June kicks off the official start of summer, and that means it’s HIKING SEASON! Lace up your boots, bust out your poles, and fill up that Hydro Flask, here are our favorite local trails 🥾🌲
A Leisurely Stroll
Looking for something approachable for all levels of trekkers? These are some great starter hikes:
- South Loop Trail at Elk Meadow Park (near Evergreen): A gentle 2.6-mile loop perfect for kids, pups, and prospective elk-spotting.
- Enchanted Mesa Trail (Boulder): Skip the Chautauqua crowds and opt for this spacious, quiet, dog-friendly 2.3-mile stroll through nature.
- Fountain Valley Loop (near Morrison): This picturesque path through Roxborough State Park is perfect for out-of-towners. Note: As a state park, Roxborough charges an entrance fee, and dogs are not permitted.
A Down and Dirty Challenge
Ready to push your mind and body? Itching for that true Rocky Mountain adventure? These are for you:
- Missouri Lakes and Fancy Lakes Loop (near Leadville): An 8.5-miler with a 2,600-foot elevation gain, this trail leads you up the side of a mountain and along the Fancy Pass ridgeline with views of the vast valley unfurling below you.
- Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail (near Estes Park): This Rocky Mountain National Park pick is an 8.6-mile out-and-back trail with a nearly 1,800-foot gain in elevation. You’ll be rewarded with one lake halfway through, and then ANOTHER if you can manage the waterfall scramble.
Something in the Middle
Just here for the pic at the top and the beer at the end? We’ve got you covered:
- Brother’s Lookout at Alderfer Three Sisters Park (near Evergreen): Considered a generally moderate 2-mile trail, you don’t have to work too hard to earn the Insta-worthy selfie at the peak.
- Picketwire Canyon Trail (near Rocky Ford): A whopping 16.7-mile out-and-back mostly unshaded trail that’s not really near Denver, yes. But primarily flat and well-worth the prize at the end: the longest trail of preserved dinosaur tracks in the country.
👉 Some helpful hiking hacks
