Thanks to Denver’s location at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, there are lots of great Denver hiking trails to try! Although the area gets plenty of snow, which can start in October and end in May, people here don’t let the bad weather keep them from the outdoors. In winter, you can hike with a great pair of warm boots, or strap on some snowshoes or cross-country skis and hit the trails!
1.) Washington Park Loop
2.) Cheesman Park Outer Loop
3.) Rooney Trail Loop
4.) Belmar Park
5.) Bear Creek Greenbelt Trail
Washington Park Loop
The Washington Park Loop Trail is near downtown Denver and features two lakes. There are also several flower gardens, including one that replicates George Washington’s garden at Mount Vernon. It’s a popular trail, where people like to hike, bike, and run after work or on weekends.
Address: 701 S Franklin St, Denver, CO 80209
Mileage: 2.3 miles
Loop Trail
Terrain: This path is smooth pavement or gravel. The paved parts are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, while the gravel areas may require all-terrain tires.
Difficulty: This is an easy path
Open year-round: Yes
Miles from downtown Denver: 4.3 miles from downtown Denver
Pet-friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on this trail, but must be leashed. Be sure to bring bags and pick up after your pet!
Kid-friendly? This trail is kid-friendly. The easy loop goes around the perimeter of Washington Park, and kids can view lakes and watch for ducks and other water-loving birds. There’s also a nature-inspired playground at the park that kids can explore.
Cheesman Park Outer Loop
The Cheesman Park Outer Loop winds around the park and is a popular spot for runners, hikers, and bikers. You’ll get beautiful views of the mountains, and the Cheesman Memorial Pavillion is a nice place to rest. The park is also close to many Denver attractions like the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Denver Zoo, and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
Address: 1599 E 8th Ave Denver CO 80218
Mileage: 2 miles
Loop Trail
Terrain: This is a paved trail around a city park. It’s accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Difficulty: This is considered an easy trail.
Open year-round? Yes
Miles from downtown Denver: 2.5 miles from downtown Denver
Pet friendly? This trail does allow dogs on a leash. Be sure to bring bags and pick up after your pet!
Kid-friendly? This is an easy trail for kids to manage. The park also has a playground and fountains to view.
Rooney Trail Loop
The Rooney Trail Loop is in William F. Hayden Green Mountain Park (more commonly known as simply Green Mountain Park). The park is southwest of Denver and you’ll get nice views of the city and the mountains on this hike.
Address: 1000 S Rooney Rd, Lakewood, CO 80228
Mileage: 3.4 miles
Loop Trail
Terrain: This is a packed dirt trail. It is not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs.
Open year-round? Yes, but it may be closed when the trail is muddy
Miles from downtown Denver: 14.8 miles from downtown Denver
Pet friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on this trail, but must be leashed. Be sure to bring bags and pick up after your pet!
Kid-friendly? This trail is kid-friendly. It does have some elevation gain over the course of the trail. Kids can look for local wildlife including deer, and you’ll get some nice views of downtown Denver.
Belmar Park
This trail at Belmar Park is a pretty walk around a lake and is especially picturesque in fall. It’s popular with runners, walkers, and bikers.
Address: 801 S Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80226
Mileage: 2.9 miles
Loop Trail
Terrain: This trail is a paved trail.
Open year-round? Yes
Miles from downtown Denver: 8.8 miles from downtown Denver
Pet friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on this trail. They need to be on a leash, and don’t forget to pick up after your pet!
Kid-friendly? This is a kid-friendly trail. It has just a slight elevation gain, and the walk around a lake is fun for kids. There is also a playground at the park where they can play before or after their hike.
Bear Creek Greenbelt Trail
The Bear Creek Greenbelt Trail runs through Denver suburbs, but is a leafy, natural area following Bear Creek. You may encounter runners or bikers on the path, or see local birds enjoying the foliage.
Address: 3127 S Sheridan Blvd, Denver, CO 80227
Mileage: 3.7 Miles
In and Out Trail
Terrain: This trail is paved and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Difficulty: This is considered an easy trail
Open year-round? Yes
Miles from downtown Denver: 10.3 miles from downtown Denver
Pet friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on this trail, but must be leashed. Be sure to bring bags and pick up after your pet!
Kid-friendly? This is a kid-friendly trail, and it’s a great spot for a family walk or bike ride.
Denver Trails
There are lots of Denver trails to choose from, and many of them are great for kids! Denver’s a very dog-friendly city, so many trails also allow dogs although usually, they must be on a leash. Another great perk of Denver hiking trails is that many of them give you great views of the city skyline, and of the striking Rocky Mountains to the west.
RV Camping in Denver
RV camping is a great way to experience Denver, and you may even want to head into the mountains to camp as well! These RV campgrounds in Denver put you close to the city, or to other Colorado attractions. Chatfield State Park is a great option, with a large reservoir for boating and swimming. Cherry Creek State Park is another great spot for camping near Denver.
RV Rentals in Denver
There are plenty of RVshare rentals in Denver to choose from, so you can be sure to find one that suits you! If you’re heading into the mountains, you may want a smaller Class B campervan or Class C camper. However, there are also plenty of camp resorts that accommodate Class A motorhomes and larger fifth-wheel trailers, and there are plenty of wide freeways to mountain destinations as well.
Other Things To Do in Denver
Along with hiking, there are lots of other things to do in Denver! Rocky Mountain National Park is less than two hours from Denver, and is worth spending several days exploring. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science will fascinate kids and adults alike, and the Denver Botanic Gardens are a beautiful place to walk.
After you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Linger – an excellent restaurant in a former mortuary. You could also try one of the many craft breweries in town. Hit up one of the several Snooze locations for a hearty breakfast before a day of exploring!
Enjoy your time in the Mile High City exploring Denver’s hiking trails!
