5 Best Hikes In Denver & Colorado Springs

1. Mt. Galbraith Loop via Cedar Gulch Trail (Denver)

Length: 4.0 Miles
Elevation Gain: 928 Ft
Route Type: Loop

This relatively short trail is not short of spectacular views of the Front Range and the cities of Denver and Golden. The Hike starts off as a quick ascent into the rugged foothills of Mt. Galbraith. The trail is well marked and you can run the trail clockwise or counter clock wise, neither of which directions will dissapoint. There are many boulders on this trail that could sprain your ankle so be sure to look infront of you when hiking this trail, especially when completing a loop when the views are a great distraction.

You will be rewarded with views of The Coors Factory in Golden and distant views of mountain reservoirs and the city of Denver. This trail is popular with hiking, trail running, and biking is prohibited. The lots fill up quickly so get there early if you don’t want to park on the side of the road. My favorite section is towards the end of the trail where you can see various antennas and weather aparatas after walking through a vast burn area.

2. Green Mountain via Green Mountain & Hayden Trail Loop (Denver)

length: 4.6 Miles
Elevation Gain: 898ft
Route Type: Loop

This is definitely a local favorite. You can find just about any type of activity on this trail from hiking to mountain biking. The views are some of the best in the Denver Metro and this trail starts out with a decent amount of elevation gain. You will see many other trails jutting out from the main path that will excite the imagination. There is a weather station at the top as the trail flattens out to what looks like an alpine tundra. 

Continuing towards the summit you will be rewarded with a 360 degree view of Denver and parts of Boulder’s Flat Irons Range. It can get quite windy up here so be prepared for those kinds of conditions. You will have to stay alert for a plethora of mountain bikers in the warmer months. This lot will be filled by 8am on a summer weekend, so plan accordingly.

3. Mt. Cutler Trail (North Cheyenne Canon Park: Colorado Springs)

length: 1.7 Miles
Elevation Gain: 472 Ft
Route Type: Out and Back

This short trail is nothing short of amazing. Located in North Cheyenne Canon Park, just driving up to the trailhead is an experience.  While not too strenuous, this is a nice workout as the elvation gain is steady all the way up to the summit. The trail offers amazing views of the eastern plains and the city of Colorado Springs. Each overlook provides for a picture worthy moment.

The highlight of the trail is a narrow section of hiking that overlooks The Broadmoor Seven Falls, an image forever imprinted in my mind. As you continue around this iconic bend and up towards the summit things start to flatten out a bit as you overlook the eastern plains. The contrast of mountains and plains brings joy to the soul. Don’t forget to look for the Will Rogers Shrine of The Sun, which is visible towards as you summit the mountain

4. Section 16 (Colorado Springs)

Length: 5.7 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,292 Ft
Route Type: Loop

This trail is perhaps the favorite of locals in the area. It has everything you want in a loop: views, changing terrain, and a sense of seeing what the entire city has to offer on one trail. The trail starts with a strenuous uphill battle that seems to take the life out of you. However, after the initial ascent things begin to open up and you will be rewarded with some of the best views of North Cheyenne Canon Park and Bear Canyon. 

During the summer there will be plenty of mountain bikers and trail runners so be vigilent as portions of this trail are very narrow and room for error is non-existant. I usually go counter clockwise on this trail, which eventualy takes you to Bear Creek Canon Park, where things flatten a bit. You can marvel in the canyon stream and read the plaques revealing the rich history of the area. This is a must do hike if you visit Colorado Springs.

5. Mt. Falcon West Loop (Morrison, CO)

Length: 3.6 Miles
Elevation Gain: 638 Ft
Route Type: Loop

This park is easily accessible from Denver and always has parking in the main lots from my experience. Take the Castle Trail from the parking lot into this Mountain Wonderland that overlooks the city of Denver, Morrison, and the eastern plains. Perfect for an evening hike with a date, this short yet spectacular trail offers great views and a rich history. You will pass the Falcon Castle Ruins, which was an old homestead used by a man named John Walker. This castle used to be three stories high. 

the trail starts off relatively flat and gradually climbs into the tree line. There are great lookout points where you can see Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the city of Denver from a distance. There are gazebos and covered lookout points that make the hike very enjoyable. This is my favorite hike to do at sunset during the summer. The drive up Indian Hills Road is memorable and is like going back in time.