If you’re searching for the best Front Range hikes, you’ve come to the right place. Colorado’s Front Range offers some of the most iconic and accessible trails in the state — from quick climbs with epic views to challenging summit treks that push your limits.
This guide covers 25 of the top Front Range trails — each with detailed info on distance, difficulty, elevation, and insider notes to help you plan smarter. And if you’re looking for people to hike with? Check out Hiking Herd — a free app to help you find local hiking groups.
Let’s hit the trail!
🥾 1. Chautauqua Trail
Location: Boulder
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 1.3 mi
Elevation Gain: ~1,400 ft
Coordinates: 39.9992° N, 105.2817° W
Short and steep, this iconic Boulder trail kicks off at the base of the Flatirons. It’s a favorite for sunrise hikers and new visitors. You’ll find well-maintained paths and plenty of photo ops.
🥾 2. Mount Sanitas
Location: Boulder
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 3.1 mi
Elevation Gain: ~1,300 ft
Coordinates: 40.0206° N, 105.2969° W
Don’t let the short mileage fool you — Mount Sanitas is a relentless climb. Switchbacks turn into rocky scrambles near the top, rewarding you with sweeping views of downtown Boulder and beyond.
🥾 3. Bear Peak via NCAR
Location: Boulder
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 5.7 mi
Elevation Gain: 2,775 ft
Coordinates: 39.9603° N, 105.2952° W
One of the tougher hikes near Boulder, Bear Peak challenges your endurance with forested ascents and rocky ridgelines. At the summit, you’ll catch an unbeatable view of the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
🥾 4. Green Mountain Loop
Location: Boulder
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 6.1 mi
Elevation Gain: 2,631 ft
Coordinates: 39.9789° N, 105.2958° W
Green Mountain is a great moderate loop with good shade and steady incline. The trail offers multiple approaches and connects with Flagstaff trails if you want to extend your route.
🥾 5. Royal Arch Trail
Location: Boulder
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.3 mi
Elevation Gain: 1,404 ft
Coordinates: 39.9992° N, 105.2817° W
One of the most photographed natural features near Boulder, Royal Arch makes for a perfect day hike. Prepare for lots of stairs, rocky terrain, and a stunning sandstone arch at the top.
🥾 6. Flatirons Vista Loop
Location: Boulder
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 3.5 mi
Elevation Gain: ~400 ft
Coordinates: 39.9352° N, 105.2514° W
Ideal for beginners and trail runners, this loop has gentle hills and views of the Flatirons. A great option for evening hikes or dog walkers.
🥾 7. Eldorado Canyon Trail
Location: Eldorado Springs
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 6.6 mi
Elevation Gain: 1,800 ft
Coordinates: 39.9339° N, 105.2834° W
Cut through one of Colorado’s most stunning canyons, famous for rock climbing. You’ll skirt cliffsides and gain elevation fast, but the views and solitude are worth it.
🥾 8. Rattlesnake Gulch
Location: Eldorado Springs
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.6 mi
Elevation Gain: 960 ft
Coordinates: 39.9339° N, 105.2834° W
A scenic and historic hike — check out the ruins of the Crags Hotel and sweeping canyon views. Good for families or a quick post-work outing.
🥾 9. South Boulder Peak
Location: Boulder
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 8.3 mi
Elevation Gain: 3,000+ ft
Coordinates: 39.9483° N, 105.2933° W
Often quieter than Bear Peak, this is a monster hike with serious elevation gain. Bring plenty of water and prepare for alpine-level exposure near the top.
🥾 10. Boulder Skyline Traverse
Location: Boulder
Difficulty: Very Hard
Length: ~16 mi
Elevation Gain: ~5,800 ft
Coordinates: Variable
The Skyline Traverse is a bucket-list hike for many locals. You’ll summit all five Boulder peaks in a single day. Only attempt if you’re experienced and well-prepared.
Looking for Hiking Buddies?
If reading about these Front Range hikes has you itching to hit the trail — but you’d rather not go solo — try Hiking Herd. It’s a free way to:
- Join hiking groups near you
- Find people hiking your favorite trails
- Plan hikes based on location and experience
No spam, no pressure — just good hikes with good people.
🥾 11. Garden of the Gods Loop
Location: Colorado Springs
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 3.7 mi
Elevation Gain: ~400 ft
Coordinates: 38.8784° N, 104.8695° W
One of Colorado’s most visited parks — and for good reason. This easy loop winds through dramatic red rock formations, paved walkways, and photo ops around every bend. Perfect for all ages and fitness levels.
🥾 12. Mount Galbraith Loop
Location: Golden
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.2 mi
Elevation Gain: 974 ft
Coordinates: 39.7583° N, 105.2293° W
A great year-round option close to Denver, this loop features steady incline, rocky outcrops, and panoramic views of the foothills. Popular with hikers and trail runners.
🥾 13. North Table Mountain Loop
Location: Golden
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 5.9 mi
Elevation Gain: 918 ft
Coordinates: 39.7797° N, 105.2192° W
A wide-open mesa hike with sweeping views of the Denver metro area. Great for sunrise or sunset hikes. Note: limited shade, so bring sun protection.
🥾 14. Apex Park to Enchanted Forest
Location: Golden
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.6 mi
Elevation Gain: 1,092 ft
Coordinates: 39.7045° N, 105.2221° W
A lush, forested escape within 30 minutes of Denver. This route takes you through pine groves, creek crossings, and shaded switchbacks. Very popular with mountain bikers on alternating days.
🥾 15. Mount Falcon East Loop
Location: Morrison
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.7 mi
Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft
Coordinates: 39.6520° N, 105.2070° W
An accessible hike with rich history — visit the ruins of John Brisben Walker’s castle and enjoy views of Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Wildflowers in spring are a bonus.
🥾 16. Devil’s Head Lookout
Location: Sedalia
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2.8 mi
Elevation Gain: 940 ft
Coordinates: 39.2557° N, 105.1012° W
A short but iconic hike to one of the last fire lookouts in Colorado. Climb 143 stairs at the end for stunning 360° views. Great for kids and families.
🥾 17. South Valley Park Trail
Location: Littleton
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.5 mi
Elevation Gain: ~300 ft
Coordinates: 39.5777° N, 105.1195° W
Gentle trails wind through open meadows and red rock cliffs. Perfect for beginners, trail runners, or dog walkers. Can be hot mid-day, so plan for early or late hikes.
🥾 18. Waterton Canyon
Location: Littleton
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 6.2 mi (out and back)
Elevation Gain: 500 ft
Coordinates: 39.5405° N, 105.0869° W
A wide gravel road alongside the South Platte River. You might see bighorn sheep! Great for casual hikers, cyclists, and families with strollers.
🥾 19. Castle Rock Trail
Location: Castle Rock
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.4 mi
Elevation Gain: 370 ft
Coordinates: 39.3731° N, 104.8581° W
This short trail climbs to the iconic Castle Rock formation. It’s a great intro hike or a scenic spot to bring out-of-town visitors. Can get crowded on weekends.
🥾 20. Mount Morrison South Ridge
Location: Morrison
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 3.2 mi
Elevation Gain: 1,850 ft
Coordinates: 39.6631° N, 105.1973° W
Steep, rocky, and exposed — this short hike climbs rapidly to a summit overlooking Red Rocks and downtown Denver. Not for beginners, but rewarding for fit hikers.
🥾 21. Golden Gate Canyon: Panorama Point via Mule Deer Trail
Location: Golden
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.2 mi
Elevation Gain: 1,120 ft
Coordinates: 39.8336° N, 105.3911° W
Explore one of Colorado’s underrated state parks. This loop offers aspen groves, creeks, and a stop at Panorama Point — one of the best views on the Front Range.
🥾 22. Flatirons Loop via Gregory Canyon
Location: Boulder
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.4 mi
Elevation Gain: 1,400 ft
Coordinates: 40.0006° N, 105.2915° W
Less crowded than the main Chautauqua routes, this loop offers classic Flatirons access through dense woods and challenging switchbacks. Ideal for an after-work hike.
🥾 23. South Table Mountain
Location: Golden
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.5 mi
Elevation Gain: 850 ft
Coordinates: 39.7478° N, 105.2085° W
This mesa-style hike offers unique volcanic rock features and vast views toward Denver. The climb is gradual, and wildflowers bloom heavily in the spring.
🥾 24. Mount Herman Trail
Location: Monument
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.5 mi
Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft
Coordinates: 39.0906° N, 104.8962° W
A great option near Colorado Springs, this trail offers pine forests, scenic vistas, and fewer crowds. Road to trailhead can be rough — 4WD recommended in winter.
🥾 25. North Cheyenne Cañon – Seven Bridges Trail
Location: Colorado Springs
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.8 mi
Elevation Gain: 950 ft
Coordinates: 38.7982° N, 104.9110° W
A magical creekside trail with seven wooden bridges crossing a rushing stream. Great for kids and dogs. Arrive early to get parking at the trailhead.
Final Thoughts: Why the Front Range Rocks
Whether you’re a seasoned peakbagger or just starting out, Front Range hikes deliver. With trailheads minutes from major cities and an ever-changing backdrop of mountains and skies, it’s one of the best places to hike in North America.
And now, thanks to Hiking Herd, it’s easier than ever to meet people and hit the trails together.
Ready to find your crew?
👉 Sign up now on Hiking Herd – it’s free and takes less than 30 seconds.
Hiking Herd 
Leave a comment