Moderate | Fun Colorado Hikes

Trail and Platte River in Waterton Canyon

Colorado Trail (Segment 1) Waterton Canyon

Trailhead Sign

The beginning of the Colorado Trail is the Waterton Canyon Trail segment adjacent to Chatfield State Park on Waterton Rd. This section of the famous trail is very popular due to its proximatey to Denver and easy access to the trailhead.
Though segment-1 is 15 miles long ending in the Foxton area, many hikers and mountain bikers chose to travel in-and-out without completing the entire 15 miles from end-to-end (or 30 miles roundtrip).

Starting up waterton canyon

The first portion of the hike travels along the water access road along the South Platte River. This is a pleasant hike that leads under huge cottonwood trees,towering canyon cliffs and near rushing water.
This trail is heavily traveled but there is plenty of space for all hikers, mountain bikers and casual day hikers who enjoy the many attributes of the area.

Waterton Canyon Trail through the trees

We traveled in one mile and out again but got a taste of the canyon scenery and the wildlife in the canyon. Big horn sheep are commonly seen on the cliffs and dogs are not allowed on this portion of the trail for that reason.
As the trail enters deeper into Waterton canyon, the trail narrows to a footpath shared by hikers and bikers.

Entering the Waterton Canyon

Waterton Canyon Trail first portion

Platte River in Waterton Canyon

Platte River in Waterton Canyon one mile mark

Trail and Platte River in Waterton Canyon

Trail and Platte River in Waterton Canyon 2

Waterton Canyon big horn sheep

Continental Divide Trail at Berthoud Pass

This trail is what anyone would expect from a Colorado hike – views, elevation, cool air, a well-defined path and wildflowers! The Continental Divide Trail at Berthoud Pass is a hike that will take you from the trailhead to above treeline offering spectacular views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. Another great feature; it’s less than one hour from Denver!

Continental Divide trail sign

Starting up the Continental Divide trail at Berthoud Pass

Heading up the Continental Divide trail on the fire road

The trail begins to the right of the restrooms where the large sign for the Continental Divide Trail is located. Follow the wide trail to the right until you are on the fire road. The fire road is the first section of the trail that leads uphill through shady, cool woods. There are a few switchbacks as the trail leads up higher and higher.

Continental Divide trail on fire road

views from fire road on Continental Divide trail

Trail junction sign on Continental Divide Trail

The trail is a constant uphill ascent and the high elevation may slow some hikers’ usually-quick pace. Flowers bloom along the entire trail in the low-growing grass; look for Mountain Bistort, Indian Paint Brush, Purple Aster, and Tall Chiming Bells.

The trail narrows from the wide fire road to a narrow packed trail as it passes the junction marked with a mileage sign. Mt Flora is a 2 mile hike one way. Pick your destination; whichever one you choose, you will enjoy a beautiful trail the entire way. Up on top of the ridge the views just never end!

Trail toward Mt. Flora

Continental Divide Trail to Mt Flora

picnic on the Continental Divide Trail overlookinfg Winter Park

Berthoud Pass below US 40

We hiked out about 1/4 mile and stopped alongside the trail for a picnic. This was our destination with the little kids – making it a 2 mile roundtrip hike.

views looking north

hillside views from the trail looking toward Winter Park

Because of the elevation, it’s wise to hike early before afternoon storms roll across the mountains. Lightening danger is very high.
trail looking south
Return trip heading south on Continental Divide Trail

pink Indian Paintbrush flowers along the trail

Empire Colorado Main Street US 40
After descending Berthoud Pass on US Hwy 40, we stopped in Empire for some ice cream and cold drinks. Pick your place, they are all “Mom and Pop” eateries. We chose “Dairy King” and enjoyed the company of other summer travelers.
Dairy King in Empire, CO

Silver Dollar Lake Trail #79

The trail begins at the first parking lot just off Guanella pass road (a new paved parking lot with plenty of spaces provided you get there early)- the first ¼ mile of the hike is a four-wheel drive road that leads to a second parking lot and the trail head.

This quiet hike is a continuous, gentle incline up to the lakes. It begins in an area of lodge pole pine forest, then through some willow scrub and eventually opens up with fewer trees and open hills. The surroundings are breathtaking as you come out above the forested area. The high snow-covered mountain peaks and boulder fields and forest around the lower lake are very beautiful. It can be cool and windy even in mid summer.

If you hike this trail before July, plan on hiking through some snow in shady areas. (We went in June and lost the trail several times because of the snow). One difficulty with this trail is that it is not clearly marked with signs so look for the dirt path and indicators of foot traffic if you lose the trail in the snow.

We chose to hike only to the first lake (Naylor Lake) because of the steep boulder field leading to Silver Dollar Lake. Eating on the top of the hill overlooking Naylor Lake was quite beautiful and refreshing with the sun and the brisk wind. Naylor Lake is private property so look for the signs indicating where the boundry is.

Restrooms only available at nearby campground.

Other hikes nearby that you may enjoy:
Sporting Times Trail
Rosalie Trail
Square Top Lakes Trail
Mt. Bierstadt Trail

Devil’s Head National Recreation Trail

Devil’s Head Trail begins by passing through several large Aspen stands that are quite beautiful; especially in autumn. The hike continues to wind its way up through Evergreen forest and around huge granite boulders. Through the breaks in the trees you will be able to catch several glimpses of the Eastern plains. The trail is well established and well maintained. It is a popular hike site and sees a lot of traffic.

The trail ends atop a massive granite outcrop where Devil’s Head Fire Tower Lookout is located. It is the last operating fire lookout on the Front Range. The staircase up to the fire tower is steep and not for the faint of heart. You will need to be cautious climbing these 143 steps. From the tower you will have a full 360 degree view of the Rockies and the eastern plains. Absolutely breathtaking!!

The station is manned during the summer months by a National Forest Service Ranger. Kids really enjoy climbing the tower and seeing the ranger at work in his/her post. It is one office that literally sits on top of the world. The trail is open year round, and the tower is accessible during the off-season as well. Devil’s Head Trail and campground (at the trailhead) are very busy during the summer. It is good to arrive early to avoid crowds and the frequent afternoon storms Colorado produces.

Restrooms are available at parking lot/trailhead AND at the base of the fire tower. Picnic spot recommendation:The ideal picnic site for this hike is at the end of the trail (on top of the mountain) at the base of the stairway that leads to the fire tower. There is a picnic table and a pleasant grassy area with huge pine trees – ideal for resting or even a good game of Frisbee.

Chief Mountain Trail on Squaw Pass Road

Rimrock Trail at Castlewood Canyon State Park

This trail offers wonderful views of the canyon as well as the surrounding mountains and rolling hills of Parker and Franktown. To access the trailhead, enter at the west entry of Castlewood Canyon State Park and park at the first parking lot (the Lucas Homestead Historic site).

Take the Rimrock Trail (M). The trail begins with a gradual descend down to the canyon floor and across Cherry Creek then makes a gradual climb up the side of the canyon.

During the fall, the colors of the scrub oak and leaf trees are spectacular! There are beautiful views overlooking the canyon and all along the trail from the trailhead. It’s a pleasant hike with areas of scattered shade.

The trail leads to the Dam Ruins Historic Site; either return by the same trail (M) or hook up to the Creek Bottom Trail (G) which will take you back to the parking lot by way of the creek rather than the top of the canyon walls. Grab a map at the trailhead to guide you.

Note:You may also enjoy: Inner Canyon Trail, or Creek Bottom and Cherry Creek Trail.

Three Mile Creek Trail TR #635

The Three Mile Creek Trail heads northwest into the Arapaho National Forest and Mt Evans Wilderness area through beautiful shady forest and over the Three Mile Creek. You may want to register your name in the brown box at the trailhead – the U.S. Forest Service monitors trail usage with the data from these type of lists.

You will enjoy crossing over the creek more than fifteen times!! Small wooden footbridges allow you to enjoy the creek and the surroundings from both sides of the water. Children will love to throw rocks and sticks in and watch them disappear down the hill.

You will eventually emerge from the pine forests into a green meadow filled with a variety of wildflowers and Aspen tree stands. While you are in this small valley, you will be surrounded by several mountains towering above you including: Spearhead Mountain elevation: 11,244 ft; Arrowhead Mtn. 11,209 ft.; and Kataka Mtn. 12,441 ft.

If you choose to complete the entire hike, you will hike 6 miles up to meet the junction with Rosalie Trail. The 12 mile roundtrip hike gains 2,780ft. where, after steeply ascending switchbacks in the trail at treeline, there are beautiful views of the surrounding Rockies (Mt. Evans, Mt Kataka and Bierstadt among others). Serious day hikers will love this scenic hike.

We usually hike in for a couple of hours then turn back. Turn around anywhere you feel like and the trip back down to the car is just as enjoyable as the hike in!

No Restrooms available at trailhead or parking area. (There is a rest station on the road (Rd 62) about 1 mile before you reach the parking lot and trailhead- your last chance).

Inner Canyon Trail at Castlewood Canyon State Park

A fun and beautiful hike at Castlewood Canyon State Park is the Inner Canyon Trail. A 1.16 mile trail that takes you down into the canyon and along the waters of Cherry Creek is a relaxing and refreshing hike. There is a moderate incline of the trail into and out of the canyon itself, but wooden stairs and a well maintained trail made it easy enough for our 4 year old to navigate.

The canyon walls tower above the trail once on the canyon floor and the trees and boulders offer spots of shade. Many will take the time to dangle their feet in the creek or let their dogs go for a swim.
We enjoyed this leisurely hike on a Sunday (10:00am) early enough to beat the crowds and the midday heat.
There are restrooms, picnic tables and grill pits available at the trail head.

You may also enjoy Cherry Creek Trail Creek Bottom Trail at Castlewood Canyon Park.

Bridge in Inner Canyon Trail

Arapaho Pass Trail to Diamond Lake

Burning Bear Trail #601 (West Entry)

Along Burning Bears Trail 1

Burning Bear Trail TR #601 is a nice, pleasant trail with views, forest, wildflowers and a trickling creek. Whether you hike 11 miles from end-to-end and back again or just a section in-and-back, you will enjoy the hike.
This is a low use trail with few hikers because of its obscure, almost hidden trailhead. It is a diverse trail that will take you through open meadow, aspen stands, through lodge pole pine forest, and alongside Lamping Creek for most of your hike.

It is an easy to moderate trail with some gentle uphill sections and some flat sections. As you move along the trail there are beautiful aspen stands. There are views through the trees. And there are sections of trail through the lodge pole pine forest and up over the hills toward the Guanella Pass Road and the east entry of Burning Bear Trail (TR #601).

If you complete the trail you will find yourself finishing at the east trailhead (5.5 miles one way). You may want to hike the entire trail 11 miles round trip. Or from one end to the other if you can arrange to have a car at each end. Or, like us, hike in a couple miles and back out again to the west trailhead. Whichever option you choose, you will enjoy this peaceful, scenic trail.

Along Burning Bears Trail 2

Along Burning Bear Trail 3

Along Burning Bear Trail 4

To view the east trailhead entry see: Burning Bear Trail East Entry.

Maxwell Falls Cliff Loop Trail

From the parking lot (upper Maxwell Falls trailhead) start down the trail toward the falls. The trail will fork two times; take the left trail both times and you will be moving up a slight incline.

This loop trail (called The Cliff Loop) goes through pine, aspen forest, and up-over-and-around huge rocky cliffs and then eventually down along the Maxwell Falls.

The falls are really a series of cascades in a beautiful lush, green forest. There is plenty of shade all along the trail. It is well-traveled and maintained. There are many hikers and dogs along the way.

Be careful when you near the end of the loop (above the falls) it is a long way down. (You will see people lounging on the cliffs above the falls). This is a great place to spend a lazy day and/or make it an early evening hike. Weekdays and evenings at Maxwell Falls are not so busy. No restrooms available at the trailhead.

Picnic Spot Recommendations: Pack a picnic and eat on one of the high points of the trail where you can see some views of the surrounding mountains in shades of blue and green trees.

Deer Mountain Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park

The trailhead is at Deer Ridge Junction just a couple of miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance to the Rocky Mountain National Park (entering from the Estes Park side).The space for parking is limited along the side of the road so it is best to arrive early.

The trail begins its gradual ascent up the side of Deer Mountain in pine forest. This hike offers beautiful views all the way.The forest is not thick as you make your way up the first 3/4 of the trail allowing you to see surrounding peaks in the park. Views from the trail are plenty; you will see meadows, snow covered mountains, wildflowers on the hillsides and pine forests as you amble up the side of Deer Mountain.

After a series of switchbacks near the top of the mountain, you will finish your hike at the peak (elevation 10,013 ft.) with fantastic views of all the surrounding mountains and valleys in the park including Moraine Park and Longs Peak. Well worth the hike up!

The trail is well-traveled and well-maintained. During late spring and early summer, you may find snow in shady areas and at the top depending on the winter snowfall amounts. Ask a ranger at the visitor center for trail conditions. Other hikes inthe park you may enjoy: Alpine Ridge Trail

Mountain Lion Trail

mountain lion trail

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 you 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.

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. You may also be interested in Burro Trail or Raccoon Trail at Golden Gate Park.