One of the things we love most about Denver is that you don’t have to drive hours into the mountains to experience incredible Colorado scenery. Denver hiking is a must! Within minutes of downtown, you’ll find trails winding through iconic red rock formations, peaceful reservoirs, rolling foothills, and panoramic overlooks that showcase both the city skyline and the Rocky Mountains.
Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or are lucky enough to call Denver home, these are the favorite spots we found on our month-long stay.
Green Mountain: The Best View of Denver
If you’re looking for a hike that delivers incredible rewards without leaving the metro area, Green Mountain in Lakewood is hard to beat.
With more than a dozen interconnected trails, hikers can choose routes ranging from leisurely walks to more challenging climbs. Our favorite is the full Green Mountain Loop, a 6.5-mile adventure with roughly 1,000 feet of elevation gain. It offers a satisfying workout while remaining accessible for most hikers who are comfortable with moderate elevation.
Wildflowers blanket the hillsides during late spring and early summer while songbirds fill the air with constant music. As you climb higher, sweeping views open up across downtown Denver, Red Rocks, and the Front Range mountains.
Trail Highlights
- 6.5-mile loop
- Approximately 1,000 feet of elevation gain
- Moderate difficulty
- Gorgeous spring wildflowers
- Panoramic views of downtown Denver, Red Rocks, and the Rockies
Red Rocks & the Morrison Slide Trail Loop
Everyone knows Red Rocks Amphitheatre, but many visitors don’t realize some of the area’s best scenery lies just beyond the concert venue.
The Morrison Slide Trail Loop winds through towering sandstone formations, rolling foothills, and dramatic overlooks that showcase the incredible geology Colorado is known for. Along the way you’ll enjoy breathtaking views, unique rock formations, and plenty of opportunities to stop for photos.
If you’re visiting, arrive early to beat both the crowds and the afternoon heat. You may even catch locals running the famous Red Rocks stairs before heading out onto the trails.
Trail Highlights
- Iconic red rock scenery
- Moderate difficulty
- Excellent sunrise and sunset hiking
- Located just 25 minutes from downtown Denver
Apex Park: A Front Range Favorite
If you’re looking for a trail that feels a little more rugged while still being close to the city, Apex Park in Golden should be on your list.
Known for its beautiful forests, rocky terrain, and steady elevation gain, Apex offers a fantastic workout with rewarding mountain views along the way. One of the most popular routes combines Apex Trail with Enchanted Forest and Argos Trail, creating a loop of approximately 6 to 7 miles depending on your route.
One of our favorite parts of hiking Apex is how quickly you feel immersed in nature. Tall pine trees provide welcome shade, seasonal wildflowers brighten the trail, and we saw several deer on our hike!
Be sure to check the trail schedule before visiting, as portions of Apex Park have designated hiking-only days to help manage heavy mountain bike traffic. When we were there, it was designed around even and odd calendar days.
Trail Highlights
- Multiple loop options
- Moderate to challenging difficulty
- Beautiful pine forests and rocky terrain
- Great mountain views
- Located just outside Golden, Colorado
The Manitou Incline: Colorado’s Ultimate Stair Climb
If you’re looking to test yourself, nothing compares to the Manitou Incline.
Located in Manitou Springs, about an hour and a half south of Denver, this former cable railway has become one of Colorado’s most iconic outdoor challenges.
The statistics alone are enough to impress:
- Just under one mile long
- More than 2,700 stairs
- Nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain
- Average grade of approximately 41%, with sections reaching nearly 68%
This isn’t simply a hike—it’s a climb.
Every step becomes a mental challenge as much as a physical one, but the feeling when you reach the top is unlike anything else. The sweeping views of Manitou Springs, Colorado Springs, and Pikes Peak make every step worthwhile.The return trip follows the scenic Barr Trail, offering beautiful mountain views and a much gentler descent.
Pro Tips
- Reserve your free timed-entry permit before you go.
- Start early to avoid crowds and afternoon heat.
- Bring plenty of water! And snacks!
- Pace yourself—everyone climbs at their own speed. It took our 15 year old track and cross country runner less than 45 minutes to reach the top. It took mom almost an hour more to complete (and I think I’m in pretty good shape for a 42 year old!)
Completing the Incline is a true Colorado bucket-list experience.
Happy Hiking!
What we realized very quickly on our trip to thee area is there is a strong focus on outdoor recreation with so many options for hiking, biking and trail running. There is something for everyone.
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