The best walks and hikes around Columbine Valley

The High Line Canal, Lee Gulch, and Mary Carter Greenway Loop offers a delightful blend of urban green space and natural scenery, making it one of the more popular hiking routes in the South Metro Denver area. You'll traverse diverse terrain, from the smooth concrete paths of the Mary Carter Greenway alongside the South Platte River, past lush meadows and serene lakes, to the peaceful gravel paths of Lee Gulch with its overarching trees and small waterfalls. This moderate 9.5-mile (15.3 km) hike, with a gentle 360 feet (110 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 3 hours and 57 minutes, providing a substantial yet accessible outdoor experience.

Accessing the High Line Canal Lee Gulch Mary Carter Greenway Loop is convenient, with numerous parking options and trailheads available along its length. While no permits are required, and the trails are generally open year-round, visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring or fall can offer the most comfortable temperatures and vibrant scenery. It's a great option for a longer walk or bike ride, and you'll find amenities like restrooms and picnic areas along the Mary Carter Greenway section.

This loop is a fantastic example of urban greenway development, connecting the extensive High Line Canal Trail with the Mary Carter Greenway via the crucial Lee Gulch Trail. The Mary Carter Greenway even features a dual-path system, separating pedestrians from bikers for enhanced safety. The historic High Line Canal, originally an irrigation system from the 1880s, adds a unique historical dimension to your journey, showcasing an engineering marvel repurposed for recreation and ecological benefit. It's a truly family friendly hike, offering scenic views and wildlife spotting opportunities within the city.

If you're looking for a peaceful, easy hike near Littleton, the South Platte Park Trail from Carson Nature Center to Blackrock Lake is a fantastic choice. This 1.8-mile (2.9 km) route, with only 23 feet (7 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through a vibrant riparian ecosystem along the South Platte River. You'll pass by serene lakes like Eaglewatch Lake, surrounded by cottonwood forests, and might even spot some of the park's diverse wildlife, including great blue herons and deer, making it a prime spot for nature photography and birdwatching.

Starting at the Carson Nature Center, you'll find ample parking and a wealth of information about the local environment. The trail itself is well-maintained and largely flat, making it suitable for all ages and abilities, including those with strollers or wheelchairs. With an estimated duration of just 44 minutes, it's an ideal option for a quick, refreshing walk, and its urban accessibility means you can easily combine it with other activities in Littleton.

South Platte Park holds historical significance as the nation's first floodplain park, a testament to community efforts to preserve this natural space after the 1965 flood. Beyond hiking, the park offers fishing in its five lakes and kayaking on the river, making it a true multi-use oasis. The presence of the Carson Nature Center with its interactive exhibits further enhances the experience, providing educational insights into the local ecosystems and wildlife.

The Mary Carter Greenway Trail offers a unique long-distance hiking experience right in the Denver metropolitan area, following the South Platte River. You'll find a mostly flat, multi-use path, with a crushed stone section specifically for pedestrians, winding past scenic spots like Eaglewatch Lake and the South Platte Reservoir. It's a great way to immerse yourself in nature without leaving the city, though some northern sections do pass through more industrial areas.

This is a serious commitment in terms of time, rated as difficult due to its length of 20.3 miles (32.7 km), which typically takes around 8 hours and 15 minutes to complete. However, with only 186 feet (57 metres) of elevation gain, the terrain is very gentle, making it more about endurance than steep climbs. Parking is available at various access points, such as the "Park and Rafters" highlight, and the trail is well-connected to public transport options throughout Littleton.

The Mary Carter Greenway Trail is a testament to urban greenway development, having received national awards for its restoration efforts along the South Platte River. It serves as a vital artery in Denver's extensive trail network, linking to other major paths like the C-470 bikeway. Beyond hiking, you can find amenities like interpretive sites and even whitewater boating facilities, making it a versatile outdoor destination.

The Mary Carter Greenway Trail offers a unique blend of urban accessibility and natural beauty, following the South Platte River through the Denver metro area. You'll find yourself traversing lush green meadows, passing serene lakes like Eaglewatch Lake and Redtail Lake, and enjoying views of the river itself. While some northern sections might brush past more industrial areas, the trail's southern stretches provide a refreshing escape, often described as wide open with opportunities to spot wildlife. This 20.3-mile (32.7 km) route, with its minimal 186 feet (57 metres) of elevation gain, is rated difficult primarily due to its length, making it a substantial day hike that takes approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes.

Planning your visit to the Mary Carter Greenway Trail is straightforward, as it's a well-established urban greenway. Parking is available at various access points, including the Park and Rafters area, though it's always wise to arrive earlier on busy days. The trail features a dual-path system: a paved path for cyclists and an adjacent crushed stone path specifically for pedestrians and wheelchair users, helping manage its heavy usage. With amenities like restrooms, drinking fountains, and shaded picnic areas at various rest stops, it's well-equipped for a long day out. Consider visiting during the spring or fall for comfortable temperatures, though it's accessible year-round.

What makes the Mary Carter Greenway Trail truly stand out is its role as a central artery in the wider Denver metro trail system. It connects seamlessly with numerous other trails, including the C-470 trail and the Lee Gulch Trail, creating a vast network for exploration. This trail is a testament to successful urban greenway development, incorporating significant restoration efforts for the South Platte River, including re-vegetation and landscaping. It's a fantastic option for family friendly hikes or for those looking for dog friendly sections, offering a natural escape and a model for urban conservation right within the city.

The Nixon's Coffee House loop from Columbine Valley is a delightfully easy and accessible hiking trail, perfect for a relaxed outing. You'll find a generally flat and wide path, making it suitable for all ages and skill levels, including family friendly hikes near Columbine Valley. It's less about rugged adventure and more about enjoying a pleasant walk, perhaps with the added bonus of a coffee break.

Planning your visit to this easy 3.2-mile (5.2 km) loop is simple. With only 39 feet (12 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, it's a quick commitment. Parking for the Nixon's Coffee House loop trailhead is likely convenient, and the trail is suitable for year-round enjoyment, though checking current trail conditions is always wise.

This loop stands out as a great option for beginner hikers or anyone looking for a low-impact activity. Its main draw is its ease and the promise of a coffee house nearby, making it a unique and appealing choice among the best loop trails in the Columbine Valley area for a casual stroll rather than a wilderness trek.