The colorful state of Colorado has no shortage of stunning hiking trails. In fact, there are nearly 17,000 different trails here totaling over 39,000 miles! While it’s hard to choose which of these are the most beautiful around Denver, there are certainly some that stand out above the rest. Since most of the hikes listed in this article are about an hour away from Denver, they are perfect for easy day trips. Here is your guide to the 8 most beautiful hikes near Denver, Colorado.
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1. Lake Isabelle
Details:
The Lake Isabelle trail passes by several alpine lakes and has gorgeous views of the surrounding mountain peaks. Since this is an extremely popular destination, this hike and area requires a parking reservation & fee for most of the year.
Best Time to Visit:
Summer & Fall – this trail is especially stunning in the fall!
Trail Length:
6.6 mile loop, 670 feet elevation gain, moderate difficulty
Distance from Denver:
50 miles
2. Emerald Lake
Details:
While Emerald Lake is probably one of the most popular trails in Colorado, it’s definitely worth the hype. Since it’s located within Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll have to purchase either a day pass or an annual NP pass to visit here. Additionally, during the summer months, you’ll need a timed entry reservation as well since it gets very busy here.
Best Time To Visit:
Any time of year – this trail is still accessible in winter and may be even more beautiful. Be sure to bring microspikes/snowshoes if attempting in the winter!
Trail Length:
3.2 mile out & back, 700 feet elevation gain, moderate difficulty
Distance from Denver:
70 miles
3. Mount Sniktau
Details:
You’ll find the Mount Sniktau trailhead right off Loveland Pass, which has great views of the Front Range Mountains. Loveland Pass (and this hike) also straddles the Continental Divide, so you’ll have fantastic views in all directions.
Best Time to Visit:
Accessible year round, but winter will be much more difficult and cold. Without a doubt, summer is the most beautiful time!
Trail Length:
3.6 miles out & back, 1,500 feet elevation gain, challenging
Distance from Denver:
60 miles
4. Stanley Mountain
Details:
The Stanley Mountain trail is a beautiful hike that has amazing 360 degree panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Like the previous hike, it is also accessible from a big Colorado mountain road, Berthoud Pass. Additionally, you’ll start from an elevation of 11,300 feet and get to over 13,000 feet on this trail!
Best Time to Visit:
Summer & Fall
Trail Length:
7.4 miles out & back, 1,800 feet elevation gain, challenging – however, after the first 1.5 miles up, you’ll have great views so you don’t have to hike the entire trail.
Distance from Denver:
55 miles
Keep reading for the remainder of the 8 most beautiful hikes near Denver, Colorado!
5. Butler Gulch
Details:
The Butler Gulch trail is another easily accessible trail that has wonderful wildflower views in the summer. The trailhead is close to Berthoud Pass, just at the bottom of the pass rather than at the top.
Best Time to Visit:
Summer – without a doubt, the wildflowers in late July/early August are some of the best you can find in Colorado.
Trail Length:
5.5 miles out & back, 1,800 feet elevation gain, challenging
Distance from Denver:
50 miles
6. Royal Arch
Details:
One of the more unique hikes on this list, the Royal Arch trail leads you through the Boulder Flatirons to end at this red rock arch. You’ll also have great views looking out over the plains to Boulder & Denver.
Best Time to Visit:
The trail is open year round, however, May and June are the most beautiful times to visit.
Trail Length:
3.3 miles out & back, 1,400 feet elevation gain, moderate
Distance from Denver:
25 miles
7. Mount Bierstadt
Details:
Mount Bierstadt is one of Colorado’s famous “14ers”, which are mountains over 14,000 feet in elevation. There are 58 peaks here over this height, with Mt. Bierstadt being 14,065 feet high. While this is a challenging hike, it is one of the “easiest” 14ers in the state.
Best Time to Visit:
Summer – although be aware of summer thunderstorms at heights like these!
Trail Length:
7.2 miles out & back, 2,700 feet elevation gain, most challenging
Distance from Denver:
56 miles
8. Mount Blue Sky
Details:
Last, but certainly not least, is Mount Blue Sky, another one of Colorado’s 14ers. Recently renamed from Mt Evans, this peak sits at 14,265 feet high. While you can also drive to the top of this peak on the Mt Blue Sky Scenic Byway, it’s worth the effort for this extraordinary hike.
Additionally, all visits to this area at any time require a timed entry permit.
Best Time to Visit:
Summer – the road to the trailhead is only open from June to early October.
Trail Length:
5.2 miles out & back, 2,100 feet elevation gain, most challenging
Distance from Denver:
45 miles
Enjoy the 8 most beautiful hikes around Denver, Colorado!
Caroline & Jonathan