It seems many who have never visited the Mile High City are under the misconception that Denver is really in the mountains.
Truthfully, most Rocky Mountain attractions are at least couple hours away (if you can avoid the I-70 rush). While we Denverites still consider ourselves lucky to be just a car ride away from some of the most scenic wilderness trails in the world, famed hikes such as Maroon Bells and Hanging Lake tend to require a weekend trip or longer. However, we still sit at the foot of the Rockies and have tons of easy-access hikes at our fingertips! That is, if you know where to find them. This weekend, I’m compiling a few of my favorite hikes that are an hour or less from Denver—easily done in a day.
Mount Falcon Park
Mount Falcon Park sits not far from Evergreen, and offers 11.1 miles of mixed-use trails. Along these trails can be found the remnants of the home of entrepreneur John Brisben Walker, who lived atop Mount Falcon until his home was struck by lightning in 1918. The trails have panoramic views of the Front Range, and observant hikers might spot Red Rocks to the north. (My favorite view can be found on the short Devil’s Elbow loop, which offers sweeping vistas of the eastern plains.) The trails sometimes become steep and strenuous, but generally for relatively short lengths. The hikes within the park are moderate to strenuous but the interconnecting layout of the trails makes it easy to alter the length of your hike depending on your preference.
To get to Mount Falcon Park from Denver, take 285 west towards Morrison. Exit at Parmalee Gulch Road and continue for 2.7 miles to Picutis Road and follow the brown signs to Mount Falcon Park. Trail maps are available at the trail head.
One more thing—though these trails are all relatively low elevation, remember that Colorado weather can be very unpredictable! Get off of summits and out of open spaces at the first sign of a thunderstorm.
It’s Labor Day weekend!  The beginning to one of Colorado’s most beautiful seasons.  Go for a hike!
LifeStyleDenver, written by Gretchen Rosenberg, provides information on Denver area recreation and real estate.  If you’re interested in searching for your next Denver home, click the blue Property Search link for access to all Metro Denver IDX MLS properties.