in spring and deer year-round, all under that classic Colorado sky.
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Bear Creek Trail at Lair o’ the Bear Park
Following the creek through dense cottonwoods, this trail is shaded, peaceful, and ideal for hot days. You’ll hear water trickling beside you for much of the route. Flat sections make it manageable for newer hikers, though it still feels tucked away.
South Valley Park Trail
Smooth dirt paths curve between red rock outcrops and low shrubland, offering easy walking with postcard views. This one’s great for early morning hikes—the light hits the rocks just right. It’s also quieter than more popular spots nearby.
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Lookout Mountain Trail
A quick climb takes you above Golden, where you’ll catch views of the plains, Denver skyline, and snowy peaks behind. The trail itself is straightforward, with switchbacks that spread the effort. Buffalo Bill’s gravesite is up here, too, if you’re feeling historical.
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Green Mountain Trail
Located within Lakewood, this loop delivers 360-degree views with moderate effort. There’s not much shade, so it’s best early or late in the day. On clear afternoons, the city sparkles below one side while the Rockies stretch across the other.
North Table Mountain Loop
Flat-topped and wide open, this mesa above Golden feels different from other trails nearby. The loop combines prairie paths with rocky ledges, often shared with mountain bikers. Wildflowers cover the top in spring, and you’ll likely spot hawks circling overhead.
Deer Creek Canyon Trail
This trail weaves through pine forest and open slopes, with switchbacks that keep it interesting. Elevation gain is steady but manageable. It’s one of those trails where you can tune out and find your rhythm easily.
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Apex Park Enchanted Forest
The name’s not just for show—the thick trees and filtered light make this stretch of trail feel otherworldly. It’s a bit steeper in sections, but the payoff is a cool, shaded escape that doesn’t feel like it belongs so close to the metro area.
Matthews/Winters Park Trail
Starting near the Red Rocks entrance, this loop covers rolling hills and short climbs through open terrain. You’ll pass remnants of an old settlement and might run into bikers on shared paths. In spring, the entire valley greens up in layers.
Waterton Canyon
A wide gravel road makes this one more of a walk than a hike—but the canyon walls and consistent river views make it worthwhile. Bighorn sheep are often spotted along the route, especially in cooler months. It’s long but not strenuous.
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Chimney Gulch Trail
This uphill trail starts right in Golden and rises fast, with city views expanding behind every switchback. It connects to the top of Lookout Mountain if you want to keep going. It’s best for those looking for a solid workout close to town.
Alderfer/Three Sisters Park
With multiple loop options and shady forests, this trail network gives you flexibility. The rock formations known as the ‘Three Sisters’ create natural break points and photo stops. Elk and wild turkeys sometimes wander through the area, too.
Maxwell Falls Lower Trail
This hike mixes forest paths with rocky climbs and ends at a small but scenic waterfall. The route is popular, so early starts are best. It’s the kind of trail where you can take your time—lots of places to stop, breathe, and just enjoy being there.
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Roxborough State Park Fountain Valley Trail
Dramatic red rock spires rise on both sides of this easy loop. It’s a bit farther south but still under an hour from Denver. The trail’s well-maintained and flat, making it ideal for relaxing walks that still deliver big scenery.
Where the Wild Bumps Into the Suburbs
Denver’s trails don’t just lead to forests and rocks—they carve out space where nature and city overlap. These hikes let you touch the mountains without leaving the metro area, and that balance is what makes Denver different.
One minute, you’re on a sidewalk; the next, you’re surrounded by trees, breathing clean air, and seeing the city from above.
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