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!
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 |
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 |
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!
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