Looking for easy hikes near Denver that won't destroy you? These 7 trails are all under 3 miles with minimal elevation gain: Red Rocks Trading Post (1.4 mi, 200 ft), Lair O' the Bear (1.5 mi, flat), Cherry Creek Trail (flat, paved), South Valley Park (1.8 mi, 180 ft), Lookout Mountain (2 mi, 340 ft), Mount Falcon (2.5 mi, 350 ft), and Chief Mountain (3 mi, 900 ft) when you're ready to level up.
Red Rocks Trading Post Trail
1.4 miles · 200 ft elevation · 25 min drive · Free parking (arrives early on weekends)
This is the starter hike most locals recommend. You get those iconic red rock formations everyone wants to see, the trail is well-marked with some shade, and it's short enough to push through if you get tired. The Trading Post has water and bathrooms.
Go early morning or late afternoon—midday summer heat makes the rocks radiate heat. Parking fills by 9am on weekends, so arrive by 7:30am or go on a weekday.
Lair O' the Bear Creek Trail
1.5 miles · Basically flat · 35 min drive · Free parking (usually available)
This trail follows Bear Creek with water views the whole way. The best part: turn around whenever you want. Tired after half a mile? Done. Feeling good? Keep going. It's completely flat and works for strollers and dogs.
Picnic tables at the trailhead make it easy to bring lunch. Great option for families or anyone nervous about their first Denver hike.
Cherry Creek Trail
Any distance · Flat paved trail · No drive needed · Street parking or pay lots
Yes, it's paved. But it's perfect for building fitness before harder trails, and you can bail anytime—coffee shops and restaurants line the route. Start at Confluence Park and head toward Cherry Creek Mall.
This is the lowest-pressure option. No altitude concerns, no getting lost, no driving to a trailhead. If you're visiting from sea level, start here to test how elevation affects you before committing to mountain trails.
South Valley Park Coyote Song Trail
1.8 miles · 180 ft elevation · 25 min drive · Free parking (small lot)
Red rock formations similar to Roxborough State Park but significantly less crowded. Wide trail that's hard to get lost on, mostly flat with a few gentle hills. You get the dramatic scenery without fighting for parking or trail space.
Best time is weekday mornings when you might have the trail nearly to yourself. Weekend afternoons get busier but still manageable compared to Red Rocks.
Lookout Mountain Trail
2.0 miles · 340 ft elevation · 30 min drive · Free parking at nature center
This one has real uphill, but the payoff is worth it—panoramic views of Denver and the Front Range. The trail is wide and well-maintained, and 340 feet of elevation gain is noticeable but manageable for beginners.
Buffalo Bill's grave and museum are at the top if you want to extend the outing. The nature center has bathrooms and water. This is often where beginners realize they can actually do Colorado hiking.
Mount Falcon Castle Trail
2.5 miles · 350 ft elevation · 30 min drive · Free parking (fills fast)
Historic castle ruins from a mansion that burned down in 1918, plus views of downtown Denver on clear days. The trail is mellow with gradual elevation changes. Start from the west parking lot—it's less crowded than the east side.
Good option when you're ready to step up from the flat trails. The ruins give you a destination to reach, which helps mentally when you're still building hiking confidence.
Chief Mountain
3.0 miles · 900 ft elevation · 1 hour drive · Free parking (decent lot)
Your graduation hike. Once you've done the easier trails and feel comfortable at altitude, this one rewards you with views of Mount Evans, Mount Bierstadt, and endless peaks. You'll be at 11,700 feet, so the air is thinner—go slow and drink lots of water.
The trail is straightforward despite the elevation gain. This is where beginners become intermediate hikers. Save it until you've done at least 2-3 of the easier trails first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the easiest hike near Denver for complete beginners?
Lair O' the Bear Creek Trail—it's completely flat, follows a creek, and you can turn around whenever you want. Cherry Creek Trail is even easier since it's paved and in the city.
Will altitude affect me on these hikes?
Probably yes. Even easy trails feel harder at 6,000-8,000 feet if you're from sea level. Go slower than normal, drink extra water, and don't push through dizziness or headaches. Your body adjusts after 2-3 days in Denver.
What time should I start hiking?
Before 9am on weekends for parking, before noon in summer to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Weekday mornings are best for avoiding crowds entirely.
Do I need hiking boots for these trails?
No. Regular sneakers or athletic shoes work fine for all 7 trails. Save hiking boots for longer or rockier trails once you're more experienced.
Which trail has the best views for the least effort?
Red Rocks Trading Post Trail—iconic red rock formations in just 1.4 miles with only 200 feet of elevation gain. Lookout Mountain offers bigger panoramic views but requires more climbing.
Are these trails safe to hike alone?
Yes. All 7 trails are well-traveled, well-marked, and close to Denver. Tell someone your plans, bring your phone (even without service), and stick to the trail. Weekend mornings have the most other hikers around.