by A.N. Carter

Created on: December 04, 2008   Last Updated: January 08, 2009

As an avid hiker, I prefer locations with a wide variety of trails to choose from. Denver, Colorado is a vast and popular region for hikers of all tastes and abilities. Each year, hikers from all over the world flock to the Denver parks to trek through the beautiful trails and parks. Here are some of the best:

CASTLEWOOD CANYON

The shimmering waters of Cherry Creek make Castlewood Canyon a lovely location for a hike. The trails are for beginning and intermediate hikers, and though they are only one to four miles long, they intersect and can be combined for longer journeys. It is a great location for families and history lovers, as you will come across the ruins of original homesteads and a dam that burst and flooded Denver in 1933. Pets on leashes are welcome as well and the trails are only mildly rocky.

MOUNT EVANS

If you are looking for a moderate to difficult hike around beautiful Colorado peaks, Mount Evans is the place for you. There are three major trails and eight unmarked paths. The trails vary from short walks to vertical climbs. The most popular trek, the Summit Trail, begins 130 feet away from the peak of Mount Evans. Though short, it brings you to the elevation of 14,264 feet, one of the highest points in the region. The location is also great for viewing wildflowers, lush foliage, and the Rocky Mountains from top to bottom.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

With 355 miles of trails, the Rocky Mountain National Park is an ideal location for hikers of all abilities. From flat, lakeside strolls, to steep mountain peak climbs, you are bound to find a trail to suit you. A ranger station is located in the visitor center to provide hikers with trail conditions and maps, along with offering free guided tours of the park for beginners. This terrain is so stunningly beautiful that you will want to come back again and again.

MUELLER STATE PARK

Mueller State Park contains 50 miles of moderate and difficult trails. Unlike some parks in the area, all of the trails are open to hikers. Moreover, the trails are all round-trip, so there is no need to backtrack. The open meadows and lush forests have often provided hikers with a great view of black bears in their natural habitat, a truly magnificent sight. (It is a good idea to check in with the local ranger stations for bear information and education about bear safety.) Whether you are looking for a few hours walk, or a day trip, Mueller is certainly a location worth visiting.

GOLDEN GATE CANYON

Though Golden Gate Canyon has only 35 miles of trails, it is an excellent site for intermediate and advanced hikers. Some of the twelve trails are shared with bikers and horseback riders, so I would recommend choosing a hikers only' path. The Canyon provides a beautiful scenic tour of lush alpine forests, varied rock faces, and cliff walls. The parking access is excellent and takes you directly to some of the trail heads.

Hiking any of these trails will leave you with a lasting impression of the Colorado Rockies. No matter your preferences, the region has something spectacular to offer. So grab your walking stick, lace up those hiking boots, and head to Denver.

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