Denver sits like a gateway between the urban sprawl and the towering Rockies, making it a paradise for anyone wanting to dip their toes into hiking. The city offers an incredible mix of paved paths, gentle foothill trails, and scenic loops that won’t leave you gasping for air at mile-high elevation. Whether you’re looking to escape downtown traffic or just want to ease into Colorado’s outdoor lifestyle, these trails offer the perfect starting point.
Most of these trails stick close to the metro area, so you won’t need to drive for hours or pack like you’re heading into the wilderness. Here’s a list of 20 hiking trails that’ll help you fall in love with Colorado’s outdoors without overwhelming your legs or lungs.
Cherry Creek Trail
This 40-mile paved trail starts right in downtown Denver and follows Cherry Creek to Franktown. The beauty of this trail lies in its versatility—you can walk a few blocks or bike for hours, depending on your energy level.
It passes through some of Denver’s most interesting neighborhoods, including the upscale Cherry Creek shopping district, and offers plenty of spots to grab coffee or a snack along the way.
High Line Canal Trail
Stretching 71 miles from Waterton Canyon to northeast Denver, this historic canal trail gives you a taste of Colorado’s water history while keeping things flat and manageable. The trail surface varies from packed dirt to paved sections, making it perfect for walkers, runners, and cyclists.
You’ll wind through suburban neighborhoods, parks, and open spaces while following the gentle grade that once carried water to early Denver settlers.
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South Platte River Trail
Following the river that helped establish Denver, this trail connects downtown to the suburbs with 36 miles of mostly paved pathways. The section through downtown offers great city views and connects to Confluence Park, where you can watch kayakers navigate the rapids.
It’s particularly nice for evening walks when the city lights reflect off the water.
Lookout Mountain Park
Just outside Golden, these easy loop trails wind through ponderosa pines and offer some of the best beginner-friendly mountain views near Denver. The two main loops can be combined for a longer adventure, and the nature center makes it educational for families.
The elevation gain is gentle enough that you’ll barely notice you’re climbing, but the payoff views make you feel like a real mountain hiker.
Trading Post Trail
This Red Rocks Park gem delivers stunning red sandstone scenery without the steep climbs that intimidate beginners. The 1.4-mile loop surrounds you with towering rock formations while staying relatively flat and easy to navigate.
It’s the perfect introduction to Colorado’s famous red rocks, and you can combine it with a visit to the iconic amphitheater.
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South Valley Park
Hidden behind Littleton’s hogbacks, this park offers six different trails through spectacular red rock formations, all rated easy to moderate. The Coyote Song Trail stands out as a favorite, winding through sculpted sandstone that feels like you’ve stepped into a Western movie.
The variety of trail options means you can customize your hike based on time and energy.
Fountain Valley Trail
Located in Roxborough State Park, this 2.3-mile trail showcases some of Colorado’s most dramatic red rock formations without requiring technical hiking skills. The trail stays relatively flat as it loops through the park, offering constantly changing views of the towering sandstone spires.
Just remember that dogs aren’t allowed in the park, so plan accordingly.
Mount Falcon Park
This Jefferson County Open Space park offers several easy trails with rewarding views of the Front Range and downtown Denver. The trail to the old castle ruins provides just enough elevation gain to feel accomplished without exhausting beginners.
On clear days, you can see as far as Pikes Peak to Longs Peak, making it a perfect spot for that ‘wow, I’m really in Colorado’ moment.
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Waterton Canyon
Starting at the base of the foothills southwest of Denver, this wide gravel road follows the South Platte River into a beautiful canyon setting. The 6-mile round trip to Strontia Springs Dam stays relatively flat and offers excellent chances to spot bighorn sheep on the canyon walls.
Since it’s technically a road, the footing is easy and stable, perfect for hikers still building confidence on uneven terrain.
Castlewood Canyon State Park
The Lake Gulch and Inner Canyon Loop at this Franktown park provides an easy introduction to Colorado’s diverse landscapes. Most of the trail stays flat with just one set of steps to navigate, and plenty of shaded sections make it comfortable even in summer.
The creek running alongside offers cooling relief and interesting historical remnants from the old Castlewood Dam.
Bear Creek Trail
This Lakewood trail meanders alongside Bear Creek, offering a peaceful escape that feels far from the city despite being right in the suburbs. The flat, easy path provides plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the sound of flowing water.
Multiple access points mean you can make it as long or as short as your schedule allows.
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Chatfield State Park
With multiple trail options ranging from easy to moderate, Chatfield offers something for every beginner’s comfort level. The trails around the reservoir provide nice water views and relatively flat walking, while the park’s facilities make it easy to spend a whole day exploring.
The variety of wildlife, from prairie dogs to waterfowl, keeps things interesting for nature lovers.
Green Mountain Trail
This Lakewood trail up Green Mountain offers one of the best workout-to-view ratios for beginners ready for a little elevation gain. The 3.2-mile round-trip gains about 1,000 feet, but the well-maintained trail and consistent grade make it manageable for most fitness levels.
The 360-degree views from the top include downtown Denver, the Continental Divide, and everything in between.
Lair o’ the Bear
This gem in Jefferson County follows Bear Creek through a scenic canyon that feels like a hidden secret. The easy 2.6-mile trail offers multiple creek crossings and shaded walking under towering cottonwoods.
Kids love the opportunities to play in the creek, while adults appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and interesting rock formations.
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Evergreen Lake Loop
This charming 1.3-mile loop around Evergreen Lake combines mountain scenery with small-town atmosphere. The flat, easy trail offers beautiful lake reflections and mountain views while staying completely manageable for all fitness levels.
The nearby downtown Evergreen provides perfect opportunities for post-hike meals or browsing local shops.
City Park Loop
Right in the heart of Denver, this urban trail around City Park provides an easy escape without leaving the city. The loop passes the Denver Zoo, Museum of Nature and Science, and beautiful Ferril Lake with its paddle boats and fountains.
It’s perfect for combining outdoor exercise with cultural activities or family fun.
Belmar Park
This Lakewood park features easy trails around Kountze Lake that provide surprising wildlife viewing opportunities right in suburbia. The flat paths make it accessible for all ages and abilities, while the variety of birds and waterfowl keeps nature enthusiasts engaged.
The park’s central location makes it a convenient option for quick after-work outdoor time.
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Bear Canyon Loop
Just outside Boulder near the National Center for Atmospheric Research, this 3.3-mile loop offers spectacular views of the Flatirons without overwhelming elevation gain. The wide trail through open meadows and gentle hills provides classic Colorado foothill scenery.
The Boulder location adds the bonus of letting you explore one of Colorado’s most outdoor-oriented communities.
Clear Creek Trail
Following Clear Creek through Golden, this trail combines Colorado history with easy outdoor access. The paved path connects to Golden’s charming downtown, where you can explore the Coors Brewery or browse local shops.
The creek provides a cooling presence and interesting wildlife viewing opportunities right alongside the trail.
Sand Creek Regional Greenway
This Aurora trail system offers 14 miles of easy paths through Colorado’s eastern plains environment. The flat, wide trails provide excellent opportunities for bird watching and prairie wildlife observation without any challenging terrain.
Multiple access points and loop options make it easy to customize your adventure based on available time.
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Where Pavement Meets Peaks
These trails represent more than just easy outdoor access—they’re the foundation of Colorado’s outdoor culture that has shaped the state for over 150 years. From the historic High Line Canal that once promised to transform the prairie into an agricultural paradise, to the modern trail systems that now connect entire metropolitan areas, Denver’s beginner trails tell the story of a region that has always looked to the outdoors for recreation and renewal.
Today’s paved paths and gentle foothill loops continue this tradition, making Colorado’s legendary outdoor lifestyle accessible to everyone willing to take that first step outside. Whether you’re building toward tackling fourteeners or simply want to enjoy a peaceful walk with mountain views, these trails offer the perfect starting point for a lifetime of Colorado adventures.
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