10 After Work Hikes Near Denver
All Under a 30 Minute Drive
If you’re looking for the best after work hikes near Denver, you don’t have to drive far to find beautiful trails and incredible mountain views. From easy hikes near Denver to more challenging trails in Golden and Morrison, there are plenty of options for getting outside and squeezing in a hike after work. These hikes near Denver, Colorado are all within about 30 minutes of the city, making them perfect for a quick evening adventure, sunset hike, or post-work workout.
1. Olivine Trail Loop
Where: Golden, CO
Driving time from Denver: 22 min
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Trail length: 1.4 mi
Average hiking time: 0.5-1 hr
This hike to Castle Rock on South Table Mountain via the Olivine Trail Loop is one of the best after work hikes for multiple reasons. First, it’s in Golden, Colorado which is one of the cutest mountain towns near Denver. And secondly, it’s perfect for watching sunsets over the mountains. There’s pretty significant incline in the beginning, so it’s a great way to get a work out, and the views from the top definitely pays off.
Pro Tip: Grab a drink or a bite to eat at the Golden Mill afterwards.
2. Bluffs Regional Park Trail
Where: Lone Tree, CO
Driving time from Denver: 24 min
Trail difficulty: Easy
Trail length: 2.7mi
Average hiking time: 1-1.5 hr
This hike is a great option if you live in south Denver or a nearby suburb. It’s just enough mileage to get a work out, almost 3 miles, without taking too much time out of your evening. The slight elevation gain gets your heat rate up and offers great views of the front range of the Rocky Mountains to the west.
3. Rocky Mountain Wildlife Refuge—Lake Ladora Loop
Where: Denver, CO
Driving time from Denver: 26 min
Trail difficulty: Easy
Trail length: 2 mi
Average hiking time: 0.5-1 hr
This is a gem right outside of Denver! There are multiple trails within the wildlife preserve to choose from, but I’d like to suggest the Lake Ladora Loop. Along the trail, you’ll see tons of wildlife like deer, prairie dogs, and bison, such an excellent spot to visit after work. If you don’t want to walk, you can drive around the refuge without even getting out of your car.
Pro tip: I would highly recommend going around sunset for epic photo ops. Just be aware that the gates to get in close at 8:00pm.
4. Mesa Top and Cottonwood Canyon Loop
Where: Golden, CO
Driving time from Denver: 20 min
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Trail length: 4.3 mi
Average hiking time: 2-2.5 hr
If you’re looking for a more challenging after work hike near Denver, North Table Mountain is the place to be. The Cottonwood Loop is a proper hike that will take a proximately 2 hours to complete. There is a pretty consistent incline until you reach the top. It’s a great hiking trail if you’re looking to work up a sweat!
Pro tip: Stop by New Terrain Brewing Company on your way out for a post hike beer.
5. Green Mountain Trail
Where: Golden, CO
Driving time from Denver: 18 min
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Trail length: 6.4 mi
Average hiking time: 3-3.5 hr
Green Mountain Trail is the perfect after work hike in the spring when the grass is still bright green and wildflowers are in bloom. If you want a more challenging hike, you can climb to the top and get unobstructed views of the entire area. Or you can just hike around the base of the mountain for a more leisurely stroll.
6. Red Rocks to Cherry Gulch Loop
Where: Golden, CO
Driving time from Denver: 20 min
Trail difficulty: Easy
Trail length: 2.9 mi
Average hiking time: 1-1.5 hr
This might be one of my favorite trails locally. The trailhead starts at Matthews Winters Park right next to Green Mountain and the trail actually connects to the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison. It’s on the easier end when it comes to hikes, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a casual walk or an easy path for trail running short distances.
7. Clear Creek Canyon—Peaks to Plains and Welch Ditch Loop
Where: Golden, CO
Driving time from Denver: 21 min
Trail difficulty: Easy
Trail length: 2.5 mi
Average hiking time: 1-1.5 hr
The Peaks to Plains Trail is one of the most popular hikes near Denver, CO. It’s great for casual walkers and hikers because most of the trail is paved making it perfect for families with strollers. If you’re looking for just a casual hike through Clear Creek Canyon this hike is for you. You can access it from Clear Creek Trail in downtown Golden or at the Gateway Trailhead parking lot which is closer. Turn it into a loop by taking the Welch Ditch Trail if you’re looking for more of a hike, because it will take you off of the paved trail. You can walk this trail all year round and get close to the creek and the mountains in the canyon.
For more detailed information, check out this post: Everything You Need to Know about the Peaks to Plains Trail
8. Apex Pick N Sledge Loop
Where: Golden, CO
Driving time from Denver: 20
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Trail length: 4.6 mi
Average hiking time: 2.5-3 hr
I love this hike because it’s easy to access from Golden and has pretty significant elevation gain if I’m looking for a trail that’s more of a challenge. Unlike the table mountains, this trail has more greenery and evergreens which had more layers to the landscape.
9. Lookout Mountain Trail
Where: Golden, CO
Driving time from Denver: 29 min
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Trail length: 4.4 mi
Average hiking time: 2-2.5 hr
Super fun trail that’s a mix of hiking through wooded space and open, rocky areas. This is one of the best trails in the area because it has some awesome lookout points over both Golden and the mountains in the Front Range. It’s another great trail if you’re looking to get some mileage in, moderate elevation gain, and see great views.
10. Trading Post Trail
Where: Morrison, CO
Driving time from Denver: 25 min
Trail difficulty: Easy
Trail length: 1.6 mi
Average hiking time: 0.5-1 hr
This is the perfect short hike you’re going to want to do after work. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater is home to some of the most unique rock formations in the state. Not only can you watch your favorite artist perform at the amphitheater, you can explore the surrounding area by foot. The Trading Post Trail winds through the park and takes you through some of the coolest rock formations.
