- Hike Distance: 2 Miles+
- Denver Drive Time: 1hr 15min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 2hr+
- Activities: Hiking Trails
- Dogs: Allowed on Leash
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Seasons: Late Spring to Fall
- Beauty: Waterfall, Wildflowers, Reservoir, Woodland Canyon
The shade of a wooded canyon, combined with a waterfall, ending at a blue lake, make this hike near Boulder Colorado worthwhile. Though it’s probably 25′ high, the waterfall is not what I’d call spectacular. So, if you are going for this waterfall, I’d recommend going early in the season when the snowmelt is at its peak in May and early June.
The trail winds gently downhill through a canyon, beside a creek, sheltered beneath fir and spruce. In fact, of the hikes we have profiled, this trail may provide more shade than any trail near Denver. You’ll come upon the falls about 1 mile into the hike and the reservoir is just 200 yards further down the trail. In fact, reaching the clear blue water was the highlight for our kids.
We skipped rocks and hiked along the sandy and rock rim so that we could explore more of the lake. With the water levels being so low, and a large tree blocking the shot, I couldn’t get a good photo of the falls. Boulder Resident, Harold Sears, has a couple of the best photos on his site, and a nice trail profile as well.
One important note. The trail is a bit difficult to find just above the waterfall, in fact, if you take the wrong route, it appears to lead you down a rock face – which is not a good idea, especially with kids. The correct route bears to the left of a cedar tree, will lead you up further above and away from the falls, then back down into the canyon floor. I’ve posted a photo below showing the juncture. Even in the photo, it’s hard to see the trail.
Tips:
- If you are coming from Denver, it’s quite a drive. The payoff is that the parking lot was almost empty on memorial day weekend. We recommend making a day of it and spending some time in Boulder before or after the hike.
- The Reservoir is stocked with Kokanee Salmon, and this stretch of it is where they supposedly like to hang out. So, bring your fishing gear. Here is a link to a Dept. of Wildlife PDF with information on the stock on the lake and some links to the fishing regulations for Gross Reservoir.
- The Google Map & Directionss: The trailhead parking lot is new, and really nice (with a restroom), but the parking lot doesn’t show up on the current google satellite map. However, the map should be accurate. One helpful tip is that once you turn off of Magnolia and onto 68, the parking lot is approx. 2 miles down and on your right.
Related Hikes:
- Hike Distance: 6.6 Miles RT
- Denver Drive Time: 1hr 45min
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 4hr
- Activities: Horseback Riding, Hiking Trails
- Dogs: Not Allowed in Park
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Seasons: Year Round
- Beauty: Waterfall, Meadows, Forest, Creek, Wildlife: Elk, Deer, Birds
- RMNP Map Link: Click Here
Bridal Veil Falls is a gem tucked away in the northern reaches of Rocky Mountain National Park. This hike is about 1hr 45 minutes from the Denver area and features expansive meadows, wildflowers, forest, and a little bit of a rock scramble. Bridal Veil Falls launches from Read More
- Hike Distance: 2.4 to 4.8 Miles
- Denver Drive Time: 30 Min
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Duration: 1hr to 2.5hr
- Activities: Picnic Area, Hiking Trails, Mountain Biking
- Dogs: Allowed on Leash in Most Areas
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Loops & Out Back
- Seasons: All Season
- Beauty: Meadows, Overlooks, Wildflowers, Wildlife: Deer & Elk.
- Trail Map Link: Click Here
Meyer Ranch Open Space offers 3 great hiking options only 30 minutes from Denver. They range from easy to moderate in difficulty and 2.4 to 4.8 miles in length. Meyer Ranch has expansive meadows and patches of wildflowers, grazing deer & elk, and trails that take you to Read More
- Hike Distance: 1/4 Mile
- Denver Drive Time: 1hr 40 min
- Difficulty: Easy (but consider altitude)
- Duration: 15-20 min
- Activities: picnics, hiking, viewing wildlife
- Fee Required: See Fee Schedule Link
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Seasons: Open early summer through Fall, Check Sites for Closure: #1 – #2
- Beauty: Lakes, Mountain Peak Views, High Country Tundra, Wildlife: Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep, Marmots, & Pika.
What it lacks in challenge Mt. Evans makes up in breathtaking panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and opportunities to view wildlife up close. It isn’t much of a hike, because you can summit this 14,265 foot peak in just a few minutes. Yet your trip to Mount Evans can include several stops at high mountains lakes, to view wildflowers, and to take in the expansive scenery (See our itinerary below). This is one of the best attractions near Denver for visiting friends and family, especially if you don’t have the luxury or equipment to take them into the Colorado backcountry. The views are stunning and Read More
- Hike Distance: 12 miles (RT)
- Denver Drive Time: 1hr
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Duration: 5-7hrs
- Elevation Gain: Approx. 1200′
- Link to Trail Map
- Activities: Hiking, Fishing, Viewing Wildlife
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Seasons: Summer to Fall
- Beauty: Lakes, Mountain Peak Views, Creek, High Country, Cliffs, Wildflowers, & Wildlife: Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep, Elk
- Weather for Mt. Evans: Click Here
Looking for amazing views and some high mountain lakes near Denver? This 8.5 mile round trip hike takes you to 2 high mountain lakes with amazing views of the Mt. Evans Wilderness area. Both lakes can be fished, as well as the lower Idaho Springs Reservoir that you pass on your way. We are not into giving long trail descriptions on Dayhikes Near Denver, but we’d suggest you read the basic one below and check out the trail description and pdf link in the links box.
Tips:
- Don’t Miss: 1 – The Upper Lake & 2 – The Cascade between the two lakes
- Check the Weather before heading up. Use the following link to National Weather Service page for Mt. Evans
- Trail Description: Start at Echo Lake Parking lot -> Follow Sign near lot for Chicago Lakes Trail 52 -> follow another sign to Chicago lakes after .5 mile -> Idaho Springs Reservoir Road (about 1mile) -> through large burn area -> lower lake -> upper lake.
- Look over trail descriptions from Deb Stanley & David Day before heading out.
- Finish your hike enjoying a slice of Barbara Day’s famous pie at Echo Lake Lodge
Related Hikes:
- Hike Distance: 3.2 Miles
- Denver Drive Time: 50min
- Difficulty: Medium
- Duration: 1.5 hr
- Activities: Picnic Area, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Hiking Trails
- Dogs: Allowed on Leash
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Loop
- Seasons: All Season
- Beauty: Views of Boulder, Wildlife: Aberts Squirrel & Deer, Ponderosa Forest, Meadows
- Trail Map Link: Click Here
Tips:
- Make your hike at Betasso Preserve a bit easier by starting from the East Trailhead
- Mountain Bikers: Each month the direction of travel required for Mountain Bikers is switched. Check the sign at the trailhead. Additionally, biking is not allowed on Wed. & Sat.
- Hikers: Check the sign at the trailhead as well and try to hike the opposite direction of the bike traffic.
Related Hikes:
- Hike Distance: 1.2 (2.4RT)
- Denver Drive Time: 50 min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 1hr or less
- Activities: Guided Audio Nature Tour, Hiking, Picnic Areas, Visitors Center
- Dogs: Allowed on Leash in Most Areas
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Seasons: All Season
- Beauty: Interesting Geology, Canyon Views, Interpretive trail, Wildflowers, Birdwatching
- Fee Required: Visit Colorado State Parks Site
One of the best handicap accessible trails near Denver, the Canyon View Nature Trail at Castlewood Canyon State Park is a 1.2 mile interpretive trail. It runs along the western edge of the top of the canyon and weaves through ponderosa pine and a wonderful variety of wildflowers. Read More
This hike near Fort Collins, Colorado ends with a beautiful panoramic view of Lory State Park. You’ll pass through meadows, forest, then end your hike with a scramble to the top of Arthur’s Rock. Dogs are allowed on a leash, just be sure to bring plenty of water as there are not many places to access drinking water.
- Hike Distance: 1.7 Miles (3.4 RT)
- Denver Drive Time: 1hr 30 min
- Difficulty: Medium
- Duration: 1hr 15min
- Activities: Hiker Only Trail, but Park offers Picnic Areas, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Canoeing, & Kayaking
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Beauty: Views of Horsetooth Lake, Views of the Front Range, Forests, and Meadows, Wildlife:
