One of the biggest draws to the Rocky Mountain State is the amazing hikes that you can enjoy near literally every major city. These easy trails are among the best hikes in Colorado, and the perfect locations for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, reconnecting with nature, and refreshing your primal spirit. Grab your pooch, your pals, and a picnic, and head out for an outdoor adventure achievable by hikers of all skill levels!

1. Maxwell Falls
Maxwell Falls Lower Trail, 7627 S Brook Forest Rd, Evergreen, CO 80439, USA
Rob Lee/Flickr
Maxwell Falls is a gentle 4-mile loop near Evergreen. It is a great family hike for all ages and one that your furry friend will love. There are a few options for the hike to the falls, but to get the full experience, begin at the lower trailhead and travel along the lovely wooded path past two small cascades and ultimately to Upper Maxwell Falls at roughly 2 miles. Continue onto the Cliff Loop Trail for vista views and a journey through the woodlands back to the foot bridge. (Note: Depending on the season, the cascading falls are not always visible, but the hike is enjoyable year round.)
2. Evergreen Mountain
Evergreen Mountain, Evergreen, CO 80439, USA
Ben & Whitney Carey/Flickr
There are a wealth of trails at Jeffco's Alderfer/Three Sisters Park outside of Evergreen, and the approximately 6-mile round-trip hike to the Evergreen Mountain summit is fairly mild and accessible to a wide range of hikers. One of the most scenic hikes in Colorado it features beautiful old forests of ponderosa pine, notable rock formations, and stunning vista views of 14,264' Mount Evans and Pikes Peak in the far off southern distance.
3. Meyer Ranch Open Space
Meyer Ranch Park, 10490 S Turkey Creek Rd, Morrison, CO 80465, USA
Darell Rogers/AllTrails
Located just 30 minutes southwest of Denver, the Meyer Ranch Open Space provides three fabulous trail options offering meadows, wildflowers, woods, and wildlife, for your perusing pleasure. The Lodgepole Loop is an easy breezy 2.4 miles, the Sunny Aspen Trail (pictured here) is a lovely 3-mile loop, and the Old Ski Run Trail is a more lengthy 4.8-mile lollipop loop.
4. Daniels Park
Daniels Park, Colorado, USA
Sarah Nichols/Flickr
This 1,000-acre historic ranch in Douglas County is one of the largest in Denver's Mountain Park system, known for its phenomenal sunsets, sweeping mountain views, roaming bison herd, historic ranch buildings, old stone shelter, and Tallbull Memorial Grounds. Start your journey at the Shelter House and hike the trails that weave along the top of the bluff anywhere from .2 to 5.4 miles. Take a picnic dinner and savor a breathtaking sunset before heading back to the city.
5. Square Top Lakes
Square Top Lakes, Colorado 80435, USA
Tinkurlab/Flickr
Perched atop Guanella Pass, Square Top Lakes is very close to the small town of Empire,. The journey is an easily attainable 4.3-mile tundra hike to two glacial lakes, with stunning views of surrounding mountains and wonderfully vivid wildflowers along the way. Begin your hike along the South Park Trail on the west side of Guanella Pass to lower Square Top Lake at 1.83 miles and 12,046', then on to upper Square Top Lake at 2.1 miles and 12,265'. Admire the impressive Square Top Mountain (13,794') looming above the upper lake and view of massive Mt. Bierstadt (14,065′) just across the way.
6. Lily Pad Lake
Lily Pad Lake, Colorado 80498, USA
Julie/Flickr
This light family-friendly 3.2-mile hike near Silverthorne travels through rich alpine forests to lovely lily-covered lakes nestled below Buffalo Mountain. Visitors along this exciting year-round trail, one of the best easy hikes in Colorado, will also enjoy sweeping views of surrounding peaks and the Dillon Reservoir, as well as the chance to see local wildlife, such as moose, elk, and deer.
7. O'Fallon Park
O'Fallon Park, 25663 Lines Ln, Kittredge, CO 80457, USA
Jeffrey Beall/Flickr
O'Fallon Park in the Bear Creek area near Evergreen abounds with hiking trails for all skill levels, ranging from 1.3 to 7 miles. Grab your walking stick and a picnic breakfast or lunch and strike out on one of the following five trail options: Picnic Loop, West Ridge Loop, Meadow View Loop, Bear Creek Trail, and Panorama Point. (Note: The Picnic Loop is a super easy 1.3-mile jaunt that makes for a nice, leisurely family stroll.)
8. Spruce Mountain Open Space
Spruce Mountain Open Space Trailhead, 13415 S Spruce Mountain Rd, Larkspur, CO 80118, USA
Ben Simo/Flickr
Just 45 minutes south of Denver near Larkspur lies Spruce Mountain Open Space, a tall butte with an easy trail that affords views of Eagle Mountain, Pikes Peak, and the rolling hills of Greenland and Larkspur Choose the 1.5-mile out and back hike to the Greenland Overlook, one of the best hikes in Colorado, or continue on the trail to loop around the top of Spruce Mountain, for a total of 4 miles.
9. Horsetooth Reservoir
Horsetooth Reservoir, Colorado, USA
David Shankbone/Flickr
The Horsetooth Reservoir west of Fort Collins has 2.7 easy miles of trails, which include the Inlet Bay Trail (1.3 miles) and Foothills Trail (1.4 miles). Be sure to also explore the scenic 2,711-acre Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, which contains 29 miles of trails, connects to Lory State Park, and is open to visitors year round.
10. Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake, Colorado 80517, USA
Tim Lumley/Flickr
Last but certainly not least is the gloriously beautiful Emerald Lake, one of the most accessible hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, located approximately two hours from the metro area. You'll begin your hike on the Bear Lake Trailhead and enjoy Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, and Dream Lake, before arriving at Emerald Lake after a brief 1.8 miles. Note that the Bear Lake Loop alone is one of the most kid-friendly hikes around Colorado, clocking in at a short .6-miles. It is also a handicap-accessible trail so it is suitable for all visitors.

If you’re eager for more outdoor adventure, conquer these 11 Magnificent Trails You Have To Hike Near Denver Before You Die.

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Best hikes in Colorado

| January 01, 1970

Are there any waterfall trails in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Absolutely! There are numerous waterfall trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, each one seemingly more gorgeous than the next. If you’re looking for a short and sweet one, try the Alberta Falls Trail. It’s an easy route to get to the falls and once there you’ll be amazed at the beauty surrounding it. Be sure to plan your visit accordingly, as it’s one of the more popular trails in the park so it can get crowded pretty quickly.

Are there any castles in Colorado?

You might not conjure up images of castles when thinking about The Rocky Mountain State but that would be a mistake, because you’d miss out on visiting the Dunafon Castle. Built in 1941, Dunafon Castle is only a short 15 mile drive west of Denver, making it a great day trip option. In addition to the meticulously restored castle structure, the 17-acre property also features stunning gardens and three large trout ponds. And as you might imagine, it is a very popular place to come to take photos. 

What is the most scenic town in Colorado?

That totally depends on who you ask, and Coloradans have widely varying opinions. Nevertheless, I think they’ll all agree that Aspen is close to, if not at the top of, the most scenic town in Colorado list! Located about 4 hours and 45 minutes from Breckenridge, three and a half hours from Grand Junction, and six hours from Denver, Aspen is absolutely spectacular. Whether you come in the spring for the beautiful wildflowers and verdant colors, or in the winter for the fantastic skiing (or any season in between!), this historic mining town will capture your heart.

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