FunColoradoHikes Blog

Time is here to snowshoe on the trails.

Here is a great one that is a huge blanket of snow in winter with views of the evergreens and Bergen Mountain.

Not too far from Denver either. Just get off I-70 at Evergreen Parkway and go into Evergreen about 3 miles. Elk Meadow is on the left and you can park at Lewis Ridge Rd. (just turn right at the stoplight - look for the brown park signs).

Elk Meadow

Posted by funhikes under Hikes, Hikes Near Denver, Hiking Trails, Snowshoeing
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We have had winter weather these past few weeks which has cut most people’s hiking season short. There are still a lot of hikes closer to Denver and Colorado Springs that don’t take you too far into the mountains.

We like to hike Devil’s Head trail (although cold at the tower) and Red Rocks Canyon Loop Trail (2.25 miles) in Colorado Springs.

Fall is a great time to get in some lowland hikes before the winter really sets in. There are still golden leaves on the trees too!

Posted by funhikes under Hikes, Hikes Near Colorado Springs, Hikes Near Denver, Hiking Trails
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Aspen Trees are the only trees in the Colorado Mountains that offer autumn color. These seasonal colors only last for about 3 weeks in September.

When we want to hike a trail that has some wonderful fall color, we like the following trails among others:

Kenosha Pass - West side (toward Goldhill segment of Colorado trail)

Kenosha Pass - East side (toward Long Gulch segment of Colorado trail)

Bierstadt Lake Trail (Rocky Mountain National Park)

Burning Bear Trail (East Entry)

Meyer Ranch Park

Posted by funhikes under Hikes, Hikes Near Denver, Hiking Trails, Rocky Mountain National Park Recommended Hikes
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This was a great hike that we have done a couple of times.  It is refreshing because of the cascades and the shady trails.

It is nice to get out for a hike that is a short drive from Denver.

This is a popular spot, so we recommend going early on the weekend or go on a weekday. Click for details Cliff Loop Trail at Maxwell Falls.

Posted by funhikes under Hikes, Hikes Near Denver, Hiking Trails
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Take a hike in one of Colorado’s Sate parks.  It’s their 50th anniversary.  Admission is free to all of Colorado’s State parks this Monday August 3rd 2009.

Some of our favorite state park hikes:

Mountain Lion Trail - Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Burro Trail - Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Rim Rock Trail - Castlewood Canyon State Park

Colorado Parks 50th Anniversary

Posted by funhikes under Hikes, Hikes Near Denver, Hiking Trails
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Just like Burro Trail, the Mountain Lion trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park is challenging and a little bit longer. The trail will take y

ou in a 6.7 mile loop that moves through small meadow, aspen stands, up hills, through pine tree stands and past “Forgotten Valley” wilderness campground. You may also take a jaunt out to “Windy Peak” lookout.

This is one of the park’s longer trails, so start early, take your lunch, wear your boots and enjoy a great hike. Grab a park map and start this trail at the Nott Creek trailhead.

Golden Gate State Park is 30 minutes drive west of Denver. There is a park fee and a visitor center for info and unique wildlife displays.

Scenic views from Golden Gate

Posted by funhikes under Hikes, Hikes Near Denver, Hiking Trails
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A more challenging hike for the family is Burro Trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. The park is just a 30 min drive from Golden and west Denver.

This is a favorite hike leading to ‘Windy Peak’ where you have great views of the mountains and the park below. This loop is 4.5 miles round trip so be sure to:

1) take your lunch

2) start in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms

3) wear your boots (some areas are steep with rocks and slippery dirt).

Trail has areas of  pines, small meadows with aspens and wildflowers and rock outcrops at ‘Windy Peak’.

Posted by funhikes under Hikes, Hikes Near Denver, Hiking Trails
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One of my favorite hikes is Burning Bear Trail.  It is only about an hour’s scenic drive from Denver!

If you need more ideas for hiking near Denver or if you want to try a new trail, check Jefferson County Open Space website. It’s great for finding trails and maps.

Boys Hiking in Colorado

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State Parks Hat

Whether visiting Colorado for the first time or living here year-round, the hikes near Denver never get old! Visit a new trail or hike an old favorite. One of our favorites in Golden Gate Canyon Sate Park is Raccoon Trail (through trees and some meadow; 2.5 mile loop with views from Panorama Point; easy enough for the kids).  The park also offers really good camping for families - I prefer Aspen Meadow campsite area because it is less crowded and is tents-only .

For more info about Golden Gate Canyon State Park click the park’s link below.

GOLDEN GATE CANYON STATE PARK

Posted by funhikes under Around Colorado, Family Hiking Tips, Hikes, Hikes Near Denver, Hiking Trails
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One nice hike with good views from the top of the canyon is Rim Rock Trail. This hike is in Castlewood Canyon State Park (south of Parker). Rim Rock trail is accessible from both the west and east entrances.

Visit all of Colorado’s state parks this summer and enjoy some fantastic hiking! Great for family hikes near Denver. We like to hike Barr Lake State Park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park and Castlewood Canyon State Park best of all. These are close to Denver and are great for the kids! Buy a parks pass here.

Castlewood Canyon Views From the Top

Posted by funhikes under Around Colorado, Family Hiking Tips, Hikes, Hikes Near Denver, Hiking Trails
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