Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Denver, United States

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

Experience the alpine beauty with over 350 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Continental Divide Trail.

Altitude Variety: Offers a range of trails at different elevations, from low-lying meadows to high alpine tundra.
Wildlife Spotting: Chance to see elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and even black bears during your hike.
Scenic Drives: Incredible mountain views available on the park's scenic drives, like Trail Ridge Road.

A challenging 486-mile thru-hike traversing the beautiful Rocky Mountains, passing through seven wilderness areas.

Backpacking Opportunity: Allows for extended backcountry camping experiences in Colorado's breathtaking landscapes.
Varied Terrain: Includes sections of dense forests, high alpine tundra, and rocky canyons.
End-to-End Challenge: Achieving the full Colorado Trail thru-hike is an incredible sense of accomplishment for serious hikers.

Iconic Maroon Lake and its surrounding peaks make this a must-visit destination for photographers and hikers.

Stunning Photography Locations: Maroon Bells are among the most photographed peaks in North America.
Scrambling Opportunities: Some trails offer opportunities for basic rock scrambling, making it more exciting than your typical hike.
Wildflower Meadows: Lush meadows bursting with colorful wildflowers during the summer months.

Explore 14,000-foot peaks and alpine lakes in this beautiful mountain range, with over 600 miles of hiking trails.

Peak Bagging: A chance to summit 14ers (mountains over 14,000 feet) for a true Colorado adventure.
Backcountry Solitude: Many trails offer a peaceful escape from the crowds, providing an intimate connection with nature.
High-Altitude Lakes: Beautiful alpine lakes nestled in the high mountains, offering stunning photography opportunities.

Hike among towering sand dunes, then explore nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains on the Zapata Falls trail.

Dune Climbing: Climb the giant sand dunes for a unique hiking experience.
Contrasting Landscapes: Juxtapose the desert-like dunes with the rugged mountains nearby.
Wildlife Encounters: Chance to see bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and other wildlife that call this unique ecosystem home.

Hike among towering cliffs and deep canyons, offering breathtaking views and challenging hikes.

Canyon Rim Trails: Traverse the rim of the canyon for stunning vistas of the steep cliffs below.
Challenging Hikes: Steep, challenging trails suitable for more experienced hikers.
Stargazing Opportunities: Ideal location for night sky photography and stargazing due to the remote and dark location.

Discover ancient Puebloan ruins and stunning views from the summit trail.

Archaeological Sites: Explore well-preserved archaeological sites dating back over a thousand years.
Summit Views: Take in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the summit trail.
Ancient Culture Connection: Learn about the ancient Puebloan people who once called this area home.

A challenging multi-peak traverse in Boulder's iconic flatiron rock formations.

Rock Climbing Option: Opportunity for experienced rock climbers to scale the flatirons.
Scenic City Views: Hike through Boulder's charming city streets and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
Challenging Hike: A long, challenging hike suitable for experienced hikers with good navigation skills.

Hike through vast prairies and enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets on the Prairie Dog Loop trail.

Open Prairie Landscapes: Experience the beauty of the open prairie landscapes.
Stargazing Opportunities: Ideal location for night sky photography and stargazing due to the remote and dark location.
Wildlife Encounters: Chance to see bison, antelope, and other wildlife that call this unique ecosystem home.

A flat, easy hike following the South Platte River through urban Denver, offering a glimpse of the city's history.

Urban Hiking Experience: Combine your love for hiking with an exploration of Denver's vibrant city life.
Historical Landmarks: Pass by historical landmarks such as the Denver Mint and Molson Amphitheater.
Urban Wildlife Encounters: Opportunity to spot urban wildlife like beavers, otters, and herons along the river.

Explore ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and hike through rugged canyons.

Archaeological Sites: Visit well-preserved archaeological sites dating back over 700 years.
Canyon Hiking: Hike through rugged canyons with incredible views of the surrounding landscape.
Cliff Dwelling Views: Take in breathtaking views of ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings from various overlooks.

A short and easy trail leading to the iconic Mesa Arch overlooking Canyonlands National Park.

Iconic Photography Location: Capture stunning photos of the iconic Mesa Arch framing the canyons below.
Short and Easy Hike: A short, family-friendly hike with minimal elevation gain.
Sunrise Views: Ideal location for sunrise photography due to the beautiful light filtering through the arch.

A challenging hike with steep cliffs and narrow paths leading to breathtaking views of Zion National Park.

Adventurous Hiking Experience: Experience a thrilling, adventurous hike with breathtaking views.
Challenging Terrain: A steep and challenging hike suitable for experienced hikers only.
Iconic Views: Take in breathtaking, panoramic views of Zion National Park from the summit.

Hike among hoodoos and experience the unique geology of this beautiful national park.

Unique Geological Formations: Explore the famous hoodoos, towering spires of rock formed by erosion.
Moonscape Hikes: Hike through a landscape that resembles the moon's surface, with red rocks and unusual formations.
Stargazing Opportunities: Ideal location for night sky photography and stargazing due to the remote and dark location.

A moderate hike showcasing Yosemite's famous landmarks such as Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls.

Iconic Landmark Views: Take in breathtaking views of Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls.
Moderate Hiking Experience: A moderate hike suitable for most hikers with good fitness levels.
Valley Floor Exploration: Explore the lush valley floor, home to diverse wildlife and spectacular views.