Explore the most popular Forest trails near Denver with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.
Great trail. Full of snow, but that covered up the mud so that was nice. Awesome views for not a lot of mileage
Concrete path popular for recreation. Short underpass closure at Monaco Street that can be bypassed at street level using a crosswalk.
Update: The trail grade on Rooney Trail has been changed with more switchbacks and extending the length of the trail (around 6.7 miles). The first mile and a half currently has ice or snow patches where traction is helpful. These sections are relatively short but treacherous. Weekends are busy with diversity of users: hikers, bikers, runners. If you are seeking solitude the first half of this route provides that but the second half is a busy part of the park. Prepare to share.
Went today with two dogs about 2:30 in the afternoon light traffic on parts of the trial some of it completely empty but there are parts of still have snow in extremely muddy. overall a good day to get out and enjoy the nice winter weather close to Denver.
Great trail. Amazing views. A bit snowy, icy and muddy in some spots. But the rest of the trail wasn’t too bad. Saw some deer down below the trail.
Ascent is moderate. Worth it at the top. Great views of Denver and the Rockies along the top. The way back down was muddy at times..recommend trekking poles. Nice right before sunset so you can watch the sunset over the mountains on the way back to the car. Saw some deer in the distance.
Natalie S. on Green Mountain and Hayden Trail Loop
Pretty decent trail. I would recommend for trail runners as it’s not a challenging hike. Great views of mountains as well as the downtown. There were a couple icy snow patches in some areas that don’t get sun. Be careful on these!
Took this easy path (including the wetland loop) on a sunny mid-December morning with the temperatures just above freezing. There was some ice on the trail but it was easy to navigate. Saw a herd of deer, including two bucks, on the trail and an eagle as we drove out of the park. The nearby shooting range made it sound a little like a war zone but it wasn't too distracting.
Kelly A. on Green Mountain and Hayden Trail Loop
I recommend this trail for anyone looking for a mountain experience without actually going into the mountains. Excellent views of the city, Red Rocks, and the mountains. Initial ascent is more intermediate but I’d say 2/3 of the trail is the easy level. Hiked 12/8. Very slushy, snowy, and muddy on most of the trail. Mud was so thick toward the end it pulled the sole of my not so great hiking boots off the boot.
I did this in June and it was awesome for a biker.
Rattlesnake on trail
