Lookout Mountain via Chimney Gulch
Challenging ascent of Lookout Mountain from its base in the town of Golden.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 11 km
- Ascent
- 487 m
- Descent
- 487 m
Denver's Best Front Range Hikes
Discover the best hikes close to Denver.
Hiking Easy, Moderate, Difficult, Severe
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.
So if you're looking for an adventure closer to the city—you're in luck. While you might not get to climb a 14er or ski powder in less than an hour from downtown, Denver's Front Range is still home to a wide array of beautiful singletrack trails that are perfect for escaping the city for a much-needed dose of nature. The choices are seemingly endless, but we've narrowed down the expansive trail system to these top hike selections, covering all difficulty levels.
These hikes are all located close to the communities of Golden and Morrison, making them some of the most easily accessible trails on the Front Range. Granted, you can always head further north or further south, or head deeper into the mountains to find many more adventure opportunities. But if you're looking for hikes that are quintessential "Denver," you can't go wrong with this list!
Routes included
Golden Cliffs Loop
Climb to the panoramic top of North Table Mountain near Golden.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 2.8 km
- Ascent
- 189 m
- Descent
- 189 m
Castle Trail and Turkey Trot Loop
Mountainside hike next to Red Rocks Park with wide-open views over the Amphitheater and downtown Denver.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 5.3 km
- Ascent
- 248 m
- Descent
- 248 m
Castle Trail West to Mount Falcon Tower Loop
Find the views atop Mount Falcon and a historic "Castle" in the hills above Denver.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 3.9 km
- Ascent
- 121 m
- Descent
- 121 m
Green Mountain -> Hayden Trail Loop
Scenic open space near the city—perfect for before or after work outings.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 5.2 km
- Ascent
- 187 m
- Descent
- 188 m
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
Bill Couch Mountain via Meadowlark Trail
Scenic jaunt to a Denver area summit, mostly on hiker-only trails.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 11 km
- Ascent
- 444 m
- Descent
- 444 m
Coyote Song and Swallow Trail Loop
Relaxed stroll among enchanting rock formations in rolling meadows.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 3.4 km
- Ascent
- 60 m
- Descent
- 60 m
Panorama Point Trail
Hiker-only trail to an overlook of the Rocky Mountains at a bouldery outcrop.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 4.6 km
- Ascent
- 203 m
- Descent
- 202 m
Chavez and Beaver Brook Loop
Hike through a towering pine forest and along rushing mountain streams.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 8.1 km
- Ascent
- 357 m
- Descent
- 357 m
Mount Galbraith Loop via Cedar Gulch
Enjoy spectacular views from the upper slopes of Mount Galbraith.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 6.8 km
- Ascent
- 283 m
- Descent
- 283 m
Apex and Enchanted Forest Lollipop
One of Golden's most popular trails.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 9.1 km
- Ascent
- 382 m
- Descent
- 382 m
Frazer Meadow: Horseshoe Trail Lollipop
Hike to a beautiful meadow and historic cabin.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 6.3 km
- Ascent
- 287 m
- Descent
- 287 m
Dakota Ridge Out-and-Back
A rocky hike along a ridgeline providing spectacular views of the Denver skyline.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 8.7 km
- Ascent
- 352 m
- Descent
- 352 m
Rawhide Trail Loop
One of the most popular hikes in Jeffco's largest open space area.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 7.3 km
- Ascent
- 255 m
- Descent
- 257 m
North Table Mountain: Outer Loop
What this popular trail network lacks in quality it makes up for in accessibility.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 12 km
- Ascent
- 316 m
- Descent
- 316 m
Red Rocks -> Morrison Slide Lollipop
Enjoy scenic views from the upper reaches of Matthews Winters Open Space.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 6.8 km
- Ascent
- 282 m
- Descent
- 282 m
Elk Meadow - Bergen Peak Loop
A beautiful and accessible Front Range peak climb.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 681 m
- Descent
- 681 m
Panorama Point: Mule Deer Lollipop
Take the scenic route to the beautiful lookout of Panorama Point.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 8.1 km
- Ascent
- 323 m
- Descent
- 323 m
Olivine Trail Loop
A quick loop hiking providing elevated views of downtown Golden.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 2.4 km
- Ascent
- 114 m
- Descent
- 114 m
Fossil Trail -> Lava Loop
One of the longer hikes on South Table Mountain.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 6.7 km
- Ascent
- 118 m
- Descent
- 118 m
Golden Gate Canyon State Park: Big Loop
A long loop around Tremont Mountain in Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 21 km
- Ascent
- 831 m
- Descent
- 831 m
Centennial Cone Loop
A gorgeous loop circumnavigating Centennial Cone.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 27 km
- Ascent
- 817 m
- Descent
- 817 m
Alderfer / Three Sisters 6-mile Loop
A highly trafficked trail system with great views.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 11 km
- Ascent
- 360 m
- Descent
- 360 m
Mount Falcon West Loop
A scenic loop hike that's packed with history.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 5.7 km
- Ascent
- 214 m
- Descent
- 214 m
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