Looking for hiking ideas (Denver, Colorado Springs: home, live, cabins)

[jbinbama]

Some members of my family and I are considering a hiking trip out in Colorado and I'm looking for some ideas. Lots of ranges of people would like to go (I'm from a big family). Most are in the 20-40ish range in reasonable shape - my nieces and nephews. A few of us have some some multi day hikes but many have not so we aren't looking for anything technical or long (more than about 7 miles a day I would consider max). But a scenic area to visit with a multi day hike involved. I know I won't get a specific hike but looking for ideas at this point as next year would be the first available time frame. Here's what I'm thinking:

- within a day's drive of Denver - brother lives there and would be home base
- can be point to point as we may have some members that would just like to visit and can server to be drop off and pick up drivers
- 3-4 days hiking
- not more than about 20 miles
- we're not looking to do any high peaks or anything as we are all pretty much flatlanders so the altitude adjustment will be a an issue
- would obviously like to get away from the crowds and see the scenery

With my brother in Denver I've been there a few times and drove around many parts of the state but not much real hiking and trying to organize a handful or more of my family to join me is going to be tough.

Throw me some ideas and I'll do some research - I'll be getting some hiking books as well - anything anyone can recommend there as well that would be a good resource would be helpful.

[davidv]

If you are willing to go out to Glenwood Springs (3 hrs one way from Denver) here are some awesome possibilities:

1. Marble to the ghost town of Crystal.

2. Hanging Lake

3. Glenwood Canyon Trail

Hikers can hike, the non-hikers can enjoy the town. You can spend the night if you like and enjoy the hot springs.

[gmm_24]

I like hiking St. Mary's Glacier, it is a short hike, all up hill, but it is very pretty and if some of your family members are ok with continuing up they can keep going up the glacier or along side of it.

There is hiking behind NCAR in Boulder. I find the hike to Mallory's cave boring, but my family likes it, to me it is pretty flat. I like the climb up to the actual cave, that part is pretty fun. Some parts of the year the cave is closed off due to the bats who roost there. You can go into NCAR for free and see the museum, then go hike out back.

Castle Rocks had trails that were not too steep. I forget the exact name of where we went.

Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Not steep and there are other activites to do down there. Skip 7 Falls, not worth it. The zoo is a lot like hiking as well

[gmm_24]

Originally Posted by gmm_24

Castle Rocks

It is Castle Rock not Rocks but it won't let me fix it. Typing too fast and thinking at the same time

[ucbedge]

Rocky Mtn National Park meets/exceeds all of your requirements except for the altitude part. But honestly, I'd rather deal with the altitude and see some great mountain vistas than hike on the plains....

[newhandle]

LocalHikes - Hikes and trails near Denver-Boulder-Greeley, Colorado

Also, ElDorado Canyon State Park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Devil's Head (but the long washboard road to get to it takes a toll after a while).

[Autodidact]

What time of year?

[aaronjohnsonoutwest]

I'd recommend Pine Creek to Missouri Basin just outside of Buena Vista.
It's about 10 miles in, old cabins, cascades, and hiking up into the missouri basin is great. Lots of brook trout and breath taking views. There are four 14ers accessible on this route, too. The hike in is probably the hardest part, but once you get into the first meadow, you can take your time and explore.

Here is the Map You would want: Trails Illustrated #129

If you are looking for hikes close to Denver to get acclimated check out DayHikes Near Denver