Longs Peak

6 of the Best Challenging Hikes near Denver

If you seek a stiff workout in the mountains, make one of these tough trails your next objective.

Alpine Climbing, Hiking Easy, Moderate, Difficult, Severe

MapGPX Flyover
Longs Peak
Longs Peak Photo: Dustin Gaffke

Description

The hills and mountains around Denver offer endless opportunities for a challenge. The city ends where the Rocky Mountains begin, so your workout close to home or your hotel could be a rigorous ascent. If a jog around the block just won’t do it for you, try summitting a nearby mountain instead. Take Chimney Gulch Trail from Golden and finish on top of Lookout Mountain, or scramble up Mount Morrison near Red Rocks Amphitheater. If you find yourself in Boulder, try the trails that climb Green Mountain, home of the famous Flatirons.

To unlock more challenges, venture deeper into the mountains. Try a grueling day hike or overnight backpack into an alpine wilderness, where Jasper and Devils Thumb Lakes lay near the Continental Divide. If your idea of a “Rocky Mountain High” is feeling light-headed at high altitude, try a Colorado 14er like Mount Bierstadt or Longs Peak. The difficult hikes on this list are just a sample of the challenges you can find near Denver. Start with these to test your mettle against the mountains, and to whet your appetite for more.

Routes included

Mount Bierstadt

Mount Bierstadt

Despite being known as one of Colorado's easier 14ers, the climb up Bierstadt is still varied and rewarding.

Easy Alpine Climbing

Distance
12 km
Ascent
823 m
Descent
823 m

Mount Morrison Trail

Mount Morrison Trail

A tough ascent to the highpoint over Red Rocks Amphitheater.

Severe Hiking

Distance
5.2 km
Ascent
596 m
Descent
596 m

Jasper and Devils Thumb Lakes

Jasper and Devils Thumb Lakes

Long day hike or overnight trip into a wilderness area, with pristine alpine lakes near the Continental Divide.

Difficult Hiking

Distance
18 km
Ascent
712 m
Descent
712 m

Longs Peak: Keyhole Route

Longs Peak: Keyhole Route

Standard route to the top of Longs Peak, the only 14er in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Moderate Alpine Climbing

Distance
21 km
Ascent
1.5 km
Descent
1.5 km
  • •
  • •
  • •
  • •
  • •
  • •

Related guidebooks

  • •
  • •
  • •
  • •
  • •
  • •
  • •
  • •
  • •
  • •