Posted in Denver November 17, 2022 by

6 Easy Winter Wonderland Hikes Near Denver Anyone Can Do

If you love to hike Denver’s nearby trails, but have been holding off because of cooler temperatures and snowy conditions, wait no more. Winter in Denver is spectacular, and you should get out in it. Dust off those hiking boots and go ahead and get them nice and snowy on these 6 wonderful winter hikes near the Mile High City. These are some of the best hikes near Denver and they are great for beginners and families, are easily accessible, and are well protected from the wind. Best of all, they offer peace, solitude, and spectacular snowy landscapes.

So remember, just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you need to stay inside. If you’re looking for things to do in Denver in winer, this list will surely get you started. Get out there and enjoy all that our beautiful state has to offer in the great outdoors.

1. Roxborough State Park - Willow Creek Trail
Flickr/Adam Meek
If you are looking for a little escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Roxborough State Park, located just south of Denver, is a wonderful option. With it's grand slabs of Colorado's beautiful red rocks that starkly contrast the white snow in the winter time and an abundance of wild life, you will feel as if you have entered another world. We would recommend the 1.4 mile Willow Creek Trail for an easy, yet beautiful trail filled with awe-inspiring views along the way.
4751 N Roxborough Dr, Littleton, CO 80125, USA
2. Bear Creek Trail at Lair O' The Bear Park
Flickr/Cathy McCray
This 1.6 mile trail is a family-friendly trek anytime of the year with its mostly level path, beautiful creek, and scenic bridges throughout. You will truly feel as if you are hiking through a winter wonderland as you reach a real-life castle hidden in the woods along this trail.
22550 CO-74, Idledale, CO 80453, USA
3. St. Mary's Glacier
All Trails/Katy Winge
Just a short hour drive from Denver, you will discover this 1.4 mile out and back trail that ends with a gorgeous panoramic view of the Rocky Mountains and features a year-round glacier that is a local favorite used for sledding, skiing, and hiking.
7599 Fall River Rd, Idaho Springs, CO 80452, USA
4. Mt. Sanitas (Sunshine Canyon Dr., Boulder)
Flickr/Jax House
Mt. Sanitas is a well-known hiking destination in Colorado and offers three different trails ranging from an easy stroll along a meandering brook to a demanding trail up the mountainside. For beginner hikers this winter, we recommend the Mt. Sanitas Valley Hike, which is a 2 mile out and back trail that will is a nice winter walk with unbeatable surroundings.
Mount Sanitas Trail, Boulder, CO, USA
5. Alderfer/Three Sisters Park
All Trails/Lisa Tuomala
This park has several different trails to choose from which lead you on a peaceful walk through the woods filled with gorgeous Ponderosa PInes blanketed in snow. For a short, family hike, the Wild Iris Loop will take you along a .6 mile loop that is a tame stroll through the mountain meadow and is easily accessible from the west parking lot.
30299 Buffalo Park Rd, Evergreen, CO 80439, USA
6. Mount Falcon Castle Trail (Morrison, CO)
Flickr/Nasrullah Taha
Located just 40 minutes from Denver, is this lesser-known gem that offers stunning panoramic views of Denver, Mount Evans, and (on a clear day) PIkes Peak. The Castle Trail is a 2.3 mile loop that is easy, but scenic and will also treat you to historical sites along the way (including the ruins of what was once a grand Colorado castle). If possible, try to do this trail later in the day and catch one of the best sunset views along the front range.
Morrison, CO, USA

Remember, it’s always important to hike smart. In the winter, it’s especially crucial to be prepared for the elements. Make sure you check the weather forecast before setting out for a winter hike. Also, check for any road and trail closures in the area you are heading toward. Bring a map, compass, or GPS device as snow cover can cause some trails to be unmarked. Lastly, you will definitely want to wear layers of clothing to keep you warm as you make your way along the trail.

What is your favorite hike during the winter season? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

For other winter activities near Denver and beyond, check out these 7 Best Places To Go Sled Riding In Denver This Winter.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Winter Hikes Near Denver

December 12, 2021
Tori Jane

Where can I go winter hiking in Denver?  

Denver is a gorgeous place in a beautiful state, and it’s a total paradise in the winter. Sure, you can hike during spring and summer, but did you know that winter hiking is a thing you can do, too? Totally true! In fact, there are several places in or near Denver that are wonderful for winter hikes. For example, nestled within Elk Meadow Park is the South Loop Hike, a 2.6-mile easy trail that’s just a short drive from Denver. You’ll find yourself enchanted by the pristine beauty of Colorado at winter, especially when there’s a layer of fresh, untouched snow on the ground. There are also the hikes at Red Rocks, about 30 minutes from Denver, which is six miles round-trip but just 1.4 miles if you choose the loop. This one can be challenging, but it’s worth it for the wintery scenery. You’ll also want to check out Mount Falcon Castle & Tower Hike, which is super amazing and just 40 minutes from Denver.  

What are some fun things to do in the winter in Denver?  

Winter is a wonderful time in Colorado. It’s beautiful; there’s that chilly air, the feel of fresh snow crunching under your feet everywhere you go, and everywhere just kind of get this vibe about it that feels, well, wintery. Denver is a great place for wintertime shenanigans; you can:

 

Denver typically gets about 58 inches of snow per year, and as a result, there is no shortage whatsoever of fun and snowy activities the entire family will love. Denver is also home to numerous holiday festivals, lights displays, and events, so make sure to keep an ear out for the latest buzz on fun stuff to do. For some of our favorite places in Colorado to experience during winter, check out this list – each of those towns is a veritable winter wonderland!