Isn’t springtime in Denver the absolute best?! Not only are the flowers beginning to bloom and the trees producing buds, but the weather is warm and wonderful, making the outdoors even more attractive than ever before. If you are ready to get outside and enjoy the weather and changing nature, pack a picnic and head out on one of these seven best hikes near Denver that will make your spring complete:

1. ​​Roxborough State Park (Littleton)
Roxborough State Park, 4751 Roxborough Dr, Littleton, CO 80125, USA
Flickr/djvass
No matter the time of year, Roxborough is Denver's premier hiking destination with its 4,000 acres of colorful red-rock formations, diverse wildlife, and other untouched nature. (A HUGE bonus? Roxborough State Park offers a variety of designated trails for every skill level! So if you want to trek along trails for easy hikes near Denver, this is the park to visit.)

Read our previous coverage to learn more about Roxborough State Park.
2. Cherry Creek Trail (Various Areas)
Cherry Creek Trail, Cherry Creek Trl, Denver, CO, USA
Flickr/Kevin Zolkiewicz
Beginning in Denver's Confluence Park (pictured) and running through Franktown, this scenic 40-mile trail is a favorite not only for its length and convenient location but because of the different landscapes you pass along throughout your journey.

Visit AllTrails to view a map of the Cherry Creek Trail.
3. Red Rocks Trail (Morrison)
Red Rocks Trail, Morrison, CO, USA
Steve St. Germain/AllTrails
Much like Roxborough, Morrison's iconic Red Rocks has not only its namesake bedrock but also the must-travel, 1.1-mile Red Rocks Trail. It's one of the most scenic hikes near Denver.

Visit AllTrails to view a map of the Red Rocks Trail.

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4. Flatirons Chautauqua Trail (Boulder)
Chautauqua Trail, Boulder, CO 80302, USA
Flickr/John
I don't know about you but I can already envision myself strolling along the beautiful Chautauqua Trail, laying down a blanket, and basking in the peace and tranquility that is the Boulder Flatirons. It's one of the best hikes near Denver.

Visit the City of Boulder website to learn more about Chautauqua Trail.
5. Bear Creek Greenbelt (Lakewood)
2800 S Estes St, Lakewood, CO 80227, USA
TripAdvisor/jimgreiner
Okay, so the 1.6-mile trail is more for walking than it is hiking... BUT we think it is a list (and picnic) worthy because of its ample cherry blossoms, colorful shrubs, and serene stream. If you're looking for easy hikes near Denver, this is one of the best.

Visit the Lakewood Colorado website to learn more about the Bear Creek Greenbelt.
6. Mount Galbraith Loop (Golden)
Mount Galbraith Park, 21992 Golden Gate Canyon Rd, Golden, CO 80403, USA
Yelp/Janet D.
Located less than a half-hour from the heart of Denver, the Mount Galbraith Loop offers what is quite possibly one of the best views in the state via its nearly 5-mile trail. It's one of the most scenic hikes near Denver.

Visit AllTrails to view a map of the Mount Galbraith Loop.
7. St. Mary's Glacier (Idaho Springs)
St Mary's Glacier Trail, St Mary's Glacier Trl, Colorado 80452, USA
Yelp/Justin W.
Last but certainly not least on our list of the best picnic hikes is that of St. Mary's Glacier; a 2.4-mile, out-and-back hike that may look daunting in this picture, but is actually classified as an easy-to-moderate hike. It's one of the best hikes near Denver. (Psst... if we can make a suggestion, we advise skipping the picnic and going straight for a pizza feast at Beau Jo's!)

Visit AllTrails to view a map of the St. Mary's Glacier Trail.

Have you been on any of these best hikes near Denver to go for a picnic? Let us know in the comments if you have!

For even more of our favorite trails, check out These 11 Epic Wildflower Hikes Around Denver Are Completely Out Of This World!

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Best Hikes Near Denver

Melissa M. | April 15, 2022

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Where can I go glamping near Denver?

At the Denver East/Strasburg KOA Holiday Campground, you can go glamping in a covered wagon or a comfortable cabin. It’s a unique experience to stay here as there are plenty of amenities including a game room, a heated pool, and plenty of activities to do.

Which state parks should I visit near Denver?

There are several state parks in and around Denver that everyone should make a point to visit. From the 4,000-acre Chatfield State Park to Barr Lake State Park with its 2,000-acre lake, there’s so much to explore near the city.

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