As any Denverite will tell you, one of the best aspects of living in the Mile High City is its proximity to the mountains. Just a short drive from the city, you’ll find an array of well-maintained hiking trails that take you away from the bustle and up into the peaks of Colorado. Whether you’re seeking an easy, shady hike in an evergreen forest or a strenuous climb that will leave you breathless, the nearby hills have something for everyone.

To assist you in choosing the right trail, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite hikes. These options provide an idyllic mountain escape without requiring more than a few hours of drive time.

Evergreen Mountain Trail

A mere 40 minutes from Denver, and just beyond the town of Evergreen, lies the Alderfer/Three Sisters Park. The 1,127-acre park boasts more than 15 miles of trails, showcasing the area’s impressive rock formations and stunning vistas. One of our recommended hikes in the park, the Evergreen Mountain Trail, is a moderate loop featuring a nice climb and plenty of shady trees to shield you from the heat.

Bear Peak

One of the most accessible escapes from Colorado’s capital is a trip to Boulder. In just over 30 minutes, hikers will find themselves near the base of Boulder’s Bear Creek, which rises to an impressive 8,459 feet. There are multiple ways to reach the peak, but the less-traveled route from Shanahan Ridge, launching just south of Boulder, is preferred. This five-mile out-and-back trail offers a strenuous yet rewarding hike, bursting with views—and if timed right, wildflowers.

Chicago Lakes and Summit Lake Trail

Located just over an hour west of Denver in the charming municipality of Georgetown, the Chicago Lakes and Summit Lake Trail beckons. This 11.3-mile out-and-back trail is rated as hard, yet even less-experienced hikers will be inspired by the constant Mount Evans Wilderness views and the promise of mountain lakes at the summit. For an optimal experience, visit during spring or early summer when the wildflowers are in peak bloom. Seeking a more intense challenge? You can continue hiking to Summit Lake or even to the summit of Mount Evans.

Bear Creek Trail at Lair o’ the Bear Park

If you’re embarking on an outdoor adventure with children, this is the perfect spot. Situated in Lair o’ the Bear Park, this 1.6-mile trail offers ample parking, a river, and picnic options. For those who wish to extend their outing, you can venture beyond the park boundaries in either direction. Additionally, there’s also biking and fishing available in the park for a diversified family experience.

Lake Isabelle via Pawnee Pass Trail

On a hot day, there are few experiences that rival time spent near a refreshing body of water. This hike, located just outside of Nederland—around an hour from Denver—features ample opportunities to enjoy the water, as most of the trail runs alongside Long Lake. Reaching Lake Isabelle via the Pawnee Pass Trail is manageable, catering to most skill levels and showcasing some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. Arriving early is advisable to secure a parking spot at the trailhead and to ensure sufficient time to complete this 6.6-mile adventure.

Mount Falcon Castle Trail

Nestled in the nearby town of Morrison, this hike is so close to the city that you can catch a glimpse of downtown Denver from the trail. Spanning approximately 7.4 miles, the Mount Falcon Castle Trail provides a brisk leg-burning workout amidst the remnants of castle ruins. Due to its popularity, the path can become crowded. Therefore, to enhance your experience—enjoy cooler temperatures and avoid larger crowds—starting early is recommended.

Red Rocks Trail at Red Rocks Park

A quick 20-minute drive from Denver, just east of the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, leads you to the beautiful Red Rocks Trail. This trail offers open meadows, vibrant red monoliths, and a fascinating cave carved into the soft sandstone. Spanning six miles, it traverses through two parks: Red Rocks Park and Matthews/Winters Park.

Missouri Lakes Trail

If you’re looking to elevate the intensity, begin your day early and make your way towards Minturn, a journey of nearly two hours from Denver. Although it may require some traveling, the payoff is escaping the crowds (and heat) on this 9.2-mile out-and-back trail that meanders past a picturesque mountain lake.

Fountain Valley Loop Trail

Who says that breathtaking views are reserved for the most challenging hikes? This easy 2.6-mile loop, located just south of Denver, leads you among stunning red rock formations while passing through the habitats of Colorado wildlife, including foxes, golden eagles, and mule deer.

Royal Arch Trail

Located in the nearby city of Boulder, the Royal Arch Trail may not be the easiest option on this list, but it rewards hikers with exceptionally impressive views. The trail takes you through grassy meadows and a refreshing pine forest before ascending a flagstone staircase leading to your final reward: the Royal Arch, a magnificent natural formation composed of reddish stones.