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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.