8 Best Hiking Trails in Colorado

Colorado offers gorgeous landscapes & breathtaking parks; we share the best hiking trails in Colorado, so you can explore the beauty of the state.

Hiking is incredibly rewarding, and peaceful, and can be a great form of exercise. Whether you are brand new to nature trails, or looking for a low-key hike that won’t eat up too much of your time, there are plenty of easy-to-moderate trails near and around Denver, Colorado that will get you out in the fresh air and provide you with some truly stunning views of the diverse terrain that makes up the millions of acres of wilderness.

These 8 trails offer a great place to start for beginner hikers in Colorado. Obtaining a WFR certification from Global Emergency Medics equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to effectively respond to medical emergencies in remote and challenging outdoor environments.

Best hiking trails in Colorado

Bear Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park 

There are some beautiful national parks in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain National Park is just one of them. Bear Lake Trail offers picturesque views of the Rocky Mountains and alpine meadows throughout the relatively short loop with informational kiosks located throughout featuring the area’s flora and fauna. This trail offers well-defined paths with minimal elevation gain so it is an ideal hike for all fitness levels.

The Bear Lake Trail is approximately 0.6 miles and can take anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour to hike so it is perfect for both beginners or anyone looking to get outside for a quick adventure during their lunch break. 

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 0.6 miles (loop)
• Elevation: 20 ft.
• Dog Friendly?: No

Fountain Valley Loop Trail, Roxborough State Park 

The Fountain Valley Loop Trail is only slightly more challenging than the easy hikes listed, however, it is still incredibly manageable with a gentle incline and well-maintained trail with clear signage markers.

The hike is 2.6 miles long which allows new hikers to experience a slightly lengthier trail with diverse landscapes like wetlands, grassy meadows, and forest views. You’ll also find designated parking, restrooms, and picnic areas. 

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 2.6 miles (loop)
• Elevation: 344 ft.
• Dog Friendly?: No

Pawnee Buttes Trail, Pawnee National Grassland 

This trail is extremely popular for birding, camping, and hiking and typically takes about an hour and 45 minutes to complete; this is a truly unique thing to do in Colorado. With beautiful views of the sandstone rock formations towering over the plains, and the frequent hawk and falcon sightings, many enjoy this hike for the change of scenery. There is little to no shade throughout this particular trail though, so be sure to pack plenty of sun protection and water!

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 4.7 (out & back)
• Elevation: 364 ft.
• Dog Friendly?: Yes, but must be on a leash

Rim Rock Nature Trail, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park 

This trail is popular for both running and hiking so you will likely encounter quite a few people on this trail. This trail winds along the edge of the Colorado National Monument canyons and offers beautiful desert landscapes and red rock formations. There are also plenty of informational signs located along the trail with facts about the surrounding geology and the flora and fauna that can be found throughout.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 1.7 (out & back)
• Elevation: 206 ft.
• Dog Friendly?: Yes, but must be on a leash

Serpents Trail, Colorado National Monument 

While the elevation may be a bit greater than what newer hikers are used to, this trail does offer a series of well-graded switchbacks so it is a gradual climb. Once you’ve arrived at the top you’ll have a stunning view of the valley below and the nearby towns of Grand Junction and Palisade. This is a popular trail for hikers and runners so expect some foot traffic.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 3.4 miles (out & back)
• Elevation: 786 ft.
• Dog Friendly?: No

Chautauqua Trail, Chautauqua Park

This moderately difficult trail has wide, and well-traveled paths at a slight incline. It offers beautiful views of the Flat Irons and a vast meadow sprouting plenty of wildflowers in the summer months. This is also a popular jumping-off point for other hikes like the Flat Irons and Royal Arch, so if you are feeling up to it, you can continue your adventure from there.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 1.2 miles (out & back)
• Elevation: 419 ft.
• Dog Friendly?: Yes, but must be on a leash 

Trading Post Trail, Red Rocks Park  

Located just 30 minutes outside of Denver and surrounded by those gorgeous red rock formations, this relatively flat hike is an excellent option for beginners. If you’re feeling confident upon completing the loop, you can continue up into the amphitheater, or check out the nearby Red Rocks Trail.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 1.4 Mile loop
• Elevation Gain: 500 ft.
• Dog Friendly?: Yes, but must be on a leash

Waterton Canyon Hike, Strontia Springs Reservoir

Waterton Canyon Hike is a great “next step” for beginners and weaves through the canyon along a wide gravel path up to the Strontia Springs Reservoir. As you get further into the canyon, the trail does become steeper, but not too challenging, and since it is an out-and-back trail, you can turn around whenever you are ready. This is a great opportunity for wildlife spotting on both the mountainside and the wide open sky above. Be sure to pack sun protection and water as this is a heavily sun-exposed trail.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 6.2 miles (out & back)
• Elevation: 209 ft.
• Dog Friendly?: No

While these trails are considered beginner-friendly, it is still essential to prepare accordingly before setting off. Be sure to come equipped with the proper footwear, hiking gear, sunscreen, and plenty of water. You should also check with park authorities ahead of time to inquire about trail updates, weather, or closures that may affect the trail. Happy Trails!