Warm Weather Hiking Trails: Denver, CO

I've lived in Colorado for 19 years, and it's an amazing state. My favorite part of living here is the stunning number of short-and-long hikes. However, that can also be a bit of a curse.

People who come to Denver for the first time are overwhelmed by the 39,000 miles of trail running through our state. They know that they want to hike, but they have no idea where. 

It would be a shame to miss out on Colorado's great trails. I've been hiking all around the state, so I have a few ideas. With that in mind, here are some of my favorite hiking trails near Denver.

Staunton State Park: Staunton Ranch and Bulging Elk Loop Trail

Staunton State Park is Colorado's newest park. However, it's already made waves in Colorado for its amazing sights, trails, and activities.

The Staunton Ranch and Bulging Elk Loop trail is a great way to experience a lot of the beauty the park has to offer. This path will take you through the beautiful rock formations and plant life you'll find in the park.

The loop will take you to Elk Falls Pond. The pond is absolutely stunning and beautiful. Reflective water will refresh your senses while providing the perfect spot for a picnic.

Bluffs Regional Park: Bluffs Loop

The best hiking trails near Denver immerse the spirit in nature while ending with the far-off sites of civilization. This is what makes Bluffs Loop so amazing.

While it's extremely close to Denver, the trail is usually pretty quiet and filled with the site of prairies and mountains. When you get to the top, you can gaze out into the skyscrapers and city lights of Denver.

As I said, the Bluffs are usually quiet. With that in mind, you will occasionally see some locals riding through on horseback. I find this nice, as it adds to the rural, western atmosphere of the hike. However, to be safe, you should always give horses the right of way.

Mills Lake

The Rockies are one of the best reasons to visit Colorado. When people hike here, they expect to see lakes, falls, and rocks. If you want to see all of them at once, Mills Lake is the best hike.

Your hike at Mills Lake will take you through Glacier Gorge. As you go uphill, expect to see breathtaking sites such as Alberta Falls, one of the best waterfalls in Colorado.

You can also see some of the many lakes in the rocky trail system. My personal favorite is Sky Pond, surrounded on three sides by beautiful cliff walls. However, it's the combination of views and opportunities that make this one of the best hiking trails near Denver.

A hike at Mills Lake is an absolutely breathtaking experience. So don't visit Colorado without this amazing experience.

Red Rocks Park: Trading Post Trail

At only 1.4 miles, the Trading Post Trail is an excellent beginner's hike. Even if you just landed in Denver and brought hiking clothes for men or women before going, you'll enjoy the trail's incredible views without being overly taxed.

Experienced hikers still shouldn't overlook this trail. The short trail provides great views of Red Rocks Park, which is filled with some truly stunning geological formations. It's also only a short trip from Denver, making it an easy hike to get in on a day of sightseeing.

The park also holds regular concerts in a variety of genres, making it a great place for entertainment buffs visiting Colorado. No matter how much hiking experience you have, the Red Rocks are definitely worth seeing!

The Right Gear

If you want to have a great hike, you need the right gear. KÜHL clothing has you covered.

They offer durable, stylish and Instagram-worthy women's hiking clothing and men's outdoor wear. Their clothes are specifically engineered for nature and outdoor activities: warming wool for the winter, and nylon blends that block out the sun for warm weather hikes.

KÜHL's style looks street-ready, and they can handle the elements you're likely to face while hiking the Rockies. So before you hit the trails, check out their shop.

Featured Image by Mike Scheid.