Happy Trails and Wagging Tails in Denver’s Mountain Country
Hike to your heart’s delight amid amazing peak views.
By Robin Tierney
When hiking around Denver, you see nearly as many dogs as backpacks. And why not? Natural highs are the best kind for you and Fido.
The biggest challenge for visitors, aside from high-intensity hikes, is choosing among hundreds of trails. So, we consulted with Kiki, a Denver Papillon mix and hiking aficionado, to lead us to a sampling of parks offering treasured terrain and astonishing Colorado views.
Independence Mountain Trail entices you and Fido to complete its strenuous 2.2-mile route with sweet views along the way and a knock-out vista at the summit. The trailhead is at Pence Park near the town of Evergreen, a pleasant drive from downtown Denver. Watch for birds, pretty springs and streams and wildflowers on this twisty shaded trail. Picnic at the top—elevation 8,217 feet—surrounded by a panorama of pine-studded and snow-capped mountains. Looking down into the gorge, you’ll feel amazed and perhaps a tad scared at how high up you are.
The Royal Arch (elevation 6,915 feet) in Boulder’s Chautauqua Park treats you to exciting views all along the steep trek to the top. The 3.2-mile out and back (round-trip) hike involves a rousing 1,394-foot elevation gain. From the parking lot, you cross Bluebell Canyon, then climb switchbacks. Views along the way include wildflowers, tiny butterflies, skittering chipmunks, Tangen Spring and the massive unforgettable Flatiron rocks. The climax: an awesome 20-foot natural rock arch, plus valley, city skyline and mountain views.
Related Articles
