12 Picturesque Trails Around Denver That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking
Just because the temperatures and the snowflakes have started to fall, doesn’t mean your hiking days have to end. In fact, during the winter months, our nearby mountain parks are transformed into scenic wonderlands that are utterly breathtaking and awe-inspiring. From frozen lakes and majestic red rocks formations to magnificent valleys and meadows, here are the best winter hikes near Denver, promising fun and fascination for the whole family.
The towering red rocks against the soft white snow are truly stunning and will make you feel as though you've stepped through the wardrobe into Narnia.
The 2.6-mile Fountain Valley Loop Trail and the 1.4-mile Willow Creek Trail are perfectly picturesque family-friendly loops on which to explore the park. There are plenty of opportunities for cold weather hiking near Denver at Roxborough State Park.
(Note: NO pets allowed at Roxborough State Park.)
Roxborough State Park, 4751 Roxborough Dr, Littleton, CO 80125, USA
Want to feast your eyes on four frozen lakes in under four miles? Traveling the trail from Bear Lake to Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park will give you just that.
For an extra special experience, start your trip at Bear Lake at sunrise and breathe in the beauty of Long's Peak, the highest point in the park, in the distance. Visit AllTrails for more information on the Bear Lake Nature Trail and Emerald Lake Trail.
(Note: This is one of Colorado's most accessible trails to snowshoe, and if you don't own a pair, you can rent them for a fair price in Estes Park at The Colorado Mountain Shop. Also, there are NO dogs allowed at RMNP.)
Half a mile up the trail you'll reach Nymph Lake then continue on to Dream Lake, which lies at 1.1 miles, where you'll enjoy spectacular views of Hallett Peak and Dragon's Tail Couloir. It's one of the best winter hikes near Denver. Visit AllTrails for more information on Dream Lake Trail.
After just 1.8 miles of traversing through a winter wonderland, you'll reach the grand finale, Emerald Lake. It's one of the best trails for cold weather hiking near Denver.
Keep your eyes and ears peeled for elk along the way, and be sure to warm up with coffee, grub, and a hot toddy in the charming town of Estes Park before trucking back to Denver. Read this post to learn more about the hike to Emerald Lake.
Another lovely short destination hike in Rocky Mountain National Park is the 1.6-mile round-trip jaunt to Alberta Falls. Park at the Bear Lake Trailhead, follow signs for Glacier Gorge and Alberta Falls, snowshoe your way to the frozen falls, and be prepared to be amazed! Read our previous coverage to learn more about hiking to Alberta Falls.
Located just 30 miles from Denver, Mount Falcon Park is riddled with trails that offers stunning vistas of Denver, Red Rocks, the Front Range, and Mount Evans.
You can combine a few trails to make a 3.7-mile loop that hits all the scenic highlights by taking the Tower Trail to the Meadow Trail North and on to the Castle Trail, which culminates at the hauntingly beautiful Walker Castle Ruins. Visit AllTrails for a list of hiking trails at Mount Falcon Park.
Mount Falcon Park, Castle Trail, Morrison, CO 80465, USA
Another fabulous nearby park with a vast network of family-friendly trails is the Alderfer Three Sisters Open Space Park near Evergreen. You'll enjoy spacious meadows, quaint forests...
...and the impressive and interesting rock formations for which the park is known. This park is home to some of the best winter hikes near Denver.
(Note: There are 18 trails ranging from .2 to over 10 miles, so be sure to grab a map from the trailhead or download trail information from AllTrails as the network can get quite confusing along the way.)
Parking lot, S Le Masters Rd, Evergreen, CO 80439, USA
South Valley Park, located just 30 minutes southwest of Denver, is the perfect place to escape the city and explore the nearly 1,000 acres of meadows and towering red sandstone outcroppings. For a gentle, three-mile loop suitable for the whole family, combine the Coyote Song Trail with the Swallow Trail and enjoy stunning views of the dramatic geological formations. You can search for trails at South Valley Park on AllTrails.
Just a stone's throw from South Valley Park is the picturesque Deer Creek Canyon Park, with miles of trails and magnificent views of the surrounding woods and valleys. Visit AllTrails to pick a trail at Deer Creek Canyon Park for winter hiking near Denver.
(Pro Tip: You can combine trails in both parks to create a lengthy route and make a day of it.)
Located in the foothills of Jefferson County in a beautiful canyon is Lair o' the Bear Park, one of the most accessible family-friendly hiking spots near the metro area. You can travel the two-mile Bear Creek Trail along the waterway, with the option of continuing further onto additional trails and even on to neighboring parks. Head to AllTrails for trail information.
The peaceful yet powerful rock formations are utterly awe-inspiring and provide a pristine setting in which to reflect and gain some perspective on our massive metropolis sprawling in the distance. This one of the most stunning parks for winter hiking near Denver. Head to AllTrails for Red Rocks Park trail information.
The last on our list of the best winter hikes near Denver is Mount Sanitas. This popular hiking spot near Boulder has a few trail options ranging from a simple stroll through the valley to a trail that leads you up to the tip top of the mountain.
The 3.2-mile Mt. Sanitas Loop will give your quads a run for their money but will also give you fantastic views of the Front Range and beyond. For more leisurely options, meander along the Sanitas Valley Trail or the Dakota Ridge Trail. For Mt. Sanitas trail information, visit AllTrails.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Winter Hikes Near Denver
January 25, 2022
Melissa M.
What are some of the best indoor things to do in the winter near Denver?
If you’ve been meaning to check out any number of museums in and around the city of Denver, winter is the perfect time to visit. You may also want to get tickets for a hockey game, visit a brewery or distillery, or try a new restaurant. There are plenty of options to keep you busy all season!
What are some of the best winter outdoor activities near Denver?
The entire state of Colorado is like an outdoor playground year-round for those who love the outdoors. In the winter, the options for spending time outside seem endless. How about snow tubing at Frisco Adventure Park in Frisco? Perhaps a trip to hot springs near Denver is something of interest to you as well.
Are there any cozy cabins I can rent during the winter near Denver?
Renting a cozy cabin is an ideal getaway during the winter months. Offering cabin and cottage rentals near Denver are River Spruce Cottages in Estes Park and Cabins at Country Road in Evergreen.
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