Hiking in and Around Denver: Scenic Trails Near Union Station
Colorado gives hikers a lot to work with, from open plains to high alpine trails, red-rock formations, and mountain views that don’t need much introduction. Over 17,000 trails run through meadows, foothills, canyon walls, and high-country passes across the state. Denver sits close enough to the mountains for a morning hike, but still gives you the restaurants, galleries, coffee shops, and historic architecture of a great city. Here, you can start the day with coffee inside Union Station, then end it on a trail with the Front Range in view.
Our curated list of favorite hikes is here to help you make the most of your trip to the Mile High City, whether you want to spend the entire time exploring the wilds or just have time for a quick loop downtown.
What You’ll Find in This Guide
- Easy city walks near downtown Denver
- Paved park loops for relaxed outings
- Red Rocks and foothills hikes within a short drive
- Trail distances, estimated hiking times, and elevation notes
- Seasonal Denver hiking tips
- Post-hike ideas around Union Station
Find Your Hike
Need a quick recommendation? Start here.
| Looking for: | Try: |
| A relaxed walk in Denver | Cheesman Park |
| Red-rock scenery | Red Rocks Trading Post Trail |
| A way to see more of the city | Cherry Creek Trail |
| A mountain view without a full-day drive. | North Table Mountain |
Hikes Around Denver: 1-8 Hours
You don’t have to leave Denver to get a good walk in. The Mile High City is home to beautiful parks and trails that offer you the chance to stretch your legs and breathe in the fresh air, all close to The Crawford Hotel.
Sloan’s Lake
- 2.9 miles from The Crawford Hotel
Close to The Crawford Hotel, Sloan’s Lake is an urban park located in Denver’s northwest. This fully paved accessible loop is 2.6 miles and takes about 60 minutes to complete. With minimal elevation gain, it’s a solid choice for families, work-trip downtime, and anyone looking for a low-effort walk. Expect waterfowl, skyline views, and plenty of locals getting their steps in.
Map your route
Directions from The Crawford Hotel
City Park Perimeter Loop
- 2.6 miles from The Crawford Hotel
City Park is Denver’s largest urban green space, covering 330 acres. Here, you’ll find the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The perimeter loop is about 2.9 miles, with light elevation and roughly an hour of walking. Take your time and enjoy the views, and listen for the African lion’s roar.
Map your route
Directions from The Crawford Hotel
Cheesman Park
- 3.3 miles from The Crawford
Cheesman Park is one of our favorite trails in the city, especially on a sunny autumn afternoon. The outer loop runs about 1.4 miles, while the inner loop is roughly 0.8 miles, so it’s easy to combine both if you want a longer walk. In this park, you’ll find the beautiful marble Walter Scott Cheesman Pavilion, named after one of Denver’s pioneers. The Denver Botanic Gardens sit along the park’s edge, and the surrounding neighborhood makes this one of Denver’s most atmospheric city walks.
Map your route
Directions from The Crawford Hotel
Cherry Creek Trail
- 1.1 miles from The Crawford Hotel
The Cherry Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail that cuts across the city from Confluence Park to the Kennedy Ballfield Complex and back. It’s much longer than the other city options here, so most visitors choose a section rather than tackling the full route. Depending on your route, you can pass Cherry Creek Shopping Center, Four Mile Historic Park, Denver Sister Cities Park, and several residential pockets that show a different side of the city. On foot, plan for about eight to eight and a half hours to complete this walk. It’s a full day, but it will make the cocktail waiting for you at The Cooper Lounge all the sweeter.
Classic Colorado Hikes: 1-2.5 hours
Red Rocks Trading Post Trail
- 16.4 miles from The Crawford Hotel
The Red Rocks Trading Post Trail is a short drive from downtown Denver. The loop winds past red sandstone formations and gives you a close look at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Colorado’s most memorable music venue. This 1.6-mile trail is considered moderate, with about 360 feet of elevation gain. You can finish the loop in about an hour, or take it slower for the rock formations, wildflowers, and foothill views.
Map your route
Directions from The Crawford Hotel
Mount Falcon Park
- 27 miles from The Crawford Hotel
Mount Falcon Park has a network of trails, so you can choose a short lookout walk or build a longer route. The park is known for the ruins of John Brisben Walker’s early-1900s castle project — sometimes referred to as the White House of the West — along with trails used by hikers, runners, and mountain bikers. All hiking options will take you on a glorious adventure, but to summit the peak the fastest, try the Mount Falcon Lookout Trail, an out-and-back of about 1.4 miles that can usually be done in around an hour. Plan for a rest stop at Eagle Eye shelter and get ready to snap lots of pictures.
Map your route
Directions from The Crawford Hotel
Lookout Mountain Trail
- 19 miles from The Crawford
Lookout Mountain, also known as Colorow Hill, sits within Lookout Mountain Nature Preserve near Golden. If you need an easy day but still want some great views, drive to the top, but those on foot can continue past the peak and explore the other side of the mountain. Traversing through wildflowers, forests, and ridges, this trail is perfect for visitors as it showcases the diversity of Colorado’s landscapes. The out-and-back covers about 4.4 miles, gains roughly 780 feet of elevation, and usually takes around two and a half hours to complete.
Map your route
Directions from The Crawford Hotel
North Table Mountain
- 18 miles from The Crawford Hotel
North Table Mountain Park spans 1,998 acres and is home to 15 exceptional trails, though expect seasonal closures at times of specific trails to respect the needs of nesting raptors and birds. If you only have time for one hike in the area, try the Tilting Mesa to Mesa Top Loop. At about 3.1 miles with 544 feet of elevation gain, it’s a moderate hike that usually takes around two hours. Expect a steep start, but the views from the top make it worth it.
Weather in Colorado
Colorado gets all four seasons, and Denver locals tend to get outside in all of them.
In the summer, daytime temperatures can reach mid-to-high 80°Fs. On hikes, shade can be sparse, so dress lightly, pack sunscreen, and lots of water. Consider getting up early in the morning to beat the heat and crowds.
Temperatures fluctuate between the high 40°Fs to 80°Fs during fall days. Dress in layers so you can adjust as your hike progresses.
Winter is cold and snowy, perfect for snowboarders and skiers. With daytime temperatures reaching the mid-to-high 40°Fs, hikers should pack warm and bring a pair of good sunglasses to avoid the sun’s glare off the fresh-fallen snow.
For the spring, keep those good boots on hand as you traverse a variety of topographies. Snow is still present until late in the season, so keep the layers on hand as daytime temperatures slide from mid 50°Fs to low 70°Fs.
Hikers Love The Crawford Hotel
From urban breaks to daylong adventures, Denver sits at the foothills of exploration. From The Crawford Hotel, you’re close to downtown paths, historic parks, and trailheads that show off the Front Range. After a day on the trails, return to Union Station to relax in your room or suite, dinner downstairs, or a drink at The Cooper Lounge.
Plan your Denver hiking weekend from The Crawford Hotel, and let Union Station be your starting point.