5 Must Do Day Hikes Near Denver

Denver is an amazing city for all outdoor enthusiasts. The cities proximity to the Rocky Mountain National Park makes all hiking and backpacking trips only a short drive away. People new to the city and those that have called Denver home for a long time both can use this list of the best day hikes near Denver. This list will walk through 5 different day hikes near the city of Denver and everything that you need to know about them before going on your next hike.

However, first I will cover everything that you should bring on these hikes as some are quite challenging. Make sure that you will be hiking in comfortable boots or shoes as the hikes start at least 4 miles long and can be over 8 miles.

How much water should I bring for a day hike?

2 liters of water is the recommended amount to bring per person for a day hike, but you can always bring more. It never hurts to be overprepared.

What food should I bring on a day hike?

Bring a nutritious lunch and some trail snacks for you to help replenish your energy and get you through the hike.

What should I bring on a day hike?

Some form of sun protection is also necessary as some of these hikes will have your hiking out in the open exposed to the elements. Lastly, make sure you bring a map of your trail, a phone or means to contact people for help, and a first aid kit incase of emergencies.

1. Garden of the Gods

The first hike is located in the Garden of the Gods, located just over an hour drive from central Denver. The hike that I recommend is a four mile loop that consists of a couple trails and loops stitched together for the best experience of the park. The hiking trail can be found here for you to reference during your hike for navigation. This 4 mile hike will take you through stunning views of the Garden of the Gods park. Through the valleys and up to lookout points where you can get an aerial view of your surroundings. 

2. Chasm Lake

How long is the hike to chasm lake?

The Chasm Lake hike is located within the Rocky Mountain National Park and is 8.8 miles long with over 2,500 feet of elevation change. You can find the specific trail details and the route here.

What to expect from a hike to chasm lake?

Regardless of the time of year this hike proves to be a challenging hike with stunning views. On average this hike takes over 5 hours to complete and is open year round. If visiting in the winter make sure to come equipped with the necessary gear. This includes crampons and ice axes depending on the conditions. Make sure you check the weather and recent conditions on the trail. During the winter the lake freezes over and if it is safe you can walk on top of the ice. During the summer it makes for an enjoyable hike with refreshing views and if you're feeling adventurous you can go for a swim in the still cold water.

3. Flattop Mountain Trail

The Flattop Mountain Trail located in the Rocky Mountain National Park is located near Estes park and offers a challenging and beautiful day hike for those that are interested. The hike is over 8 miles long with more than 2,800 feet of elevation change and is an out and back styled trail. You can find the trail details here to reference during your hike.

This hike will take you through the back country and to the top of Flattop Mountain with a stunning view. If you are attempting during the winter months make sure you bring the appropriate gear. I would recommend at least poles and crampons if not snowshoes depending on the snow depth. During this hike you will be able to stop at viewpoints of Dream Lake, the valley, and Emerald Lake, making this a must on your list of day hikes.

4. Ouzel Lake Trail

This is the longest trail on the day hiking list coming in at 10 miles but has a more manageable elevation change of just over 1,600 feet. You can go here in order reference the hiking trail. With the lower elevation change also comes the lower demand for intense hiking gear during winter months. You will most likely be able to complete the hike with boots and hiking poles. However, make sure you stay up to date on the conditions and if you will need to bring crampons or snowshoes. This trail has numerous sites for hikers to see during their day. You will pass 4 waterfalls, walk over ridges and overlooks, as well as ending at Ouzel Lake, a peaceful and beautiful lake in the mountains. I highly recommend this hike to anyone that is interested in a longer but stunning day hike. 

5. Glacier Gorge Trail to Sky Pond

The last day hike on this list taking the glacier gorge trail to the sky pond located in the mountains. This hike is 9.4 miles long with over 1,750 feet of elevation change, and is an out and back style trail. The routes details on a map can be found here. The trail will take you past The Loch, Lake of Glass, and to your destination of Sky Pond. Like many of these trails during the winter months snowshoes may be necessary. Due to the lower elevation change over an extended distance this hike may prove to be less strenuous than the others on this list. This hike is extremely popular and for good reason, the views are unrivaled and it enables hikers to escape into nature. I recommend you complete this hike in during one of your free weekends in the near future. 

I hope that this list of 5 amazing day hikes near Denver has been helpful and has inspired you to go out and enjoy nature.