Denver Area Hikes
Sightseeing
Mount Falcon Park, located a 30-minute drive southwest of Denver, has a little bit of everything: fantastic views of snowy mountains, the Denver metro, the surrounding foothills and a birds-eye view of Red Rocks Amphitheater. It also contains the ruins of a Victorian era castle, and was once proposed as the site of the summer White House. Mountain views, archeology and history in one hike? Neato!
For a mild adventure, drive to the west trailhead located near the top of the peak. If you are looking for a workout, start at the east trailhead in Morrison (over 1,000 feet lower than the west trailhead) and hike up! The latter route gives you additional views of some fancy homes, as well as an active pit mining operation (natural, no - impressively big trucks, yes!). If you choose the east trailhead, start earlier in the day - the trail is exposed and gets toasty in the sun!
West Trailhead: 2-5 mile hike; <500ft vertical gain
East Trailhead: 8-9 mile hike; ~1,500ft vertical gain
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Mount Falcon West Parking Lot
21074 Mount Falcon RoadMount Falcon Park, located a 30-minute drive southwest of Denver, has a little bit of everything: fantastic views of snowy mountains, the Denver metro, the surrounding foothills and a birds-eye view of Red Rocks Amphitheater. It also contains the ruins of a Victorian era castle, and was once proposed as the site of the summer White House. Mountain views, archeology and history in one hike? Neato!
For a mild adventure, drive to the west trailhead located near the top of the peak. If you are looking for a workout, start at the east trailhead in Morrison (over 1,000 feet lower than the west trailhead) and hike up! The latter route gives you additional views of some fancy homes, as well as an active pit mining operation (natural, no - impressively big trucks, yes!). If you choose the east trailhead, start earlier in the day - the trail is exposed and gets toasty in the sun!
West Trailhead: 2-5 mile hike; <500ft vertical gain
East Trailhead: 8-9 mile hike; ~1,500ft vertical gain
Want all the views of Rocky Mountain National Park without actually going into the park? Like hiking but don't want to be overrun with fellow hikers at the trail? If yes, then this is the hike for you! Located outside of Estes Park, this hike overlooks RMNP, and has incredible views at the end. You have to work a bit for the payoff (approximately 4-mile round trip and 1,200 ft of vertical), but it's worth it at the top! Bonus: dogs are allowed on the trail (they aren't allowed in the national park).
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Lily Mountain Trailhead
Want all the views of Rocky Mountain National Park without actually going into the park? Like hiking but don't want to be overrun with fellow hikers at the trail? If yes, then this is the hike for you! Located outside of Estes Park, this hike overlooks RMNP, and has incredible views at the end. You have to work a bit for the payoff (approximately 4-mile round trip and 1,200 ft of vertical), but it's worth it at the top! Bonus: dogs are allowed on the trail (they aren't allowed in the national park).
One of my all-time favorites! This 5-ish mile hike provides incredible views of a mountain circ, summer wildflowers, and contains the picturesque remains of an old mining camp. Best completed July through October, as it is a high-altitude hike that ends above the tree line (approximately 12,000 feet of elevation), and often holds snow through June.
Tip: For a better view of the Gore Range and mountains around vail, hike up the ridge to the right of the cabins, or, continue past the cabins up to the screen field towards the base of the circ.
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Mayflower Gulch Trail
Colorado 91One of my all-time favorites! This 5-ish mile hike provides incredible views of a mountain circ, summer wildflowers, and contains the picturesque remains of an old mining camp. Best completed July through October, as it is a high-altitude hike that ends above the tree line (approximately 12,000 feet of elevation), and often holds snow through June.
Tip: For a better view of the Gore Range and mountains around vail, hike up the ridge to the right of the cabins, or, continue past the cabins up to the screen field towards the base of the circ.
Not big into hiking but you want to see real Colorado mountains? Saphire Point is spot. This one-mile loop gives you a fantastic view of the Ten Mile range, Lake Dillon and Breckenridge Ski Resort. Combine with a stop in Breckenridge or Frisco for lunch and a trip over the continental divide (Loveland Pass) for a beautiful day in the high country.
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Sapphire Point Overlook
Swan Mountain RoadNot big into hiking but you want to see real Colorado mountains? Saphire Point is spot. This one-mile loop gives you a fantastic view of the Ten Mile range, Lake Dillon and Breckenridge Ski Resort. Combine with a stop in Breckenridge or Frisco for lunch and a trip over the continental divide (Loveland Pass) for a beautiful day in the high country.