No matter your preference for scenic hiking, Denver is one of the best places in the entire world for such majesty. From an old glacier trail to a short trail that ends with a panoramic view of the land, every level of hiker will find something they enjoy. Here are the three absolute best hikes in Denver.
St. Mary’s Glacier Trail
Denoted as easy, the only minor difficulty to occur is having to climb through a few boulders on the path. It is only 1.5 miles round trip but offers some of the most stunning natural scenery in the entire state. Complete with snow and boulder trails left over from when the glacier was still active, there are fantastic picnic places, especially at the lake. In spring, it is blanketed in a beautiful verdant vegetation while keeping hikers cool with a refreshingly crisp chill in the air.
Chief Mountain Trail
This trail is one of the highest around and is located off of Squaw Pass Road. Though a round trip of only 2 miles, it is one of the most exciting and popular hikes in Denver. On nice days, expect to run in to others. The first half is in a nicely shaded forest that then opens up to granite outcroppings, offering visitor an uninterrupted 360 degree view of the landscape. Visitors can also spy cars weaving their way along Mt. Evans road, the highest paved road in the US.
Continental Divide Trail
Located at Berthoud Pass, this moderate to difficult trail is, at least, 2 miles round trip but can turn into 16 miles depending on what sights you want to see. It is very well marked and takes hikers to above tree level, offering spectacular views of the Rockies. Because of this, the initial part of the hike is entirely uphill and features a lot of mild switchbacks. While this can slow hikers, the view up top makes this one of the must-do hikes in Denver.
