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10 Hikes Within an Hour of Denver

1: Rattlesnake Gulch Trail

⛰️ Eldorado Canyon State Park | 40 min from Denver | Moderate | $ | Route

2.9-mile out-and-back trail near Eldorado Springs, Colorado. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 hr 36 min to complete. Stunning view of the Continental Divide and 730 feet of elevation gain. You need to purchase a state park pass for $10 per day. Lauren’s favorite!

2. Maxwell Falls Trail

⛰️ Arapaho National Forest | 50 min from Denver | Moderate | FREE | Route

4.1-mile loop trail near Evergreen, Colorado. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 hr 5 min to complete. A loop with 850 feet of elevation gain and awesome forest views! Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash. We grabbed a cup of coffee from Everbean Coffee Co. and sat by Evergreen Lake after. They offer paddle board rentals, making for a fun whole-day trip.

3. Black Bear/Horseshoe Trail Loop

⛰️ Golden Gate Canyon State Park | 45 min from Denver | Moderate | $ | Route

4.6-mile loop trail near Central City, Colorado. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 hr 30 min to complete. The hike has 1,200 feet of elevation gain and is very popular to see lots of wildlife (we saw the moose above when hiking there this summer). You need to purchase a state park pass for $10 per day. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. Hunter’s Favorite!

4: Apex Trail to Enchanted Forest Trail Loop

⛰️ Apex Park | 20 min from Denver | Moderate | FREE | Route

3.5-mile loop trail near Golden, Colorado. Considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 hr 45 min to complete. A loop with 800 feet of elevation gain and awesome forest views! Take a drive up Lookout Mountain for some spectacular Denver city views after. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.

5: Meadowlark Plymouth Creek and Plymouth Mountain Trail Loop

⛰️ Deer Creek Canyon Park | 35 min from Denver | Moderate | FREE | Route

6.0-mile loop trail near Littleton, Colorado. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 hours to complete. This area is very popular for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. A loop with 1,300 feet of elevation gain. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime! Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.

6: Cretaceous Trail Loop

⛰️ South Table Mountain Park | 20 min from Denver | Moderate | FREE | Route

3.0-mile loop trail near Golden, Colorado. Generally considered a moderate route, it takes an average of 1 hr 10 min to complete. A loop with 324 feet of elevation gain (all in the first 1 mile) and awesome views of Denver and the front range! Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.

7: Panorama Point via Panorama Point and Bear Creek Trail

⛰️ Corwina Park | 35 min from Denver | Moderate | FREE | Route

3.1-mile loop trail near Kittredge, Colorado. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 hr 34 min to complete. A loop with 635 feet of elevation gain and incredible mountain range views! Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.

8. Independence Mountain Trail

⛰️ Pence Park | 45 min from Denver | Moderate | FREE | Route

2.1-mile out-and-back trail near Evergreen, Colorado. Generally considered a moderately challenging route it takes an average of 1 hr and 20 min to complete. Great views and lots of cool rock features to climb on / take pictures from at the top. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

9. Cherry Creek Reservoir Loop Trail

⛰️ Cherry Creek State Park | 30 min from Denver | Easy | $ | Route

6.7-mile loop trail near Centennial, Colorado. Generally considered an easy route with 147 feet of elevation, it takes an average of 2 hours to complete. A great spot to view birds, fish, paddleboard, or kayak. The trail is open year-round and is fun to go in the winter when the park is less busy!

10: Belcher Hill, Longhorn, and Whippletree Loop

⛰️ White Ranch Park | 25 min from Denver | Moderate | FREE | Route

4.6-mile loop trail near Golden, Colorado. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. A loop with 938 feet of elevation gain and awesome front-range views! It is very popular for biking & horseback riding so that you may encounter others on the trail. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.

DENVER BASED LISTS

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