The best walks and hikes around Longmont
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Hiking around Longmont offers diverse landscapes, from flat lakeside paths to rolling trails in nearby open space preserves. The city is situated at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, providing access to both gentle greenway walks along the St. Vrain Creek and more elevated routes with views of the Front Range. The area's trail network primarily consists of easy to moderate routes through grasslands, around reservoirs, and within protected natural areas.
Best hiking trails around Longmont
- The most popular hiking route is McIntosh Lake loop — Longmont, Colorado, a 3.7 miles (6.0 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to complete. This easy route follows a flat path around the water, offering views of Longs Peak.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Open Sky Loop — Lagerman Agricultural Preserve, a moderate 5.3 miles (8.5 km) path. The trail traverses open grasslands and offers views of the surrounding agricultural lands and foothills.
- Local hikers also love the Saint Vrain River Trail and Sandstone Community Ranch Figure-8 — Longmont, a 5.0 miles (8.0 km) trail leading through a mix of paved greenway and natural surface paths, often completed in about 2 hours.
- Hiking around Longmont is defined by reservoir loops, riverside greenways, and open space preserves. The network of Longmont Colorado hiking trails provides options for various ability levels, with most routes being easy or moderate.
- The routes in Longmont are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 30 reviews. More than 650 hikers have used komoot to explore Longmont's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
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8.64km
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Hike the Dry Creek Greenway, a moderate 5.4-mile (8.6 km) route in Longmont, Colorado, offering natural scenery and easy access.
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8.64km
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Hike the 5.4-mile Dry Creek Trail in Longmont, Colorado, a moderate route through grasslands with 76 feet of elevation gain.
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1.28km
00:20
10m
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Enjoy an easy 0.8-mile hike on the Dickens Farm South Loop, a tranquil path along St. Vrain Creek in Longmont, Colorado.
43.1km
10:56
100m
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Hike the Saint Vrain Greenway, a difficult 26.8-mile route in Longmont, offering diverse scenery, wildlife, and connections to other trails.
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Embark on the Jim Hamm Nature Area Loop, an easy hiking route spanning 0.9 miles (1.5 km) with a minimal elevation gain of 8 feet (2 metres). You can complete this pleasant outdoor experience in about 22 minutes. As you walk, you will encounter serene, picturesque views, including three distinct ponds. Keep an eye out for the panoramic vista of the Front Range and the stunning reflections of Longs Peak in the water, a true highlight of the trail. The path itself features both paved and gravel sections, offering a comfortable and varied surface for your stroll.
Planning your visit to the Jim Hamm Nature Area Loop is straightforward. The trails, along with a dedicated viewing platform, are wheelchair accessible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beautiful scenery. This area is known for its quiet and relaxing ambiance, providing a peaceful escape from the everyday hustle. You will find that it is typically not crowded, allowing for a more personal and tranquil experience.
The Jim Hamm Nature Area is also a designated bird sanctuary, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. During the summer months, you might be lucky enough to spot yellow-headed blackbirds, among other species. This focus on wildlife and natural preservation adds a unique layer to your hike, distinguishing it as a notable natural haven in the region.
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Tips from the Community
This is the intersection of the Saint Vrain Greenway and Left Hand Creek Trail Trailhead. The Left Hand Creek Trail will take you all the way into Boulder, so it is a great way to go from Union Reservoir into the city.
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The Sandstone Ranch Park in Longmont, Colorado, is a vast recreational and natural area that offers a variety of amenities and activities. It spans over 313 acres, featuring athletic fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and extensive walking and biking trails, including the St. Vrain River Greenway. The park also includes historical sites, such as the Sandstone Ranch Visitors & Learning Center, which offers educational programs about the local environment and history. Additionally, the park hosts community events and sports programs, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
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Golden Ponds are three beautiful ponds along the Lykins Gulch Greenway. There is a boardwalk that takes you out towards the center of the main pond, so that you can take in the surrounding scenery.
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The trail around the ponds is a paved bike path with a flat packed gravel side. The ponds are beautiful, especially at dawn and sunset, and there is a parking lot with restrooms on the northeast side.
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The Sandstone Ranch Park in Longmont, Colorado, is a vast recreational and natural area that offers a variety of amenities and activities. It spans over 313 acres, featuring athletic fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and extensive walking and biking trails, including the St. Vrain River Greenway. The park also includes historical sites, such as the Sandstone Ranch Visitors & Learning Center, which offers educational programs about the local environment and history. Additionally, the park hosts community events and sports programs, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
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Jim Hamm Nature Area in Longmont, Colorado, a small park with a pond that is a popular spot for walking and birdwatching. The area features an easy walking path and an observation deck that juts out onto the water on the eastern side of the pond near the nature area's main entrance. Birdwatching is a major highlight at Jim Hamm Nature Area, as it serves as a habitat for a diverse array of bird species. The pond attract waterfowl, wading birds, and songbirds, making it a prime location for birdwatchers.
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Well maintained multi use path along the Saint Vrain River. Though it leads through the middle of the city it very much feels like being out in the nature. You run along green meadows and follow the meandering waters of the river. You can spot a lot of different birds here and parks and small lakes offer nice places for a rest.
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The park has picnic tables, water access, and open grassy areas. There is a clubhouse you can reserve for events. The restrooms are closed in the winter.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there easy, family-friendly hikes in Longmont?
Yes, Longmont has several great options for families and beginners. The Golden Ponds loop is a very gentle 1.4-mile (2.2 km) walk that's perfect for all ages. Another excellent choice is the paved St. Vrain Greenway, which offers flat, accessible paths through the city.
Can I bring my dog on the trails around Longmont?
Dog regulations vary by location. While many trails in Boulder County Open Space have restrictions, dogs are generally welcome on-leash on city trails like the St. Vrain Greenway and around McIntosh Lake. For off-leash fun, Union Reservoir features a designated dog beach. Always check the specific rules for a park before you go, as sensitive areas like Button Rock Preserve do not permit dogs at all.
Are there any hikes with lakes or waterfalls near Longmont?
The area is known for its beautiful reservoir hikes rather than waterfalls. You can enjoy scenic water views on several trails. The Lagerman Reservoir loop is a pleasant 1.6-mile (2.6 km) walk around the water, popular for birdwatching. For a longer walk, McIntosh Lake offers a flat 3.7-mile (6.0 km) loop with great views of the Front Range.
What are some popular places to start a hike in the Longmont area?
Locals and visitors enjoy several key access points for hiking.
Ron Stewart Preserve at Rabbit Mountain is a popular favorite, known for its wide-open trails and incredible views of the Front Range. Hall Ranch Open Space, near Lyons, is another highly-regarded spot offering more moderate trails through a wildlife-rich landscape. For a peaceful walk right in town, the St Vrain Greenway provides miles of paved trail along the river.
Are there any challenging day hikes near Longmont?
While Longmont itself is known for easier trails, more challenging hikes are just a short drive away. Hall Ranch Open Space offers some moderate climbs with rewarding views. For a significant challenge, many hikers head towards the trails in the nearby foothills and Rocky Mountain National Park, which feature strenuous routes with substantial elevation gain.
What is the best time of year for hiking around Longmont?
Hiking is possible year-round, but spring, summer, and fall offer the most pleasant conditions. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers, while fall showcases beautiful colors and cooler temperatures. Summer is warm and ideal for being near the water, though afternoon thunderstorms are common, so it's best to start your hikes early. Many lower-elevation trails remain accessible for winter hiking, but be prepared for icy or muddy conditions.
How many hiking trails are there around Longmont?
There are over 40 curated hiking routes to explore in and around Longmont. The network includes everything from flat, paved greenways and lakeside loops to more rugged trails in the nearby open space preserves, offering plenty of options for different fitness levels.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Longmont?
The trails around Longmont are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning views of the Front Range, the well-maintained paths, and the abundance of wildlife, especially in areas like Rabbit Mountain and Hall Ranch Open Space. The accessibility of peaceful nature walks so close to the city is another commonly highlighted feature.
Are there any fees for parking or accessing the main hiking areas?
Most of Longmont's city parks and nearby Boulder County Open Space properties, such as Rabbit Mountain, Hall Ranch, and Heil Valley Ranch, are free to access and have no parking fees. However, it's always a good practice to check the specific regulations for your destination before you go, as rules can change.
Can I see wildlife on the trails?
Yes, wildlife sightings are common. Rabbit Mountain Open Space is known for deer, coyotes, and eagles. At Hall Ranch, it's not unusual to see deer and wild turkeys. The various reservoirs and ponds, like those at Lagerman Agricultural Preserve, are excellent spots for viewing waterfowl and other birds.
Are the trails suitable for mountain biking as well as hiking?
Many of the multi-use trails in the area are open to mountain bikers. Hall Ranch Open Space is particularly well-known for its more technical and challenging bike trails. However, some areas, like Button Rock Preserve, are designated for hikers only. Always check trail signage to confirm which activities are permitted.
Where can I find information on trail conditions or closures?
For the most current information on trails within Boulder County Open Space, including areas like Rabbit Mountain and Hall Ranch, it's best to check their official website for any advisories or closures. For trails within Longmont city limits, you can refer to the City of Longmont's website.
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