Some of Our Favorite Colorado Hikes

Colorado has a way of turning even a quick morning hike into something memorable. From shaded foothill forests to alpine lakes and sweeping summit views, these are a few of our favorite trails to wander when we need fresh air, inspiration, or simply a reminder to slow down and look around.

Apex & Enchanted Forest Loop

Location: Golden, Colorado
Distance: 3.7 miles loop
Difficulty: Moderate

Tucked into the foothills just outside Golden, Apex & Enchanted Forest Loop feels surprisingly wild for being so close to Denver. The trail winds through open hillsides before dropping into the shaded “Enchanted Forest,” where tall trees, flowing creeks, and mossy rock create a cool, quiet escape. This trail is especially beautiful in spring and fall when wildflowers or changing leaves light up the canyon.

Chief Mountain Trail

Location: Near Idaho Springs, Colorado
Distance: 2.8 miles out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate

Chief Mountain is one of those hikes with an outsized reward for the effort. The climb is short but steady, leading through pine forest before opening into panoramic summit views that stretch across the Front Range and surrounding peaks. It’s a favorite sunrise and sunset hike thanks to the expansive 360-degree views at the top.

Castlewood Canyon State Park

Location: Franktown, Colorado
Distance: Multiple trail options ranging from easy to moderate
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Castlewood Canyon feels different from many Front Range hikes. Instead of alpine scenery, the park features dramatic canyon walls, winding creek beds, historic dam ruins, and sprawling prairie views. It’s a quieter landscape filled with interesting rock formations, cottonwoods, and hidden pockets of green that make it especially beautiful in spring and early summer.

Herman's Gulch Trail

Location: Near Silver Plume, Colorado
Distance: 6.5 miles out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate

Herman's Gulch is a classic Colorado alpine hike. The trail climbs gradually through pine forest before opening into high alpine meadows scattered with wildflowers during the summer months. At the end of the trail, Herman Lake sits beneath rugged mountain ridges, creating one of the most rewarding alpine lake destinations near Denver.

Silver Dollar Lake & Murray Lake Trail

Location: Near Georgetown, Colorado
Distance: 4.2 miles out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate

This trail packs an incredible amount of scenery into a relatively short distance. Starting near Guanella Pass, the route climbs past waterfalls, evergreen forest, and alpine tundra before reaching the reflective waters of Silver Dollar Lake. Continuing on to Murray Lake adds even bigger mountain views and a quieter alpine atmosphere above treeline.

More than anything, these trails remind us why we love creating and exploring in Colorado. Every trail has its own rhythm, textures, colors, and moments of stillness. Whether we’re hiking with sketchbooks, cameras, or simply wandering without a plan, these places continue to shape the work and spirit behind Trailside Expressions.