The best walks and hikes in Denver County

The Washington Park Loop offers an easy hike through a pleasant urban oasis in Denver. This route spans 2.8 miles (4.6 km) with a minimal elevation gain of 42 feet (13 metres), making it accessible for nearly everyone. You can comfortably complete the loop in about 1 hour and 9 minutes. As you follow the path, you will encounter the vibrant Washington Park Flower Gardens, a colorful landmark. The trail also provides serene views of Grasmere Lake and Lilly Pond, where you might spot local wildlife. It is an ideal choice for a leisurely stroll.

Planning your visit to Washington Park is straightforward, as it is easily accessible within Denver. You will find ample parking available around the park's perimeter, making it convenient to begin your hike. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for all skill levels, including beginners. You can enjoy this relaxing outdoor experience at any time of day.

This loop provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature without leaving the city. It is known for its peaceful atmosphere, offering a refreshing break from urban life. The presence of two distinct bodies of water, Grasmere Lake and Lilly Pond, adds to the scenic variety of the route. This trail stands out as a perfect option for those seeking a gentle, accessible outdoor activity in the heart of Denver.

Embark on an easy hike around the Cheesman Park Outer Loop, a pleasant urban escape within Denver. This 1.8-mile (2.9 km) route features beautiful green spaces, expansive lawns, and vibrant flower beds. You will gain a gentle 91 feet (28 metres) in elevation, making it a comfortable walk that takes about 46 minutes. As you stroll, you can enjoy picturesque views of the Denver skyline and, on clear days, even spot the Rocky Mountains. The neoclassical marble Cheesman Memorial Pavilion stands out as a historic landmark, offering a great photo opportunity.

Planning your visit to Cheesman Park is straightforward. The loop is easily accessible and suitable for most fitness levels, making it a great option for a family-friendly outing. You will generally find parking available around the park's perimeter. The trail is also wheelchair-friendly, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience. Benches and shaded areas are conveniently placed along the route if you need to rest.

This urban loop provides a unique opportunity to observe local wildlife, including hawks, squirrels, and various birds, right within the city. The park's design, with its expansive lawns and well-maintained flora, offers a serene atmosphere. It serves as a vital green lung for Denver residents, providing a tranquil setting for recreation and relaxation.

Embark on an easy hike around the Denver City Park Perimeter Loop, a pleasant route offering diverse scenery. As you follow the path, you will enjoy views of Ferril Lake and Duck Lake, with the Denver cityscape and even the distant Rocky Mountains visible on clear days. The trail is an easy 3.8 miles (6.2 km) long, with a gentle elevation gain of 92 feet (28 metres), making it suitable for a relaxed outing. You can expect to complete this loop in about 1 hour and 34 minutes, perhaps even hearing sounds from the nearby Denver Zoo as you pass by.

This perimeter loop is accessible and enjoyable throughout the year, even during winter months. If you prefer a quieter experience, plan your visit for an early morning on a weekday, as the trail tends to get busy, particularly on weekends. The route is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your canine companion along for the walk.

The Denver City Park Perimeter Loop offers a unique urban escape, blending natural green spaces with city views. It stands out as an accessible option for those seeking a quick outdoor activity within the city limits. This trail provides a refreshing break from the urban bustle, allowing you to connect with nature without venturing far from Denver's heart.

Discover the Bluff Lake Nature Center Loop, an easy 1.1-mile (1.8 km) hike that offers a quick escape into nature right in Denver. You can expect to gain just 29 feet (9 metres) in elevation, making this a gentle route that takes around 27 minutes to complete. As you walk, you'll enjoy peaceful views of Bluff Lake and Sand Creek, moving through diverse habitats like open prairie and lush wetlands.

When planning your visit, remember that the trail is open from sunrise to sunset daily. The path is mostly smooth gravel, but be aware of some noticeable slopes as you transition between the lake and prairie areas. You'll find convenient amenities such as benches, bathrooms, and hand wash stations along the way. To protect the local wildlife, bicycles and pets, including leashed dogs, are not permitted on the trails.

This urban oasis is particularly notable for its rich biodiversity and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. It's a true haven for native plants and a wide array of animals. Keep an eye out for various bird species, including pelicans and bald eagles, as over 230 different types have been reported here, alongside deer and other creatures.

Embark on an easy hike along the Lowry Sports Park Loop, a pleasant route spanning 3.2 miles (5.1 km) with a minimal elevation gain of just 43 feet (13 metres). This gentle path offers a refreshing outdoor experience that you can comfortably complete in about 1 hour and 17 minutes. As you walk, you will pass by various sports facilities, including soccer fields and baseball diamonds, giving you a sense of the active community that uses this park. The terrain is generally flat, making it ideal for a relaxed stroll or a light workout.

Planning your visit to the Lowry Sports Park Loop is straightforward. Parking is readily available at the sports park, providing convenient access right to the trailhead. You won't need any special permits or have to pay any fees to enjoy this community trail. The route is suitable for all skill levels due to its flat nature and easy accessibility, making it a great choice for a quick escape into nature any time of day.

The Lowry Sports Park Loop stands out as a versatile recreational area within the Denver vicinity. While it primarily showcases open spaces and community sports facilities, you might catch glimpses of a nearby lake during your hike. This trail is a perfect example of how urban green spaces can offer accessible outdoor activity, providing a simple yet effective way to get some exercise and fresh air close to home.

Embark on the Cherry Creek Trail, a challenging hiking route that stretches for 17.9 miles (28.9 km). You will begin your journey in downtown Denver, following Cherry Creek as it winds through various city parks, including a notable stretch past the Murals at Creekfront Park. As you head southeast, the urban landscape gradually gives way to more natural surroundings, featuring expansive grasslands and stands of cottonwood trees. This diverse scenery offers a unique blend of cityscapes and open prairies, providing opportunities to observe local wildlife. Expect a substantial day out, as this difficult trail involves 358 feet (109 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 7 hours and 21 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit to the Cherry Creek Trail is straightforward, as it offers numerous entry and exit points along its entire length. This high accessibility means you can choose to tackle sections or the full route depending on your preference and available time. You will find amenities such as restrooms and picnic areas, particularly in the more developed parts of the trail. Parking and trailhead access are generally available at various points, making it convenient to start your adventure.

The Cherry Creek Trail stands out for its unique transition from a bustling urban environment to serene natural landscapes. It provides a distinct experience by connecting the heart of Denver with more open, wilder areas. This route is a prime example of how city infrastructure can seamlessly integrate with natural corridors, offering a continuous path for exploration. The trail's ability to showcase both city life and natural beauty makes it a notable feature in the region.

The Crestmoor Park Loop offers an easy hiking experience through a pleasant urban green space, perfect for a quick escape into nature. As you follow the well-maintained path, you will pass by mature trees and open grassy areas, providing a refreshing atmosphere within the city. This route covers 1.2 miles (1.9 km) with a minimal elevation gain of 18 feet (5 metres), making it an accessible and gentle walk that typically takes around 29 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit to Crestmoor Park is straightforward, as the loop is known for its accessibility. You can expect to find ample parking available within or very close to the park, making it convenient for those arriving by car. This trail is suitable for all skill levels, including families with young children or anyone looking for a leisurely stroll, and it can be enjoyed at any time of day.

Crestmoor Park Loop stands out as a welcoming urban oasis, providing a comfortable outdoor experience without needing to leave the city. It offers a simple yet effective way to connect with nature, even if only for a short period. The park's design emphasizes ease of use and a tranquil environment, making it a popular choice for local residents seeking a peaceful walk.

Embark on an easy hike along the Cherry Creek Trail, a 3.6 miles (5.8 km) route that offers a blend of urban and natural scenery. You will experience peaceful creek views, where sunlight often reflects on the water, and walk through areas shaded by cottonwood and willow trees. Keep an eye out for the distinctive Andy Warhol Tribute Mural, which adds an artistic touch to your journey. This trail has a minimal elevation gain of just 16 feet (5 metres) and can typically be completed in about 1 hour and 27 minutes, making it a relaxing option for a short outing. You might also spot local wildlife such as squirrels and various birds as you explore.

The Cherry Creek Trail is highly accessible, featuring numerous entry and exit points along its course, which makes it easy to join or leave the path as needed. Since it is a popular multi-use trail, you should expect to share the route with both bikers and runners, so remain aware of your surroundings. You can enjoy this trail throughout the year, as the scenery transforms beautifully with each season, offering a fresh perspective on every visit.

This trail stands out for its unique combination of urban convenience and natural escape, following the winding path of Cherry Creek. It provides a refreshing outdoor experience within a city environment, allowing you to connect with nature without venturing far from developed areas. The presence of the Andy Warhol Tribute Mural also offers an unexpected cultural highlight, distinguishing this route from typical nature trails.

Embark on the Commons Park Riverfront Loop for an easy hike that perfectly blends urban views with natural serenity. As you follow the South Platte River, you'll enjoy peaceful water scenes set against the impressive Denver city skyline. This route covers 2.0 miles (3.2 km) with a gentle elevation gain of just 37 feet (11 metres), making it an accessible option for nearly everyone. You can comfortably complete the loop in about 49 minutes, taking in the native grasses and cottonwood trees along the way.

Planning your visit to Commons Park is straightforward, as the trail is very easy to reach. You can arrive by foot, bike, car, or even public transport, with convenient connections to the 16th Street Mall shuttle. Parking is readily available nearby, ensuring a hassle-free start to your hike. Along the route, you will find amenities such as benches, picnic sites, and restrooms for your convenience.

This urban oasis offers more than just a pleasant stroll; it provides a unique glimpse into Denver's past. Keep an eye out for the historic Denver Trolley Caboose, which adds a touch of local history to your outdoor experience. The trail's path along the South Platte River highlights the city's connection to its natural waterways, offering a refreshing escape within the bustling urban environment.