Posted in Denver April 13, 2022 by

7 Amazing Denver Hikes Under 3 Miles You’ll Absolutely Love

Are you a beginning hiker searching for the “best hikes in Denver”? Short on minutes but craving a little outdoor time? Or maybe you are just looking for something fun and new to try? No matter your answer, you are sure to love the following trails. At three miles or less, they’re not just some of the easiest hikes in Denver, they’re also some of the best hikes in Denver, too.

1. Adams Falls (Grand Lake)
Adams Falls, Colorado 80510, USA
TripAdvisor/Daniel F
A family favorite, Adams Falls is a Rocky Mountain National Park gem that is located less than two hours from Denver and boasts a trail of less than a mile. Word to the wise: Bring your camera - moose sightings are a possibility.
2. Lair o’ the Bear Park (Idledale)
Lair o’ the Bear Park, 22550 CO-74, Idledale, CO 80453, USA
Yelp/Yvonne B.
If you can't make the nearly two-hour drive to hike Adams Falls, may we suggest Lair o’ the Bear Park, which is located a few miles from Morrison and offers trails ranging in length from 1.3 miles to 12.6 miles?
3. Blue Grouse Trail (Golden)
Golden Gate Canyon State Park, 92 Crawford Gulch Rd, Golden, CO 80403, USA
Yelp/Porf M.
If you thought that the Golden Gate Canyon State Park was spectacular before, wait until you experience it via the 1.4-mile Blue Grouse Trail! (Is it just us or does this short-and-sweet hike seem like the perfect nap-inducer for your littles?)
4. ​​The Dam Trail (Franktown)
Castlewood Canyon Court, Castlewood Canyon Ct, Colorado Springs, CO 80924, USA
Yelp/Gia G.
For a hike that is both scenic and educational, there is nothing better than the Dam Trail at Castlewood Canyon State Park. The one-third-mile hike passes the magnificent ruins of the old Castlewood Canyon Dam. (What's so special about the Castlewood Canyon Dam? The historic structure burst in 1933 and spilled enough water to create a flood in downtown Denver!)
5. Devil's Head Fire Lookout (Sedalia)
Devil's Head Lookout, S Rampart Range Rd, Sedalia, CO 80135, USA
TripAdvisor/Brent B
It may be a short hike (only 2.8 miles round-trip), but the Devil's Head Fire Lookout packs a bit of a punch with its quick elevation gain of 1,000 feet. PLUS, the fact that you have to climb nearly 150 steps to reach the top of this iconic structure. However, once you reach the top, you are guaranteed one of the most jaw-dropping and breathtaking views you have ever seen.
6. Dinosaur Ridge (Morrison)
Dinosaur Ridge, Colorado 80401, USA
Wikimedia Commons
The next time you head to a concert at Red Rocks, make plans to leave early so that you can experience the fascinating Dinosaur Ridge, a Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark that houses an epic 1.5-mile trail that passes through hundreds of dinosaur tracks AND bones.
7. Boulder Falls (Nederland)
Boulder Falls, Colorado 80466, USA
TripAdvisor/Luv2Compete
Talk about short and sweet: our final trail spans a whopping 100 yards AND ends with the pièce de résistance that is the gorgeous Boulder Falls.

So, what do you think? Are these the best hikes in Denver? Have you trekked along all the trails mentioned above? Know of any other scenic hikes in Denver? We want to know!

These aren’t the only hikes that belong on your bucket list. There are lots more. One you definitely don’t want to overlook is this wildflower trail in Denver.

Address: Adams Falls, Colorado 80510, USA
Address: Lair o’ the Bear Park, 22550 CO-74, Idledale, CO 80453, USA
Address: Golden Gate Canyon State Park, 92 Crawford Gulch Rd, Golden, CO 80403, USA
Address: Castlewood Canyon Court, Castlewood Canyon Ct, Colorado Springs, CO 80924, USA
Address: Devil's Head Lookout, S Rampart Range Rd, Sedalia, CO 80135, USA
Address: Dinosaur Ridge, Colorado 80401, USA
Address: Boulder Falls, Colorado 80466, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes In Denver

April 18, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo

What other trails are among the best hikes in Denver?

The best hikes in Denver and the surrounding area don’t end with the treks above. There are so many amazing trails including Chautauqua Trail. Nestled within Boulder’s Chautauqua Park, the 1.2-mile out-and-back trail leads straight through the heart of the historic Chautauqua Meadow, affording hikers incredible vistas of the majestic Flatiron Mountains. In addition to great views, hikers are treated to an impromptu history lesson, since signage, which provides details on the area’s rich history and landscape, lines the trail. It should be noted that there’s virtually no shade on this trail and it can get pretty hot, so make sure to bring along some water.

What are the most scenic hikes in Denver?

There are tons of scenic hikes in Denver and the surrounding area. One hike that shouldn’t be missed is the Glacier Gorge Trail. Nestled within Rocky Mountain National Park, the trail is just under two hours from Denver, but well worth the drive, as it leads to the breathtakingly beautiful Mills Lake. There are lots of other lovely sights, along the way, too, including the 30-foot Alberta Falls.

Are there any kid-friendly hikes around Denver?

With lots of kid-friendly hikes around Denver and the surrounding area, just about anyone can enjoy a scenic stroll. One trek that’s sure to capture the imagination of younger hikers is the Castle Trail in Mount Falcon Park. As enchanting as it sounds, the trail, which is just over 2 miles, leads straight to castle ruins. As if it couldn’t get any better, the Castle Trail connects to the Tower Trail, which includes, you guessed it, a lookout tower that offers a great view of the surroundings.

Address: Adams Falls, Colorado 80510, USA
Address: Lair o’ the Bear Park, 22550 CO-74, Idledale, CO 80453, USA
Address: Golden Gate Canyon State Park, 92 Crawford Gulch Rd, Golden, CO 80403, USA
Address: Castlewood Canyon Court, Castlewood Canyon Ct, Colorado Springs, CO 80924, USA
Address: Devil's Head Lookout, S Rampart Range Rd, Sedalia, CO 80135, USA
Address: Dinosaur Ridge, Colorado 80401, USA
Address: Boulder Falls, Colorado 80466, USA