Denver is a city that is described or described as a gateway to some of the most beautiful mountains in the United States. In essence, it is a bustling metropolis with peaceful peaks in its doenp doors. I recently visited Denver to stay with a friend and spend a week exploring the lakes, mountains and picturesque roads that surround the city. We complete as many paths as we can physically, sometimes two in one day! According to our experiences, here are my main recommendations of the best walks of the days, which are a maximum of 1-2 hours by car from the center of the city of Denver.
Practical:
Get there: There is a large international airport in Denver that is treated by direct flights from the United Kingdom and Europe daily.
Put the turn: I recommend renting a car to move, explore Denver and access hiking trails. There is no need for high authorization or a 4 × 4 vehicle for walks in this guide.
When to visit: Denver has a quite long hiking season from April to October. In the first months, there will still be snow on the paths, which will dissipate at the end of May/early June. Personally, I would recommend to September as the best months for the most stable climate, the clear paths, fresh and fresh and warm mothers after the possibilities of mountain storms.
How long to stay: I visited Denver for a week, I stayed at my friends’ house and enjoyed having time to enjoy slower days and relax in the city, as well as address the nearby mountains. However, for most hiking enthusiasts, I would stay a few days and then go to a road trip beyond the State.
Prices: Denver is not an affordable destination, prices coincide with the rest of North America, so the budget accordingly. We save money by making all our meals and bringing lunch on walks.
Denver travel tips
- Denver is located at altitude, and many of the national and state parks are even higher, which is something that should consult when visiting. Take the time to acclimatize on a easier path before making any super resistant, walk slowly, listen to your body, look for any symptom or altitude disease and maintain hydrated hydration.
- If you visit the most stormy summer months of July and August, I recommend you walk early and try to be below noon at 1 pm
- Permits are a great thing. I recommend obtaining a pass from national parks and a state parks pass to reduce the cost of the entry rates that puts your visit on the door. You can go to recreation.gov to find permits requirements for any walk in the region, and Alltrails also usually has this information for each route.
- Denver is one of the most solar cities in the world with 300 days of sun per year, so pack your SPF.
- Follow the principles of not leaving traces.
Denver’s best day walks
Isabelle Lake
For those who are looking for a low but maximum rewards effort, this is! The path begins in Brainard Lake, which is well known by the alces sightings, I recommend arriving in Sunrise to have the best opportunity to see them. We have super lucky and we saw six, including two large males! Then, the route goes up gently adapts to Long Lake to the absolutely impressive Isabelle lake, a great place to stop and make a picnic or a snack with a view.
Distance: 10.5 km
Elevation gain: 205m
Difficulty: Moderate
Path folder: Gentleman
Note: You need a timed input permit for the Brainard Lake parking area. We did this walk the first day to help me acclimatize at altitude, which is what I recommend that I do.
Sky Pond, Lake Haiyaha and Lake Emerald
If you only have time to make a walk in the Rocky Mountain National Park, this path marks all the boxes. Eight impressive lakes, two high waterfalls, numerous dramatic peaks and miles of peaceful forests. Perhaps my personal culminating point is the glass lake, a perfectly reflective lake that wonderfully reflects the mountains on it. It is worth noting that there is a friendly fight for beginners by the side of a waterfall, which makes the path even more exciting!
Distance: 18 km
Elevation gain: 750m
Difficulty: Challenge
Path folder: Gentleman
Note: You will need 2 permits to make this walk. A timed entrance permit for the park and one for Bear Lake Road. If you do not get these permits, you can arrive before you enter (5 am).
Summit Lakes & Chicago Lakes
This path is perfect for those of you who want to leave the threshing road and escape the crowds. Located in the Mount Evans desert, this underestimated and spicy route begins more than 3000 m of altitude and the highest point is just less than 4000 m, so it is a serious physical challenge. However, it is widely rewarded with some of the most incredible views as it passes through five impressive lakes, lush green valleys and high resistant spikes. I absolutely beloved This and obtains bonus points for not requesting a permit!
Distance: 17 km
Elevation gain: 1000 m
Difficulty: Very challenging
Path folder: Gentleman
Chasm Lake
If the dramatic landscape is what you are looking for, then you must do this walk, I absolutely surprised me! Chasm Lake is a jewel located just below the iconic Pico Longs, a 14000 feet peak and the highest mountain in the Rocky Mountain National Park. The views in the climb are fixed and Lake Itelf is framed by some of the most beautiful backed peaks I saw in Colorado.
Distance: 13 km
Elevation gain: 800m
Difficulty: Challenge
Path folder: Gentleman
Note: You will need a timed entrance permit for this walk if you plan to enter the typical park schedule. We did not need one when we started the walk before the permits came into effect, at 5 am
Did you like this publication? Look at my other hiking guides from North America:
Safe trips,
Zanna x
