It's a winter wonderland out there, but that doesn't mean we're staying inside. Take a hike and enjoy the great outdoors.
Cold weather, particularly snow, can make hiking more of an adventure than you bargained for. The trails get slippery, the wind gets intense, and the drive to the trailhead can even be dangerous. As the snow begins to fall in Colorado, choose a hike that's easy to get to and even easier to navigate. Taking it easy doesn't mean you'll miss out on the great views, either; there are plenty of Instagram-worthy hikes near Denver that are easy to manage in the snow.
Bear Creek Trail at Lair O' the Bear
Located just 30 minutes outside Denver, this 1.6-mile out-and-back trail is perfect for families and dogs. There are plenty of places to picnic and relax if you've had enough hiking, and there's ample parking space as well. It's also a great spot for mountain biking and birdwatching. The creek will be freezing cold, but it's beautiful to look at.
Mount Falcon Castle & Tower Hike
This 2.3-mile loop trail is about 40 minutes away from Denver and makes for a great all-season hike. Go ahead and bring your mountain bike, your horse, or your dog—all are allowed. Along with the mountains, you'll be able to see castle ruins and red rocks. The wide trail is relatively flat, which makes it easy to manage in snowy conditions.
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Clear Creek Trail in Downtown Golden
This trail provides more of a walk than a hike, but it still offers beautiful views, and it's close enough to downtown Golden that you can make a day out of exploring the outdoors and local businesses. It's an extremely easy, 1.8-mile hike that will only take 30 minutes of driving time from Denver.
South Valley Park Trails
Enjoy the open space in this expansive valley and view the beautiful red rock formations at South Valley Park. There are several trails forming a loop, with up to three miles of total hiking distance. Located in Littleton just 30 minutes outside of Denver, this easy hike is perfect for running with your dog. This trail also gets bonus points for having ample parking and some of the most pristine bathrooms you'll find near a trailhead.
Castlewood Canyon State Park Trails
There are several trails ranging from easy to medium difficulty at Castlewood Canyon State Park. You'll see ruins, a waterfall, meadows, and more. During snowy conditions, we recommend the 1.2-mile Canyon View Natural Trail, which is handicap accessible. These trails are about a 50-minute drive from Denver, but the views are worth the distance.
Where are your favorite hiking spots near Denver? Let us know in the comments.
