7 Picnic Perfect Denver Hikes That Will Make Your Spring Complete
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
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!)
Address: Roxborough State Park, 4751 Roxborough Dr, Littleton, CO 80125, USA
Address: Cherry Creek Trail, Cherry Creek Trl, Denver, CO, USA
Address: Chautauqua Trail, Boulder, CO 80302, USA
Address: 2800 S Estes St, Lakewood, CO 80227, USA
Address: Mount Galbraith Park, 21992 Golden Gate Canyon Rd, Golden, CO 80403, USA
Address: St Mary's Glacier Trail, St Mary's Glacier Trl, Colorado 80452, USA
Address: Red Rocks Trail, Morrison, CO, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes Near Denver
April 15, 2022
Melissa M.
What are the best hikes with a view near Denver?
Colorado is full of resplendent beauty and hiking can give us a great vantage point to see some spectacular scenery. Take one of these secret scenic hikes near Denver that lead to mountain and lake views and jaw-dropping scenery galore.
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.
Address: Roxborough State Park, 4751 Roxborough Dr, Littleton, CO 80125, USA
Address: Cherry Creek Trail, Cherry Creek Trl, Denver, CO, USA
Address: Chautauqua Trail, Boulder, CO 80302, USA
Address: 2800 S Estes St, Lakewood, CO 80227, USA
Address: Mount Galbraith Park, 21992 Golden Gate Canyon Rd, Golden, CO 80403, USA
Address: St Mary's Glacier Trail, St Mary's Glacier Trl, Colorado 80452, USA
