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Old 05-14-2017, 07:27 AM
 
21 posts, read 17,974 times
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I'll be flying into Denver May 20th and will be leaving May 24. I am renting a car so I can explore Colorado. I wanted to go see Rocky Mountain National Park, but I read that most trails are under snow. I really am wanting to hike most of this trip, so I'm willing to drive 2-3 hours from Denver to hike the best trails and get amazing photos. Can anyone recommend any amazing hikes a few hours from Denver?

Also, I'm open to any other outdoorsy adventures, restaurants/night life, and cities to visit so please recommend away.
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Old 05-14-2017, 07:51 AM
 
Location: Aurora, CO
8,603 posts, read 14,877,226 times
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If it's melted out by next weekend (and it may not be), Mount Flora is a good high-altitude hike. I wouldn't do it if there's considerable snow on the west and north faces of Colorado Mines Peak, though. Postholing makes for a long day.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/c...nt-flora-trail

Mayflower Gulch near Leadville is a great hike. It's not super challenging, but it may still be snowed in - meaning snowshoes or microspikes.

Down lower - Bergen Peak (Elk Meadow Park), Mount Falcon, Roxborough State Park, Castlewood Canyon State Park, Alderfer/Three Sisters, Garden of the Gods, Maxwell Falls, Mt. Sanitas, Chautauqua Park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Staunton State Park, Eldorado Canyon State Park, Lair o' the Bear, and Mueller State Park to name a few.

If you don't mind doing a little Class 3 scrambling head up to Fort Collins and hike Horsetooth Mountain.

All the places I mentioned are very popular - meaning the earlier you can get to the trailhead the better. For some of them 7am may be too late to get a parking spot.

A couple more resources:
Day Hikes Near Denver - Explore The Best Hikes In Colorado

http://www.hikingproject.com/

Last edited by bluescreen73; 05-14-2017 at 08:00 AM..
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Old 05-14-2017, 10:14 PM
 
Location: Littleton, CO
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Stay low. Coming from a lower altitude and trying to hike a trail that starts at 7,500' can lead to altitude sickness in a hurry.

Start with an easy Denver hike like Waterton Canyon and see what happens from there.

Oh, two more things: use sunscreen and stay hydrated.
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Old 05-15-2017, 06:05 AM
 
Location: 0.83 Atmospheres
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Staying low this time of year is good advice unless you plan to bring snow shoes.
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Old 05-15-2017, 06:25 AM
 
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I was up at Brainard Lake this weekend (10,000 feet), and there was still 2+ feet of snow up there.

bluescreen gave you a great list, and he/she is right that they will be crowded. Especially weekends with nice weather. You can also check out the Lumpy Ridge area in RMNP. It's low enough to not have snow, has some great views and scenery, and it's relatively easy to get to.
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Old 05-15-2017, 09:32 AM
 
Location: Aurora, CO
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Adding on to my original post - unless you're bringing/renting winter gear (snowshoes, microspikes, fleece, etc.) forget the Mt. Flora and Mayflower Gulch recommendations I made and, as others have said, stay low (10,000' or lower). The weather forecast is going to be unsettled all week, and they're calling for a chance of thundersnow in the Denver Metro Area Thursday Night. That invariably means more snow for the high country.
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Old 05-15-2017, 03:37 PM
 
Location: Victory Mansions, Airstrip One
6,750 posts, read 5,044,643 times
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Yes, there will still be snow in RMNP, but if you stay on well-used trails the snow will be packed and there's no need for snowshoes. Bring some hiking boots and maybe a walking stick or ski poles... in a pinch you might be able to find a stick to use. Be prepared for some mud and/or ice. Bring a change of socks and some comfy shoes for after the hike. I usually also bring some plastic bags to put boots in once I'm back to the car, if they're muddy.
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Old 05-15-2017, 05:15 PM
 
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If you're going to RMNP I would visit the Gem Lake trail.
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Old 05-15-2017, 05:26 PM
 
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Best is very hard to identify. I'm going to assume you aren't descended from Sherpas.

If you aren't sure how you handle altitude try starting with Mount Falcon Park. It is really close. You have the option to hike from the bottom to the top (really challenging) or drive to the top and hike as much distance as your capable. All hiking routes are good in their own way and there is a diversity of types of hikes.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/mount-falcon-park-morrison

Mount Falcon Park - Jefferson County, Colorado
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Old 05-16-2017, 08:34 AM
 
Location: Highlands Ranch, CO
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Agree with mic111 - I love Mt. Falcon Park.
Also check out Devils Tower which is out Rampart Range Road.
Eldorado State Park near Boulder - really phenomenal.
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