FATMAP by Strava

Best Trail Runs on the Denver Front Range

Discover the best trail runs in the Front Range close to Denver.

Trail Running Moderate, Difficult, Severe

MapGPX Flyover
Alderfer / Three Sisters 6-mile Loop
Photo: Photo: Brian Wolski, Shutterstock

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 trail run selections, covering all difficulty levels.

These trail runs are spread up and down the Front Range of the Rockies, with most of them located close to the communities of Golden and Morrison. A few are situated deeper into the mountains for an even more rugged and remote running experience. No matter which trail you choose, you're guaranteed a superb run through Colorado's iconic mountains!

Routes included

Lookout Mountain via Chimney Gulch

Lookout Mountain via Chimney Gulch

Challenging ascent of Lookout Mountain from its base in the town of Golden.

Difficult Trail Running

Distance
11 km
Ascent
487 m
Descent
487 m

Golden Cliffs Loop

Golden Cliffs Loop

Climb to the panoramic top of North Table Mountain near Golden.

Moderate Trail Running

Distance
2.8 km
Ascent
189 m
Descent
189 m

Mount Morrison Trail

Mount Morrison Trail

A tough ascent to the highpoint over Red Rocks Amphitheater.

Severe Trail Running

Distance
5.2 km
Ascent
596 m
Descent
596 m

North Table Mountain: Outer Loop

North Table Mountain: Outer Loop

What this popular trail network lacks in quality it makes up for in accessibility.

Moderate Trail Running

Distance
12 km
Ascent
316 m
Descent
316 m

Fossil Trail -> Lava Loop

Fossil Trail -> Lava Loop

A beautiful 4-miler on the best trails on South Table Mountain.

Moderate Trail Running

Distance
6.7 km
Ascent
118 m
Descent
118 m

Mountain Lion Trail Loop

Mountain Lion Trail Loop

A high-value loop in Golden Gate Canyon.

Difficult Trail Running

Distance
11 km
Ascent
489 m
Descent
489 m

Centennial Cone Loop

Centennial Cone Loop

A gorgeous loop circumnavigating Centennial Cone.

Moderate Trail Running

Distance
27 km
Ascent
817 m
Descent
817 m

Mount Falcon West Loop

Mount Falcon West Loop

A scenic loop run that's packed with history.

Moderate Trail Running

Distance
5.7 km
Ascent
214 m
Descent
214 m
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Related guidebooks

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