7 scenic easy-to-moderate hikes on Colorado’s Front Range

The Front Range is packed with scenic trails but specific truly stand out With stunning geology history and unbeatable views these trails are all within two hours of Denver specific are just minutes away Red Mountain Open Space A Geologic Wonderland Drive time hours Just miles north of Fort Collins Red Mountain Open Space is acres of colorful rock formations sandy washes and rolling grasslands reminiscent of a Southwest desert-like experience A -mile loop combining Sinking Sun Big Hole Wash and Bent Rock Trails takes you through vibrant and rugged landscapes including a dramatic canyon with striking geologic formations making the hike educational and scenic Red Mountain Open Space is acres of colorful rock formations sandy washes and rolling grasslands reminiscent of a Southwest desert-like experience Photo by Jennifer Broome Special to The Denver Post As you follow the creek through the canyon you will see millions of years of uplift folding and erosion Post-hike highlight Grab a slice of homemade pie at Me Oh My Coffee and Pie in Laporte or look for the Laramie Foothills Bison Conservation Herd in Soapstone Prairie Natural Area Barr Lake State Park See Bald Eagles in a Birder s Paradise Drive time minutes Half wildlife refuge and half recreational lake Barr Lake State Park is a haven for birdwatchers with over species recorded A pair of bald eagles has nested here since Half wildlife refuge and half recreational lake Barr Lake State Park is a haven for birdwatchers Photo by Jennifer Broome Special to The Denver Post Hike the -mile loop or explore the wildlife refuge s boardwalks and gazebos more leisurely The best spot to view bald eagles pelicans and herons is the Gazebo Boardwalk an easy -mile walk from the Nature Center for a -mile round-trip hike The wildlife wonderment is especially enchanting during a sunrise stroll Post-hike highlight Pick fresh fruit and flowers at Berry Patch Farms in Brighton Caribou Ranch Open Space Mining and Music History Drive time hour Near Nederland this -acre open space sits between and feet The -mile Blue Bird Loop and Delonde Trail takes you through pines aspens meadows and the Colorado Northwestern Railway remnants once dubbed the Switzerland Trail of America Hike the short spur trail to the Blue Bird Mine Complex to wander around historic mining structures including the bunkhouse featured in several movies Near Nederland this -acre open space sits between and feet Photo courtesy of Mindy Sink The toughest part of the hike is a short incline up for an elevation gain of feet out of the meadow While rich in mining and ranching history it also has a fascinating tie to the music industry From to over artists including Billy Joel John Denver Rod Stewart and U recorded albums Caribou Ranch Recording Studio produced top-ten albums Grammy awards and number-one Billboard hits from this pristine alpine setting Post-hike highlight Visit Nederland and ride the hand-carved Carousel of Happiness Mount Falcon Park Historic Ruins and a Presidential Dream Drive time minutes Hike to the stone ruins of a grand home and the cornerstone of a presidential summer White House dream Connect Castle Meadow and Tower Trails at Mount Falcon West Trailhead for a -mile history-packed loop Hike to the stone ruins of a grand home and the cornerstone of a would-be presidential summer White House in Mount Falcon Park Photo by Jennifer Broome Special to The Denver Post Hike first to the Eagle Eye Shelter once a family summer cabin Stop for an overlook view of downtown Denver then continue to the cornerstone for a castle in the clouds Going this direction saves the best for last In John Brisben Walker built a grand home for his wife Ethel It burned in but its ruins remain For a tougher workout with a -foot elevation gain start at the Morrison Trailhead Post-hike highlight Explore Morrison Natural History Museum or see over dinosaur tracks at Dinosaur Ridge Silver Dollar Lake A Trio of Alpine Lakes Drive time hours Why hike to one alpine lake when you can see three on an epic wildflower hike Silver Dollar Lake Trail is a moderately challenging -mile hike with rewarding views of Naylor Silver Dollar and Murray Lakes Photo by Jennifer Broome Special to The Denver Post Near the summit of Guanella Pass Silver Dollar Lake Trail is a moderately challenging -mile hike with rewarding views of Naylor Silver Dollar and Murray Lakes if you re up for an extra challenge A steep incline at the start leads to rolling terrain wildflowers and crystal-clear alpine lakes ideal for a picnic Post-hike highlight Explore historic Georgetown and ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad Waterton Canyon Best Bighorn Sheep Spotting Christina Bonatakis left and Shey Kole walk along the road in Waterton Canyon on June in Littleton Colorado Photo by Helen H Richardson The Denver Post Drive time minutes Odds are in your favor to spot bighorn sheep on this easy trail along a wide flat dirt road following the South Platte River which is ideal for all skill levels At miles in a rocky crag provides the best chance to spot bighorn sheep sometimes even navigating the trail to drink from the river Turn around for a -mile hike or continue deeper into the canyon Since this is the start of the Colorado Trail you might encounter particular long-distance hikers beginning their trek to Durango Post-hike highlight Cool off at Chatfield Reservoir or grab a beer at Living the Dream Brewing in nearby Littleton Roxborough State Park Alternative to Red Rocks Drive time minutes Towering rock formations and unique geology make this one of the bulk scenic state parks along the Front Range The -mile Fountain Valley Trail loops through dramatic red sandstone Roxborough State Park is in the south metro area Austin Dudas of Littleton walks through the park at the visitors center before hiking the Carpenter Peak Trail in the park on Monday September Photo by Cyrus McCrimmon The Denver Post It also takes you past the house and barn of Henry Persse who needed to turn the land into a resort in the early s For a more challenging -mile hike connect Willow Creek and South Rim Trails for panoramic views even of downtown Denver on a clear day Post-hike highlight Play a round at Arrowhead Golf Class or head to Epic Sky Trek in Castle Rock North America s largest freestanding aerial challenge module is family-friendly Grab your backpack lace up your boots and hit these spectacular Front Range trails each a fun adventure with nearby post-hike gems to enjoy Subscribe to our weekly newsletter The Adventurist to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox