I love hiking and I have never done the same trail twice. I always look for something new and exciting to try, super front range hikes are honestly more for a workout than an epic view but there are a few within an hour half-ish drive of the city that will knock your socks off. These hikes make for easy day trips, you just gotta start the day bright and early to beat the crowds.

Head here for my must-haves while hiking!

Amazing Hikes Near Denver

Isabel Glacier Hike
Lake Brainard Recreational Area, Nederland/Ward
This is hands down one of the best hikes I have done in Colorado and it’s only about an hour half from Denver. The Brainard lakes recreational area is therefore VERY popular depending on the time of year you may need to walk an extra few miles just to get to the trailhead as parking fills up very pass and they regulate traffic in the area. Get all the details on the hike here.

Hermon Gulch
Silver Plume
Another amazing hike only about an hour half from Denver near Silver Plume. We hiked on a Saturday last summer and while it was pretty busy we were able to get a spot in the lot pretty early. Get more details here.

Idaho Reservoir & Chicago Lakes
Mt. Evans
To be totally honest we didn’t go all the way to Chicago Lakes just but we want to go back again and do the longer hike cause the pictures look amazing! To Idaho Springs Reservoir is a great short hike with views. However, it starts with a lot of downhill sooo get ready for uphill on the way back.

Chief Mountain Hike
Idaho Springs/Evergreen
This short hike provides amazing 360 views of the mountains a pretty short drive from Denver. While it’s a short manageable hike it’s fairly vertical but again very manageable. You are mostly hiking in the trees till you reach the top – so sunscreen and hat! Get all the details here.

St. Mary’s Glacier
Idaho Springs
If you are looking for a short hike like a mile RT with good views, head to St. Marys’s Glacier. I lied I have done this hike a few times just cause it’s close with good views. It can be crowded too – get more details in this post.

Okay Hikes Closer to Denver

I wouldn’t say these are amazing hikes, but if you just want to get out into nature and get the blood flowing these are good hikes. No spectacular views or waterfalls just you waking in nature. Great for spring hiking where the trails might be dryer than further into the mountains.

• Lair of the Bear
• Rattlesnake Gulch – El Dorado Canyon
• Mount Galbraith Loop
• Shanahan Ridge Boulder

What’s the best hike you have done around town? I use all trails and Best Hikes Near Denver to find new hikes. You can see all my completed hikes on All Trails here too.