7 Best Day Hikes Near Denver for Every Skill Level

Colorado's Front Range offers some of the best hiking in the country, and you don't need to drive far from Denver to find incredible trails. Whether you're a beginner looking for a mellow nature walk or an experienced hiker chasing summit views, there's something here for you.

Here are seven of the best day hikes near Denver, organized from easiest to most challenging.

1. Red Rocks Trading Post Trail (Easy)

Distance: 1.4 miles (loop)
Elevation Gain: 300 ft
Trailhead: Red Rocks Park, Morrison

You've probably been to a concert at Red Rocks, but have you hiked it? The Trading Post Trail loops through the iconic red sandstone formations with views of the amphitheater and the Denver skyline. It's short, sweet, and accessible for almost anyone.

Pro tip: Go early in the morning to beat the crowds and catch golden light on the rocks.

2. Chautauqua Trail to Royal Arch (Moderate)

Distance: 3.4 miles (out and back)
Elevation Gain: 1,400 ft
Trailhead: Chautauqua Park, Boulder

Royal Arch is one of the most rewarding moderate hikes on the Front Range. The trail climbs steadily through pine forest before arriving at a natural stone arch framing the Boulder Valley below. The last stretch involves some rock scrambling—nothing technical, but enough to get your heart rate up.

What to bring: Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip. The rocky descent can be slippery.

3. Mount Sanitas (Moderate-Hard)

Distance: 3.1 miles (loop)
Elevation Gain: 1,343 ft
Trailhead: Centennial Trailhead, Boulder

Sanitas is a local favorite for a reason: it's a legitimate workout with great views, and you can knock it out in under two hours. The east ridge route goes straight up over exposed rock slabs, so save it for a dry day.

4. St. Mary's Glacier (Moderate)

Distance: 1.5 miles (out and back)
Elevation Gain: 600 ft
Trailhead: Fall River Road (I-70 Exit 238)

This is one of the easiest ways to experience alpine terrain near Denver. The short hike leads to a permanent snowfield and alpine lake at 10,800 feet. In summer, people bring sleds for the snow. In fall, the surrounding tundra turns gold.

Note: The parking lot fills up fast on weekends. Arrive before 8 AM or go on a weekday.

5. Herman Gulch (Moderate)

Distance: 7 miles (out and back)
Elevation Gain: 1,700 ft
Trailhead: Herman Gulch Trailhead (I-70 Exit 218)

Wildflower season (late June through July) turns Herman Gulch into one of the most photogenic hikes in Colorado. The trail follows a creek through spruce forest before opening into a massive alpine basin carpeted with columbines, paintbrush, and lupine.

6. Grays Peak (Hard)

Distance: 8.4 miles (out and back)
Elevation Gain: 3,000 ft
Trailhead: Grays Peak Trailhead (off I-70)

Grays Peak (14,270 ft) is widely considered the most accessible 14er in Colorado. The trail is well-maintained with no technical sections, making it an excellent first fourteener. Start early—really early. Lightning above treeline is no joke, and afternoon storms are common in summer.

Gear essentials: Layers, rain shell, plenty of water, and sun protection. The UV at 14,000 feet will humble you.

7. Longs Peak (Expert)

Distance: 14.5 miles (out and back)
Elevation Gain: 5,100 ft
Trailhead: Longs Peak Trailhead, RMNP

The crown jewel of Front Range hiking. Longs Peak (14,259 ft) is a serious undertaking—most people start between 1 and 3 AM to summit before storms roll in. The Keyhole Route involves exposed scrambling and route-finding through the Trough, Narrows, and Homestretch.

This is not a beginner hike. People die on Longs Peak every year. Be honest about your fitness, experience, and the weather forecast before attempting it.

---

Planning Your Hike

No matter which trail you choose, a few things are universal for hiking near Denver:

• Start early. Afternoon thunderstorms are a daily occurrence from June through August.
• Bring more water than you think. The dry altitude dehydrates you faster than you'd expect.
• Check conditions. Trail closures, snow levels, and road access can change quickly. 14ers.com and AllTrails are good resources.
• Respect the altitude. If you're visiting from sea level, take it easy for a day or two before hitting the harder trails.

Happy hiking! 🥾