6 Epic Day Hikes Near Denver You Canโ€™t Miss! ๐Ÿ”๏ธ๐Ÿฅพ

Escape the city and hit the trails! From castle ruins to alpine lakes, here are six must-try day hikes just outside Denver. ๐ŸŒฟโ›ฐ๏ธ

๐Ÿฅพ 6 Incredible Must-Do Day Hikes Near Denver! ๐ŸŒ„

Hey Denver!

Nothing clears the mind like a day in the mountains. Whether youโ€™re looking for an easy stroll or a challenging climb, Denverโ€™s backyard has it allโ€”towering red rock formations, alpine lakes, and scenic canyons.

Weโ€™ve rounded up six of the best day hikes that are just a short drive from the city, so grab your gear and hit the trails!

๐Ÿšถโ€โ™‚๏ธ Ready to hike? Tell us your go-to trails and tag us in your best hiking photos!

๐Ÿšถโ€โ™‚๏ธ6 Epic Day Hikes Near Denver You HAVE to Try! ๐ŸŒ„

Nothing beats a day hike in Coloradoโ€™s stunning landscapesโ€”blue skies, fresh mountain air, and views that make you forget the city even exists. If youโ€™re looking to escape the urban hustle and hit the trails, weโ€™ve rounded up six must-try hikes that are just a short drive from Denver.

๐ŸŒฟ Cherry Creek Regional Trail (Denver-Franktown)

A 40-mile paved path that starts in Downtown Denver and winds through scenic parks, Cherry Creek Reservoir, and charming suburban areas. Ideal for a casual stroll, bike ride, or long-distance trek.

๐Ÿ“ Trail Access: Confluence Park, Denver

๐Ÿฅพ Distance: Up to 40 miles

๐ŸŽŸ Cost: Free

Historic castle ruins, red rock views, and multiple trail options make this one of the most rewarding hikes just outside Denver. Great for beginners and experienced hikers alike!

๐Ÿ“ Trailhead: Morrison, CO

๐Ÿฅพ Distance: Varies, most under 3 miles

๐ŸŽŸ Cost: Free

โ›ฐ๏ธ Chautauqua Park (Boulder)

The Flatirons define Boulderโ€™s skyline, and thereโ€™s no better way to explore them than at Chautauqua Park. Take a short scenic loop or a longer trek up the Flatirons or Mesa Trail.

๐Ÿ“ Trailhead: Chautauqua Park, Boulder

๐Ÿฅพ Distance: 1โ€“6.9 miles

๐ŸŽŸ Cost: Free

๐ŸŒต Castlewood Canyon State Park (Franktown)

A desert prairie landscape with canyon views, historic ruins, and wildlife spottingโ€”just a 45-minute drive from Denver. Be on the lookout for rattlesnakes in warmer months!

๐Ÿ“ Trailhead: Castlewood Canyon State Park

๐Ÿฅพ Distance: 2 miles+ (loop options available)

๐ŸŽŸ Cost: Day-use fee required

One of the most iconic natural landmarks in Colorado, with stunning red rock formations, short hiking loops, and jaw-dropping views. Perfect for a family-friendly adventure.

๐Ÿ“ Trailhead: Colorado Springs

๐Ÿฅพ Distance: Varies, mostly short loops

๐ŸŽŸ Cost: Free

A 5.3-mile out-and-back trail in Rocky Mountain National Park with stunning alpine lake views and waterfalls. Yes, youโ€™ll need to pay an entry feeโ€”but itโ€™s 100% worth it.

๐Ÿ“ Trailhead: Glacier Gorge, RMNP

๐Ÿฅพ Distance: 5.3 miles

๐ŸŽŸ Cost: RMNP entry fee required

๐ŸŒ„ Ready to hit the trails? Let us know your favorite day hike near Denver! Tag us on social with your best hiking pics.

Happy hiking! ๐Ÿฅพ

๐Ÿง  Trivia Time: How Well Do You Know Denver?

What year did the Denver Broncos join the NFL?

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Answer at the bottom of this issue!

๐ŸŒ† Mile High Happenings & Weather โ˜€๏ธโ„๏ธ

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Today, March 10

๐ŸŒฅ๏ธ Partly Cloudy | High: 75ยฐF | Low: 38ยฐF | Wind: WSW 11 mph | 0% chance of rain

๐Ÿ†“  Free Events

๐Ÿงถ Crochet & Chat | ๐Ÿ•• 6:00 - 7:00 PM | ๐Ÿ“ Anythink Wright Farms

๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŒพ Planning Your Garden | ๐Ÿ•• 6:00 - 8:00 PM | ๐Ÿ’ฒPay What You Can | ๐Ÿ“ Posner Center Commons

 ๐Ÿ’ฐ Ticketed Events

๐Ÿ’ƒ Intuitive Belly Dance | ๐Ÿ•• 6:00 - 7:00 PM | ๐Ÿ’ฒ$23.18 | ๐Ÿ“ Discover Your Spiritual Gifts

๐ŸŽจ Taylor Swift Paint & Listen | ๐Ÿ•• 6:00 - 9:00 PM | ๐Ÿ’ฒ$39.19 | ๐Ÿ“ New Image Brewing

๐Ÿ„ Power Up! Paint & Sip | ๐Ÿ•ก 6:30 - 8:00 PM | ๐Ÿ’ฒ$34.92 | ๐Ÿ“ Painting With a Twist

๐ŸŽถ Domi Edson Trio | ๐Ÿ•– 7:00 - 8:30 PM | ๐Ÿ’ฒ$15-$20 | ๐Ÿ“ Dazzle at The Arts Complex

๐ŸŽค Goody Grace | ๐Ÿ•– 7:00 PM | ๐Ÿ’ฒVaries | ๐Ÿ“ Larimer Lounge

๐ŸŽต Lime Cordiale - Enough of the Sweet Talk Tour | ๐Ÿ•— 8:00 PM | ๐Ÿ’ฒ$27.50+ | ๐Ÿ“ Gothic Theatre

๐ŸŽถ Tuesday, March 11

โ˜€๏ธ Mostly Sunny | High: 70ยฐF | Low: 38ยฐF | Wind: SSW 11 mph | 0% chance of rain

๐ŸŽ‰ Free Events

๐Ÿช Corpses and Cookies Book Club | ๐Ÿ•™ 10:00 - 11:30 AM | ๐Ÿ“ Anythink Wright Farms

๐Ÿ’ฐ Ticketed Events

๐Ÿบ Colorado Beer & Brewing History | ๐Ÿ•  5:30 - 7:30 PM | ๐Ÿ’ฒ$20 | ๐Ÿ“ 4 Noses Brewing Co.

โ˜˜๏ธ Luck of the Icing Cookie Class | ๐Ÿ•• 6:00 - 7:45 PM | ๐Ÿ’ฒ$53.75+ | ๐Ÿ“ The Arvada Community Room

๐Ÿ’ƒ RuPaul: House of Hidden Meanings | ๐Ÿ•• 6:00 PM | ๐Ÿ’ฒ$59+ | ๐Ÿ“ The Fillmore Auditorium

๐ŸŽค One Night of Queen | ๐Ÿ•ข 7:30 PM | ๐Ÿ’ฒVaries | ๐Ÿ“ Paramount Theatre

๐ŸŽถ Confidence Man (With Veggi) | ๐Ÿ•— 8:00 PM | ๐Ÿ’ฒVaries | ๐Ÿ“ Meow Wolf Denver

๐ŸŽต DWLLRS Cameraman Tour (With Doan) | ๐Ÿ•— 8:00 PM | ๐Ÿ’ฒ$8+ | ๐Ÿ“ Globe Hall

Where are you heading this week? Tag us with your plans! ๐Ÿš€๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ

A Fun Broncos Fact to Impress Your Friends

Answer: 1960 

Ever wondered how the Denver Broncos got their name? ๐Ÿˆ๐ŸŽ It came from a statewide contest before the teamโ€™s first season. Lakewoodโ€™s Ward M. Vining submitted โ€œBroncosโ€ for its strong, Western spirit, and original owner Bob Howsam chose it from eight finalists.

Thatโ€™s it for today! See you on the trails! ๐Ÿฅพ๐Ÿ”๏ธ

โ€”The Whatโ€™s Happeninโ€™ Denver Team

Did you get it right? Stay tuned for more Denver trivia next week! ๐Ÿ˜‰

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