I know, I know. There’s so many articles and blogs about best day hikes near Denver. Personally, I’ve found most of them include boring little trips to the foothills or hikes that do not seem to offer much. I’m lucky if I find one to two that are worthwhile per article.
Fear no more - here are 10, of what I’ve found, to the best hikes within an hour and a half drive. These offer gorgeous scenery and many elements to add diversity to your day trip!
1. Emerald Lake, Estes Park
2ish hours from Denver / 3.2 miles / 700 ft. elv gain / Out & Back / moderate
WOW! This is the most picturesque view that to me, defines Colorado. I feel like when I think of this state, I think of this picture. We did this hike in the winter and it was snow packed, but doable. I felt like I was immersed in a winter wonderland and drenched in beauty. This is a great hike to do if looking for something quick, dramatic, and not much elevation gain. Great for out of town guests to knock out a hike and then spend the rest of the day exploring without forfeiting any time. Feel free to explore the town of Estes Park after and grab a bite at Ed's Catina & Grill!
2. McCullough Gulch, Breckenridge
2ish hours from downtown / 6.4 mi / 1600 ft elv gain / out & back / hard
This is one of my favs in Colorado. It's close to home and just so, so pretty the whole way. I've been rained on, hailed on, chased by a moose (almost), and I still find myself coming back for more. The trail is super fun on the way up trekking through a lake, through the tree-rooted forrest, and some mild scrambling. Once you arrive at the top, you are greeted by two beautiful alpine lakes and a stream. Carry on to the waterfall (which you can scramble up) or take the trail around the falls on to the next lake! Surrounded by wildflowers and greenery all around, this would be a sick place to camp or just enjoy a PB&J before the trip down.
Waterton Canyon - Littleton
30ish minutes from Denver / 12.4 mi / 688 ft. elv gain / out & back / easy
Okay, so this isn't quite a hike. HOWEVER, sometimes ya just want to get out it nature without having to sit in a car for an hour plus each way. Amirite? Waterton Canyon is located right in Littleton and is such a quick way to experience the mountain feel without the drive. Within half a mile you are engrossed in the canyon. You will follow the river the whole way until the dam where the trail ends. ALSO, bighorn sheep and horses are commonly found on this trail. Cool, right? I suggest taking a bike and riding along all 12 miles. It has the slightest incline the whole way up and then on the return, you'll soar back to the car.
Stanley Mountain - Empire
1 1/2 ish hours from Denver / 7.4 miles / 1800 ft elv gain / out & back / moderate
We did this in the snow and holyyyyy hell was it hard. Once you travel through the field (or woods in normal season) you get to the incline. Several switchbacks take you right to the summit. Once you reach the top, you feel like you're on top of world. Tread along the mountain ridge until you reach Stanley Mountain where you have 360 degree views of mountain tops and endless sky.
Crater Lakes Trail via South Boulder Creek Trail- Nederland
2ish hours from Den / 7 mi / 1900 ft elv gain / out & back / hard
Crater Lakes trail is stunning. You will stroll through the forests until you reach lower Crater Lakes where you are immersed in beauty. I felt like I was in a Disney movie it was so gravitating. The trail up until here is fairly moderate. Feel free to end here, dabble in a siesta, enjoy some lunch, and hopefully spot a moose! If you are up for a challenge (like us), you'll continue up the waterfall. It feels like it won't end. It's straight up. It's fun, but technical, and tricky. Once you make it up, you scramble across and down a boulder field and you'll arrive at picturesque Crater Lakes! Take a quick dip to cool off and make the journey back down.
Lake Isabelle via Pawnee Pass Trail - Ward
2ish hours from Den / 5.5 mi / 551 ft elv gain / out & back / moderate
Another favorite of mine is this. It offers the scenic, dramatic deep mountain views with literal a stroll in the park effort. It is a beautiful walk through the woods along the lakes, up some rocks, and there you'll find Lake Isabelle. I was in awe sitting here. It is so breathtaking. Spoiler, this is located in Brainard Lake Recreation Area which requires timed-entry passes. We didn't have one and we waited two hours, although it was worth every second of it, I recommend hopping on the pass and getting your butt to Lake Isabelle. Great hike for visitors, to spot some wildlife, and to have a moment of gratitude for where you live.
Butler Gulch - Empire
1 1/2 hrs ish from Denver / 5.5 mi / 1800 ft elv gain / out & back / moderate
This was the first hike we did where we experienced Colorado wildflowers and ohmygod were they amazing. Butler Gulch is FULL of wildflowers. Not only do you get to experience nature's canvas, but you'll come across a rushing waterfall, and then a couple of lakes. I recommend continuing on up to the ridge line for the stellar views at the top. I think Butler Gulch is a great late-summer hike (end of July, August) so you really can engage with the flowers and see all that it's worth.
Herman Gulch - Idaho Springs
1 hour from denver / 6.6 mi / 1700 ft elv / out & back
This hike holds a steady incline the whole way up. It offers beautiful wildflowers and high alpine lakes. It is so aesthetically pleasing. Once you get to the top you will be plunging in high alpine beauty without the effort or the drive to get there. This is a perfect day hike that is close to home with that super mountainy feel.
Rattlesnake Gulch - Eldorado Springs
Hourish outside of Den / 7.2 mi / 1300 ft elv gain / loop / moderate
This is a fun little hidden gem! Located in Eldorado Springs right near Boulder, it is a quick drive for some invigorating scenery. It has rock formations, tall rock climbing cliffs, the Continental Divide, old ruins, a steady incline, and a rushing river. For being right outside of Denver, this totally offers a lot of diversity. You can watch the rock climbers (if you can find them), scramble up the side of a mountain. You can hang out for lunch near the river. You can catch some views of the Continental Divide. Such a good amount of diversity and a nice workout to top it off. It is a $10 entry fee to get into the park and the road leading up seems like you're going the wrong way, but you're not. It is a bumpy road, so make sure your vehicle has the clearance!
Cheesman Canyon - Sedalia
Hour and a half from Denver / 5.3 - 10 mi / 475+ ft / Out & Back / Moderate
I loooooove this trail. It is not much of a hike as it is rolling hills but it is so alluring. As you follow the trail more into the canyon, the river becomes larger with large boulders relaxing in the water. Fly fisherman are welcome and can be found along the whole way catching their fish. The scenery is just draw dropping. It only becomes more delightful as you continue on. If you're like me, you'll want to keep going because when you think it won't get any better, you have been proven wrong. You have the option to really turn it into a hike and continue onto the Cheesman Canyon Reservoir. I've never done so because I'm too obsessed with the lower river, but I have driven up to the top. White knuckles the whole way, however, it was pretty. Personally, the lower is where it is at. Do yourself a favor and go right away. The drive to Cheesman is winding, but stunning. I was drooling at the mouth the whole way it was so gorg.
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