Our Favorite Hikes: Denver, CO Edition

During the last two years, my husband has worked as a travel nurse, allowing us to move across the country to a new home every few months. We have had six homes, visited 14 national parks, and done countless waterfall and mountain hikes. Here are some of our favorites located within a few hours of Denver that we highly recommend you hiking if you have the chance! And remember, if you pack it in, you must pack it out!

1. Emerald Lake Trail, located in the Rocky Mountain National Park

*Distance: appr. 3.6 miles roundtrip

*Route Type: out and back

*Elevation Gain: appr. 730 ft

*Difficulty: moderate

*Features: a great trail with views of wildflowers, mountain peaks, and three different alpine lakes: Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake

*Bonus Info: This is a popular hike located in the Rockies. You may want to either get there early in the morning to get a parking spot or take advantage of the shuttle. Because this trail is located in the Rockies, be on the lookout for elk, moose, and other wildlife on your drive to the trailhead.

2. Cascade Falls, located in the Rocky Mountain National Park

*Distance: appr. 7.4 miles roundtrip

*Route Type: out and back

*Elevation Gain: appr. 675 ft

*Difficulty: easy

*Features: a scenic hike located in the heart of the mountains with views of a river winding through a conifer forest, a multi-tiered waterfall, and an open meadow with wildflowers and wildlife

*Bonus Info: This is a great option if you are looking for a simple, family-friendly hike in the Rockies. The well-maintained trail is a wonderful opportunity to pack a lunch, bring family or friends, or enjoy some quiet time surrounded by the sounds of nature. Be aware of the friendly chipmunks as they may try to steal some of your food!

3. Adams Falls, located in the Rocky Mountain National Park

*Distance: appr. 0.7 miles roundtrip

*Route: loop

*Elevation Gain: appr. 100 ft

*Difficulty: moderate

*Features: a short hike through a mixed forests of aspen and pine to a beautiful waterfall

*Bonus Info: This is a popular, family-friendly hike that is great for a picnic! Make sure to complete the full loop next to the river as there is a spot with slow moving water and rocks where children often play.

4. Saint Mary's Glacier, located in Arapaho National Forest near Idaho Springs

*Distance: appr. 1.9 miles roundtrip

*Route Type: out and back

*Elevation Gain: appr. 614 ft

*Difficulty: moderate

*Features: a scenic lake with views of a glacier

*Bonus Info: This hike allows for a number of various activities, including fishing, snowboarding, and sledding. We completed this hike in August, and there was enough snow for people to enjoy some winter activities, so make sure to bring layers or a blanket to stay warm when you reach the top. Around the lake, others enjoyed fishing and hammocking with views of wildflowers and the snowfield. Parking cost $5.

5. Sisters, Ponderosa, Silver Fox, Summit, and Evergreen Mountain East Trail Loop, located in Alderfer Three Sisters Open Space Park near Evergreen

*Distance: appr. 7 miles roundtrip

*Route Type: loop

*Elevation Gain: appr. 1,200 ft

*Difficulty: moderate (but be aware of the altitude)

*Features: a diverse terrain with views of wildflowers, mountains, meadows, rock formations, wildlife, and forests

*Bonus Info: This was one of the first hikes we completed when we moved to Colorado, and it did not disappoint! It is a combination of multiple trails that form a loop, so I would recommend downloading a hiking app (such as All Trails) to help with navigation. This hike offers everything from relaxing strolls through meadows to strenuous, uphill climbs.

6. First and Second Flatirons Loop, located in Boulder

*Distance: appr. 2.5 miles roundtrip

*Route Type: loop

*Elevation Gain: appr. 1440 ft

*Difficulty: difficult (be aware of the altitude)

*Features: views of the continental divide, an expansive meadow with wildflowers, flatiron rock formations, and cliffs

*Bonus Info: This hike takes your breath away . . . both from the altitude change and the beautiful scenery! Additionally, if you are an avid rock climber, this hike is right up your alley. This hike is perfect for you if you desire a challenging workout with stellar views! If you want to add to the workout, descend from the First and Second Flatirons and continue to Royal Arch Trail, where you will reascend hundreds of feet in elevation, making the total hike mileage appr. 5.5 miles.

7. Gateway and Susan G. Bretag Trail, located in Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs

*Distance: appr. 3 miles roundtrip

*Route Type: loop

*Elevation Gain: appr. 364 ft

*Difficulty: moderate

*Features: a combination of plains, mountains, and woodlands with sandstone rock formations towering a few hundred feet and Pike's Peak in the background

*Bonus Info: Park activities include hiking, dog walking, biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and bird watching. With an estimated six million visitors from across the world, the park and visitor center are free thanks to the original owner's children, who gave the land to the city of Colorado Springs in exchange that the city would never charge a cent for admission.

8. Booth Falls, located in Eagles Nest Wilderness near Vail

*Distance: appr. 4.5 miles roundtrip

*Route Type: out and back

*Elevation Gain: appr. 1400 ft

*Difficulty: moderate

*Features: a steady climb through aspen trees and wildflowers to a 60 ft cascading waterfall

*Bonus Info: This is one of my husband's favorite Colorado hikes . . . probably because he was able to stand on the edge of the waterfall and look down over the rich green valley. You feel like you are on top of the world! This beautiful hike offers diverse landscape and is a must-do if you are near Vail, CO.

9. Red Rocks and Morrison Slide Extended Loop, located in Red Rocks Park near Morrison

*Distance: appr. 4.3 miles roundtrip

*Route: loop

*Elevation Gain: appr. 900 ft

*Difficulty: moderate

*Features: a rocky trail with blooming wildflowers and large red sandstone outcrops (aka the red rocks)

*Bonus Info: There are more activities you can do within Red Rocks Park beyond hiking, such as mountain biking, photography, sunset/sunrise watching, wildlife/nature painting, and stargazing. Don't forget to make plans to see a concert, do yoga, watch a film, exercise on the stairs, grab a meal, or nerd out on history at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

There you have it! This list doesn't even begin to scratch the surface on the myriad of beautiful, challenging, and breath-taking hikes that Colorado has to offer. Hiking is beneficial for your body, mind, and soul, so no matter where you are, get outside, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy nature.