Cherry Creek Wetland Loop
Pleasant stroll among nature and wildlife that's very close to the city
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 2.7 km
- Ascent
- 5 m
- Descent
- 5 m
Best Nature Walks in Denver
Escape from the stresses of urban life on these beautiful nature walks in Denver.
Hiking Easy, Moderate
Description
Denver, Colorado, is globally renowned for its access to the towering Rocky Mountains—one of the world's most iconic mountain ranges in the world. The Rockies are home to endless adventure for every mountain sport imaginable! However, when you first arrive at the Denver Airport, you'll realize that not only is the airport located way out in the Great Plains, but the entire city of Denver is more accurately classified as a plains city than a mountain town. Consequently, getting out of the city and into the mountains for an adventure can be a major undertaking, especially if you're competing with the rest of Denver's 3 million residents who all have the same idea every weekend.
Thankfully, even in the high plains that Denver and its suburbs call home, there are many opportunities to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a pleasant walk in nature. Beautiful parks dot the Denver metro area, providing walks around grassy fields and several small lakes tucked into the cityscape.
The metro area is also bisected by an astounding number of long-distance greenway paths following the myriad creeks, rivers, and canals that once irrigated the agricultural lands before they were developed and turned into the city that you see today. These long-distance trails provide fantastic opportunities for millions of the city's inhabitants to enjoy a welcome dose of nature, thanks to many access points just minutes from the front door.
Whether you want to walk one mile or 20, there's an urban nature walk for you in this guidebook!
Routes included
Cherry Creek Trail: Confluence Park to Cherry Creek State Park
Creekside greenway through downtown Denver with shopping, dining, and cultural attractions along the way.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 23 km
- Ascent
- 200 m
- Descent
- 60 m
Washington Park Loop
An easy but beautiful walk in the heart of Denver.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 4 km
- Ascent
- 14 m
- Descent
- 14 m
Belmar Park Loop
A beautiful wetlands hike with excellent bird watching opportunities.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 4 km
- Ascent
- 33 m
- Descent
- 33 m
Bear Creek Trail and Stone House Trail Loop
An easy but scenic loop along both banks of Bear Creek.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 5.3 km
- Ascent
- 16 m
- Descent
- 16 m
Denver City Park Perimeter Loop
An easy walk with an iconic view of the Denver skyline.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 4.7 km
- Ascent
- 26 m
- Descent
- 26 m
South Platte River Greenway
A beautiful greenway corridor passing through the heart of Denver.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 77 km
- Ascent
- 470 m
- Descent
- 295 m
Platte River Trail Loop
A beautiful walk in the heart of the city.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 6.1 km
- Ascent
- 38 m
- Descent
- 38 m
Rocky Mountain Lake Park Loop
A short, easy loop walk around a small lake.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 1.7 km
- Ascent
- 6 m
- Descent
- 6 m
Cheesman Park Outer Loop
A beautiful. nature walk in the heart of Denver.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 2.5 km
- Ascent
- 23 m
- Descent
- 23 m
High Line Canal Trail
A long-distance recreational path following an irrigation canal.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 105 km
- Ascent
- 274 m
- Descent
- 313 m
Bear Creek Trail
A beautiful greenway path beginning near Morrison and running through Lakewood.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 23 km
- Ascent
- 113 m
- Descent
- 277 m
Bluffs Regional Park Trail
Explore a local landmark and enjoy some big mountain views
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 4.3 km
- Ascent
- 111 m
- Descent
- 112 m
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