Denver is the paradise of every outdoor lover being located at the base of the Rocky Mountains surrounded by beautiful trails. There are famous mountains, calm lakes, original geological phenomena, and it is easy to be confused from which one to begin. In this guide, one points out five key hikes that are suitable to every fitness level that expresses the beauty of Colorado. Beautifully shoed and explore the spots and all the best beauties in the Mile High City!

What to Know Before You Go

The climate along Colorado specifically around Denver provides an amazing hiking experience, which has to be carefully planned especially to first-time hikers. The following are some of the key points to consider to make the adventure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Acclimatize to the Altitude

The city of Denver is located at elevations of 5,280 feet above sea level and most of the trails around it are even higher. The skinnier air implies less oxygen, which may cause sickness at an elevation. The symptoms are headaches, dizziness and nausea. Relax the first or second day of your stay in the city. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking a lot of water, do not drink too much, and make your first hike easier by walking a relaxed trail.

Check the Weather

Colorado weather is well-known and unforeseeable. Even a sunny morning may easily be followed by a summer thunderstorm. Before you go out, check the forecast and be ready in case the conditions change. It is barring great to bully up your clothes.

"Leave No Trace"

The principles of the Leave No Trace are an important piece of conserving the beauty of these trails and their natural environment. It implies you carry with you what you put in (recycled waste included) and that you remain within designated recreational paths to avoid damaging delicate plant and animal life and leave wildlife to their own devices.

5 Must-Do Hikes Near Denver

The five trails offer a wonderful introduction to the variety of landscape near Denver. All this is within a half-day or a full-day drive of the city, so as to be kept in the rear pocket always ready.

Red Rocks Trading Post Trail

• Location: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre (30 minutes from downtown)
• Distance: 1.4-mile loop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: Iconic red rock formations, city views

Unless you can afford more than one hike visit this one. The Red Rocks Trading Post Trail is an easy loop back that takes you into the breathtaking geology of the park. The path is made up of giant monoliths made of sandstones with leans that are red in the sunshine. It is a fairly even and well-kept trail and as such can be taken by any hiker of all ages and all fitness levels.

In addition to the extraordinary scenery, you will enjoy panoramic views of the plains surrounding and the Denver skyline (in the distance). It is also your opportunity to visit the most popular concert hall in the world the Red Rocks Amphitheatre which is a concert venue carved right into the rocks. Bring your own breakfast and come early enough to avoid the mobs, and have the Turkish morning on the rocks.

St. Mary's Glacier

• Location: Near Idaho Springs (1 hour from downtown)
• Distance: 1.9 miles out-and-back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: A year-round snowfield, alpine lake

To get a sample of the high country without the enormous investment of time, time, and energy required in a journey to a glacier, refer to St. Marys. You are brought, by this over-grown footway up a series of ascents, to the lake of St. Mary and the adjoining snow-field, often termed the glacier, but being really but a semi-permanent snow-field. The climb is very short uphill therefore you may rest on the way up.

The incentive on top is certainly worth the investment. The crystalline lake in the Alps is underscored by steep mountains and you could walk further up the snow-field to catch more spectacular scenes. Even during summer several locals carry with them skis or snowboards to sled the snow. Also make sure you get good grip shoes because the trail is very rocky, and the snow may be slippery.

Royal Arch Trail

• Location: Chautauqua Park, Boulder (45 minutes from downtown)
• Distance: 4 miles out-and-back
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Highlights: Natural stone arch, sweeping views of Boulder

The Royal Arch Trail is a great option should you want a physical challenge with an amazing reward. This hike is a steep and difficult climb that is within the beautiful Chautauqua Park in Boulder. The path leads you to a progression of rocky steps up a canyon through the woods which then reveals the big thing, a 20 feet stone arch.

Behind the arch you will see amazing city of Boulder, Flatirons and plains to the north. It is an awesome place to capture, as well as a place of rest. Good fitness and hiking shoe wear will be needed in this trail, the path is tedious and uneven. Early is the way to go to avoid the heat of the midday, and trampling by the mob that gathers at Chautauqua in the week ends.

Mount Falcon Castle Trail Loop

• Location: Mount Falcon Park (35 minutes from downtown)
• Distance: 2.4-mile loop
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Castle ruins, panoramic mountain views

Take the Mount Falcon Castle Trail walking tour. This road leads you to the remains of a stone mansion that industrialist John Brisben Walker built in the early 1900s. He had a dream of building a summer White House that the U.S. presidents could use, and in 1918 his home was hit by lightning and burnt.

There is more to the trail than historical interest. You would enjoy great vistas of Red Rocks Amphitheater to the north and the snow-topped Continental Divide mountain ranges to the west as you climb down. On a bright day the views are just breathtaking. The path is not too steep in all places, although it can be reached by the majority of hikers.

Bear Creek Trail at Lair o' the Bear Park

• Location: Lair o' the Bear Park (35 minutes from downtown)
• Distance: 1.6 miles out-and-back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: Shady creekside path, ideal for a relaxing walk

When you just need to escape the sun and laborious ascents, Lair o' the Bear Park is the Zoey to come to. Bear Creek Trail moves through a shaded smooth path beside the running water in Bear creek. It is a more than pleasant and picturesque stroll with numerous pauses to have a picnic or stick your feet into cool running water.

This is a family-friendly, casual walking trail that is primarily flat and great even for anyone who is still getting used to the altitude. The park is being located in a gorgeous canyon, and thus you will see abundant nature and relaxing creek sounds. A cool escape through the city, and restorative look back at the more humble side of the Rocky Mountain foothills.

Conclusion

One of the greatest attractions that Denver has is its proximity to the mountains. These five paths are only the start of your exploration of the beautiful Colorado scenery, geological red rock formations and undisturbed lakes in the Alps. Be prepared, care about nature, live moment. Nothing can make you feel the spirit of Colorado so much, and nothing will make you forget some memories created during hiking. Select a route, get geared and fall in love with the Mile High City.