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Denver Day Hikes Less than an Hour Away

June 9, 2020 By Rosanne Dutzer Leave a Comment

Denver Day Hikes less than an hour away

Summer is here, and with it comes the urge to get out of the city and enjoy our beautiful Colorado outdoors on some day hikes. While escaping the hustle and bustle of city life might be a summertime priority, it’s not always feasible to drive hours upon hours into the mountains for a short trip.

Luckily, we’ve compiled this list of day hike-friendly destinations, all an hour (or less) from the Denver metro!

 

Blue Grouse Trail Day Hike in Golden

1. Blue Grouse Trail at Golden Gate Canyon Park

This short, 1.6-mile out-and-back hike is located on the western edges of Golden Gate Canyon State Park. The small gain in elevation and mellow terrain makes this a pleasant, low-effort escape from the city. Perfect for spotting wildlife, from birds to deer, viewing fall colors and wildflowers, and taking in the beautiful scenic views.

Hike Distance 1.6 mile Roundtrip
Difficulty Easy to Medium
Duration Approx 1 hr
Trail Type Out and Back
Elevation Gain Approx. +400′
Seasons Year Round, depending on snowfall
Dogs Allowed on Leash
Hike Trail Map Click for a Map of Blue Grouse Trail
Denver Drive Time Approx. 1 hr
Directions Click for Google Map
Town Nearest Hike Golden, Colorado

Herman Gulch Trail Day Hike

2. Herman Gulch to Herman Lake Hike

One of the best summer wildflower day hikes near Denver, the Herman Gulch Trail is also a challenging winter snowshoe route and is often used for cross-country skiing. This 2.5 mile (one-way) out-and-back adventure into snowcapped mountain country provides access to many more trails in Arapaho National Forest. However, keep in mind that the higher elevation (10,000+ feet), plus ~1600ft elevation gain make this hike more on the moderate to challenging side.

Hike Distance Approx 5 Miles Round Trip
Difficulty Moderate (Difficult in Winter)
Duration Approx 3.5 hrs
Trail Type Out and Back
Starting Elevation 10,400′
Elevation Gain Approx +1600+′
Seasons June to September; October to May for Winter Trail Conditions
Dogs Allowed On Leash
Hike Trail Map: Summer Click for a Map of Herman Gulch Trail
Hike Trail Map: Winter Click for a Map of Herman Gulch Trail
Denver Drive Time 1 hr
Driving Directions to Herman Gulch Trailhead Click for Google Map
Town Nearest Hike Silver Plume, Colorado
Beauty Summer Wildflowers, lake, cascades, meadow, mountain stream, aspen trees, wildlife: mountain goats
Activities Hiking, photography, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing

St Mary's Glacier Day Hike near Denver

3. St. Mary’s Glacier near Idaho Springs, CO

When looking for day hikes, the trip up to St. Mary’s Glacier doesn’t disappoint. The trail ascends through a beautiful forest and ends with stunning panoramic peak views. If you travel around St. Mary’s Lake then ascend the glacier, you will be rewarded with incredible views of the Rockies to the west. It is a quick hike–only 1.5 miles round-trip if you climb to the top. (It’s only about a 1-mile round trip if you hike to the lake and back.) Exploring the glacier is a great way to beat the summer heat, as there’s snow above the lake year-round.

Hike Distance Approx. 1.5 mile Round Trip
Difficulty Easy to Moderate
Duration Approx 2 hr Round Trip
Trail Type Out and Back
Elevation Gain Approx. +1200′ to base of the Glacier
Seasons Late Spring to Early Fall
Dogs Allowed On Leash
Hike Trail Map Click for a Map of St. Mary’s Glacier near Idaho Springs, Colorado
Denver Drive Time 55 min
Driving Directions to St. Mary’s Glacier near Idaho Springs, Colorado Click for Google Map
Town Nearest Hike Idaho Springs, Colorado
Beauty Forest hike, year-round snow, glacier, lake, bristlecone pine, mountain range views
Activities Hiking, picnics, mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding on glacier, snowshoeing in the winter
Video Click For a Video of St. Mary’s Glacier hike
Fee $5 Parking Fee

 

Of course, this list is by no means all-encompassing. There are many more amazing day hikes within a short distance from Downtown Denver. Want more information? Give us a call!

Tell us about some of your favorite destinations in the comments below!

Filed Under: Colorado, Denver, Lifestyle, Lifestyle, Uncategorized Tagged With: active, colorado, colorado lifestyle, colorado living, day hikes, denver, denver living, exercise, explore, fitness, hike, hiking, hiking trails, lifestyle, mountains, outdoors

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