Denver: Best parks and local hikes- Bundle

Best Parks for A Stroll:

Whether you are looking for a stroll, a jog, a picnic, or an all out run, there are countless parks to choose from in Denver. For great views and accessibility choose one from the list below!

City Park

This park has endless options for routes with both paved and dirt trails. Within the park you will find jungle gyms, historical statues, ponds, tennis and pickle ball courts, The Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and more. Typically, there are many different sports leagues meeting, ample benches, and excellent people watching. Visit summer evenings for the free Jazz in the Park concerts. 

City Park

@megreidy

This park has endless routes, attractions, activities, statues, and more, but also less defined trails in some parts. There are quite a few resturaunts and cafes a couple of blocks from the west edge of the park like Café Miriam, The Weather Vane Cafe, and Syrup.

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Cheesman Park

Smaller than the other two options, Cheesman Park also tends to be less busy. There is a large green space that is great for picnics, and it backs up to the Denver Botanic Gardens, which are delightful any time of the year. 

Cheesman Park

@megreidy

Often overlooked, this is a less busy urban park with multiple talking, running options, and less crowds.

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Wash Park (Washington Park)

Wash Park has the best sidewalks, ramps, and accessibility over all. Similar to City Park, there are jungle gyms, lakes, plenty of benches, gardens, tennis and pickle ball courts, and lots of green spaces for a picnic. This park is nestled in one of the nicest neighborhoods in Denver, and is probably the safest of all of the parks in Denver. Take a stroll around the outer edge for an interesting architectural tour of Wash Park. 

Wash Park

@megreidy

Most accessible and safest park with asphalt, paved, and dirt trail options. There are also multiple ponds, play areas, green spaces, gardens, etc.

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Hikes within 30:

Although most think of mountains when they think of Denver, it is actually on a plain. Thus, to get some of the views that folks are looking for, they have to leave the city a bit. All of these trails are saved and shared through an AllTrails List for easier access below. You do not need an All Trails account to access them, but a free account is easy to use and can be helpful on the trial.

Easy:

~ Mount Vernon Creek Trail Loop ◦ 2.3 mi ◦ 55 min ◦ HIGH sun exposure

This is a lollipop trail that will allow you to explore a little bit of Red Rocks Park. It is mostly flat, but it is single track, which means you will have to hike in single file. Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed. 

Bonus: Geological Overlook Trail (Red Rocks) only 0.8 miles, but there is 235 feet of elevation gain. 

~ Tiers of Zion Lower Trail ◦ 0.8 mi ◦ 30 min 

This trail is an out and back trail with about 195ft of elevation gain. It is quick, but gets you to some nice views. 

~. Colorow Mountain Forest and Meadow Loop Trail ◦ 1.6 mi ◦ 35 min

This trail is less traveled than the other two 'easy' options, but is used for both hiking and birding. 

Moderate:

~ Red Rocks Trading Pos Trail ◦ 1.5mi ◦ 50 min ◦ HIGH sun exposure

On the easier side of moderate, this is a loop trail and has about 375 feet of elevation gain. A moderately trafficked trail, you will likely run into horseback riders, mountain bikers, and other hikers. Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed. 

~ Mount Galbraith Loop via Cedar Gulch Trail ◦ 4 mi ◦ 2hr 10 min 

This loop has great views of Golden, CO, and alternates between forested areas and exposed hill sides. There are a few great look outs and lunch spots. The trail is moderately trafficked by mountain bikers and hikers. 

~ Mesa Top and Cottonwood Canyon Loop ◦ 4.2 mi ◦ 2hr 1 min ◦ Sunny

With 780 ft of elevation gain, you are sure to feel a little burn, but this trail will also give you great 360 views. The trail head is also very close to New Terrain Brewery, which can be a great stop to celebrate your hike, the views, and vacation. 

Difficult: 

Generally, I would not recommend any of these routes if you don't do cardio or work out semi-regularly. You definitely don't have to be in peak shape, but these trails demand more physically. In addition, please bring water, proper shoes, sun protection, etc. 

~ Mount Morrison South Ridge Trail ◦ 3.6 mi ◦ 3hr 10 min ◦ Summit

If you want to bag a summit, this trail will bring you to the top of Mount Morrison (7,878 ft), and give you views of Red Rocks Amphitheater and the foothills. The 2,014 ft of elevation gain are no joke, but the trail is well maintained and beautiful. 

~ North Table Mountain Outer Rim Loop ◦ 7.2 mi ◦ 3hr 10 min ◦ Sunny

On the easier side of difficult, this trail has over 1,000ft of elevation gain, which is always worth noting, especially if you just arrived to Denver. In addition, this hike is mostly exposed. 

~ Apex Open Space Complete Loop Trail ◦ 8.8 mi ◦ 4hr 30 min

This trail is a great combination of meadows and forests and has 2,007 feet of elevation gain.