For Colorado residents, particularly in the Centennial State, there is a well-known love affair with Type II fun.
Residents eagerly engage in taxing pursuits like hiking 14,000-foot peaks or tackling grueling 20-mile trails, with the experience often serving as a painful badge of honor to flaunt over craft beers and nachos back at local microbreweries.
While this is thrilling for locals, it can be less enjoyable for visiting relatives from places like Florida or friends coming in from Ohio, with well-intentioned hikes sometimes resulting in trips to the emergency room.
To prevent these unfortunate outings while still showcasing the stunning beauty of Colorado, there are several relatively easy hikes perfect for out-of-town guests.
This guide features eight options, each within a 90-minute drive from Denver, that feature shorter distances, manageable elevation gains, and breathtaking scenery suitable for social media sharing.
Before hitting the trails, it’s crucial to keep a few simple things in mind.
Check the weather to ensure an enjoyable experience and carry plenty of water along with your 10 essentials.
Wear appropriate clothing for the hike, and consider downloading the Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) app for trail maps and updates about closures.
### 1. Green Mountain West Ridge Trail, Boulder
– **Distance:** 3.2 miles out and back
– **Elevation Gain:** 600 feet
– **Highlight:** Breathtaking views of the Rockies
The Green Mountain West Ridge Trail is an ideal way to introduce visitors to the stunning Rocky Mountain vistas.
Eluding the height and crowds typically found in Chautauqua, this trail quickly leads hikers to a summit at 8,100 feet.
After winding through an evergreen forest, hikers are treated to expansive panoramic views towards the Continental Divide.
At the top, a metal peak-finder plaque helps identify distant summits like Mt. Audubon and North and South Arapahoe Peaks.
A quirky bonus is the chance to encounter the infamous grouse that has gained notoriety among those who frequent the area.
### 2. Dinosaur Ridge Trail, Morrison
– **Distance:** 2.2 miles out and back
– **Elevation Gain:** 300 feet
– **Highlight:** Cretaceous tracks and Jurassic bones
For families with children fascinated by dinosaurs, the Dinosaur Ridge Trail delivers a captivating experience filled with prehistoric excitement.
Visitors can explore real dinosaur bones, tracks, and ancient fossils along this relatively easy trail.
Starting from the Main Visitor Center, a series of 15 educational nodes provide valuable insights into the ancient history that can be witnessed here.
This short, well-maintained trail allows guests to return the same way after experiencing the wonderful world of dinosaurs.
### 3. Devil’s Backbone Wild Loop, Loveland
– **Distance:** 2.4 miles round trip
– **Elevation Gain:** 330 feet
– **Highlight:** A natural rock keyhole
If you have a sibling seeking an adventure that falls short of risking an ER visit, the Devil’s Backbone Wild Loop is an excellent choice.
The trail offers an approachable trek through a unique geological formation, evoking memories of the adventurous Longs Peak Keyhole Route but without the associated risks.
Starting at the parking lot, hikers stroll through a shady grove of cottonwoods where they can listen for local bird species.
As the trail leads along remnants of a historic irrigation canal, a natural keyhole framed by stunning orange Dakota sandstone provides a perfect photo opportunity.
Opt for morning or early evening hikes to avoid crowds and heat, as shade along the trail is limited.
### 4. Flatirons Vista Loop, Boulder
– **Distance:** 3.8 miles round trip
– **Elevation Gain:** 430 feet
– **Highlight:** Views of iconic rock formations
When showing family the University of Colorado Boulder, opt for the Flatirons Vista Loop which offers impressive views of the iconic rock formations that define the local landscape.
This hike provides a scenic backdrop for countless university promotional materials while introducing visitors to the other gems of Boulder.
With the Flatirons in view throughout most of the hike, this route delivers fantastic photo opportunities along the way.
Be cautious when it comes to restroom breaks—pit toilets at the trailhead are available, but visitors may want to plan ahead.
### 5. Central City Cemetery, Central City
– **Distance:** As long or short as you prefer
– **Elevation Gain:** Varies based on your path
– **Highlight:** Eerie history and beautiful scenery
For a more unique outing, the Central City Cemetery provides a mix of eerie opportunities perfect for ghost story enthusiasts or for anyone wishing to reflect on the past.
Accessing the cemetery requires a short drive through Central City, following Eureka Street until it turns to dirt.
From the gates, take time to wander through the cemetery, exploring tombstones that date back to the late 1800s alongside lush aspen woods and the serene mountain backdrop.
Autumn is a particularly lovely time to visit when the leaves change and crowds thin out.
### 6. Lily Lake Trail, Estes Park
– **Distance:** 0.8 miles out and back
– **Elevation Gain:** 40 feet
– **Highlight:** Reflections of mountains in a serene lake
For visitors who secured a timed-entry permit for Rocky Mountain National Park but are unable to explore Bear Lake, Lily Lake Trail presents a fabulous alternative that’s conveniently closer.
This short trail is a gentle stroll around a picturesque alpine lake, providing stunning views of Longs Peak, Mt. Meeker, and the Twin Sisters.
Hikers can enjoy reflections of the towering peaks in the lake when conditions allow.
Reminder: Visitors should be prepared to pay the park entrance fee since the Lily Lake Trail is located within the national park boundaries.
### 7. Seven Falls, Colorado Springs
– **Distance:** 1.6 miles out and back
– **Elevation Gain:** Minimal; optional climb of 224 steps
– **Highlight:** A stunning 18-story waterfall
For families seeking an experience that allows for both relaxation and adventure, Seven Falls offers the best of both worlds.
This historic natural destination has been attracting visitors since the late 1800s, offering breathtaking views of cascading water.
Guests have the option to stay at the base and enjoy the scenery or challenge themselves with the 224 iron steps leading directly to the falls for unrivaled views.
After completing the hike, a meal at Restaurant 1858 nearby allows guests to dine on local fare like red trout or bison steak to refuel their energy.
### 8. Arthur’s Rock Loop, Fort Collins
– **Distance:** 4.5 miles round trip
– **Elevation Gain:** 1,100 feet
– **Highlight:** Panoramic views of Colorado and Wyoming
If your visiting friend craves a challenging workout while connecting with nature, consider hiking the Arthur’s Rock Loop.
While this trail ups the ante with a significant elevation gain, it still falls within a reasonable range for not overwhelming those familiar with the outdoors.
This scenic trek leads hikers past delightful wildflowers in the spring and stunning views of Horsetooth Reservoir during the warmer months.
Reaching the top grants hikers exceptional vistas stretching from the Colorado plains to nearby Wyoming.
These eight hiking options are just a few of the fantastic ways to explore the landscape near Denver, ensuring visitors enjoy a memorable and safe experience while embracing the beauty of Colorado.
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