Centennial Cone Trail from Camino Perdido. In this guide to the best Colorado 13ers near Denver you’ll find: A Colorado 13er refers to a peak that sits over 13,000 feet above sea level.
The High Line Canal Trail meanders through Denver for more than 70 miles, and almost all of it is lined with old Cottonwood trees that turn brilliant yellow in the fall. This list of the best hikes in Evergreen gives you plenty of hiking options throughout this quaint . Your email address will not be published. Here are the 9 best fall hikes in Colorado to see colors near Denver. Featuring more than 40 of the best hikes in the Breckenridge and Vail area, this exciting new guidebook points locals and visitors alike to trailheads within an hour's drive of these two towns. 9. Flickr/Nataly Kochina. Colorado is full of easy-to-find and well-marked snowshoe trails, so you can . For vacation homes, this cozy home with deck and mountain views is a great pick. If you have the correct gear and avalanche training, try for a winter peak.
One of the smallest communities on this list of mountain towns near Denver, Silver Plume is right off I-70 but it is pretty much a forgotten hamlet that you could almost call a ghost town – but not quite, because there are still people living here – around 170 according to the last census. Where to Eat in Silver Plume: The Bread Bar has a limited but delicious menu and handmade cocktails (it is temporarily closed), Plume Coffee serves up excellent coffees and baked goods although they are mostly just open on weekends. Distance from Denver: 39 miles. Matthews/Winters Park is located west of Denver off I-70.
Georgetown is only a few minutes drive away so you could grab food and drinks there if nothing is open in Silver Plume. The Vintage Moose is a great choice if dive bars are more your style. From the Bear Lake trail head, hikers can continue to Dream Lake (1 mile) and Nymph Lake (2.2 miles.)
So the access is just as easy, but these peaks are a little harder. You’ll want to start early for this one, both to get down before afternoon storms and to get parking. Where to Drink in Central City: Dostal Alley Saloon for craft beer and slots, or the Gold Coin Saloon. Sleepy Lion Trail from Button Rock Preserve. 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of Denver - One of the greatest things about Denver and Boulder is the sheer amount of trails around them. This cute mountain town is nestled in the foothills at the confluence of two creeks and is home to a very walkable Main Street where the colorful buildings house boutiques, antique stores, and independent businesses – in fact, 97% of the businesses in Lyons are independently owned! From renowned Garden of the Gods to secluded Mueller State Park, these hikes, most less than 5 miles long, will fuel your Rocky Mountain hiking fever. So, stfu already. Evergreen Mountain Loop. Georgetown Lake is a great spot for water sports like SUP and kayaking, and it is stocked with brown trout you can fish here too (make sure to get a permit).
Amazing Hikes Near Denver. Great article that contains a lot of good info! Season: June-September. The rock is rotten in spots, but you can avoid some of it if you opt for Class 4 gullies. This guide to 60 of the best hikes in the Denver-Boulder area leads you to scenic overlooks, wildlife hot spots, and historical settings. Although, altitude sickness can strike all ages, genders, and fitness levels, there are some amazing hikes and trails near Denver on the front range that showcase Colorado's famous outdoor beauty and are sure to please any local or out-of-town visitor. One of my favorite parts of climbing any Colorado thirteener is the solitude. With so many amazing Colorado 13ers to choose from, it can be tough to choose the best Colorado 13er. After hitting the summit of Cupid, you’ll head back down for a bit, then continue onto Grizzly. Also, we are living in strange and unsettling times so please make sure to check local guidelines before traveling to this destination, as I haven't updated individual posts with current travel information because this changes so often. Nina Snyder is a Denver resident and freelance writer who has written about the many attractions in the Mile High City for locals and visitors. The trail head is near the McGraw Ranch and passes through some beautiful wildflower areas before ending at the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado. When it comes to hiking and climbing in the mountains 13ers are where it's at. Where to Drink in Lyons: Enjoy local brews at Iconic Oskar Blues Brewery and MainStage Brewing Company. How do you think our state makes money? In this guide to the best Colorado 13ers near Denver you'll find: Information about Colorado 13ers; Why you should tackle a 13,000-plus-foot peak; The Best 13ers . Distance from Denver: 4-hour drive. The crux of the climb is a 55-foot rappel off of a vertical rock face. St Marys Glacier near Idaho Springs Colorado (Image credit: Sparty1711) Distance from Denver: 43 miles Hike Distance: 2.4 miles. Drive the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway for stunning fall colors in September and gorgeous views all year round – near the top is where you can begin the hike up one of Colorado’s most accessible 14’ers, Mount Bierstadt. When you're bored there is nothing better than taking a fun day hike from Denver. Where to Eat in Fort Collins: Colorful Rainbow Restaurant for breakfast and dinner with lots of plant-based options, Ginger and Baker for pie in a historic mill, Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar for your seafood fix. Measure content performance.
Discover the most epic hikes close to town. With Best Hikes Colorado Springs, readers have everything they need for the adventure they seek, from an easy nature walk to a multi-day backpack. Keep in mind you will see crowds here on the weekend, but a small parking lot with limited parking along the road usually keeps the bigger crowds at bay. Don’t miss hiking to Royal Arch in Chautauqua Park, Gregory Canyon, and Mount Sanitas to name just a few. In this guide to the best Colorado 13ers near Denver you'll find: Information about Colorado 13ers; Why you should tackle a 13,000-plus-foot peak; The Best 13ers . One thing you can’t miss in Evergreen is beautiful Evergreen Lake, just beyond the town center. It features famous Jurassic dinosaur bones, such as Stegosaurus and Apatosaurus, discovered in 1877, and Cretaceous dinosaur footprints. Lyons is known as a stopover town on the way to Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver, but it is a cool little town in its own right and definitely worth a visit. The trails vary in length from less than a mile to over six miles. This former gold mining town has a strong Western flair with historic brick buildings in town and lots of cowboy paraphernalia around the place. Colorado 14ers became more of a novelty than a quiet mountain hike.
The views of the dramatic ridge between Atlantic and Fletcher make you feel like you’re far off in the Himalaya. Where to Drink in Golden: There are so many excellent breweries in Golden – my faves are New Terrain, Mountain Toad, and Golden City Brewing. Linda Pinkul, Mountain Homes, LLC is a Broker Associate with HomeSmart Realty 445 Union Blvd. These 9 hidden waterfalls near Denver will take your breath away! In the hotter months, you can’t beat tubing the rapids of Clear Creek. Guanella Pass Brewing Company for awesome local brews. "Within Denver's C-470 loop, numerous trails and neighborhoods invite exploration.
Don’t miss it if you are in the area in February.
At 13,795 feet,Arkansas is a great way to catch some air without hiking long miles.
Best in July and August. Shuttle cars and snow climb up the beautiful Polaris Couloir. Restorative Yoga for Beginners offers the guidance to begin your yoga practice and bring harmony to your quality of life--one gentle stretch at a time. Where to Eat in Boulder: Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse offers delicious tea drinks and food from around the world, The Yellow Deli is a cozy spot with simple and wholesome dishes, Avanti is a food hall with a roof terrace and lots of delicious options including Korean fare, pupusas, pizza, and more. Waterton Canyon offers one of Denver's classic hikes. Here’s a list of the top breweries in Fort Collins for further beerspiration. It is super quiet, the short main street has a few historic buildings in different states of repair, with many of them now being private homes. Hikes range from less than a mile to more than six miles for all ability levels. Second place, Rocky Mountain Outdoor Writers and Photographers Contest"[Hiking Colorado] takes on a huge task, and succeeds . This book is the ultimate on Colorado best hikes. A quick 30-minute drive from Denver leads you to one of the best places to hike near Denver. Rocky Mountain National Park - Deeper in the Mountain Hikes Near Denver.
From the Front Range to the West Slope, Colorado boasts beautiful waterfalls. Hiking Waterfalls in Colorado includes detailed hike descriptions, maps, and color photos for more than 125 of the most scenic waterfall hikes in the state. Like its neighbor Georgetown, Silver Plume is also a historic silver mining town, and it is a stop on the Georgetown Loop Railroad.
OK, so Fort Collins is not a mountain town (like Denver, it is a city right beside the mountains), but I love it and it is only an hour north of Denver so I wanted to add it to the list. Getting out on trails and enjoying the stress-relieving benefits of nature should be something everyone, of all abilities, can experience.
May 27, 2016 - Spruce Mountain offers two hiking trail options and is just south of Castle Rock, Colorado. There is also a small mining museum in town, the Underhill Museum. An added bonus is the beautiful drive on the Peak to Peak Highway, but beware of the high elevation coming straight from Denver.
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The hikes near Denver offer breathtaking scenery, which may compel you to come back. A pair of mailboxes with aspen trees showing off their fall colors along Cabin Creek Road near Highway 7 in Allenspark in 2013. You realize we’re a tourist state, right? Just a short drive from historic Idaho Springs west of Denver, this hike delivers truly spectacular views of an alpine lake and glacier without having to cover much terrain at all. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Farther from Denver, but a stunning national park that features Denver-area hikes for all abilities. You won’t regret visiting lovely Georgetown, one of the prettiest mountain towns close to Denver. It's the best place in the park for spotting moose. Explore the most popular trails in my list Mountain Hikes near Denver with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Step it up a little from Sniktau with the duo of Cupid and Grizzly Peaks, which are also located at Loveland Pass and start on the same trail. About The Best Colorado 13ers Near Denver. Rocky Mountain National ParkCost in 2019: $25 daily park pass (per vehicle). I think this event speaks volumes about the kind of quirky individuals that call this townhome, and why you should make sure to visit Ned. Most of this half-mile long couloir is steep and above 45 degrees.
Location: Castle Rock Park. The total round-trip length is only 3.7 miles, making it an ideal starter for anyone who is new to climbing mountains and a little hesitant to start on something more substantial. Hiking the First Flatiron in Boulder Open Space is a challenging hike but it's only a 2.7 mile loop. Learn how your comment data is processed. The beautiful Bear Creek Trail is a two mile hike that can be found just 30 minutes from Denver, and provides a tranquil escape from . This is definitely one of the mountain towns close to Denver that you should take the time to visit. Tips for climbing or hiking a Colorado 13er, Pack the essentials and then some. From long-grueling days to a gentle jaunt in a pine forest, there's something for everyone. The terrain ranges from paved trails to more rugged trails. There are a couple of cozy cafes in town that serve up awesome coffees and teas as well as baked goods – Mountain Mamas’ Needful Things and Georgetown Coffee and Tea. So if it is the mountains you are craving and you are heading to Denver, don’t miss these gorgeous and easily accessible mountain towns near Denver. Includes directions and descriptions for thirty walks and hikes within an hour's drive of Denver, including detailed trail information and difficulty ratings. Where to Stay in Lyons: La Vern M. Johnson Park for camping, or rent a tiny house at WeeCasa Tiny Home Resort. About The Best Colorado 13ers Near Denver. If you are reading this, you are probably planning to visit Denver or a hiker who wants to explore more hiking trails near Denver. Fish Creek Falls Near Steamboat Colorado. Need we say more. Idaho Springs is also home to the closest hot springs to Denver, Indian Hot Springs, which has a large pool in a greenhouse as well as geothermal caves and private pools. Rocky Mountain National Park is located northwest of Denver near Estes Park. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. There aren’t any hotels in Silver Plume itself (you could stay in Georgetown next door) but there are a couple of great vacation rentals. 5 easy-ish trails near Denver that have epic views of the Front Range. This is a gem of a mountain. Where to Stay in Idaho Springs: JC Suites, Argo Inn and Suites, or if you aren’t traveling with kids – The Silver Lake Lodge which is adults-only. I went skiing at all the ski resorts and I remember set them cost in $10 Is that now cost . May 30, 2018 - Want an easy hike with great views?
Explore one of 57 easy hiking trails in Denver or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Isabel Glacier Hike Lake Bernards Recreational Area, Nederland/Ward This is hands down one of the best hikes I have done in Colorado and it's only about an hour half from . Many of the hikes also afford the opportunity to explore beyond the falls to pristine lakes, wildflower-filled meadows, creeks and cascades, alpine forests, and surrounding mountain peaks. Where to Drink in Evergreen: Revival brews for local beer and elevated bar food, Lariat Lodge Brewing Company for inventive craft beer brewed onsite. Depending on the time of year you visit, the river running beneath the glacier is a great place to fill up your water bottle and crawl underneath the glacier's icy exterior.
Located along the Loveland Pass ridgeline, this mountain provides easy access with zero approach. 10 Best Hikes Near Denver, Colorado Green Mountain and Hayden Trail Loop. You are one of the Colorado natives that I love – just like my husband and friends. Boulder is a gorgeous college town (well, a city really) in the foothills of the Rockies that somehow manages to be both hippie and well-heeled. Where to Drink in Boulder: Boulder is home to so many great breweries. Best Easy Day Hikes Colorado Springs includes concise descriptions and detailed maps for twenty-five easy-to-follow hikes on the high plains as well as in the mountains near town. It’s a great spot to park up for the day if you work online. Come winter, you can cross-country ski, snowshoe, sled, ice fish and ice skate in this park. Where to Drink in Idaho Springs: There are a couple of great breweries in Idaho Springs – Westbound & Down Brewing Company and Tommy Knocker Brewery. If you’re looking for a bigger challenge, then consider adding Bard to the loop. Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 68 scenic trails in the Denver area. If you want to learn more about the town’s mining history, there are two mine tours you can take – Argo Gold Mine and Phoenix Gold Mine. While in the park: Visit Kawuneeche Valley. Special Sections -- Dogs -- Dog Trails -- Human Waste -- Personal Locator Beacons -- If You're Lost -- Bark Beetles -- Wilderness Camping -- Wildfires -- Lightning -- Shuttle Buses -- Trail Crews -- Understanding Search and Rescue (SAR).
Dogs are not allowed on trails. For vacation rentals, stay at this historic carriage house or this charming studio in a historic home – both close to downtown Golden. Distance from Denver: 33 miles/40 minutes.
Distance:.6 to 10.2 + other trails available Drive Time from Denver: 2 Hours Difficulty: Easy to Difficult If you are looking to enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park and would like to avoid the busy east side, the western side of RMNP, near Grand Lake, offers miles upon miles of trails. Check out this.
But it actually isn’t in the mountains, it is beside them. Where to Eat & Drink in Fort Collins: For drinking, there are so many great options! Morrison started life as a railroad town in 1872 and has a gorgeous setting in Bear Creek Canyon. Boulder is one of the must-visit mountain towns near Denver in my opinion, and you may never want to leave. Technically St. Mary’s glacier is actually a permanent snowfield, but it’s still a very popular place, especially since it’s so close to Denver. After your hike, refuel at BeauJo's Mountain Pies, a Colorado tradition. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Long’s Peak to the north. There are countless hikes near Denver and this book makes sure that you don't drive more .
There are so many great opportunities to explore the wilderness and visiting glaciers is one of the most unique and beautiful adventures there are.
For vacation rentals, stay at this cozy studio with mountain views, or this beautiful mountaintop one-bedroom apartment. There are a number of hiking trails nearby – I highly recommend the Indian Peaks Wilderness, the Crater Lakes trail from Moffat Tunnel, and any of the hikes in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, especially in fall when the aspens are in their full golden glory. There are so many hiking and biking trails around Golden with many of them accessible from the middle of town – I wrote a post about the best hiking trails in Golden. Once upon a time, I had a crippling fear of heights and exposure would send me into a full-on panic attack.
You have two options to see it. Distance from Denver: 47 miles/50 minutes. Just stop, people like you really piss me off, thinking you own a place. Cupid is mostly Class 1 and is fairly easy to ascend.
You could easily spend a couple of hours just exploring downtown.
All five destinations are considered moderate hikes.
Mountain ridges get cold. The Best Mountain Towns Near Denver. These twin towns are easily accessible from Denver – there are even. Where to Eat in Central City: Farmer’s Pick Buffet at Isle Casino in Black Hawk – especially for their crab legs and creme brulee, The Timberline Grill Steakhouse for steaks, and locally-inspired mains. Mount Parnassus was not a fun climb for me personally, but if you’re into hillwalking, this is a great peak. I hope this gives you some inspiration to venture into the mountains from Denver – I think you will love what you find there.
There are countless others, but these six offer something for everyone, whether you are the adrenaline junkie rappel freak or you’re just getting started with climbing mountains. Approach via Mayflower Gulch for only a mile or so of travel along a faint climber’s trail. Whether you're a wheelchair user or hiking with a stroller, these Colorado trails welcome everyone. Where to Stay in Georgetown: For hotels, stay at Hotel Chateau Chamonix or Georgetown Mountain Inn. Along the way, you’ll attain a false summit, but keep going up some Class 2 terrain to gain the true peak. A guide to hiking and climbing Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks
Required fields are marked *. The Atlantic Peak’s West Ridge has a minimal approach of approximately three miles and plenty of ridge to enjoy. Distance from Denver: 38 miles/45 minutes.
You can opt to continue on to Pettingell through some more Class 3 scrambling and a Class 2 walk-off or descend the steep saddle after the rappel.
I don’t know about you, but that’s almost cheating in my book. South Tab. Great spots for sunset, but it can be windy so check the weather. Stay at this peaceful. She'd rather be dirty than done up. Enjoy incredible panoramic views from the top of the Continental Divide by hiking Mount Flora. If you think your hiking days are over until spring, think again. San Luis Peak is located in a remote portion of the San Juan Mountains near the town of Gunnison, Colorado — almost smack dab in the middle of Colorado's Rocky Mountains. CLICK HERE to download three sample chapters from Best Hikes with Kids Western Washington * Nearly 200 short hikes and outdoor activities for kids and their families * Graphic, two-color layout provides key data at a glance * Includes ...
The guide features hikes suited to every ability, GPS-compatible trail maps and route profiles, mile-by-mile directional cues, difficulty ratings, average hiking times, best hiking seasons, and more. List of Partners (vendors). Includes mile points, elevations, and maps for each segment. Features completely updated maps and data for the 80-mile Collegiate West trail addition, as well as bicycle detours around wilderness areas. If you are interested in mining history you can take a tour of the historic Capital Prize Gold Mine, and take a trip on the Georgetown Loop Railroad on a steam locomotive that passes several old gold and silver mines. The Mega-List of Tips for Your First Summit, you’re just getting started with climbing mountains, Why you should tackle a 13,000-plus-foot peak. By Megan Michelson June 21, 2021. Distance: 1.6 miles. Evergreen Winter Hikes. Check out my interactive map to the best mountain towns near Denver.. 1. Located in Castle Rock, Colorado, this Castle Rock hike is one of the most accessible and fun hikes near Denver, which leads to a strange rock formation. Why not climb mountains year-round? For drinking, there are so many great options! Distance from Denver: 27 miles/40 minutes Boulder is a gorgeous college town (well, a city really) in the foothills of the Rockies that somehow manages to be both hippie and well-heeled. Distance from Denver: 43 miles/50 minutes. If you're up for it, the Mesa Trail is a 6.9 mile hike that starts at the first turn at the top of Bluebell road. Select personalised ads. If you are interested in mountaineering, make sure to visit the American Mountaineering Museum, or if you are into Coors Beer, you can tour the brewery – I’ve heard you get free beer at the end. And don’t pretend you represent every person who was born in Colorado – my husband was born there, as were most of my Colorado friends and they aren’t full of hate and anger like you. Store and/or access information on a device. The Lookout Mountain trail has beautiful views 1,700 feet above the town of Golden on the western edge of the Denver metro . Miners Saloon is also a great place to grab a drink and Golden Moon Speak next door is a speakeasy and distillery that serves up handcrafted cocktails. There are so many hiking and biking trails around Golden with many of them accessible from the middle of town – I wrote a post about the, If you are interested in mountaineering, make sure to visit the American Mountaineering Museum, or if you are into Coors Beer, you can, Lovely Morrison is just up the road from Golden and is the closest town to the world-famous.
Castlewood Canyon is home to Turkey Vultures, Bluebirds and Canyon Wrens.
Fish Creek Falls is a 1/4 mile hike located just outside Steamboat Springs, Colorado--about 3.5 hours from Denver.
If you are interested in mining history you can take a tour of the historic Capital Prize Gold Mine, and take a trip on.
Whether you are looking for an easy morning stroll, an after-work hike, or just an excuse to get outdoors during the weekend, check out these day hikes near Denver under 3 miles. Select personalised content. Despite my lack of hillwalking lust, the views from the top are beautiful. Idaho Springs has pretty much all the best of Colorado in one small town and I love it. These hikes make for easy day trips, you just gotta start the day bright and early to beat the crowds. In late spring and early summer, it is super lush and there are wildflowers everywhere, and in fall the trees live up to the town’s name – shimmering gold and lining Clear Creek. Jason Langley / Getty Images. The North Table Mountain Hike near Denver is perfect.
DENVER (CBS4) - Colorado is known for its scenery, and spring is the perfect time to get out and take it all in. Often times a well-known Colorado hiking trail terminates at the base of the thirteener. Golden Gate Canyon is located west of Denver off Highway 93. I did this peak in the winter and it’s a lung buster if there is no trail in the snowpack. It's located just 10 miles up Squaw Pass above Evergreen Colorado, near the Echo Mountain Pass Ski Area. The hike/climb starts fairly steep and then mellows into a beautiful forested trail with all types of evergreen diversity. Just 90-minutes North of Denver, you'll find hundreds of miles of hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. Some of these hikes are just 30 minutes away from Denver. Most of the trails are less than two miles, but hikers can combine loops to make for a longer hike. The Village Walk trail at .9 miles goes past old gravestones from the historical site of Mt. The park rents out guest houses, a first for a Colorado state park. Breaking the state into six sections, Bartholomew, a Colorado native and guide, blends his personal knowledge with the experience of state biologists and regional shop owners to offer the most complete flyfishing guide ever offered on ... It is now popular for outdoor pursuits and has a rustic charm that couldn’t be more different than immaculate Boulder, which is only 16 miles away.
It’s a worthy winter objective loaded with stunning views! Where to Stay in Boulder: Boulder Adventure Lodge, Basecamp Boulder, or Hotel Boulderado. Central City may look like just another pretty historic mountain town, but there is something that sets it apart – behind those historic facades are casinos!
Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. The lake is the perfect place to walk – it is 1.4 miles to walk the circumference – as well as paddleboarding and kayaking, and you can even fish here. And that is about it. There are a number of other hiking and biking trails nearby too, so Evergreen is a great base for adventure.
For vacation rentals, this beautiful cottage and this cute one-bedroom unit are both in the Old Town are great choices.
For those searching for a moderate hike that is easily accessible from Denver, Lair O' The Bear Park is sure to meet your needs! This post may contain affiliate links. The Herman Gulch Trail is a 2.5 mile (one-way), out-and-back adventure into snowcapped mountain country and provides access to many more trails in Arapaho National Forest. Spend the afternoon doing some brewery hopping to best experience this exciting beer destination. - A wide variety of hikes, from family-friendly to difficult overnight treks - Includes detailed comments, route descriptions, driving directions, maps, difficulty ratings, and nearest landmark - Fits in your pocket or daypack - Features ... Take the Lithic . These 7 hikes can be completed by all abilities and do not skimp on awesomeness!
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Park on the east side of Easley Road, about 0.6 of a mile south of 50th Avenue, cross the road and follow the trail north about 0.25 of a mile, turning left onto the Lithic trail. The best breakfast spot in town is Main Street Restaurant, and Smokin Yard’s BBQ is an excellent choice for Southern BBQ classics. Vernon town. 20 Colorado hikes for spectacular fall color. Including hikes near Fort Collins, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Denver and Boulder is the only guidebook that pinpoints great hikes that are also close to home. There are a number of hiking and biking trails near town and you are only a 30-minute drive from Rocky Mountain National Park so if you are staying a couple of nights, Lyons is a great base to explore the park from.