Ten Hikes With Great Views Near Denver

Summer is finally here, and it's time to get outside and enjoy the bounty of outdoor recreation our state has to offer. But if you're a city dweller and not looking to travel far, these hikes are close enough to Denver to take advantage of the cooler mornings and afternoons. If you're up for a quick hiking trip that ends in fantastic scenery, here are ten options all within an hour of Denver (traffic depending, of course):

Alderfer Three Sisters Open Space Park
Evergreen
Easy to moderate, multiple trails
The well-maintained trails in this park range from 1.3 to 7 miles, and each offers mountain vistas, forested areas and open space. Alderfer Three Sisters is the perfect place to take friends or family members who may be impaired by vertigo or have walking issues; there are trails for all skill levels that don't involve high climbs or cavernous drops, but always provide rewarding landscape views.

Bear Peak via Shanahan Ridge
Boulder
Difficult, 5 miles out and back
With a 2,700-foot elevation gain, expect stunning views from the summit. The last mile is extremely steep, so some hikers may want to bring their poles. Keep in mind that this is an incredibly popular trail, so hikers will want to arrive early to beat the crowds.

Chief Mountain Trail
Idaho Springs
Moderate, 2.8 miles out and back
This trail is a snowshoeing favorite, but the views are rewarding throughout the year. A trek through the pines of Arapaho National Forest leads you to a 360-degree view that includes Pikes and Longs peaks. The climb is fairly steep, so be sure to pack lots of water as well as some brews or joints for a well-deserved rest at the top.

Eagle's View Trail Loop
Conifer
Moderate, 4.2-mile loop
Voted the best year-round hike by Westword readers in 2020, Eagle's View is a workout, but well worth it. The hike to the summit is up a steep slope (and mostly through forest, so remember your layers), but at the top you'll be greeted by the north face of Pikes Peak and surrounding mountain ranges.

Enchanted Mesa and McClintock Nature Trails
Boulder
Easy, 1.9-mile loop
While there isn't a standout, eye-popping moment, this trail is perfect for still-acclimating visitors or vertigo-prone hikers who want to take in spectacular landscapes while keeping the elevation low. The loop goes through both forests and open spaces that provide the opportunity to admire Boulder's famed Flatirons. As a bonus, it serves as a less populated access trail if you decide to hike up the Flatirons for a higher view.

Genesee Summit Trail
Golden
Easy, 1.2-mile loop
This hike is good for both families or a solo venture, and its length makes it a perfect sunrise or sunset hike. The short, steady trek provides expansive views of the foothills, which are dotted with wildflowers. As one reviewer on AllTrails put it: "Almost felt like I was cheating as views like this in [Washington] take hours to obtain."

Green Mountain West Trail
Boulder
Moderate, 4 miles out and back
This is one of the most popular trails in Boulder for a reason. It's a short hike, so the 360-degree views of Bear Peak and South Boulder Peak are a rewarding surprise. The trail is surrounded by many others in Boulder Open Space, all worth your attention year-round.

Maxwell Falls Bluffs Cliffside Trail Loop
Conifer
Moderate, 5.4-mile loop
Maxwell Falls offers a variety of trails, but the Cliffside Trail Loop is a definite winner. This hike through the woods ends with expansive views of rolling mountains filled with evergreens and snowcapped peaks in the distance. There are plenty of boulders where you can rest while soaking up the view; some beers in your pack could add to your appreciation of the scenery.

Mount Falcon Lookout Trail
Indian Hills
Easy, 1.8 miles out and back
You'll see some wildflowers peeking through at this favorite trail, which draws hikers as well as bikers. Lengthen your hike at many options of offshoots, where you'll trek through shaded wilderness that opens up to mountain views, or bring some picnic gear to savor those breathtaking views at the lookout. This is a popular trail, so be sure to arrive early to grab some good parking.

Red Rocks Trading Post Trail
Morrison
Easy, 1.5-mile loop
The otherworldly red rocks in the foothills around Morrison always impress natives and tourists alike. This hike is primo for when the wildflowers are blooming, and makes for a peaceful stroll through the hilltops that provide views of Red Rocks Amphitheatre and other geological wonders. There are plenty of connecting hikes nearby, including the Dakota Ridge Trail, the Mount Falcon Castle Trail Loop and Dinosaur Ridge.