12 easy, medium or hard day hikes from your Front Range base camp
For the Denver Post
Photo by: Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post
Colorado Parks & Wildlife aquatic biologist intern Dylan Brown, left, and Dennis Wiles, in front, and Kim Bunnin, middle, volunteers with Trout Unlimited, carry backpacks full of 18 yearling Greenback Cutthroat in each bag, up the Herman Gulch trail on July 17, 2017 in Clear Creek County near Silver Plume.
Ah, summer. Extra hours of sunlight and warm temperatures bring a renewed energy to get out and explore. If you’re feeling like a lot of us are this summer — a bit more adventurous after two years of curtailed outings — you may be resolved to hit up local gems on as many weekends as you can.
We applaud you.
So much so, in fact, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite Front Range day hikes. They’re all close enough that you can get out, hike and get back home in time to make or grab dinner. Each is special in its own ways — and we’ve noted a few reasons we like each trail.
Note: We’ve included the total mileage for each trail, from start to finish. However, many of these options are out-and-backs, leaving lots of wiggle room for shorter versions depending on how your and your hiking buddies are feeling on any given day.
Easy Front Range hikes
Dinosaur Ridge
You may think of Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison as just a music venue, but get there for sunrise one day and you’ll change your mind. After you witness the beautiful golden and red hues warm up the day, head to the Dinosaur Ridge trail. It’s a great hike to ease into the season — which is why it’s our trail season kick-off suggestion — with moderate enough terrain you can bring the whole family along.
4 miles
Drive from Denver: 30 minutes
Family friendly
Dog friendly
Horsetooth Reservoir
There are a few trails that lead to Horsetooth Reservoir near Fort Collins, but we recommend the family-friendly ease of the Shoreline Trail. Its wildflower game is on point, and you can bring your dog if you keep it on a leash. Besides hiking, you can also rent paddle boards, and Fort Collins is a cool town to grab a bite to eat in before or after your outing. Or, pick up a ride from a shared bike service and go brewhouse hopping.
1.3 miles
Drive from Denver: 75 minutes
Family friendly
Dog friendly
Paint Mines Interpretive Park
Located near Calhan northeast of Colorado Springs, this route is heavily trafficked but is not nearly as popular as the Incline in Manitou Springs. Although you can’t bring your pet, you can admire the amazing, colorful clays that Native Americans used as paint, and geological formations like spires and hoodoos that look their best at sunset or sunrise. Fun fact: It’s believed the earliest occupation here was about 9,000 years ago.
3.4 miles
Drive from Denver: 90 minutes
Family friendly
History
Read the full article: https://www.denverpost.com/2022/09/07/denver-hikes-front-range-trails-easy-medium-hard/