There are tons of places to hike throughout Colorado as a whole, but there are a number of beautiful spots that are just a stone’s throw away from Denver. I have compiled a list of some of my favorite places to go hiking in the area. This is part two of that list. In no particular order here are 3 places to hike.
Corey Engelen is a humanitarian and developmental aid professional based out of Denver. When not traveling the world for work, he enjoys hiking and soaking in the beauty of Colorado.
2. I love living in Denver for a
number of reasons. But one
of my favorite things about
living here is the unparalleled
access to the outdoors.
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again:
if you enjoy hiking, then Denver
is the place for you.
4. The Loch
Length:
Highlight:
6.7 Miles
Loch Vale
For a touch of the fantastic, I
recommend The Loch in Rocky
Mountain National Park. This
hike is a total of 6.7 miles. On
the trail between Alberta Falls
and Mills Junction is a
rehabilitated path. This was a
multi-year project that was
completed in 2012 by the
National Park Service and the
Rocky Mountain Conservancy.
2.8 miles in the hike is Loch
Vale, better known as The Loch.
This is one of the most studied
watersheds in the world. he rest
of the hike is fairly moderate in
level of intensity.
6. Flatirons Vista Loop
Length:
Highlight:
3.3 or 1.9 Miles
Gorgeous view of Boulder
The Flatirons (otherwise known
as “The Crags”) has to be one of
my favorite hikes just outside of
Denver. Whenever someone
visits from out of town, I try to
persuade them into a hike along
them. The Flatirons Vista Loop
is situated in Chautauqua
Park–right outside of Boulder.
Arriving at Chautauqua Park,
you’ll find a rolling field of
yellow and green. Once you get
to the trail head you’ll have a
couple of options. You can
either go for a 3.3 mile loop or
one that is 1.9 miles. Both are
great for hikers of all levels.
8. Glendale Farm Open
Space Trail
Length:
Highlight:
1.6 Miles
Frollicking dogs
Located near Littleton,
Colorado, Glendale Farm is the
perfect place to bring your dog
for a little off-leash action. Yes,
there’s a great trail, but there’s
also a 17 acre dog park! I have a
lot of friends who go here for a
post-work bike or run. I
personally have only been here
on weekends. For what it’s
worth, it’s not usually that
crowded. If the hike is what
brings you out there, you can do
the 1.6 mile trail in less than an
hour. I haven’t had any trouble
with them, but watch your step
for rattle snakes.
9. Make sure to consult an official map before
beginning your hike.
Let someone else know where you're hiking.
Bring water and a snack.
Be sure to clean up after yourself and leave no
trace.
Rest frequently.
Don't push yourself past your limits. It's hard to
take in the beauty of the hike if you're in pain!
Things to keep in :
10. For more Denver tips and news, go to
CoreyEngelen.com
or
@CoreyEngelen