The Best Easy Hikes in Colorado
Colorado is known for its absolutely breathtaking landscapes, and while the state offers plenty of challenging hikes, it also boasts a variety of easy trails perfect for beginners or those looking for a leisurely adventure.
Whether you're seeking a short family outing or a peaceful nature walk with stunning views, Colorado's trails offer something for everyone.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the best easy hikes close to Denver, from serene lakeside strolls to scenic paths with majestic mountain backdrops. So lace up your hiking boots, grab some water, and get ready to enjoy the beauty of Colorado (without breaking too much of a sweat)!
Garden of the Gods
The Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is one of the state's most iconic natural landmarks, known for its towering red rock formations set against the backdrop of Pikes Peak.
Hiking at the Garden of the Gods offers a variety of trails that allow visitors to explore these stunning rock formations and panoramic views at their own pace. The park features several easy and accessible trails, making it perfect for families, beginners, or anyone looking for a leisurely outdoor experience. Popular trails include:
Perkins Central Garden Trail: A 1.5-mile paved loop that takes you through the heart of the park’s towering rock formations, including the famous Kissing Camels and Three Graces. It's a flat, accessible path suitable for all skill levels.
Siamese Twins Trail: A short 1-mile round trip hike with a moderate incline that leads to the Siamese Twins rock formation, offering a framed view of Pikes Peak through the natural window between the rocks.
Ridge Trail: A 0.5-mile loop that provides elevated views of the park’s impressive formations, giving you a sense of the scale and beauty of the surrounding landscape.
For more information about visiting the Garden of the Gods, visit their website here.
Lake Haiyaha
Hiking to Lake Haiyaha in Rocky Mountain National Park is a rewarding adventure that combines moderate effort with stunning alpine beauty.
The 4-mile round-trip trail starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead and takes you through picturesque forests, offering views of Dream Lake and Nymph Lake along the way. The hike features rocky terrain and some elevation gain, but it's manageable for most hikers with moderate experience.
The highlight is reaching Lake Haiyaha, a secluded and peaceful alpine lake surrounded by rugged boulders and striking peaks. Its unique turquoise waters, caused by glacial silt, make it one of the most visually striking lakes in the park. The serene atmosphere and breathtaking scenery make this hike a must-do for those seeking a peaceful escape into nature.
Note: Rocky Mountain NP requires an entrance fee year-round as well as a timed-entry reservation in the busy season (May-October).
Saint Mary’s Glacier
Hiking Saint Mary's Glacier offers a quick but scenic adventure, perfect for both beginners and seasoned hikers looking for a shorter, rewarding trek.
Located just an hour from Denver, this 1.5ish-mile round-trip trail takes you through a beautiful forest and up to the base of a semi-permanent snowfield. Though often referred to as a glacier, it's actually a snowfield that remains year-round. The hike gains moderate elevation and leads to breathtaking views of the glacier, a pristine alpine lake, and the surrounding mountain peaks.
Hikers can explore further up the snowfield or enjoy the views from the lake’s shore. It's a great spot for hiking, snowshoeing in the winter, and even some summer snowboarding. The combination of accessible beauty and year-round adventure makes Saint Mary's Glacier a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Saint Mary’s Glacier Trail Map
Note: Parking at Saint Mary’s Glacier requires a $20 fee.
Rainbow Lake
Hiking the Rainbow Lake Trail near Frisco, Colorado, is a delightful and family-friendly adventure that offers serene beauty without requiring much effort.
This 1.5-mile round-trip hike is perfect for beginners or those looking for a peaceful stroll through nature. The trail starts at the end of 2nd Avenue in Frisco and leads through lush aspen and pine forests, crossing over small creeks via wooden footbridges. The reward at the end is Rainbow Lake, a small, tranquil alpine lake surrounded by beautiful views of the Tenmile Range.
Wildlife sightings are common, and in the fall, the aspens turn golden, making the scenery even more picturesque. With minimal elevation gain, this hike is accessible and perfect for a quick escape into nature.
Note: For a post-hike beer, visit Outer Ranger Brewery in Frisco!
Green Mountain
My personal favorite, Green Mountain, is located near Golden and Lakewood, Colorado, and offers panoramic views with several options for easy-moderate hikes.
Green Mountain Trail: This is the main trail, and while the full loop is about 6.4 miles, you can take shorter sections for an easier hike. The trail has gentle inclines and wide paths, making it a great option for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed pace.
Hayden Trail: This trail is a gentle climb and can be taken as part of a shorter loop. The Hayden Trail offers excellent views of the Denver skyline and is popular for casual hikers and families.
Summit Loop: For an easier experience, hikers can opt for sections of the summit loop without going all the way to the top. This provides the opportunity to enjoy the scenic vistas without the full elevation gain.
These trails are perfect for hikers of all skill levels who want to explore Green Mountain without tackling too much elevation or distance. Each path offers a mix of beautiful views and manageable terrain, ideal for a laid-back day in nature.
