Our Favorite Denver Hikes & Brewery Pairings

We had a 14 week Physical Therapy travel contract in Denver and spent every day off and weekend exploring as much as we could. These are our favorite hikes and the breweries we went to afterwards, because nothing is better than that post-hike beer. Cheers!

A dream travel contract location for us was Denver. But it is on most people’s wishlist, so it is very competitive with low availability of jobs. We hoped for it and asked about it but nothing ever came up… until it did! Our amazing recruiter texted me in the middle of the day (which she never does so this was huge for us!) and told us she had two perfect Denver jobs and we should submit now. And we did, and so we had an incredible summer in Denver.

We moved to Denver around Memorial Day Weekend and were surprised to find snow and ice on some of those early hikes. We realize now that it is normal with the high altitude of the mountains. Spring and flower season actually does not start until around July! We have some incredible pictures from those hikes we did at that time.

Here is a list of hikes that we think you must check out while you are staying in Denver. Some of our favorite hikes that we have ever done are in Colorado. We also LOVE how dog friendly Colorado and the trails are. I think it is safe to say Kirby loved living here too. We have also included our favorite nearby brewery to visit after the hike 🙂

If you need some help on what to pack for a day hike, check out our post here. Or if you are looking for some new hiking boots and need some info, check out our post about the best options here.

Easy Hikes on the Outskirts of the Denver Metro

Mesa Top and Cottonwood Canyon Loop

Location: Golden, CO
Distance: 4.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 780ft

This hike actually starts at a brewery and one of our favorites at that! We have done this hike in the snow and in the summer with our great friends. Park at New Terrain Brewing and then enjoy a hike up to a plateau with views of the Denver skyline and surrounding mountains. Another hike with multiple trails so you can choose your own adventure.

Don’t forget to drink a delicious Hazy IPA at New Terrain Brewing after your hike! We love their Golden Haze. They also have rotating food trucks if you have worked up an appetite.

Green Mountain via Green Mountain and Hayden Trail Loop

Location: Lakewood, CO
Distance: 5 miles (or make your own adventure with the multiple trail routes)
Elevation Gain: 836ft

An easy loop for walking, trail running and biking. There are multiple trails and loops you can take on this hike, so you can make it as long or as short as you want. We frequently came here after work on Fridays while living in Lakewood when we wanted to get outside in the evenings. There are beautiful wildflowers and views of Denver throughout the trail.

Check out Green Mountain Brewing after the hike for a tasty beer, great atmosphere and food trucks.

Red Rocks and Morrison Slide Loop

Location: Morrison, CO
Distance: 3.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 692 ft

I think everyone has heard of Red Rocks Amphitheater and this is a great hike to check out the area. This hike goes around the Amphitheater and you can even see people working out in groups or alone on the steps on the weekends. Avoid coming here for a hike in the afternoons or evenings during concert season, or you will have difficulty finding a parking spot or getting through the traffic.

Lookout Mountain Trail via Windy Saddle Trailhead

Location: Golden, CO
Distance: 3 miles (or multiple trails to make your own adventure)
Elevation Gain: 521 ft

This is an easy trail just at the edge of the mountains with views overlooking the valley and the Denver skyline. This was an easy trail when we just wanted to get out but not make the drive into the mountains. Multiple places to park and difficulty trails to pick from

Check out Mountain Toad Brewing while driving back through Golden, CO for chill vibes and good beer.

Palmer, Buckskin-Charley, Niobrara, and Bretag Trail Loop

Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 449 ft

Over an hour from Denver, the Garden of the Gods is a must do while staying in Colorado. The rock structures and colors are so unique and you have the beautiful mountains in the distance as you are hiking. It does get crowded here so I would plan to go at early or an odd time. There are multiple trails to choose from here too, but this one was our favorite because we got to see a little bit of everything.

Stop by Pikes Peak Brewing Company in Monument, CO on your way back to refresh with a beer on the patio.

First and Second Flatiron Trail

Location: Boulder, CO
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,466 ft

This hike is in Boulder, CO and takes you up to the amazing rocks jutting out of the ground at an angle. It can get really crowded, so parking can sometimes be difficult. Another hike with multiple trails and loops to make your own adventure. There is a small amount of scrambling near the top, and our dog (and other dogs) made it through with a little boost. You might even see some rock climbers at the top.

Check out Avery Brewing while in the Boulder Area. They have a huge facility and outdoor space to grab a White Rascal brew.

Hikes in the Mountains ~1 Hour from Denver Metro

Evergreen Mountain Trail

Location: Evergreen, CO
Distance: 4.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 820 ft

The drive to this trailhead from Denver was beautiful, passing by a lake with people paddleboarding, swimming, and boating; and elk wading in the water! I think we could live in Evergreen. This relatively easy trail takes you to a peak overlooking some snow capped 13ers and 14ers. This is a busy hiking/ biking area, but there are multiple areas to park in, you just might have to drive a little.

Have a post-hike beer and sandwich at Evergreen Brewing on your way back to Denver

St. Mary’s Glacier

Location: Idaho Springs, CO
Distance: 1.6 miles just to the glacier
Elevation Gain: 528 ft just to the glacier

This is a short hike outside the cute mountain town Idaho Springs. Hiking to the glacier is very popular and costs a whopping $20 for parking. We actually kept going past the stopping point on this trail and up the glacier to the top on the plateau. We got to see multiple snow capped 13ers at the top and a great view looking down at St Mary’s Lake, so we think it is worth climbing up if you have your spikes! That’s where we got the best pictures.

Check out Westbound and Down Brewing Company in Idaho Springs for some Hazy IPAs and Beau Jo’s for their famous style of pizza – Mountain Pie!

Lost Lake via Hessie Trail

Location: Nederland, CO
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 830 ft

Adam was most looking forward to Colorado hikes so he could jump into an alpine lake. This was the first one he got to jump into in early June when there was still snow around. A great trail through the woods and over some rivers that leads to a lake enclosed by the mountains. There is a campground here for those who go backpacking. Parking here was tricky, but there is now a free shuttle during the busy months.

Head to Knotted Root Brewing Company in Nederland, CO for some tasty beers and they are dog friendly inside!

Mestaa’Ehehe Mountain Trail

Location: Idaho Springs, CO
Distance: 4.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 892 ft

This hike takes you up to a fire tower with 360 views of the mountains. This is a relatively easy hike with a high reward. It is absolutely stunning at the top with views of Mt Blue Sky, Pikes Peak, and Longs Peak. The fire tower can be rented out for overnight camping, so there may or may not be someone in the fire tower when you get there.

Have a New Zealand style pale ale (Erin’s current favorite type of beer) at Over Yonder Brewing on your way back into Denver

Devil’s Head Lookout Trail

Location: Sedalia, CO
Distance: 2.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 866 ft

This hike takes you to a fire tower that is currently staffed by the National Forest Service. There was someone working in the tower when we got to the top with her binoculars out. There are more than one hundred stairs over the rocks up to the fire tower, but you get the reward of 360 views of the valley and mountains.

Stop by Lone Tree Brewing Company on your way back to Denver for a laid back vibe and tasty beer.

Our Favorite Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

*You will need a timed entry reservation to visit the park starting around Memorial Day Weekend and ending in mid October. You will need a Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservation to hike Emerald Lake and Sky Pond. You can get more information on this and make reservations at: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm Be sure to check out the release date for the passes for the dates that you plan to visit. The permits are first come, first serve and do run out.

Emerald Lake Trail

Location: Estes Park, CO
Distance: 3.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 702 ft

This is a popular relatively easy hike that passes by Nymph Lake, Dream Lake and ends at Emerald Lake. There are many trails with variations to see multiple different lakes on the way. We did this hike in late May and Emerald Lake was still ice and surrounded by snow. *You must get the Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservation to access this trailhead.

Sky Pond, The Loch, and Timberline Falls via Glacier Gorge Loop

Location: Estes Park, CO
Distance: 9.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,168 ft

This is on the list of one of our favorite hikes that we have ever done. Just a fun and rewarding hike. We came in late August and the weather was perfect. You pass by multiple lakes including the stunning Lake Haiyaha, climb up a waterfall, and we love a loop trail. We got to Sky Pond and jumped in together! *You must get the Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservation to access this trailhead.

Check out the Stanley Hotel for a cocktail while in Estes Park and see where The Shining took place.

Chasm Lake

Location: Estes Park, CO
Distance: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,552 ft

This hike ends at an alpine lake that sits under Longs Peak, a 14er and the highest peak in RMNP. It starts as a steady incline through the forest and then is totally exposed until you reach Chasm Lake. Make sure to check out the bathroom along the trail, I guarantee it will be one of the most scenic you have ever been to. This was our last hike while in Colorado and I think we can say that we finished with a bang.

Have a beer and some pizza at MainStage Brewing in Lyons on your way back to Denver.

Beginner 14ers to Try While You Are in Denver

Mount Bierstadt

Location: Idaho Springs, CO
Distance: 7.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,736 ft

This was the first 14er that Adam and I have done and we loved it! The trail starts relatively flat through a grassy area where you can sometimes see Moose. It is relatively exposed throughout the trail with some scrambling up rocks at the top. We brought Kirby and she was able to traverse the rocks no problem, except for the occasional distraction of a Marmot. This was also the first time we saw a mountain goat on the trail! Learn more about why we chose Mt Bierstadt as our first 14er here.

Check out the cute mountain town of Georgetown and grab a much deserved beer and pizza at Cabin Creek Brewing.

Grays and Torreys Peaks

Location: Silver Plume, CO
Distance: 8.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,602 ft

What is better than hiking up 1 14er, but a trail that takes you up to two! After feeling amazing and accomplished for reaching the top of one peak, you have one more up and down to get to the second peak. We chose to do Torreys first, because there were less people going up that way at the moment. Beware of the drive getting up to the parking lots, it’s bumpy with a lot of potholes. Our Hyundai Tuscon managed and we did seem some sedans had somehow made it up there.

Head back out to Georgetown to grab a beer and post-hike food at Cabin Creek Brewing Company.

Trails that are so Great that They Require a Permit

Hanging Lake

Location: Glenwood Springs, CO
Distance: 3.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,269 ft

This trail takes you to a uniquely beautiful lake that appears to be “hanging” hence the name. There is a viewing platform around the lake for people to find a great spot to take a picture or sit and enjoy the scenery. Be sure to make it up to Spouting Rock to see a waterfall coming through a hole in the cliffside. This trail does not allow dogs and you must get a permit. More information on that here: https://visitglenwood.com/hanginglake/

Check out Eagle River Brewing Company in Gypsum, CO on your way back to Denver

Isabelle Glacier via Pawnee Pass Trail

Location: Ward, CO
Distance: 8.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,653 ft

This was one of our favorite hikes while in Colorado. We went in late August and the wildflowers were out and we even saw a moose family from afar. You can just go up to Lake Isabelle which is a beautiful view in and of itself, or keep hiking up to get to the glacier. Dogs are allowed and Kirby loved drinking in the little rivers along the way. This hike requires a permit and does not open until July. Purchase the Long Lake Trailhead Day Use Parking at: https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10087515

Head to Very Nice Brewing Company in Nederland, CO and sit on the patio for a good brew with a view.

Our Favorite Hikes Near Popular Mountain Towns

Lower, Middle, and Upper Blue Lakes via Blue Lakes Trail

Location: Telluride, CO
Distance: 8.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,506 ft

THIS was our favorite hike in Colorado. Absolutely stunning. We drove out to western Colorado for a weekend in Ouray and decided to tack on this hike while we were out there, and boy was it worth it. The wildflowers were out and you just kept climbing up to one beautiful blue lake after another. You could even hike further up to Mt Sneffels, a 14er in the area. However, the road up to the trailhead was not our favorite.

Head over to Ouray to have a beer on the patio and people watch at Ouray Brewing.

Lost Lake Trail

Location: Vail, CO
Distance: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 941 ft

Vail is a place in Colorado that we had heard a lot about, but mostly for the winter time with the ski resorts and heated sidewalks. We car camped at the Dillon Reservoir and drove up to this hike the following morning. The way up to the lake was beautiful with views of some snowy mountains out past the green hills. It was cold and windy when we got to the lake, so we actually did not jump into this one. An easy picturesque hike to check out if you are near Vail.

Check out Vail Brewing Company for a cool outdoor space and some delicious post hike tacos.

Mayflower Lake and Mohawk Lakes Trail

Location: Breckenridge, CO
Distance: 7.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,919 ft

We went to visit our great friends who were staying in Breckenridge and made it out to this hike together with the dogs. The parking lot gets pretty full and there were some crowds, but the lakes and views were worth it. We had planned to jump into the top lake, but the winds and rain came in. A great hike to check out if you are in Breckenridge!

Head to Breckenridge Brewery and Pub and sit on the patio to enjoy a post-hike brew and some views.

Our To Do List

This list covers a good amount of hikes near the Denver metro, but is no means all of the hikes you could do. We only had 14 weeks in Denver and covered as much as we could. We have some other hikes on our list for when we come back.

Ptarmigan Lake Trail
Chicago Lakes and Summit Lake via Chicago Lakes Trail
Crater Lakes Trail
Lake Charles Trail
Missouri Lakes Trail
Lakes of the Clouds
Silver Dollar Lake and Murray Lake Trail
Maroon Bells

Do you have any questions or any hikes that you recommend as your favorite? Please reach out and let us know! Cheers and happy hiking!

A Couple of Traveling PTs

Our Favorite Denver Hikes & Brewery Pairings

Denver Hikes Guide