Best Day Hikes Near Denver, Boulder and Beyond

Epic Adventures Close to Home

Colorado is known for its incredible outdoor spaces where you can get in your daily steps and plenty of fresh air. So, whether you prefer an easy stroll in town or love scrambling to the top of picturesque peaks, we have a trail option perfect for you. Below are just a few of the best day hikes near Denver and Boulder ready for your next adventure.

Of course, before you head out, always make sure you're geared up and ready. And that doesn't just mean a good pair of hiking boots. Even on a day hike, you should always be prepared for an emergency.

So, grab a backpack and load it up with essentials recommended by REI: navigation tools, a headlamp, sun protection, first aid, knife or multi-tool, fire, shelter, extra food and water, and extra clothes, especially for changes in weather. 

In addition, here are a few hiking etiquette tips for you to brush up on:

1. Visit websites for parking, rules, closures and fees
2. Match the trail and conditions to your skill level
3. Stay on the trail, hike to the right, pass on the left
4. Do not disturb or feed wildlife, keep your distance
5. Whatever you pack in, pack it out—pet waste, too
6. Be respectful of others by minimizing your noise
7. When in a group, don’t take up the full trail width 
8. Know your right of way: horses, hikers, bikers
9. Be friendly and polite, greet the people you meet
10. Take photos (safely) instead of taking souvenirs

Pro Tip: Always let someone know where you’re going and when to expect you back. This is a big one, especially if you're hiking alone. If you get lost or run into trouble, the sooner help is mobilized the better. 

Now, let's finally get to some of our favorite trails and day hikes. 

Best Day Hikes Near Denver 

Bear Creek Trail to Panorama Point, Idledale
Lair o’ the Bear Park, 6.7 Mile Loop, Moderate

Belmar Park, Lakewood 
Belmar Park, 2.9 Mile Loop, Easy

Bergen Peak Trail, Evergreen
Elk Meadow Park, 10.3 Miles Out and Back, Moderate

Carpenter Peak Trail, Louviers
Roxborough State Park, 6.3 Miles Out and Back, Moderate 

Chavez and Beaver Brook Trail, Genesee
Genesee Park, 5 Mile Loop, Difficult

Cherry Creek Trail, Centennial 
Near Broncos Pkwy and S Parker Road, 2 Mile Loop, Easy

Chimney Gulch Trail from Hwy 6, Golden
Colorow Mountain Open Space, 6.5 Miles Out and Back, Moderate

Davis Ponds Trail, Conifer 
Staunton State Park, 2.3 Mile Loop, Easy

Green Mountain and Hayden Trail, Lakewood 
Green Mountain Park, 3.2 Mile Loop, Easy

Mountain Lion Trail, Golden
Golden Gate Canyon State Park, 6.9 Mile Loop, Moderate

Rim Rock and Creek Trail, Franktown
Castlewood Canyon State Park, 4.3 Mile Loop, Moderate

Sloan’s Lake Loop, Denver
Sloan’s Lake Park, 2.6 Mile Loop, Easy

St. Mary’s Glacier, Idaho Springs
Arapaho National Forest, 2.4 Miles Out and Back, Moderate

Sunny Aspen and Lodge Pole, Conifer
Meyer Ranch Park, 2.4 Mile Loop, Easy

Trading Post Trail, Morrison
Red Rocks Park, 1.5 Mile Loop, Easy

Waterton Canyon Trail, Littleton
Chatfield State Park, 12.4 Miles Out and Back, Easy
 

Best Day Hikes Near Boulder and Beyond

Anne U. White Trail, Boulder
Roosevelt National Forest, 3.2 Miles Out and Back, Easy

Canyon Loop and Benjamin Trail Loop, Boulder
Betasso Preserve, 7.8 Mile Loop, Moderate

Doudy Draw Trail, Eldorado Springs
Boulder Open Space, 4.4 Miles Out and Back, Moderate

Eldorado Canyon Trail, Eldorado Springs
Eldorado Canyon State Park, 6.6 Miles Out and Back, Moderate

First and Second Flatiron, Boulder
Boulder Open Space, 3.6 Miles Out and Back, Moderate

Green Mountain West Trail, Boulder
Boulder Open Space, 4 Miles Out and Back, Moderate

Kruger Rock Trail, Estes Park
Hermit Park, 4 Miles Out and Back, Moderate

Lake Isabelle via Pawnee Pass, Ward
Indian Peaks Wilderness, 5.5 Miles Out and Back, Moderate

Mount Audubon Trail, Ward
Brainard Lake, 7.4 Miles Out and Back, Difficult

Pella Crossing Loop Trail, Hygiene
75th and Hygiene Roud, 1.4 Mile Loop, Easy

Pines to Peak Loop, Boulder
Bald Mountain Scenic Area, 1.1 Mile Loop, Easy

Sage Trail Loop via Eagle Trail, Boulder
Boulder Valley Ranch, 3.7 Mie Loop, Easy

Skunk Canyon and Kohler Mesa Loop, Boulder
Boulder Open Space, 2.8 Mile Loop, Easy

Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail, Estes Park
Rocky Mountain National Park, 9.4 Miles Out and Back, Difficult

Walker Ranch Loop, Boulder
Walker Ranch Park, 7.9 Mile Loop, Moderate

Waneka Lake, Lafayette
Waneka Park, 1.2 Mile Loop, Easy
 

For exact locations, more information and photos, be sure to look up these day hikes at AllTrails.com. This is a great spot to find our hikes and even more amazing trails for you to explore.