Southwest Of Denver | 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

Castle Trail and Meadow Trail at Mt. Falcon Park

mt falcon1 trail

Two easy trails from the west entrance of Mt. Falcon Park are Meadow Trail and Castle Trail offering level terrain and views of the mountains as well as the city. One of the best perks of this park is that it is close to Denver just bordering Indian Hills, Colorado (west entry from Hwy 285 to Parmalee Gulch Rd.)

mt falcon park trail

These two trails together offer meadows filled with wildflowers, views of the city and foothills, and plenty of tall Scotch and Ponderosa Pines.

mt falcon park view

The park offers many more trails that are easy to moderate and offer a multitude of views of the mountains and city. See Trail Map.

mt falcon park trails

Castle Trail offers a unique destination of old homestead ruins that once belonged to a wealthy Denverite in the early 1900′s. Kids love to explore the old castle ruins at the end of the hike and enjoy the view of the eastern plains over Denver.

mt falcon trailhead

Our family has visited this park for many years and have always enjoyed its open meadows and pine forests. Pack a picnic and dine at one of the many picnic tables in this mountain setting! Enjoy Your hike or your picnic.

mt falcon picnic pavilion with view

Colorado Trail (Segment 6): Kenosha Pass to Goldhill

This section of the Colorado Trail, Kenosha Pass toward Goldhill, is absolutely beautiful with Rocky Mountain views and views of South Park valley area. If you have ever hiked any section of the Colorado Trail, you know that it’s a fun experience to be on a trail that winds 468 miles through beautiful Colorado.

This trailhead is easily accessible by car with parking along the west side of Hwy 285.

The trail begins just off of Hwy 285 at Kenosha Pass campground. From there, the trail leads through pine and aspen forest for about 2 miles until it emerges at the edge of an enormous valley overlooking South Park and Fairplay. The surrounding peaks to the south and west are part of the Mosquito Range.

This is a fantastic section of trail. There are many wildflowers and butterflies in the area and the open trail along the side of the hill allows you to see views overlooking the massive plains and valley below. We usually hike down the side of this south-facing hill and into the woods until we come to a large clearing on the right side of the trail (it looks like a good place to camp and could have been a lake at one time; now all dried up). It’s a good area to rest, take-in the scenery, have a bite to eat and then head back for the parking lot.
No Restrooms available at parking lot.

Other trails in this area you may enjoy: Colorado Trail Kenosha Pass to Long Gulch segment

Picnic recommendation:
Once you come over the hill and see the valley and the Rockies in the distance, use the wooden bench or continue on the trail to the field pictured above (this is our favorite place to stop and then head back to the car; making it a 4-mile round trip hike. The entire segment ending at Goldhill is 32 miles)!

Burning Bear Trail (TR #601 East Entry)

View from trailhead

Burning Bear Trail #601 (east entrance) is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Geneva Creek/Pike National Forest area with verdant meadows, beaver ponds, tumbling water falls and lush forests. Day hikers will love this one for its beauty and easy terrain.The trail is well-maintained and has a very easy/moderate path. It wanders along the side of an open meadow just along the tree line giving you a shaded hike along the creek.

The views you through the openings in the trees are majestic. You will see the lush meadow, creeks and the snow-capped peaks nearby. There are beaver ponds and beaver lodges near the edge of the trail.

Our preference for this trail is to hike to the old cabin and back for an easy/moderate hike of 4.8 miles roundtrip. Another option is to hike the full length of the trail to the west trailhead (5.5 miles; not roundtrip mileage). For a challenging full day hike, make the full 11-mile roundtrip hike from-end-to end and back again (approx. elevation gain for the full hike 1,100ft.) This trail connects to the west entry of Burning Bear Trail. Each end of the trail has a parking area and is accessible by different roads.

Pack your bug spray; you will be near the creek. No restrooms available at trailhead (last chance is on CR 62 a couple miles before you reach the trailhead).

If you are looking to eat at a picnic table, there is a picnic area within 2 miles of the trailhead (along CR 62 before you reach the trailhead).

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).

Colorado Trail (Segment 5): Kenosha Pass To Long Gulch

This hike is a segment of the Colorado Trail. When you reach Kenosha pass you will need to go to the east side of HWY 285 to park. The trail is located just to the south of the parking lot.
This hike is easy to moderate and offers nice, shady forest, grassy meadows, views of the Rockies and a pleasant climb. The trail is well maintained and heavily traveled. You will enjoy the views over Park County as you gradually ascend this portion of the trail. The wildflowers along the trail vary and are plentiful.

It is a wonderful fall hike – the huge aspen trees tower above the trail in golden colors. It is a pleasant trail that wanders through the forest at a slight uphill grade with wonderful views of the valley looking south toward Fairplay.

We hiked with our kids (all under age 7) for about an hour (approx. 1 mile). This took us to a lookout area with rocks and logs where we had lunch and looked down into the valley and out to the south. It was a beautiful picnic spot.

One thing we noticed was at this time of year, September, there are still a lot of mosquitos and gnats in the area. Be sure to take bug spray with you – it will make your hike a lot more pleasant. Restrooms available at parking lot.

Other hikes in this area you may enjoy Colorado Trail Kenosha Pass to Goldhill segment

Picnic Recommendations: Anywhere along the trail – we like eating where there is a nice view.

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.

Coyote Song Trail at South Valley Park

This is one of several trails offered at South Valley Park (Jefferson County Open Space). From the south parking lot follow the Coyote Song Trail for 1.5 miles and connect with Swallow Trail at the north end of the park to loop around back to the southern trailhead for a easy/moderate 3 mile hike.

It is a red earthy, dusty trail that follows along the gorgeous rock cliffs of the hogback. It is reminiscent of southwestern Colorado with the high rock walls, the echoes of the birds, and the dry scrub oak along both sides of the trail. Huge red rock formations shoot up out of the green grassy fields all around this area.

This is a great trail for an easy hike close to home. It is barely 10 minutes from Littleton, yet quiet and lonesome in places.

Fall and spring are the best times to hike this trail. There is very little shade along this trail, so mid summer makes for a very hot hike. Restrooms available at the trailhead.

The history of the area: “In 1913, John Schaffer migrated to Colorado, purchased the property in the area and named it after his two sons, Kent and Carroll (Ken-Caryl). In 1926, Schaffer purchased the ‘south ranch’ from Frank Mann, the original landowner. The property continued to change ownership until 1971 . . . The surrounding area was an active cattle ranch until 1981. . .”

Sunny Aspen Trail and Old Ski Run Trail (Meyer Ranch Park)

Grab a park map at the parking lot or trailhead.
For an easy trail choose Lodgepole Loop trail (approx. 2.5 mile hike roundtrip from parking lot).
For a more challenging hike, follow Owl’s Perch trail until you get to the Lodge Pole Loop trail, go left on Lodge Pole, go left on the Sunny Aspen Trail and then left on Old Ski Run trail – this loop will take you up and around the top of the mountain and back down again (Elevation gain. 375 ft. Approx. 4.8 mile hike round trip from parking lot).

This series of trails begin in the grassy meadow, through pine forest and Aspen trees, up to glimpses of the Rocky Mountains and back down to the meadow and the parking area near Hwy 285. Wildflowers bloom in the meadow throughout the summer and the trees provide a pleasant shady hike. Look for the yellow Heart Shaped Arnica flower that grows alongside the trail in the forested section.

If you want a good clear view of the mountains to the west, you can climb the rock outcrop at the top or just stop and admire the site from one of the lookout areas. This is a beautiful day hike area in lush green valley that was once ranchland. Bring a camera for this one! Restrooms available at trailhead.

Picnic Recommendations: Picnic tables are available on Owl’s Perch Trail. Another scenic picnic area is about 1 ½ mile up the trail where there is a picnic pavilion overlooking the valley below and the hills across the valley. We like to eat at the top of the mountain where there is a large rock area (it is a few yards off the trail, but it offers a great view through the trees).

Eagle’s View Trail at Reynolds Park Open Space Park

This hike offers a variety of terrain, with a winding trail through meadow and forest taking hikers to the big payoff at the Eagle’s View point – views!

From the parking lot, take Oxen Draw Trail to Eagle’s View trail. The trail begins as it passes by several picnic tables near the creek and through a grassy meadow that blooms with a medley of wildflowers. It continues up a gentle incline through Aspen and pine trees making this a shady and pleasant hike. There are a couple sections of trail that are slightly steep and require some climbing over rocks.

As the trail climbs, it eventually comes out of the trees and reaches the lookout point. Here are the panoramic views of the foothills and Pikes Peak! It’s a good place to picnic and rest while looking out at the mountains. The trail then continues past the lookout area and loops back to Raven’s Roost trail junction leading back to the parking lot.

Grab a park map at the trailhead.
Restrooms available at the trailhead.

Picnic site recommendations:
Depending on the type of picnic you like, there are two choice areas to dine. If you like a BBQ grill and creek side tables, there are several at the trailhead. If you prefer a lighter lunch with amazing mountain views, the top of Eagle’s View trail is a great option. There’s space enough for kids to run around and grassy seating for your picnic.

Plymouth Creek Trail and Meadow Lark Trail at Deer Creek Canyon Park

Recommended trail: Begin at parking lot and take the Plymouth Creek Trail to the Meadow Lark trail. The loop has a pleasant elevation gain, trail composition, distance and views.

The Plymouth Creek trail begins by taking you up red, rocky slopes through scrub oak. There are constant views of the huge red rock formations and the “Hogback” layered rocks. Gradually you will pass into pine forests where the trail follows a trickling creek. This area is shady and cool: very pleasant uphill trek.

The Meadow Lark trail branches off of the Plymouth trail on the right taking you up and out of the trees onto a hill covered in scrub oak, yucca plants, and small cactus. As you reach the top of the hill, you will have nice scenic views of the Plymouth Creek trail below, the surrounding foothills, the eastern plains, and Deer Creek Canyon.

When you reach the highest point on this loop trail, there is a small grassy area (possible picnic/resting area). The trail begins to descend on the rim of the canyon, through scrub oak where you may see some deer.

This is a good hike in the foothills – close to Denver, and also good for early spring hiking or late season hiking. Obviously, there is less snow in early spring and in late fall at this elevation. One caution in early spring is mud along ¼ of the trail. Restrooms available at parking lot/trailhead.

Picnic spot recommendations:
There are two recommended sites for a family picnic. If you prefer to eat your lunch out of a backpack, then you will probably want to eat at the top of the Meadow Lark trail in the grassy clearing. From there you have great views of the “Hogback” and Denver. If you prefer to eat your lunch from a cooler, there are several picnic pavilions at the trailhead near the parking area.

Park View Trail at Pine Valley Ranch

Pine Valley Ranch (a Jefferson County Open Space Park) was once a working Ranch in the early 1900’s along the Platte River and the railroad. The park now includes hiking trails, a lake for fishing, picnic pavilions, miles of mountain biking trails, the old lodge, and an observatory.

Take the Park View Trail to the lookout and then continue on along the Strawberry Jack Trail and then right onto the Buck Gulch Trail back to the lake and the parking lot to make a complete 3 mile loop. Grab a map at the trailhead to take with you.

The Park View Trail is a shady, uphill climb to a lookout point where you will be able to see the beautiful surroundings of the valley. You will start by hiking around part of Pine Lake and then up the side of the mountain through the pine trees. From the trail you will catch glimpses of the lake, the surrounding hills, as well as the rushing Platte River below. The trail is well-traveled and well-maintained with wooden stairs and railings to make the terrain easier to hike.

The trail moves out of the park along the Strawberry Jack portion and then back into the park on Buck Gulch portion. This area is a beautiful hike through pine forest and down to the lake. The walk along the lake is a pleasant section to end your hike.

This is a huge park and it accommodates many visitors. It is not a low traffic area as you will notice when you arrive in the parking lot. Visit early on a weekend or on a weekday to avoid the crowds. It is a great place to have a cookout and bring the kids for a day of fun (hiking and fishing) in the mountains.

Restrooms available at the parking/picnic area.
Picnic spot recommendations:
We like to pack our food and head up the trail to eat at the lookout of Park View Trail. If you prefer, there are a lot picnic tables near the river with grills if you like to cookout.